You reach Snehal Kshirsagar’s house after a short trek through Charkop’s clustered slum pocket. Known as Babrekar Nagar, the slum is home to numerous chawls endowed with blue tarpaulins and dish TV antennas. At the heart of Prabhat Chawl within Charkop, is Snehal’s 10x10 shanty, where she is gearing up for her next big gig. The 14-year-old is set to raise awareness about the ill effects of chewing tobacco through her self-composed anthem. As we enter the shanty, the mirror reflects her disguised avatar of Vasudev, the agent of social change in Maharashtra. To catch the attention of her community, she has decided to take on the avatar of Vasudev which is a revered community of Krishna worshippers, found mainly in Maharashtra. Vasudev essentially wanders through villages and towns to spread the message of healthy living and refraining from social evils like intoxication. On World No Tobacco Day, Midday Online spoke to Snehal Kshirsagar, who is innovating with the power of music to campaign against the chewing of masheri, a locally sourced tobacco. Genesis of her performance avatarHarking back to bygone days, Snehal reminisces about travelling to her native town, Pandharpur with her mother. The town is a famous pilgrimage destination, on the banks of Candrabhaga River, near Solapur city. She recalls a memory from Pandharpur that is deeply etched in her mind. “Vasudev used to visit my village and sing meaningful hymns about social conduct. Through their lyrics, I developed a sense of purpose and direction in my life.” It was Vasudev’s riveting persona that inspired Snehal’s performance avatar. She believed that Vasudev has a connection with her community and it can serve as a medium for her message. “When I began composing the anti-tobacco campaign, I knew I had to keep his perspective in mind. His figure is the one that people look up to and his words are those they repeat.” To continue with her disguised look, she applies black paint on her forehead and cheekbones. She circles off the black with a white ring to make the look more prominent. Next, she crowns herself with a peacock feather hat that compliments her white frock. The look is now complete. Snehal finally resembles the local God, Vasudev, who survives on the alms donated by villagers. Charkop’s favourite tobacco MasheriKnown as masheri, this raw form of tobacco is a hot favourite amongst the slum dwellers of Charkop. “In my locality, women are majorly addicted to chewing masheri. Come mornings, they head to the local shops and procure a day’s quota of masheri. Next, they heat it on the pan along with harmful elements like sawdust for hours. This turns it more carcinogenic and toxic which women like to chew all day long. Unfortunately, they believe that chewing masheri makes their day’s labour bearable”, revealed Snehal. There are various myths circulating around masheri in the slums. Some of the popular ones are that it helps in curbing hunger and improves oral health. Hence, women place it inside their mouths and leave it there for hours. This is one of the leading causes of cancer among Mumbai's slum population. Chanda Aunty is one of her neighbours who cannot go by a single day without chewing masheri. Joining Chanda are more local women who sit outside their shanties and consume tobacco while working on their daily tasks. Not only elderly women from Prabhat Chawl but several teenage boys from Snehal’s school rampantly consume this tobacco. Snehal attends 10th standard at the Charkop Marathi Sector 1 Secondary School. “As soon as the school gets over, boys from my class gang up and score packets of masheri. They are in the age group of 14-16 and are brazen to do what they like. Their addiction goes unchecked due to a lack of awareness among our teachers and parents”, shares Snehal. Sensitisation towards anti-tobacco campaignThe 3-foot-wide alleys of Prabhat Chawl are home to the newest arrivals of Mumbai. Here, Snehal resides with her grandmother, mother and two brothers (one younger and one older) in a one-room shanty. They have one Android phone which is shared by the entire family and is also the one her mother takes to work. Though her family refrains from tobacco, her neighbourhood is filled with the foul smell of masheri cooking on the pans. To sensitise adolescents against tobacco abuse, a city-based NGO, Salaam Bombay Foundation launched the Preventive Health Education Programme in Mumbai’s slums. The theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day is “We need food, not tobacco”. To build on this theme, the students of Salaam Bombay Foundation were educated on different aspects of health at a pivotal time in their lives (between grades 7 and 9). This program involved workshops on resistance to tobacco use, awareness about nutrition, and looking out for their mental well-being. Empowered with this knowledge, Snehal began to spearhead the change within her community. She became one of the Health Monitors of the Salaam Bombay Foundation which spreads awareness against tobacco consumption and switching to nutritious meals. The power of music to campaign against tobacco“I despised the sight of women chewing masheri. However, I always wondered if I could discourage them from doing so”, informed Snehal who was keen to bring a change in her community. Filling in this gap, Salaam Bombay Foundation equipped Snehal with the rightful knowledge. At the workshop, Snehal learnt about the ill- effects of tobacco and began working on a lyrical composition with a divine touch. Snehal picked Vasudev as her avatar and merged her musical notes to create her anti-tobacco anthem. The lyrics of her composition represent the toxicity of chewing masheri. In Marathi language, she sings: “Vasudev is here, to awaken your social conscience. This life is precious, the value of your life is one in a million. Hey, you quit tobacco now, don't be late, time is too short. Vasudev said that addiction is not good. Gutkha, tobacco is deadly. Hear the voice of Vasudev, hear the higher being in you.” At the young age of fourteen, Snehal is fully aware of what tobacco does to the body. “Smoking and chewing tobacco attacks our lungs and infuses hazardous chemicals in our body. It causes coughing, wheezing and leads to oral cancer.” Today, Snehal disguised as Vasudev, goes about her locality every fortnight to reinforce the message against tobacco. Often, she is accompanied by her friend while performing at the rickshaw stand outside her chawl, Malwani area and at her school. It is her conviction in the power of music, that has yielded results for Snehal. She proudly shares how her efforts have brought a change of heart among two South Indian women in her locality. “Every once in a while, I cross paths with them and they thank me for freeing them from the evils of tobacco. It motivates me to keep going.” Also Read: World No Tobacco Day: Cancer surgeon warns against smoking, here's how to detect oral cancer early
01 June,2023 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
