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Inhibiting ovulation can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer: Study
A new study has found that inhibiting ovulation can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer among women who ovulate more frequently throughout the course of their lifetimes. This week's publication of a new international study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute provides new insights into the potential variations in this relationship among various subtypes of ovarian cancer as well as how oral contraceptives, pregnancy, and breastfeeding affect ovarian cancer risk beyond merely suppressing ovulation. "Ovarian cancer is a highly fatal group of diseases with limited treatment options, so understanding its origins and the factors that contribute to disease development are critical steps in devising prevention approaches and improving women's health," said senior author Francesmary Modugno, Ph.D., professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Magee-Womens Research Institute and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, who led an international team of researchers. "Studies like this, where researchers from around the world come together and share their data, are critical to achieving these goals." The analysis of 21,267 women with ovarian cancer and 26,204 healthy control subjects from 25 studies showed that factors that reduce ovulation duration -- namely, oral contraceptives, pregnancy and breastfeeding -- were linked with reduced cancer risk and this protective effect was stronger than expected based on ovulation suppression alone. The finding suggests that these factors contribute to cancer risk in other ways, such as via altering hormones or inflammation. The researchers also found important distinctions between different subtypes of ovarian cancer. For example, mucinous tumors were associated with factors that suppress ovulation, but not with ovulation duration itself, another clue that oral contraceptives, pregnancy and breastfeeding affect cancer risk beyond suppressing ovulation. In contrast, for high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most common and deadly subtype, the association of oral contraceptives, pregnancy and breastfeeding were as expected, indicating that these factors contribute to risk of serous ovarian cancer through ovulation suppression. "These findings emphasise that ovarian cancer subtypes are different diseases with different causes," said Modugno. "This is important as it will hopefully encourage scientists to look for new hypotheses as to how these diseases arise and shed new light on how we can prevent them. Right now, treatment options are limited, so preventing ovarian cancer is the best hope we have for saving lives." Also Read: Periodic use of antibiotics may increase risk of inflammatory bowel disease This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 January,2023 07:07 PM IST | Pittsburgh | ANI
Female, male hearts respond differently to stress hormone
Female and male hearts respond differently to the stress hormone called noradrenaline, a study in mice has revealed. The findings may have implications for human heart disorders like arrhythmias and heart failure and how different sexes respond to medications, according to the study published in Science Advances. The team built a new type of fluorescence imaging system that allowed them to use light to see how a mouse heart responds to hormones and neurotransmitters in real time. The mice were exposed to noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine. Noradrenaline is both a neurotransmitter and hormone associated with the body's "fight or flight" response. The study also noted that however, some areas of the female heart return to normal more quickly than the male heart, which produces differences in the heart's electrical activity. "The differences in electrical activity that we observed are called repolarisation in the female hearts. Repolarisation refers to how the heart resets between each heartbeat and is closely linked to some types of arrhythmias," said Jessica L Caldwell, first author of the study. "The study reveals a new factor that may contribute to different arrhythmia susceptibility between men and women," Caldwell added. In this study, the researchers were interested in looking at factors that may contribute to arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are a type of heart disorder where the electrical impulses that control heartbeats don't function properly. Also Read: Medical expert shares tips to take care of bone and joint health in winters This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2023 07:47 PM IST | New York | IANS
International Day of Education
Why more awareness needs to be created about stuttering in institutions
PremiumWhile growing up, LeeJude D’souza used to stutter quite a lot but luckily, he had a cousin, who used to also stutter like him. So, the medical condition wasn’t really an alien concept to him. He shares, “My parents never made me conscious that I stammer, they just told me this is normal. So, I never really went to a doctor.” Obviously, there were instances where he faced challenges at local shops in the neighbourhood and personally, it wasn’t always easy. “In my life, as a kid, I only knew me and my cousin brother, so it felt like a lot of burden.” However, after realising that there are many others who also stutter, he never thought of it as an issue, and one that Uttan local will just have to live with. Today, the 35-year-old is an ad film professional, who is confidently dealing with the challenge on a daily basis. In fact, he even has a producer who stutters, and has seen that the latter is completely confident. “So, I think, if he stammers and is a producer and can do his work well, why should I think otherwise?” Luckily for the Mumbaikar, stuttering, or stammering as it is more commonly known, was hardly an issue for him, compared to what countless other people face on a daily basis. It most often than not starts in school where oratory skills are necessary while giving exams and ends up trickling into one’s social life as people get older. Every year, the world observes International Stuttering Awareness Day on October 22, which happened to coincide in India