‘This is the best way since over 50 per cent Indians do not meet the WHO’s minimum physical activity recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity,’ says Shivangi Bajpai, co-author of the University of Massachusetts study on counting steps for cardiovascular health
‘Certain exercises or workouts are known to put excessive burden on the heart which leads to the body producing higher catecholamine levels that increase an individual's heart rate and blood pressure. An accelerated heart rate can speed up atherosclerosis,’ says Dr Bimal Chhajer, cardiologist, former consultant at AIIMS and founder of SAAOL Heart Institute
New WHO data says there is no safe limit. “Besides cancers at different sites, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, pancreatitis and neurologic and mental health disorders, road traffic accidents are linked to alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol can disturb brain function by affecting neuronal transmission. Some effects are temporary but many cause long lasting damage,’ says Dr K Srinath Reddy, distinguished professor, PHFI
Fat in the liver increases insulin resistance. As insulin resistance increases, the pancreas tries to overcome it by working harder and gradually gets fatigued, accelerating the development of Type 2 diabetes. Once people have diabetes, they have an even greater risk of developing fatty liver. In fact, 80 per cent of those with Type 2 diabetes have fatty liver, says Dr Ambrish Mithal, Chairman and Head, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare
'It’s interesting that improvement in cognition was noted with correction of moderate deficiency. Vitamin D plays an important role in neural development, neuroplasticity and brain functioning,' says Dr Sucheta Mudgerikar, senior consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Gandhinagar
Excessive consumption of caffeine raises BP, heart rate and constricts the blood vessels, which could trigger adverse events, say experts
‘It maximises calorie-burn, causing you to lose weight. As it strengthens core muscles and tightens the abdominal area, it automatically reduces belly fat,’ says holistic health expert Dr Mickey Mehta
You need to monitor your BP at least once a week, be regular about follow-ups and check-ups and take up static cycling, says Dr T S Kler, Chairman, Fortis Heart and Vascular Institute, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
Generalising controlling behaviour as something that takes place due to the nature of family relationships would be misleading. This is about a dialectic between two individuals – and it could be any two people, each with their own personalities, experiences, beliefs and priorities. No matter what the relationship, trust requires effort, respect and transparency, says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis Mental Health Programme
‘There are various scales for measuring cognitive decline. A good example would be a patient, who is soiling, starting to tell the caregivers that they need to go to the bathroom. And in this context, the medicine approved now has an edge over the previous one,’ says Dr MV Padma Shrivastava, head of the neurosciences centre at AIIMS
Nine out of 10 patients get pain relief with conservative management and various epidural injections. But a good physical regime will prevent it in the first place, says Dr Vivek Loomba,Consultant Pain Physician at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi
It is a good source of manganese, which is involved in the production of insulin and helps in stabilising blood sugar levels. Nitrate, found in high concentrations, may help reduce insulin resistance, says Dr Eileen Canday, Head of Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai
Dr Pravat Mandal, a researcher from the National Brain Research Centre, believes that the levels of the antioxidant glutathione and iron in critical parts of the brain are predictors of Alzheimer’s. With a specialised MRI machine that can detect chemical compounds in the brain, he is awaiting a trial to be conducted with AIIMS
Shaiqa Shaukat has pulled back from the brink after making the costly error of skipping diabetes screening when she was diagnosed with PCOS, which leads to insulin resistance and obesity. Considering that most Indians are risk-prone, given their genetic history and aggravating triggers like dyslipidemia and hypertension, anybody with PCOS should immediately go for a simple oral glucose tolerance test
Pranayama helps in invigorating the life force or prana of the person and most importantly, brings about self-awareness, starting with the simple act of watching your own breath. Most acts of addiction are compulsive. As you progress in the practice of breath observation, you automatically imbibe self-awareness, says yoga guru Kamini Bobde
Older people lose body heat faster and do not know when the big chill catches up with them or when they can quickly descend into hypothermia, says Dr Bimal Chhajer, cardiologist, former consultant at AIIMS, and founder of SAAOL Heart Institute.
‘Our study findings indicate that a higher frequency of Covishield recipients show the presence of antibodies post-vaccination as compared to Covaxin,’ says Dr Vineeta Bal, an immunologist from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune and one of the study authors
Breastfeeding is one of the most convenient and powerful tools when it comes to managing newborn sleep as breastmilk contains sleep hormones, says Infant and Child Sleep Specialist Himani Dalmia
Intermittent Fasting of any variety is not recommended for all diabetics. Before starting any diet or weight loss plan, it is important to consult your physician, says Dr Anil Bhoraskar, Secretary, Diabetic Association of India (Scientific Section) and Senior Diabetologist at SL Raheja Hospital
A higher consumption of dietary cholesterol may increase your chances of Type 2 diabetes, says study. 'This means eliminating butter, oil and red meat. Blended ones are the best, say a 30:70 blend of safflower with rice bran,' says endocrinologist Dr Shashank Joshi at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai
The scientific reason behind this is any physical activity will increase the heart rate. A heart rate more than 100 during activity will increase the cardiac output and blood circulation. This will cause consumption of blood sugar and fat forming agents like triglycerides and cholesterol, say experts
Sustained high pressure can sometimes lead to sharp headaches and most patients go for ibuprofen to relieve themselves of pain. In fact, taking a headache pill during an episode of high BP may push it up further and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, says Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Dr Vibhor Pareek, Consultant, Gastroenterology, Max Hospital, Gurgaon, clears some misconceptions around IBS
Fitness expert Dr Mickey Mehta and Dr Mihira Khopkar, Lead Sports Nutritionist, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai suggest a scientific diet and fitness module that can be customised for your body type and prevailing health status
Winter can pose a significant risk of cardiac illness and other heart-related conditions. Here’s a quick guide by Dr Karun Behal, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, on ways to keep you heart healthy despite the extreme cold