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What is Virtual Healthcare? Benefits| Challenges | Top Players

Virtual Healthcare

We all know the dark days during the outbreak of COVID-19. The shortcomings in the healthcare system enhanced the idea of medical software development and boosted the appeal of virtual healthcare companies. Due to the benefits of Virtual Healthcare, it is gaining popularity.  But with the benefits there are also challenges in virtual healthcare which still needs to be worked upon. However, It is gaining momentum and there are several healthcare companies that are going strong even in 2023. In this blog, we will explore the benefits and challenges of virtual healthcare, as well as some of the top players in the Industry. What is Virtual Healthcare? The delivery of services and information to patients through the use of digital technology, such as videoconferencing, smartphone apps, and remote monitoring equipment, is referred to as virtual healthcare. It is also known as telemedicine or telehealth. For those who reside in rural areas or have mobility or transportation issues, this system makes it possible for patients to contact  healthcare providers without having to physically visit a healthcare institution Now, let us learn more about it’s benefits. Benefits of Virtual Healthcare: Greater access to healthcare One of the first benefits of virtual healthcare is that it can assist in overcoming the geographical and transportation obstacles that some people face while trying to get healthcare. Without leaving their homes, patients in remote places or those who are unable to travel due to mobility or transportation issues can receive care. Improved patient outcomes  It can provide patients with more frequent and convenient access to healthcare services, which can lead to better health outcomes. For example, remote monitoring devices can allow patients with chronic conditions to receive regular check-ins from their healthcare providers, which can help to prevent complications and hospitalizations. Reduced healthcare costs Thirdly, patients without health insurance or with high deductibles may find that this system is less expensive than traditional in-person care. Additionally, by lowering the need for hospital stays and ER visits, It can aid in lowering healthcare expenses. Increased patient involvement Lastly, patients’ involvement in their own healthcare can be improved with the use of this system. For instance, people can manage their health better and interact with healthcare professionals more effectively by using smartphone apps that let them track their symptoms and medications. Now, as already mentioned every industry has its own challenges. Let us look into some of the challenges in virtual healthcare. Challenges in Virtual Healthcare: Top Players  : Teladoc Health: Teladoc Health is one of the largest healthcare companies in the world, offering a wide range of healthcare services, including virtual visits with healthcare providers, remote monitoring for chronic conditions, and mental health services. One Medical: One Medical is a membership-based primary care provider that offers healthcare services. One Medical offers in-person and virtual care visits and charges an annual fee to patients who choose to use the service. One Medical is well-positioned to gain brand loyalty for both its in-person and virtual care offerings by providing direct-to-consumer services. Mantra Health: Mantra health is a mental health clinic for young adults Since 2019, university counselling centers have relied on Mantra Health to track student symptoms, promote collaboration for on-campus care teams and utilise reporting. Students can also access a patient portal for video appointments, 24/7 messaging, progress tracking and personalised treatment. MDLive: MDLive provides telemedicine services to patients across the United States. The platform allows patients to connect with healthcare providers for video visits and offers a variety of healthcare services, including primary care, mental health, and dermatology. Conclusion The growth of these healthcare companies and industries will play a big role in the future as it is evolving each day. Also, the future of healthcare will almost certainly be a hybrid paradigm in which patients receive a combination of virtual and in-person care. Let us keep ourselves updated each day to accept such amazing tech gifts in the future.