Spotting grey hair can be a stark reminder of ageing. Throughout the lifespan of a human, hair strands go through a natural cycle of regeneration and death. As we age, hair follicles become weak and begin to produce less colour. Thus, appears the inescapable greyness of hair. The question arises, what causes grey hair? The answer is the pigment melanin in the hair follicle, which is responsible for hair colour. As we age, this pigment depletes, turning our hair grey or white. The sight of grey hair is often dreaded as people conceal it with artificial hair colours. While they manage to cover it up with blazing shades, the chemicals in artificial colour can be detrimental to hair growth. These chemicals weaken the hair follicles causing hair breakage, split ends, frizzy hair, itchy scalp and hair loss. For ages, pure and natural dyes have been used to reverse the greying of hair. To learn about other natural remedies that can prevent the greying of hair, Midday Online spoke to the beautician Radhika Iyer Talatiwho is also the founder of Anahata Organic. Here is what she recommends: “Today, the market is flooded with diverse varieties of hair colour products. These products contain a host of chemicals and questionable ingredients which the ordinary consumer is left to use. Not only does it confuse them but also stresses them about what works and what does not. It is vital for us to also know that ageing, vitamin deficiency, oxidative stress, chain-smoking, regular exposure to chemical dyes and mental stress are among the main reasons for greying of hair”, says Talati. She adds that genetics is also known to be a contributor to premature grey hair. Identifying the causes of grey hairReversal of greying hair is fairly simple if you can narrow down the factors causing the greyness. For example, you could be developing grey hair due to vitamin deficiency. In this case, increasing the intake of a certain vitamin can help reverse grey hair almost instantly. Similarly, if it's apparent stress that is leading to grey hair, then meditating and including antioxidant-rich foods in your diet can restore your original hair colour faster than you think. Research also shows that cutting down on smoking and drinking also reduces anxiety and oxidative stress. Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or blow-drying your hair too often will also help reverse grey hair. Even though grey hair due to genetics cannot be reversed, there are ways to reduce that effect to a large extent. Here are five ways you can practice reversing grey hair naturally. These tips are also effective in strengthening your hair: 1. Traditional oil decoction formula to regrow hair and reverse greyingThis age-old tradition from Ayurveda recommends massaging your hair with a mixture of 4 tablespoons of almond oil, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of castor oil. All you need to do is warm this combination over a medium flame, let it cool and add to it 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of amla juice. To this mixture, add 1 tbsp of fenugreek powder. Cool, strain and apply generously all over the scalp at night. Use a natural shampoo to wash it off in the morning. When used at least three times a week and left for about 4 to 5 hours, one can observe noticeable results. Practicing this regularly will reduce grey hair, strengthen hair follicles and add plenty of vital nutrition to the scalp. 2. Rubbing onion juice onto the scalpOur grandmothers would always use onion juice on their scalps for great hair. Red onions are an effective way to control grey hair and boost hair growth. The juice of an onion raises catalase, an enzyme that is responsible for darkening hair. Not only that, onion juice is a great source of hydration for the scalp and is known to add shine and glow to the hair. Simply mix 3 tablespoons of onion juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a bowl. Massage your scalp with this combination and wash after 30 minutes with a natural shampoo. You will notice visible results within a month. 3. Using Curry LeavesCurry leaves contain precious Vitamin B that restores the pigment melanin in the hair follicles. Using Curry leaves in many forms is known to reverse and prevent further greying. Beta-Keratin present in curry leaves prevents hair fall and helps keep the scalp hydrated. Prepare a paste by grinding 20 grams of fresh curry leaves with some water. A. Mix this with 2 tablespoons of curd and apply this all over your head and hair. Leave it on for 25 minutes or more and wash off with a natural shampoo. B. Boil 20 grams of curry leaves, 1/2 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and 1 tablespoon of nigella seeds in about 5 tablespoons of coconut oil until the leaves turn black. Strain and use this oil on your hair. Boil a cupful of curry leaves in a cup of oil till they turn black. Cool, strain and store. Massage into hair 2-3 times a week. Leave overnight and repeat at least 3 times a week. The results will amaze you. 4. Coffee or Tea with Castor Oil and Henna leavesWe all know that henna is a natural colorant and conditioner. It has been used traditionally as a scalp cleanser and hair conditioner. It is also used as a natural pigment for reversing grey hair. The tannic acid and many other antioxidants present in coffee and tea, when combined with henna are known to give excellent results turning grey hair back to its natural colour. All you need to do is add 1 tablespoon of coffee powder or 1 tablespoon of tea to boiling hot water. Let this infuse for about 5 minutes on a medium flame. Strain, cool and make a paste by adding an appropriate amount of henna powder to this liquid. Let it rest for about 3 to 4 hours. Mix in a tablespoon of castor oil in this paste and apply liberally all over your hair as well as the scalp. Leave this on for an hour and wash off using a natural shampoo. Adding a natural dark hue to the hair, stimulates hair growth and strengthens it, giving it a shine. This remedy not only reverses grey hair but also leaves your hair feeling stronger and shinier than before. 5. Shikakai, Brahmi, Black Pepper and Lemon hair packAnother ancient technique to reverse grey hair and induce vital nutrients into the hair follicles is the use of shikakai, pepper and lemon. Black pepper is known to have numerous benefits for the hair and apart from just helping maintain the natural colour of your hair it also promotes hair growth. Shikakai helps reverse grey hair effectively while strengthening hair follicles and lemon keeps harmful bacteria and dandruff away. Together, they provide vitamins A, B12, D, E and biotin. Important minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium and copper are also present in this concoction that can help keep your hair healthy and long. All you need to do is mix 1 tablespoon each of shikakai powder, brahmi powder, freshly ground black pepper and lemon juice with half a cup of homemade curd. Mix these well and massage them into hair and scalp. Leave the paste on for about an hour and wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week for incredible results. Nutritional tips to avoid greying of hair Apart from these proven techniques that have been passed on from generation to generation, you must include nutrient-rich foods in your daily diet that can help reverse grey hair. Consume amla juice when in season and have dried amlas when they are not in season. Remember to avoid preservative-laden foods and stay away from fast food as much as you can. Avoid consuming Maida or fine flour, you will be surprised how clean your body will start to feel. High sugar, saturated fats and too much salt or sodium are also disruptors of hair health. Stick to simple living, turn back to your roots and keep yourself active both mentally and physically. These simple yet extremely effective tips will help you discover the long-lost dark, healthy and bouncy mane that you deserve to sport every single day. Also Read: What is ‘placemaking’ and how it evokes human-nature interaction at workplaces
