As surviving with sanity becomes more and more challenging in the recent world, people are opting for the easy way out to stay occupied indoors. Spending lots of time watching tv or using phones is causing irreversible negative effects. The pandemic has pushed us into confinement and more than ever we feel the need and dependency on virtual life. Screen time is the total time spent per day in viewing screens such as mobile phones, TV, computer, tablet or any hand-held or visual device.
It is time to ask the question, ”what is the ideal amount of screen time?” Let us find answers to what should an average screen time per day be for children and adults.
1. Obesity
When you are looking at a screen, you usually remain in a particular position for an extended period of time. This means you have restricted movement and that can increase your risk of obesity. It can further cause chronic issues like heart disease. Being in front of a screen for a long time will likely lead to mindless snacking and usually make adults and children, obese.
2. Insomnia
Prolonged screen time evidently has a negative effect on your sleep. This applies to both children and adults. The blue light emitted by the screens can significantly lower the melatonin levels, a hormone that regulates when you sleep and wake up and this will disrupt your entire sleep cycle.
3. Eye problems
One of the first and noticeable effects of too much screen time is impaired vision. The blue light can prove to be dangerous and eye strain often leads to dry eyes, blurry vision, irritation and burning sensations.
4. Back and neck issues
If you continue to look at your phone, tablet or a tv screen for a really long time, it will put a lot of strain on your neck muscles and your spine. You will experience pain after sitting in a slumped posture for too long. This is common and likely results in frequent headaches and backaches. To avoid these, reducing screen time is a must.
5. Impact on behaviour and mental wellbeing
Excessive screen time can be addictive and has a negative impact on the mental health and behaviour of a person.
Recommended screen time Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling.
5-17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework. more than 17 years max 3- 4 hrs per day
Excess screen time may slow language development in children and make it hard for your child to sleep at night. Limiting screen time is very essential.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
As we talk about the negatives of screen time, you must remember that it is not entirely a negative element. If you maintain the ideal screen time for yourself and train your children accordingly, you can derive several benefits from digital media. It helps you learn and stay connected with friends and relatives. It is okay to include screen time as a part of your daily activities but do not make it the only activity and increase dependency on it.
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.
While work from home has its benefits like personal time management and flexibility in working hours, safety from exposure to COVID during these times, it also comes with a few health implications. Long hours of work, reduced physical activity, improper sleep routine, reduced in-person interaction with people are some of the factors that may impact your mental health along with overall wellbeing.
Therefore, even though you may have a highly ergonomic work from home setup, it is still important to pay attention to some of the signs and symptoms of mental and physical health which are often left ignored.
Spending long arduous hours in front of the computer screen can put immense pressure on both the eyes as well as the backbone and joints leading to quite a bit of strain. Moreover, work from home can result in a series of health issues:
Work in the office requires a regular commute and this exposes us to the sun which is a great source of Vitamin D. Without having to regularly venture outdoors, work from home can lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can often lead to fatigue, impacting your immunity, mental and emotional wellbeing and bone health. Therefore, if you’re looking for working from home tips, getting a Vitamin D test would be at the top of such a list.
During prolonged hours of work from home, there is a reduction in physical activity, we often indulge in stress eating because of the pressures of coping with office work as well as trivial household chores. Moreover, without the need to venture out, we also tend to depend excessively on food delivery services. All of these combined could be a recipe for obesity and other allied health risks. If you consider a few quick bites as an essential part of your work from home setup, then it is recommended that you get a Lipid Profile Test.
The more obvious health risk that can emerge from prolonged hours of work from home is related to the cardiovascular system. Since work from home pushes one towards a more sedentary lifestyle we often forget that a few minutes of physical activity can go a long way in maintaining both physical and mental health. Lack of physical activity, increased screen time, improper sleep can greatly increase the risk of cardiac ailments and therefore, it is important that you get a Cardiac Risk Markers Test done.
The lack of physical connection can leave workers feeling they have nowhere to turn when they feel stressed or anxious. It becomes more challenging to form the strong support network which is crucial for good mental health.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Whether it be work from home or at the office, long hours of sitting in the wrong posture or straining your neck too much can inevitably lead to shoulder and joint pain. In our tireless efforts on how to be more productive, we often tend to ignore the warning signs of our musculoskeletal system. However, there are an increasing number of cases where people are complaining of muscle and joint pains. Your doctor can advise you an Arthritis Screening Health Checkup to understand to what extent your work from home setup puts you at risk of arthritis.
