Hot Shower

Health News

Benefits of a Hot Shower?

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
CoronaVirus Updates

Hot air inhaler can keep Covid at bay: Kerala man

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 13 (IANS) A 64-year-old Kerala man, who believes himself to be an amateur scientist, has developed a hot air inhaler which could keep even the Coronavirus at bay, but authorities are yet to put their stamp of approval on it. As of now it is just a claim.M.C. David who hails from Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district, time and again has been in the news with his innovations/inventions."The invention is a simple face mask in which a specially made part is fixed, which is a heat radiating system using heat element with a battery management system(BMS). Anyone can wear this mask and breathe the hot air for around 30 minutes a day and one can be rest assured one will have no fear of any Covid. So far I have made 10 units and my family and friends have used it. "I was the first to use it, when one day when I got up I felt I had all the Covid symptoms , but after one single use, all the symptoms disappeared and so were the results I got from those who used this," added David.David, however, is waiting with fingers crossed for an approval, as he has been waiting for the past 45 days after sending it to ICMR, and state capital city based reputed institutes -- Sree Chithra Thirunal Institute and Medical Technology and the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology.Ever since his return from the Middle East in 2013, where he worked as a quantity surveyor/estimator with leading companies, David has had seven patents, including one US one to his name.Speaking to IANS, David said with the pandemic still surging, his thought process was put to work and he come out with the hot air inhaler."The basic factor is that viruses could not live in continuous hot situation. Many studies have been published in connection with this effect. The only possible solution," according to David, "was a steam inhaler."David's latest invention -- a face mask, which requires a mobile charger with 5V, 2Amp (adapter) -- enough to power the unit, he said."This can be used anywhere, even when one is on the move and the same unit can be used by multiple people," after cleaning it."I have had no response from anywhere and I have also approached the Kerala Startup Mission. I wish somebody comes up as there have been medical literature which speaks of the success of inhalation of hot humid air," added David, who is also a self proclaimed magician.--IANSsg/in
CoronaVirus Updates

Delhi-NCR hot mix plants, stone

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) With the spike in air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday ordered closing of hot mix plants and stone crushers till November 17 and also asked Punjab and Haryana to take stringent action to curb stubble burning.On Tuesday, the newly-formed Commission on Air Quality Management decided that in view of deteriorating air quality in the NCR region, there is a need to invoke the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and entrusted the task of operationalising and monitoring the CPCB till a mechanism is set up by the Commission.In view of the spike in pollution and likely increase in activities during festive season, hot mix plants and stone crushers have been directed to remain closed all the time till November 17 and the frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads and water sprinkling has also asked to be increased, particularly on the road stretches with high dust generation potential."It shall be ensured that guidelines standard operating procedures for dust mitigation at construction sites are strictly adhered to. In case of violations, strict action should be taken against the violators like imposition of penalty or temporary stoppage of construction activities," the CPCB said.Besides this, the states of Punjab and Haryana must take immediate stringent actions to curb stubble burning. According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stubble burning share in PM2.5 in Delhi's air was 3 per cent on Wednesday as against to 42 per cent on November 5.Biomass burning in Delhi and other NCR towns will also be strictly checked, the CPCB said. Implementing agencies have also been asked to ensure compliance of orders of courts and the National Green Tribunal regarding banning of sale and use of firecrackers.Delhi's air quality index stood at 344 micrograms per cubic metre at noon, as against 476 a day before. The city recorded severe category air quality for six consecutive days due to an increase in stubble burning and unfavourable wind speed.The CPCB also said that the action is being taken as it has been observed that PM 2.5 concentration in Delhi NCR exceeded 300 micrograms per cubic metre at 7 p.m. on November 8 and persisted for more than 48 hours at on November 10."Currently, the AQI is in very poor category and as per Air Quality Forecast of 11th November 2020 for Delhi City by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, Ministry of Earth Science, air quality over Delhi NCR is likely to improve and stay in upper end of very poor category during the day and tomorrow. However, air quality may deteriorate marginally and remain in upper end of very poor to severe category on November 13, 2020," it added.--IANSaka/vd
Food and Nutrition