01 June,2023 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviEvery one of us looks for ways to retain a youthful skin and often resort to a variety of products in pursuit of that ideal skin. However, it may not always help. Over the years, there are various natural remedies that have been used to protect the skin. The ancient knowledge of Ayurveda has reemerged, offering a revitalising and holistic approach to skincare in a world dominated by modern beauty products and invasive surgeries. The traditional Indian medical system known as Ayurveda understands that true beauty comes from taking care of the body from the inside out. It offers a time-tested treatment for aged skin that values authenticity and sustainability by utilising natural treatments and antiquated traditions. Ageing skin requires care, especially natural solutions that don't let your skin give away your age. Let's explore the various herbs that help achieve a youthful glow, better known as the age-old Nani ke nuskhe: Turmeric: A golden treasure for skin enhancementThis radiant spice has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Create a golden paste by mixing turmeric powder with honey or milk, and gently apply it to your face. Let the transformative magic unfold as the paste reduces inflammation and reveals a newfound radiance. Simply apply the turmeric-infused paste on your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water and unveil an improved complexion that beams with natural beauty. Aloe Vera: Nature's soothing elixir for the skinKnown for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera replenishes lost hydration and leaves your skin soft, supple, and glowing with vitality. Simply apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your skin and experience its refreshing and nourishing effects. Gently massage the cool gel onto your face. Regular use of aloe vera gel can even help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a youthful and radiant complexion. Neem: Nature's shield for clear and healthy skinNeem, within the realm of skincare, is known for its potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a remarkable guardian for your skin. This extraordinary plant offers a natural solution for treating acne and combating various skin infections. Harnessing its power is as simple as creating a paste by grinding neem leaves with water and gently applying it to the affected area. Allow the paste to work its magic, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off. Experience the transformative effects of neem as it revitalises your skin, providing a natural solution for clearer and healthier skin. Sandalwood: A fragrant marvel for rejuvenating skinSandalwood is versatile, catering to different skin types. For dry skin, create a paste with sandalwood powder, honey, and olive oil. It soothes and moisturises skin, revealing a refreshed complexion. For oily skin, mix sandalwood powder, fuller's earth, and lemon juice. It absorbs excess oil and unclogs pores, leaving a fresh, matte finish. Apply the mask to your skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. After the mask has dried, rinse it and experience the transformative effects of sandalwood for radiant and balanced skin. Rosewater: A gentle elixir for skincareRevitalise your skincare routine with the enchanting properties of rosewater. This gentle elixir effortlessly harmonises with your skin, maintaining its pH balance and providing hydration. Experience its calming effect as it reduces redness and reveals a refreshed complexion. Enjoy the convenience of using rosewater as a natural makeup remover, allowing your skin to breathe freely and luxuriate in the soothing essence of roses. Let rosewater be your go-to elixir, infusing your skincare ritual with its delicate and transformative touch. Shatavari: Nourishing elixir for skin healthIn the realm of Ayurvedic skincare, Shatavari, though not traditionally used directly on the skin, holds incredible potential to nurture your skin's health through internal consumption. Available in various forms, such as powder, capsules, or liquid extract, Shatavari is often consumed as a dietary supplement. Indulge in the timeless ritual of taking Shatavari orally, either with warm water or milk, to unlock its holistic benefits. In a world where quick fixes and instant results often dominate, Ayurveda offers a profound reminder to slow down, connect with nature, and prioritise our inner health. The Ayurvedic beauty secrets for ageing skin provide a natural and sustainable path to achieving youthful, glowing skin that radiates from the inside out. It's the perfect time to incorporate the goodness of Ayurveda into our daily beauty regimes. (Dr. Kriti Soni, head of R&D, Kapiva)Also Read: Dermal fillers are on the rise among young Indians, here's why 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
31 May,2023 10:42 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPeople dread wrinkles because we are aware that they cause ridges, folds, or creases in the epidermis of the skin. As we become older, the wrinkles develop naturally on our skin due to various reasons. It is however perfectly normal to have wrinkles on your skin. As we age, our skin normally becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic. However, it may be concerning if you start to wrinkle before your time. First of all let's understand why we get wrinkles, its causes and their prevention from the experts: Sunlight exposureWrinkles are primarily brought on by the sun. UV radiation from sunlight can penetrate the deepest layers of skin and break down collagen, which makes the skin less flexible. Wear sunscreen that is suited for your skin type whether you are inside or outside, whether you are driving or just relaxing by the window. Given the previous weather, SPF 30 or higher is recommended. The sun's indirect rays might also lead to wrinkles. People who work in the sun are more likely to get early wrinkles. Wrinkles may be avoided by donning clothes that covers the skin, such as long sleeves or a hat. Smoking and alcohol consumptionSmoking often reduces the blood flow to the skin, accelerating skin ageing. Skin is dried out by alcohol. As a result, the skin loses strength and flexibility. Wrinkles start to develop as the skin begins to sag. So for the sake of your skin, give up drinking and smoking. SquintingSquinting and particularly active facial movements like furrowing your brows and frowning can also contribute to wrinkles. When you squint, your face muscles stiffen up. Dr Karuna Malhotra, Cosmetologist and Aesthetic Physician from Cosmetic Skin Clinic, New Delhi said "as a result, your skin cells become squeezed and lose their suppleness. Many individuals have a tendency to squint. But you may change this negative behaviour and stop wrinkles from forming by making conscious efforts." Stress is a key culpritDr Sandeep