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4Jun

Tips To Deal With Stress

Posted by: admin Categories: ANXIETY MANAGEMENT
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Being under stress is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. Not only does it affect physical and mental health, but it also prevents you from enjoying the little things in life.

Can you imagine what your day would be like if you were not stressed? If you didn’t worry about work, money, family, future… if you just devoted yourself to doing what you love and laughed at everything. You’d be more than happy, wouldn’t you?

Stop being stressed and start being happy is not as difficult as it sounds. All you have to do is follow some simple tips and know what is happening to you so that you can solve it.

There are two main types of stress: acute stress and chronic stress, and it’s important to be able to differentiate between them in order to begin managing them.

Difference Between Acute Stress and Chronic Stress

Acute stress is one that occurs in specific situations that produce stress. For example, an exam, a discussion, a new position, etc. It is brief and disappears when the situation is resolved.

On the other hand, chronic stress occurs in situations that produce continuous stress over a long period of time. For example, an unsatisfying job, a struggling relationship, an illness, fear, etc.

Chronic stress is hard to handle, and it is what ruins our lives.

It’s no joke, chronic stress has negative effects on your physical and mental health, such as increased risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, insomnia and more. Plus, chronic stress makes you more irritable, less productive, and happier.

What can you do to stop chronic stress from ruining your life? Here you will find some keys and one of them is to learn to detect it.

How to detect chronic stress?

To detect chronic stress, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms that manifest in the body, mind, and behavior.

Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Chronic fatigue and lack of energy.
  • reluctance
  • Difficulty concentrating and remembering.
  • Irritability and mood swings.
  • social isolation.
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
  • Disturbances in sleep and appetite.
  • Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco or other substances.
  • Digestive, muscle or respiratory problems.

5 good tips to deal with stress

  1. The first tip is to do something you love every day. It doesn’t matter what it is. The important thing is that you spend at least half an hour doing something that makes you happy. So you can recharge your energy and feel more motivated to face the rest of the day.
  2. Another is to do some physical exercise. You don’t need to kill yourself doing crunches. Just do something that gets your body moving. It can be dancing, jumping rope, doing yoga or whatever comes to mind. You will find that physical exercise helps you reduce stress and anxiety.
  3. The third advice is to laugh more and more. Laughter is one of the best medicines for stress. When you laugh, your body relaxes, your mind clears, and your mood improves. Plus, laughing is contagious. So take advantage of every situation to laugh. You’ll feel much better afterwards.
  4. The fourth tip is to take a deep breath. Sometimes we forget to breathe properly and this makes us more stressed and nervous. So when you feel stressed, stop and take a deep breath. Breathing well helps you relax.
  5. Fifth, be positive. Stress is often caused by focusing on the negative and anticipating the worst. This creates fear, pain and insecurity. Therefore, it is important that you change your perspective and start looking at the bright side of things. Be optimistic and believe in yourself. Being more positive will remove stress from your life.

conclusion

Don’t let stress get the better of you and take away your will to live.

Remember that chronic stress is not something you should ignore or accept as a part of your life. This is something you can prevent and control with healthy habits and a positive attitude. So don’t let chronic stress ruin your life, you can handle it!

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4Jun

Smoke-related disease that consumes money ‘forever’

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
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 Sarah Wanjiku, from Enkashura area in Nakuru Town, is also a COPD patient. Her doctor advised her to be on an oxygen concentrator for at least 20 hours every day. [Gardy Chacha]

 Every evening, Jane Wanjiru helps her husband of 50 years, Joseph Gakuu, to bed.

“I turn on the oxygen concentrator machine and make sure he can breathe comfortably,” she says.

As per his doctor’s prescription, Gakuu must use the oxygen concentrator for at least 18 (out of every 24) hours.

He was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2021.

As far back as 2019, Gakuu started coughing uncontrollably – whenever he smoked or walked into a place with smoke – any kind of smoke.

“I would cough to the point of coughing up blood,” he says.

He was a teenager when he first smoked a cigarette. “In the 1960s it was fun and fashionable to smoke,” he says. Gakuu developed an addiction to cigarettes which only came to an end in 2019 when COPD wouldn’t let him inhale one more puff.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that the primary cause of COPD is exposure to tobacco.

Dr Andrew Owuor, a pulmonologist at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) says the hallmark of the disease is shortness of breath.

“By the time symptoms are showing it means the disease has been developing for some years,” he says, “Once COPD is confirmed, treatment involves drug therapies that are meant to help manage symptoms: COPD has no cure.”

Dr Owuor says the disease develops over many years of regular and consistent exposure to smoke, or polluted air.

“Lungs are elastic like balloons. COPD lungs lose their elasticity. During breathing the organ cannot fully recoil, hence not all of the air from inside is expelled,” he explains. “Therefore, COPD patients struggle to supply enough oxygen to vital organs as well as the rest of the body.”

Sixty-two-year-old Sarah Wanjiku, from Enkashura area in Nakuru Town, is also a COPD patient. But unlike Gakuu, Wanjiku was not a cigarette addict, even though she sparingly used cigarettes in her younger years.

“COPD, by a large margin, affects cigarette smokers. But there could be other causes of the disease. A significant number of COPD patients have used biomass fuels (firewood and charcoal) for a long time. It also affects people who work in polluted environments: like miners, welders and construction workers,” Dr Owuor says. 

“Generally, sustained and frequent exposure to smoke, or polluted air (like dust) over a long period of time, could lead to COPD,” he says.

Growing up, Wanjiku – being a firstborn among her siblings – was often tasked with preparing family meals. “We cooked using firewood and charcoal,” she says, something she did for at least three

decades.

She also suspects that she had grown up as an asthmatic. She says: “As far back as 1995, I remember I used to struggle to breath. I was treated often for asthma.”

Smoke – or pollution – cause tiny injuries (inflammations) in the lungs. These tiny wounds never fully heal; they leave scars.

Over a long period of time, millions of scars lead to COPD: changing the lung’s architecture and its ability to function optimally.

“Due to reduced amount of oxygen reaching body organs, a COPD patient is often tired and lethargic,” says Dr Owuor.

“Suddenly, I was feeling exhausted: I had no energy to even lift a blanket over my head,” Wanjiku recalls.

Gakuu and Wanjiku are patients enrolled in a comprehensive programme targeting three illnesses: COPD, Hypertension and Diabetes.

Known as Access to Healthcare (ATH), the programme is run by pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim, who, in February, launched offices in Nairobi.

According to Ayman Eissa, the head of SD4G for the IMETA (India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa) region, ATH is meant to support Kenya to respond effectively to the growing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden.

“It is part of our Sustainable Development for Generations (SD4G) framework and is designed to improve Human and Animal Health,” Eissa says. 

“ATH provides people in need with a comprehensive programme: supporting them through the whole journey from screening to treatment. Importantly, we make it easier for them to access treatment,” he says.

Dr Mangutha Gitangu, ATH programme manager, says COPD places a lot of financial pressure on a patient and their family.

“Once diagnosed, a patient will need to be on medication forever. This, for many underserved families, is a reality that is not easy to deal with,” Gitangu says. 

Beyond daily drugs, COPD patients are also prone to frequent hospital emergencies.

Adan Ramata, Wanjiku’s brother says the family has spent hundreds of thousands in and out of hospitals.

“Hardly three months will go by without an emergency hospital visit. We have lost count of the number of times she has been in hospital since she fell ill in 2016,” Ramata says.

The disease has robbed both Gakuu and Wanjiku the ability to be economically productive. They have lacked the energy to perform the simplest of work.

Wanjiku folded up her poultry business in 2016 and has remained dependent on her brother. Gakuu on the other hand is fully dependent on his wife.

WHO estimates that COPD is responsible for about 3 million deaths every year globally. At least 90 per cent of the deaths occur in low to middle-income countries.

“The disease, from what we can tell, has a very high unmet need locally in terms of diagnosis and treatment. We hope to increase awareness, timely diagnosis and medical intervention, affordability of treatment, and adherence to that treatment,” says Dr Gitangu.

To cure COPD one would require a brand new set of lungs. This is far-fetched since Kenya has never done a lung transplant.

Dr Owuor says: “We do not have the tools to conduct lung transplants. Even so, lung transplants should be utilised as a last resort.