Also Read: Does Masturbation Cause Weight Loss? Debunking Sexual Health Misconceptions
Besides physical health, you also need to be mindful of mental health when you work from home. This is because increased stress, anxiety, irregular sleep in some cases, burnout can also impact your mental and physical well-being. This in turn can affect your productivity at work. Indulge in some creative activities, play indoor games, exercise well, practice meditation and breathing exercises.
It is equally important to take care of your emotional and psychological well being to stay at the top of your health. By heeding the above-mentioned warning signs and undergoing diagnostic tests for early detection, you can ensure a healthy and happy work from home experience.
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.
COVID-19 caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus has gripped the entire world and many COVID-19 deaths have been reported. Globally, every nation is fighting the pandemic on a war footing. The COVID-19 cases in India are rising at a faster rate during the second wave of COVID-19. The infection manifests through several symptoms and debilitating after-effects. Fatigue is the most common symptom and an after-effect experienced by most COVID-19 patients post-recovery.
Several studies have shown a strong relationship between people with obesity, heart health and COVID-19. Obese people are more vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, they face a wide range of complications arising from the infections due to their excess weight. Similarly, people with poor heart health are more susceptible to COVID -19. This disease affects heart health, leading to inflammation and even a heart attack.
The prevalence of people with obesity is almost 20% in most countries around the globe. Researchers have reported that people who are obese are thrice more likely to be hospitalised due to the COVID-19 infection than patients with normal weight. Here are a few points that help establish a link between obesity and COVID-19.
When the infection is transmitting at higher rates during the second wave, more people with obesity are being affected. However, only a few of them required invasive ventilation and a few deaths have been reported.
Researchers have suggested a significant relationship between heart health and COVID-19 infection. Here are a few findings:
During recent times of pandemic, it is essential to follow good health practices. People with obesity and comorbidities need to be more cautious to avoid contracting the infection. Here are a few tips for a healthy routine:
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With the high transmission rate of the COVID -19 infection, you need to be careful and follow every safety precaution to avoid infection. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others. You are highly susceptible to the COVID-19 infection if you have heart disease, obesity or other comorbidities. In such cases, you need to be very cautious. It is best to talk to your doctor regarding the necessary safety precautions.
Get enough sleep, stay active and eat healthy food. Never miss your medications and keep your comorbidities under control. Discuss with your doctor regarding vaccination. Get your vaccine when your turn comes. Do not forget to follow respiratory hygiene/cough etiquettes when you step outside for immunization in a public place.
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.
Heart ailments are no longer restricted to old people. These days even young people and children are succumbing to heart-related troubles and disorders. Put the blame on our sedentary lifestyles, irregular and wrong eating habits, immobility and lack of physical activity, the list can go on and on!
Unfortunately, the uncomfortable truth is that it is practically impossible to lead a completely healthy lifestyle these days. However, a couple of things that we can definitely do is – ensure that whatever we do, we do it in moderation and try to incorporate at least a few healthy practices in our everyday life.
One healthy practice that can surely fit well in our daily lifestyle is Yoga! People who have witnessed the positives of Yoga in their life will tell you, that Yoga indeed is a way of life! It’s by far one of the most natural and healthy ways to improve our overall health and well-being. There are many yoga poses and exercises for heart patients that can help manage heart diseases better.
Yoga is a beautiful union between the mind, body and soul. It’s a therapy session that has a solution in store for everyone – no matter the age, gender, or health ailment.
Since Yoga is an art of practising various postures coupled with a strong focus on breathing, it has an immense impact on the respiratory system and therefore affects the heart too. Therefore, Yoga for Heart has the following benefits:
And most importantly, Yoga is a great stress-buster and is known to also deal with depression and anxiety effectively.
Also Read About: 5 Health Benefits of Yoga
So, what are you waiting for? Dive deep into this magical ocean of Yoga and take your first step towards a ‘Healthy and Fitter You’! To start off, you can make this highly doable Yoga poses an essential part of your everyday lifestyle:
This is a heart-opening pose! Done in a standing position, it is also known to promote and build cardiovascular health. Additionally, it also increases your stamina and helps relieve stress.
Also Read About: 7 Different Relaxation Techniques
Stand straight with your feet apart. Ensure that the weight of your body is equally balanced between both feet. Inhale deeply and as you start to exhale bend on the right side, keeping your waist straight and making your left hand come straight up with the right hand reaching down towards the floor. Stretch maximum and keep yourself steady. Keep taking long breaths. Now inhaling, slowly come upbringing your arms to the side. Repeat the same on the other side.
This is an important Yoga for Heart pose – resembling the posture of sitting on a chair, this pose stimulates the heart and stretches the chest area. You may be thinking that sitting on the chair is so simple, but remember, you are sitting on an imaginary chair here. And trust us, this powerful pose needs quite a lot of determination.
