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Health Lite Blogs

B.E.G.I.N. a life plan to control blood sugar

Just B.E.G.I.N. with a new plan to control blood sugar.(photo:IANSLIFE)

You need a complete life plan and not new year’s resolutions to keep your blood sugar under control, writes Dr. Varsha Khatry

 It is that time of the year when we are all fired up to make new year’s resolutions. We take on new health challenges, but for many of us, the resolve fizzles out right after a few months into the new year. Research shows that only 50 percent of people consider their new year’s resolutions successful at the end of the year(i)(ii). This is because most new years resolutions are made in the heat of the moment without a proper plan. If you are a person with diabetes, you cannot afford to set such sporadic health-related goals because diabetes is what is known as a ‘lifestyle disorder’. Your every action, be it the food you eat, your physical activity, your sleep, and stress levels, affect your blood sugar level. You need a complete life plan and not new year’s resolutions to keep your blood sugar under control.

Here is a simple formula that will help you B.E.G.I.N that life plan.

B: Be on a ‘sugar’ watch

The goal of diabetes management is to keep your blood sugar within the permissible range. It is impractical to decide whether your blood sugar is under control or not based on a single test because it fluctuates owing to multiple factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, medications, or insulin dose. To get a good understanding of what among these is affecting the glucose fluctuations you need to check and note the blood sugar every day at the same time to get an accurate picture. This should be done every morning immediately after you wake up and 2 hours after lunch.

To know the exact monitoring frequency specifically for you, you must consult with your doctor, before or after exercise. You can easily record blood sugar at home with the help of a glucometer connected to a mobile app. Mobile apps that connect to the glucometer can easily analyze the data and throw up trends. These trends help your doctor know if the given medication and its dose, your diet, and your physical activity are working for you or if they need to be modified to bring the sugar within range.

E: Eliminate stress

Stress releases certain chemicals in the body called stress hormones which can raise the blood sugar level(iii). If the stress is short-lived, this effect can be temporary. But if you are under continuous stress, it can interfere with your blood sugar control. If you find yourself stressed frequently, consult your doctor to understand the steps to cope with the stress.

G: Grab those healthy meals

Being a person with diabetes does not mean that you cannot enjoy food. The trick is to get only the required number of calories from foods that contain ‘good calories’ and limit the intake of ‘bad calories.’ Proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats are considered good calories while simple carbs and unhealthy fats are considered bad calories. You need to know the number of calories provided by different foods so that you can balance them at every meal. Regular monitoring and your nutritionist can help you identify what causes spikes in your blood sugar levels.

I: Initiate an exercise routine

Research shows that 150 minutes of exercise every week improves blood sugar control. Exercise also is important to manage co-morbid conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol(iv). You should consult your doctor before you create an exercise plan. You can choose from a variety of activities such as walking, running, swimming, dancing, or any other activity which you enjoy. The exercise plan should not feel burdensome but should be simple, fun, and easy to follow.

N: Never skip doctor appointments

The diabetologist is the biggest ally in your journey to keep your blood sugar within range. Don’t miss your appointments and always bring them up to date with your health status. If you use a connected glucose meter you can easily share your blood glucose history with your doctor to make these discussions more fruitful. Your doctor can use the data from your monitoring to tell you if you are on the right track, and recommend changes in the medication, diet, or physical activity if you are not. They will also refer you to other specialists such as an eye doctor or a kidney specialist from time to time to check for complications if required.

We all know that a task ‘Well begun is half done!’ So, B.E.G.I.N. your diabetes management journey early and make it a part of your lifestyle.

(Dr. Varsha Khatry, Head of Medical & Scientific Affairs, Roche Diabetes Care India)

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Health Lite Blogs

Advantages of consuming Vitamin C

Some Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Vitamin C also has a critical role in enhancing the body’s immune function, which can get hindered on account of nutritional scarcity…writes Shikha Dwivedi

Vitamin C is a very important vitamin that plays a number of roles in the human body. Packed with a wide range of impressive health benefits, the water-soluble vitamin is present in numerous fruits and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach. Nutritionists recommend a daily Vitamin C intake of 75 mg for women and around 100 mg for men. Although it’s generally suggested that one should meet their vitamin C requirement from the food one eats, a number of people switch to supplements to address their nutritional needs. Before you consume any type of Vitamin C supplements, it is essential to consult a medical practitioner to avoid any discrepancies.