“To start with, the new lungs would need to be provided by another human being. There would be a lot of legal and ethical hurdles to find a donor.

“Also, the average survival of lung transplant is five years. It is hard to find lung transplant patients who survive past six years after the transplant,” Dr Owuor says.

On COPD, he says, the best advice would be:

“If all young people can keep off smoking, COPD numbers would go down in future. COPD is a disease that manifests in older people; except in situations where the disease comes as a result of childhood asthma, or pre-term birth where a baby is born when their lungs have not matured enough,” Dr Owuor says.

Dr Owuor adds: “Families that can afford it should consider using clean sources of energy like LPG gas over the use of firewood or charcoal.”

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4Jun

12 Reasons Why It Feels Like Your Heart Rate Won’t Slow Down

Posted by: admin Categories: SPORTS & ATHLETICS
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heart rate

Anxiety? Caffeine? More serious?

Running the last few minutes of a race, preparing for a major presentation, or watching “Stranger Things” in the dark may make your heart race. Daily living shouldn’t raise your heart rate. Your heart’s rhythm is controlled by a finely calibrated mechanism. It’s natural to worry when your heart rate suddenly speeds up.

First, How Do Experts Typically Define A “Healthy” Heart Rate?

According to the US National Library of Medicine, most individuals have a “normal” resting heart rate of 60–100 beats per minute. Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to important organs at these speeds. Runners may have lower resting heart rates (sometimes as low as 40 beats per minute). 

According to the Mayo Clinic, cardiovascular activity helps your heart pump more blood at a slower pace. A resting heart rate of 100 or less (if you’re not an athlete) may indicate a health concern.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of A Fast Heart Rate?

Feeling Very Stressed

Let’s face it—you’re probably stressed with everything going on around the globe. Camille Frazier-Mills, MD, a Duke Electrophysiology Clinic cardiologist, tells SELF that stress releases adrenaline or norepinephrine. This trigger increases heart rate through cardiac receptors. 

Deep breathing exercises might help you feel better in the present if you can’t quickly remedy what’s stressing you. The Mayo Clinic recommends inhaling and exhaling through your nose to feel your stomach rise instead of your chest. Focus on your breath and the abdominal rise and fall throughout. 

RELATED: Are Heart Rate and Blood Pressure the Same? No, Here’s Why.

Had A Lot Of Caffeine

Overdoing caffeine might raise your heart rate. “Several patients come to see me with a raised heart rate, then they tell me they consume many highly caffeinated drinks daily,” Dr. Mills-Frazier explains. “They’re revving.” If you’re caffeine-sensitive, even modest doses may cause this.

According to the FDA, adults may safely consume 400 mg of caffeine per day or four to five cups of coffee. Since caffeine sensitivity and metabolism vary, it may seem like a lot. Pregnancy and several drugs might make you more sensitive to caffeine. If you want to avoid caffeine withdrawal symptoms, consider cutting down on caffeine gradually to see if it slows your heart rate. If that fails, call your doctor.

Smoking

A 2015 Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics research found that smokers—tobacco, cannabis, and marijuana—have greater resting heart rates than nonsmokers. Smoking may raise heart rate and cause cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, but experts don’t know why.

Cold- Or Flu-Like Symptoms, Like A Fever

If you have a fever, coughing, and sneezing, a viral disease may be the cause of your racing heart. Dr. Mills-Frazier believes your heart beats quicker to battle illness and maintain equilibrium.

Taking Some Kind Of Medication That Affects Your Heart

Decongestants aren’t the only drugs that can keep your heart rate up. Dr. Doshi explains that several drugs

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4Jun

Relaxation Techniques for Relieving Stress

Posted by: admin Categories: ANXIETY MANAGEMENT
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Do you feel stressed? There are some effective and simple tactics that can help you relax in no time. Find out about them here.

Relaxation Techniques for Relieving Stress

Last update: 04 June, 2023

Congested rush-hour traffic, job demands, deadlines, tricky relationships at work, or money concerns. Have you experienced any of these stressful situations? In fact, anyone can experience stress. It tends to lead us to look for ways to alleviate this overwhelming feeling. There are certain relaxation techniques that can help.

As a matter of fact, learning to deal with these situations and preventing them from becoming a constant source of stress is essential if you want to take care of your physical and mental health. Indeed, stress can be the gateway to many diseases. So, we’re going to suggest some really simple relaxation techniques. But, first, we’re going to define stress.

Understanding stress

According to the book, Comprender el Estres, (Understanding Stress) by Xavier Torres, stress is a normal physiological response of the body to the demands of the environment. As such, it’s considered an essential and effective reaction for survival. However, when the individual can’t manage these demands, stress becomes harmful and jeopardizes their well-being.

Stress causes an increase in the secretion of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. They prepare the body to react to the perceived threat. Moreover, the increase of these substances in the body makes the individual more prone to disease.

Causes and types of stress

Stress can be caused by many different factors. For example, work, personal relationships, health, etc. The stress response has different levels of intensity and can be situational and of short duration, or prolonged and sustained over time.

According to a study published in the journal, Medical Humanities, there are different ways of categorizing stress. One of the most common is as follows:

  • Chronic. It lasts for weeks, months, or even years. It’s caused by various factors. The negative effects of this typology are long-term.
  • Traumatic. It arises after a natural disaster, an assault, or a serious accident. The most common manifestation is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Acute. It’s experienced in short, high-intensity situations, such as an accident or a fight. It can be useful for dealing with a specific event. However, if it persists for a long time, it has negative consequences on physical and mental health.

It should be noted that these types can overlap with each other. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of stress in the body and learn to manage them appropriately.

Eustress versus distress

Have you ever heard it said that we tend to work better under pressure? Do you think that some stress is good for us? The answer is yes, there’s a kind of stress that’s beneficial for performance and motivation. It’s known as positive stress or eustress.

Based on research published in the Redices Repositorio Institucional, eustress is understood as the body’s physiological and psychological response to situations perceived as challenging or exciting. This type of stress increases energy and motivation and improves concentration.

Eustress is different from negative stress, also known as distress, which occurs in situations perceived as threatening or dangerous. But can eustress become distress? The answer is yes.

In fact, it’s important to note that eustress is only beneficial if it’s kept at moderate levels and controlled. If it becomes too intense or prolonged, it turns into distress and has negative health consequences.

Relaxation techniques for relieving stress

Stress is a common problem in our modern society. In addition to disrupting our physical health, it affects our mental well-being. Luckily, there are several relaxation techniques that can help quickly relieve this feeling.

Next, we’re going to detail some methods described in the journals, Revista Confluencia and SEMERGEN Medicina de Familia, which have been analyzed and given positive results in certain trials.

Deep breathing

Deep breathing is a simple and effective relaxation technique. It helps reduce stress in a matter of minutes. By practicing it, you decrease your heart rate and reduce your cortisol levels.

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Feel how the air fills your abdomen and hold your breath for a few seconds. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth.

Meditation

Meditation is popular for lowering stress and anxiety levels. There are many forms of meditation, but one simple way is to sit in a quiet place and focus on your breathing. If your mind starts to wander, bring it back to focus on your inhalations and exhalations once more.

Visualization

Visualization involves imagining a calm and relaxing place. Think of a beach, a lush garden, or any other place that makes you feel peaceful and happy. Focus on the details of that space and try to project yourself there.

Yoga

Yoga combines physical postures with breathing and meditation, which is why it’s an excellent relaxation technique. Even if you’re inexperienced, you can try some simple poses, like Child’s Pose or Downward Facing Dog.

Do an activity you like

Doing something you enjoy is really useful for clearing your mind. For instance, you can read a book, listen to music, or draw.

Practice gratitude

Take a moment to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. This will make you feel calmer and improve your mood.

Take care of yourself

Spend time on self-care by learning to recognize and manage your emotions and mood. It’ll help you deal with conflicts in a healthy way.

What if you have too little time for relaxation techniques?

If you have little time to practice relaxation techniques for the purpose of relieving stress, don’t worry. Some options don’t require investing long periods of time. Next, we list some suggestions proposed in the book, Managing Stress, by Brian Luke Seaward

  • Take a break. Giving yourself a few minutes to get away from a stressful situation goes a long way. If possible, change your location or activity for a while.
  • Listen to relaxing music. If you have a few minutes to spare, listen to music to relieve your stress. Pick a song or playlist that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.
  • Simple stretches. They release tension and reduce stress in a short time. You can do some simple ones like leaning to the sides, stretching your arms up toward the ceiling, or rotating your shoulders.
  • Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a quick and effective stress-relief technique. Take a few minutes to focus on the present moment and observe your thoughts and physical sensations without judging them. You can do this while walking, waiting in line, or during a break at work.

