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Have you ever had a tough time deciding between whether to take a cold shower and a hot shower? Well, you're not alone. A hot shower is just so relaxing and hard to resist after a long day. In the hot and humid climate of India, many may say that a cold shower relieves fatigue and gives a feeling of freshness. But nothing can beat those few minutes under a hot shower that relaxes your muscles, soothes your sensations, and triggers a sound and peaceful sleep. Did you know that apart from relaxation, a hot shower has several other benefits too? And that's exactly what Vikram Raman, Marketing Head, of Ariston Group India Pvt. Ltd tells IANSlife about the benefits of a hot shower. Improves Blood Circulation Similar to working out, a hot shower increases blood flow to the cells and tissues by widening the blood vessels. It stimulates your body's thermoregulation, helping blood to circulate from the core to the hands and feet. As a result, the body radiates heat and becomes calm and relaxed. Your blood pressure lowers due to wider veins, and you feel better. Moreover, the heat from the water can help increase blood flow, which in turn can help soothe sore or tight muscles. For an even more relaxing experience, incorporate some aromatherapy into your shower routine with essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. Deepens Sleep Scientists believe that showering with hot water 90 minutes before bedtime cools the inner body and warms the skin. A hot shower de-stresses the body, improves blood circulation in the brain, and aids in natural thermoregulation. However, the ideal water temperature should be between 104 to 108? or 40 to 42? which an intelligent electric geyser can easily optimize. Offers a Healthier Skin Warm showers have several benefits for the skin, particularly if you struggle with dryness or irritation. The warmth of the water can soften and hydrate your skin, making it more receptive to lotions or moisturizers that you might apply afterward. Additionally, warm water can help to soothe any inflammation or redness, making it a great option for those suffering from conditions like eczema or rosacea. However, avoid making the water too hot, as this can strip the skin of natural oils and lead to dryness, itching, and premature aging. As with any aspect of your skincare routine, it is important to listen to your body and adjust your shower temperature accordingly. Lowers Blood Sugar Research suggests that regular heat exposure through a hot bath, sauna, or hot spa water immersion can reduce the likelihood of type 2 diabetes. Since hot water pumps up your blood circulation, more glucose pushes into your muscles and tissues, lowering your blood glucose levels. A 2019 study also revealed that chronic hot water immersion (HWI) reduces fasting blood glucose concentration. Relieves Cold or Fever As the seasons change, colds and flu are common. A hot shower has an instant therapeutic effect on a heavy head and congested nose. Hot water relaxes the constricted blood vessels near our brain, alleviating pressure and headache. The steam also loosens up the phlegm, clearing your nose and throat of congestion. Bathing in lukewarm water also radiates body heat and lowers fever, so you feel better "So, a hot shower provides more health benefits than a cold bath when it comes to dealing with stress and fatigue. Choose an innovative water heater that can regulate your water temperature, maintain an optimum level, reduce energy consumption, and save the planet with renewability and efficiency," concludes Vikram Raman. Read More►Women Above 30 Must Consider These Health Tests

We have all heard that "age doesn't matter if your heart is full of life," while it may be true in some sense, one needs to be attentive to their age and address the complexities it brings into life. As women move to their 30s, the body instantly starts experiencing the turbulence of hormonal changes. They become more susceptible to a multitude of diseases waiting at this stretch of the age group. In order to stay healthy and avoid the varied form of diseases, women above 30 years of age must undergo the following tests: Heart Screening Through Blood Tests: Your heart can skip a beat and you might not even get to know it. Many times women tend to experience racing heartbeats, chronic fatigue, and high levels of anxiety but ignore all the symptoms of cardiovascular problems very easily. Most of the time they assume that a heavy workload is causing this trouble. Little do they know that these can be the warning signs about their heart condition. What to do then? Simple. Start with the basics. Book your blood tests either via online diagnostic platforms or simply from the one near you. These tests must include a hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) test along with blood pressure, cholesterol tests, blood glucose tests, and BMI measurements to check obesity. The hs-CRP tests indicate the risk of heart attack by measuring C-reactive protein which is a marker of inflammation or infection associated with heart issues. Regular Diabetes Screening: Diabetes is a major concern for populations worldwide. Since diabetes can cause major health complications among women such as kidney issues, cardiovascular problems, and other diseases, it is important that women above 30 keep a thorough and regular check on their blood glucose levels. Diabetes can be screened through a variety of tests such as fasting plasma glucose test (FPG), HA1C test (determine average blood glucose), random plasma glucose test, and oral glucose tolerance test. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, then it can impact your present as well as the future relationship with diabetes. Women above 30 with a family history of diabetes must ensure diabetes screening at regular intervals of time. Thyroid Function Test: Regular thyroid testing is very essential for women above 30 as with age, the risk of developing thyroid disorders increases. Doing the thyroid function test can help women take control of their health and ensure they receive the care they need to maintain optimal thyroid function. Many bodily functions including temperature regulation, metabolism, and energy production are regulated by hormones produced by the thyroid gland. And, when the thyroid gland stops functioning normally, a wide range of symptoms can start occurring in the body including sudden weight gain or loss, mood swings, fatigue, and many more. To counteract this, women above the age of 30 must get their thyroid levels checked on a regular basis. A simple thyroid profile test through blood samples can measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood and determine whether the thyroid gland is functioning normally. If the levels are abnormal, further testing and treatment may be needed to help manage the thyroid disorder and improve overall health and well-being. It's also important to note that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should also have their thyroid levels checked, as thyroid disorders can affect both the mother and the developing fetus. Check your Breasts via Mammography: As you reach your 30s don't shy away from knowing your breasts in and out. Having an in-depth evaluation of your breasts via mammography tests can ease your life. Doing so will not only minimize the chances of complexities ahead but also will uncover your 'might-have fear. Mammography is one of the most crucial aspects that women above 30 should highly consider. This test comprises screening of your breasts through an X-ray image to investigate symptoms or unusual findings like lumps in them. It is an important tool to rule out whether a woman suffers from breast cancer or not. In India, clinical examination is suggested to women of age 30-40 years every 6 months by an oncologist as per the general guidelines followed in the country. For women of age between 41-55 years, clinicians advise annual mammography tests along with examinations by the oncologist. And women who have crossed the age of 55 are suggested to go for a mammogram once in 2 years. Present times are very vulnerable for women to develop breast cancer. However, critical issues can be avoided with attentive and preventive measures. Cervical Cancer Evaluation via Pap Smear Test: As the incidence of cervical cancer in women is increasing rapidly, it has become all the more important for women above 30 to take significant measures about it. One of the vital tools that helps in evaluating cervical cancer in women is a Pap smear test, which detects abnormal cells in the cervix before they turn cancerous. The rule of thumb says that women above 30 should undergo a Pap smear test minimum of once every 3 years. However, it may vary from individual to individual basis their risk factors. The bottom line is that women shouldn't neglect the warning signs and adopt more preventive care in their lifestyle. With continuous monitoring and evaluation by specialized doctors, many critical illnesses can be detected early, treated, and even prevented. Nowadays, it is very simple to book any type of diagnostic test. All you need is a mobile phone and all the quality healthcare services are available right at your fingertips. One credible diagnostic service-providing App on your phone is enough to keep your health in check. Remember women, age can actually be just a number if you are taking up routine essential tests. (Dr. Jasmin Rath, Obstetrician, and Gynaecologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad & Apollo 24/7) Read More►Effective Tips to Manage Obesity

Approximately 77 million Indians have diabetes, and it is estimated that nearly 57 percent of adults with the disease go undiagnosed. Despite how common the condition is, there are still a lot of myths around it that lead to an inadequate or incorrect understanding of diabetes and how to treat it. It's crucial to gain a thorough awareness of these little-known facts so that persons with diabetes and those who care for them can have a better understanding of the chronic illness and how to best manage their health. Hanish Gupta, Consultant Physician, and Cardiologist, at Life Aid Hospital, Delhi said, "Almost three-fourths of India's diabetes population have uncontrolled blood glucose levels, and half of them show poor blood pressure control. Further, at least one-third of them have increased cholesterol and lipids. Common reasons for these metabolic abnormalities include non-adherence to treatment, infrequent doctor visits, and lack of awareness of long-term consequences of poorly managed diabetes." Here are five common myths about diabetes de-bunked: Sugar Alone Causes Diabetes Fact: Diabetes is a complex condition related to several factors. These include being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having an unhealthy diet, and more. It can also be related to genetic factors, such as a family history of diabetes. While people with diabetes are often advised to control their sugar intake, eating too much sugar alone does not cause diabetes. However, still, be mindful of your sugar consumption -- moderation is key. An overall diet high in sugar can mean higher calories, which can contribute to weight gain and consequently increase your risk of diabetes. On the whole, try to opt for low glycemic index options and foods high in fiber as well, to achieve the right balance. Diabetes can be Cured Fact: While in rare cases diabetes is reversible, in most cases, diabetes once developed, is a lifelong condition. But living with diabetes doesn't have to be scary. There are various ways to effectively manage the condition. With proper adherence to prescribed medication and dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as monitoring of one's glucose levels, people with diabetes can live a full life. By discussing with a doctor what diabetes management approach works best in individual cases, people can achieve their target glucose range and achieve optimal health. Diabetes only Affects the Body's Blood Sugar Levels Fact: Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses blood