Health Tips Archives - GBH American Hospital

Quit Smoking Quicker is better

GBH Staff Members — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:35:24 +0000

We are all aware of the dangers of smoking, but that does not make it any easier to quit. The craving for tobacco or the urge to smoke can be intense for most tobacco users. It can be difficult to quit whether you are a casual teen smoker or an adult smoker. However, you can resist these desires.

Now let us talk that the sooner you quit smoking, the sooner it will reduce your risk of cancer, heart and lung disease and other diseases related to smoking. In such a situation, it is better for you to quit smoking soon.

Effects of smoking for a long time

Long-term smoking can cause many diseases. It has been linked to cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases the risk of immune system problems such as tuberculosis, certain eye diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. Following are the long-term side effects of smoking:

Impotence.
Heart disease.
Loss of senses.
Breathing difficulty.
High blood pressure.
Potential hearing loss.
Yellow teeth and rotten teeth.
Cancers of the stomach and bladder.
Higher stroke and brain damage risk.
Sperm damage and sperm reduction.

Tips for Quit Smoking

Find your purpose: – You must have a personal motive for quit smoking. This may be to keep your family safe from second-hand smoke or to reduce your chances of developing lung cancer, heart disease, or other diseases. Choose a compelling reason you want to look and feel young that exceeds the desire for light.
Avoid alcohol and other triggers: – When you drink, it is more difficult to maintain your non-smoker goal. So, when you initially quit drinking, try to reduce your alcohol consumption. Similarly, if you usually smoke after a meal, try something else, such as going for a walk, talking to friends, or chewing gum.
Consume fruits and vegetables: – Do not try to diet while quit smoking. Excessive deprivation can easily backfire. Keep things simple by consuming more fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and lean proteins. These are beneficial for your whole body.
Give yourself a break: – You will need new ways to relax once you quit smoking. There are many options such as listening to music, chatting with friends, getting a massage, or using exercise to find time for a hobby. Avoid stressful situations in the first several weeks after you quit smoking.
Trust your friends and family: – Inform your friends, family, and people close to you that you are trying to quit smoking. They can motivate you to do it, especially when you are tempted to give up. You can also chat with a counsellor or join a support group. Behavioural therapy is a type of counselling that helps you develop and apply techniques to quit smoking. Even a few sessions can be beneficial.
Track your habits with an app: – These apps can help track smoking habits and nicotine cravings. This information can be used to plan when and where to replace the old unhealthy behaviour with a new healthy habit. Well, people can track their development using a variety of free web tools.
Nicotine replacement therapy: – People who try to quit smoking face unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement treatment (NRT) provides low levels of nicotine while avoiding other harmful substances found in cigarette smoke. It may help reduce some of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, such as intense cravings, nausea in the hands and feet, insomnia, mood swings, and trouble concentrating.
Maintain Your Confidence in Your Progress: – As you go through the process of quit smoking, you must stay optimistic; focus on positive improvements; be kind to yourself; you have complete confidence in yourself. This will help you get through the ups and downs while working to achieve your quit-smoking goals.
Physical activity and walking: – Physical activity can help you avoid a tobacco craving. Just like exercising or even a little effort, such as running up and down stairs several times, can reduce the urge to smoke. And you can go for a walk outside or even come a little lost.
Vitamins B and C: – According to a reliable source, smokers have lower amounts of vitamin B and vitamin C than non-smokers. B vitamins are known as “anti-stress” vitamins because they help stabilize mood. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect the lungs from oxidative damage caused by cigarette smoke. As a result, consuming these vitamins can help you quit smoking.

Conclusion
Quit smoking is good at any age. Quit smoking improves a person’s health and quality of life. Smoking cessation reduces the risk of premature death and can increase life expectancy by up to a decade. Quit smoking reduces the risk of a variety of negative health outcomes. Although most cigarette smokers attempt to quit each year, less than half are successful.

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Vitamin-D Deficiency Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

GBH Staff Members — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:24:26 +0000

The body needs nutrients in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Vitamin D helps the body use calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones and teeth. It is fat-soluble (it dissolves in fats and oils) and can be found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and dairy products. Vitamin D can be produced by the skin that is exposed to sunlight. Laboratory studies suggest that vitamin D may help control infection and reduce inflammation. In addition, many organs and tissues in the body have vitamin D receptors, which play important roles beyond bone health.