with the Diwali weekend. So, what really is stuttering? Dr Ehteshaam Khatri, audiologist and speech language pathologist with city-based Wockhardt Hospitals, explains, “Stuttering is a common problem seen in a majority of children. It can occur due to abnormalities in speech motor control, such as timing, sensory and motor coordination. You will be shocked to know that stuttering can also be seen due to genetics.” The Mira Road-based expert says the problem can also occur in people who have had any kind of stroke, head trauma or brain injury, and the condition can be tackled with the help of a speech therapist. Unfortunately, the conversation around the speech condition is limited to the circles of people dealing with it, and there is barely any awareness about it otherwise. While teachers and schools do take the effort, there still seems to be a lack of proper knowledge as experienced by many people this writer has spoken to over the years and it is left to the individual to find a solution as is the case of D’souza. Finding a solution After crossing grade seven in school, the Uttan local started getting aware about the condition and decided to take the effort to find a way out of it. D’souza explains, “I started focusing on what words or letters I get stuck at and what kind of situations I stammer. Like if you throw me in a panic situation or an area that is not my forte, I will fumble.” Along the way and in the process, the Mumbaikar realised that he used to get stuck with vowels, which he says a speech therapist confirmed when he visited the expert years later. While some people like D’souza have dealt with it, Khatri highlights that those who stutter can often face adverse effects. He explains, “Those children who tend to stutter are often bullied, ridiculed, or even teased at school. They become a laughing stock and other children may make fun of them.” This leads them to become shy and quiet, and very often, says Khatri, they prefer to be lonely, aloof, and away from everyone. “Kids who stutter, lack confidence and often avoid public speaking, reading out loud, asking questions, or presenting news are among the simple classroom tasks that can easily cause them stress and anxiety. Kids will avoid communication with teachers or even others.” Interestingly, unlike other people who stammer and would usually prefer to go last in presentations, D’souza used to go first and face it head-on in school. “If I knew I was going to stammer with a particular word, I used to change them and change the sentence too,” shares D’souza, adding, “I always tried to find a way around it and that’s what I have been doing.” However, he does believe that teachers need to take the initiative and help students who stutter in class because it will only help boost their confidence not only in the short term but also throughout their life. If teachers know that the student is stammering and thus backing out, D’souza says, the teaching professional should help them out and make the class aware that they want the student to come and talk in front of the class. “That confidence to come and talk in front of a class really helps.” Addressing the elephant in the classroomAs more people are aware today than they were before, there are teachers who are taking the effort to educate their students about stuttering at the grassroot level, and Gavin D’souza is one of them. The city-based teacher has been taking the effort to go beyond the textbook and teach his students more than the books can, and one aspect is that of helping students who stutter. D’souza, who has two students in his class of 25, shares, “For the longest time, stuttering has had a maligned reputation and often, the responsibility of ‘fixing’ it falls on the child. I believe that’s wrong. We live in a progressive age now and it’s time that people around those who stutter are made aware and sensitised towards it, as opposed to the other way around.” The 27-year-old believes that people should work towards normalising stuttering so that those who stutter feel included and that is why he had taken up the topic initially, and if and when students do tease them, he tells them about why it is wrong. “It all starts with at least a conversation about it. It’s about time we talk, and eventually, create awareness about stuttering,” he adds. If D’souza has taken it upon himself, then Anjali Menon, another city-based teacher has seen schools also take effort. The Mumbaikar, who has seen children in primary school stutter, says teachers usually notice if the students have it and take action. “The teachers usually notify the parents and then they are taken to the school counsellors and if that doesn’t help, then they are suggested to take help outside school to overcome the stuttering,” shares Menon. In all the years she has been a teacher compared to when she herself was a student, the teacher has seen that more schools are inclusive these days and that is a positive approach. Creating awareness about stuttering Khatri iterates Menon’s observation about the improvement in awareness. The city expert says there are also a number of awareness programmes that are routinely being conducted to help this cause. “It is because of these efforts that many speech therapists now work in conjunction with schools to help identify and treat such disorders as this disorder is predominantly seen in the developing age,” he adds. While teachers make a personal effort to make their classrooms more inclusive, Sheryl Fonseca, who is the principal at D’silva High School in Bhayandar, says her school makes the parents aware about the children having a problem in talking. However, very often, it so happens that the parents themselves are unaware because they are too busy with work. At the basic level, she explains, “We train the teachers to sit with the students and talk to them. We also give them extra classes and teach them how to talk. We don’t show the other students that there is something wrong. We also warn other students about not teasing these students.” It is no surprise then that the Bandra-based principal says the conversation around understanding children who stutter has changed much more than before. “In case of oral exams, we make the teacher understand that as long as they understand what the child says, it is okay. We see that the marks