Incorporating relaxation techniques to relieve stress in your daily routine

Incorporating relaxation techniques into your everyday life is a great way to improve your overall well-being. You can try the following:

  • Take breaks. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to practice deep breathing or use visualization to recharge yourself.
  • Make relaxation a priority. Make sure you take time for yourself, every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. You’ll soon see how your quality of life and well-being improve.
  • Use reminders. Set alarms on your phone or in your calendar to remind you when it’s time to practice a relaxation technique. This will help you to be more consistent.
  • Establish a routine. Set a time to practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, when you get up or before going to bed. This will ensure that they become a habit.
  • Find quiet moments. Look for opportunities where you can practice stress-relieving techniques. For instance, when you’re waiting in line or riding public transportation. Use this time to close your eyes and focus on your breathing.

If you need it, seek support to relieve your stress

We all need help at certain times in our lives. Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Remember that there’s no single solution. Find the relaxation techniques that best suit you. Make an effort to incorporate them into your life, creating a habit so that, in the absence of motivation, you have discipline.

It’s important to bear in mind that effective stress management is an ongoing process and requires time and effort. If your symptoms persist, see a professional to identify and treat any underlying issues.

Remember that these are just a few examples and that we all have different strategies for relieving stress. You simply need to find what works best for you and practice it regularly, for improved results.

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4Jun

Another rising respiratory virus in U.S. draws concern

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
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As cases of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were winding down across the United States, infections of another respiratory virus, called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), were picking up during spring and drawing concern as many people had not known about it.

Discovered in 2001, HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with RSV. Broader use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of HMPV as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cases of HMPV spiked in the United States this spring, according to the CDC’s respiratory virus surveillance system. The percent of tests positive for HMPV surged to 17.5 percent for antigen tests and 9.6 percent for PCR tests at the end of March.

At its peak in mid-March, nearly 11 percent of tested specimens were positive for HMPV, a number that was about 36 percent higher than the average, pre-pandemic seasonal peak of 7 percent test positivity, according to a CNN report.

It filled hospital intensive care units with young children and seniors who are the most vulnerable to these infections.

HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

Surveillance data from the CDC’s the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System shows HMPV to be most active during late winter and spring in temperate climates.

Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.

Unlike COVID-19 and the flu, there is no vaccine for HMPV or antiviral drugs to treat it. Instead, doctors care for seriously ill people by tending to their symptoms.

But there is no need to be too concerned about HMPV, a leading epidemiologist told Xinhua.

“The transmission mode, prevention methods, symptoms, and treatment of this virus are similar to influenza. So there is no need to worry too much except for the elderly people, the immunocompromised population and other high-risk groups,” Zhang Zuofeng, professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, told Xinhua on Friday.

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4Jun

York finds new treatments a breath of fresh air

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Oxify promises a range of health benefits through its treatments at Clifton Moor <i>(Image: Pic supplied)</i>

Oxify promises a range of health benefits through its treatments at Clifton Moor (Image: Pic supplied)

York residents are finding new oxygen treatments a breath of fresh air.

Since Oxify opened its fourth treatment centre on Clifton Moor last month, people have enjoyed £10 taster sessions and more.

Father and daughter team Michael Todd and Sarah Todd from Retford, Nottinghamshire, opened their first centre there in 2021.

Oxify’s treatment is non-invasive and involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised environment. This allows the body to absorb up to 16 times more oxygen to benefit the body’s cells. It claims to an effective treatment for stress relief, skin rejuvenation, chronic fatigue, sports recovery and the symptoms of Long Covid, amongst other issues.

Michael had previously worked in printing for 30 years, running his own business, and Sarah had a career in hospitality management.

Oxify opens at Clifton Moor with new treatments

In late 2020, Michael read a magazine article entitled ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ which cited research at Tel Aviv University showed Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy (HbOT) can reverse cell aging.

Michael told the Press: “I was intrigued and decided to find out more. The more I researched the more excited I was about the huge therapeutic benefits offered by HbOT.”

He bought a chamber and installed it in Retford in 2021, creating the Oxify business.

Michael continued: “The excitement of HbOT is that, without drugs or surgical intervention, it provides a lasting remedy for many debilitating and intractable ailments.

“The rejuvenation of cells through the supply of enriched oxygen means that the range of conditions it can help is exceptionally wide ranging.  The market for the Therapy is huge from sportsmen preparing or recovering through to sufferers from Long Covid and Chronic Fatigue.“

Since opening Retford, ‘huge demand’ led to new centres in Leeds, Manchester and now Kettlestring Lane.

Freeklime 'bouldering' centre opens today at Clifton Moor

“We are on a mission to help as many people as we can and to make HbOT well known and recognised as a huge benefit to unwell and healthy people alike,” he explained.

“Our biggest challenge is to educate. Whilst the benefits of HbOT are widely known about in other countries it is relatively unknown in the UK. We are determined to change that!!”

Over the next year, Oxify plans to offer shares through Crowdfunding. It also plans to open 20 more centres over the next 18 months.

Since opening in York on May 9, Oxify reports consistent bookings.

Michael said: “Our taster sessions for those new to HbOT have been brisk - which shows us that the community in York and the wider York area are open to HbOT and enthusiastic about this innovative and non-invasive treatment, and we have welcomed new customers to our York centre with repeat bookings already.

“It's been a real pleasure to work with our York staff and we look forward to growing our number of centres to reach more and more people."

For details and to book, go to: www.oxify.co.uk

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4Jun

Parents warned over RSV as leading cause of hospitalisation in children

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Parents have been urged to learn the symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with a major report fearing more than 12,000 babies could be hospitalised with the “unpredictable” virus in 2023.

Infants less than six months of age were found to be the most at-risk group.

A major report from health advisory firm, Evohealth found the respiratory illness – which can quickly progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia – was the leading reason for hospitalisation of children under five.

RSV caused 15,864 hospitalisation children under five every, with one-in-four causes requiring intensive care.

Sick baby boy applying inhale medication by inhalation mask to cure Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) on patient bed at hospital.
Camera IconA recent report found RSV to be the leading cause of hospitalisations in children under the age of five. Credit: istock

Immunisation Foundation of Australia founder Catherine Hughes said the virus was “unpredictable and can be very serious”. There is also no vaccine to prevent RSV, or reduce its effects.

“It’s important that caregivers know the signs that may indicate severe disease, trust their gut, and seek medical attention when it’s needed,” she said.

“We are all hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s record number of hospital admissions due to RSV.”

Initial symptoms include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, loss of appetite, lethargy and irritability, however it can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Parents are warned to seek medical care if severe symptoms like a high fever, shortness of breath, or increased effort to breathe appear.

Signs that the virus has progressed to bronchiolitis or pneumonia can also include wheezing, fared nostrils, grunting while breathing, rapid breathing (more than 40 breaths per minute), a blue tint to the child’s skin around their mouth and eyes, or laboured breathing.

Today host, Karl Stefanovic and his fashion designer wife, Jasmine Stanovic recently shared their scare with RSV, when their daughter Harper was two.

Ms Stefanovic, who has partnered with Evohealth to share their experiences, says what started as a cold, quickly turned into breathing issues.

“Initially, Harper had the sniffles and a cough, and we assumed she just had a bit of a cold. But within hours, she deteriorated,” she said.

“It was alarming to see how hard she was working to breathe, with her little ribs sucking in and tummy pulling up into her chest”.

Supplied Editorial
Camera IconKarl and Jasmine Stefanovic rushed baby Harper to hospital after her condition quickly deteriorated. Instagram Credit: Supplied

After seeing advice from a GP, Harper was rushed to hospital.

“It was a long night as we sat in the hospital ward beside Harper, trying to comfort her as a medical team worked to help her breathe,” she said.

“It’s been almost a year since our awful experience with RSV, and Harper still has a lingering wheeze. Doctors have explained that RSV can have a range of long-term health effects.