Vitamin deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough vitamin D. It is mostly responsible for problems with your bones and muscles. Vitamin D is a nutrient that your body requires for normal bone development and preservation. It is also important for the neurological, musculoskeletal, and immune systems, musculoskeletal system, and immune systems.

Its deficiency can occur when a person does not consume enough vitamin D or if their skin’s ability to make it from sunlight is compromised. Deficiency can also occur when the body is unable to absorb the vitamin or convert it to its active form in the liver and kidneys.

Vitamin D is required for a variety of biological activities. Some vitamin D is obtained from dietary sources, but most are obtained from sun exposure. After it is absorbed, the body must convert it into its active form.

Vitamin-D Deficiency Causes

Diet: – People who do not consume enough vitamin D-rich foods, such as fortified dairy products and cereals, may have low levels.
Smoking: – Deficiency levels are higher in smokers. Some experts believe that smoking may disrupt the gene that initiates the production of vitamin D in the body.
Skin type: – People with darker skin need more sun exposure than people with lighter skin to manufacture Vitamin D. People with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer should avoid sun exposure to protect their skin.
Living factors: – Some people spend little time outside because of jobs, illness, lack of outdoor space in their community, or other circumstances. Whether for sun protection or for cultural or religious reasons, they may be at higher risk of deficiency.
Certain medicines: – Some medicines reduce the body’s ability to absorb or make vitamin D. These include steroids and some cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Weight loss surgery:- Bariatric surgery is a concern because after gastric bypass there is a lack of calcium in the diet and this can lead to bone disease. This increases the chances of Vitamin D deficiency.
Obesity: – According to research, its level also decreases in obese people or those who have a high body mass index. This association may be due to how body fat affects the absorption of vitamin D. Obese people spend less time outdoors due to mobility concerns.

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency

Bone pain.
Loss of hair.
Appetite loss.
Muscle fatigue.
Skin tone is light.
Sleeping problems.
Getting sick more frequently.
Mood changes, such as depression.

Treatment

To maintain an appropriate vitamin D level in your body, you may also find it helpful to eat more vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products.
If a blood test shows that a person is or is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, they will advise you to increase your intake after consulting a doctor.
You should try to get more sunlight.
The amount of vitamin D a person needs depends on factors including age, diet, and health conditions.

Conclusion
Vitamin D is essential for the proper health of the body. Many people have vitamin D levels below the recommended level for optimal health. Vitamin D is mostly obtained by UVB radiation worldwide in the form of sunlight and dermal vitamin D production. Revised recommended dietary intake levels for vitamin D, which are needed to be advised to patients and physicians alike.

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Take Care of Your Kidneys

GBH Staff Members — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:20:45 +0000

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located in the back, just below the rib cage on either side of the spine, that have their own internal set of structures. Each kidney contains up to one million functional units called nephrons. It is made up of a glomerulus, which is a filtering unit of tiny blood capillaries connected by a tubule. It is a part of each renal system and the most important component of the kidney. It receives blood from the heart through the arteries, digests nutrients, and helps eliminate waste products from the filtered blood.

Functions of kidney

The kidneys perform many important functions, including:

The kidneys’ primary function is to maintain equilibrium. They regulate fluid levels, electrolyte balance, and other elements that maintain the body’s interior environment stable and comfortable.
- Keeping the pH stable: – The kidneys and lungs aid in maintaining the body’s pH balance. The lungs accomplish this by regulating the amount of carbon dioxide in circulation.
- Nutritional absorption: – The kidneys use tubules to reabsorb nutrients from the blood and transport them to where they will be most beneficial to health. They also reabsorb other substances to maintain balance. In which glucose, amino acids, bicarbonate, water, phosphate chloride, sodium, magnesium and potassium ions are all present.
Maintaining total fluid balance and controlling blood pressure and the amount of water, salts and minerals in the body.
Filters waste products and harmful substances from the blood and remove them from the body, and millions of microscopic blood filters are used to clean the blood.
It regulates other body functions such as the production of hormones that aid in the production of red blood cells, bone health, and regulation of blood pressure.
Helps in the regulation of levels of specific nutrients like calcium and potassium in the body.
Every 24 hours, the kidneys perform their life-sustaining task of filtering and returning approximately 200 quarts of fluid to the bloodstream. About two quarts are excreted as urine, while the remainder, about 198 quarts, is retained in the body. The urine we pass stays in the bladder for one to eight hours.