8 Ways Students Can Adapt Healthy Food Habit While Studying

Healthy food habit

Healthy food habit while studying is an important topic we learnt since the beginning of our school days. However, by the time we reach high school followed by college we lose our habit of healthy eating. With packed schedules and the desire to hangout with friends, we end up eating out multiple times. These habits of eating out result in health issues. Also, healthy food habit is essential if you want to acquire high grades and effortlessly attain your goals. However, what if we tell you that healthy food and eating out can be a combination. Yes! You read it right. We have ways to adapt healthy food habit even when dining out with friends. Ways to Get into Healthy Food Habit Take a few minutes before going out to lunch to study the menu of the restaurant you intend to visit. Most restaurants have their menus available online, which allows you to locate any healthy selections. You may also look up calorie and nutrition information to help you make more healthy food choices. One of the best tricks to eat healthy food is to choose water over every other drink. Sugary beverages, such as soda and sweetened iced tea, are high in calories and can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Choose water or unsweetened tea instead. Add a slice of lemon or lime to your water for flavour, or go for sparkling water. Students looking to adapt healthy food habit while studying must include more lean protein options. Protein is an essential component of a balanced diet. However, certain protein sources are heavy in saturated fat and calories. Choose lean proteins such as grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes. These selections are often fewer in calories and higher in nutrients. French fries are a popular side dish at many restaurants. However, they are heavy in calories and saturated fat. The trick to eat healthy is to remove fries and add more salad with a mild dressing. You may also request extra veggies on your burger or sandwich, as well as a side of roasted vegetables or a baked potato. Whole grain options such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, or quinoa are increasingly available in many eateries. These selections are richer in fibre and provide essential nutrients. Choose whole grain bread over white bread when ordering a sandwich or wrap. When ordering a stir-fry or a burrito, specify brown rice rather than white rice. Aren’t these tricks to eating healthy easy so far? Many restaurants are ready to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences by making substitutes. Don’t be hesitant to request a different side dish or a vegetable in place of a less healthful one. You can also request that your burger or sandwich be wrapped in lettuce rather than a bun, or that your salad be served without croutons or cheese. Skip dessert and order a coffee instead. As well as seriously cutting calories and added sugar, you’ll also get some of the great health benefits associated with coffee. There will be moments when you just want to consume your favourite dish without worrying about whether it is healthy or not. Although healthy food habit while studying is recommended, in diet and food choices has been related to improved general health and weight control. It’s useful to consider how a meal fits into your entire diet. Go ahead and indulge yourself if you generally follow healthy eating routines. An occasional indulgence can be beneficial to the soul. To summarise, eating out might be difficult while attempting to maintain a healthy diet, but it is not impossible. You may have a nutritious lunch when dining out by planning ahead, making thoughtful selections, and asking for substitutes. Eating healthy is important and remember that tiny improvements may lead to significant effects over time, so choose healthier choices whenever feasible.

How Stress and Anxiety Cause Hairfall? Solutions for Hairfall

Stress and Anxiety

Many people find hair loss to be a stressful experience. While various factors contribute to hair loss, stress and worry are major triggers. When a person is anxious, the natural growth cycle of their hair is disrupted, resulting in hair loss. In this blog, we’ll look at how stress and anxiety cause hair loss and what solutions are available. How Stress and Anxiety Cause Hairfall? The human body has a natural hair growth cycle that consists of three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The growth phase is known as the anagen phase, the transitional phase is known as the catagen phase, and the resting phase is known as the telogen phase. The hair follicles are quiescent during the telogen phase, and old hair is removed to create a place for new hair development. This can affect the hair’s natural growth cycle. When a person is stressed the levels of the hormone cortisol in the body rise. Cortisol levels that are too high can cause hair follicles to shrink, blood supply to the scalp to decrease, and the hair growth cycle to be disrupted. This can result in hair thinning and, ultimately, hair loss. Additionally, this can cause a condition called alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Now, as every problem has a solution, so does this. With those causes in mind, we must look at some of the solutions for hair fall.  Let us dive into some of the solutions for Hair Fall. Solutions for Hair Fall  Identify the source of stress and anxiety Identifying the source of stress is the first step in resolving stress and anxiety-related hair loss. This can be accomplished by chatting with a healthcare professional or a mental health specialist. They can assist clients in understanding the fundamental cause of their stress and developing appropriate coping mechanisms. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all relaxation techniques that can help reduce tension and anxiety. These approaches can help people relax and lower cortisol production, which can help prevent hair loss. A well-balanced diet is critical for maintaining good hair. A protein-rich, iron-rich, vitamin-rich diet can help prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth. These nutrients are abundant in foods such as eggs, spinach, almonds, and sweet potatoes. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve blood circulation, and promote hair growth. Exercise can also help regulate hormone levels in the body, which can prevent hair loss. Using harsh hair care products can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Individuals should choose hair care products that are gentle on the scalp and avoid those that contain harsh chemicals. In rare circumstances, hair loss caused by stress and worry may necessitate medical attention. There are numerous hair loss therapies available, including topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. These treatments can help to encourage hair growth and prevent additional hair loss. Hair transplantation is another option for those suffering from hair loss. During a hair transplant, hair follicles are removed from one part of the scalp and transplanted to the balding area. This procedure can provide a permanent solution to hair loss caused by stress and anxiety. Conclusion Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on hair health. Understanding the fundamental cause of stress and worry, as well as adopting good coping methods, can aid in the prevention of hair loss. Relaxation techniques, a good diet, regular exercise, mild hair care products, and contemplating hair loss treatments are all excellent approaches to avoiding stress and anxiety-related hair loss.