Want to live longer? Avoiding red hot meat may help

Sydney - If you're consuming too much and processed meat, kindly take note. Researchers have found that consuming red and processed meat increased a protein compound that may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and complications in diabetes. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, suggests high-heat caramelisation of red meat -- a process used extensively in cooking for the resulting nutty flavour and brown colour -- could be bad for our health. The research from University of South Australia (UniSA) in partnership with the Gyeongsang National University, South Korea provides important dietary insights for people at risk of such degenerative diseases. "When red meat is seared at high temperatures, such as grilling, roasting or frying, it creates compounds called advanced glycation end products - or AGEs - which when consumed, can accumulate in your body and interfere with normal cell functions," said study author Permal Deo from the UniSA . "Consumption of high-AGE foods can increase our total daily AGE intake by 25 per cent, with higher levels contributing to vascular and myocardial stiffening, inflammation and oxidative stress - all signs of degenerative disease," Deo added. For the results, the research team tested the impacts of two diets - one high in red meat and processed grains and the other high in whole grains dairy, nuts and legumes, and white meat using steaming, boiling, stewing and poaching cooking methods. It found that the diet high in red meat significantly increased AGE levels in blood suggesting it may contribute to disease progression. According to the researchers, while there are still questions about how dietary AGEs are linked to chronic disease, this research shows that eating red meat will alter AGE levels. "The message is pretty clear: if we want to reduce heart disease risk, we need to cut back on how much red meat we eat or be more considered about how we cook it," said study researcher Peter Clifton of UniSA. "Frying, grilling and searing may be the preferred cooking methods of top chefs, but this might not be the best choice for people looking to cut their risk of disease," Clifton added. "If you want to reduce your risk of excess AGEs, then slow cooked meals could be a better option for long-term health," the study author noted.
CoronaVirus Updates

Immunity boosting rotis and hot brews to fight Covid

Bengaluru, Aug 6 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan on Thursday launched eight startup-developed products to help in the fight against coronavirus."These technologies and products add to the list of earlier products launched and developed by the startups at the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC). This shows that Karnataka has emerged as a leading state in developing solutions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a result of the robust innovation ecosystem present here," said Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan.These products have been developed by various startups at BBC, an initiative of Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S & T, Government of Karnataka.Padma Vitals+, Malli's Cordytea, CD4 Shield, BemaRoti, Immune booster daily drops, VegPhal, Water Sanitiser and Anti-Microbial HVAC module are the eight products that have been launched.Padma Vitals+ is a centralized monitoring system for ECG, respiration, SpO2 and body temperature. It can measure the vitals continuously and send information through telemetry.This device helps in contactless monitoring of Covid patients and has been validated by Narayana Hrudayalaya.Malli's Cordytea is an immunity boosting tea prepared with mushroom cordyceps, and is known to have anti-viral properties. It helps in boosting immunity levels and has been approved by the FSSAI.CD4 Shield is a chewable tablet containing curcumin and vitamin B12. Both ingredients are known to fight inflammation and infection."The product (CD4 Shield) ensures activation of innate immunity by activating CD4+, CD8+ and IFN1 to virus specific effect and has immunomodulatory properties. It also reduces cytokine storm in response to viral infection," said the official.BeamRoti is an immunity boosting chapati (Indian bread), laced with herbs recommended by the Ayush ministry."The chapatis are easy to store with good shelf life and a Patent application has also been filed," he said.Immune booster daily drops boost immunity, possessing a mixture of Ayush ministry recommended herbs."The ingredients have been prepared using supercritical fluid extraction technology to ensure that an optimum concentration of herbal extract reaches the body by mixing just one drop of the product in a glass of hot water," the official said.VegPhal is a fruit and vegetable sanitiser. It is made using edible ingredients effective against microbes and removal of pesticides. It is both chlorine and alcohol free.Water sanitizer - Kitchen Tap is a miniature version of an ultraviolet purifier that can be attached to a water tap to kill microbes and viruses such as phages.Anti-microbial HVAC module can be fitted to a HVAC system to ensure circulated air is sanitized."This is especially useful during Covid times as many enclosed, air-conditioned spaces may be contaminated. Based on UV-silver titanium dioxide technology, the product is patented and has been validated," he said.Professor K. Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific advisor to the Prime Minister said that the development of products at bio-incubators such as BBC is a positive step in the direction of AtmaNirbhar Bharat - a clarion call given by Narendra Modi.mMeanwhile, BBC has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Management - Bangalore (IIM-B) to scale up the startup products and also find venture capital. --IANSsth/arm
CoronaVirus Updates