Take Care of the kidney

The methods described below can help with the overall health of your body, including your kidneys:

Choose heart-healthy foods such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy products and eat nutritious foods and limit your intake of salt and added sweets. Each day, limit your sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams. Try to keep added sugars to less than 10% of your daily calories. Choose foods that are good for your health.
You can protect it by avoiding or controlling diseases that damage the kidneys, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), see a doctor immediately and get tested as it can lead to kidney damage if left untreated. Your doctor will advise you how often you should be tested.
Strive for a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, the NIH Body Weight Planner is an online tool that will help you structure your calorie and physical activity routines to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. On most days, be active for 30 minutes or more.
Get enough rest. Every night, aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Try improving your sleep patterns.
Stop smoking or using other tobacco products. If you consume alcohol in excess, it can increase your blood pressure and add extra calories, which can lead to weight gain. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day if you are a woman and no more than two drinks per day if you are a man.
Investigate stress-relieving activities. Learning to manage, relax, and deal with challenges can enhance both mental and physical health.

Conclusion

At last, we can say that kidney is a highly essential organ in the human body. It will help to control your blood pressure and blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of heart disease, knowing its significance, we need to take care of our kidneys by maintaining a balanced diet and by exercising frequently and in case of any kidney issues go for immediate doctor consultation.

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Joints Pain and Care in Winter

GBH Staff Members — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 05:08:36 +0000

Joint pain is frequent and is most felt in the hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. Pain might be persistent or intermittent. The joint may feel stiff, achy, or sore at times. Some individuals report sensations of burning, throbbing, or “grating.” Furthermore, the joint may be tight in the morning but will relax and feel better with movement and activity. However, excessive activity may aggravate the pain.

Aches and pains in the joints are frequently related to changes in weather, particularly the colder temperatures of winter. Although it is unclear why some people react to weather changes while others do not, there are numerous steps you may do to be more comfortable and lower your risk when the weather becomes chilly.

What causes the pain and stiffness caused by the cold?

There is no single explanation for why cold weather affects your joints. Drops in barometric pressure cause tendons, muscles, and surrounding tissues to expand, according to one idea. Because of the tight space within the body, this can cause pain, particularly in arthritis-affected joints.

Reduce your risk for joint pain in winter:

Dress in layers to reduce the impact of cold weather on your body.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your joints, particularly your knees.
Avoid putting undue tension on your joints during everyday activities.
Apply heating pads to sore spots. Heat aids in muscle relaxation.
Get a good night’s sleep, eat nutritious food, and have a happy attitude.
Exercise can help you build muscular and bone strength. This relieves pressure on your joints, making them less susceptible to damage.
Get up, walk around, and be active both inside and outside. Stretching before going outside will help to loosen up stiff joints. Staying active in the winter protects your muscles and joints. Keeping warm might help you avoid cold weather joint pain, particularly if you run outside in the winter. Here are some tips for keeping warm and avoiding cold-weather joint pain:
- Warm up by stretching for five minutes or longer. Warm-up activities improve your cardiovascular system by improving blood flow to your muscles and increasing body temperature. Warming up before exercise decreases joint stiffness and helps to avoid joint problems.
- When running outside, dress in layers. Although you may want to run in as little clothing as possible under ideal weather, winter running can be very different. To combat the chilly shock your body feels from winter jogging, dress warmly, especially at the outset. Cover your extremities so that they require less blood flow to be warm, enabling your joints and soft tissues to circulate freely. As your body heats up, you can remove layers as needed, such as wrapping a jacket around your waist or putting a scarf in your pocket.
- When you need to take a break from running, keep walking so your knee joints do not become cold and start to pain. Staying flexible while catching your breath can help you avoid muscular tightness and joint stiffness, maintain proper blood flow, and keep your rhythm and motivation continuing.
- Cool down properly: Do some stretching exercises quickly after jogging to reduce muscle tightness that happens after extended exertion. After a lengthy run, a quick walk or mild jog gives oxygenated blood to your muscles, providing them with energy, hastening recuperation and reducing painful regions. It is a good idea to cool down with a stroll or mild jog after your run and before you begin stretching. Before you sit down to rest, make sure you stretch your muscles.
Get enough rest: Too little sleep can aggravate your pain.
Maintain an optimistic attitude. Do things that make you joyful to distract yourself from the discomfort.
If these steps do not help, consult your doctor about medication or other treatment alternatives.