5 Proven Tips To Reduce Screen Time For Adults You Need To Read

reduce screen time

Being in the “media generation” we are at the receiving end of both its advantages and disadvantages. While you have the world at your fingertips on your smartphone, the same smartphones turn addicting with time. Soon, you start picking up your smartphones for no reason at all; putting your mental health and digital well-being at risk. Your screen time not only affects your valuable work time but also your eyes and brain. It is time to take steps to reduce screen time for the sake of no one, but you. Studies claim that an individual should have 2-3 hours of screen time per day. But surely many people have gone way ahead of that with their screen time. Adults frequently engage and enjoy themselves on screens. They frequently have a larger risk of developing a screen addiction. They should minimize their screen time outside of work because of this. Anything more than two hours a day is deemed detrimental, therefore it must be less than that. You shouldn’t watch TV shows or movies on streaming services or spend more than two hours on social media after work. Limit, Don’t Restrict Now, once someone hears about this recommended screen time, their first instinct is “Done! From today, I won’t use my phone only”. Calm down Galileo! No need to go all Eureka. The key is to limit your phone usage and not entirely stop. Because that is not possible. Your digital well-being means balancing your work and personal smartphone requirements and knowing when to stop. We live in a world where we can’t do without a smartphone. There are meetings to attend and files to fill. Payments to initiate and food to order.  Completely putting down your phone will only lead to FOMO and your mental health degrading even more from the extra stress.  The effects of adult use of electronic devices on health require further study. Even more so during the epidemic, adults spend a lot of time looking at screens. As individuals spent more time indoors, time spent on cellphones, TVs, laptops, and video gaming consoles climbed. Reduce Screen Time With Ease Set an initial target for how much time you typically spend in front of devices. Although some smartphones come with a built-in screen timer, you can also utilize monitoring apps to get a weekly and monthly reports on your screen usage. Once you know your capabilities and tasks that require your phone, you will understand when and how to put your smartphone down. To give even more relief to your eyes and mind, it is a proven tip to reduce screen time. Not to use or look at a screen 1 hour before sleeping, and 1 hour after waking up.  Starting your day by scrolling through your phone clogs your mind, making you miss the opportunity of having a fresh morning. Being on your phone before going to bed just ends with you staying up longer. Reduce screen time by monitoring your night and day phone usage. This can entail taking a break from all social media platforms or just one particular one. Consider the impact of the media you consume on yourself. On social media, people frequently share a polished version of their lives, which might cause you to have irrational expectations and worry about your situation. You may reset and reassess how you want to use social media by taking a vacation from it. Social media contributes the most to screen time. It is also known to affect your mental health, along with your digital well-being. Limiting social media is one of the most important steps to reduce screen time. When we watch TV or play video games, we often eat more. Establish and adhere to different mealtimes to tackle this habit. Take the snacks out of the play area. This is also two targets with one hit, as it eating in front of a screen also makes one over-eat. With the distraction caused by a screen, you don’t pay attention to what goes in your mouth. If you struggle to put your device down, use technology to assist you break your screen addiction at various points throughout the day. Set alarms on your phone or calendar to serve as a reminder to take breaks. To lessen distractions, disable social media or communication platform notifications. In this manner, you can put your phone away until you are prepared and done with other tasks.  There won’t be an out-of-sight-out-of-mind situation about your digital well-being when you are constantly reminded to reduce screen time. 