aren’t cut because it is not the child’s fault. Otherwise, we also inform the parents and take a written test instead of an oral exam,” she adds. Khatri says it is very important for schools to treat such students with respect, and it is the responsibility of the teachers to see that such kids aren’t bullied. Being taught to communicate, he says, will only help make them become more confident, a point that LeeJude also made. “They will feel free to speak, ask questions, and will be able to live without fear. It is imperative for schools to create awareness about stuttering,” Khatri states. Tips to follow to help children who stutter by Dr Ehteshaam Khatri Parents should communicate with childrenKhatri says parents should take time out of their busy work schedule and talk to their children for at least one hour every day. Avoid interrupting the child while they are speakingIt is important not to interrupt the child while they are talking and instead everybody around them must motivate them to talk more. Educate the child about stuttering Last but not the least, teaching the child about stuttering can help. Make him/her feel important. If needed, parents can take the help of experts to guide them about stuttering. Also read: Beyond the fence: ‘Borderlands’ is a heartfelt exploration of people’s lives at India’s borders
24 January,2023 11:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Teen girls more likely to find it difficult to give up social media than boys
Social media has taken over the lives of people across age groups and now they feel the need to be on it all the time. A new survey by the Pew Research Centre in the US, has found that teen girls find it more difficult to quit social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube than teen boys. When asked about the idea of giving up social media, 54 per cent of teens say it would be at least somewhat hard to give it up, while 46 per cent say it would be at least somewhat easy."Teen girls are more likely than teen boys to express it would be difficult to give up social media (58 per cent vs 49 per cent)," the survey findings showed.Conversely, a quarter of teen boys say giving up social media would be very easy, while 15 per cent of teen girls say the same."Older teens also say they would have difficulty giving up social media. About six-in-ten teens ages 15 to 17 say giving up social media would be at least somewhat difficult to do. A smaller share of 13- to 14-year-olds think this would be difficult," the survey revealed.When reflecting on the amount of time they spend on social media generally, a majority of US teens (55 per cent) say they spend about the right amount of time on these apps and sites, while about a third of teens (36 per cent) say they spend too much time on social media.Beyond just online platforms, the vast majority of teens have access to digital devices, such as smartphones (95 per cent), desktop or laptop computers (90 per cent) and gaming consoles (80 per cent).The study shows there has been an uptick in daily teen internet users, from 92 per cent in 2014-15 to 97 per cent today.In addition, the share of teens who say they are online almost constantly has roughly doubled since 2014-15.While teens' access to smartphones has increased over roughly the past eight years, their access to other digital technologies, such as desktop or laptop computers or gaming consoles, has remained statistically unchanged, the survey said.Also Read: What the lack of social interaction takes away from the college experience This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2023 04:37 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Five teas that will help you build a healthier body & mind
People around the world are slowly starting to understand the importance of good health and that sure does require some lifestyle changes. While exercising and staying active is one of the top-recommended suggestions to stay healthy, our everyday choices of beverages can also make a lot of difference. We all have a favourite tea or at least one we prefer over others but did you know, some of them can actually help you achieve your health goals? Whether you wish to keep your weight in check or manage any illness or stress, there is a tea for every health problem that can give you much-needed relief. Wondering where to start from? Bala Sarda, Founder & CEO of VAHDAM India shares top 5 teas to pick from and bring about that change in your lifestyle you have been meaning to! Turmeric TeaTurmeric is known to be a healing superfood with anti-inflammatory properties. Its benefits are commonly known but that isn't the only reason it is a top pick. Turmeric is super accessible, can be made easily at home, and can be a caffeine-free beverage. Its spicy kick can be paired with a number of herbs too hence it's truly versatile. If you wish to skip the hassle of brewing the perfect cup of turmeric tea, you can also try VAHDAM- India's range of Caffeine-Free Turmeric Herbal Teas Chamomile TeaThere's hardly anyone who doesn't enjoy being calm and relaxed and chamomile teas are known to give you this exact feeling. Not just that, Chamomile is recommended for various reasons. It promotes better sleep and alleviates stress and anxiety. It also helps with menstrual pain, osteoporosis, and even symptoms of a cold. You can have a cup of Chamomile tea in the mid-afternoon or a few hours before bedtime to enjoy its benefits. Hibiscus TeaIf you enjoy a citrusy brew with floral notes then this is the perfect pick for you. Another caffeine-free herbal tea, hibiscus tea can help fight certain cancers and help manage blood pressure. It boosts liver health and may also be helpful in losing weight. Hibiscus tea is super easy to brew- However, homemade or ready-made available tea is a great option to switch to. Oolong TeaThis partially oxidized tea is genuinely underrated and it's time we shine a light on its endless benefits. Oolong tea contains polyphenols which offer amazing health benefits. It can also help reduce cholesterol levels and support healthy heart function. If you enjoy the flavor profile of green tea and wish to try something robust, give Oolong tea a try. If you're looking for 100% real Oolong tea, explore VAHDAM's Oolong tea. Ginger TeaYou may have had a cup or two of ginger tea whenever you'd