If things are not going well, for evaluation and treatment, visit an orthopaedic doctor. An orthopaedic expert can analyse the cause of your cold-weather knee pain and recommend appropriate treatment choices.

Conclusion

Winter can be difficult for individuals who suffer from joint pain. It is critical to take a step back and evaluate the issue. Investigate how your joints react to colder temperatures. Then, figure out whatever lifestyle adjustments can help you (and your joints) feel better. You will be better able to nurture your joints if you go into the winter season prepared.
Still, having trouble? Consult your doctor about medicines and lifestyle changes that can help you get through the winter with less pain.

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Myths & Facts about Diabetes

GBH Staff Members — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 04:52:50 +0000

Diabetes is a long-term health problem caused by high levels of blood sugar, which over time causes devastating damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It reduces your body’s ability to make and use insulin.

Most of the food you eat is converted into sugar (glucose) by your body and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises, your pancreas sends a signal to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key, allowing blood sugar to enter cells and be used as energy. And it happens when your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it as effectively as it should. When there is insufficient insulin or when cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar remains in your bloodstream. This can lead to major health problems over time such as heart disease, loss of vision and kidney disease.

Diabetes is classified into two types:

Type 1 When you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas stops producing insulin. Which is often seen in teenagers. However, it can also happen to adults. It accounts for 5-10% of patients.
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin and sugar builds up in your blood. This is the most common – about 90% to 95% of the time. It is a reliable source for people suffering.

Within this, gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. However, it is possible that it may go away after the baby is born.

Here are some diabetes myths you should be aware of:

Myth: – Because no one in my family has diabetes, I will not develop the condition.

Facts: – It is true that having a diabetic parent or sibling increases your risk of developing diabetes. In fact, a family history of diabetes is a risk factor for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, many persons with diabetes have no close relatives who also have diabetes.

Myth: – Because I’m overweight, I’m more likely to get diabetes.

Facts: – It is true that being overweight increases your chances of getting diabetes. On the other hand, many people who are overweight or obese never develop diabetes. People who are of normal weight or slightly overweight can develop diabetes. Your best hope is to reduce your risk by losing excess weight through dietary adjustments and physical activity.

Myth: – Because I have diabetes, I can never have sweets.

Facts: – Sweets contain simple sugars, which raise the amount of glucose in your bloodstream more than other foods. However, they are not off-limits to diabetics if they are planned. Small amounts of sugar can be consumed in place of other carbs normally consumed at meals. If you take insulin, your doctor may advise you to take a higher-than-usual dose when you eat sweets.

Myth: – I can go off diabetes medication once my blood sugar is under control.

Facts: – Some people with type 2 diabetes can maintain their blood sugar levels without using medication by losing weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. However, diabetes is a progressive condition, and even if you make every effort to stay healthy, you may still need medication to keep your blood sugar within a target range.

Myth: – Patients with diabetes should not become pregnant.

Facts: – Women with diabetes can have a normal pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

Myth: – People with type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy develop type 1 diabetes later in life.

Facts: – Insulin therapy is used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin to survive. If you have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, you may or may not need to start taking insulin to help keep your blood sugar levels within a reasonable range. If you have type 2 diabetes and you need insulin, it doesn’t mean you have type 1 diabetes.

Myth: – Diabetes is not a serious disease.

Facts: – There is no such thing as “mild diabetes”. Diabetes is a dangerous disease that can have consequences if not treated properly. It can impact one’s quality of life and shorten one’s life expectancy.

Myth: – It is unsafe to exercise if you have diabetes.