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on her this winter.”

The Evohealth report found the virus to be a nearly $200m on Australia’s healthcare system, with each infant hospitalisation costing $12,000.

The report called on a national awareness campaign and surveillance program to measure the spread of the virus.

Evohealth’s managing director, Renae Beardmore said the burden of RSV was huge.

“This is a virus that often went undiagnosed due to lack of awareness, monitoring and reporting, which has recently changed,” she said.

“Now that we are starting to understand the scale of the RSV in Australia, it’s time to act to reduce the burden of the virus on children, parents and hospitals.”

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4Jun

Asthma sufferers should keep track of environmental triggers

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
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Jun 03, 2023, 4:53pmUpdated 12h ago

By: News 12 Staff

Pulmonologists say keeping track of environmental triggers can help asthmatics better manage their condition.

There are various environment-related factors that can induce flare ups for the over 2.5 million asthma sufferers in the tri-state area, according to health experts. This includes conditions like humidity, the presence of smoke, mold and pollen in the air.

Dr. Laurie Manka, of National Jewish Health, says summer storms can also create asthma triggers.

“The moisture and the electricity of these thunderstorms break these pollens and other particulates into smaller pieces that come back down and can be blown for long distances,” she said.

As those particles become smaller, they grow easier to inhale and wreak havoc on one’s bronchial tubes and lungs.

Doctors say is important to have a plan for potential flare ups. Asthma sufferers should always have a rescue inhaler and pay attention if they are experiencing symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, sinus congestion or wheezing.

If airways become narrow and create difficulty breathing, Manka says it is important to seek medical care.

Prior to leaving home, asthmatics should check the pollen count and visit Airnow.gov to see the air quality index. With the help of the hourly data, asthma sufferers can decide if they need to limit time outdoors. Doctors also say remaining indoors with air conditioning can bring relief to the lungs.

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4Jun

5 Wellness Benefits of Mint

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This popular herb is more than just refreshing!

Jun 4, 2023

Woman enjoying a cup of mint tea.

(Beatriz Vera / Shutterstock.com)

Fresh, clean, and energizing, mint is a popular, well-loved herb. Aside from enjoying it in gum, or as a tea, mint may also offer healing relief in its leaf form and as an essential oil.

Mint has dozens of species including spearmint, peppermint, wild mint, and even pineapple mint, according to Healthline. Mint is often added as a culinary flavor and used in sauces, jellies, teas, and, of course, in candy and in ice cream.

Aside from the kitchen, these plants have a more serious side! As an outdoor plant, it helps attract beneficial insects, while repelling the pesky ones. Bring it indoors to heal body ailments. Here are five ways mint matters.

Could Help Respiratory Health

When it comes to breathing issues, reach for wild mint essential oil, according to UC Health. For congestion, breathe in steam made from hot water and a few drops of peppermint oil. The menthol in the mint acts as a decongestant and helps to open your nasal passages.  A study in Natural Product Research found that mint could also help relieve bronchial asthma.

Diffuse healthy mint while you sleep.

(Elizaveta Galitckaia / Shutterstock.com)

May Improve IBS

Peppermint oil may improve symptoms in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to Healthline. This is because the menthol in the oil relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract.

In fact, a study in the Digestive and Liver Disease journal showed that 75 percent of patients with IBS who used peppermint oil had more than a 50 percent reduction in symptoms.

Peppermint oil is good for your gut.

(Chamille White / Shuterstock.com)

Helps You Stay Alert

Feeling groggy behind the wheel? Take a whiff of peppermint! Aside from keeping you alert, it does even more. According to a study in the North American Journal of Psychology, drivers who sniffed peppermint were also less frustrated and anxious

sniffing peppermint can help you stay alert.

(Miriam Doerr Martin Frommherz / Shutterstock.com)

Excellent for Skincare

The juice in mint leaves acts as a cleanser, and may reduce pimples and could help to reduce acne, according to Organic Facts. But mint helps with other skin conditions too.

If you have an insect bite from a mosquito or a sting from a bee or hornet, reach for mint oil, as it may reduce itching and infections. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it may also reduce swelling. And as it is cooling, it may help you scratch less.

Mint facial mask.

(Ms. Trouble Maker / Shutterstock.com)

Improves Breath

This is the classic use of mint, but not in chewing gum or breath mint form, explains Healthline. These mint-flavored candies will simply mask bad breath, but not eliminate it. Instead, drink peppermint tea or chew on mint leaves to help kill the bacteria and other compounds that cause bad breath.

Woman pouring green tea.

(Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com)



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3Jun

Enhancing adventure while minimizing risks

Posted by: admin Categories: SPORTS & ATHLETICS
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NOTE: This PR was first published in the Bohol Chronicle’s Sunday print edition.

Freediving is an exciting sport that combines underwater exploration and holding your breath. But it’s important to remember that safety should always come first. There are potential risks involved, especially shallow water blackouts, which can be life-threatening. Understanding the importance of safety measures and the risks associated with freediving is crucial for a fun and secure experience.

Imagine diving deep beneath the surface, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the underwater world. Each dive reveals a secret realm filled with vibrant marine creatures and stunning coral formations. Freediving allows you to experience this incredible connection to the vast underwater domain. But in the midst of this captivating journey, it’s crucial to stay aware and prioritise your safety and well-being.

During the ascent part of a dive, shallow water blackouts pose a significant danger to freedivers. As they rise from deep water, the pressure surrounding them decreases, leading to a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in their lungs. If a diver has consumed too much oxygen during the dive, the oxygen concentration in their lungs may become so low that their body cannot effectively utilise it. This can result in a loss of consciousness and potentially lead to drowning. It is crucial for divers to be aware of this risk and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Having a dependable dive buddy is incredibly important for freedivers. A well-trained buddy keeps a close eye on the diver and watches how they respond as they come up. If a shallow water blackout occurs, the buddy can provide immediate help, rescue the diver, and use life-saving techniques like proper breathing and emergency procedures.

There are other risks to be aware of during freediving. Barotrauma is a common problem caused by not equalising pressure in the ears, sinuses, or lungs properly. It can lead to injuries like ruptured eardrums or lung problems. Learning proper techniques, practising equalisation, and seeking advice from experts can help reduce these risks.

Hypoxia is another concern. It happens when a diver holds their breath for too long and doesn’t get enough oxygen. It can lead to confusion, loss of control, and blackouts. It’s important for divers to know their limits, not push themselves too hard, and get proper training in breathing techniques.

To ensure safety in freediving, it’s recommended to get professional training and certifications. Qualified instructors can teach important skills, safety rules, and how to handle emergencies. Divers should stay updated on safety guidelines, practice drills, and know the local diving rules and environmental factors.

In conclusion, freediving is an amazing adventure that lets you explore underwater wonders. But remember, safety always comes first. Learn about the risks of shallow water blackouts, barotrauma, and hypoxia. Take safety measures, have a trustworthy dive buddy, and get proper training. With these precautions, you can have an exciting and safe journey beneath the waves.

If you’d like to learn more about freediving safety, message

www.facebook.com/bluefreedomapnea or visit

www.bluefreedomapnea.com

Stay safe and enjoy your underwater adventures!

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3Jun

Cases Of Little-Known Respiratory Virus Spike In CT: What To Know

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
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CONNECTICUT — Cases of a little-known respiratory illness that is especially dangerous for young children — human metapneumovirus, or HMPV — and mimics the symptoms of other common respiratory diseases spiked this spring in the Northeast, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health data.

A regional breakdown of HMPV cases shows nearly a 50 percent positivity rate among those antigen tested in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont around the second and third weeks in April. That's up about 25 percent from similar testing done a month earlier.

The symptoms of the lower lung infection include a deep cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath, which are also symptoms of RSV, influenza and COVID-19. As cases of those illnesses began to subside, HMPV was just getting started in many parts of the country, according to the CDC data.

At the mid-March peak of HMPV, nearly 11 percent of specimen tests nationwide were positive. That’s about 36 percent higher than the average, pre-pandemic seasonal peak of 7 percent HMPV test positivity.

Viruses are responsible for a range of respiratory infections, from the common cold to severe bronchitis and pneumonia. With improvements in molecular testing, more viruses have been detected, including pneumovirus isolated two decades ago by Dutch scientists in children with respiratory illnesses.

