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Highlights Of The ‘Hypertension & Obesity Webinar’ By Dr Pakhale!

Hypertension and obesity are dangerous health conditions that can cause multiple other health complications. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, it is even more important to keep both in check because they are comorbid conditions of COVID-19 and can make it fatal.

So, Dr Ketan L Pakhale (Bariatric Physician and specialist in Metabolism Syndrome) delivered a webinar on hypertension and obesity recently. He explained several concepts related to hypertension and obesity so that we all can understand these disorders better and take the right action at the right time.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a health condition in which three of the following disorders occur simultaneously in a person-

So what does it mean if a person has metabolic syndrome? These people are more likely to develop heart disorders such as heart attack or cardiac arrest. According to a survey, nearly 60% of people have this syndrome.

Dr Pakhale stresses the need of taking metabolic syndrome seriously because it is a cluster of major diseases.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension means a rise in blood pressure. According to older guidelines issued by the American Heart Association, if blood pressure exceeds 120/80 mm of Hg, then it can damage your heart. But today, the person’s physical condition, age, lifestyle choices, medical history and the presence of certain symptoms such as chest pain, headache or breathlessness will determine if the person has hypertension.

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, you will be prescribed medicines, and you will constantly need to monitor your blood pressure.

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Why does hypertension arise?

  1. Stress

Our lives are stressful, and it is the primary cause of hypertension. During the COVID-19 lockdown, stress has reached an all-time high. Anxiety about the loss of income, stressful conditions at home, worrying about the health of your loved ones can increase your blood pressure.

  1. Lifestyle

People who chew tobacco or smoke for long periods are likely to develop hypertension. Alcohol intake is another definitive cause of hypertension.

  1. Obesity

Being overweight leads to hypertension. It is a vicious cycle. Obesity causes hypertension, which in turn is linked to diabetes and dyslipidemia. And you can also develop metabolic syndrome. You may also develop kidney complications, thyroid disorders, PCOD etc.

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  1. The foods you consume

Spicy foods that people usually love are bad news for their blood pressure. Soft drinks are also toxic for your body because of the presence of excessive sugar and preservatives (chemicals).

High salt intake is also linked to hypertension because sodium causes water retention. It makes people crave fatty foods cooked in refined oils, which are not good for your health at all.

Food sweeteners used in desserts, ice creams, beverages also need to be avoided as much as possible. You can consume them in moderation. But if you consume too many sweeteners, it can make you obese and give you hypertension.

  1. Menopause

In women, menopause is another reason that might cause hypertension.

How can you prevent hypertension or keep it in check?

  1. According to Dr Pakhale, you should try to avoid or consume the following foods in small amounts to control hypertension –
  1. Be physically active. Doing planks & walking inside your home are some exercises to keep your body fit. Working out also initiates the secretion of endorphins (happiness hormone) that beats stress and prevents hypertension.
  2. People with hypertension need to take medicines. Medication is very effective in managing hypertension. So you must follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medicines on time.
  3. 5 minutes of meditation is mandatory to keep your mind peaceful and increase your concentration.
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What are the health complications caused by long-term hypertension?

  1. Retinopathy- In this condition, the blood vessels in your retina burst, and this causes blurry vision or loss of vision.
  2. Chronic Kidney damage and even kidney failure where dialysis will be required.
  3. Atherosclerosis: In this condition, your blood vessels become inflexible and hard because of fat deposition.

What is obesity?

1 out of every 2 Indians is obese. It increases the likelihood of premature death. In India, obesity is still not acknowledged as a major disease.

Obesity is excess visceral fat. When fats accumulate in your body, the cells are packed closely together and this cuts off the oxygen supply.

This can lead to hypertension, PCOD and diabetes. Even children can become obese, and in the future, they too will develop the above-mentioned illnesses or even cancer. Obesity also makes people feel insecure about their looks and they may even suffer social stigma.

However, if you lose weight, it will immediately reduce the risk of contracting other dangerous illnesses. It has also been observed that with proper weight control measures, people were able to stop taking medicines for hypertension, diabetes and antidepressants.

So what causes obesity?

When you consume more food than you need and your energy expenditure is low, it leads to obesity.

Obesity is preventable, reversible and treatable.

People with obesity can also opt for bariatric surgery. But afterwards, they need to be careful about their diet or they might become malnourished.