Facts: – Regular exercise is an important element of diabetes management. Exercise improves your body’s insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week. Strength training should be included in your fitness program twice a week. If you haven’t exercised in a while, brisk walking is a great way to gradually improve your fitness.

Conclusion
There is a high prevalence of myths about diabetes which may be associated with poor early health-seeking behaviour and poor adherence to treatment. Misconceptions about diabetes can further hinder people from seeking treatment. This article provide information with less belief in myths and more knowledge about the disease. We need to educate people about this disease and its treatment options. It will play a very important role in the control and prevention of diabetes in our country.

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Dengue – Symptoms & Precautions

GBH Staff Members — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 04:38:58 +0000

Dengue fever is a frequent viral disease produced by the bite of an Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Dengue fever can be caused by any of the four viruses carried by the mosquito. Dengue fever is said to be at its peak between the monsoon months of July and October.
When an Aedes aegypti mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus, the person’s blood is transmitted to the mosquito. Similarly, when a mosquito bites another person, the virus leaves its body and enters the other person’s body. This cycle continues, affecting many people.

The symptoms of the fever can be apparent after 4 to 5 days. Most cases of this fever are observed around hotspots, such as standing water. These mosquitoes prefer to deposit eggs near stagnant water sources that have not moved in a long time. Dengue fever is also known as break-bone fever. Now that we have clarified what dengue is, let us move on to the following areas.

Symptoms

Many people have no signs or symptoms of dengue fever.

When symptoms do appear, they can be confused with some other illnesses, such as the flu, and normally appear four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Dengue fever causes a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) as well as any of the following signs and symptoms:

Rash.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Headache.
Glandular swelling.
Back of the eye pain.
Pain in the muscles, bones, or joints.

Most people recover in about a week. Symptoms might intensify and become life-threatening in some circumstances. This condition is known as severe dengue, dengue haemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndrome.

When your blood vessels become broken and leaky, you develop severe dengue. In addition, the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood decreases. Shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death can result from this.

Severe dengue fever, which is a life-threatening emergency, can manifest swiftly. The following symptoms may appear within the first day or two after your fever has subsided:

Severe dengue fever Symptoms

Fatigue.
Constant vomiting.
Severe stomach ache.
Irritability or agitation.
Bleeding from the nose or gums.
Breathing that is difficult or quick.
You have blood in your pee, faeces, or vomit.
Bleeding beneath the skin, which may seem like bruises.

Precautions

Dengue is a serious disease, but it can be avoided, if necessary, and precautions are followed beforehand.

The first and most important step in preventing Aedes mosquitos is to seal the entrance gate. This can be accomplished by taking basic efforts such as not allowing any water to stand still at any moment. Any areas that could create a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes should be cleaned regularly. You should keep an eye on the cooler, tiny containers, pots, and even buckets.
Another thing to remember is to protect yourself by following safety precautions. During the day, aerosol can be used to repel mosquito bites. At night, you can also use mosquito netting or other sorts of equipment to keep the hazardous mosquitos at bay. Aside from these dengue prevention measures, one should also wear clothing that covers all body parts, especially the hands and legs, which are the most vulnerable to mosquito bites.

Remedies

Another thing to consider is the fluid content of the body. Try to incorporate a variety of fluids such as juices, soups, and water. Fruits also play a vital function in restoring the body’s power during the healing process. Because no medicine can stop or treat a fever, painkillers can be utilised.
The patient’s platelets should be closely examined at regular intervals, and if the treatments are not functioning, the patient should be admitted to the hospital. Remember that dengue haemorrhage is a dangerous and fatal stage, so seek emergency medical assistance. Dengue fever mercilessly damages the bone marrow and white blood cells of the susceptible, making recovery time-consuming.

Conclusion
Dengue fever is a widespread illness that often improves in a few days with adequate dengue medication. Follow all preventive actions to avoid becoming ill and prevent your region from becoming a dengue hotspot. If contracted, one should take appropriate medicine and seek medical assistance.

