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Some Ultra-processed Foods In Your Diet May Significantly Increase Your Type 2 diabetes risk

Ultra-processed foods are industrially formulated edible substances made from natural food or synthesized from

Oct 4th, 2024

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How To Prevent Cancer

Sep 27th, 2024

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Importance Of Doctors

Sep 16th, 2024

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Sep 22nd, 2023

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Why Is Talking About Infertility Is Necessary?

First of all let’s discuss about what infertility is? If you and your partner are struggling to have

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Dec 10th, 2020

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What Is Blood Pressure?

What is blood pressure?   Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of yo

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Dec 2nd, 2020

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Mental Health Is Important

What is mental health? Mental health includes our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It affec

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Nov 24th, 2020

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Play Safe And Healthy Diwali.

People suffering with Asthma, Bronchitis, Sinusitis and Tonsillitis needs to be extra precocious.

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5 Things To Do At Home That Will Increase Life Of Your Teeth

We all get lazy to go to the dentist.Dont we?Here are few things you can , do at home which are as simple as routine things , and will make a BIG DIFFERENCE to increase life of your teeth1. UPGRADE TO AN ELECTRONIC BRUSHAn electronic /motorised brush is said to be 4-5 times better and efficent than manual brushing, according to a recent study. Initially recommended for physically disabled patients is now a thing of past, the constant scrub of the motor of the brush ensures optimum removal of food from the groovy tooth surfaces, hence ensuring a better cleaning than manual which lacks the constant force as it is very individualisticon what kind of force we use for brushing, too hard /too soft..its never just rightInvesting in an electronic brush is one of the best things one can do.2. CLEANING BETWEEN TEETHHow we clean between our fingers when we wash our hands, in the similar manner we clean between our teeth with an inter dental aid - a dental floss/ inter dental brush. It is one of the best things you can do to your teeth, as it prevents dental decay between teeth which is one of the most commonest issues as we age, which is always hidden, so it becomes even more important than regular brushing, even a motorised brush cant clean between teeth.So , educate yourself, look onto some you tube videos for flossing, its a habit you need to start now .3. RINSING AND FINGER SCRUBYou must have seen your elderly grandparents or your father rinsing his mouth after meals and rubbing his finger vigrousoly to remove remaining food, it a practice that has been following generations and still stands of great significance.You cant brush your teeth all day, as you cant have access to your tooth brush all the time and hence this is one of the simplest things to do wherever you are, just take mouth full of water, count till 5 while you rinse left, right and centre, it will take care of most of the bulk food4.SUGAR FREE CHEWING GUMSAfter a good brush and good flossing , the next best thing to do is to chew on a sugar free chewing gum, it stimulates the salivary glands and therefore increase the flow of saliva in the mouth, therby diluting the acidic ph of the mouth which is harmful to teeth which tend to decay in such an envoirnmentTaking a sugar free chewing gum after a smoke or meal serves great to, keep your breath fresh too.5.CLEANING YOUR TONGUEThis is a common practice that we all, follow but do we do it right.We usually get those u shaped, steel tongue cleaners, which restrict the cleaning only to the front of the tongue.In recent studies it is said , that the bad breath bacteria rest in the back /most posterior part of the tongue which can be easily cleaned with - STRAIGHT RULER like tongue cleaners or even a tooth brush head when dipped in a mouthwash.

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Play Safe And Healthy Diwali.