Steps to take during the pandemic to manage hypertension and obesity

  1. Eat healthily and in small portions.
  2. Take up exercise challenges to reduce weight and improve your metabolic health.

Maintaining your metabolic health is the key to a life free of health complications. Now, more than ever, we need to be utterly cautious about what we eat, our physical activities and our lifestyle choices. With proper measures, metabolic syndrome can be kept at bay. 

Q&A

Q. Can hypothyroidism be caused by grief over the loss of a loved one?

Ans. Hypertension can be caused by the stress and trauma triggered by the demise of a loved one. But it is temporary and with medication, proper diet and physical exercise and meditation, it can be taken care of.

Sometimes hypertension can result in hypothyroidism.

Also Read: Is Cottage Cheese Good for You? Unraveling the Potential Health Benefits According to Science

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

What Happens If You Bite Your Fingernails?

Nail biting, a common habit in about 20-30% of the population, can be caused by stress, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or just being bored. It can be a temporary behaviour, but it can also develop into a severe, long term problem. Nail biting, medically termed as Onychophagia, can be characterized by seemingly uncontrollable nail-biting that is destructive to fingernails as well as the surrounding tissue.  

What happens if you bite your nails? 

People who frequently bite their nails may experience both psychological and physical symptoms like: 

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Why do we bite our nails? 

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Nail biting when encountered in healthy children is usually temporary and does not last very long. Educating children, parents, teachers, and siblings could be helpful, applying bitter nail polish, bandages or gloves temporarily can help as well in some cases.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

What are the long-term effects of nail-biting?

A lot of people have nervous habits such as pacing or fidgeting.  While a lot of these are harmless, but nail-biting when stressed or anxious exposes you to several ailments. 

Your nails are an ideal dwelling place for several germs. When you bite your nails, these bacteria travel from the mouth to the gut, causing stomach infections that lead to diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

It may seem harmless, but it can increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infection entering your blood, and that could lead to cold or flu.

If you bite off a big piece of your nail, you can expose the delicate skin under your nail to any bacteria or pathogens in your mouth. One of the most common infections called paronychia causes pain, redness and pus-filled lumps.

Your saliva’s chemical composition allows it to break down fat and other food molecules. While that aids your digestion, but it can also damage and inflame the skin of your fingertips if you are constantly jamming them in your mouth. 

Your nails have a layer, called the matrix, from where the nail grows. Biting can damage this matrix, causing nail deformities or chronic ingrown nails.

If you pick warts, contagious material can get into your nails and when you touch your face or neck, you can end up with warts on your neck and face.

Chronic nail biting can deform or destroy the sockets that hold your teeth. It can also fracture your teeth and trigger gum diseases. Also, it doesn’t leave your hand looking aesthetically pleasing but rather more damaged. 

Not all nail biting is pathological, and the difference between harmful obsession and normal behavior is should always be done. Sometimes it’s classified as impulse control disorder.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
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How can you stop biting your nails? 

You may not be able to change your habit overnight, but with a little time and effort, you’re sure to overcome it. 

Also Read: Brittle Nails: Causes, Symptoms, and Proven Solutions

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare. 

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Coping After A Heart Attack: Things You Should Know

A heart attack can leave you with a traumatic experience along with strong mixed feelings of denial, anger, fear, anxiety or depression. These are normal reactions that can affect not only you but your family and co-workers too. This might not only make you concerned about your future but also raise questions about your present health condition – be it the lifestyle changes you would have to make or a new diet you would have to follow. You and your family would probably have a lot of questions.

Here Are a Few Tips on Post Heart Attack Recovery

Read More: Healthy diet for heart

All you need to do at this time is to be positive. It takes time to tackle depression after an attack, so be strong and talk to your family members and healthcare provider. Consider your mental health as a part of your overall treatment plan. Always control your stress levels.

Say ‘NO’ to Smoking. One of the major risk factors for heart disease is smoking. Smoking can elevate your chances of having heart disease and worsen your condition. It is very important to take care of your body, especially after an attack. If you are a smoker, it is advisable to quit smoking as it would reduce the risk of another heart attack by 50%.

Also Read: First Aid for Heart Attack

Also Read: Know The Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Your heart attack is a warning that your present lifestyle must be modified to survive. Begin by starting a makeover journey for your heart by making your physical and mental health your priority.