5 Yoga Retreats Over The World That Unlock Utmost Relaxation

Yoga retreats

They say Yoga is a way of life. According to ancient texts of Ayurveda, there are life-threatening diseases that can be cured with the frequent practice of certain yogasans (yoga poses). The lifestyle we live in currently never fails to deliver its benefits in the form of stress, and tension. There is always something on everyone’s mind- which is something that repels people from meditation. But medication and yoga are something for all and that develops over time. One of the places where one can experience and gain the benefits of yogasans in their full effect is Yoga Retreats.  They provide relaxation.  Why Yoga Retreats? When you have that inner craving to go travel, you wish to be somewhere quiet and relaxing. That’s the basic purpose of going away. But most places today are filled with noisy crowds. Then what is the point if you experience the same crowd here, and the same crowd there? But that’s not the case with yoga retreats. Yoga Retreats provide relaxation and are therapeutic. These retreats act like refreshments to your mind and body. Restoring mental health, and delivering sanity to an individual.  As you alter your viewpoint, new opportunities and openings become apparent. Normally, we are so preoccupied with the minutiae of our life that we only pay attention to what is in front of us, what occurred to us last week, or our dread of what could occur in the future. A yoga or health retreat is a wonderful opportunity to get new insights, take a break from your routine, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. A Welcoming Change  Whether they are going through a time of change or wish to make improvements in their life, many individuals decide to go on a retreat. With change comes the chance to see things from a different angle. Understanding the essence of reality makes it abundantly clear that the only constant changes. Everything is changing and evolving into something different. Accepting that change is a necessary element of life’s path of discovery is the first step towards accepting change. Every experience you have has the power to either advance or regress you. Your experience is determined by how you decide to see a certain circumstance. Expect the same outcome if you continue to operate in the same manner. Using your vacation as a chance to mix things up and do things differently. Establish a new, healthy habit for yourself and try something new. The Sen Wellness Sanctuary, located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, was established by osteopath Dr. Sam Kankanamge of London. Its individualized health programs, are available all year long and have their roots in Ayurvedic medicine. The programs provide ayurvedic culinary lessons, sound, and gong baths for deep relaxation and energy cleaning, as well as meditation, yoga, and other practices. Without an Indian retreat, no list of yoga retreats would be complete. Ashiyana Goa offers a wide range of retreats year-round, as well as design-your-own yoga holidays where you can select drop-in classes, one-to-one holistic yoga therapy, or the Holistic Elixir Program, which combines yoga therapy, massage, meditation, and pranayama. In addition to training new and seasoned teachers (breathe work). Beach huts to opulent suites are available, while Ashiyana’s seminars and ayurvedic treatments are available at the hotel’s on-site spa. Brazil is Ashiyana’s second location. Visit the Suryalila Retreat Center in Andalucia to enjoy yoga and take in the scenery all in one. Although visitors can arrive at any time to stay at the hotel and take part in its daily activities, the center provides retreats throughout the year. For people who desire to teach yoga to others throughout the globe, it also offers teacher certification programs. Yoga Explorers is conducting many retreats in Morocco and France throughout the year. There include getaways in Marrakesh, a lovely retreat in a château south of Toulouse, and more in 2023. All meals, lodging for seven nights, two daily yoga lessons, as well as yoga mats and other accessories, are all included in retreats. Visitors will also have free time to explore the neighborhood. Seven Senses is not just a yoga retreat.  The goal is to awaken the strength and fullness that dwell within. The retreat gathers together in a beautiful location to examine our inner selves—our mind, body, heart, and spirit—using the seven chakras as a metaphor. To help you see the elements of yourself that are often concealed from view, this week will combine movement, vinyasa & kundalini yoga, kriyas, breath work, sound meditation, gestalt constellations, ritual, science & mysticism, and deeply personal investigation.