fall sick. It is one tea that comes to everyone's mind when treating sore throat, cough, and the common cold. Ginger tea can also help prevent digestive issues and is an effective remedy for nausea. It contains gingerols, the compound that lends it a characteristic taste and smell which can also help with diabetes. You can brew a cup with fresh ginger as it is or mixes it with your black tea, chai tea (with or without milk depending on your preference), and green tea as well. Some ingredients best paired to brew ginger tea are available in your pantry. Herbs and spices like amla, lemon, black pepper, honey, and turmeric when blended with ginger enhance its antioxidant properties. Read More: Art and design can positively impact well-being and mental health of adults This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2023 03:31 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Reducing calories might be more effective than intermittent fasting
According to research, the number and quantity of meals were more important predictors of weight gain or reduction than the interval between meals. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. According to the senior study author Wendy L. Bennett, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, although 'time-restricted eating patterns' - known as intermittent fasting - are popular, rigorously designed studies have not yet determined whether limiting the total eating window during the day helps to control weight. This study evaluated the association between time from the first meal to the last meal with weight change. Nearly 550 adults (18 years old or older) from three health systems in Maryland and Pennsylvania with electronic health records were enrolled in the study. Participants had at least one weight and height measurement registered in the two years prior to the study's enrollment period (Feb.-July 2019). Overall, most participants (80%) reported they were white adults; 12% self-reported as Black adults; and about 3% self-identified as Asian adults. Most participants reported having a college education or higher; the average age was 51 years; and the average body mass index was 30.8, which is considered obese. The average follow-up time for weight recorded in the electronic health record was 6.3 years. Participants with a higher body mass index at enrollment were more likely to be Black adults, older, have Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, have a lower education level, exercise less, eat fewer fruits and vegetables, have a longer duration from last mealtime to sleep and a shorter duration from first to last meal, compared to the adults who had a lower body mass index. The research team created a mobile application, Daily24, for participants to catalog sleeping, eating and wake-up time for each 24-hour window in real-time. Emails, text messages, and in-app notifications encouraged participants to use the app as much as possible during the first month and again during "power weeks" -- one week per month for the six-month intervention portion of the study. Based on the timing of sleeping and eating each day recorded in the mobile app, researchers were able to measure: the time from the first meal to the last meal each day; the time lapse from waking to the first meal; and the interval from the last meal to sleep. They calculated an average for all data from completed days for each participant. The data analysis found: Meal timing was not associated with weight change during the six-year follow-up period. This includes the interval from first to last meal, from waking up to eating a first meal, from eating the last meal to going to sleep and total sleep duration. Total daily number of large meals (estimated at more than 1,000 calories) and medium meals (estimated at 500-1,000 calories) were each associated with increased weight over the six-year follow up, while fewer small meals (estimated at less than 500 calories) was associated with decreasing weight. The average time from first to last meal was 11.5 hours; average time from wake up to first meal measured 1.6 hours; average time from last meal to sleep was 4 hours; and average sleep duration was calculated at 7.5 hours. The study did not detect an association meal timing and weight change in a population with a wide range of body weight. As reported by Bennett, even though prior studies have suggested intermittent fasting may improve the body's rhythms and regulate metabolism, this study in a large group with a wide range of body weights did not detect this link. Large-scale, rigorous clinical trials of intermittent fasting on long-term weight change are extremely difficult to conduct; however, even short-term intervention studies may be valuable to help guide future recommendations. Although the study found that meal frequency and total calorie intake were stronger risk factors for weight change than meal timing, the findings could not prove direct cause and effect, according to lead study author Di Zhao, Ph.D., an associate scientist in the division of cardiovascular and clinical epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Researchers note there are limitations to the study since they did not evaluate the complex interactions of timing and frequency of eating. Additionally, since the study is observational in nature, the authors were unable to conclude cause and effect. Future studies should work toward including a more diverse population, since the majority of the study's participants were well-educated white women in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., the authors noted author. Researchers also were not able to determine the intentionality of weight loss among study participants prior to their enrollment and could not rule out the additional variable of any preexisting health conditions. According to the American Heart Association's 2022 statistics, 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese; and the Association's current diet and lifestyle recommendations to reduce cardiovascular disease risk include limiting overall calorie intake, eating healthy foods and increasing physical activity. The 2017 American Heart Association scientific statement: Meal Timing and Frequency: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention did not offer clear preference for frequent small meals or intermittent fasting. It noted that irregular patterns of total caloric intake appear to be less favorable for the maintenance of body weight and optimal cardiovascular health. And, altering meal frequency may not be useful for decreasing body weight or improving traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. Read More: Study reveals that diverse, healthy eating patterns can lower the risk of premature death This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2023 04:33 PM IST | Washington | ANI
