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Depression and Anxiety can be as Harmful to Health as Smoking

A recent study has revealed that people who have high anxiety levels as well as depression are at 65% higher risk of developing a heart condition, 64% at a higher risk of developing a stroke, 50% high risk of developing high blood pressure and 87% higher risk of developing arthritis.

Comparatively, even people who smoke and are obese are at the same level of risk thus pointing out the importance of mental health condition with respect to physical health. The lead author Andrea Niles of the University of California San Francisco said that hence smoking and obesity as well as mental health conditions like depression and anxiety pose the same risk.

Depression and Anxiety can be as Harmful to Health as Smoking

Yet, cancer is not included in the list of conditions that are a result of depression and anxiety. The co-author Aoife O Donovan from UCSF has said that the study is similar to the other studies in terms of the psychological distress being a strong predictor of many types of cancers. She also asked people not to attribute cancer diagnosis to stress, depression and anxiety history.

Niles also said that the study was the first one that compared between anxiety and depression with smoking and obesity as potential risk factors for health conditions that could be life threatening.

In a nutshell, the study is only brings to light the fact that mental health is to be cared for equally and has the ability to do equal harm as addictions or unfit habits do. And that it is time that people shun away the taboo around mental health and habits and take a step to consult mental health practitioners if they are facing issues like depression, anxiety or more so that they can be treated not only for it but also to avoid their physical health being affected.

 

Just know about RRMCH is of the best medical colleges in Bangalore

 

*Sourced from the Internet

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Measles Cases Rise Around The World

Measles is creating a sort of havoc across the world with over 173,000 cases reported in 2017. The reason behind the same is the fact that many parents do not vaccinate their children for the same. The 30% increase in the number of measles cases across the globe is very much due to the same. Although this disease can be prevented with the help of a vaccine, the death toll around the world has been over 110,000, which is startling.

Measles Cases Rise Around The World

Though this disease can be prevented, it is known to be not only highly infectious in nature for also to be causing hearing loss as well as mental disorders in children. It can also result in diphtheria issues in the children who are not vaccinated. Countries like the Russian Federation, Germany and Venezuela have already had high outbreak in measles last year which has led to withdrawal of the interrupted transmission certification as well.

Measles outbreak affects the poor and down trodden all the more due to ignore or carelessness and even poverty or people residing in the conflict areas. This measles issues is also there around due to negative misinformation within people and trust worthiness as well which leads to skipping or avoiding the vaccine altogether. As per experts, people are not able to understand the importance of vaccination against measles and take it lightly or ignore the same and that it can be a life threatening disease amongst children.

Even in India measles has taken a toll but as per WHO, the rate has dropped by a staggering 43% around 2015-16. Furthermore, the rate is expected to fall even more in the years to come because India has already taken a staunch stance to eradicate measles by 2020. While in 2015 there were around 30,168 cases, 2016 they reduced drastically to 17, 250. India has already planned it out on taking the vaccine to 40 crore Indian children in order to achieve its target or measles eradication by 2020.

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Genetically Modified Virus Effective in Cancer Treatment – An Overview

The study published in the journal for Cancer Research states that scientists have developed a new technique in which they use a genetically modified virus for killing cancer cells and even has the ability to destroy their hiding places. Named as the enadenotucirev, this novel dual action virus targets cancer cells as well as the healthy cells that are tricked into cancer cell protection by the immune system of the body called fibro-blasts.

Genetically Modified Virus Effective in Cancer Treatment

The therapy used presently for killing the tricked viruses of cancer may also kill the fibroblast cells leading to toxicity. Carcinomas, the most common kind of cancer are found to start in the cells of the skin or in the tissues covering or lining internal organs like lungs, pancreas, breasts, colon, prostate and ovaries.
As per Kerry Fisher of Britain’s University of Oxford there hasn’t been any way where you can kill the cancer cells and the fibroblasts that are known to protect them as well, without causing any harm to the other parts of the body. Therefore, this technique that can be used for targeting the cancer cells as well as the fibroblasts is definitely cited as a vital development in reducing the suppression inside the carcinomas as well as initiating the normal immune process.

rrmch

The team included some genetic instructions before publishing the study in the journal order the infected cancer cells to produce a protein called bispecific T cell engager, that has the ability to bind and stick two cells together. Here the first end is fibroblasts and the second end is T cells – a kind of immune cell that kills defective cells. The result, T cells started killing attached fibroblasts. The team also carried out the testing of the virus on a human bone marrow successfully to find that the process did not result in creating any toxicity to the rest of the body or any inappropriate activation of T cells.

The clinical trials of Enadenotucirev have already started for carcinoma treatment and in the upcoming year it will begin its clinical trials of finding out the safety and affectivity of it on people suffering from cancer.