World Asthma Day 2023: Does the World Lack Asthma Awareness?

World asthma day

On asthma, the WHO calls for community awareness as well. “People with asthma and their families need education to understand more about their asthma, their treatment, triggers to avoid, and how to manage their symptoms at home. It is also important to raise community awareness, to reduce the myths and stigma associated with asthma in some settings,” says WHO.[1]  World asthma day is observed across the globe on the first Tuesday of May. This year it will be celebrated on the 2nd of May. It is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma[2]  (GINA) in collaboration with various healthcare groups and asthma educators to spread awareness and care about asthma. What do you know about the history of World Asthma Day?[3]  What is its significance? And how does spreading awareness towards asthma improve general public health? Awareness towards asthma will help to improve general public health. Creating an asthma-friendly environment helps patients to live healthier life and also helps prevent the disease. As [4] we will see in this article, how awareness towards asthma will help the general public. History of World Asthma Day Since 1984, May has been declared to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), so World Asthma Day acts as a great launching pad for a month of heightened awareness of these common and chronic conditions. Asthma affected an estimated 262 million people in 2019 and caused 455 000 deaths, according to WHO[5] , which[6]  demands creating an asthma-friendly environment. The death rate from asthma has nearly doubled since the 1980s, but the condition is not new and it has deteriorated the general public health. There is mention of asthma in scriptures from China in 2600 B.C., and Ancient Egypt also mentions the symptoms of breathlessness and respiratory issues. The first World Asthma Day was celebrated in 1998 in more than 35 countries along with the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona, Spain. Since then, the day has become one of the most important asthma awareness events. Significance of World Asthma Day World Asthma Day is set aside to address issues such as “equal access to diagnosis and treatment (medicine).” Emphasis is also on improving asthma-related general public health, communication and educating people with the condition about their various treatment options.   According to GINA, efforts are made to ensure that international respiratory communities work together with patients and healthcare providers to implement asthma care solutions both, locally and globally. What is Asthma? Asthma is a non-communicable disease affecting both children and adults. It is mainly caused when the air passages in the lungs narrow down to inflammation and tightening of the muscles. Asthma’s severity varies from person to person and for general public health it greatly depends on viral infections, dust, smoke, fumes, weather conditions, pollen, animals, soaps and perfume. It is a condition that cannot be cured, but effective measures like creating asthma friendly environment can lessen the chances of its danger. Staying in clean asthma-friendly environments, regular exposure to fresh and clean air, avoiding drugs, and quitting smoke can be really beneficial. Symptoms of Asthma The common symptoms of asthma are: Who is at greater risk? These are the group of people who are more susceptible to asthma: How it can be prevented? Asthma cannot be cured; however, it can be managed. These are some expert’s advice to curb the disease:

8 Best Ways To Maintain Positive Mindset & How To Get Started

positive mindset

Maintaining a positive mindset can be a challenge, especially during difficult times. However, having a positive attitude can help you cope with stress, improve your overall mental health, and increase productivity. Here are eight ways to keep a positive mindset and some tips on how to get started. Express gratitude Being thankful for what you have rather than concentrating on what you don’t is the practice of gratitude. To get going, try scheduling some time each day to reflect on your blessings. It could be anything, including the people in your life or the chances you’ve been given. You can focus on the good and develop a practice of thankfulness by listing your blessings. Surround yourself with positivity You can keep a positive outlook by surrounding yourself with uplifting people and things. Find people that inspire and motivate you among your friends and coworkers. Spend as little time as possible with those who make you feel gloomy or pessimistic. Likewise, surround yourself with uplifting elements like  literature, quotes, and calming music. Practice self-care. A cheerful attitude must be maintained by taking care of oneself. This can involve getting adequate rest, eating healthy, exercising frequently, and engaging in stress-relieving activities like yoga or meditation. Maintaining your physical and mental health as a priority will improve your mood and increase your happiness. Set realistic goals. Setting goals can give you a feeling of direction and purpose, but choosing practical and doable ones is crucial. Divide more challenging objectives into achievable, smaller steps. Along the journey, acknowledge your accomplishments, and be nice to yourself if you have setbacks. Concentrate on the here and now It’s simple to get mired in concerns for the future or regrets for the past, but staying in the present may keep you optimistic. Deep breathing and visualization are two mindfulness techniques that can assist you in remaining present and centered. Take part in enjoyable pursuits. Engaging in activities you enjoy can make you happier and more optimistic. Make time for your favorite pastimes, including gardening, cooking, painting, or musical instruments. Additionally, participating in these activities can help you feel more content and relieve stress. Engage in Positive self-talk. Your thinking can be significantly influenced by the way you speak to yourself. Instead of being critical or negative to yourself, practice speaking to yourself in a pleasant and supportive manner. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and talents while concentrating on them. Help others One effective technique to increase your optimism is by helping others. You can develop a stronger sense of community and purpose by volunteering, making charitable contributions, or simply lending a hand to a friend who is struggling. You may feel better about yourself if you realise the beneficial effects you can have on other people. How to Get Started? Maintaining an optimistic mindset takes practice, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some tips on how to get started: So, Why hesitate to discover the benefits of adopting an optimistic approach in life? Start gaining firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to live a life filled with uplifting self-talk. You’ll discover how to let go of the negativity that is holding you back, so that you can be your best self and achieve your goals without difficulty.