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

References

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/life-after-a-heart-attack

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/salt-reduction

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/shaking-the-salt-habit-to-lower-high-blood-pressure

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12 Places Body Stores Stress And How It Affects You

Don’t Store Stress In Your Body!

How many of us are guilty of pushing our feelings and emotions out of the way to appear normal? The answer would be most of us. Many of us repress our feelings of frustration, anger, sadness or fear as they make us feel hopeless or powerless.

How The Body Stores Stress?

To gain a semblance of control, we either deny ourselves our true emotions or repress them to deal with the situation at hand. However, this is not a healthy habit as the stress gets stored in our body and comes to light in the form of mysterious aches and pains. This is known as ‘somatization’.

Experts suggest that we must accept and acknowledge our feelings and never disown what we are going through. The unwanted feelings create psychosomatic responses in our bodies leading to recurring pains and other mysterious ailments. Read on to find out about 12 places where your body stores stress and how it affects your health:

Stressors have a major influence on mood, our sense of well-being, behavior, and health. Seeking medical attention at the earliest appearance of the signs and symptoms of stress and the accompanied depression, anxiety and mood changes can help to cope up with the situation.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

12 Places Where Your Body Stores Stress

1. Lower Back

Our lower backs store most of our unexpressed anger. Many people develop severe and debilitating pain in the lumbar region of the back. Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system that puts pressure on the spinal cord. To offer some relief to your tired body, learn to express your anger in clear, simple terms and articulate your frustration to the concerned people. Over a period of time, you will learn how to use your anger to fuel your personal and creative growth. Assert yourself to give yourself control over the situation. This will lead to healthier relationships and a healthier body, especially your back.

2. Your Gut

There is a reason why people lose control over their bladders or their bowels when they are scared. Our stomachs and intestines store our feelings of fear. The adage, ‘I am sick to my stomach’ justifies this. Fear is another negative emotion that has far-reaching repercussions on our health. It can cause digestion problems, pain in the gut, bloating, constipation and even Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Peppermint tea helps in calming the stomach. Also, accept your fear and the reasons why you are feeling it and talk to someone you trust to get a hold of yourself. Research believes that if you talk about your fears openly, it has lesser control over your health.

3. Your Torso

Our chests and our hearts store the hurt that we experience through the actions of others. Those who repress their feelings of hurt, usually complain of mysterious chest pains. In most cases, no physical cause of pain is diagnosed. Stress leads to shallow breathing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Some people even experience panic attacks. Deep breathing exercises bring relief to chest tightness and reduce anxiety. Mourn your losses, and honour your feelings by experiencing them to the fullest, even if they are of sadness or hurt. Once you have allowed yourself to feel what demands to be felt, you will feel lighter, as will your chest and your heart.

Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences however Chronic stress can cause negative health effects on your mood, immune and digestive systems, and cardiovascular health and is the leading cause of Type 2 Diabetes nowadays.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

4. Your Head

Do you feel out of control and then immediately suffer from headaches? This is because any feelings that make us feel that we are losing control over our lives or the situation lead to affecting our heads. The problem becomes a recurring theme in the lives of those who are control-freaks and may even turn into a chronic problem of migraines.

5. The Respiratory System

Our breaths have a way of signalling our state of mind. If we are calm, our breaths are deep whereas if we are under stress, we have shallow breaths. Those who face too much stress over a period of time tend to suffer from breathing difficulties. Many people begin having panic attacks. Practice deep breathing exercises to train your mind to stay calm.

6. Your Shoulders

If you have been feeling overburdened, you will feel a tightening of the shoulders and the neck muscles. This is a natural psychosomatic response of the body to overwork and too many responsibilities. Try to share your work with someone else or ask for support to reduce pressure on yourself and your body.

7. Your Voice And Throat

Those who have faced an oppressive environment tend to have issues with their voices and throats. Many develop stammering problems. Some even lose their voice completely. Reading poetry aloud and keeping a journal have known to help those who suffer from voice and throat problems.

8. Your Sleep

Another area that gets affected by stress is our sleep cycle. Insomnia hits those who are dealing with intense personal growth or some life-impacting change, tend to lose their sleep. A long period of insomnia can cause serious health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and others.