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Do’s and Don’ts for your Eye Health

GBH Staff Members — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 06:42:54 +0000

Eyes are certainly an important component of our lives, as they are the primary sensor for everything that happens around us. They are sensitive organs, and there are many factors affecting them, which are vulnerable to damage due to ageing, lifestyle disorders, harsh exposure, or accidental injury. The blue light emanating from computer and smartphone screens continuously can cause eye strain, blurred vision, and headache. So, it is easy to take extra care of this vital organ – do’s and don’ts for those delicate eyes.

Why is it important to take care of eyes?

Eyes are the windows of the body. One should have adequate eye care which helps the eyes to deal with common eye disorders like glaucoma and cataracts.
Eye care not only improves and maintains our vision, but it can also detect underlying medical issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Eye problems have a great impact on one’s quality of life. If a person becomes blind due to eye injury or eye disease, there will be a great loss to the family, society, and country.

Do’s for eyes

Good diet for your eyes: – Right diet and healthy habits are two important factors which can solve practically all the problems of our body. A healthy diet and proper eye care are enough to keep the eye doctor away.
Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA), lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotenoids, curcumin, lycopene, and vitamins are essential for good vision. This acid helps in the development of vision as well as in relieving dry eyes and chronic inflammation of the eyelids. Seasonal vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, as well as fruits such as watermelon, contain lutein, an antioxidant that protects and improves eye health, and thus should be consumed in large quantities.

Rest your eyes: – For most of the 24-hour cycle, we rely on our eyes. They too need a break. Our eye muscles get tired after continuous use, so proper eye rest and good sleep are important for healthy eyes.
Constantly looking at laptop and mobile screens are of no use as it takes away your ability to blink your eyelids – a split second but much-needed rest for your eyes. Give your eyes a break from your laptop and smartphone.

Take care of your eyes: – Protect your eyes from dust, high heat, glare, and sunlight. Everything we put in our eyes including eye drops, lotions and cosmetics, and bacteria found in mascara or other eye cosmetics can cause eye infections. So, check the condition of these cosmetic items and their product expiry date.
Wash your hands for the sake of your eyes: – Many common eye diseases are contagious in nature and can easily spread from person to person. These include the common cold, pink eye, and skin infections, as well as allowing something unwanted into your eyes from your hands. That is why we should adopt the habit of washing our hands
before and after wearing contact lenses, as needed. It can help you avoid common diseases.
Eye exercises: – Do a variety of basic exercises to relax your eyes. Place your palms over your eyes and rub them together. Hold them in place for 5 seconds. This should be done at least 5-10 times. With such simple exercises, our eyes get the much-needed rest and get relief from the strain on the muscles of the eyes.

Don’ts for eyes

Avoid screen viewing and glare:- Do not look at your laptop or smartphone screen for a long time. Turning off the screen is still the best solution. Or try the ‘Night Mode’ and ‘Anti-Glare’ functions, which claim to reduce eye strain. And take a few minutes to walk.
You are exposing your retina to glare, or direct exposure, to sunlight, laser pointers or screens for too long. The retina of your eye is a sensitive part of the eye. Wear sunglasses with anti-glare lenses to protect your eyes.

Do not smoke: – Smoking can also affect your vision. Smoking increases the production of free radicals, which put the body’s natural antioxidants to the test. An increased number of free radicals causes oxidative stress in the eye and causes the degradation of lens proteins.
Don’t miss eye exams:- Don’t delay in getting your eyes checked regularly. Frequent eye exams can help detect blurred vision, cataracts, retinal damage, or early signs of eye disorders such as glaucoma, the diabetic eye, and macular degeneration.
Use eye makeup properly: – Choose makeup brands that work well for you. Avoid eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner which can cause an allergic reaction in your eyes. To avoid a build-up of bacteria from leftover makeup in the under-eye area, use a makeup remover before going to bed.
Don’t be inactive all day long.: – Being physically active also contributes to our overall health. Physical activity, along with a healthy diet, also reduces the risk of other eye diseases that are linked to the risk of vision loss.

Conclusion
Eye is an important but sensitive part of our body. It is a resource that allows us not only to witness the wonders of the world but also to carry out our daily duties smoothly and efficiently. Appreciating the world only requires a little extra care, eating properly, getting enough rest, and avoiding items that can harm your eyes. Not through the lens or in black and white, but in over 65 million colours that your eyes can see.