People suffering withAsthma, Bronchitis, Sinusitis and Tonsillitisneeds to be extra precocious. Limit your activity at outdoors when there is lot of Pollution due to smoke. The contents of Firecrackers are injurious for health,kindly cover your nose with a soft cloth during outdoors. Keep a wet soft cloth,kerchief or a mask with you and a small water bottle. During lot of smoke and pollution keep your nose covered with the wet cloth. This will prevent inhalation of the pollutants and harmful contents. Keep drinking small sips of water. Wear easy to breath clothes. Avoid Satins, silk, Georgette. It's better to wear Cottons and Khadis. Asthmatic patientsmust carry their medicines as per advise of their doctor. Stand at a distance from Burning firecrackers. Do not bend over the firecrackers, the smoke released while burning a cracker can choke the throat and make you breathless. Diabetic Patientsshould consume sweets in moderation. Avoid Aerated drinks. People who haveSensitive Digestionshould avoid fried food, junk food and excessive sweets. Use Earplugs during exposure to Explosive Crackers. Parents should take extra care of their children and do not leave them alone while burning crackers. Mischief with Elders, senior citizens and animals should be avoided. Animals are very sensitive to noise, do not tie crackers on their tail, ears, legs. No one takes care of their injuries. Be Human. Lit Diyas, Candles in your open areas, avoid lighting indoors. In Case of burn,immediately use Cold water and consult a doctor. Buy less crackers,burn less crackers,this will reduce the Air Pollution.Its for our health benefit only. Next day Morning avoid going for Morning Walk or Jogging.The pollutants will be high during early morning,which might produce harmful effect on your body. Prayers for everyone's good health and for the Martyrs who lost their lives for Saving our lives.

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Complexity Of Healthcare

Across all disciplines, at all levels, and throughout the world, health care is becoming more complex. Just 30 years ago the typical general practitioner in the United Kingdom practiced from privately owned premises with a minimum of support staff, subscribed to a single journal, phoned up a specialist whenever he or she needed advice, and did around an hour's paperwork per week. The specialist worked in a hospital, focused explicitly on a particular system of the body, was undisputed leader of his or her “firm,” and generally left administration to the administrators. These individuals often worked long hours, but most of their problems could be described in biomedical terms and tackled using the knowledge and skills they had acquired at medical school. You used to go to the doctor when you felt ill, to find out what was wrong with you and get some medicine that would make you better. These days you are as likely to be there because the doctor (or the nurse, the care coordinator, or even the computer) has sent for you. Your treatment will now be dictated by the evidence—but this may well be imprecise, equivocal, or conflicting. Your declared values and preferences may be used, formally or informally, in a shared management decision about your illness. The solution to your problem is unlikely to come in a bottle and may well involve a multidisciplinary team. Not so long ago public health was the science of controlling infectious diseases by identifying the “cause” (an alien organism) and taking steps to remove or contain it. Today's epidemics have fuzzier boundaries (one is even known as “syndrome X”): they are the result of the interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental context, and lifestyle choices. But the machine metaphor lets us down badly when no part of the equation is constant, independent, or predictable. The new science of complex adaptive systems may provide new metaphors that can help us to deal with these issues better.In this series of articles we shall explore new approaches to issues in clinical practice, organisational leadership, and education. In this introductory article, we lay out some basic principles for understanding complex systems. Complex adaptive systems: some basic concepts Definitions and examples A complex adaptive system is a collection of individual agents with freedom to act in ways that are not always totally predictable, and whose actions are interconnected so that one agent's actions change the context for other agents. Examples include the immune systema colony of termites the financial market,and just about any collection of humans (for example, a family, a committee, or a primary healthcare team). Fuzzy, rather than rigid, boundaries In mechanical systems boundaries are fixed and well defined; for