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Hepatitis – Know Your Liver’s State Before it’s Too Late!

Chiranjeevi
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Hepatitis – Know Your Liver’s State Before it’s Too Late!

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of liver caused by viral infection and mainly include hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses. The type of virus infection can be distinguished on basis of their mode of transmission (contaminated water or food), epidemology, presentation, prevention & control. Hepatitis can be very dangerous and can even lead to death when left untreated (majorly in chronic hepatitis state). Our country along with many others throughout the world show presence of many hepatitis related cases and hence proper insight becomes essential. Every year, on 28th July World Hepatitis Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide; and this day helps us to realise and practice various awareness and preventive measures to combat with this liver bane!

Hepatitis Awareness – Why is it essential?

Our liver is the most dynamic organ in our body having capability to take in all the toxins which may enter our body through medicines, consumption of alcohol, etc. Infact, it is so efficient that even 10% of its undamaged part can efficiently keep us going! When our liver is attacked with infections like Hepatitis, the symptoms may not be prominent in the beginning. And hence, utmost need to generate awareness about certain types like hepatitis B and C which can become chronic without showing any symptoms is essential. While hepatitis A is the milder version of the disease, hepatitis C and D infections are the most severe and dreaded ones.

What are the major symptoms to look out for?

Most of the time, there are no noticeable symptoms in the first week of infection; however, in the later stages one may notice –

  • Feeling of fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Mild fever

How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of any condition or disease is the first step in treating it. The good news is appropriate diagnosis of hepatitis can be achieved successfully in order to determine the presence of specific type of hepatitis infection.

Physical examination:

Here, the doctor will check your abdomen for any tenderness and pain. Also, yellowing of eyes and skin if present, will also be analysed.

Blood Tests:

Simple blood tests from a reputed diagnostic centre to detect the presence of antibodies against hepatitis virus and antigen to confirm it is important. Also, analyzing the health of the liver can shed light on the condition of the infected individual.

Liver Function Tests (LFT):

A most effective way of determining liver health is by analysing its efficiency in removal of toxins, unwanted proteins and enzymes from the blood. LFT includes determination of various enzymes that are produced by the liver. Hence, if the levels of its enzyme shoot up, it will indicate that the liver is damaged or stressed.

Viral Antibody Testing:

Viral antibody testing is carried out in order to identify the type of hepatitis virus which is present. This is important, as it will aid selecting accurate treatment plan for the type.

Prevent hepatitis and save the trouble!

Here are few tips to protect our liver health:

  • Avoid alcohol in order decrease the chances of damage to liver significantly
  • Drink only safe water tested from certified water testing laboratory as contaminated water is a major source for hepatitis infection spread
  • Avoid consumption of seafood which partially cooked as there are chances that viruses are not completed destroyed in such foods.
  • Consume only properly cooked food
  • Wash fruits and vegetables that eaten raw thoroughly using clean water
  • Wash your hands with disinfectant or soap before consuming any food
  • Wash all your vessels and cloths in hot water using soap; also dry clothes in sunlight as it helps in killing germs and avoiding chances of any type of infections
  • Do not use toothbrush, scissors, nail files, razors and needles which are already used.
  • Avoid direct contact with wounds of infected individuals
  • Undergo routine preventive health checkup to detect any abnormalities if present
  • If you have any travel plans to countries where hepatitis is widespread, ensure to get yourself vaccinated

Be it hepatitis or any other infectious disease, proper awareness in knowing how to prevent it and adequate diagnosis on right time ensures adequate protection from them. On this World Hepatitis Day ensure you are aware how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and protected from hepatitis!

Mission Dengue Free India : Stay Away from Dengue Fever

Chiranjeevi
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Mission Dengue Free India : Stay Away from Dengue Fever

Introduction to Dengue :

These days one will find patients suffering from Dengue everywhere. The hospitals beds are occupied with dengue patients. Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of a particular mosquito known as Aedes Aegypti. When a female mosquito bites the infected person it becomes vector for transferring of the virus and then, ingest virus into the next person. The dangerous part is symptoms can be seen only after 5-6 day of the mosquito bite.

Also, diagnosis of this is possible from various diagnostic laboratories in India only after arrival of symptoms as till then patient is usually unaware of it. Shockingly, till now no medicine or antibiotic is known to cure the dengue fever which occurs in mild and severe fevers. The former type is known as break bone or classical dengue fever and the latter is known as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF).

More about Dengue Fever :

Dengue fever lasts for about 7 to 10 days, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, skin rash, pain behind the eyes etc. It’s estimated that, annually around 390 million infections occur worldwide out of which nearly 96 million result in illness. Considering the seriousness of the outspread of dengue in India, Maharashtra state government has declared dengue as a “notified disease”. So, now health workers can conduct checkups in any premises and on top of that they do not need to have any permission for the same.

Mission Dengue Free India :

Can you recollect few health workers from BMC visited Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawala’s houses to find the presence of any open water-bodies which can be breeding sites of mosquito larvae. This time they are taking one step ahead, clinical management training has been given to around 2,800 health associates to prevent the increase in dengue cases. The state government would be distributing 1.10 lakh mosquito nets sent by the Central government.

This year there were around 14,203 cases of dengue but only two deaths were reported. This indicates that mortality of dengue in Indian population has decreased significantly but, the number of people infected by dengue has increased remarkably. Hence, it’s important to improve our efforts to eradicate dengue by spreading awareness about their breeding sites and eradication of mosquitoes carrying the virus. Also, promoting Dengue vaccination in the population can efficiently prevent the onset of dengue fever as the body has already developed immunity against the virus.

But, the most worrying fact is Governmental initiatives to stop dengue spread and keep disease in control have been proved to be poorly effective. So, now let’s pledge to support the Government by spreading awareness about prevention and protection form dengue by educating people about not to keep stagnant water open at their homes and wearing of full body covering clothes.

Snoring and lack of sleep may reduce your chances of survival from Breast Cancer!

Chiranjeevi
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Snoring and lack of sleep may reduce your chances of survival from Breast Cancer!

Survival from Breast Cancer

Yet again women are threatened to strive, not from social stigma, patriarchal society or the burden of procreation, but from the global disease – Breast cancer! A new trend of this cancer is setting in gradually among the women of 30’s and 40’s, threatening their life at an early stage. Also, the number of incidences of breast cancer are growing exponentially world over; however, awareness or screening which is the most important factor for survival of these patients, is failing terribly. Lately, the shocking sleep studies have revealed, how poor sleep negatively affects inflammatory pathways, speeding up tumor growth and deteriorates cancer prognosis!

An unusual sound made due to obstructed air while breathing (in the sleep) is ‘snoring’, which is a strong factor for sleep deprivation according to the research fraternity. Biologically speaking, sleep is a condition wherein the body is at rest and exhibits a state of mind characterized by alternate REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep cycles with altered consciousness, inhibited sensory activity, voluntary muscles and no/reduced interactions with surroundings. Sleep is known to rejuvenate the body and mind, and a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sleep recommended in humans maintains the overall mental and physical health. However, deteriorating sleep habits and disorders are just around the corner that not only reduce the quality of life, but also increase the threat for cancer.

‘Unlike so many things that can impact cancer risk and cancer prognosis, sleep is something that an individual can potentially control,’ says Amanda Phipps from the University of Washington, suggesting a link between poor sleep quality, short sleep duration and increased cancer risk. Phipps’s research was based on assessing the impact of sleep characteristics on women with breast cancer; the verdict being an eye-opening comparative studies wherein women with less than 6 hours of sleep each night and snoring more than 5 nights a week, were atleast twice more likely to die from the disease. These results were unaltered keeping in account the number of factors such as cancer site, smoking status, marital status and physical activity status.

As the number of people affected with breast cancer increases, so does the need for its awareness and early cancer detection screening techniques. Apart from opting for early detection of abnormalities in the body, healthy, sufficient sleep is essential for individual well-being. Dr. Nathaniel Watson, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine rightly says, ‘All adults should make it on of their top health priorities to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.’

‘Its proven yet again, that a ‘good’ night’s sleep can shoo away many impending health threats!’

Common cold in kids can cause Diabetes, too!

Chiranjeevi
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Common cold in kids can cause Diabetes, too!

Common cold and Diabetes

With monsoon around the corner, sneezes and sniffles will be heard everywhere! The culprit responsible is one of the most common infectious diseases of mankind, which  affects anyone and everyone, whether a baby or an adult. Yes, known to be caused by more than 200 viruses which change frequently overtime, “Common cold” continues to be unbeatable with no known cure till date.

When common cold strikes, adults or teenagers soothe their sore throats with hot water gargling, steam inhalation, intake of hot beverages and soups, and in case the cold gets severe, doctors prescribe cough syrups and medications to relieve the symptoms. The cold doesn’t spare newborns too, and is much difficult to manage and ease the discomfort felt by the little ones as their immune system is still developing.

Babies can’t blow their noses therefore usually become uncomfortable with mucus, snuffling, irritability, fever, appetite loss, etc. As heartbreaking as it’s to watch a little one suffering terribly from just a minor cold, other than severe fever and weakness, adding up to the list of adversities faced due to common cold, is the sweet killer disease- Diabetes.

As per the recent research studies, a newborn suffering from common cold in the first few years of their lives are more prone to acquire Type-1 diabetes later in life. Common respiratory infections caused by either the most common group of viruses, Rhinoviruses or due to the second leading causal organism of cold-like symptoms, Enteroviruses, are on radar for research as candidate agents for diabetes triggers!

Cold – Environmental trigger for Diabetes!

Various studies have indicated that these cold viruses directly affect the insulin-producing beta cells in pancreatic islets of the pancreas or induce an inflammation via production of cytokines that damage those cells. They can also activate auto-reactive T cells by molecular mimicry or bystander mechanisms, thus eventually developing islet autoimmunity, which later on fuels diabetes in adulthood.

Since the early immune system of children in the first 6 to 12 months of life is more vulnerable to challenges posed by infectious agents, it has been observed notably, that various instances of concurrent enteroviral infections in this age group causes high islet autoimmunity later.

Common cold is inevitable, and a newborn will be definitely more susceptible to respiratory infections too early in life. Vital antibodies mainly from the mother’s milk build their bodies to fight through these ailments and grow stronger. Neglecting her own well-being, being ignorant to signs of any underlying diseases/disorders, and compromising good hygiene, proper sanitation, and healthy diet definitely puts a mother at risk of acquiring infections, which may cost her baby’s health too. Post-delivery, preventive healthcare testing should be a necessity for mothers with signs of any illness/weakness.

‘The uncommon reality of a most common illness, pleading for a cure since ages; therefore take care of yourself to eventually take care of your newborn!’

Do Bread, Pizza, Burger contain cancer causing chemicals?!

Chiranjeevi
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Do Bread, Pizza, Burger contain cancer causing chemicals?!

Bread, Pizza and Cancer?

Being an Indian has got absolutely nothing to do with our cravings of bread butter and toast for breakfast! Sandwiches, burgers and pizzas have now entered our daily food habits, so much so that calling bread our staple food wont be a falsifying statement. Any extreme case scenario brings a unforeseen outcome and thus sadly speaking so is this new fad for buns and bread, as it brings in the terror of 2B carcinogens (potassium bromate and iodate) that can cause serious cancer threats!

Bread – the New Age staple food!

Neolithic age (New Stone Age) brought about the spread of agriculture, with which came along the accidental making of bread; it then became the most important aspect of food and sustenance, competing with all the other variety of foods and yet managing to be the essential of our diet and our psyche. Recent years have brought drastic changes in the variety of packaged breads; with the choices of white bread, pav, buns and pizza breads growing, our palate and demand for it too is prospering!

In India, less spoken issue up till now, is the use of certain chemicals for manufacturing bread that question health and safety; with an emerging renal and thyroid tumour incidences. A research study from New Delhi regarding health concerns taken up by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) implied 84% of bread and bakery samples (collected from New Delhi) with residues of Potassium Bromate and/or Potassium Iodate, the cancer-causing chemicals.

Carcinogens – their looming threat!

It was in 1999 when Potassium Bromate was classified as a possible carcinogen to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); this genotoxic carcinogen, earlier used as a flour treatment agent, was banned in most of the countries (India being an exception) foreseeing its cruelty. In case of ideal baking conditions, Bromate converts into a harmless Bromide, which does not seem to happen practically and thus the study showing presence of the 2B carcinogen residues in the packaged bread sold in India is the talk of the town!

Most of the famous food outlets strongly deny the accusation made in the CSE report, stating their top most priority to be customer safety and health for which they follow the best international standards. How much ever convincing this might sound, it does not diminish our apprehensive thoughts, making us nothing but the seekers for knowledge and reality. Taking preventive approach a cancer screening for carcinogens perhaps can help one detect, monitor and manage the terrifying cancerous menace.

Let’s hope saying goodbye to Bread is not the only outcome to abate these carcinogens!

Know Your Thyroid!

Chiranjeevi
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Know Your Thyroid!

Today is celebrated as ‘Thyroid Day’ in many parts of the world, and here’s what you need to know about your “Thyroid Gland” a tiny butterfly shaped organ that rests in the front and at the base of your neck.

The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine organs (organs that secrete hormones) that produces hormones responsible supporting the numerous activities that are carried out by you to stay healthy and fine!

What are the hormones produced by the Thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland produces two important hormones namely – Triiodothyronine (T3 hormone) and Thyroxine (T4 hormone). The production and regulation of their level is very well-managed by yet another hormone called Thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH) which is produced by the ‘Master gland’, the “Pituitary gland”.

What are your thyroid hormones responsible for?

Your thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating and managing your –

  • Heart rate
  • Body weight
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Body temperature
  • Menstrual cycles in females
  • Muscle strength
  • Nervous system and many more…

Are there any conditions or disorders that can affect your thyroid gland?

Yes! Your thyroid hormones can fluctuate to extremes and can give rise to two important conditions; these two conditions are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

When your thyroid gland fails to produce enough levels of its hormones is termed as Hypothyroidism. If you are suffering from this low level of thyroid hormone condition, it will be quite visible in your body activities such as,

  • Weight gain
  • Tingling in the fingers
  • Constipation
  • Low heart rate
  • Loss of hair
  • Memory problems
  • Infertility, miscarriages, etc.

When your thyroid gland fails to control and regulate the production of its hormones it gives rise to Hyperthyroidism. This condition can give rise to,

  • Increased heart rate
  • Nervousness & irritability
  • Trembling hands & breathlessness
  • Scanty or complete absence of menses in females
  • Weight loss & weakness, etc.

What is Goiter?

It is the enlargement of the thyroid gland and is caused due to deficiency of iodine, an important element responsible for thyroid hormone production. Presence of goiter can give rise to either of the conditions i.e. cand Hyperthyroidism.

Can your thyroid gland be affected with Cancer?

Yes, it is one of the most uncommon types of cancers and well manageable at its early stages. It initially starts in the thyroid gland itself and presents itself in the form of nodules or lumps that can be felt in the gland. The cancer is quiet non-invasive and majority of the treatment strategies work well. In extreme cases, total removal of the thyroid gland is also carried out.

How do I check if my thyroid is working fine?

Test the levels of your thyroid hormones! That’s a best way to analyse if the gland is working all fine. Besides that, physical evaluation of the gland for detecting presence of any nodules or lumps is yet another way to evaluate its health.

So this Thyroid Day ensure to get yourself tested and keep thyroid disorders away!

Health advantages of living in Green Spaces!

Chiranjeevi
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Health advantages of living in Green Spaces!

Living in Green

Greens are attractive eye catchers! To be precise they are naturally occurring scenic beauty comforters that sooth our mind; and no matter how much our newly acquired lifestyle mesmerizes us, the connectivity we experience with the natural creation is inexplicable.

To speak in terms of science, research on longer healthy lives imposes health improvement in people associated with vegetation or greens near their homes; which is quiet a worthy thought in our dooming lifestyle scenario, where a mere preventive healthcare checkup takes a back seat!

Man and nature – the inseparable! 

An inseparable connection between human and nature comes from a very long route of evolution. Nature and diversity own mysterious ways to attract us, quiet emphatically speaking the rich diversity of shapes, colors and life that dwells on earth that are universally appreciated.

There were times when people lived in close contact with nature experiencing spiritual admiration along with widespread affiliation towards natural phenomena. However, divergence from nature occurred with parallel development of technological era bringing about fundamental changes in human interaction with nature.

Nature is the ultimate Nurture

Research has gone to an extent where links between mental health and aesthetics of nature expresses our dependence on green spaces. Studies by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) also talk about women living longer if surrounded by greenness near homes, lowering their death rate up to 12% as compared to women with lowest levels of vegetation near homes.

Greens – their effect on body and mind

Most of us are oblivious to the influence colors have on activities and responses in our day-to-day life. Such is the profundity of colors that harmonises the body, mind and emotions; maintaining the balance between them; and naturally speaking green is the color of balance, considered as the restful color to human eyes needing least adjustment for perseverance.

The color not only boosts self-esteem and provides motivation, but also spreads a positive effect on physical as well as mental being. Enriching health through green exercise(physical exercise in natural environment), alleviating stress, promoting optimism are just the add-ons of this color, expressing longevity in humans.

Psychological studies aid in understanding human behavior making them the trending studies of the age. Use of colors as the powerful tool has opened the knowledge gates of greens and their effect on mind and body, some physiological effects include

  • Green color stimulates activity of pituitary gland
  • Induces increase in histamine levels thereby helping in dilatation of blood vessels
  • Relaxes the muscles
  • Helps in deeper and slow breathing facilitating increased oxygenation
  • Good for the heart
  • Has a positive effect on blood pressure
  • Aids in faster healing of the wounds

Pablo Picasso put it aptly, ‘Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.’ We cannot deny nature’s role being an essential factor for survival; and Biophilia, a suggested hypothesis by the American biologist Edward O. Wilson, proves to be a popularized truthful fact, wherein human bonding with living aspects of nature is propounded. Also, the more people are outdoorsy and nature loving, the lesser stress they inflict on themselves; need not talk much about the improved mental health, well being for children and young adults, along with reduced violence and aggression etc., just with an increased area of green spaces in the vicinity!

It is high time we accept our connection with environment, there is a reason why aesthetics are given importance in today’s lifestyle. That soothing patch of green in the crazy hectic life we live in will only help us breathe better; because ultimately it is these green spaces that oxygenate the surroundings!

Here’s how Vitamin D will benefit you!

Chiranjeevi
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Here’s how Vitamin D will benefit you!

Vitamin D Benefits

Expose yourself to the early morning sun for 10 minutes for strong and healthy bones! – is very relatable health advice of most doctors these days. Vitamin D, is not a foreign term for the masses subjected to numerous advertisements rolling every now or then on television channels or radios, on health drinks and dietary supplements for all age groups promoting strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D, a very crucial fat-soluble nutrient required in small amounts, is immensely vital to maintaining our overall health. Often its importance is underrated until a medical condition strikes with varied symptoms like excessive hair loss, acne, joint pain, severe hormonal problems, etc. at first, which are later diagnosed as a manifestation of irregular vitamin D levels.

Yes, this single vitamin is not only responsible for keeping bone healthy, but also plays an indispensable role in sustaining the normal functioning of nerves, muscles, internal organs like the heart, etc. Such an essential nutrient can only be obtained from selective foods like fish, eggs, or fortified products like cereals. Well, worry not for our bodies harbor a unique ability to endogenously synthesize their adequate levels upon sunlight exposure.

Vitamin D Vital for survival

  • Calcium, when acquired from foods or supplements doesn’t get absorbed on its own and needs vitamin D, particularly for its absorption in the body.
  • It maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations for normal mineralization of bones, bone growth as well as bone remodeling.
  • Apart from maintaining the body’s temperature, it increases muscle strength and reduces the loss of muscle mass significantly.
  • Be it colorectal cancer or breast cancer, optimal vitamin D serum levels are known to boost our immune system to ward-off tumors, and reduce inflammation, thus delaying disease progression.
  • It lowers the risk of anemia by boosting hemoglobin levels and is associated with the production of red blood cells through a yet-to-be understood mechanism.
  • It modulates cell growth, inflammation reduction, nerve signaling, and immune system functions and regulates genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation.
  • B-complex vitamins known to foster deep sleep are also produced by intestinal bacteria which require vitamin D to thrive, thus low vitamin D levels can goof up your sleep.

Current research has shown that low vitamin D levels can cause high blood pressure, and depression and activate genes linked to various autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, Type-2 diabetes, etc. Abnormally excessive levels of vitamin D build up for prolonged periods or its sudden overdose may lead to kidney stones or kidney damage.

Having knowledge of your current vitamin D levels prior to the onset of even the symptoms of any disease paves a way towards keeping one’s well-being. Go for a preventive healthcare checkup today to know your existing serum vitamin D levels and if irregularities persist, depending on its severity seek medical help to correct them. Till then, bask in the morning sun and ‘brighten’ up your vitamin D levels while the sun is shining!

 

Creating Awareness about Diabetes Prevention

Chiranjeevi
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Creating Awareness about Diabetes Prevention

Who is not aware of this lifestyle-inflicted condition? Diabetes mellitus (better known as ‘Diabetes’) has become a common disease of the present generation affecting old and young alike. While we have “Type 1 Diabetes” which is related to less or no production of insulin; there is “Type 2 Diabetes” which is majorly caused due to a resistance developed in the body to utilize insulin for effective management of blood sugar levels. Also, there exists a third type – termed “Gestational Diabetes”, a condition in pregnant women due to increased levels of blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes – A major health concern worldwide

Yes! The rate at which this non-communicable disease is growing, it has become a major health concern around the globe! But how do we cope with it? What is the cause for so many of us to succumb to this ‘sweet-killer’?

Well, by large, it is our lifestyle to be blamed for! The present generation is more indulgent in fast foods and all that appears appealing to their ‘taste buds’. This trend has very well contributed to giving rise to obesity which eventually forms a major risk factor for type 2 Diabetes.

Again technological advancements aimed at making our lives simple, less labor-intensive, and less tedious have got us, humans, to become completely dependent and less physically active.

How to prevent Diabetes?

More of physical activity

Get into a habit of regular exercise. Physical activity and exercise help in losing weight and hence lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, regular exercise boosts your immunity which again keeps a tab on your sugar levels.

Include fibrous foods in the diet

Increase the number of fibrous foods you consume. Fibrous foods take more amount of time in digestion and hence contribute to lessening the chances of shooting up your blood sugar levels. Also, they keep you full for a longer period, lessening binge eating habits. Fibrous foods again lower the risk of heart diseases and promote weight loss.

Whole grains are the best bet!

Have more whole grains foods in your diet as these aid in reducing the risk of diabetes. Whole grains also help to manage the blood sugar levels; so ensure to look at the label on that bread you buy to check if it is made from whole grains.

Lose weight!

Being overweight equally increases your risk of diabetes. Thus, losing that extra pound will not only decrease your diabetes risk but will also contribute to getting you a healthy and fit body!

Make healthier choices

Keeping a check on the carbs and maintaining the balance of fats, proteins help efficiently manage your weight and thus decrease diabetes chances. Excluding foods with more unhealthy carbs and white flour and include foods with more fiber content. Instead of driving, walk that little distance from your home to the supermarket. Lessen the intake of fast foods post working hours and go for healthy snacks like boiled sprouts, whole grain biscuits, etc.

Prevent the ‘sweet-killer’ before it silently creeps into your life. Cause if it does, it will bring many afflictions along…

For more information, visit Thyrocare.com

Can your smartphone detect skin cancer?

Chiranjeevi
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Can your smartphone detect skin cancer?

Smartphone Detect Skin Cancer?

Believe it or not, almost every individual is addicted to his or her smartphone these days! Think about it, who can say no to a platform filled with limitless functionality and practical applicability in a compact and portable form in this fast-paced, dynamic life that we live in?! Checking messages, playing games, grabbing information and building contacts are some of the most common to-do’s we achieve using our tiny device. What is more, research studies have gone one step ahead by inventing an uncommon feature in smartphone that detects the appearance of skin cancer!

Skin being the largest organ of the body, is quite atypically the most neglected one; but when it comes to skin cancer if neglected, can definitely prove to be fatal. Uncontrolled division of cells in the body is the characteristic feature of cancer, and based on the type of cells and cancerous growth they are categorised into various types. This diversity gives us more the reason to worry about its early and accurate diagnosis.

The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston (UTHealth) found a way to connect smartphone to detect skin cancer via phone-based microscopy.

With a 90% detection accuracy as compared to a traditional light microscope, this technology may prove a highly efficient tool in detecting non-melanoma skin cancer.

Cure for cancer is a tough battle, thus the focus lies on a feasible diagnostic approach for early detection, for example aPET-CT scan! The modern world believes in quick results, and gadgets with their alluring technology might help us acquire faster as well as better answers. This smart phone based microscopy hopefully won’t take long to nestle in a physician’s palm and bridge the gap between detecting this dreadful menace to cure it.

For more information, kindly visit Thyrocare’s partner, Nueclear- a diagnostic imaging center.  http://www.nueclear.com/

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