10 Proven Tips For Healthy Weight Loss By Celebrity Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar

Tips For Healthy Weight Loss

Weight loss. Probably the most wished and aimed resolution every person has kept at least once. (Spoiler alert) Most are not successful in these resolutions. There are diet books out there enough to fill up entire libraries claiming tips and ideas here and there about weight loss. But the truth is many of those weight loss tips are just saying “don’t eat anything” in different ways. Which is so not the way to lose weight. Leading a healthy life should be the aim of starting any kind of fitness routine.  So are the thoughts of Celebrity Dietician and Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar.  The Differences What most people don’t understand is that everyone’s body type is different. While one weight loss tip works magic for one person, it may not be suitable for the other. Following fitness routines that are specifically designed for you keeping in mind your stamina, strength, and possible reactions is the way to go. It will likely take some time, effort, and some trial and error with different meals and diets to find a weight loss technique that works for you. While some people respond well to strict weight loss methods like calorie tracking, others would rather have more flexibility in their fitness routines. They will be more successful if they restrict processed carbs and stay away from fried meals. If a diet doesn’t work for you despite working for someone else, don’t give up. Don’t be too harsh on yourself if you find a diet to be extremely restricted. And last, a diet can only be helpful if it is maintained over time. Portion Control is having your meals in a controlled manner. What is that control? The amount you and your stomach can handle. You can occasionally include a treat in your diet if you practice portion management.  Rujuta Diwekar typically says that even if you indulge yourself sometimes, a little serving will sate your desires and prevent weight gain. Everything in excess, even veggies, is harmful. Eat appropriately because our stomachs are just the size of two hands. When you consume a meal, avoid having distractions like TV, phones, or laptops. If you prefer to watch something while having your meals, it causes distractions and all your attention is not on the food but on the content in front of you. This results in over-eating as you unconsciously consume more than you need. To lead a healthy life, you need to eat just what is needed. There will never be two weight loss journeys that are the same. You might not want to go on a diet right now, even though you think it has benefitted you in the past. A wise diet may take unpredictability into account and make changes in your stress and hunger into consideration. In a series of videos, Rujuta Diwekar explained that quick weight loss is not long-term maintainable. About 10% of your body weight should be lost over the course of a year for healthy and long-lasting weight loss. Fitness routines that claim a quick weight loss hinder a healthy life ahead. The weight loss tip that differentiates Rujuta Diwekar from any other Nutritionist. She recommends having local food- your region’s specialty, your staple diet, or the food our moms have been making since time. She claims that no type of exotic or pricey food is needed for a fitness routine. Healthy weight loss can be achieved by having food that our body is familiar with and recognizes. A common weight loss error is getting too little sleep. It’s important to give the body some time to unwind and repair after a demanding workout program. Rujuta Diwekar claims that obtaining adequate sleep is the most important step in weight loss and aids in maintaining healthy skin and hair. While it may come as a surprise, the celebrity nutritionist advises sleeping in the afternoon to increase the quality of your sleep, which will help you lose weight even more. Unless it is doctor recommended, and your body actually can’t digest lactase, doing a dairy-free diet does more harm to your body. Dairy Products contain calcium and other nutrients that are extremely beneficial. Sugar-free, in Rujuta’s opinion, means nothing. Nothing that claims to be sugar-free truly is. Sugar may be consumed, just in moderation. You shouldn’t start your day with coffee or tea, and whenever you do, try to enjoy the taste of the drinks with less sugar. Two modest cups of tea or coffee each day should be plenty. On social media, there are a ton of fitness gurus and experts that provide advice on how to lose weight and what foods to consume and avoid. Rujuta advises against mindlessly copying these Internet memes.

Long Haul Covid: What is Brain Fog And Are You Going Through It?

Brain Fog

Once you stain one of your favorite outfits, no matter how many wipes or effort, a small patch will always stay. Like residuals and remains of a colony. A similar situation can be seen with COVID. Several survivors claim to be going through related or new symptoms once they recover. Brain Fog is one of them.  It is like once COVID made a place, there’s no way you can get it completely out of your system. People have reported feeling slower in their mental processes. Their thinking capacity is seemingly less sharp and quick. Memory is weak and they tend to be forgetful about the most recent things. One of the most frequent issues that patients of all ages bring up to me these days is this “brain fog.” One of the numerous potential causes is a post-COVID-19 syndrome, often known as “Long Haul COVID.” What is Brain Fog? Brain-Fog isn’t exactly a clinical term. But it is something many people experience- related or unrelated to COVID. It slows down a bit when your brain goes through pressure, stress, or any related and tiring phase. After flu, jetlag, or overexertion your mind can slip into this state where it is a bit foggy and slow. All you can do is wait for your brain to get back to its normal state.  The only hiccup when it comes to Brain fog that is accompanied by COVID is people claiming their brains never got back to their normal state.  COVID-Induced Brain Fog To generate neurologic symptoms, COVID-19 either worsens already present symptoms or results in the emergence of brand-new symptoms. A case of COVID-19 may exacerbate any existing nerve pain brought on by neuropathy (a broad term for nerve malfunction) or a spine injury. Similarly, a person who has modest memory loss due to aging will probably see a considerable drop in cognitive skills for several months after getting over the initial sickness. According to the researchers’ study, which was published on Wednesday in the Lancet Psychiatry, the risk of acquiring diseases including psychosis, dementia, “brain fog,” and seizures is still higher up to two years after contracting Covid-19 infection than it is after other respiratory illnesses. However, while mental disorders like anxiety and sadness are more prevalent right away after receiving a Covid-19 diagnosis, they are only temporary, becoming no more likely to occur after two months than after a similar infection like the flu. According to recent scientific research, two to three months after infection, 20 to 30 percent of persons have cognitive fog. Up to 80% of individuals with extended Covid also have mental fog. It has been hypothesized from recent studies that Covid may generate substantial and chronic inflammation in the brain that dysregulates brain cells and would be predicted to contribute to cognitive impairment, even though the specific etiology is not yet fully understood. Manage Your Symptoms The first and most crucial step is to visit your doctor and discuss all of your persisting symptoms with them. The list should also include issues like shortness of breath, palpitations, and unusual urine or stools, as well as your brain fog and other neurologic symptoms (such as weakness, numbness, tingling, and loss of smell or taste).