Babbar, Medical Director and Dermatologist from Revyve Skin, Hair and Nail Clinic, Faridabad explained "as we age, the body produces less collagen, and stress also decreases collagen production and can cause inflammation. Collagen loses flexibility and rigidity as it ages, making it less effective at promoting skin regeneration and wound healing. Both a loss of flexibility and persistent brow furrowing brought on by stress can cause wrinkles. Stress can also cause wrinkles to emerge because high amounts of the stress hormone cortisol can break down the collagen and elastin in the skin." Dry skinIf you have dry skin, you are more likely to have wrinkles. People with dry skin produce less sebum, the skin's natural moisturiser, which acts as a barrier to shield your skin from the whims of the climate. Regularly moisturise at least twice a day to prevent wrinkles because doing so prevents dryness, which reduces the likelihood that wrinkles will appear. Lack of sleepLack of sleep makes skin healing more difficult. The skin's ability to retain moisture is compromised, as well as the pH level. All of this causes insufficient collagen formation, which speeds up the development of wrinkles. Excessive cosmetic useYour skin can benefit from cosmetics, but overusing them could have the opposite effect said Dr Karuna Malhotra. They could cause rashes, edoema, clogged pores, and other unfavourable outcomes. All of them can delay the onset of wrinkles by reducing the production of collagen and sebum. Food deficienciesOn the other hand, dietary deficiencies wreak havoc on your skin, causing breakouts, rashes, dry skin, wrinkles before their time, etc. If you don't get enough vitamins, your skin may start to show it by becoming dry, pigmented, dull, or overly oily. Your face and body show the effects of the food you eat. Include vitamin C, D, B, E, and K in your diet; these nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy skin. "People may go for a variety of treatments to get rid of wrinkles. Making lifestyle adjustments like moisturising, using sunscreen, eating a good diet, being less stressed out, exercising regularly, giving up smoking, and drinking less alcohol can help you delay or prevent wrinkles. For deeper wrinkles, a person can also require procedures like microdermabrasion, botox, fillers, chemical peels, facelifts, etc", said Dr Sandeep Babbar.Also Read: An expert guide to reverse grey hair with natural remedies 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
31 May,2023 10:29 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSUppsala University researchers examined how junk food impacts sleep in a new study. In random order, healthy volunteers consumed an unhealthy and a healthier diet. The quality of the participants' deep sleep had decreased after the unhealthy diet, compared to those who had followed the healthier diet. The findings of the study were published in the journal Obesity. Several epidemiological studies have found that what we eat influences how we sleep. However, few research have looked into how nutrition impacts sleep directly. One method is to have the same individual consume various diets in a random order. "Both poor diet and poor sleep increase the risk of several public health conditions. As what we eat is so important for our health, we thought it would be interesting to investigate whether some of the health effects of different diets could involve changes to our sleep. In this context, so-called intervention studies have so far been lacking; studies designed to allow the mechanistic effect of different diets on sleep to be isolated," said Jonathan Cedernaes, Physician and Associate Professor in Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University. Previous epidemiological studies have shown that diets with greater sugar content, for example, are linked to poorer sleep. Yet sleep is an interplay of different physiological states, as Cedernaes explains: "For example, deep sleep can be affected by what we eat. But no study had previously investigated what happens if we consume an unhealthy diet and then compared it to quality of sleep after that same person follows a healthy diet. What is exciting in this context is that sleep is very dynamic. Our sleep consists of different stages with different functions, such as deep sleep which regulates hormonal release, for example. Furthermore, each sleep stage is hallmarked by different types of electrical activity in the brain. This regulates aspects such as how restorative sleep is, and differs across different brain regions. But the depth or integrity of the sleep stages can also be negatively affected by factors such as insomnia and ageing. Previously, it has not been investigated whether similar changes in our sleep stages can occur after exposure to different diets." Each study session involved several days of monitoring in a sleep laboratory. Therefore, only 15 individuals were included in the study. A total of 15 healthy normal-weight young men participated in two sessions. Participants were first screened for aspects such as their sleep habits, which had to be normal and within the recommended range (an average of seven to nine hours of sleep per night). In random order, the participants were given both a healthier diet and an unhealthier diet. The two diets contained the same number of calories, adjusted to each individual's daily requirements. Among other things, the unhealthier diet contained a higher content of sugar and saturated fat and more processed food items. The meals of each diet had to be consumed at individually adjusted times, which were matched across the two dietary conditions. Each diet was consumed for a week, while the participants' sleep, activity and meal schedules were monitored at an individual level. After each diet, the participants were examined in a sleep laboratory. There, they were first allowed to sleep a normal night, while their brain activity was measured to monitor their sleep. The participants were then kept awake in the sleep laboratory, before being allowed to catch up on sleep. Their sleep was recorded in this case, too. "What we saw was that the participants slept for the same amount of time when they consumed the two diets. This was the case both while they were following the diets, as well as after they had switched to another, identical diet. In addition, across the two diets, the participants spent the same amount of time in the different sleep stages. But we were particularly interested in investigating the properties of their deep sleep. Specifically, we looked at slow-wave activity, a measure that can reflect how restorative deep sleep is. Intriguingly, we saw that deep sleep exhibited less slow-wave activity when the participants had eaten junk food, compared with consumption of healthier food. This effect also lasted into a second night, once we had switched the participants to an identical diet. Essentially, the unhealthy diet resulted in shallower deep sleep. Of note, similar changes in sleep occur with ageing and in conditions such as insomnia. It can be hypothesised, from a sleep perspective, that greater importance should potentially be attached to diet in such conditions," explained Cedernaes. The researchers do not currently know how long-lasting the sleep effects of the unhealthier diet