Here are some highly significant medically-tested advantages of consuming vitamin C:

Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis. As we know, Collagen is an integral structural component of connective tissue, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, gums, skin, teeth, and bones. It helps in maintaining the skin natural elasticity to render a younger-looking skin and reduce skin-sagging.

Vitamin C also assays a cardinal role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, ‘norepinephrine’ which is crucial for optimal brain functioning and impacts mood sensations.

Vitamin C also has a critical role in enhancing the body’s immune function, which can get hindered on account of nutritional scarcity.

Vitamin C is also an extremely efficient antioxidant. Even in small traces, vitamin C aids in safeguarding various essential molecules in the body like proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals. The free radicals damage can be produced during routine metabolism as well as through contact with various toxins and air pollutants i.e. smoking.

It has also been ascertained that vitamin C can also restore other antioxidants like vitamin E. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which extends scientific recommendations to facilitate medical policymakers, has corroborated the following health benefits that come with the regular dietary intake of vitamin C in one’s diet:

It assists in safeguarding essential cell constituents from the damage caused by free radicals

It improves the rate of collagen formation and assists in the normal functioning of blood vessels, skin, bones, cartilage, gums, and teeth

It further helps in increasing the rate of non-heme iron (found in plant-based foods) absorption

It also regulates the standard operation of the nervous system

Vitamin C also proves instrumental in bolstering the body’s natural immunity

It also assists in preserving the routine functions of the immune system both before and after an intense physical workout.

It also supports the redevelopment process of the abridged form of vitamin E

4 mistakes you make while eating fruit.(Photo:IANSLIFE)

Furthermore, it also aids in curtailing tiredness and fatigue levels in the body.

Having understood the importance of Vitamin C in our lives, we must strive to include Vitamin C in our everyday diet to ensure the proper functioning of the body and enjoy healthy disease-free living. If you are unable to receive the prescribed amount of Vitamin C from your conventional diet, you can also resort to using over-the-counter and safe-to-use Vitamin C supplements. However, it is prudent to consult a doctor or a nutritionist before consuming any form of supplements.

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Dubai Health Lite Blogs

Trailblazing healthcare expert to address Arab Health Summit

As part of the Arab Health’s Future Health Summit, discussions will focus on the metaverse and the opportunities it has to impact healthcare by taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI), VR and AR to improve patient outcomes…reports Asian Lite News

A host of leading experts, including the surgeon who performed the world’s first spinal surgery using augmented reality (AR) with a head-mounted display, Dr Timothy Witham, will take part in Arab Health’s Future Health Summit, on the 2nd of February at the Museum of the Future, in Dubai.

Dr Witham, who is a professor of neurological surgery and orthopaedic surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, will lead a discussion on the opportunities and benefits alternate realities will have on the healthcare industry, outlining the tools available to make surgeries safer and more effective, and faster and more efficient.

“The definition of AR is when you take a computer-generated image and overlay that image on your view of the real world. Within AR, in contrast to virtual reality (VR), where you’re interacting with the virtual world, we’re interacting with the real world, but we have additional computer-generated images that are being used concurrently to project digital information onto the existing surroundings,” said Dr Witham.

“In 2020, we conducted the first augmented reality spinal surgery using a head-mounted display. This was achieved using an AR-enabled head device with the digital augmentation of a CT scan taken earlier. Ultimately, while we were operating and looking inside the patient, we had the CT scan right there in our field of vision.

“Since then, I’ve performed over 150 surgeries using AR, and I can say it’s at least as good as robotics while also making huge inroads into minimising the need for repeat surgeries due to misplaced spinal implants. It could also be the first step towards all surgeries being performed using AR,” he added.

As part of the Summit, discussions will focus on the metaverse and the opportunities it has to impact healthcare by taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI), VR and AR to improve patient outcomes.

“Thanks to new technology in the healthcare sector, preventive medicine will take on a new meaning. Blood analysis will become more advanced to the extent that it will outline your entire genetic makeup. Based on that, AI will make predictions on cancer risk or spine problems, for example. We will then be able to implement restorative or regenerative procedures to prevent the issue before it becomes an issue requiring treatment,” explained Dr Witham.

With research from Market Research Future suggesting the healthcare metaverse market could be worth over US$5.37 billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 48.3%, the Future Health Summit will provide an invaluable look at how everyone within the healthcare ecosystem in the industry can maximise the opportunities it affords.