Medical experts don’t know the full burden of HMPV because testing is rarely done until the patient has to be hospitalized. Dr. John Williams, a pediatrician at the University of Pittsburgh, told CNN that HMPV cases are at least equal to RSV and influenza.

The CDC recommends that physicians and clinics test for it regularly.

Respiratory infections are the leading cause of death in children under 5 worldwide and a major reason for hospitalizations of young children in developed countries. According to the CDC, HMPV also poses risks for older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

According to a 2020 study in The Lancet Global Health journal, an estimated 14 million children under 5 worldwide had HMPV infections in 2018, resulting in 600,000 hospitalizations and more than 16,000 deaths.

Several pharmaceutical companies are working on vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna, which just completed a clinical trial testing an mRNA vaccine against HMPV.

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3Jun

Natural Remedies For Asthma That Doctors Recommend

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This time There is no cure for asthma, But devices such as inhalers, through which the drug can be inhaled, allow patients to lead a normal and active life, If your asthma is severe, your doctor may also prescribe tablets and other treatments.

Asthma is a disease caused by the airways narrow and swell Can cause excess mucus. This can make breathing difficult and cause Cough, wheezing and shortness of breath.

For some people, asthma is a minor problem. For others, it can be a serious problem that interferes with daily activities and may even pose a problem. life-threatening asthma attack,

Nothing can take the place of your medical treatment. that being said, there are some what you can do to improve or control symptoms Becomes the reason for

avoid triggers

Getty Images

This is obvious but sometimes it can be overlooked.

,avoid things that can irritate the lungs and make breathing difficult“He lives in stay strong Jean Lomas, a pediatric and adult allergist and director of allergy and immunology at Wellnau Allergy.

They say it doesn’t have to be rigid or living in a bubble. They can be small, gestures. “Yes animal dander makes you worseFor example, won’t ask you to get rid of their pets, but rather ban your feline friend from the bedroom.”

They from the Mayo Clinic also stress the importance of reducing exposure to triggers as a key part of disease control. They recommend:

  • Use air conditioning or keep windows closed reduce pollen airy.
  • reduce dust Which can worsen symptoms at night.
  • Keep optimum humidityFor example, using a dehumidifier.
  • Prevent mold spores from growing by cleaning the bathroom, kitchen and damp areas around the house to prevent them from growing.
  • Clean your house at least once a week.

maintain a healthy lifestyle

Exercise.

Getty Images.

Taking care of yourself can help keep symptoms under control, says the Mayo Clinic.

To do this, he recommends exercising regularly. ,Having asthma doesn’t mean you have to be less active., Treatment can prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms during activity,” he says.

Physical activity can strengthen the heart and lungs, which helps with symptoms. From health line include swimming, bicycling, or walking in between best exercise for asthma

Maintaining a healthy weight will also be beneficial. “If you’re overweight, your chest’s ability to expand and contract is actually diminished,” explains Lomas.

Controlling heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the tips of the reputed clinic. As he points out, it’s possible that acid reflux is caused by heartburn damages the airways of the lungs and worsening symptoms.

do breathing exercises

Concentrate.

Getty Images.

can do breathing exercises reduce the amount of medicine you need To keep asthma symptoms under control, Mayo maintains a clinic.

The British National Health Service (NHS) specifically recommend such techniques as they Papworth method and Buteyko method.

how do you know asthma journal The Papworth method uses a diaphragmatic breathing pattern combined with adequate relaxation and education to reduce hyperventilation and increase CO2 levels.

For their part, the Buteyko technique, they explain, consists of performing rExhale through the nose to control ventilation, Through alveolar stasis, alveolar and arterial CO2 tension is increased, which aims to reduce bronchospasm, normalize respiratory patterns, and reduce shortness of breath.

Opt for caffeine and other herbal remedies

Coffee, coffee maker

Middle natural and plant-based remedies Black seed, caffeine, choline and pycnogenol may help improve asthma symptoms, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic.

A 2020 review of studies states, “Even small amounts of caffeine can improve lung function for up to 4 hours.” Cochrane Database System Review,

Pay attention to what you put on your plate

Eat healthy diet

Nutrients You Add to Your Diet May Help You Breathe Better And, in some cases, help reduce asthma symptoms. This is indicated by the Mayo Clinic and the American Lung Association.

For example, the Carbohydrates use more oxygen and produce more carbon dioxide, whereas fat consumption produces less carbon dioxide for the same amount of oxygen. “Some people with COPD find that eating a diet low in carbohydrates and more healthy fats helps them breathe easier,” says Tracy Gonzales, a nurse and volunteer spokesperson for the association.

Vitamin D plays a role important in promoting immune system responses and helps reduce inflammation of the airways. You can put it on your plate through fatty fish, mushrooms or enriched dairy.

Furthermore, vitamin E contains a chemical compound called tocopherol, which may reduce the risk of certain symptoms such as coughing or wheezing. Sunflower seeds or almonds are good sources.

Avoid sulfites as much as possible. They can occur naturally in food or can be added. They can cause chest tightness, coughing and closing of the throat, as well as more gas-producing foods.

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3Jun

Divine conspiracy | News, Sports, Jobs

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
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This past Sunday in the church I serve, we had a conversation about the celebration of Pentecost, which signals for us the birth of the church as God sent the Spirit in dramatic fashion.

In the book of Acts, Luke tells us that, when that huge Festival had come, the disciples were all together in one place in the city of Jerusalem. And, suddenly, from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

So, naturally, our Pentecost conversation was swept up in images of crowded rooms and wind and breath.

Did you know the word “conspire” means to breathe together? Take a breath. Now blow it out again. There! If you are sharing space with another person, you have just launched a conspiracy. You can hear the word “spirit” in there too — to conspire — to be filled with the same spirit, to be enlivened by the same wind.

That is why the word appeals to me today. And, in my thinking, the word “conspiracy” badly needs redemption after a few years of its association with malevolent intent and misinformation.

What happens between us when believers come together to worship God is that the Holy Spirit swoops in and out among us, knitting us together and empowering us through the songs we sing, the prayers we offer, the breath we breathe.

It can happen with two people and it can happen with 200. It can scare us or comfort us, confuse us or clarify things for us, but, as far as I can tell, the Holy Spirit never bullies. We are always free to choose whether or how we will respond.

Of all the ways we talk about God, I suppose the Holy Spirit presents the biggest challenge.

Most of us can at least begin to find words for the other two: God the Father, creator of Heaven and Earth, who makes the sun blaze and the rain fall, whose creation reflects God’s nature, majesty and power. God the Son, who became human like us, we describe in the roles of savior, redeemer, teacher, helper, and friend.

But how would you describe God the Holy Spirit to a 5-year-old?

Even Jesus had a hard time with that one. “The Spirit blows where it chooses,” he said in John’s gospel, “and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes (3:8).”

And, if we have a difficult time talking about WHO the Holy Spirit is, we have an equally difficult time talking about our personal experiences of the Spirit.

Many people I know can’t say if they have ever really had an experience of God. At least they can’t articulate how they recognize it. But, when people start talking about their lives, it seems clear to me they have.

They did not have a name for it, so they wrote it off to coincidence or hormones. Just in case you have had some things happen to you that you do not have a name for, I want to suggest at least one way I believe the Holy Spirit blows into our lives.

One breeze of the Spirit is to give people a way back into relationships. Maybe that has happened to you. You are estranged from someone you really care about — because of something you said or did or perhaps you were the one offended — it really does not matter.

The point is, you are tired of it, so you start plotting ways to get through. You draft letters, rehearse phone calls, only none of them sounds right.

You are still hanging on to your hurt or your anger. Then, one day, for no apparent reason, something inside of you says, “Now.” You grab the phone. The person says, “Hello?” And the rest is history.

On both ends, hearts open and the right words come out. A reunion gets underway. You can call that anything you want, but I prefer to call it a breath of God’s Spirit.

I think that’s why the past three years with COVID-19, the threatening respiratory virus that was transmitted by breathing — taking respiration with others present — was culturally and socially so devastating. It separated us. It made us keep a “safe” distance and mask up. And, for all the blessings of Zoom and livestreaming, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE for gathering and embracing and singing and learning together in actual sanctuaries and classrooms with real people present.