9. Your Jaw

Many people clench their jaws and grind their teeth while responding to stress. This strains the neck muscles and tightens them as most people unconsciously push their necks forward. Frown lines on the forehead and the painful jaw are the side effects of this habit.

10. Your Pelvic Floor

Another body area that stores stress is the pelvic floor. This causes tight hips and a severed connection with the core muscles. The webbing in the pelvic region and the connective tissues respond negatively to the stress elements around us causing a stiffening which leads to various health problems.

11. The Hips

The hips are responsible for our feelings of security and physical freedom. They lose their tone and shape when they face stress in life. They help us keep our posture and tightened hips many times are the reason why people begin suffering from back pain. When we carry old disappointments, illusions of how lives could have shaped, and pain from the past, our hips bear the brunt of this emotional damage. Do hip-opening yoga poses and pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your body.

12. Your Lungs

Many of us store stress in the diaphragm as we hunch our backs and move forward without realizing it. This causes constriction in the chest region and stresses the lungs due to lack of space. This leads us to feel exhausted and causes breathlessness.

Also Read: How to Lose Butt Fat: Comprehensive Guide to a Toned Physique

Conclusion

The psychic stress of repressing our feelings leads to many physical problems in the body. Taking care of one’s feeling by talking to someone you trust forms an important part of psychotherapy. When we take care of ourselves better, we take care of those around us in a more rewarding manner. Know more about stress management.

Read More About: Stress Eating: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How To Help Someone With Depression?

Having a family member with depression necessitates that you know more about depression so that you can recognize the severity and arrange for help if required. Moreover, these patients need constant encouragement for compliance with medication. They also need to be heard and not judged. To achieve all this, the caregiver must endeavour a lot of patience with the family member.

Knowing About Depression

It is a complex condition. Several risk factors have been identified namely genes, hormone levels, environmental triggers, some medicines, death of a loved one, physical or emotional abuse. A circumstantial nervousness or sadness is not depression. However, when it lasts longer than two weeks, and the person is not able to overcome it, medical help should be sought.

Typically, depression includes these symptoms – feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness. At times, the person feels like crying profusely otherwise may keep getting angry and irritated over petty things. They may become restless and anxious or sluggish and feel lost. They often may complain of physical pains of some or the other kind. The person may be disinterested in any activity even the one which is of his or her interest. The person may frequently feel tired and fatigued. They either have problems falling asleep or sleep too much. Likewise, they overeat or don’t like eating at all which may lead to weight gain or weight loss. There is a deep-rooted feeling of being unimportant or good for nothing or some guilt for some incidents in the past that they are not accountable for. They find it difficult to concentrate, become indecisive and forgetful. They may have unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.

If the condition remains untreated or neglected, it may worsen, and the patient may have suicidal thoughts or even attempt suicide. Since the condition has many faces to it, awareness and education regarding the disease are essential for the patients’ family members.

Also Read About: Different Types of Depression

Be there for your friend and let them do the talking. Encourage them to talk about their illness, but don’t try to offer any immediate solutions. Your support is the most important thing that you have to offer. If a person is very depressed, it is important that they seek professional advice.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Ways That May Help You To Support Your Depressed Family Member

Firstly, as soon as you become aware of the condition strike a conversation with the person. Listen to what he or she has to say. Don’t judge them or give negative opinions. Let them know your observations and that you are concerned. If the person is not aware, convince him or her that depression is a condition that needs expert advice and treatment and that it is vital to see one. The person should be assured that the condition may not go away on its own and needs treatment. Once he agrees to visit a doctor, get the person to jot down his feelings and status of mind so that it is easier for him to explain to the doctor. If possible accompany the person to the doctor. Most of the times doctors also need inputs from the family regarding their behavioural patterns.

When the treatment starts, keep a quiet tab on the use of medicines. Initially, you may have to give the medication yourself to the patient. Gradually as the patient feels better, he gets more convinced that he needs the medication. After that, you can rely on him for taking his medicines and appropriate, timely refills.

Engage the person in activities that he or she used to like normally. Experiment on activities that lift their mood and keep those that put them off away. Stay around or ensure someone is around always. Don’t keep brooding over their condition with your other family members, friends, and relatives that may worsen their feeling of guilt or further frustrate them. Help them to make certain decisions or complete certain tasks that they find difficult without them losing their confidence.