The Future Health Summit takes place on Thursday, 2 February 2023, at the Museum of the Future from 11 – 2 pm. The invite-only, fully immersive event for C-suite executives from the healthcare industry will take a deep dive into the future of healthcare and the possibilities in the Metaverse. World-renowned industry leaders, visionaries, metaverse experts, authors, and futurists on the topic will offer their insights.

Reem Salah, Director – Leadership Healthcare Events, Informa Markets, commented: “The Future Healthcare Summit promises to be one of the highlights of Arab Health in 2023. The programme has an incredible line-up of industry experts who will outline the opportunities within the healthcare sector created by standout technologies, presenting an ideal opportunity to network and engage with industry leaders.

“The Dubai Metaverse Strategy was only launched earlier this year, so this will also be a timely and appropriate platform to discuss this exciting ‘virtual revolution’, assessing its technological facets and the positive impact they will have on the future direction of healthcare across the Middle East.”

In addition to the Future Health Summit, visitors to the Arab Health 2023 exhibition will also be able to witness first-hand the innovative ways technology is transforming healthcare delivery.  

Delegate places are limited, so to request an invitation, please email informavip@informa.com or complete this form.

For more information, please visit https://www.arabhealthonline.com/en/visit/future-health-summit.html, or to register for Arab Health 2023, please log on to www.arabhealthonline.com.

ALSO READ-Global health tech company shares vision for future healthcare

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Health UAE News

Global health tech company shares vision for future healthcare

Virtual Hospital to treat patients in remote areas across the Kingdom. Together, we are on a fast-track to safer, more effective care,” added Dr. Hachach-Haram…reports Asian Lite News

To support the Kingdom’s ongoing investment, Proximie, a global health tech company, is currently working with physicians and healthcare networks across the Gulf’s largest economy, sharing its vision for the future of healthcare. 

London-headquartered Proximie provides a software platform that allows physicians to virtually “scrub in” to any operating room from anywhere, effectively enabling the world’s very best surgeons to be present in real time for complex surgeries in clinics and hospitals across the Kingdom, meaning that the tens of thousands of patients who undergo surgery each year in the country could benefit from international treatment best practices delivered via virtual operating room technology. 

Proximie solutions, say doctors, save patients lives and hospital networks money, but they also enable physicians working inside the country to exchange best clinical practices with new surgical environments faster and easier than ever before.  In fact, physicians treating patients in remote areas of the Kingdom can now be guided by leading specialists from excellence centers and hospitals. Thanks to Proximie solution’s ability to technologically link them with collaborating physicians based in other parts of the country, or even the world.

“Saudi Arabia’s healthcare goals under Saudi Vision 2030 – in particular, its Health Sector Transformation Programme launched this year – are truly impressive and serve as a strategic roadmap for all developing nations, and especially those with rapidly growing populations,” said Proximie Founder and CEO, Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram. 

“As a practising surgeon, I know how critical digital healthcare innovation can be to delivering on the promise of extended and improved care across a growing country like Saudi Arabia.  By working hand-in-hand with the Kingdom’s best surgeons, Proximie is already being used by leading entities such as the Ministry of Health and SEHA Virtual Hospital to treat patients in remote areas across the Kingdom. Together, we are on a fast-track to safer, more effective care,” added Dr. Hachach-Haram.

The growing health tech company recently closed its Series C funding round, raising around US$ 80 million. The financing was led by Advent Life Sciences, with new investors joining in, including Abu Dhabi’s wealth fund Mubadala, as well as SoftBank Vision Fund 2.

Proximie’s solutions have been used at more than 500 hospitals worldwide and supported more than tens of thousands. The company currently operates in more than 50 countries on five continents. 

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Health Lite Blogs

Health is essential for a bright future

Universal Health Coverage -the Move Towards #HealthForAll.(photo:IANSLIFE)

PMJAY, which aims to cater to 10 crore poor families with 50 crore beneficiaries for secondary and tertiary care, it is imperative that we include palliative care in the larger scheme of things…reports Asian Lite News

Since 2017, the 12th of December has been designated as Universal Health Coverage Day to serve as a reminder that everyone, regardless of income or social standing, should have access to high-quality healthcare. Working in silos when it comes to health is no longer an option, as the epidemic forced the globe know. Thus, the clarion call for securing UHC serves as a focal point to encourage governments and nations to make wiser investments in health and to remind people around the world of the necessity of having universal health coverage (UHC).