may be. The study did not investigate whether the shallower deep sleep may alter functions that are regulated by deep sleep, for example. "It would also be interesting to conduct functional tests, for example to see whether memory function can be affected. This is regulated to a large extent by sleep. And it would be equally interesting to understand how long-lasting the observed effects may be. Currently, we do not know which substances in the unhealthier diet worsened the depth of deep sleep. As in our case, unhealthy diets often contain both higher proportions of saturated fat and sugar and a lower proportion of dietary fibre. It would be interesting to investigate whether there is a particular molecular factor that plays a greater role. Our dietary intervention was also quite short, and both the sugar and fat content could have been higher. It is possible that an even unhealthier diet would have had more pronounced effects on sleep," noted Cedernaes. Also Read: Curd rice to carpaccio: Make these savoury dishes with mangoes this summer 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
31 May,2023 02:30 PM IST | Uppsala (Sweden) | ANIConsumption of tobacco either through smoking or smokeless form is associated with a number of diseases like cancer, heart and lung disease, can have a serious effect on the quality of life of a person, experts said ahead of the World No Tobacco Day and urged people to quit smoking. World No-Tobacco Day is celebrated every year on May 31 to educate people about the perils associated with tobacco consumption. Tobacco is a major public health concern across India. As per Global Adult Tobacco Survey-India (GATS2) India is home to over 27 crore tobacco users and globally, it is the second largest producer and consumer of tobacco products. Tobacco and smoking contribute to a wide range of diseases, including strokes, heart attacks, lung disorders, and various cancers affecting multiple organs such as the mouth, throat, lungs, pancreas, bladder, kidneys, liver, and stomach. "Smoking claims an alarming number of lives in India, causing 12 lakh deaths annually," Dr. Ravinder Gera, Director and Head of Department, Department of ENT, Max Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS. It inflicts significant damage to lung tissue at a microscopic level. The functional units of the lungs, called alveoli, facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with each breath. "Smoking disrupts and destroys the structure and function of these alveoli, hindering their vital role in gas exchange. Whether from cigarette smoke or the inhalation of non-tobacco smoke, such as burning biomass or incense sticks, the damage to the alveoli accumulates over time and is irreversible," Dr Gera said. "It is crucial to recognise the diminished quality of life associated with smoking as a strong incentive to quit this harmful habit," he added, stating that quitting requires a firm commitment. According to Dr Ambarish Joshi, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, the urge to indulge in tobacco is mostly irresistible to tobacco users. "To battle those urges, it is crucial to bear in mind that although the intensity of the craving may be formidable, it will typically subside within 5 to 10 minutes, regardless of whether or not you succumb to the temptation," he said. Tobacco smoke contains toxic chemicals which also cause damage to the linings of the airways and the lungs. It weakens the immunity of the patient to fight against the tuberculosis-causing mycobacterium. More than 20 per cent of the global TB incidence may be attributed to smoking. Embracing nicotine replacement therapy, steering clear of smoke triggers, social networking, employing the power of delay, channel chewing impulses with sugarless gum or healthy nuts, avoiding the illusion of just one' and harnessing the power of physical activity are some innovative and effective methods in fending off the urge to smoke, Dr Joshi said. Each step towards a smoke-free life is a significant accomplishment, even though the journey may take time, the health experts said. Also Read: World No-Tobacco Day: How Mumbai’s slum champion, Snehal Kshirsagar uses music to battle societal tobacco abuse 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
31 May,2023 11:42 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSDementia is described as a loss of cognitive functioning, which included thinking, remembering, and reasoning, and it is quite common in Japan. At the moment, treatment satisfaction for dementia is among the lowest, and no medication therapy to cure the condition is available. With the world's population increasingly ageing, the discovery of dementia prevention and treatment medications is crucial. Cognitive impairment has been linked to the consumption of excess table salt, a ubiquitous food seasoning. High salt (HS) intake can also lead to hypertension. To prevent adverse health outcomes, the World Health Organization recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 g per day. The involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II)--a hormone that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance--and its receptor "AT1", as well as that of the physiologically important lipid molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 and its receptor "EP1" in hypertension and neurotoxicity is well-recognized. However, the involvement of these systems in HS-mediated hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment remains elusive. To this end, a recent study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology thoroughly evaluated the aspects of HS-mediated hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment. The study was performed by a team of collaborating researchers from Japan, and has shown how hypertension, mediated by the crosstalk between Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 causes emotional and cognitive dysfunction. Author Hisayoshi Kubota from Fujita Health University's Graduate School of Health Science comments, "Excessive salt intake is considered a risk factor for hypertension, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. However, studies focusing on the interaction between the peripheral and central nervous system have not sufficiently investigated this association." According to the published data, the addition of excessive phosphates to the protein "tau" is primarily responsible for these emotional and cognitive consequences. The findings are particularly noteworthy because tau is a key protein of Alzheimer's disease. The team first loaded laboratory mice with an HS solution (2 per cent NaCl in drinking water) for 12 weeks and monitored their blood pressure. "The effects of HS intake on emotional/cognitive function and tau phosphorylation were also examined in two key areas of the mouse brain--the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus," explains Prof. Mouri. Next, they also studied the involvement of the Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 systems in HS-induced hypertension and neuronal/behavioural impairment. The results were remarkable and encouraging: The brains of the experimental mice had several biochemical alternations. At the molecular level, besides the addition of phosphates to tau, the researchers also observed a decrease in the phosphate groups linked to a key enzyme called "CaMKII"--a protein involved in brain signalling. Moreover, changes in the levels of "PSD95"--a protein that plays a vital role in the organization and function of brain synapses (connection between brain cells)--were also evident. Interestingly, the biochemical changes were reversed after the administration of the antihypertensive drug "losartan." A similar reversal was observed after knocking out the EP1 gene. Overall, these findings suggest that angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems could be novel therapeutic targets for hypertension-induced dementia. Also Read: World No Tobacco Day: Cancer surgeon warns against smoking, here's how to detect oral cancer early 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