example, knowing what is and is not a part of a car is no problem. Complex systems typically have fuzzy boundaries. Membership can change, and agents can simultaneously be members of several systems. This can complicate problem solving and lead to unexpected actions in response to change. For example, Dr Simon (box) cannot understand why staff is so resistant to a small extension of surgery opening hours. Perhaps it is the fact that the apparently simple adjustment to working arrangements will play havoc with their own lunchtime involvements with other social systems—be these meeting a child from school, attending a meeting or study class, or making contact with others who themselves have fixed lunch hour Agents' actions are based on internalised rules In a complex adaptive system, agents respond to their environment by using internalised rule sets that drive action. In a biochemical system, the “rules” are a series of chemical reactions. At a human level, the rules can be expressed as instincts, constructs, and mental models. “Explore the patient's ideas, concerns, and expectations” is an example of an internalised rule that might drive a doctor's actions. These internal rules need not be shared, explicit, or even logical when viewed by another agent.For example, another doctor might act according to the internalised rule “Patients come to the doctor for a scientific diagnosis.” In the example in the box Dr Simon's partners and staff probably do not share her implicit behaviour rule—“Try to accommodate patients' desire to be seen outside standard surgery hours.” The mental models and rules within which independent agents operate are not fixed. The fourth article in this series—on complexity and education—will explore this point in more detail. The agents and the system are adaptive Because the agents within it can change, a complex system can adapt its behaviour over time. At a biochemical level, adaptive micro-organisms frequently develop antibiotic resistance. At the level of human behaviour, Mr Henderson (see box) seems to have learnt that the surgery is somewhere he can come for a friendly chat. As this example illustrates, adaptation within the system can be for better or for worse, depending on whose point of view is being considered. Systems are embedded within other systems and co-evolve The evolution of one system influences and is influenced by that of other systems.Dr Simon and Mr Henderson have together evolved a system of behaviour; they have both contributed to the pattern of frequent visits we now observe. The health centre is also embedded within a locality and the wider society, and these also play a part in Mr Henderson's behaviour. A subsequent article in this series will explore how medical care for people with diabetes is embedded in wider social and other systems.Our efforts to improve the formal system of medical care can be aided or thwarted by these other more informal “shadow systems.”Since each agent and each system is nested within other systems, all evolving together and interacting, we cannot fully understand any of the agents or systems without reference to the others. Tension and paradox are natural phenomena, not necessarily to be resolved The fact that complex systems interact with other complex systems leads to tension and paradox that can never be fully resolved. In complex social systems, the seemingly opposing forces of competition and cooperation often work together in positive ways—fierce competition within an industry can improve the collective performance of all participants. Many will sympathise with Dr Simon's uneasiness about evidence based medicine. There is an insoluble paradox between the need for consistent and evidence based standards of care and the unique predicament, context, priorities, and choices of the individual patient. Whereas conventional reductionist scientific thinking assumes that we shall eventually figure it all out and resolve all the unresolved issues, complexity theory is comfortable with and even values such inherent tension between different parts of the system. Interaction leads to continually emerging, novel behaviour The behaviour of a complex system emerges from the interaction among the agents. The observable outcomes are more than merely the sum of the parts—the properties of hydrogen and oxygen atoms cannot be simply combined to account for the noise or shimmer of a babbling brook.The next article in this series considers the application of complexity thinking in healthcare organisations; it will describe how the productive interaction of individuals can lead to novel approaches to issues.The inability to account for surprise, creativity, and emergent phenomena is the major shortcoming of reductionist thinking.