Of camaraderie and zest: Athletes echo the run from Mumbai Marathon
The Mumbai Marathon held on January 15, was a testament to the daunting spirit of the city. It celebrated the resolute runners who despite the pandemic, continued to train and work on their mileage steadily. The 18th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon saw the participation of 55,000 runners from across the globe with Hayle Lemi winning in a record time (2:07:32). As the city chilled under low temperatures, athletes showed up in the wee hours and stirred a whirlpool of high-energy octane through the streets of South Mumbai. Amongst them was Shibani Gharat, a city-based runner who finished the marathon in 3:59:33. In a conversation with Mid-day Online, she shares: “The run was fabulous. I have always looked forward to running at the Tata Mumbai Marathon as it feels like home. It brings me a sense of comfort to wake up in my home city, do my morning routine, and head to the start line. And it was cathartic to live that again after three years of break!” An anchor with CNBC TV18 and a runner by passion, this was Shibani’s 10th year of running a marathon. As she began her stride, she looked forward to the home crowd, family, and friends cheering for her throughout the route. “I had my sister and my mother waiting to see me on the route near my home. One of my dear friends from Mahim boosted my spirits with the drink that I enjoy on the run.” Girish Bindra, the head coach of the ASICS running club from Mumbai, ran with fervour to complete strong at 3:38:07. His team also managed an energy station, a snack station, and an ASICS cheer zone to amplify the zest on the marathon route. He shares, “I had an outstanding experience running the marathon after three years. I managed to clock in my second-best timing in my 14th full marathon here at TMM 2023! An early start, cool weather conditions, and excellent route support with proper water and energy stations helped us a lot.” “Meeting runner friends and many outstation runners gives us a high and keeps us motivated. We all had trained well for this big event and were determined to finish the distance comfortably and strongly. I am also looking forward to participating next year with much more zest and enthusiasm.” Next up is Siddharth Raman, who missed the process of running across the iconic avenues of Mumbai with diverse people from different parts of the world. “I was ecstatic to see a lot of old friends at different parts of the run and also, managed to make new friends. The collective energy was magnificent as the crowd turned out into huge numbers to pump us up. People carried sweets, and juices and even sang for us while we marched towards the finish line. I was grateful to see senior citizens who cheered for us and young kids waving at us for a hi-5. Their dedication to wake up early on a Sunday morning and show up for us raised the combined energy and made the run incredible." Read More: Mumbai marathon returns to claim the roads after three years of pandemic
19 January,2023 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
Expert lists natural solutions for a receding hairline
Losing your hair might cause you to lose confidence and cause emotional stress. There are several reasons why you can be dealing with a receding hairline; history of the family, stress, inadequate nutrition, too much perspiration, illness, age, treatments or medications, and changes in hormones. Some of the reasons are difficult to deal with but mostly a lot are under our control and can be reversed to a lot of extents. There are a lot of medical treatments available in the market that you can try but why go for extreme steps when you can try natural ways of treating your problem? Time to look at some natural solutions for receding hairline, according to Blossom Kochhar-- * Having the right diet that promotes hair growth, you should also create a healthy meal plan with a dietician if you're experiencing hair loss, especially one that is high in protein and iron. Consuming a quality multi-vitamin daily will help keep your nutrition levels in check, which will in turn promote hair growth. Including fish, meat, and pulses in your diet can bring a lot of changes * There is nothing that a good oil massage can't cure. We have heard of a variety of oils to promote hair growth but Bhringraj oil isn't the kind that you hear about every day, it is quite popular in Ayurveda therapy as well as medical science. This oil really has the best reputation for all that it can do for your hair. The oil overall helps to treat dandruff and dry scalp, reduce hair fall, increase blood circulation, add sheen, promote hair growth, and even prevent premature greying. You can simply warm it up, apply it on your scalp and roots thoroughly and keep it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off * Over-treated hair can lead to hair loss due to the toxic chemicals found in dyes and styling products. Choose your hair styling products wisely. Research and consult the specialist to choose the right product. Take extra care of your hair in winter, and use homemade hair masks by mixing a banana with milk or cream to moisturise your hair and prevent breakage * Amla, the Indian gooseberry is a treasure trove of benefits for health and beauty. To combat thinning hair, use dry gooseberry powder to shampoo your hair. You may alternatively use it as a hair tonic to make the most of the amla benefits for hair * Aloe vera has long been used for treating hair loss and hair thinning. It also soothes the scalp and conditions hair. It can reduce dandruff and unblock hair follicles that may be blocked by excess oil. You can apply pure aloe vera gel to your scalp and hair a few times per week. You can also use shampoo and conditioner that