Pentecost hits a nerve for post-pandemic Christians. It’s made us quite aware of just how much we need to breathe together. In the time of the pandemic, breathing together was exactly what we avoided. We didn’t want to infect anyone else or be infected.

Yet the quarantine, as it dragged on — along with all of its financial, psychological, social consequences — the isolation costs us something spiritually, too. We needed Conspiracy — to breathe together — and we were denied it.

So take a breath. Now, just keep breathing. This is God’s moment-by-moment gift to us. We can call it air or we can call it Spirit or we might name it by its Hebrew word, “Ruach.”

Life is a real, live conspiracy where we breathe in and breathe out the Spirit of God — within community, singing, praising, serving, praying. Happy Pentecost.

Warren Hoffman is a 43 year veteran of pastoral ministry and considers himself a native of Alpena. He is married to his ministry partner and beloved, Laura Hoffman.



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3Jun

NEW: Another rising respiratory virus in US draws concern

Posted by: admin Categories: PREVENTION & WELLBEING
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The Sunday Mail

As cases of Covid-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were winding down across the United States, infections of another respiratory virus, called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), were picking up during spring and drawing concern as many people had not known about it.

Discovered in 2001, HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with RSV. Broader use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of HMPV as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cases of HMPV spiked in the United States this spring, according to the CDC’s respiratory virus surveillance system. The percent of tests positive for HMPV surged to 17,5 percent for antigen tests and 9,6 percent for PCR tests at the end of March.

At its peak in mid-March, nearly 11 percent of tested specimens were positive for HMPV, a number that was about 36 percent higher than the average, pre-pandemic seasonal peak of 7 percent test positivity, according to a CNN report.

It filled hospital intensive care units with young children and seniors who are the most vulnerable to these infections.

HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

Surveillance data from the CDC’s the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System shows HMPV to be most active during late winter and spring in temperate climates.

Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.

Unlike Covid-19 and the flu, there is no vaccine for HMPV or antiviral drugs to treat it. Instead, doctors care for seriously ill people by tending to their symptoms.

But there is no need to be too concerned about HMPV, a leading epidemiologist told Xinhua.

“The transmission mode, prevention methods, symptoms, and treatment of this virus are similar to influenza. So there is no need to worry too much except for the elderly people, the immunocompromised population and other high-risk groups,” Zhang Zuofeng, professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, told Xinhua on Friday. – Xinhua

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3Jun

How a 68-year-old managed insomnia through these asanas

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Catherine Nathan, 68, from Chennai joined my online yoga class last month. She had three issues: insomnia, knee pain and back problems. But her topmost concern was lack of sleep for which she had started taking small doses of Restyl.

Within a month of alternate day group yoga, all three problems are almost gone. She is happiest about being able to sleep better. Earlier she managed just three hours of disturbed sleep. Now, she sleeps around 10 pm, gets up around 2 pm to go to the washroom but then she goes back to sleep and wakes up around 6 am. Her sleep too is sound and much better.

Here are some simple asanas, pranayama, breathing and mantra practice.

Asanas

1. Shashank asana: Shashank means moon in Sanskrit. Like the moon, it induces calming, cooling and a tranquilising effect. It is also good for anger and anxiety management. It improves the functioning of the central nervous system which ensures better communication between the brain and the various systems and organs of the body, resulting in better health and well being.

Shashank means moon in Sanskrit. Like the moon, it induces calming, cooling and a tranquilising effect. Shashank means moon in Sanskrit. Like the moon, it induces calming, cooling and a tranquilising effect.

Practice:

· Sit in Vajrasana with the hands comfortably on the thighs. Close your eyes and relax your whole body. This is the base position.

· Inhale deep and raise your arms above your head in a straight line, shoulder width apart.

· As you exhale, bend forward from the hips, keeping hands, head and trunk of your body in a straight line.

· In the final position, the head and palms must be on the floor. If your spine is not flexible enough, then just go down as much as possible. Do not strain or force yourself into the final position. With practice it will happen.

· Remain in the final position for at least five seconds, holding the breath outside. If that is not possible then you can hold the position for five rounds of breathing and breathing out.

· Inhale and raise your hands, head and trunk all together just as you did while bending.

· Come back to the base position and relax.

· This is one round. Begin with three rounds and build it up to five rounds.

Caution: Those with high BP, slip disc, vertigo or upper back problem must not practise this asana.

2. Breath awareness: This is very simple and can be practised by all along with the yoga practice or anytime. Those suffering from chronic insomnia must practise this before sleeping, either sitting or lying down on your back on the bed. It helps create thoughtlessness. It evens the breathing which relaxes the whole body-mind system. It helps shut out the outside world and its problems, worries and chain of never ending thoughts. This helps in inducing sleep.

Do not try to manipulate or do deep breathing. Just watching the normal natural flow of breath should be the attempt Do not try to manipulate or do deep breathing. Just watching the normal natural flow of breath should be the attempt

Practice: Whether sitting or lying down, just close your eyes and bring your awareness to your nostrils and watch each and every inhalation and exhalation. Do not try to manipulate or do deep breathing. Just watching the normal natural flow of breath should be the attempt. It’s not easy because the mind wanders off to other things. Then one has to keep getting it back to just observing the flow of each and every inhalation and exhalation.

3. Shambhavi Mudra: This directly impacts the pineal gland which releases melatonin hormone responsible for inducing sleep. The chanting cleans up the sub-conscious and unconscious thus resolving deep, hidden conflicts, fears. A combination of these two powerfully impacts your sleep and wake cycle. Anyone can practise this.

Shambhavi Mudra directly impacts the pineal gland which releases melatonin hormone responsible for inducing sleep. Shambhavi Mudra directly impacts the pineal gland which releases melatonin hormone responsible for inducing sleep.

Practice:

· Sit comfortably crossed legged, on a chair or a bed. If you have back problems, you can rest your back against the bedpost or the wall.

· Close your eyes and relax your whole body.

· Practise breath awareness for 5-6 rounds of inhalation and exhalation.

· Take a deep inhalation and as you exhale internally, mentally chant Om…A-O-M

· Then internally hitch your awareness on the eye-brow centre behind which is located the pineal gland thus activating it.

· You can chant Om 11 or 28 times.

4. Bhramari pranayama: This is again an excellent simple practice for relaxing the mind. It can be practised before sleeping. It directly impacts the brain and releases stress, cerebral tension and controls anger, anxiety all which directly impacts insomnia. It also impacts the healing capacity of the body.

his directly impacts the pineal gland which releases melatonin hormone responsible for inducing sleep. Bhramari pranayama is an excellent simple practice for relaxing the mind.

Practice:

· Sit in any comfortable position.

· Plug your ears with your finger.

· Take a deep inhalation and as your exhalation say an Om but with a short first and second syllable, that is A and O, then prolong the last syllable M as long as possible, creating a humming sound inside your head as you keep exhaling.

· This is one round. Do five to ten rounds.



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3Jun

What happens during an Asthma attack and how to deal with it

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Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks can be scary and life-threatening, but understanding what happens during an attack can help you manage your symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary.

What Causes an Asthma Attack?

Asthma attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

Allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander

Exercise

Cold air or changes in weather

Respiratory infections, such as the flu or a cold

Stress or strong emotions

Exposure to irritants, such as smoke or pollution

What Happens During an Asthma Attack?

During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten, making them narrower and harder to breathe through. The airways also become inflamed and produce more mucus, which further blocks the flow of air.

This can cause symptoms such as:

Wheezing

Coughing

Shortness of breath

Chest tightness or pain

What Should You Do During an Asthma Attack?

If you are experiencing an asthma attack, it is important to take action quickly. Follow these steps:

Use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed

Sit upright and try to relax your breathing

If your symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention immediately

Asthma attacks can be scary, but understanding what happens during an attack can help you manage your symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary. If you have asthma, work with your healthcare provider to develop an asthma action plan that outlines what to do in case of an attack. With the right treatment and management, you can live a healthy and active life with asthma.

www.healthline.com/health/asthma/asthma-attack-death

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3Jun

After surviving a heart attack at 35, she ‘felt like a ticking time bomb’

Posted by: admin Categories: ANXIETY MANAGEMENT
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Jennifer Valentine's colleague, longtime friend and neighbor Rebecca McCormack picked her up early at her home in York, South Carolina, for a ride to the airport. The oncology technicians at a cancer center were off to a conference in Salt Lake City.