On December 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on universal health coverage (UHC) and urged its members to secure and speed up progress toward universal access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. The purpose of UHC Day is to spread awareness and emphasise the value of inclusive and robust health care infrastructures.

As was evident during COVID19, everyone’s health is essential for a bright future, and it cannot be compromised in the pursuit of economic success. The foundation of UHC is equitable health coverage, which prioritises women, children, the disabled, and the poor because they are the most vulnerable group and encounter the greatest obstacles in accessing healthcare and basic necessities. In light of the pandemic’s effects, there is an urgent need to guarantee UHC for everyone. Covid19 has starkly increased the health gap and highlighted the infrastructure’s flaws, therefore it is past due that health and UHC be included as a key element of post-Covid recovery plans.

Fortunately, the Indian government did not wait for the pandemic to comprehend the importance of sound health infrastructures and UHC. With the launch of the Ayushman Bharat the government has already taken the much – needed step towards UHC in 2018, further improvements like Ayushman Digital Mission and PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission are ensuring that digital technology makes health infrastructure accessible and gaps in health care are recognised and addressed respectively.

No doubt the transformation of 1.5 lakh sub centres and primary health centres to Health & Wellness Centres will provide an enormous boost to health infrastructure in the country and lessen the strain on the existing health system however the government needs to ensure that the Health & Wellness Centres are sustained through better facilities, infrastructural upgradation, transparency and accountability. When it comes to PMJAY, which aims to cater to 10 crore poor families with 50 crore beneficiaries for secondary and tertiary care, it is imperative that we include palliative care in the larger scheme of things.

Private sector is a major stakeholder in healthcare sector in the country and the present regime has rightly gauged the significant role that it can play in gearing up of heath infrastructures in the country and the progression towards UHC. As witnessed during the pandemic the private sector in collaboration with the government can prove to be a game changer as far as health sector is concerned.

Private sector players offer great potential in addressing the gaps and barriers in healthcare right from creating a skilled healthcare workforce to providing innovative solutions to healthcare. Pharmaceutical companies, Research institutes, digital health IT, insurance, health analytics, civil society, NGOs and education technology organisations could work hand-in-hand with the government to bridge the current gap of workforce availability and capacity building.

The concept of UHC encompasses that all citizens are entitled to quality health care from prevention to promotion, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation – without financial the strain of economic hardship. The concept has three important cornerstones access, quality, and financial protection and not surprisingly private sector forms an important chunk of all three of them.

Fruitful partnerships with all relevant stakeholders are the way forward, that can keep check on Out -of- Pocket expenses (OOP) and drive families out of this vicious circle of poverty and dearth. In the Indian context, the maximum OOP is spent on out-patient consultations as well as screenings and diagnostic tests, hence the focus of PMJAY needs to shift from in-patient care and hospitalisation towards out-patient care, to bring down catastrophic health expenditure. This will also ensure the much- needed shift from curative healthcare to a preventive one as well as early detection of many NCD’s.

In keeping with the theme of Universal Health Coverage Day this year “Build the world we want: A healthy future for all” and enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, UHC includes a full range of essential health services from health promotion and awareness to prevention, and treatment. The very essence of the concept depends on leaving no on behind as non – availability of quality healthcare anywhere is a threat to human health everywhere, as seen during the pandemic. Universal Health Coverage can contribute significantly in lifting people out of the cycle of poverty, deprivation, promote physical and mental health wellbeing of individuals, families and societies and nations.

(Photo:mobile.twitter.com/acoss)

Strong health systems need to be built on inclusiveness and mutual trust among all stakeholders while initiating sustainable action at the global level for a better environment, investment and accountability. With rapid digitalisation and economic progress countries are rapidly revamping and prioritising health structures however the transition should be an enabler of patient-centric, equitable and accessible health coverage for all sans the burden of out-of-pocket expenses that precede quality healthcare.

The economic and social repercussions of UHC can go a long way in tackling the issues of human rights, economic development and empowering the population, at large. The attainment of all other Sustainable Development Goals is invariably linked to Universal Health Coverage and the long term and sustainable progress of any nation is hugely dependent on the health and wellbeing of its citizens, the path to which is linked to the realisation of UHC.