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Treatment Of Giardiasis

Giardia lamblia is both the most common intestinal parasite in the United States and a frequent cause of diarrheal illness throughout the world. In spite of its recognition as an important human pathogen, there have been relatively few agents used in therapy. This paper discusses each class of drugs used in treatment, along with their mechanism of action, in vitro and clinical efficacy, and side effects and contraindications. Recommendations are made for the preferred treatment in different clinical situations. The greatest clinical experience is with the nitroimidazole drugs, i.e., metronidazole, tinidazole, and ornidazole, which are highly effective. A 5- to 7-day course of metronidazole can be expected to cure over 90% of individuals, and a single dose of tinidazole or ornidazole will cure a similar number. Quinacrine, which is no longer produced in the United States, has excellent efficacy but may be poorly tolerated, especially in children. Furazolidone is an effective alternative but must be administered four times a day for 7 to 10 days. Paromomycin may be used during early pregnancy, because it is not systematically absorbed, but it is not always effective. Patients who have resistant infection can usually be cured by a prolonged course of treatment with a combination of a nitroimidazole with quinacrine. Giardia lamblia, also calledGiardia duodenalisorGiardia intestinalis, is a protozoan parasite of the small intestine that causes extensive morbidity worldwide. It was first described in the late 17th century by the Dutch microscopist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek62, and research into its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment has intensified sinceG. lambliawaterborne outbreaks were reported in Europe and the United States during the 1960s and 1970s53,81,123,128,174.Giardiainfects approximately 2% of the adults and 6 to 8% of the children in developed countries worldwide and is currently responsible for the largest number of waterborne outbreaks of diarrhea in the United States54,139. Despite the recognition ofG. lambliaclinical illness for the last 40 years, the nearly 5,000 people hospitalized with giardiasis annually in the United States149, and the millions infected worldwide, there have been few reviews of therapy for this infection and no definitive treatment protocols have been published58,113,150,165,261. In addition, only a handful of agents have been used in therapy, and the agents which are available may have adverse effects or be contraindicated in certain clinical situations. Also, resistance may play a role in some infections. This paper will review the agents currently used for the treatment of giardiasis. The history, mechanism of action, in vitro and clinical studies, and adverse effects are detailed for each drug class. In addition, special clinical situations are discussed and recommendations for therapy are made. BACKGROUND The life cycle ofG. lambliahas two forms: the trophozoite (Fig.1) and the cyst. The cyst is the infectious form and is ingested in contaminated water or food or directly from fecal-oral contact. As few as 10 cysts may establish infection206. After ingestion, excystation occurs. Excystation is thought to be initiated by contact with acidic gastric contents, followed by a highly coordinated sequence of events leading to the release of one or two trophozoites27,109,210. A parasite-derived protease may be activated during the excystation process252. The trophozoite infects the duodenum and upper intestine, which have a favorable alkaline pH, and gives rise to the clinical sequelae. As trophozoites pass through the small intestine to the colon, encystation occurs. Encystation can be initiated in vitro by culture of parasites in a reduced concentration of bile salts and cholesterol followed by culture in an increased concentration of bile at an alkaline pH156. Cyst wall proteins are then transcribed, secreted into encystment-specific vesicles, and transported to the newly forming cell wall over 14 to 16 h75. Open in new tab Download powerpoint Fig. 1. Ventral surface of aGiardia lambliatrophozoite imaged by scanning electron microscopy. It demonstrates the disk and flagella. A second trophozoite is seen behind it. Magnification, ×8,100. Photo courtesy of David Dorward, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Mont. The wide variety of clinical presentations, from severe disease to an asymptomatic carrier state, makes the definitive determination of pathogenesis difficult. However, several theories have been put forward83,115. Some of the most likely include the ability of the protozoan to cause direct damage to the intestinal mucosa via adherence with the disk, disaccharidase enzyme reduction following brush