At the airport, they had breakfast at a fast-food restaurant before the 4.5-hour flight. Valentine ordered fried hashed browns and a gravy biscuit.

Such a rich breakfast was not Valentine's recent routine. Two months earlier, she'd started exercising and eating more nutritious meals. During much of her 35 years, Valentine's weight had yo-yoed greatly. She had recently shed 12 pounds from a high of 229 (she's 5-foot-6) and wanted to lose much more.

On the plane, the friends watched a comedy together. As they passed over the Rocky Mountains, Valentine took photos from her window seat.

Suddenly her breath became labored. She couldn't understand why. She'd never been afraid of flying.

Just breathe normally, she told herself. Maybe this is what a panic attack feels like, she thought.

She told McCormack that she felt a fleeting pain in her left shoulder. Then Valentine went to the bathroom. While there, she became nauseous and then overheated. Back in her seat, she started to shake so badly she couldn't hold the orange juice she'd ordered.

McCormack helped her increase the ventilation above her head. She wondered if her friend could be having a heart attack but didn't want to alarm her.

"Do you want me to call for help?" she asked Valentine.

"No, we'll be there within an hour," Valentine said. She didn't want to make a commotion.

When they landed, McCormack carried her and Valentine's bags. On the way to the terminal, Valentine became incredibly thirsty. She started to cry.

McCormack sat her down and got her some water.

Just as suddenly as they started, Valentine's symptoms stopped.

At the hotel, Valentine went to take a nap. She called her husband to let him know what happened.

She got up to comb her hair and get ready to sign in at the conference. Once again, she felt out of breath.

She went to McCormack's room in tears. They called a doctor at their workplace for advice.

"Get to urgent care or an ER now," he told her.

At urgent care, a nurse performed an electrocardiogram. She tore the results off the machine and left the room. When she returned a few minutes later, she told Valentine: "An ambulance is on the way. You need to go to the ER."

By this point, Valentine was feeling normal again.

An ultrasound and an echocardiogram showed no issues. When doctors said they were taking her to the cardiac catheterization lab for further diagnostic tests, Valentine protested, but ultimately relented.

An hour later, when they woke her up, a doctor told her she'd had a heart attack. He showed her two images.

One was of her right coronary artery, 100% blocked. Blood wasn't flowing.

The other was after they placed a stent. Blood was flowing.

Doctors told Valentine that her heart attack was from a plaque rupture and that the cause was genetic. They also said she had a 65% blockage in her main coronary artery, but they would not place a stent until it became further blocked.

Valentine knew there were heart problems on her father's side of the family but hadn't been concerned.

"When you're younger, you don't think it will happen to you," she said.

McCormack stayed with Valentine the first night at the hospital. Her husband arrived the next day. When they flew home together, she kept her eyes closed and her head on his shoulder.

Valentine was determined to continue to lose weight and exercise. Although she couldn't change her genetics, she knew that becoming healthier would reduce her risk of heart disease.

But once she was home, she panicked.

"I felt like I was a ticking time bomb," Valentine said. "Anytime I was trying to plan groceries, I'd just start crying. I didn't even know what I could eat."

She spoke with a nutritionist and started following recommendations from the American Heart Association. She restricted her sodium and saturated fat intake. She changed her bread and flour from white to whole wheat. She cut out most processed foods. She also started walking daily.

Still, she was anxious about having another heart attack. She started to have panic attacks and took medication for anxiety and depression. Sometimes she would go to bed at 7:30 p.m. after her husband, Jay, and their son, Blake, then 8, would finish dinner.

She credits one of the doctors at her practice with helping her talk through her anxiety, learning to relax and giving her a more positive outlook.

In the years since the heart attack, which happened in 2018, Valentine has lost 92 pounds. She now weighs 137. Last summer she stopped taking anxiety medication.

Valentine, now 40, frequently talks about her challenges and achievements on her TikTok page, where she has more than 19,000 followers.

"It's been a great way to reach out and help other people," she said.

Valentine also inspired McCormack to eat better and exercise more. The two often meet up at their local gym.

"I was a horrible eater, eating for convenience instead of for my body," said McCormack, who also has heart disease in her family. "Watching Jennifer helped me learn to make better choices."

Each helps the other strive toward a longer, healthier life.

"She still has her moments here and there, but she's doing so much better," McCormack said. "Mostly I feel fortunate to still have her here with me."

Stories From the Heart chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.

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3Jun

Another rising respiratory virus in US draws concern

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
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Travelers walk through terminals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, April 14, 2022.(Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

As cases of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were winding down across the United States, infections of another respiratory virus, called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), were picking up during spring and drawing concern as many people had not known about it.

Discovered in 2001, HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with RSV. Broader use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of HMPV as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cases of HMPV spiked in the United States this spring, according to the CDC's respiratory virus surveillance system. The percent of tests positive for HMPV surged to 17.5 percent for antigen tests and 9.6 percent for PCR tests at the end of March.

At its peak in mid-March, nearly 11 percent of tested specimens were positive for HMPV, a number that was about 36 percent higher than the average, pre-pandemic seasonal peak of 7 percent test positivity, according to a CNN report.

It filled hospital intensive care units with young children and seniors who are the most vulnerable to these infections.

HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

Surveillance data from the CDC's the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System shows HMPV to be most active during late winter and spring in temperate climates.

Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.

Unlike COVID-19 and the flu, there is no vaccine for HMPV or antiviral drugs to treat it. Instead, doctors care for seriously ill people by tending to their symptoms.

But there is no need to be too concerned about HMPV, a leading epidemiologist told Xinhua.

"The transmission mode, prevention methods, symptoms, and treatment of this virus are similar to influenza. So there is no need to worry too much except for the elderly people, the immunocompromised population and other high-risk groups," Zhang Zuofeng, professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, told Xinhua on Friday. 

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3Jun

‘It takes the breath away’

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
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A friend of Queen Elizabeth II has questioned Prince Harry’s “special relationship” with the late queen and denounced his fervent claims that he and his wife Meghan Markle were a great source of delight and comfort to her in the last two years of her life.

The opposite is true, the unnamed friend has explained in a new interview with the Daily Beast. The renegade Duke of Sussex caused his 96-year-old grandmother anguish when she was dying and in physical pain, mostly because of the way that he and his American wife decided to go public with their various grievances against certain members of the royal family and the institution she had represented for 70 years.

If Harry truly was close to his grandmother or cared for her well-being, he should have been sensitive to the fact that she was in “a lot of pain” in the last years of her life, particularly after the April 2021 death of her husband, Prince Philip, the friend suggested to he Daily Beast.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry attend at the annual Chelsea Flower show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 18, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Simmonds - WPA Pool / Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry attend at the annual Chelsea Flower show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 18, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Simmonds – WPA Pool / Getty Images)

During that period, the queen had to issue her famous “recollections may vary” statement in response to the couple’s explosive allegations to Oprah Winfrey that the royal family was insensitive, dysfunctional and harbored a family member who said something racist about the color of their son’s skin. She also knew that her grandson was finalizing his memoir, “Spare,” which would prove to be his best-selling vehicle for spilling royal secrets and criticizing his father, King Charles, his brother, Prince William, and stepmother, Queen Camilla.

“In the final months, of course, it got very much worse,” the friend said. By the time of the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, the queen’s health had declined to the point that “she couldn’t see very much, she couldn’t hear very much, and she was easily confused.”

“That was the time for Harry and Meghan to bite their tongue,” the friend told the Daily Beast. “Instead they produced this unending stream of incredibly hurtful films and interviews attacking her life’s work. For Harry to announce he was writing a memoir when his grandmother was not just recently widowed but actually dying herself, as he must have known she was — well, the cruelty of it takes the breath away.”

This friend’s comments, offering “rare insight” into “the closely guarded circumstances” of Elizabeth’s death, come in response to a report by the U.K. tabloid The Sun, saying that Harry and Meghan are supposedly going to stop dishing dirt and trying to monetize on their connections to the royal family, the Daily Beast said. The friend said the couple should have kept quiet much earlier, when it was clear that the queen was dying and in pain.