Also Read About: Treatment for Depression – Therapy, Medication & More

Severe Depression

Sometimes the person’s condition may worsen, and he or she may have a suicidal tendency. They would generally start talking negative things and about their wish of living no longer. They may even make multiple calls to people and talk as their last. They may start giving away things even the ones they loved. Would be wanting to be left alone. You must pick these hints and seek medical help.

As a precautionary measure, get rid of all things that the person can use to inflict self-harm. Don’t leave the person alone. Whenever you are in such a situation, seek help from an emergency and have people around to help in case something goes out of your control. Seek medical help immediately. You may have to hospitalize the patient for further treatment and care.

Also Read: Clary Sage Oil: Unlocking Its Research-Backed Benefits and Uses

Conclusion

The condition does improve with appropriate treatment, though it may take time. So most importantly one needs to keep one’s spirits high and remain hopeful and calm.

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

Must Read About: Foods to Avoid in Anxiety or Depression

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Why Are Millennials Anxious? Reasons & Ways To Deal With It


Millennial Anxiety is real and is a constant threat to the younger generation. Being anxious sometimes due to some circumstances like exams, job interviews, illness, etc. is normal. However, having a constant anxiousness isn’t. Persistent apprehension about some of the other thing can affect mental health. Such kind of mental health issues can lead to underperformance and further aggravate the unrest, and the cycle continues.

Addiction to technology and gadgets

If we look around, we may find so many millennials continuously drowned in their gadgets; some are playing video games, other on social networking or watching some live streaming or videos or rushing to be successful. Staying away from home or alone also could be the factor affecting the status of the mind. There appears to be constant competition in their minds; it could be with themselves or their peers or social networking sites.

Unnecessary Competitiveness

The race could also be to perform better in interviews, in offices, click better selfies or keep oneself up with current trends. There is this ever-increasing thirst for being the best or having the most updated information about popular things. The reason they want to catch up and remain in this competition is not only a result of the evolution of technology but also because of the way the entire society has changed.

Over-analysis

There is a constant evaluation of youngsters by society regarding their lifestyle, career, and aspirations. This leads to a continuous struggle to match the same. They struggle to meet the milestones set by society. Some of these could be unrealistic because each person is different and has his or her own intellectual and physical capacity. There could be limitations to what one could achieve.

Learning Acceptance

Nevertheless, accepting one’s limits working around them and still growing requires some introspection. This is in turn needs time. But, millennials have already set up a hectic schedule for themselves and trapped by their aspiration to achieve rigid benchmarks.     There is always a particular uncertainty that they are worried about.

‘Whether I would be able to or not? Am I going to be left behind? Am I doing enough? Will my selfie get enough likes? Will I be trolled? Will I be earning X amount by the time I am 30?’ ”¦and many more are the nagging fears they live with.   This leads to distress and loss of peace of mind.

It is essential for one to understand that a healthy mind and body are the two most important things to let the best in oneself come out. One should be able to identify at what point the wish is changing into an obsession. Having such clarity will help one to draw a line and take appropriate decisions.

Also Read: What is Reiki Healing: A Comprehensive Understanding Through Research

Maintain a Work-life Balance

It is essential to maintain a balance between things that are important for your work and health. Not letting the anxiousness control oneself and pressurize into pushing one’s limits too far. One should be able to practice self-control when one realizes that the demanding self is affecting one’s mind and in turn sleep. With adequate restraint, one can get over the distress caused due to the various stressors. Introspection can play a vital role in setting goals.

Playing a sport, eating healthy, spending time with positive people, restricting screen time, reading inspiring stories, setting realistic goals are some of how you could help yourself and stay away from negative pressures.   Trying not to compete unless you have evaluated yourself with the capabilities required to achieve the same is the best way to achieve positive results. Have clarity on what you want and what you can achieve. Avoid obsessing and start living.

Also Read: How to Relieve Tension in Neck and Shoulders Resulting from Anxiety: Proven Techniques and Solutions

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Managing Stress: How To Keep Calm And Carry On?