Stand erect with your feet apart. Spread your hands out in front and face your palm downwards. Now, bend the knees slightly as if you are sitting on an imaginary chair. Continue to be in this posture for as long as you can and keep in mind not to overdo it. Once you start to feel uncomfortable come back to the standing position.
No time for Yoga? Try these Office Yoga Moves!
A natural continuation of the Chair pose is a Cat Pose. This posture helps the heart rate to settle down and become normal and rhythmic again. The pose also aids in boosting blood circulation.
Get down on your fours with your posture forming a table and your hands and feet resembling the legs of the table. Look straight. As you inhale, raise your chin outwards, tilt your head back, and raise the tailbone. Hold the posture for a few seconds and then follow up with the counterpoise. Exhale, drop the chin inwards towards your chest and arch your back upwards. Hold the posture for a few seconds and then return to the original table-like position.
This is an excellent stress buster. This pose is the counterpose for almost all Yoga poses. It allows you to connect with your body, relax and breathe after an active Yoga session. Helping you to calm down, this pose also helps to improve the health of the heart and the body. This is also the time when the body starts to deep health itself.
Lie flat on your back with your eyes closed. Don’t use any pillows or cushions. Place your arms on the sides a little apart from your body. Keep the palm open and facing upwards and slowly relax. Start giving attention to each part of the body starting from your toe and move upwards till you reach your head. Stay in this pose for 8-10 minutes. Once you are completely relaxed and calm, slowly turn towards your right side. Lie in this position for a minute and gently sit up using the support of your right hand. Stay seated in Sukhasana. Continue to keep the eyes closed and take a few deep breaths. Now slowly and gently open your eyes and continue to feel the calmness all around you.
Pranayama is an essential component of Yoga for the heart and takes the form of slow breathing exercises that offer immediate relaxation. They also are known to be very effective in treating heart ailments. Anulom-Vilom or Alternate Nostril breathing helps cleanse the nerves of the body and also purifies the blood.
A last word of caution! Always perform these postures under the guidance of a Yoga expert for he/she will be able to effectively guide you on what’s best for your overall health and well-being. Also, along with Yoga for Heart, it is important to follow healthy eating habits.
Read More About How to Stay Fit and Healthy?
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation
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Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure performed on patients with Coronary Artery Disease. The procedure aims to improve the quality of life of patients in later years and improve mortality rates related to heart diseases. In this procedure, the clogged artery is bypassed with a healthy artery grafted from elsewhere in the body to improve blood flow to the heart.
The chances of developing Coronary Artery Disease increases with age. The incidence also increases with other factors like obesity, smoking, or consuming a diet high in fats. This leads to the deposition of plaques that narrows the arteries. Coronary artery disease can lead to chest pain or angina, which may require CABG. The number of bypass grafts depends on the number of arteries affected.
How is CABG surgery performed?
Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a pre-assessment check-up with tests like ECG, Chest X-ray, blood work along past medical and drug history.
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia and lasts about 4 to 6 hours. It is advised to not eat or drink anything at least 6 hours before the procedure.
Blood vessels from the leg, chest, or arm are usually used as a graft. Surgeons usually prefer the blood vessels in the chest as these arteries do not narrow easily with time as the other blood vessels. Depending on the number of grafts needed, you may undergo a ”double,” ”triple,” or ”quadruple” bypass surgery.
The blood is rerouted through a bypass machine, while the procedure is being done. The heart is temporarily stopped using medications until the new grafts are placed.
After all the grafts have been placed, the heart is put back into the function using controlled electric waves. The breastbone will be reattached to the chest with permanent metal wires and the skin is sewn with dissolvable stitches.
Many surgeons today are opting for an Off-pump bypass surgery wherein the heart is still beating while the procedure is being done without the need of the bypass machine.
CABG requires a week of hospital stay with further recuperation at home. Care needs to be taken of the wounds, mainly stitches. Light activities can be resumed after 6 weeks and routine activities in about 8 to 10 weeks.
Angioplasty should be considered when one, two, or even three arteries have become narrowed, provided that the arteries are suitable for angioplasty. When there is significant narrowing of the left main coronary artery or of all three major coronary arteries, CABG is usually more suitable.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
CABG is done for the blockage of heart arteries. The basic difference between CABG and Stenting is that CABG may be the best option when an artery is too calcified to support a stent, or when it’s technically too difficult to place a stent in an artery. CABG acts as a by pass for the blood to flow away from blockage.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Complications of CABG
Minor side effects like loss of appetite, nausea, headache, constipation, difficulty in sleeping may be experienced, which are relieved within a few days. Major complications include:
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.