contain aloe vera * If you can handle the smell of onion juice, you may find that the benefits are worth it. Onion juice has been to promote hair growth and successfully treat patchy alopecia areata -- an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the hair follicles and causes hair loss on various parts of the body. Onion juice is also thought to improve circulation. A 2015 study with animals showed improved keratinocyte growth factor, an important mediator of hair follicle development and growth. To consume onion juice, blend a few onions and squeeze out the juice. Apply the juice to your scalp and hair, and leave it in for at least 15 minutes. Then, follow up with shampoo * Regular exercise and reduced stress levels help minimise hair loss. Stress and anxiety are major causes of hair loss. Being stressed or having a shock to the system can disrupt the natural growth and rest cycle of the follicle, causing them to stop growing or begin falling out * Essential oils should be your best friend if you are suffering from receding hairline, these oils are used in homeopathic medicines as they have very few side effects and are useful to improve the health of the hair. Rosemary, Lavender, Juniper, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Tea tree, etc. are those essential oils that have non-inflammatory properties. They help to fight against any bacterial infection on the scalp like dandruff. Also, massaging with these natural oils prevents hair from shedding at an early age. Also Read: Study: Researchers test AI tool that may accurately predict risk of lung cancer This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 January,2023 03:19 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Medical expert shares tips to take care of bone and joint health in winters
Winter is here and with temperature dipping every single day, it is getting harder for people to manage bone and joint pain. This increased joint pain during winter is due to the increased inflammation in one or more joints. It is also because there is less supply of blood to the peripheral regions in the body due to which one's joints become stiff, causing pain in the joints and bones. Joint pains are especially common in the winter season, making life difficult especially for arthritis patients. Not tackling them effectively could have a detrimental effect on your daily productivity and overall well-being. Here's what you can do to avoid excessive pain in the joints. Joint pains are common in winter season, as the cold weather can reduce blood circulation to fingers and toes which could worsen joint pains. Muscles also become tighter at lower temperatures resulting in stiffness and pain. Besides, people tend to stay indoors during winter which could mean limited exposure to sunlight and may result in Vitamin D deficiency. Here are a few tips to deal with bone and joint pain in winters: . Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce inflammation and further reduce the friction between joint surfaces . Keep yourself warm in winter clothing, home heating and other necessities . Regular exercise will help keep your joints supple and maintain flexibility. It could also help with lubrication of the joints and improve blood flow . Enough exposure to the sun (Vitamin D) will help in building and improving the bones . A balanced diet with a rich amount of Vitamin D, and Vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, ginger, soya bean, fatty fish, green vegetables, nuts and seeds, plenty of water, and other collagen supplements will be helpful in joint and bone care during winter season . Regular movements in the body will promote flexibility in your joints . People who are overweight have more chances of getting arthritis. One should maintain their weight in order to keep their knees healthy (Dr Harish Ghoota, Additional Director-Orthopedics, Fortis Escorts Hospital) Also Read: Quashing five most commonly mistaken myths about diabetes This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 January,2023 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Folks with ADHD may be living with mental health conditions, say researchers
Adults with high levels of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than adults with high levels of autistic traits, finds the new research led by psychologists at the University of Bath in the UK. This study is the first to show that ADHD is more predictive of poor mental health outcomes in adults than other neurodevelopmental conditions, like autism. Until now, there has been a dearth of information on the effects of ADHD on poor mental health, with far more research focusing on the impact of autism on depression, anxiety and quality of life. As a result, people with ADHD have often struggled to access the clinical care they need to cope with their symptoms. The study's authors hope their findings will trigger new research into ADHD and ultimately improve the mental health outcomes for people with the condition. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. The condition is estimated to affect between 3 per cent and 9 per cent of the population. Blue MondaySpeaking on Blue Monday (January 16) - the third Monday of January, described by some as the gloomiest day of the year - lead researcher, Luca Hargitai, said: "Scientists have long known that autism is linked to anxiety and depression, but ADHD has been somewhat neglected. "Researchers have also struggled to statistically separate the importance of ADHD and autism for mental health outcomes because of how frequently they occur together," he said. Ms Hargitai, a PhD Researcher at Bath, added, "Our aim was to precisely measure how strongly ADHD personality traits were linked to poor mental health while statistically accounting for autistic traits." The new research - a collaborative effort between the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Cardiff, and King's College London - is published this week in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports. It comes in the same month that two British TV personalities - Johnny Vegas and Sue Perkins - have opened up about their recent diagnoses of ADHD. "The condition affects many people - both children and adults - and the fact that more people are willing to talk about it is to be welcomed," said