To look good, we take care of our external appearance but to feel good we need to consider our internal body environment. In this age of constant pressures of different kinds, we need to maintain life by managing several stressors or managing stress triggers. Depending on the stressors our body responds differently. Moreover, each person  reacts differently too, to the same stressor depending on his or her personality. Life event like extents of loss, dishonour and danger are related to the development of psychiatric disorders. Injury, damage to property, loss of resources, the demise of a near one and apparent life threat, divorce, business failure, natural disasters are other possible causes of stress. Among consequences of stress that link to health is increasing smoking, substance use, accidents, sleep problems and eating disorders. People who live in more stressful environments like these may thus get addicted faster and experience higher mortality from various ailments and also suffer from lifestyle diseases.Stress can be short-term or long-term. However, continuous short-term stressors also cause several problems in our body system. Stress affects our body and our ability to fight diseases, increases some chemicals in our body which negatively affect blood pressure and if not controlled may lead to complications.We as humans are resilient and usually able to cope with adverse circumstances. Generally, in young, healthy individuals the body can manage stress. Nevertheless, people with chronic ailments, the elderly or who are genetically prone to be affected by stress would need help.Also read: Improve mental and emotional health- practice emotional first aidWe must accept the fact that we need to live and maintain life along with the stressors be it at the workplace, in a marriage or insecurity in schools, malls, other public places. Once we learn to accept certain facts, we shall be able to find solutions to manage these through various means.Nonetheless, even after adequate planning and effort, some issues may spring up, so learn to anticipate these, plan for such situations. Most importantly be realistic with yourself, understand and acknowledge your limitations and work around them, so that you are much more prepared. Practising yoga or any form of exercise can make you feel energetic and positive. The benefits  of Meditation are also vital in responding to stressful situations. Eating right, sleeping enough is essential so that the body is well-equipped to put up a tough fight. Take adequate breaks in the form of long walks, short vacations, fun activities to move away from the routine, monotonous life. Follow your unfulfilled dream, make time for a hobby class. Keep away from negative people and thoughts, or if unavoidable, learn to ignore them. You must be aware of stress eating. A little more or less of anything can escalate your stress level.In fact, though we have no control over stressors, we definitely can decide our responses. As aptly quoted ‘When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is!’Also Read: How to Stop Dissociating: A Comprehensive Guide to Grounding Techniques Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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How To Beat Exam Stress?

The very term ‘exams’ causes panic and palpitations! Students dread this time of the year when they must learn by rote reams and reams of information, formulas, names and so much more. And if that isn’t enough, they must live up to all the expectations their parents and family have set for them. Sigh, the dream of getting into a good university does have a hefty price – exam stress!

All these expectations and the constant worry to prove one’s self is taxing and eventually results in stress.

Some Realistic Tips to Beat Exam Stress:

#1 Exams are real

No matter how much you may pray to the rain gods or hope for a rare epidemic, the exams will not be cancelled! Accept the fact that you must work hard and catch up on the study material and prepare well. As soon as you do this, your brain will automatically relax and let you process all the information it needs to retain.

#2 Decide your study timetable

Each one of us is unique. Some may prefer to wake up early and study while some are nocturnal animals, staying up all night. Don’t let other people dictate how and when you should study. You take your own decision and study when you feel you are thoroughly prepared and functional.

#3 Drown the white noise

Friends and family often give students unwanted advice. Also, there are friends or older siblings who boast of studying for over 12 hours a day. Don’t let this affect you and do not follow their style if it doesn’t suit you. You need to do what is best for you depending on your comfort level.

Physical activity is one of the best, scientifically proven methods to combat stress. Exercise directly reduces stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. At the same time, exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which elevate your mood and are natural painkillers.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

#4 Stay away from liars

We all have that one friend who always chants the same mantra – I am going to fail. I haven’t studied at all. I never revise. However, this friend still tops the class or passes with flying colours! You should not pay any heed to such people. You do your revision because it works for you.

#5 Don’t pretend to revise all day long

Just sitting in front of your books for the entire day and reading the same things repeatedly, won’t make it easier for you. Yes, you can watch a film or play for a while even during exams. We all need fresh air and something constructive.

#6 Go out and have fun

Yes, we know exams have arrived, but this doesn’t mean you lock yourself up and bury yourself in books. This can get claustrophobic, and you may get exhausted. Changing the scenery helps a lot especially when you choose to spend some time in nature. Health benefits of being in nature are numerous and it also helps you reduce your exam stress. You can sit in a nearby park to revise or move out of your bedroom or study room.