border damage, the release fromGiardiaof cytopathic substances such as thiol proteinases and lectins, and the stimulation of a host immune response with release of cytokines and mucosal inflammation41,48,61,78,83,106,110,157,259. Additionally, it is likely that there are genetic differences betweenGiardiaisolates which may confer virulence115,173,182,190. The surface ofGiardiamay also undergo antigenic variation in the human host and thus evade immune detection181. Given these multiple potential mechanisms, a multifactoral process is likely. G. lambliais found primarily in mammals including humans, cats, dogs, beavers, and cattle40,74,77,257. Transmission of theG. lambliacyst to humans occurs most commonly following ingestion of contaminated water139. Transmission via surface water is facilitated by the relative resistance of the cyst to chlorination and its ability to survive in cold water for weeks59,122. Transmission by food22,152,187, by direct fecal-oral contact among children in day care28,224,237or in developing-world settings96,159, and by sexual practices which include oral-anal contact168represent other common modes of transmission113.G. lambliais also seen as a cause of prolonged diarrhea in travelers37,66,125,136,205; N. Fiumara, Letter, N. Engl. J. Med.288:1410–1411, 1973). Worldwide, the majority of patients infected withG. lambliaare asymptomatic. However, typical clinical symptoms of giardiasis usually begin 1 to 3 weeks after ingestion of cysts and are marked by diarrhea, malaise, flatulence, greasy stools, and abdominal cramps113,256. Other symptoms commonly include bloating, weight loss174, and anorexia. Vomiting and fever are less common, and blood- or mucus-tinged feces are rare. Illness can last several months if untreated and can be characterized by continued exacerbations of diarrheal symptoms. With chronic illness, malabsorption of fat, lactose, vitamin A, and vitamin B12are reported, and failure of children to thrive has been noted86,112,149,184,227. Giardiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of many diarrheal syndromes. A careful history, which notes any risk factors such as recent travel, wilderness exposure, or situations involving poor fecal-oral hygiene, and a physical examination are essential. Infection withG. lambliacan often be distinguished from bacterial and viral infections because of the longer duration of illness, 7 to 10 days by the time of presentation, and the presence of weight loss113. Parasitic diarrhea withCryptosporidiumorCyclosporacan have similar features in the immunologically normal host and would need to be distinguished by specific diagnostic testing50,99. Several methods exist for detection of the parasite. Demonstration of trophozoites or cysts in the stool, called the ova and parasite (O&P) examination, is the traditional means of diagnosis167. One stool sample will allow the detection of 60 to 80% of infections, 2 stool samples will allow the detection of 80 to 90%, and three stool samples will allow the detection of over 90%97,111. However, in some instances, because of intermittent or low levels of shedding, it is necessary to examine more than three stool samples. The desire for more sensitive and specific, as well as faster and reproducible, diagnostic testing has led to the development of immunoassays. Fecal antigen detection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, nonenzymatic immunoassays, or fluorescein-tagged monoclonal antibodies can be superior diagnostic methods to the O&P examination7,89,90,161,262. It is particularly helpful in assessing cure or in screening forGiardiainfection. However, when other parasites are in the differential diagnosis, a stool sample for O&P examination should still be ordered. In the unusual patient for whom a diagnosis cannot be made by O&P examination of stool, endoscopy with duodenal fluid sampling and biopsy may be performed82,113,185,256. An instance in which this may be helpful is the human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient with diarrhea, whose illness has multiple potential etiologies. Culture and sensitivity testing is available only in research settings120,138. DNA probes have been generally limited to detection of parasites in water samples134,158, and serologic testing is most useful in epidemiologic surveys118,119,170. Figure2outlines an approach to the diagnosis and management of suspected cases of giardiasis and is discussed further below (see “Recommendations”). Open in new tab Download powerpoint Fig. 2. Outline of the diagnosis and management of suspected cases of giardiasis. THERAPY OF GIARDIASIS When evaluating the clinical efficacy of agents used againstGiardia, it is difficult to compare studies. They vary as to entry methodology (whether randomization was done and if treatment was blinded or open), population