Buckingham Palace has refused to elaborate on the queen’s declining health, other than to say that she increasingly missed public engagements because she was suffering from “episodic mobility problems,” the Daily Beast said. Her death certificate said she died in September of “old age,” but her friend Gyles Brandreth subsequently reported that she was suffering from bone marrow cancer, which is known to cause severe, chronic pain. Such a diagnosis could have been the cause of her “mobility problems,” the Daily Beast also said. There are reports that she he had begun to use a wheelchair to get around the palace, though she was never photographed using one.

Harry seemed to be aware of his grandmother’s failing health when he told the “Today” show’s Hoda Kotb in April 2022 that he and Meghan had stopped off in the U.K. to visit her when they were in Netherlands for the Invictus games. He reportedly aggravated family members when he suggested that he was the only family member who was truly looking out for the queen’s welfare.

He told Kota: “I’m just making sure she’s, you know, protected, and got the right people around her.” Members of the family thought his remarks were pretty tone-deaf, given that Harry and Meghan’s interview with Winfrey and other actions had caused the queen “a great deal of unhappiness and stress,” the Daily Beast said.

It’s well known that the queen was disappointed that Harry and Meghan opted to step away from royal life and leave the U.K. in 2020. She was “mystified” by the decision, felt it was a “missed opportunity” and believed her grandson’s love for Meghan “clouded his judgement,” according to the book “Our King,” by veteran royal reporter Robert Jobson. Still, her “affection” for Harry led her to hope that he and his wife would “find peace and happiness” in the United States, Jobson also said.

Harry always sought to portray his relationship with his “Granny” as extremely close and to make it clear that she wasn’t the target of his complaints.

In early 2021, Harry told his friend James Corden on “The Late Late Show” that his grandparents participated in friendly Zoom calls with him and Meghan, during which they were able to see their son Archie, then nearly 2, running around their home in Montecito, California. He told Corden that she asked what Archie wanted for Christmas, and Meghan told her a waffle maker. “She sent us a waffle maker for Archie. So breakfast now, Meg makes up a beautiful organic mix in the waffle maker,” Harry told Corden.

In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry wrote about how he and his grandmother shared “little secrets” and could communicate with  just “a glance.” “Special relationship, that’s what they said about us,” Harry wrote about her after she died. “And now I couldn’t stop thinking about the spiciness that would no longer be. The visits that wouldn’t take place.”

But other accounts align with the unnamed friend’s view that the queen was feeling worn down by Harry’s behavior. In Jobson’s book, the author said that the queen’s affection for Harry was severely tested by his grandson’s ongoing complaints and behavior.

“Even the Queen, who had always had great affection for him, eventually tired of his outbursts,” Jobson wrote. “First, she had wearied of the volatile exchanges between Harry and his brother (Prince William), which sometimes took place in her presence. Then Harry and Meghan had started publicly criticizing both the monarchy and members of the royal family. At that point, the Queen was frankly mystified by the couple’s behavior, describing it as ‘quite mad.’”

Another friend of the late queen told the Daily Telegraph in January, just before the publication of “Spare,” that Harry and Meghan’s “ambushing” of the family “had an impact” on the queen’s health. The prospect of his memory had played “on her mind in her final months,” this other unnamed friend said.

The friend told the Telegraph: “This stuff was shoved in her face on an almost weekly basis. It had an impact. She had lost Prince Philip, and then the constant ambushing of the royal family by a much-loved grandson did take its toll. At that stage in your life and your reign, you just don’t need that on top of everything else.”

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3Jun

Mindfulness, Understanding Your Body, and Cycling

Posted by: admin Categories: SPORTS & ATHLETICS
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As technology has advanced, data-driven approaches to training have become increasingly popular, with riders relying on metrics such as heart rate, power output, and cadence to optimise their performance. Those can, indeed, be incredibly useful tools. But today, we would like to look at an idea that proposes that a genuinely successful training program extends beyond the numbers on a screen. Rather, increasing evidence indicates that over time, a training regime is only sustainable and truly effective when athletes learn to listen more deeply to the feedback their bodies provide.

With that in mind, let’s explore the significance of mindfulness and understanding one’s body, discovering why we might need to go beyond data to achieve meaningful progress.

The limitations of data-driven training

Data can certainly provide valuable insights into our performance and guide us toward more effective training strategies. It helps us set goals, track progress, and identify areas for improvement. Nevertheless, relying solely on data has its limitations. Each cyclist is unique, and genetics, mental state, and external stressors can significantly impact performance on any given day. It is crucial to acknowledge that the body is not a machine, and understanding its signals goes beyond numerical measurements.

Learning to listen to your body

Mindfulness plays a vital role in fostering a deeper connection with our bodies and tuning into the valuable feedback they provide. By being present in the moment, we can cultivate a heightened awareness of our physical sensations, emotions, and energy levels. This practice allows us to identify early signs of fatigue and muscle tension, prevent injuries, and adjust our training accordingly.

An ongoing field of study

This idea isn’t just based on anecdotal evidence, either. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness in sports performance. Let’s take, for example, a 2020 study from Neural Plast titled “Mindfulness Training, Sport Performance, and Executive Functions” that arrived at some seriously interesting conclusions.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of a mindfulness training program on athletes’ endurance performance and executive functions. It also explored the potential electrophysiological activation associated with mindfulness training by assessing event-related potentials (ERPs).

Forty-six university athletes were recruited and assigned to either a five-week mindfulness training program or a waiting list control group. The participants’ mindfulness levels, endurance performance measured by a graded exercise test, executive functions assessed through the Stroop task, and N2 component of ERPs were measured before and after the intervention.

After adjusting for preintervention scores, the study found that the mindfulness group showed higher postintervention mindfulness levels, longer exhaustion times in endurance performance, and higher Stroop task accuracy scores compared to the control group, regardless of task condition.

Cyclist in Nature

Complementing data with body feedback and mindfulness strategies

So, if better endurance performance and improved cognitive function sound appealing, where does one start? Here are some simple strategies to try out:

Body Scans: Performing regular body scans during and after rides can identify areas of tension or discomfort. This self-inquiry allows you to address any imbalances or potential injury risks promptly.

Breath Awareness: Paying attention to your breath while cycling can help you regulate your effort level and manage stress. Deep, controlled breathing not only enhances oxygenation but also fosters mental clarity and relaxation. Remember, breathing only through the nose will stop the production of cortisol and keep the body in a harmonious state.

Visualisation Techniques: Utilising guided visualisation exercises to imagine successful rides, mentally rehearse challenging segments, or visualise optimal body mechanics is a great technique to enhance focus, confidence, and performance.

Intuitive Training: Integrating intuitive training sessions into your program, where you ride based on how you feel rather than predetermined metrics, is a powerful way to tap into your body’s innate wisdom and adapt training to your current state.

Recovery Practices: Prioritising recovery and rest days, by incorporating activities such as yoga, meditation, or gentle mobility exercises, is necessary to promote physical and mental rejuvenation and reduce the risk of burnout and injury.

Balancing data and mindfulness

Of course, incorporating mindfulness practices into your cycling routine does not mean disregarding data altogether. Instead, it means balancing objective measurements and subjective experiences. Here are some examples of what we mean:

Data-Informed Mindfulness: Use data as a tool to inform your mindfulness practice. For example, use heart rate variability (HRV) measurements to gauge your body’s readiness for intense workouts or track sleep patterns to ensure proper recovery. By integrating data-driven insights with mindfulness, you can make informed decisions about training intensity and volume.

Mindful Data Analysis: When reviewing training data, approach it with mindfulness and self-compassion. Instead of fixating on numbers, focus on the overall patterns and how they align with your body’s feedback. Remember that progress may not always be linear, and there will be fluctuations in performance. Learn to trust your intuition and listen to your body’s signals.

Reflective Journaling: Maintain a training journal where you can record both objective data and subjective experiences. Reflect on how you felt during rides, any notable sensations or emotions, and how they align with the data. This practice encourages self-reflection, enhances self-awareness, and facilitates a deeper understanding of the relationship between data and your body.

Ultimately, while data-driven training has its merits, sustainable progress in cycling requires more. By cultivating a deeper connection with your body and listening to its signals, you can fine-tune your training program and make adjustments that go beyond what data alone can provide. It is also a great way to ensure you never get bored and are always discovering something about yourself and your relationship with your bike. That’s a win-win, in our opinion!

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