 

Just know about Top Cancer Hospitals in Bangalore, Karnataka

 

*Sourced from the Internet

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All You Need to Know About Ganglion Cyst

Many of you might not have heard about this condition but it does exist and is a common condition for the age group of 20 to 40 years. A ganglion cyst is a tumor or swelling caused either on the tendon viz. the tissue that connects muscle to the bone or the top of a joint. The cyst is sticky and colourless and looks like a sac of liquid. The size of the cyst may vary and it could feel spongy as well. There could either be on single cyst or one large one and multiple number of smaller ones around it connected by a common stalk within the deeper tissue. Also known as Bible cyst, is not harmful and around 70% people experience it in their lifetime. Ganglion cysts are very rare in age-groups less than 10 years. Ganglion cysts usually develop on the back of the hand. They are found at the joint of the wrist but can also be seen on the side of the palm. The other rare but possible sites of cyst include mucous cysts occurring right below the cuticle on the fingertip, the foot top, as pea sized bumps on the palm finger base, as well as the outer part of the ankle as well as the knee.

Ganglion Cyst

Causes
As on day the causes of the cyst are not known. As per doctors it could be due to breakdown of the tissue joint as a result of some trauma. Another theory mentions joint capsule fault or in that of the tendon sheath leading to joint tissue bulge.

Symptoms

  • If you have a bulge or bump of changing mass.
  • If the diameter is 1-3 cm and it does not move
  • There is a sudden swelling or a gradual one
  • If it is recurring after a certain period of time
  • Ganglion cysts do cause pain followed by acute trauma even if they don’t appear.
  • If it pains it could get worse due to joint motion
  • In cysts that are connected to the tendon, you feel weakness in the finger

Medical Advice
Medical evaluation of the cyst is important whether or not you have all the symptoms. This will help the doctor in making it sure and offering a suitable line of treatment. The doctor could advise on an ultrasound or test using the cyst fluid. At times even a MRI could be advised by the doctor though it is an expensive procedure.

Treatment
Ganglion Cysts can be treated with hot bags at home. Sometimes if there is pain, doctor may prescribe a pain killer as well. Surgical or cosmetic removal of cysts of bigger size can be done but they could reoccur as well.

 

 

Rajarajeswari Hospital having high specialised Orthopedic Doctors in Bangalore

 

*Sourced from the Internet

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Swimming Can Reduce Mental Stress – An Overview

As per a new study swimming can help reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Mental Illness is not a taboo anymore as it used to be in the earlier times. Today mental health is being given as much importance as physical health not only worldwide but in India too. Due to the hectic lifestyles of Indians with extensive workloads and deadlines to match, people suffer from a lot of stress and anxiety. It has already affected millions of people worldwide. Mental health foundation statistics say that in Britain one fifth of the adult population is known to be affected by Mental Health Issues.

Swimming Can Reduce Mental Stress

While discussions are already rife around methods that could help in reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety, there are many different methods and ways coming to light for the same. This includes taking help of mental health professionals, following a proper balanced diet and even swimming. Apparently, an organisation call Swim England carried out a YouGov poll on around 1.4 million adults in UK, to find that Swimming did have a positive effect on their mental health. Almost half a million people of UK who swim and also have faced mental health issues have mentioned that swimming on a regular basis has shown a positive effect and reduced the number of visits they do to the mental health specialist. 43 percent said that swimming made them happy, while 26 percent of the swimmers said that they feel motivated and 15 of them said swimming helps them cope up with the stress that comes along in their daily lives.

As per the head of mental health activities, Hayley Jarvis, engaging into physical activities on a regular basis is good for the body. What the mind says shows the significance of exercising for physical as well as mental well-being. The more active you are physically, the lower are the levels of stress on a daily basis.

This voting campaign was launched on the ‘World Mental Health Day’, as a part of the global initiative in celebrating mental health and creating awareness about reducing the taboo around the same.

As per Ian Cumming, chair of the Swimming and Health Commission in UK, swimming is a very useful activity for the body and research is a good proof of the same. Simply being in water works well for restoration of the body, particularly outdoor swimming. In UK due to the rising population experiencing stress and anxiety issues,

 

The department of Psychiatry at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital strives to achieve and follow “A healthy mind in a healthy body‘. Our dedicated team

 

*Sourced from the Internet

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Zika Virus – Symptoms, Causes and treatment

Recently, Zika virus has taken a toll in Jaipur with over 42 confirmed cases. A fatal virus, Zika finds its roots in Uganda, where it was discovered in the year 1947. The same mosquito responsible for tracing yellow fever, chikungunya and dengue virus is known to transmit Zika. Thought it can be transmitted through the following besides mosquito –

  • Pregnant women to her unborn child
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Sexual intercourse
  • Possibly through saliva while kissing (may or may not)

Zika virus can cause various disorders/ Complications like Premature birth, severe dehydration, hearing impairment, eye problems in infants, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and the following as well –

Zika Virus - Symptoms, Causes and treatment

Congenital malformations
When the virus is transmitted to the unborn child through a pregnant woman, it is bound to attack the nervous system of the child and cause microcephaly or prevent brain growth. It may damage the fetus, which could not be visible immediately but many years of birth. This virus is present in the milk of an infected mother as well.

Guillain Barre Syndrome
After the Zika virus enters the nervous system, some people tend to suffer from a disorder known as Guillain Barre Syndrome. It can also get into the brain and cause other neurological symptoms. This virus has the ability to not directly attack but get the immune system to attack the nervous system.

Symptoms
The symptoms of people infected by Zika include the following

  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Rash
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Chills
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Sweating
  • Cheek Swelling

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Zika can be done using a blood, saliva , semen and urine test.

Zika Treatment
As on date there is not treatment or vaccination available for Zika. You only can treat the symptoms using fever reducers and medicines for reducing vomiting or rash.

*Sourced from the Internet

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Swine Flu on the Prawl Again – Beware Bengaluru

H1N1 has again begun to spread its wings across Karnataka. Over 207 case have been registered already across the state and a staggering 46 in Bengaluru itself in the past one week. Besides, there are reports of chikungunya and dengue too. The IT corridor of the state particularly the eastern region of the city is badly affected after September 29th, 2018.

As per the health officials, it is worrisome because, these many cases were last reported in 2015. The district surveillance officer clearly stated that the virus was presence in the city and people will low or not immunity are definitely at the risk of catching the life threatening condition.

Swine Flu - H1N1 Flu

A pandemic now, this highly contagious respiratory disorder finds its roots in Mexico in 2009, spreading at a high intensity across the world. The condition is caused through the influenza A virus transmitted from pigs to humans. It can turn out to be a life threatening condition and hence requires great care.

SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of H1N1 are very similar to that of flu –

  • Fever
  • Body aches
  • Sore Throat
  • Stuff or Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

Though the symptoms are similar to flu, it can cause serious problems like lung infection, breathing problems and pneumonia. It also has the ability to worsen the health of people suffering from diabetes or asthma. If you observe symptoms like dizziness, severe vomiting, breathing issues, pain in your stomach or sides or confusion, take immediate medical help.

DIAGNOSIS
Only a lab test can confirm the presence of H1N1. For the test, the doctor will use a swab to take samples from inside your nose and throat back. Not every is needs to undergo the test. Only the ones admitted to the hospital and at a high risk of developing the life threatening problems need to do it. These include

  • Children below the age of 5 years
  • Elders above 65
  • Under 18 teens and kids who have been using aspirin
  • Pregnant women
  • Children and Adults with a weak immune system and HIV infected people
  • People housed in nursing homes and care facilities from long

TREATMENT
The antiviral drugs used for treating seasonal flue are used for treatment of H1N1 as well and include medicines like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza), Pearamivir (Rapivab). Some types of swine flu doesn’t respond to Oseltamivir. These drugs are effective and will help you get well soon. The only catch is that they need to be given within 48 hours of the symptoms. Though its not that they don’t work at all but the earlier the better.

Antibiotics won’t work here because it ain’t a bacterial infection, it’s viral. To relieve yourself from headache and body ache you may try over the counter medicines. Avoid giving aspiring to children under 18 because it could increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Also, do be careful to check that over the counter medicines you give do not have any content of aspirin.

VACCINE
The vaccine for influenza and swine flu is the same. It’s available as spray or shot form and prepares your body to attack the real virus.

RRMCH is one of Best Hospitals in Bangalore. RRMCH have well experienced doctors. It works 24*7 for all emergency and health care services

 

*Sourced from the Internet

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Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) & Mastectomy

In India Breast Cancer is the top occurring cancer amongst females with a mortality rate of 12.7 per 1,00,000. A non-invasive form of breast cancer, Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a common form of cancer in India. Ductal means ducts as its starts in the milk ducts and carcinoma means cancer that starts in the skin or any other tissues covering the internal organs and in situ means in its original place. The reason this cancer is known as non- invasive cancer is that is has not spread beyond the milk duct to the neighboring tissues.

DCIS is a grade 0 cancer and is not a life threatening cancer but having it in first place does increase the risk of developing an invasive breast cancer later on compared to people who haven’t had it before. The possibility of recurrence is usually 5 or 10 years post the first appearance with a 30% likelihood.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

The possibility of recurrence in women undergoing the breast conserving surgery is around 25% to 30% . To lower the risk of recurrence by 15% you need to include radiation therapy in the treatment plan. Also, if DCIS comes back after treatment it could either be non-invasive or invasive too, chances are 50% for each.