sugar. However, diabetes can affect more than just glucose levels. Research suggests that the condition -- especially when uncontrolled -- can cause other related complications, such as increasing the risk of problems relating to the heart, eye, kidney, nerves, or feet. This makes managing diabetes in a timely manner even more important. It is also advisable for people with diabetes to get regular health check-ups and keep an eye on their broader health, to identify and address any problems promptly. Some Types of Diabetes are milder than others Fact: While diabetes has different categories, like type-1 and type-2 and gestational (while pregnant), these cannot be defined as mild or severe. Across all types of diabetes, uncontrolled cases can lead to serious, long-lasting complications. Despite this, people with diabetes can lead healthy, better lives with proper diabetes management, regardless of the type. Diet and Lifestyle Changes Alone can Fully Manage Diabetes Fact: While lowering the intake of certain foods that raise your blood glucose and adopting a healthy fitness routine are key steps to managing diabetes, this does not mean that only these steps will be adequate for all people with diabetes to fully manage their condition. Abhijit Pednekar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India, commented, "Diabetes management is an ongoing process, which must be holistic and personalized. This involves adhering to dietary and lifestyle changes, prescribed medication, and regular glucose monitoring, which can collectively help individuals manage diabetes. By achieving better control over one's glucose levels, people can live healthier, fuller lives." Understanding facts about the condition, it can make the care journey less complicated. Following medical guidance and working with doctors to understand what works best for individual situations is important, and it can empower people to better manage their diabetes. (Agency) Read More► How to Take Care of Your Bone and Joint Health in Winters

You probably already know how important it is to keep blood sugar levels within the recommended range if you or a loved one has diabetes. Major, long-term health issues like vision loss, heart disease, and renal disease can be avoided or delayed with proper management of blood sugar, HbA1c, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Diabetes can have a serious negative impact on the eyes, which can result in blindness or visual impairment. This is due to the fact that high blood sugar can destroy the capillaries in the eye's most delicate tissues, which transmit signals to the brain and enable clear vision. A permanent loss of vision may result from this retinal damage brought on by high blood pressure. However, there is hope. One can avoid major eye damage by monitoring and regulating the blood sugar levels as per their doctor's recommendation. The following five actions can help safeguard vision during diabetes. Understand Numbers When blood sugar levels rise, the delicate blood vessels that nourish the most delicate areas of the eyes are often the first to sustain damage. High blood sugar specifically harms the retina. The thin tissue that makes up around 65 per cent of the back of the eye is called the retina. Many light-sensitive cells reside there, allowing the eyes to communicate visual information to the brain via the optic nerve. The blood vessels that supply the retina are harmed when blood sugar levels rise. Vision blurring may result from this, either temporarily or permanently. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts are three distinct eye conditions that are quite common in people with diabetes. Timely detection and interventions can minimize such complications. By keeping track of the blood sugar levels one can reduce the risk for these sight-stealing conditions. Stop Smoking Every physiological system is harmed by smoking, but diabetics are particularly vulnerable. Smoking harms the veins, arteries, and capillaries in the body, aggravating diabetes-related eye damage already present. Whether you're a smoker and have tried to quit, or want to quit for the first time, don't give up. Talk to your doctor about your options. Moving It Exercise benefits all physical systems in the same way that smoking does, so get moving! After lunch, go for a couple laps around the block. Take a few extra steps and park at the far end of the parking lot. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing diabetic eye disease since it lowers blood sugar levels. Put it on your calendar each week to remind you to make time for this appointment with yourself that will improve your life. Before beginning any workout regimen, discuss it with your doctor to find out the exercises they advise. Focus on Eating Healthily You are what you eat, we've all been told since we were young. Healthy eating leads to healthy eyes. Eat a diet that is well-balanced and contains meals that provide your body with good nutrients to safeguard diabetic eyes. Vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and zeaxanthin are some of them. Consuming a diet high in leafy greens, fatty fish like salmon, tuna, or mackerel, nuts like walnuts and almonds, beans, lentils, and mushrooms will help you reach this goal. Maintaining a low glycemic diet is important to manage blood sugar levels. Yearly Dilated Eye Examination The finest tip is reserved for last: get a full dilated eye exam from your ophthalmologist once a year, or more frequently if advised, to make sure that your efforts to control blood sugar are aiding in maintaining the health of your eyesight. A screening for cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy may be performed at this visit. Your pupils enlarge as your eyes dilate, allowing your ophthalmologist to inspect the retina, macula, and optic nerve up close. Your doctor can identify diabetic retinopathy in its early stages long before you have any symptoms by looking at these sensitive tissues. (Dr. Kuldeep Dole, Medical Director - PBMA's H.V. Desai Eye Hospital An Orbis Partner Hospital)