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Take Care of your Skin & Hair in Winter

GBH Staff Members — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 05:01:12 +0000

Winter is heaven for most of us, warm coffee, soup, and other comforts under a warm blanket on a nice bed. As much as we or some people enjoy winters, cold air also brings problems like hair fall, dandruff, dry skin, etc., due to less moisture compared to warm air. Our hair and skin need adequate protection from dry or cold air, which can cause skin irritation and itching. Let us look at some basic ways to keep your hair and skin healthy.

Why is it important

Hair and skin are not only for external appearance; they are also necessary for certain body processes.
Skin is a living organ that protects the body from infections and aids the immunological, neurological, and endocrine systems. It is quite remarkable.
It is critical to keep these tissues in good condition and functioning properly throughout the year so that they can do their tasks and keep us healthy and safe.
Cracked, flaky, itchy, or inflamed skin is frequent in the winter, and it is not pleasant. If the red, scaly, itchy skin persists or causes severe discomfort, see a doctor; it could be a more serious dermatological problem, such as dermatitis or eczema.
Aside from more serious issues, there are a few strategies that can help your body when the temperature drops.

Take care of the skin

When winter arrives, stick to your regular skincare routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Cleanse skin twice a day for maximum results. Use it after washing your hands and face to avoid skin damage. Using a humidifier at work and at home to add moisture to dry air can help keep skin hydrated.

Use sunscreen lotion: – In the winter season, everyone enjoys sitting outside and enjoying the sun’s rays. However, the sun’s rays contain ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause a variety of skin disorders. As a result, it is important to protect the skin with a high-quality sunscreen lotion. So, the next time you step out on a sunny day, make sure to apply sunscreen on your skin.
Homemade face masks: – The cold, dry air of winter strips away the oil or sebum that keeps the skin moist. A simple way to solve this is by applying a DIY face mask. It is easy to produce and can be made with a variety of ingredients such as rose water, honey, aloe vera, coconut oil, butter, banana, papaya, orange, and milk. These natural facemasks can help in maintaining the normal moisture level of the skin and avoid problems like dryness, itchiness, and dullness of the skin.
Have a healthy diet: – A balanced diet is one of the best ways to keep your hair healthy. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are always available. Berries are one of the healthiest fruits to eat because they are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Salads, milk, juices, and soups are some more food items that can help in keeping your skin and hair healthy.

Take care of hair

Hair care properly: – In winter, choose simple, low-maintenance hairstyles. When you run your fingers through your long hair all day, it is prone to breakage.

After washing the hair, apply a little conditioner. It helps in reducing hair breakage. By applying this, moisture remains in the hair and the hair remains soft and shiny.
It is very important to dry the hair properly. Always dry your hair at room temperature whenever possible.
To keep hair strong, smooth, and shiny in winter, apply oil to your hair. Some of the most common hair fall, itchy scalp and dandruff associated with the winter season. You can use herbal oil, olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil or mustard oil as per your choice. This allows the oil to penetrate deep into the hair roots and increases blood circulation to the scalp.
During the winter, always wear a cap to protect your hair from snow, wind, and cold. Purchase a woollen cap that will protect your hair and provide a stylish touch to your winter clothes.

The techniques above can improve your skin and hair throughout the harsh winter months. Along with the aforementioned suggestions, live a healthy lifestyle by avoiding junk food, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, meditating, doing yoga, or exercising in any way that suits you best.

Conclusion
Winter season can be a serious health concern for dry skin and your hair, but with the help of simple tips and following simple efforts, you can keep it healthy throughout the season. However, some people may require prescription-strength medication. If home remedies do not improve their dry skin or it interferes with their daily life, consult a doctor to establish the source of the hair and skin patches. They will be able to advise on the best course of action for everyone

The post Take Care of your Skin & Hair in Winter appeared first on GBH American Hospital.

Know all about the Cholesterol

GBH Staff Members — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:02:41 +0000

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that comes from two sources that are made in our liver. It does daily work for your body. Contains a certain amount of cholesterol, and forms part of the cell wall that is needed to build cells, and make vitamins and other hormones. Our blood consists of cholesterol, which we get from foods. And by consuming these foods in excess, the risk of high cholesterol remains, which can create a problem. And it has also been found that while lower cholesterol is usually better, sometimes very low cholesterol levels can be linked to certain health problems. Let’s know more about it.