A human body can only work efficiently if all the organs work in harmony with each other and stay healthy. Each system supports the other and this ensures that the body works smoothly. The same principles are applied to the lungs and heart.
The health of our lungs is a crucial factor in determining the health of our heart. Certain conditions and habits cause damage to the lungs and eventually lead to the improper functioning of the heart:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease aka COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a term used to describe lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis. The symptoms include breathlessness, coughing and a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest.
Though COPD and heart failure are two different conditions, both can produce very similar symptoms. The presence of COPD is known to influence left-sided heart failure. This is due to the reason that COPD reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This, in turn, strains the heart and can lead to heart failure.
If a person is already suffering from a heart condition, the medication used to treat the same could interfere with the functioning of the lungs. For instance, drugs such as Lopressor (prescribed to heart patients) could constrict the muscles around the respiratory system and make it difficult to breathe comfortably.
Inversely, the medication used to treat COPD (bronchodilators) can increase the heart rate and cause palpitations.
Smoking
It is a known fact that smoking causes significant damage to the lungs. Since it causes degeneration of the lung tissue, the oxygen availability in the heart decreases.
Must Read: 10 Tips to Quit Smoking
It increases the risk of heart failure and stroke. This is because the carbon monoxide present in tobacco reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. This puts a significant amount of stress on the heart muscles, which can lead to heart failure in the long run. This, in turn, causes the breathing rate and blood pressure to increase.
Smoking also contributes to developing COPD and both of these are potent risk factors for heart diseases.
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.
As the holiday season approaches, it is common for people to over-indulge in alcohol and junk food, which can have serious repercussions on their cardiac health. One of the most common ailments due to increased alcohol and unhealthy food consumption is atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat. This is also popularly known as Holiday Heart Syndrome. Let us learn more about this from Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in Sir. H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital.
Dr Bhamre has over 8yrs of experience in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and has gained many accolades and fellowships from many reputable institutions.
Holiday Heart Syndrome was first coined in 1978 as it occurs due to over-indulgence in food and alcohol during holidays. This can lead to irregular heartbeats, which in medical terms are called arrhythmias. This can prove to be life-threatening in people who are otherwise absolutely normal and have no history of cardiac ailments.
”Too much food, sweets, fats, salts and alcohol can do more damage to our body, particularly the heart.”
What triggers holiday heart syndrome
This condition is purely metabolic and is a result of the over-consumption of alcohol and food in the company of friends and acquaintances during festivals and holidays.
The main triggers of this syndrome are:
”The interesting part of this syndrome is that after this episode, your heart is as normal as it was if you get timely treatment.”
Symptoms of Holiday Heart Syndrome
Keep your HEART in good health, click here
“If you sense any of the mentioned symptoms, you must immediately seek medical help. You must understand what your body is trying to tell you.”
How can you avoid overindulging?
To avoid holiday heart syndrome, you must ensure that you abstain from overindulging in unhealthy food or drinks during festivities. Often, amidst all the crowd and talking, you lose count of how much you have eaten or would binge eat to keep company. You would also ignore the fact that you have surpassed your daily calorie count and have overindulged in eateries in every possible way. This can even prove fatal if not monitored or if left undiagnosed.
Tips to abstain from overindulging in food and drinks
”Holiday Heart Syndrome is a metabolic change and can be avoided by taking a few precautions.”
How to Manage Your Heart and Health during Holidays.
”Quantity is as important as the type of food you eat.”
Must Read: 20 Essential Healthy Heart Tips
Conclusion
Holiday Heart Syndrome is a metabolic condition and is mostly benign. It may happen to people with pre-existing heart issues and also to a person with an otherwise healthy heart. Keep a tab on your diet and drinks during the holiday season for the sake of your health. Do not ignore any unusual symptoms like chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, palpitations etc. and consult the nearest hospital immediately. Spike in B.P. and severe arrhythmias can lead to fatal complications. Be mindful of your food and drinks and enjoy your holidays healthily and happily.
The heart is undoubtedly one of the most important organs and is often the most neglected one. Our poor food choices, inappropriate lifestyle changes and addictions are the culprits. This significantly amplifies during the monsoon, where our food choices are too fatty and some lean too much on ‘sutta’ to keep themselves warm.Also Read: Benefits of Tongue Scraping: A Guide to Better Oral HealthWhen we talk of heart toxins, the mind automatically starts to imagine harmful chemicals and metals. While they are definitely poisonous, there are certain substances to which we are exposed more often and can prove to be highly dangerous. Here are some silent heart-killers.