Helping your child to eat properly, be a little flexible and watch out for signs of stress like irritability, headache or stomach ache can help tackle the exam worries and build confidence in your child.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

#7 Plan your day

Having a study timetable is of great help. It helps you organise all your study material and study as per requirement. With the help of a timeline, adequate time can be allotted to each subject, and proper revision can be done accordingly.

#8 Do some exercise

Continue to exercise or do some activity in between exams. Don’t forget to have a bath and relax. You may listen to music, watch Papa CJ videos, draw or even watch cartoons. You need to escape from your mundane study routine and relax your mind. Sweating it out or solving a puzzle or two will activate your mind and you’ll be able to study better.

#9 Get rid of exam worry

As a student, you are the only person who knows how prepared you are for your exams. There is no point in depending on prayers or last-minute cramming up if you haven’t studied the whole year long. If you think you have prepared well, then great! However, if you are not ready, there is no point in worrying about it now. Once you are done with your papers, just move on. Overanalyzing what you wrote and how you might fare, will do you no good. Follow some stress management technique to stay worry less.

Also Read: 10 Effects of  Stress on The Body

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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10 Ways How Stress Affects Your Body!

Effects of stress on the body are a natural physical and emotional response to bad and sometimes even good life experiences. Stress is usually triggered by everyday activities and responsibilities. Whether it is a short-term irritation such as a traffic jam or long-term grief like the loss of a loved one, stress affects your body in ways you can’t imagine. Stress is very personal. Up to 80% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and problems & forty percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.

Here are the top effects of stress on the body:

1. Cravings

Scientists have found that a hormone called cortisol is released when a person is under stress. This makes the person crave a lot of sugar and fat. The best way to manage this is by stocking up on healthy snacks and including brain-healthy foods in your diet.2. Cardiovascular systemsWhen stressed, your heart starts to pump faster which in turn constricts the blood vessel, increasing the blood pressure. Too much stress can even cause a stroke or heart attack. Following a heart-healthy lifestyle can to a major extent manage the stress phase.3. InsomniaWhile there might be so many reasons insomnia prevails, long-term exposure to stress can also cause insomnia and result in faulty sleep cycles. Continued exposure to a stressed lifestyle can lead to other sleep-related problems as well. The best way to help avoid the situation is to follow proper sleep hygiene. Practicing yoga also helps.Also Read: What is Hyperventilation: Understanding the Medical Definition and Symptoms4. Respiratory systemsStress can affect your breathing in a bad way. For those suffering from Asthma or any breathing-related problem, stress can even be life-threatening. Stress can cause rapid breathing or hyperventilation that can bring on a panic attack in someone who is prone to panic attacks. In such cases, working with a psychologist can help in getting assistance for breathing better.5. HeadachesStress tends to make muscles tense, which often leads to migraines and headaches. Apart from treating the headache, focus on headache-proofing your diet and lifestyle in general.Also Read: Effective Techniques To Reduce Cortisol Levels: A Comprehensive Guide6. MemoryWhen under extreme stress, the neurotransmitters are unable to function. This is why we often fail to think straight or act immediately when under pressure. While it’s tough to limit stress in our hectic lives, some experts recommend trying meditation to reduce stress, among other solutions.7. HairIt’s about time people started taking out their work & personal anger on the tresses. Stress effects are known to trigger a condition called trichotillomania, which is a unique condition where people tend to pull their hair from the scalp.8. Digestive SystemsUnder stress, the liver produces a lot of glucose in order to boost energy in the body. If the body continues to produce a lot of sugar due to constant stress, it might even result in the person developing type-2 diabetes. In most common cases, stress causes diarrhoea.9. SkinStress can cause acne outbreaks and psoriasis. Many doctors have started to incorporate stress-management techniques such as meditation into their treatment programs for skin disease.10. Body PainWhen stressed, the human body tends to produce hormones that increase muscle tension and pain sensitivity. Your jaws begin to feel tender and tight, you face acute pain in the back, you start to experience abdominal cramps & your neck starts to feel heavy. When stress takes over, immediately relive yourself with sleep, meditation and exercise.If all these above-mentioned stress effects persist for a longer duration, make sure to consult a doctor. Severe stresses sometimes require to be treated by medicines. Also, this might be a result of medical conditions that are beyond stress. About 43% of adults suffer from the adverse effects of stress, it is time to take better care of themselves & be stress-free.Also Read:  What Are the Benefits of Meditation?Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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