Ms Hargitai, adding, "The hope is that with greater awareness will come more research in this area and better resources to support individuals in better managing their mental health." Overly active, as though driven by a motorThe study used a large, nationally representative sample of adults from the UK population. All participants completed gold standard questionnaires - one on autistic traits, the other on ADHD traits - responding to statements such as "I frequently get strongly absorbed in one thing" and "How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do a motor drove things like you?" The researchers found that ADHD traits were highly predictive of the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms: the higher the levels of ADHD traits, the more likely a person is to experience severe mental health symptoms. Through innovative analytical techniques, the study authors further confirmed that having more of an ADHD personality was more strongly linked to anxiety and depression than autistic traits. These results were replicated in computerised simulations with a 100% 'reproducibility rate'. This showed, with great confidence, that ADHD traits are almost certainly linked to more severe anxiety and depression symptoms in adults than autistic traits. Shifting the focus of research and clinical practiceMs Hargitai said, "Our findings suggest that research and clinical practice must shift some of the focus from autism to ADHD. This may help to identify those most at risk of anxiety and depression so that preventative measures - such as supporting children and adults with the management of their ADHD symptoms - can be put in place earlier to have a greater impact on improving people's wellbeing." According to Dr Punit Shah, senior author and associate professor of Psychology at Bath, another important aspect of the new study is that it advances the scientific understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions. "By addressing the shortcomings of previous research, our work provides fresh information about the complex links between neurodiversity and mental health in adults - an area that is often overlooked," he said. "Further research is now needed to delve deeper into understanding exactly why ADHD is linked to poor mental health, particularly in terms of the mental processes that might drive people with ADHD traits to engage in anxious and depressive thinking," he said. "At the moment, funding for ADHD research - particularly psychological research - is lacking. This is especially pronounced when you compare it to the relatively high level of funds directed at autism," he elaborated. "As the evidence becomes clear that ADHD isn't just a childhood condition but persists throughout life, we must adjust our research agendas to better understand ADHD in adulthood," he added. Commenting on the new findings, Dr Tony Floyd, CEO of ADHD Foundation, The Neurodiversity Foundation, said, "This research demonstrates clear evidence of the increased risks of mental health comorbidities associated with adult ADHD. This is a step towards recognising the broader impact of unmanaged and untreated ADHD. We hope this research will lead to more research being commissioned in this area. We also hope it will result in changes to the design and delivery of health services. "The cost implications to the NHS of leaving ADHD untreated, and the need to better train health practitioners in both primary and secondary care, are now more apparent. And of course, there are other costs too that need to be considered - to the health of UK citizens with ADHD and to their family life, employability and economic well-being. These costs are often hidden but they are considerable," he said. "This research from Bath University will add to the growing national debate and the business case for a national review of health services for ADHD across a person's lifespan," he added. Read More: Burned out? Why Indian employers need to act on employees' poor mental health This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. 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17 January,2023 04:21 PM IST | Washington | ANI
Mumbai marathon returns to claim the roads after three years of pandemic
PremiumNothing binds a city like its annual marathon event. On January 15, at the dawn of Sunday, 55,000 athletes will gather at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, to run a full marathon (42.195 km) in the southern chunk of Mumbai. The contorted racetrack will send runners across bridges, up and down iconic avenues including Nariman point, Wilson College, Haji Ali, Bandra-Worli Sea link, and more, culminating at the Wankhede Stadium. The Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) returns as a beacon of hope after two dismal years dished by the Covid-19 pandemic. There are hills to be climbed and varying heat levels to be sweat through. The arduous stretch will offer high and low points of indulgence that will test one’s grit. Beyond the cycle of ups and downs, the marathon will represent the daunting spirit of the city and act as a panacea for modern society. As the city gears up for the full marathon, Mid-day.com spoke to seasoned marathoners from the city: Rajendra Kalur, Dilip Vaitheeswaran, and Surochita Gargari Yagnick on how they are bracing themselves for the big day. For Dilip and his wife, it’s going to be a notable experience as she debuts at the national event. With only three days to go, the couple is now winding up and has entered the taper-down stage. ‘Tapering’ in a runner’s vocabulary refers to the reduction in training mileage and workouts after a period of rigorous training. To ensure that they are attuned to the official routes, they have been practicing at the NCPA route, Nariman point over weekends with their running club - Striders. “This will be my 7th full marathon; hence my confidence levels are high! More than competing, I look forward to enjoying the feel of running for 5-5.5 hours with my pals. Having trained with like-minded people over a significant period, I am anticipating interesting conversations over the books we read, shows we watched, and other topics of common interest. The beauty of staying on the road for a while is that it raises the combined gusto and builds camaraderie,” shares Dilip in a telephonic