31 May,2023 09:37 AM IST | Tokyo (Japan) | IANS“When one smokes, he or she is not only at the risk of lung cancer but even the cancer of the oesophagus, stomach oral cavity and many more.”, warns Dr Deepak Khanna, Consultant Head-Neck Cancer Surgeon at Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. In his career of more than twelve years, Dr Khanna has had a long history of serving patients suffering from oral cancer. A common pattern that he has observed is that a majority of oral cancer patients have had a history of tobacco consumption. “A significant number of people getting diagnosed with oral cancer have a record of smoking a pack of cigarettes or consuming chewable form of tobacco. Hence, quitting smoking is the best way to lead a healthy life.” states the acclaimed cancer surgeon. It is a common belief that smoking just one or two cigarettes a day isn’t harmful. But according to the doctor, this is one of the biggest myths. “Whenever you are smoking a cigarette, you are taking around 30 carcinogens per cigarette. It is a very wrong belief when people think that they can smoke just one cigarette or two in a day and still can get away”, explains Dr Khanna. Numerous studies have indicated growing oral cancer cases in the country. As the world observes No Tobacco Day today, it is important to note that the increased tobacco consumption is known to be one of the major reasons behind this rising trend. However, when it comes to the dangers of smoking tobacco, experts warn that the dangers are not only restricted to oral cancer but several others. Spotting any cancer at an early stage saves lives. When it comes to oral cancer, according to Dr Khanna, these are the symptoms to watch out for. “Non-healing ulcers of mouth or throat, loosening of teeth, lump in the mouth or jaw, numbness in the chin or lip area, swelling, red or white patches in the mouth, sore throat, jaw pain, swallowing problems, ear pain, mouth pain, lump inside the mouth, and a lip or a mouth sore. You need to consult the doctor immediately when you notice these symptoms. Delaying treatment can worsen one’s condition.” With the recent developments in health technology and medical research, a cure is very much possible if diagnosed early and treated appropriately. But as they say, prevention is better than cure, Dr. Khanna suggests the following to get over tobacco addiction and keep diseases at bay. “Quitting smoking and consumption of any form of tobacco is the need of the hour to keep cancer at bay. Smoking harms the vital organs of the body including the heart, digestive system and lungs and is also responsible for type 2 Diabetes and Ophthalmic diseases. So, replacement therapy such as nicotine gums, patches, black coffee, avoiding a smoker's company, physical exercises when you have a high urge to smoke, yoga, and a healthy diet are key factors that can help you to stay away from smoking. Take charge of your health, quit smoking, and add more years to your life.”, concludes Dr Khanna.
31 May,2023 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani KapoorDitch those health supplements as they have no health benefits, and are simply a money-making scheme by drug companies, according to a top UK scientist. Professor Tim Spector, a genetic epidemiology expert at King's College London, said people should instead eat 'real food', Daily Mail reported. He also vouched for a predominantly plant-based diet with minimal, if any, ultra processed food. Spector said a majority of the supplements are made in Chinese factories and research has shown that they do not work at all. "These supplements are driven by the same companies... they're going to be the new future giant food companies," Spector was quoted as saying. "Their budgets are massive. They're not these artisan little people in the back of a shed in Somerset making a superb organic supplement. They're all made in massive factories in China and you have no control [over] what it is - and 99 per cent of them have been shown not to work at all. "So we're total mugs paying all that money for supplements when we should be spending it on real food," the scientist said. He added that the only supplement with any benefit is B12 for vegans who are not eating as many iron-rich foods as they should. Spector said while it is "impossible to do away with all the unhealthy foods completely", people must be educated on how to identify them. He said real food "could massively increase the life expectancy of the poor and our health span". Spector also said that switching to a plant-based diet will prove beneficial for the planet, claiming that giving up meat is more effective than not driving and not taking flights for holidays abroad, the report said. Also Read: Cancer surgeon warns against smoking, here's how to detect oral cancer early 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
30 May,2023 01:06 PM IST | London | IANS
Mental health is tricky to navigate for most of us. Be it burnout from work, mood swings because of hormonal challenges, triggers at home or anxiety because of relationships—there is a need of healthy coping mechanisms to avoid being overwhelmed. “No matter what you are going through in your everyday life, journaling has proven to be very effective to cope with everyday challenges and stressors and also has a positive effect on mental health,” says Meghna Karia, senior psychologist and outreach associate at Mpower. She elaborates, “Journaling is an act of recording your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and insights. You can choose the medium of recording your thoughts which could be either handwritten, or you could also choose to type and make a digital journal.” Even though handwriting has proven to be more helpful in processing your thoughts, journaling whenever you can and when you feel the need to – regardless of the medium – has far-reaching benefits. Benefits of journaling “Journaling has been scientifically proven to benefit one’s mental well-being. Researchers have found from the studies that people with mental health who wrote for 15 to 30 min a day for a period of 12 weeks have experienced fewer depressive symptoms and have shown positive results in overall well-being,” Karia says. For those struggling with their mental health, journaling can help create awareness not only about mental health concerns but also about physical concerns and behaviours. It is also effective in tapering anxiety, and provides an emotional outlet as writing about an event – emotional or traumatic – helps release all the negative emotions out of the mind, immediately. Journaling can also be practiced as a habit or a daily ritual. You can choose any time of the day which is convenient and a place that makes you feel safe and comfortable. Make journaling a safe space, with a filter-free zone where you can just be yourself. Different styles Karia tells mid-dayonline.com that there are different styles of journaling which can aid in managing our mental health in distinctive situations. Stream of consciousness It can be done for simple and complex situations. It can help identify emotions and feelings when you feel it is difficult to understand what’s on your mind. Since we all deal with emotional conflicts, anger, and setbacks, it is hard to process the negative emotions and the triggers because of the volatile situations. However, writing in a stream of consciousness at that moment is significant. Here, you can simply write whatever comes to your mind without any judgment. You can write about anything and everything that comes to your mind without judging whether what you have written is good or bad, right or wrong appropriate or inappropriate. You can release all your positive or negative emotions in your journal. Once you are done writing, do not read it as it’s a brain dump. You can tear it immediately and discard it. Emotional regulation tool Journaling can also help in emotional regulation. It helps you track your mood through a mood tracker. We need to have a mood tracker which allows us to identify our mood and the emotion we are going through at that moment. It also helps to articulate our feelings to ourselves and others. It’s very effective in making you understand your triggers and pen them down to gain more clarity. Once identified, ask yourself whether you feel good or bad about experiencing that emotion. If it makes you feel bad then ask yourself what would serve you at that moment to feel better. It could be any activity that would help you to soothe your nerves and senses. For example, it could be talking to your friend by asking for his or her consent if you would like to share intense emotions. Make sure you explain your emotions and do not end up just emotionally dumping. Additionally, you could also savour your favourite meal, go for a massage, paint, listen to music, or simply just step down for a stroll. Tracker for all Journaling can also be used to track your habits, goals, and healthy behaviours. It’s not just about recording negative thinking patterns but you can also feel grateful about your small wins of the day, milestones achieved and pleasant experiences. Penning down and keeping track of your symptoms for mental health concerns in terms of frequency, intensity and duration, would help you determine your progress and compare it with previous patterns. This way, it serves well for you to understand how far you have come. How to cultivate the habit of journaling Now that we have understood the benefits of, and different styles of journaling, Karia shares expert tips on how to develop a habit to journal for having good mental health. 1. GratitudeThe first step is to start with a gratitude journal. Cultivating gratitude in our lives helps us see the silver lining. 2. Practice savouringOne can talk about how beautiful the day was or the week which had some positive scenes to remember, the people involved in those positive scenes, and the way it made you feel good about the overall event. 3. Appreciate your loved onesWrite handwritten notes when you feel like appreciating your close ones. This habit will not only enrich your relationships but also improve communication. 4. Be intentionalSet intentions every day and journal them down. Intent how you would like to feel in the day. Intent how you would like to look forward to the day. Intent how you would like to behave in the day and also write the intent of how you would like to think by choosing the state of mind for the day. 5. Know your nourishmentMaintain a food journal which would also help you to understand your eating patterns. What you eat also affects how you think and feel. Hence food also has a vital role to play in your mental health. 6. Set your goalsJournaling can also help with writing down your goals and vision creation. A vision board also gives you a detailed understanding of a road map that would serve you better in terms of an action plan and the steps you would like to take to work toward your vision. 7. Navigate decision makingJournaling also has been encouraging when it comes to making decisions. Penning down the choices you would like to choose, the pros and cons of the choices, and the healthy and harmful consequences of those choices would also help to be better with your decision-making and problem-solving. 8. Track your triggersJournaling also has proven to manage mental health conditions like eating disorders. Writing down the triggers of emotional binging and also expressing how one feels before the trigger has helped a lot of them to have control over unhealthy eating patterns. 9. Travel JournalIt’s scientifically proven that traveling to nature also helps in healing. Writing about your emotion’s pre-travel, while you travel, and post-travel also helps you to understand how there is a shift in your mood and the way travel helps you reach insights about what next steps you would like to take in your professional life and in your personal life which would serve your mental health better. Also Read: How this single Mumbai mother is championing the cause of menstrual hygiene among young girls
29 May,2023 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalMenstruation, often referred to as period, is the natural vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman's monthly cycle. The female body prepares for pregnancy every month by the law of nature. If there is no incidence of pregnancy, the uterus, or womb, loses its lining resulting in periodic blood flow. This flow comprises blood and tissue that is shed from inside the uterus. According to a recent study conducted by an NGO, Toxic Links, around 12.3 billion sanitary napkins, amounting to 113,000 tonnes of waste, get dumped into India’s landfills every year. The study also claims that the commonly found napkins constitute 90 per cent plastic which is equivalent to the impact of 4 plastic bags. An estimated 80 per cent of urban women rely on inorganic plastic napkins which not only endanger workers who treat waste but also carry harmful elements that cause nausea, fatigue and release carcinogenic gases. The question arises, what is the solution to this double whammy caused by plastic napkins? Priti Banthia Mahesh, the chief programme coordinator of Toxics Link, said, “Menstrual hygiene is an important issue. But most programmes related to this end up distributing disposable sanitary pads. There has been little realisation that inorganic pads are made of plastic and are non-degradable ending up polluting our environment. It is important to create sustainable alternatives for distribution to women.” Why switch to plant-based sanitary napkins Countering the menace of plastic pollution is the women-led venture Carmesi. Being mindful of the environment is the need of the hour and it is this principle which led to the birth of plant-based sanitary napkins. These pads