studied (children, adults, symptomatic and/or asymptomatic patients), outcome measures (clinical efficacy and/or stool negativity), and duration of follow-up. Nevertheless, conclusions may be drawn from the studies when viewed as a whole, and statements can be made about the relative efficacy of the agents. Classes of Agents and Clinical Properties Nitroimidazoles.The nitroimidazoles class of agents used to treatG. lambliainfection includes metronidazole, tinidazole, ornidazole, and secnidazole. This class was discovered in 1955 and was found to be highly effective against several protozoan infections240. Metronidazole [1-(β-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole; Flagyl] was determined to be therapeutic againstTrichomonas vaginalisandEntamoeba histolyticafollowing its discovery in the late 1950s67, and in 1962 Darbon et al. reported that it could be used to treat giardiasis57. Since this discovery, metronidazole and other nitroimidazoles have been used by clinicians as the mainstay of therapy of giardiasis. Of the nitroimidazoles, the mechanism of killing ofGiardiaby metronidazole has been the most thoroughly studied. Metronidazole utilizes the anaerobic metabolic pathways present inGiardia. The drug enters the trophozoite, and once it is within the cell, electron transport protein ferredoxins from the parasite donate electrons to the nitro group of the drug223,238,244. The drug becomes “activated” by reduction of this nitro group223,238,240, and a gradient favoring the intracellular transport of metronidazole is established by this reduction reaction. Reduced metronidazole serves as a terminal electron acceptor which binds covalently to DNA macromolecules72,177. This results in DNA damage in the form of loss of helical structure, impaired template function, and strand breakage, with subsequent trophozoite death95. In addition to this effect, metronidazole inhibits trophozoite respiration81,189. The reductive activation of metronidazole may also lead to toxic radicals, which react with essential cellular components244. Trophozoites within cysts may be less affected by nitroimidazoles, possibly because of poor penetration of drug through the cyst wall236. Resistance to metronidazole has been induced in vitro29. It correlates with decreased activity of parasite pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, which is required for reductive activation of nitroimidazoles239,247. Metronidazole is quickly and completely absorbed after oral administration and penetrates body tissues and secretions such as saliva, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions240. The drug is metabolized mainly in the liver and is excreted in the urine147. In vitro assays for nitroimidazole drug susceptibility have been performed withG. lambliasince 1980112. Using microscopic evaluation of parasite morphology and mobility, Jokipii and Jokipii first demonstrated that metronidazole and tinidazole were effective129. Subsequently, morphology13,166,175, growth inhibition56,69,94,116,160,225, [3H]thymidine incorporation32,117,164, serum killing114, vital-dye exclusion114,235, inhibition of adherence21,55,79,166,192, metabolic228, and colorimetric133assays have been employed to measure the in vitro response of the drug to many therapeutic agents. However, as indicated by the variety of assays used, there is no standard for in vitro testing, making it difficult to compare results and apply in vitro findings to the clinical setting. Of the nitroimidazoles, tinidazole and metronidazole have consistently demonstrated the greatest in vitro activity; tinidazole possesses a slight advantage30,32,55,101. More highly substituted nitroimidazoles, such as miconazole, clotrimazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole, were developed for their antifungal activity and are not effective agents againstG. lamblia55. Sensitivity to nitroimidazoles can vary depending on the stocks and clones ofG. lambliaused in testing29,31,79,160. In the United States, metronidazole is the only member of the nitroimidazole class available to treat giardiasis; it is also the most common drug used for treatment worldwide. In spite of its widespread and accepted use againstGiardia, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has never approved it for this indication. Clinical trials have employed dosing two and three times daily (usually 250 mg/dose) for 5 to 10 days and short-course (1 to 3 days), daily single-dose therapy (2.0 or 2.4 g/dose)261. In the 5- to 10-day schedules the efficacy ranges from 60 to 100% in adult and pediatric patients, with a median efficacy in both groups of 92% (Table1)20,49,68,91,92,100,127,132,135,150,151,191,201,202,232,256. In general, this schedule is well tolerated, with most side effects involving gastrointestinal upset and metallic taste (Table2).