Human Hair Mats That Soak Up Oil-Spills: A Solution To Keep Waterways Free from Pollution

oil spill

An average human being sheds around 50 to 100 strands of hair. Human hair has some fascinating qualities and powers. Not as fascinating as Rapunzel, but quite special. Naturally, hair and fur readily absorb oil; in fact, hair may absorb three to nine times its weight in oil.  Lisa Gautier, who runs a non-profit organization in San Francisco named Matter of Trust turns donated hair into mats. Not only is this a great way to reuse hair that can lead to choking hazards for animals and even humans, but she also uses these mats to soak up oil spills.  The Discovery Phil McCroy, a hairstylist, was watching the 1989 Exxon oil spill in Alaska on television when he noticed that otters were covered in oil. Around the otters, McCroy noticed that the water seemed cleaner. Combining the two, he understood that the otters’ fur was absorbing the oil. The concept of using client hair that has been cut at salons to wipe up spills intrigued him. Phil and Lisa Gautier collaborated to enhance the idea ten years later. The Hair We Share The San Francisco warehouse of Matter of Trust receives daily deliveries of hair trimmings from salons, pet groomers, and private customers. The packages are examined for contaminants like debris, dirt, or lice to produce the mats. Then, the hair is separated, spread out across a frame, and put through a specially designed felting machine. “We have what we call the hair force, people mail it (hair) in every day”. Gautier went on to say that some people might find using human hair gross or weird, however, she doesn’t. A two-foot square, a one-inch thick mat made from 500 grams of hair can hold up to 1.5 gallons (5.6 liters) of oil. A Solution? Oil Spills, shockingly, are more common and frequent than we realize. Marine life is affected quite harshly when gallons and gallons of oil are spilled into water bodies causing mass deaths of sea creatures.  Companies and organizations that handle oil spills can approach this catastrophe with the aid of these Human Hair Mats. It’s possible to make these hair mats into substantial mats that can be pulled by boats across the water! The mats wouldn’t float as a result, making retrieval simple.  Most big oil spills are cleaned using chemicals or mats made with petroleum. The solution we currently use is not just temporary but also very harmful when it comes to the sea life we are dealing with.  These companies could use these innovative mats to help soak up oil spills instead of spending time, money, and energy in making mats and other solutions that potentially cause more harm to the sea than to help it get better and cleaner.  However, when we talk about marine oil spills, during one of the most significant oil spills of the time, Hair Mats from Matter of Trust were put to test after receiving a wave of hair donations and support. The hair mats get heavier after soaking the oil and causing them to sink.  A New Approach After this discovery, Matter of Trust decided to take their focus to a different picture but with the same goal. Our water bodies are also affected by motor oil spills that later make their way through the drain to the ocean.  There are many ways oil gets spilled, and the non-profit now focuses on oil that drips through cars and then through rainwater or drains later contaminating the ocean.  These drips add up to over 180 million gallons of oil spilled for a year. Hair mats from Matter of Trust are used to soak up these drips which helps the oceans and marine life sail peacefully. Matter of Trust, according to Gautier, has produced over 300,000 booms and over 40,000 hair mats for significant cleanups, including the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and many more for non-emergency spills, including everything from decontaminating storm, drains to soaking up oil from leaking vehicles and machinery. 

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