conversation. As opposed to fast runners, slow runners stride at a lower mileage and consequently, do not end up gasping for breath. Banking on good weather and optimum levels of sleep and hydration, marathoners have different sets of agendas this year. For Dilip, it is less about the time targets and more about his commitment to fitness and regaling over friendship. On the contrary, Mr Kalur is eyeing to finish off at his personal best of 4.38 hrs that he attained at Berlin, in 2019. In conversation with Midday Online, he rummages through emails to share his bib number “4956” that will be stuck to his racerback T-shirt. After a lull period owing to the pandemic, he is excited to take to the streets of Mumbai with full throttle. “Thankfully, the practice never came down. Rather, the intensity of training has been on an upward trajectory. Despite the lockdown, I managed to stay motivated and run regularly in my building compound and open areas to keep the mileage consistent,” recalls Raj when quizzed on his practice regime. Mr Kalur draws an interesting analogy between running and fitness: Many people run to get fit but are they fit enough to run? It’s like the chicken and egg story. “In order to run, one needs to be in the proper form. It involves diet control, strengthening your calves, and shaping the upper body to build momentum. One doesn’t just wake up and decide to run a full marathon. They must undergo technical training that ranges between 7-8 months to build long-run mileage on a steady basis. This requires 4 days of regular running per week with a combination of short and fast runs, long and slow runs, and recovery runs to contour the muscles. To complement this, one also needs to perform a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) drill,” remarks Mr Kalur who has managed to keep diabetes at bay with this workout regime. While it is tempting to increase mileage, it is imperative to do so on a consistent basis. Upping one’s mileage suddenly is one of the leading causes of muscle rupture and knee injuries requiring prolonged recovery periods. For athletes, yearlong preparations will be put to test on Sunday as they join a mass of humanity running to achieve the medal of completion. Prior to the gunfire that commences the marathon, runners can be seen performing dynamic stretches to get warmed up. Dilip finds the beginning of the marathon to be particularly discomforting. “The start is unpleasant owing to scores of people crammed into a small space. At this moment, I focus on finding my zone and building my breathing pattern.” Mr Kalur observes that it is important to cut off outside noise and focus on the self in the initial stage of the marathon. One needs to catch their rhythm and set a foundation for a stable pace. Another essential aspect is to monitor the heart rate and keep it under control. Once all that is in place, the thrill of running begins. Between 6:00-8:00 am is when the sea breeze starts flowing in and the run turns into a euphoric experience. The art of running a marathon requires one to strike a delicate balance between physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Amsterdam Marathon qualifier, Surochita Gargai Yagnick is motivated to finish strong and well. Having run her first Mumbai marathon in 2012, the road runner is booting up for her tenth marathon in her home ground. An expert runner, her idea of finishing is to be spiritually well and in the pink of her health till the end. No matter what comes, she is determined to conquer it with her wide experience of running marathons across New York, Berlin, and London. Read More: Road work forces changes to Mumbai Marathon route “Running teaches you patience. It’s not an avenue of instant gratification. A full marathon is like living a lifetime in a nutshell. There will be tricky slopes that will require you to slow down while still, other paths will infuse you with a newfound vigour that you lost in the way,” shares Yagnick when asked about how running enhances her mental well-being. While running is an enriching affair, doing so over prolonged periods leads to the wear and tear of muscles. To recuperate from this, Yagnick advances with her home-based workouts. “I am not a professional athlete but an amateur one. Having run for 10-12 years, I have faced a lot of injuries. What helps me to recover is my strengthening regime which involves weighted muscle training, core exercises, and customised workouts with bands. Another way to prevent wear and tear of muscle is to know when to stop yourself from pushing too hard.” But to know when to stop comes with training, says Dilip. The last stretch of the marathon is a case of mind over matter. “This stage is the real test of one’s training. At around the 34th kilometre, begins the climb of the flyover at Pedder Road. By now the weather is sultry, and the body is reaching exhaustion. Now is when you see people starting to walk or hitting the wall. What it takes to ace this stage is apt training and mental strength. One has to be smart enough to not push themselves too hard in the first half, maintain optimum levels of hydration and stay away from muscle injuries. After crossing this stage is when we witness the maximum crowd support. People come out in big numbers offering juices, sweets, and water. This level of cheering shoots up our adrenaline and plunges us to the finish line with zeal!” There are no excuses for Mr Kalur (53) and Surochita (48) to bail out on the marathon. Despite the challenges that come with age, they stand resolved to finish with diligence. “In the end, we only get a medal. Yet, every year, we go and sign up for the marathon again. For us, it’s not about any material gains but the sense of achievement that comes with reaching the finish line,” shares Yagnick. Marathoners amount to roughly 2 per cent of the total population that wakes up in the wee hours of the day, gets ready, and goes out to claim the roads on foot. The addiction to running keeps them going and helps them evolve as stronger individuals. For many, being on the road is like meditation. It enables one to reflect on their entire life, detangle thoughts and come out as a renewed people. Read More: Tata Mumbai Marathon: South Africans to set the pace
17 January,2023 03:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi