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Make your period days comfortable

Period Management For Girls

Keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help you predict when your next period will arrive, making it easier to prepare in advance. You can use a period tracking app, keep a calendar, or make a note of the start and end dates of your periods each month…reports Advaitesha Birla

It can be both exhilarating and terrifying to get your first period. You may have many questions about what to anticipate because it can be difficult to understand all of the changes that are taking place in your body. It’s crucial to understand that every girl goes through this process and that it’s a typical aspect of maturing, though. I’ve compiled 5 suggestions that I found useful to try and make this process a little less difficult and unpleasant.

Get Equipped: Make sure you have the right menstrual products such as pads, tampons, or menstrual cups readily available at home or in your bag. Being prepared with the right supplies will give you peace of mind and help you manage your period with confidence. Additionally, keeping a pain reliever on hand can alleviate any discomfort or cramps that may arise during your period.

Track Your Cycle: Keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help you predict when your next period will arrive, making it easier to prepare in advance. You can use a period tracking app, keep a calendar, or make a note of the start and end dates of your periods each month.

Managing Cramps: Menstrual cramps can be very uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating. There are many over-the-counter pain relievers that can help reduce cramps. Additionally, heat therapy such as a heating pad, warm bath, or a shot water bottle can also help relieve cramps.

Take Care of Your Body: Your period can be a draining time, both physically and emotionally. It’s important to take care of your body by eating well, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. You can also try doing light exercises or yoga to help boost your energy and reduce stress.

41 per cent of women in favour of menstrual leave: Online survey.

Talk to Someone: Talking to someone about your period, whether it be a parent, teacher, or doctor, can help relieve any anxiety or confusion you may be feeling. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Additionally, you can also consider reaching out to organizations such as Ujaas which provide education and resources on menstrual health and hygiene to empower girls and women. Having a trusted source of information and support can make all the difference in your journey with your first period.

It can be perplexing and overwhelming to have your first period, but by being ready, keeping track of your cycle, controlling cramps, caring for your body, and talking to someone, you can ease the transition. Keep in mind that receiving your period is a normal biological occurrence, therefore there is no reason to be embarrassed or uncomfortable about it. Never be afraid to talk to someone you trust and feel at ease expressing yourself to if you are frightened or concerned.

A woman’s menstruation is unique to each individual, so what works for one woman may not work for another.

ALSO READ-Let’s talk about menstrual hygiene

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Africa News Health

Kenya ramps up efforts to curb HIV infections among youth

“Primary education is free in Kenya. We have a challenge in slum areas, but we will ensure all children are in school,” he said in a statement issued after the meeting…reports Asian Lite News

Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that the government is ramping up efforts to contain the rising new HIV infections among adolescents and young adults.

Gachagua, who received Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) Executive Director Winnie Byanyima in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, said the government has roped in local administrators, lawmakers and other interest groups in fighting triple threats facing adolescents and teenagers.

The “triple threats” are HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among adolescents and young adults.

According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (former National AIDS Control Council) report of 2022, at least 52 percent of the 29,380 new infections were among adolescents and young adults aged 15-29.

A majority of these cases are girls and young women. Female genital mutilation (FGM), SGBV, and teenage pregnancies have been singled out as threats predisposing girls in Kenya and globally to HIV/AIDS, according to the report.

Gachagua attributed the high number of infections in 2021 to the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the closure of schools, he said, the children were at home, making them more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, FGM, and forced marriage, which have been linked to the rise of infections.

“Primary education is free in Kenya. We have a challenge in slum areas, but we will ensure all children are in school,” he said in a statement issued after the meeting.

Gachagua said the government’s vision is to remove all barriers impeding access to education and economic empowerment through an integrated government approach.

Against the backdrop of reducing global funding to countries in various programs, Byanyima considered Kenya a priority in accessing more resources to curb the rising cases among adolescents, teenagers, and mother-to-child transmission.

She called on the government to bring all the 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS under antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Currently, 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS are under ARTs, while 200,000 others — mostly children — are not, according to government statistics.

Byanyima said the most cost-effective and sustainable way is to establish local pharmaceuticals to produce medical products, adding that “we need to manufacture the drugs here (locally). We will work with you on that.”

Although new HIV infections remain high, they have significantly reduced over the years. In 2013, Kenya recorded about 278 people newly infected with HIV per day, according to the statistics.

This number has declined to approximately 95 cases per day. The annual cases of mother-to-child transmission have dropped in half from about 12,940 to 5,160 cases between 2013 and 2022.

ALSO READ-Kenya on course to eliminating neglected tropical diseases

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Calorie intake and weight loss

Does weight loss help in the management of arthritis?(IANSLIFE)

Eating a light dinner that is low in calories and high in nutrients can help with weight loss. Eating a heavy dinner close to bedtime can cause weight gain as the body is less active and burns fewer calories during sleep…reports Asian Lite News

The timing of food intake can affect weight loss in several ways. Eating at regular intervals throughout the day, rather than skipping meals or having large gaps between meals can help regulate hunger and prevent overeating.

Eating a larger breakfast, a moderate lunch, and a smaller dinner has also been shown to be beneficial for weight loss. In addition, eating a healthy snack before bedtime can help prevent late-night snacking, which can lead to weight gain. However, it is important to note that overall calorie intake and balance of macronutrients are more important than the timing of meals for weight loss.

Breakfast

Eating a nutritious breakfast within the first hour of waking can jumpstart metabolism and provide energy for the day. It regulates our hunger hormones and keeps us fuller and pleased for longer. Skipping breakfast can lead to overeating later in the day and slow metabolism. No matter what, don’t skip meals. Skipping breakfast is frequently linked to a number of unhealthy indicators, including weight gain and decreased glucose metabolism. People frequently find that eating breakfast reduces impulsive snacking and prepares the body for a day of healthy nutrition. Your metabolism can be boosted for the day by having a well-balanced breakfast that includes high-fibre foods like berries and a decent source of protein like Greek yogurt.

The 80/20 Rule for your 2023 weight loss resolution.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Lunch

Although lunch should be your largest meal of the day, the timing of lunch seems to have the least impact on weight loss (along with breakfast if consumed). This relates to the fact that the body is more effective earlier in the day at digesting food, burning calories, and controlling hormones thanks to those circadian rhythms. Eating a balanced lunch that includes protein, whole grains, and vegetables can help control hunger and keep energy levels steady throughout the afternoon. Skipping lunch can lead to overeating or making poor food choices later in the day. According to studies, the best time to eat lunch is between 12 and 2 p.m. We must, of course, keep in mind that we are all unique, so this may not apply to everyone. If you’re busy or distracted, skipping lunch could be tempting, but it might lead to issues later in the day. By depriving your body of energy, skipping lunch might leave you feeling groggy or sleepy. Furthermore, you may become unusually hungry in the afternoon, leading to overeating at your final meal. Finally, listening to your internal cues to identify your hunger level and making the right option is the best strategy.

Dinner

Eating a light dinner that is low in calories and high in nutrients can help with weight loss. Eating a heavy dinner close to bedtime can cause weight gain as the body is less active and burns fewer calories during sleep. Eating a late dinner may also disrupt sleep, which can lead to weight gain. The ideal time for your last meal of the day is at least three to four hours before you go to bed. A late meal or eating too late at night may increase your risk of obesity and metabolic disturbances like dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, according to studies. Those who consumed more calories at dinner than they did at breakfast had more pronounced insulin resistance. This result implies that cutting back on dinnertime calories may eventually help lower insulin resistance. Soup, grilled chicken or fish, a big bowl of salad, multigrain roti with palak paneer, or boiling chana masala are all acceptable options for dinner.

How the timing of your food can affect weight loss

For those attempting to reduce weight, meal timing is a crucial component. All of the major food categories should be present in a balanced meal for you. Keep all food groups in your diet. If you want to reduce weight, choose little, regular meals rather than 3 large ones. Between meals, consume a healthy drink or a healthy snack. Also, keep track of the time you consume each meal.

ALSO READ-Ayurvedic tips to cure congestion and sore throat

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How naturopathy and yoga help in cancer

brighter brain.(Photo:Pixabay.com)

Including black beans and dark green leafy vegetables in the regular diet also helps to fight lethargy and exhaustion. During chemotherapy, one should drink ginger root tea every day to improve regular digestive functioning…reports Babina NM

It is estimated that nearly 1 million new cases of cancer are reported in India every year. Overall, approximately half a million deaths occur in India every year from cancer. To bring cancer under control, frequent treatments like radiation, chemotherapy and surgery are used, nevertheless, the underlying cause is never treated. Additionally, these treatments exhaust the patients and degrade their quality of life. This is where naturopathy and yoga can make a difference by relieving the “body-racking” side effects of cancer and restoring the patient’s general health.

Naturopathy happens to be a complementary branch of medicine which employs safe and natural therapies and upholds detoxification as a crucial step to recovery from cancer. The best part is that naturopathic treatment can be integrated with the ongoing treatment of cancer to offer comfort to patients.

What do studies suggest?

A study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research investigating how naturopathy and yoga might support chemotherapy for cancer, revealed that yoga and naturopathy can lead to long-term improvements in the mental well-being and quality of life of cancer patients. These findings suggest that empowering cancer patients with alternative therapies like naturopathy and yoga and encouraging them to actively participate in their own care can have long-term positive effects on quality of life.

According to another study involving 116 adult patients who underwent surgery for Adenocarcinoma of the Colon, yoga and naturopathy interventions in addition to chemotherapy showed improvements in overall functional life index along with improvement in haemoglobin levels.

Cancer patients must receive radiation or chemotherapy, which has a number of adverse consequences, including:

Diarrhoea or mouth sores

Joint pain

Fatigue

Radiation-induced dermatitis

Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet

Insomnia

Nausea and vomiting

Hot flashes

Immune system modulation

These are only a few of the several side effects that are caused by radiation or chemotherapy. As a result of that many cancer patients would prefer to avoid receiving chemotherapy or radiation. However, there may be no alternative choice in some severe cases of cancer. In order to give cancer patients much-needed relief, naturopathy and yoga can prove to be extremely useful. Here’s how:

Dietary changes: Several chemotherapy drugs make the mouth and digestive system lining peel off and become sensitive. Moreover, it causes diarrhoea. By changing the food, one may boost and rebuild the immune system. Including spinach, kale, zucchini, celery, carrots, potatoes, onions, parsley, and tomatoes in a cancer patient’s diet can help them get the electrolytes their bodies need.

Including black beans and dark green leafy vegetables in the regular diet also helps to fight lethargy and exhaustion. During chemotherapy, one should drink ginger root tea every day to improve regular digestive functioning.

Yoga and Naturopathy for Cancer Patients.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Yoga: Cancer is a condition that impairs a patient’s mental capacity in addition to their physical strength. Patients lose hope even before their treatment begins since this illness has been portrayed as being incurable. They get consumed by awful ideas, which further deteriorate their health. When this happens, yoga can help! Cancer patients who practise yoga find relief from their anxiety, stress and tension. Additionally, it improves circulation and fortifies the body and mind to withstand lengthy cancer treatments. Yoga helps cancer survivors maintain their health and cope with the numerous adverse effects of chemotherapy. One of the best ways to return to regular life and resume all of the activities one was engaged in before receiving cancer treatment is yoga.

Acupuncture: Both cancer patients and cancer survivors can benefit from the potent restorative and therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Pain, hot flashes, inflammation, immune system regulation, sleeplessness, dry mouth, anxiety, vomiting and nausea can all be effectively treated with acupuncture. It is well known that acupuncture is an effective treatment for improving a cancer patient’s overall quality of life. In reality, acupuncture is now commonly used in cancer treatment and recovery programmes at many medical institutions.

For patients with any type of cancer, naturopathy therapy can be used in addition to existing cancer treatment. Natural treatments can be extremely helpful, even for cancer survivors. Before making any dietary adjustments or beginning a yoga practice, it is usually preferable to speak with a trained naturopath because each person’s body type responds differently to naturopathic treatments.

ALSO READ-Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer

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Herbs for better sleep

8 benefits of a weighted blanket.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Sleep deprivation is often due to a hectic lifestyle, anxiety, and stress. Stress affects the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, but taking some herbal supplements can compensate for this loss…reports Asian Lite News

Sleep is your body’s natural way of healing itself. Good quality sleep prepares you for a productive day ahead. You need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to feel relaxed and rejuvenated, but sometimes getting quality sleep can be difficult.

Sleep experts at Eachnight.com have revealed how natural herbs can help those who may struggle to drift off at night. This research has been medically reviewed by Dr. Nayantara Santhi.

How can herbs promote sleep?

Natural herbs contain powerful sleep-enhancing properties for a night of restful sleep. They can calm your nerves and soothe your senses, providing adequate sleep.

Sleep deprivation is often due to a hectic lifestyle, anxiety, and stress. Stress affects the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, but taking some herbal supplements can compensate for this loss.

Some natural herbs are high in tryptophan, an amino acid improving the synthesis of serotonin. Increasing serotonin levels offsets the chemical imbalance causing the most common sleep disorder, insomnia.

5 Best Herbs to try

Lavender

The anti-depressive, sedative and calming properties of lavender help you sleep better. Studies show lavender herbs can relax your nerves, reduce anxiety levels, and stabilise mood disorders. Reduced stress, anxiety, and a positive mood promote daytime wakefulness and more sustained sleep at night. Typically, lavender is used via sprays or inhaled.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb known for its relaxing effects. Modern-day studies prove the efficacy of chamomile. It reduces anxiety, soothes your nerves, and eases insomnia. One study, for example, found that women who had given birth and struggled to sleep experienced less sleep inefficiency and depression when drinking chamomile tea at night for two weeks. The presence of nerve-relaxing flavonoids in chamomile tea makes it a popular tranquillizing drink. You can feel chamomile’s soothing effect even by inhaling its aroma.

Valerian

The roots of the valerian herb are often used to treat insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety in patients. Valerenic acid in the valerian roots inhibits the breakdown of the neurotransmitter GABA. This induces better quality sleep. Valerian works on the principles of anti-anxiety medicines, promoting deep sleep. Valerian is available in many stores and usually comes in the form of tablets.

Passionflower

Passionflower contains nerve-relaxing flavonoids, which help you to de-stress and sleep better. This tropical flower tastes good and is commonly used in many herbal, over-the-counter sedatives.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb commonly used to combat insomnia, as studies have shown it’s effective at improving sleep onset latency and quality of rest. The real sleep-promoting compounds of Ashwagandha are found in the leaves of this plant-triethylene glycol works to eliminate feelings of stress or anxiety, induce calmness, and help you fall asleep easily. Ashwagandha ultimately acts like a sedative, so it’s a great alternative to anxiety medications or OTC sleep aids since it works with your body to naturally bolster sleeping habits. Ashwagandha can be bought as capsules that are ingested. How to use herbs for sleep

Herbal tea

Make some herbal tea by adding 1 tsp of herbs to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 20 minutes, then strain and drink it. You can drink two to three cups of herbal tea in a day.

Essential oils

Add herb-flavoured essential oils to your warm water bath at bedtime to feel a calming effect, inducing sleep.

Massage herb-infused oil mixed with olive, grapeseed, or coconut oil on certain parts of your body such as your forehead, neck, chest, wrist, chest, hands, or feet. Your skin may be sensitive to an undiluted essential oil, so diluting it reduces the chances of a reaction.

5 natural herbs that help you sleep

Aromatherapy

Inhale the fragrance of natural herbs through aromatherapy candles.

Supplements

Consume herbal extract supplements, available over the counter in pharmacy stores. Read the dosage instructions on the label to know how much to take per day.

A spokesperson from Eachnight.com commented, “Sleep disturbances occur when the normal processes of waking and/or initiating sleep do not happen. This can occur because of a combination of genetic, environmental, sleep habits, and other psychobiological factors.

If the pattern of sleep disturbances continues over time, these factors can create a vicious cycle of ongoing sleep problems with consequences in our waking lives. As they say, sleep health is as important as diet and exercise for our well-being.

Most of the natural herbs have a long history of use for the treatment of insomnia. These herbal medicines were being prescribed by physicians since ancient times as natural sleep aids. Modern-day studies and research have supported the efficacy of taking these herbs for a great night’s sleep, so any of these options can be a good fit. Although many herbs are harmless and have no side effects it is worth talking to your doctor before making any drastic changes.”

ALSO READ-Advantages of sleeping with music

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Africa News Health

Kenya on course to eliminating neglected tropical diseases

Food insecurity in Somalia to worsen by May 2022: UN.(photo: twitter.com/OCHASom)

Neglected tropical diseases have been identified by the WHO as a major threat to public health security in Kenya…reports Asian Lite News

The eradication of neglected tropical diseases in remote Kenyan counties has gathered steam amid ramped-up investments in their prevention, treatment and care, a senior official said.

Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, Cabinet Secretary for Health, said on Monday that domestication of global instruments has been combined with robust funding, policy reforms, enhanced surveillance and awareness in a bid to get rid of old and forgotten vector-borne diseases.

Speaking at an event to mark the 2023 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day held in the western Kenyan county of Kisumu, Wafula added that more than 25 million people in the country were at risk of these ailments.

Neglected tropical diseases have been identified by the WHO as a major threat to public health security in Kenya, he said, noting that 26 out of 47 Kenyan counties have been identified as endemic to vector-borne neglected tropical ailments, including bilharzia, sleeping sickness, river blindness, dengue fever, trachoma and rabies.

To accelerate progress toward the elimination of these ailments, the government and partners have prioritised investment in robust surveillance, early diagnosis, and deployment of therapeutics and vaccines in the endemic counties, Wafula said.

Kenya was declared guinea worm free by the WHO in 2018, said the official, stressing that the launch of a strategy for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases has gained steam, backed by innovative financing, partnerships and political goodwill.

ALSO READ-Kenya to reduce fiscal deficit

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-Top News Australia Health

Australia in dire need of foreign doctors: Minister

Butler, who has said Medicare is in the worst condition in its 40-year history, believed attracting more GPs would relieve pressure on the whole system….report Asian Lite News

Australian Health Minister Mark Butler has identified attracting more foreign doctors as key to fixing the country’s health system.

The minister said on Sunday that a review into general practice (GP) should investigate ways to attract more foreign health workers to Australia and have their existing qualification recognised, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Federal, state and territory leaders agreed on Friday to the review of GP before they address widespread problems in the health system later this year.

A separate report on Medicare, Australia’s universal health care system, made recommendations to improve the accessibility and affordability of health care.

Butler, who has said Medicare is in the worst condition in its 40-year history, believed attracting more GPs would relieve pressure on the whole system.

“It’s about going overseas and recruiting as an Australian healthcare system doctors and nurses and other health care professionals to come to Australia,” he told Sky News Australia.

“I think the premiers and chief ministers recognised that last week, they’re seeing the pressure on their hospital systems because of the problems in general practice. If we don’t turn that around, then the whole of our healthcare system is going to be under enormous pressure.”

Additionally, the government has flagged giving pharmacists the ability to prescribe medications for common conditions rather than requiring a GP visit.

According to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA), the measure would circumvent 6.5 million GP visits every year.

Butler said it “doesn’t make sense” to have health workers not working to the full extent of their training.

ALSO READ: Cleverly rebuffs Australian minister over colonialism remarks

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Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer

10 Facts you should know about HPV.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The most effective prevention strategy for cervical cancer is the systematic screening of women along with treatment and HPV vaccination…reports Asian Lite News

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer of women in India, despite being largely preventable. India accounts for the highest number of cervical cancer cases as every year approximately 1.25 lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 75 thousand die from the disease in India. A large majority of cervical cancer (more than 95 percent) is due to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact so the transmission does not require sexual intercourse.

Most sexually-active women contract the infection at some point in their lives with or without symptoms. However, in 9 out of 10 people who get HPV the infection will clear on its own, making it much less likely to cause cancer.

There are more than 200 types of HPV, of which about 14 types are considered high risk for causing cancer.

HPV 16 or 18 causes 83 percent of invasive cervical cancers and it takes 15-20 years from contracting the infection to developing cancer. Four out of five cervical cancers reported in India were caused by infections from HPV types 16 and 18.

The most effective prevention strategy for cervical cancer is the systematic screening of women along with treatment and HPV vaccination.

Several screening methods, such as Pap-Smear, visual inspection with acetic acid, and HPV DNA testing are used for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.

DNA-based testing for HPV is considered to be more effective than other commonly used screening methods. In this test, vaginal and cervical cells are tested using a polymerase chain reaction or PCR test (the same PCR test used for Covid or tuberculosis) to check for HPV DNA. If positive, then further evaluation for cervical cancer needs to be done, but if negative, the chance of cervical cancer is almost zero and more importantly, the chance of having clinical cervical cancer in the next five years becomes quite negligible.

The manifold benefits of early detection of cancer

While there are vaccines today that can greatly reduce the risk of HPV, they cannot neutralize the virus in people already infected.

Vaccination Doesn’t Replace Cancer Screening – Even if you get the HPV vaccine, you need to get screened for cervical cancer.

All women between 21-65 years should get regular pap smears done every 3 years. If a woman is screened with HPV DNA, the screening interval can be increased to 5 years.

ALSO READ-Glaucoma in kids

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Half moon pose is perfect for healthy benefits

Practicing it on both sides keeps you well co-ordinate and deeply anchored into your being and mentally stable. Ardha Chandrasana in particular also helps you to bring equanimity to the fore, calmness, and serenity, once again Chandra representing the moon is all about coolness being collected, getting integrated, and balanced…writes Dr Micky Mehta

As much as the sun is fiery and all about passion and high-octane energy, the moon on the opposite side is cooling, calming, and very creative in nature. Ardha Chandrasana as the name says particularly this posture brings serenity, and tranquility to the moon. It brings the shine and hue of light from within. Lunar energy helps you develop empathy, compassion, creativity, and connect with hearts. Talents are the sign of representation of moon subtleties and grace.

The push and pulls of life stretch people to sit for late hours at work, till the sun rises. Long hours of sitting continuously lead to tight gluteus, quads, and hamstrings muscles. Ardha Chandrasana also known as Half Moon pose is a perfect posture for those.

Because every asana is about geometry, our inner geometry corresponds to the geometry of the outside world, the Universe. This must also be flawless in terms of symmetry. So, when it comes to angles, make sure that you have deep relaxation in your body and mind and achieve the appropriate posture with the right alignment of your palms to shoulders and hands above, the leg that is down absolutely stable and deeply anchored for you to get anchored in your own self as well. The beauty of Ardha Chandrasana is the combination of being anchored and soaring in this posture.

It’s standing and a challenging posture.

Like the moon goes through phases to reach the full moon. To achieve the perfect posture we also need to practice preparatory postures. Make sure your sensibilities, your senses, and your awareness are all conjured up together, and with absolute grace and softness of being you hold this posture and don’t use aggression anywhere, because aggression doesn’t allow you to balance, it will tip the balance. It may also cause injuries. So, one needs to warm up well before getting into the actual pose. You can do compound movements or any individual muscle group movements for warm-ups with gentle breath in and out, stretching every body part, especially your shoulders, back, lower back, gluteus, and hamstrings which are going to play in this posture.

How to do:

Stand with Legs apart, Bend in Trikonasana, Breathe in slowly raise your leg up and try to balance on one foot and one arm. Try holding as much as comfortable. Repeat on another side. Focusing your attention in the upward movement of the hand and the alignment, being perpendicular to the ground is so important that leads to stability of the mind which we call “Sthirtha” in Yoga.

The benefits:

Strengthening core muscles: Strengthening your core muscles translates into strengthening confidence.

Improves Body Balance: Practicing it on both sides keeps you well co-ordinate and deeply anchored into your being and mentally stable. Ardha Chandrasana in particular also helps you to bring equanimity to the fore, calmness, and serenity, once again Chandra representing the moon is all about coolness being collected, getting integrated, and balanced.

Strengthens your legs: When you strengthen your legs, it helps to maintain your energy throughout the day precisive with clarity.

Good Body stretch: Stretching on other hand expands spaces on your own being and helps you move your fluids and air-ether element better. When an air-ether element is stable your movement and mental state also become stable.

Health Benefits of Half-Moon Yoga posture.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Cellular regeneration: When done together, all kinds of stretches and bends contract most of our toxins in organs. When we stretch fresh nutrients and oxygen-laden blood gets into our organs. So, rejuvenating our organs and cellular regeneration is very good.

Holding postures for an extended time helps us improve concentration, focus, determination, and Sankalp. With Sankalp, we can achieve anything.

All Yoga postures translate into a stable, strong, confident personality. People who master Ardha Chandrasana are disciplined, they are very focused, determined, and most important they are visionary people.

ALSO READ-Yoga for working women and hectic life

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Glaucoma in kids

Childhood Glaucoma(ianslife)

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage of the individual’s condition. Glaucoma can affect one eye or both…reports Asian Lite News

Due to the lack of symptoms and the fact that once eyesight is lost, it cannot be recovered, glaucoma is often known as the “silent thief of sight.” It is one of the main factors causing permanent blindness. The buildup of fluid in the eye, known as aqueous humour, which raises intraocular pressure, is what causes glaucoma (IOP). Loss of eyesight results from optic nerve injury brought on by high IOP. Let’s investigate the causes and prevention of glaucoma in greater detail this Glaucoma Awareness Month so that everyone can have healthy vision.

Glaucoma can affect newborns and children, despite being more frequent in adults. Infantile glaucoma develops during the first three years of life, whereas congenital glaucoma manifests at birth. Children may be affected by juvenile glaucoma, a different type of glaucoma. The signs and symptoms of glaucoma in infants and children are often different from those in adults.

Several cases of pediatric glaucoma have no specific identifiable cause and are considered primary glaucoma. The most common cause of childhood glaucoma is inadvertent use of steroidal eye drops for various allergic diseases of the eye. These eye drops can cause blinding glaucoma. Thus, it is vital to consult an eye specialist even for the slightest ailment of the eye as a child’s eyes are very sensitive. When glaucoma is caused by or associated with a specific condition or disease, it is called secondary glaucoma. Examples of conditions which can be associated with childhood glaucoma include Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome, Aniridia, Sturge-Weber Syndrome, neurofibromatosis, chronic steroid use, trauma, or previous eye surgery such as childhood cataract removal. Not all patients with these conditions will develop glaucoma, but their incidence of glaucoma is much higher than average, and they should be monitored regularly.

Symptoms of Glaucoma in Children

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage of the individual’s condition. Glaucoma can affect one eye or both.

The most common symptoms of congenital/infantile glaucoma are excessive watering of eyes, light sensitivity, and a large cloudy cornea which can cause the iris to appear dull. On the other hand, juvenile glaucoma tends to develop without any obvious symptoms, like adult glaucoma. Patients with juvenile glaucoma often tend to have a family history. On exam, the eye pressure will typically be elevated and there may be signs of optic nerve cupping. If the eye pressure increases rapidly, there may be pain and discomfort.

Some people may have non-specific symptoms like headache, watering eyes, or seeing a colored halo, which resemble other eye problems or medical conditions. Parents and caregivers should look for these symptoms and get an early consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Risk Factors and Prevention

There are ways to prevent vision loss and blindness from glaucoma. Here’s how:

The best way to protect one’s sight from glaucoma is to get regular comprehensive eye examinations. Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. If a child is at risk for glaucoma, it is critical to go for regular eye exams every year that include measuring intraocular pressure. This will help in early detection. It is equally important to take your glaucoma medications as prescribed by your doctor.

A healthy diet plays a role in staving off a host of chronic diseases, and glaucoma is no exception.

Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. It is recommended to wear protective eyewear while participating in sports or as and when required.

Intense exercise that raises the heart rate can also raise the ocular pressure. But regular walking and exercising at a moderate pace can lower eye pressure and improve overall health.

If you have glaucoma or are at high risk of the disease, don’t place your head below your heart for long periods of time. Head-down positions can significantly raise the ocular pressure. It is also important to sleep in the right position. Avoid sleeping with your eye against the pillow or on your arm.

Treatments for Glaucoma

Glaucoma treatment options include medication, surgery, or both. For infants and young children, surgery is often the first treatment to avoid long-term vision issues. The goal of surgery is to repair the drainage issue so fluid drains normally from the eye. There are different types of surgical options available. The ophthalmologist decides the best surgery suitable for the patient based on several factors including the underlying nature of the disease. Various surgical options are available nowadays including trabeculotomy and goniotomy with the highest success rates. Other procedures are trabeculectomy, combined trabeculotomy, and trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage devices to name a few. Earlier the surgery is performed, better is the outcome.

5 ways to take care of eye health. (Photo: Pixabay)

Cyclophotocoagulation is the last resort for a blind, painful eye that is unresponsive to other treatments. This type of surgery is performed in severe cases of childhood glaucoma.

Specific treatment for glaucoma will be determined by the ophthalmologist based on the child’s age, overall health, and medical history, the extent of the disease, tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies, and other factors. Children diagnosed with pediatric glaucoma have a higher risk of developing other eye issues as they get older. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment, combined with careful monitoring, are crucial for long-term eye health. The good news is that early detection can prevent severe damage and save eyesight. New advancements in glaucoma care continue to bring researchers closer to mitigating the disease.

(Inputs contributed by Dr. Suneeta Dubey, Head of Glaucoma Services, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, and Dr. Vidya Chelerkar, Head of Glaucoma Department, PBMA’s HV Desai Eye Hospital Orbis Partner Hospitals)

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