Here’s a look through the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

DICS – Symptoms
Generally there are no visible symptoms of DCIS. Only a few people might have a lump in the breast or some nipple discharge. Diagnosis is only possible for most of the cases through mammography.

DICS – Diagnosis
Breast Examination – A physical examination of breasts is carried out if a lump is present though such lump is rarely noticeable.

Mammography – A mammography can easily detect DCIS. Even when a physical examination fails, mammography can be used to detect DCIS.

Biopsy – Biopsy is only carried out when a mammogram does not give a clear result. There are two kinds of non-invasive biopsies which involve a bit of surgery.

  •  Core needle biopsy – A large needle is inserted for a big sample of tissue from the suspicious area.
  •  Fine needle biopsy – A sample of cells are obtained by inserting a small hollow needle in the breast and then examining it under the microscope.

Though more invasive biopsies are rarely need for DCIS, if the above are not able to give conclusive results then biopsies like incisional and excisional biopsy’s are to be done.

Treatment – Once the diagnosis confirms DCIS, surgery is done to remove the cancer as well as the border of the healthy tissues surrounding the cancer, known as the clear margins. This means doing the procedure of lumpectomy or sometimes mastectomy.

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Compulsive Doing Syndrome – Do you Have It?

Do you feel that you are very busy and occupied most of the times. Do you answer in a negative when someone asks you to meet up, hangout or for any other meet? Is the answer to most questions about availability as ‘Sorry, Busy’. Then, you have a compulsive doing syndrome. The symptoms of this syndrome include –

Compulsive Doing Syndrome

  • No time for family affairs
  • Not time to eat
  • Your to do list goes on increasing
  • Sleepless nights for a long time
  • You might seem busy and hardworking but nothing out of the box

Now, for the reason. This syndrome is because we are brought up believing that being busy means being worthy. This is the most common causes of Compulsive doing syndrome too.

Another reason is that we tend to overburden ourselves until there is no time left for anything to fit in. Many times it can be a sign of running away from problems, situations and issues. So, if you feel that you are busy all the time, know it once and for all that it is apparently a lifestyle issue and needs to be worked up.

Being over occupied without any time to spare apparently show that your time management skills are not good enough. Besides, it also points to clarity or work and focus issues. If you are focused on your work you can finish off your work faster and ample time left for other priorities.

Exercising Breathing for 5 minutes every day helps you calm down, distress and relax. Doing it will certainly help you manage yourself better. Have time allocated for activities that help you feel well mentally, physically and spiritually. Could be a jog, or exercise or music or some extra-curricular activity.

Try to get away from gadgets be it your phone, laptop or television and concentrate on eating while having your meals. Give your family the attention they deserve and not non-living objects over them. Sparing some time out for meditation is definitely a food idea for mental health and overall wellness.

Well, compulsive doing syndrome can be worked up if you are willing to understand that being busy is very much about time management, concentration and clarity.

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Do You Legs Pain All Night? Know Why

Many of us experience leg pain at night. But, ever thought about the reasons behind it. Many of us should have and many should have not. So, if you are also amongst the ones who do experience leg pain at night on a regular basis and have been ignoring it or just bearing it through, here are a few reasons that could be the reason, perhaps.

Do You Legs Pain All Night

1. Deficiency of vital nutrients
Many of us never know if our diet is a balanced one of not. With a hectic life schedule and not time for to spare towards caring for health besides a diet that is more of junk and less of nutrient rich food, deficiency of vital nutrients like calcium, potassium and magnesium as well as Vitamin D can lead to leg pain.

2. Dehydration
Nocturnal leg pain is also known to be caused due to dehydration. Due to the electrolyte imbalance in blood, it can lead to nocturnal cramps. So keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and even if you tend to wake up at night stay hydrated.

3. Standing long hours
Standing for long hours can lead to leg pain at night. The reason is that standing for along time tends to accumulate the blood and water in your lower body causing fluid imbalance and cramping.

Health Conditions
If you are suffering from other health conditions that you are not aware of then, you could be having leg pain due to the same.

Aging
As you age your bones become weak and nocturnal leg pain is pretty common then. It is after 50 years that you may start experiencing this condition because you start losing neurons and get frequent cramps due to it.

Well, health is wealth and ignoring it can lead to an irreversible or life threatening damage to the body. So, if you are experiencing the symptoms get yourself checked and do the needful. Why compromise on quality of life.

Know more about Rajarajeswari Hospital in Bangalore