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Health Lite Blogs

Keep yourself safe from viral conjunctivitis

Characteristics of viral conjunctivitis include redness, blood vessel engorgement, ocular discharge, pain, photophobia, and pseudomembranes…writes Dr.Hilda Nixon, Cornea specialist& Cornea Surgeon-Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly

Dr.Hilda Nixon
Cornea specialist& Cornea Surgeon
Little Flower Hospital
Angamaly

Every year ¸ there is rise in cases of conjunctivitis when the weather changes and a new season starts. Unfortunately, this year 2023, the spike in viral conjunctivitis in Kerala is much higher than expected, hence creating a panic among general public. In the last 2 weeks, cases of conjunctivitis have surged by almost three-fold. This is quite a concern to health workers too. In Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly, we are witnessing 15-20 cases daily, as compared to two to three in the previous weeks. This sudden spike is quite surprising.

We conducted an outbreak investigation and we doctors attribute it to the change in weather which provides a suitable environment for the microbes to thrive. Other noticeable fact is that last 2 years there was only mild surge in cases of conjunctivitis reported, probably “COVID -19 break the chain “protocol has been a great boon in prevention of spread of viral conjunctivitis .As more people stop following the COVID-19 protocol of washing hands, wearing masks and maintaining social distance, eye hospitals in the Kerala are reporting an increase in cases of conjunctivitis, especially among school children. It is mostly common among children as they are unaware about maintaining hygiene while suffering from this condition. The disease eventually gets transmitted to other family members at home.

Conjunctivitis, also referred to as Pink Eye, is an extremely contagious eye inflammation commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction. Viral conjunctivitis is Commonly known as ‘Madras Eye’. The most common cause of viral conjunctivitis is adenoviruses. This is due to an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. Infected eyes become red and swollen, with fluid discharge. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Most viruses that cause conjunctivitis spread through hand-to-eye contact by hands or objects that are contaminated with the infectious virus. Affects patients of all ages and socioeconomic class. People often confuse conjunctivitis with normal allergic eye infection.

Characteristics of viral conjunctivitis include redness, blood vessel engorgement, ocular discharge, pain, photophobia, and pseudomembranes. Frequently associated infections caused by the adenovirus include upper respiratory tract infections, and diarrhoea in children. This year the virus appears to be more virulent as we have the patients are with tomato-red eyes and associated pain. This is due to some amount of blood under the conjunctiva of the eye.

Complications in kids hospitalised with Covid: Lancet.(Photo:pixabay.coM)

• We advise the public to wash their hands frequently, as it helps them to stay safe from infection, and to reduce the risk of spreading it if they are infected. • Sharing makeup and wearing contact lenses that are not your own or are improperly cleaned can also cause conjunctivitis. • Advised to keep using separate towels and not to share clothing. • Wear sunglasses to avoid glare and decrease accidental eye contact with your fingers. • Avoid the use of common swimming pool. • Avoiding or delaying treatment could aggravate the condition, hence affected individual should immediately consult here by eye hospital. Most importantly, avoid taking over-the-counter drops. We have seen that in many cases patients self-medicate, and finally they come to us with added complications and may lead to loss of vision. Hence, patients should seek doctor’s opinion. • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes • Hygiene protocols easing up, should not be encouraged. There is a definitive economic and societal impact due to the costs of visits to the hospitals, treatment, and time lost from work or school. So take utmost care of the eyes.

ALSO READ-Never do these to your eyes

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Asia News Health UK News

Get Vaccines to Stem Covid-19 & Flu

Protect yourself from Covid-19 and flu this winter with the best protection on offer – VACCINES

As the weather gets colder, more of us naturally take to gathering indoors, especially as the festive celebrations get underway. However, the reality is that with Covid-19 and flu around, the most vulnerable amongst us, including those with long-term health conditions, are still at risk of getting seriously ill from these viruses.

There are many health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney diseases that put people at increased risk of flu and Covid-19, which is why they are eligible for a free flu vaccine and a Covid-19 booster.

Nadia Ali

“It’s so important that myself and people around me are vaccinated to keep us all healthy and safe”. Says Nadia Ali, a BBC broadcaster whose husband has Crohn’s disease, a long term health condition with treatment that means his immune system is compromised, and sadly lost both grandmothers to Covid. “After having our vaccines, this autumn we feel a lot safer as a family. I now have the freedom to socialise, which is important because my job means I am always around people.”

Like many people living with someone whose immunity is compromised, Nadia is acutely aware she needs to help protect him by having these essential vaccines. She is one of many millions across the UK who have had both their Covid-19 booster and flu jab this autumn/winter season.

Data shows that protection provided by Covid-19 vaccines decreases over time, so it is essential to keep your immunity ‘topped up’ by having a Covid-19 booster this autumn/winter. The flu virus can change each year and can cause severe illness and hospitalisation for those most at risk, so those eligible also need a flu vaccine every year. Unvaccinated people are at a much higher risk of being hospitalised with Covid-19 or flu. Vaccines are our best protection.

This winter, the NHS is urging those with certain long term health conditions to get their Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine now. Evidence shows that, for example, those with diabetes are six times more likely to die from flu and are also at higher risk from Covid-19, whilst those with heart disease are 11 times more likely to die from flu and are also at increased risk from Covid-19.

Dr Henna Anwar

Dr Henna Anwar, a GP in West Yorkshire who has been active within the community encouraging vaccine uptake, said: “There are a number of health conditions that are more common within the South Asian community like diabetes or coronary heart disease that put them at higher risk of serious illness and even hospitalisation from Covid-19 and flu. That’s why it’s so important that we encourage people with these conditions to protect themselves by getting vaccinated.”

“I am a firm believer that prevention is better than cure. These vaccines offer the best protection from Covid-19 and flu, they have good safety records, and millions of people have had them globally. We owe it to each other as a community to do everything we can within our power to protect not just ourselves but each other, and these vaccines offer a way to do this”.

More mixing indoors and intergenerational living can also increase the spread of these viruses, especially among children. That’s why young children are eligible for the free flu nasal spray vaccine.

Kirit Mistry

Kirit Mistry, the founder of South Asian Health Action, has type 2 diabetes, along with his twin. His twin was in ICU for almost two weeks with Covid-19, and now suffers from long Covid. Kirit also lost his cousin, aged 42, from Bradford to Covid. He knows the importance of protecting himself and his brother, and said, “Last year, I was unable to travel and do things like swimming, but now both my brother and I can continue to enjoy what we love with confidence and peace of mind. Soon I will be in India, so to protect myself and others, I recently had my Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine.”

“Misinformation has prevented many people with long term health conditions from making the right choices. I strongly advise them to speak to healthcare professionals and get their flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster. They are offered these vaccines to provide the very best protection that they need due to their health condition.”

To find out if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster and to book your appointments, visit: nhs.uk/wintervaccinations

Dr Henna Anwar
Kirit Mistry
Nadia Ali
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Bollywood Health Lite Blogs

Its essential to keep body and mind healthy, says Janhvi

Janhvi encourages her fans to start the new year on a healthy note. She shares simple and easy fitness tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle and get in shape…reports Asian Lite News

Endearing Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor, known for her outstanding performances in blockbusters like ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’, ‘Dhadak’, and ‘Roohi’, has served as a major source of inspiration for her audience’s fitness goals.

She has won people over with her flamboyant and playful sense of style in addition to her superb acting and dancing abilities. Her confidence, style, and flawless physique have won her a devoted following. Janhvi’s astounding fitness transformation has motivated many through her frequent exercise videos on social media to begin their own fitness journeys.

Janhvi encourages her fans to start the new year on a healthy note. She shares simple and easy fitness tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle and get in shape.

Janhvi strongly believes ‘you are what you eat!’ She says, “Hailing from a Punjabi family, I used to be a chubby little kid. It has been a challenging rollercoaster ride from being chubby to curvy. It is important to start your fitness journey with small and simple lifestyle changes, like swapping your food habits to healthier alternatives. I started my fitness journey with baby steps – including more wholesome fresh fruit, vegetables and avoiding junk food as part of my everyday food habits. I promise you, that goes a long way in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

“For me, I love a protein-packed breakfast, like brown bread, oats, egg white and my favourite Saffola FITTIFY Peanut Butter. I love that it comes in variants ranging from omega 3, whey protein, unsweetened, dark chocolate to vegan options both in extra crunchy as well as super creamy forms. For lunch, I eat only home-cooked meals or consume fruit and vegetable juice if I am outdoors for shoots. I keep my dinner very light, consuming lots of boiled vegetables, soup, and sometimes grilled fish,” she adds.

Janhvi believes it is essential to keep your body and mind healthy. She says, “It’s important to sweat it out and workout consistently in any form that you enjoy. I personally enjoy cardio, strength training, pilates, swimming, yoga, and dancing too. For me, yoga is therapeutic as it relaxes my mind, and prepares my body for hectic work schedules.

Remember to take your nutritional supplements to maintain overall health. I personally love the Saffola FITTIFY Perfekt Gummies that make supplements a tasty option. These super ingredients, which are high in Biotin as well as vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc, are ideal supplements to get your daily dose of nutrients. It has helped me refuel my energy during hectic work schedules.

As a beginner, Kapoor adds, “I would urge you to take the first step and start with small goals. Incorporate simple exercises every day like walking, jogging, at-home exercises, etc. If you are consistent and persistent with your workouts and healthy eating habits, results will show!”

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Health Lite Blogs

Aloe magic on skin during winter

Mystical cure-all aloe vera gel.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Shine with glistering soft hair: Aloe vera has the ability to treat rough and dry hair as it contains proteolytic enzymes that help to rebuild the scalp’s dead skin and stimulate new hair growth by promoting blood circulation over there…reports Asian Lite News

There is no scientific evidence for a mystical cure-all, elixir, but if there is anything that comes near to it, it’s most likely Aloe vera.

Let’s discuss Aloe vera, a wonder plant that has a number of health advantages. It is utilized as a natural cure in numerous cultures all over the world for anything from skin moisturization to hair volume.

Here are some straightforward DIY beauty tips from Shreedha Singh, Co-Founder of T.A.C. – The Ayurveda Co.

Nourish your dry skin: With lots of fluid content inside aloe vera, you can rejuvenate your dry skin. It is a natural remedy to a host of skin problems besides having nourishment properties. Aloe vera gel can be applied straight onto your skin to hydrate it. Additionally, you can add a few drops of Neroli oil and combine one tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel with vitamin E capsules. Use this mixture to massage your face for beautiful skin. The remaining mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for three days.

Get freedom from dark spots and blemishes: Aloe vera contains astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Due to these characteristics, it is excellent in lessening the visibility of scars and blemishes. Through a simple DIY remedy, you can keep your skin free from spots and blemishes. Create a smooth paste by combining one tablespoon of aloe vera gel and two tablespoons of honey. Spread it over your face, then wait for 10 to 15 minutes. After rinsing it with warm water, you will discover a renewed and lighter skin of yours.

Flaunt shining skin using ice cube rub: The ice cube rub can help you achieve the trendy “glass skin,” with a smooth texture, reduced pore size, and natural glow. Aloe vera gel can be added to an ice cube tray to create an aloe vera gel cube. For a revitalizing dose of freshness or to just soothe skin burns, use it at least twice a week.

Keep infection and acne at bay: People with acne-prone skin can get relief with the constant use of aloe vera as it helps in gentle cleansing and removing bacteria with its antiseptic properties. The usage is simple and anyone can try it with ease at home. Take one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with one teaspoon of Moringa and Neem oil. Mix all the ingredients well to make a thick paste and apply it all over your face and massage gently in a circular motion. Leave it for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off. You may follow up with a clay-based mask for best results.

Shine with glistering soft hair: Aloe vera has the ability to treat rough and dry hair as it contains proteolytic enzymes that help to rebuild the scalp’s dead skin and stimulate new hair growth by promoting blood circulation over there.

To make a smooth paste, combine two tablespoons of castor oil with one tablespoon of aloe vera. Apply it to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for an hour, and then rinse it off with water and mild herbal shampoo. This will add intense hydration, shine, and softness to your hair through the antioxidant-rich aloe vera gel and castor oil, which strengthens hair follicles while promoting growth.

Dodge dandruff: Aloe vera is a natural and hassle-free solution to eliminating dandruff because it is rich in anti-fungal and anti-viral qualities. So putting it on your scalp can help nourish it and reduces dandruff. You can try this homemade aloe-methi mask to treat dandruff and hair loss since it is a high source of protein and iron that promotes blood circulation. To make a smooth paste, combine one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with the methi seeds that have been soaked overnight. The combination should be applied to the scalp for 30 minutes, and then you should rinse it out.

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‘Wellness is the key to holistic health’

Cross-training on other days. This helps bring multidisciplinary fitness to you. E.g. I used to alternatively play tennis and cycle and this helped me reduce my soreness from a previous day’s run, and accelerate my recovery… Nikhil Kapur, Co-Founder and Director of Atmantan Wellness Centre speaks with Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Running a marathon can be exhausting, especially amidst the summer heat which lasts until the end of October in our country – sometimes, even early November. The following months, nonetheless, get better, making them more suitable for running a marathon.

With the weather conditions improving, there are over 350 marathons scheduled to take place before 2022 ends and marathon tourism on the rise – we officially enter the season that marathon runners rejoice.

Therefore if you’re someone who’s beginning to take marathons seriously as an athlete or a tourist, Nikhil Kapur, Co-Founder and Director of Atmantan Wellness Centre, who has himself participated five times in the Ironman Triathlon, gives you an insight:

What does wellness mean to you?

NK: It’s a way of life where I take decisions that are beneficial for my well-being. The choices that I take keep me positive and aligned with my goals. So besides the exercise and nutrition quotients (which was be the only aspects of wellness for someone), having one’s thoughts and actions aligned is more important. Wellness is also about wearing an attitude which rubs off or inspires others too. Lastly, It’s also about contributing to the health of the community in any way, as to be “well” is not an ‘I’ concept, but something that one does better when in numbers and with support.

What initially motivated you to switch from being a working professional to a wellness entrepreneur?

NK: I was always sure that I would eventually have my own enterprise. I had also always been drawn towards sports and a healthy lifestyle thanks to my father. When the time came, my wife and I saw this requirement for wellness travel/healing holidays that used the best of Indian sciences and observed that there really was no destination that offered people looking for… results and happy transformations; We knew then that this is what we would pursue after our b school and after getting a few years of work experience.

The concept of a wellness holiday is pretty simple. We live complex lives and in the bargain ruin our health. We then try to turn healthy by trying to eat right, going to yoga/gym etc. And as an extension of then, when we do travel, we look for more and we tend to look for destinations that are an extension of our newly acquired healthy lifestyle. This is where Atmantan is seeded. We offer result-oriented programmes for consumers who want to treat their chronic lifestyle ailments using alternative sciences.

According to you, how can one strive to achieve holistic wellness keeping in mind that the concept of wellness is multiplayer?

NK: Wellness is multidimensional. Most of us need some guidance to understand the structure of our body, mind and soul complex. Understanding these concepts brings clarity to how to live life – with happiness while achieving longevity. I believe this is the key to holistic health, where one gains a deeper understanding of these concepts along with personalised learnings (of the lifestyle we follow). It’s a continuous, ongoing process. That said, one need not get overwhelmed at the thought of an all-composite solution, as each one of us can walk this path at our own pace.

How should one train for a longer, quicker marathon?

NK: When training, one should keep in mind that faster timings require…

A structured coaching plan

Needs professional guidance

If you are above the age of 35, then you should get your blood work and tests done (including Dopler and stress tests) to ensure that you are in good cardiac health. Some techniques which will enhance endurance and performance are-

Interval training. This is something that helps performance leap ahead, And there are many effective interval drills to bring the desired result. One of my favs is the fartlek training, which is challenging and very satisfying too. In this training, while maintaining a certain cardio tempo, one switches to an increased pace every few mins.

Strength training. Needless to say, this needs to be every athlete’s foundation.

Cross-training on other days. This helps bring multidisciplinary fitness to you. E.g. I used to alternatively play tennis and cycle and this helped me reduce my soreness from a previous day’s run, and accelerate my recovery.

What does a promising training plan look like?

NK: A good training programme will have a purpose and structure along with recovery days.

What suggestions do you have for folks getting ready to become Marathon tourists?

NK: Always have access to coaching, nutritional advice and physio support when picking destinations. Travelling along with participating in endurance activities takes a more serious toll on our body than we sometimes realise, so pace yourself and listen to your body. Lastly, never underestimate the power of sleep, which is a magical healing pill we all have access to.

It’s officially the marathon season!.(Photo:IANSLIFE)

What can one anticipate for business and consumer behaviour in the wellness sector in 2023?

NK: The consumer continues to get more data-driven. We see great innovation happening in the app space around wearables too.

We foresee a demand for wellness real estate. Consumers will choose to live in spaces that inspire well-being, and also make it easy to make healthy choices.

More wellness in traditional hospitality; There will be a consistent increase in demand for wellness centres/resorts offering result-oriented programmes.

Higher interest in innovative concepts such as adding softer wellness experiences to wildlife lodges, nature getaways, beachside destinations etc.

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