are made keeping the future in mind, a future that is not littered with hills of plastic napkins that we dispose of today. Designed with eco-friendly techniques, these napkins are revolutionising the sanitation industry with greener alternatives. The top sheet and back sheet are made up of corn fiber, a plant-based output, replacing the traditional use of plastic. Not only this, but the napkins also come in a biodegradable brown paper bag that is easy to break down, as opposed to plastic packaging. Going one step ahead, Carmesi has introduced panty liners which are designed for light-spotting, minimal discharges and incontinence (unintended passage of urine). Towards the end of a menstrual cycle, women undergo spotting or a light discharge of blood. Since, the discharge is minimal, using a full-sized sanitary napkin is not only uneconomical but also mounts unjustified pressure on the environment. Filling in this gap are panty liners which are similar to sanitary pads but are much smaller, thinner and less absorbent. They are mainly used to absorb discharge, urine leakage or very light menstrual flow. Although they’re usually meant for non-period discharge, panty liners can be used during the last day of the period or could be carried if period is about to commence. Menstrual hygiene Midday Online spoke to Tanvi Johri, co-founder of Carmesi and Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar to learn about menstrual hygiene. Here are the edited excerpts from the interview: What should women keep in mind to maintain menstrual hygiene? Johri shares menstrual hygiene tips to keep infections at bay. 1. Wash your hands before handling a menstrual product, especially with invasive period wears like cups and tampons. 2. Change your pads every 4-6 hours, and your tampons every 4-8 hours. Empty your cups by 12 hours depending on the blood flow. 3. Wash your genital area frequently during your period to keep the area clean from blood. This will maintain the vaginal pH and protect you from itching and infections. Don’t use soap as this will change your pH. Lukewarm water is enough, or you can use a dedicated intimate cleanser. After washing, wipe from front to back. 4. Never use scented sanitary products. They can irritate your skin, change your pH and cause rashes and infections. 5. Drink enough water to remain hydrated and protected from infections. 6. Always wrap your pads and tampons in a piece of paper and throw it in the garbage can. Never flush it down the toilet or throw it out in the open without wrapping it first. What are the myths about menstrual hygiene? 1. Impure blood is shed during periods There’s absolutely nothing impure or toxic about period blood. Menstrual blood is the same as that which flows through the rest of the body, just combined with the unfertilized egg and the tissues of the uterine wall. 2. You can wear a pad for the whole day Just because a pad sits outside the body, you should not wear it for a whole day. When you let blood sit on it for an extended period of time, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause infections. So, you should always change your pad every 4-6 hours regardless of your flow. 3. You should not take a head bath during periods There’s no scientific evidence that states any disadvantages to washing your hair during your periods. It’s a mere myth and you don’t have to compromise on your personal hygiene just because you’re on your period. In fact, hormonal fluctuations during the period cycle can actually make your hair oilier. Hence, it’s a good idea to give it a wash! How effective are tampons and cups in managing period flow? Tampons and cups are very effective in managing period flow, as long as you use them according to your flow. In fact, some researchers have found that cups are more effective at handling flow than some pads and tampons in some cases. Here’s a comparison of how much fluid each product can hold: The capacity, however, isn’t the only determining factor of period flow management. Unless you have a very heavy flow. In order to be able to effectively keep you protected, the period products you’re using must guard you against leaks. And, when used correctly, tampons and cups can be totally leak-proof. How can women reduce cramps with home-based remedies? Period pain can manifest itself as cramps in the pelvic area, discomfort in the stomach, lower back, and legs, or as a persistent aching. Women who have painful periods may have greater than normal amounts of natural substances that trigger uterine, intestinal, and blood vessel contractions. Johri lists down home-based remedies to treat menstrual cramps: 1. Abdominal massage with lavender, peppermint, rose or fennel essential oils diluted with a carrier oil like almond oil 2. Sipping on chamomile tea 3. Pain relief yoga poses 4. Applying a hot water bag on the lower abdomen 5. Dark chocolates also help to relieve period pain What do different colours of period blood signify? Pink blood Pink blood is commonly noticed as your menstruation begins. Some of the new, brilliant red blood may mingle with vaginal discharge at this time, causing the colour to fade and appear pink. Vaginal discharge is a mixture of fluid and cells that your vagina secretes to maintain your vaginal tissues healthy, moist, and free of infection or discomfort. If you have light periods, your blood may appear pink. Bright red blood As your uterus begins to aggressively discharge blood during your period, you may notice a bright red colour. This simply signifies that your blood is fresh and has not been in the uterus or vagina for an extended period of time. Dark crimson blood Crimson red blood is merely blood that has remained in the vagina for a longer period of time. It has even been observed with blood clots. Clotting is also regarded normal unless the clots are greater than quarters in size. Brown or black blood These are colour changes that occur when blood takes a longer time to exit the vagina. Black blood is blood that is dark red or brown in colour and appears black. As your menstruation comes to an end, the black blood might mingle with vaginal discharge and appear brown. How can we empower women on their period cycle? 1. It is critical to have regular access to bathrooms during menstruation. This should be as near to the workstation as feasible to prevent interruption and provide simple access. 2. Menstrual blood loss can be so severe at times that it pours through any protection used. This can be highly humiliating; however, it is significantly improved if darker chair textiles with wipe-clean surfaces are provided. Consider the influence on menstruating women, as well as other issues, when selecting workplace fabric. 3. Darker materials for trousers/skirts are also more forgiving for menstruation women. Because body temperature might fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, breathable clothing is recommended. This is also an important concern for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms. It's also a good idea to have a locker where you can keep a spare uniform Also Read: Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023: How this single Mumbai mother is championing the cause of menstrual hygiene among young girls
28 May,2023 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviADVERTISEMENT