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Need Of A Balanced Diet

What do you mean by Balanced diet? A “Balanced diet” is a balanced proportion of food with proper quantities needed to maintain health or growth. According to the information, the people who have the highest diet quality scores also have higher intakes of vitamins and minerals important for health. Therefore an individual must aim for more variety within each of the healthy or “core” food groups, which includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean sources of animal or vegetarian protein (meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, legumes) and dairy foods (cheese, milk, yoghurt). Important nutrients found in thefive “core” food groupsinclude calcium, iron, zinc, folate, B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, fibre andphytonutrients. It makes sense that eating a large variety of core foods each week leaves less room on your plate for unhealthy energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, calleddiscretionary choices. Why balanced diet is needed? The importance of a balanced is directly proportional to a healthy lifestyle.An individual can attain healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balanced dietand keeping into consideration to meet all the essential nutrients required by the body. A planned meal helps an individual attain ideal body weight and reduces the risk of making prone towards chronic diseases likediabetes cardiovascular and other types ofcancer. Having a healthy diet is all about feeling great, gaining energy, improving health, and boosting one’s mood. Good nutrition, physical activity, and healthy body weight are essential parts of an individual’s overall health. There’s no questioning the importance of healthy food in your life. It is very important for an individual to maintain a proper diet for being healthy in order to keep distance from diseases, infection, or exhaustion. The importance of nutritious food for children especially needs to be highlighted otherwise they may end up being prone to several growth and developmental problems. Some of the common health issues that arise due to lack of a balanced diet are heart disease, cancer, stroke, anddiabetes. Being physically active manages many health problems and improves mentalhealthby reducing stress, depression, and pain. Regular exercise helps to prevent metabolic syndrome,stroke,high blood pressure,arthritis, and anxiety. What falls under a balanced diet? Following are the list of healthy food group for a balanced diet: Fruits that include whole fruits, frozen or fresh fruits but not canned ones dipped in syrup Protein such as lean beef and pork, fish, chicken, beans, legumes and peas. Dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and soy milk Grains such as whole grains and refined grains. For example, quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley, and buckwheat Vegetables like leafy starchy vegetables, greens, legumes like beans and peas, red and orange vegetables, and others like eggplant. A wide variety for the selection of food choices should be from each of five food groups in the specific amounts recommended. These food sources from each food group provide a similar amount of key micro and macro-nutrients to meet the body requirements. A balanced diet comprises of 50 to 60 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fat and 12 to 20 percent protein. All the tissues and organs need proper nutrition to work effectively by consuming the right amount of nutrients and calories to maintain an ideal weight. The overall health of a person depends on good nutrition, physical exercise, and healthybody weight. Aproper meal is a complete combination of food items, food ingredients, and quantities required for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for each specific age group. All you need is protein for your muscle mass and blood cells which brings oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. The body requires quality lean protein, carbohydrates, essential fats and fluids accompanied by regularexercisein maintaining physical health and well-being. These are effective in preventing excess weight gain or in maintainingweight loss but healthier lifestyles are also associated with improved sleep and mood. Physical activity particularly improves brain-related function and outcomes and making small changes in your diet can go a long way to attain the ideal body weight. Consuming the right kind of carbohydrates is important. Many people rely on the simple carbs found in sweets and processed foods. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of natural fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that your body needs to function properly. They’re also low in calories and fat. Unsaturated fats may help reduce inflammation and provide calories. For keeping yourself wrapped with a balanced diet it is significant to understand its core through a nutritionist or a doctor. The best way to get in touch is to avail online doctor booking service such as Quickobook who helps to find you the best doctors in your own locality.

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Mental Health Is Important

What is mental health? Mental health includes our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It affects how we feel, think, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood to adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behaviour could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including: Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry Family history of mental health problems Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse Mental health problems are common buthelp is available. People with mental health problems can get better day by day and many recover completely. Early Warning Signs Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviours can be an early warning sign of a problem: Eating or sleeping too much or too little Pulling away from people and usual activities Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school Having low or no energy Feeling numb or like nothing matters Having unexplained aches and pains Feeling helpless or hopeless Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head Yelling or fighting with family and friends Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head Hearing voices or believing things that are not true Thinking of harming yourself or others The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental healthmay be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew. However, only half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated, mental illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide. What You Can Do to Help? Although the general perception of mental illness has improved over the past decades, studies show that stigma against mental illness is still powerful, largely due to media stereotypes and lack of education, and that people tend to attach negative stigmas to mental health conditions at a far higher rate than to other diseases and disabilities, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Stigma affects not only the number seeking treatment, but also the number of resources available for proper treatment. Stigma and misinformation can feel like overwhelming obstacles for someone who is struggling with a mental health condition. Here a few powerful things you can do to help: Showing individuals respect and acceptanceremoves a significant barrier to successfully coping with their illness. Having people see you as an individual and not as your illness can make the biggest difference for someone who is struggling with their mental health. Advocating within our circles of influencehelps ensure these individuals has the same rights and opportunities as other members of your church, school and community. Learning more about mental healthallows us to provide helpful support to those affected in our families and communities.

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