There are two types of cholesterol

1. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol
2. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol

1. LDL cholesterol, also called “bad” cholesterol, is made up of the LDL lipoprotein coat and cholesterol centre. Because when LDL enters the bloodstream, the blood vessels form plaque, which gets deposited in the inner walls of the arteries. and constricts the arteries. As the arteries harden, blood flow is blocked, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and artery disease. Our bodies need LDL cholesterol to protect nerves and produce cells and hormones.
If your LDL cholesterol level is high, the medical team may recommend cholesterol-lowering medication and lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. HDL cholesterol is called the “good” cholesterol because of a level that can protect against heart attacks and strokes. HDL carries LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the narrowing of LDL is broken down and passed out of the body.
If you have low HDL cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes or certain medications that can help raise your levels.

Symptoms of low cholesterol

Nervousness.
Disappointment.
Difficulty making decisions.
Changes in your mood, sleeping, or eating patterns.

Symptoms of high cholesterol

Affect.
Inability to move.
Sudden severe headache.
Numbness in your face, arms, or legs.
Blurred vision, black vision, or double vision.

Common cholesterol mistakes to avoid

Skip on exercise: – Regular exercise is the best way to keep your cholesterol under control. Due to their sedentary lifestyle, many people have high cholesterol. Be alert and include exercise in your daily routine. You can choose from a variety of dance, yoga, aerobics, jogging, and jogging.
Skip regular tests: – The only way to be sure of your cholesterol results is to get tested frequently because high cholesterol has few symptoms. Most people only suddenly realize they are developing heart disease when it is already too late. So you always be alert.
Eating too much junk food: – Processed food and junk food are harmful to our health. They are high in transfects and preservatives, which raise cholesterol. The fat in this type of diet lowers HDL or good cholesterol. Junk food makes it difficult to control weight and makes it challenging to lose weight. A nutritious diet full of fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and whole grains is better than going heavy on processed foods, colas, hamburgers, spaghetti, cakes, and cookies.
Not weeding out sugar and alcohol from the diet: – In addition to a diet high in saturated and trans fats, sugar and alcohol consumption also contribute significantly to high cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol level hasn’t come down even though you’ve avoided fat, look for hidden sugar in bread, beverages, etc. Alcohol also raises cholesterol levels. To lower high cholesterol, be mindful of the number of fluids you drink. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.
Off and on diet: – Many people use the latest fad diets to lose weight and lower their cholesterol levels. And start consuming different types of food items to fulfil their desires. More weight gain is the final effect. It is recommended for you make sustainable lifestyle changes instead of dieting, such as drinking more water or eating fruits whenever you feel like eating something sweet. Develop a healthy lifestyle by starting small and gradually over time.

Top lifestyle changes to improve your cholesterol

Certain medicines and the right lifestyle can help improve the cholesterol in your life. If You Try These Healthy Changes,

Eat heart-healthy foods: – We can lower our cholesterol and improve heart health by making some dietary changes. Reduce saturated fat, get rid of trans fat, up your soluble fibre, consume more omega-3-rich foods, and add whey protein to your diet.
Quit smoking: – Quitting smoking can significantly improve your blood flow and the level of HDL cholesterol. Within 20 minutes of quitting a cigarette, your blood pressure and heart rate recover from the cigarette-induced spike.
Reduce weight: – Incorporate more activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator, and taking a short pedal walk. Keep track of your calories as well, such as cooking or doing yard work.
Limited alcohol: – If you drink alcohol, drink it in moderation. Too much alcohol can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke.
Weekend exercise-: – Exercise can improve cholesterol. Exercise for 30 minutes three to four times a week. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as playing your favourite sports, morning walking, etc.

Conclusion
If we pay attention to our health by controlling our cholesterol levels, it will be beneficial to us. So keep getting your cholesterol checked so you know your level, and this is our primary prevention that healthy lifestyle practices and prompt medical treatment can help you avoid serious diseases. Which is likely to be beneficial for health care.

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