Hot weather theory falls flat,

New Delhi, July 5 (IANS) The deadly coronavirus that entered India while there was still nip in the air has beaten rising mercury, humid conditions, unique Indian genome and has entered monsoon season with more potency as fresh cases are only breaking all records in the country.India recorded a single-day spike of record 24,850 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking its total tally to 6.73 lakh corona-positive cases.Top Indian microbiologists were hopeful in March that after the 21-day lockdown, as summer approaches, the rise in temperature would play an important role in preventing the drastic spread of Covid-19 virus in India.Several virologists hinted that by June this year, the impact of Covid-19 would be less than what it appeared in March-April.The claims have fallen flat as the virus is mutating fast, becoming more potent than ever.According to experts, the novel coronavirus is a new virus whose seasonality and response to hot humid weather was never fully understood."The theory was based on the fact that high temperatures can kill the virus as in sterilisation techniques used in healthcare. But these are controlled environment conditions. There are many other factors besides temperature, humidity which influence the transmission rate among humans," Dr Anu Gupta, Head, Microbiologist and Infection Control, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, told IANS.There is no built-up immunity to Covid-19 in humans."Also, asymptomatic people might be passing it to many others unknowingly. New viruses tend not to follow the seasonal trend in their first year," Gupta emphasized.Globally, as several countries are now experiencing hot weather, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a record hike in the number of coronavirus cases, with the total rising by 2,12,326 in 24 hours in the highest single-day increase since Covid-19 broke out.So far over 11 million people worldwide have tested positive for the disease which has led to over 5,25,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The US remained the worst-hit country with over 28 lakh cases, followed by Brazil with 15.8 lakh.According to Sandeep Nayar, Senior Consultant and HOD, Respiratory Medicine, Allergy & Sleep Disorders, BLK Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, whether temperature plays a role in Covid-19 infection is highly debated.One school of thought said in the tropical regions of South Asia, the virus might not thrive longer."On the other hand, another school of thought has found that novel Coronavirus can survive in a hot and humid environment and tropical climate does not make a difference to the virus. According to them, this is what distinguishes the novel coronavirus from other common viruses, which usually wane in hot weather," stressed Nayar.Not much has been studied in the past and no definite treatment or vaccine is available to date."Every day, new properties and manifestation of the disease come up. As of now, the only way to prevent this monster is by taking appropriate precautions. Hand hygiene, social distancing, cough etiquette and face masks definitely reduce spread of Covid-19 infection," Nayar told IANS.Not just top Indian health experts, even Indian-American scientists had this theory in mind that sunshine and summer may ebb the spread of the coronavirus.Ravi Godse, Director of Discharge Planning, UPMC Shadyside Pennsylvania in the US told IANS in April: "In the summer, the humidity can go up as well, meaning more water drops in the air. If the air is saturated with water and somebody sneezes virus droplets into such air, it is likely that the droplets will fall to the ground quicker, making them less infectious. So the short answer is yes, summer/sunshine could be bettera.According to Dr Puneet Khanna, Head of Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital, Delhi, Covid-19 death rates are not too different in tropical countries but since the disease affected them late it was yet to show its peak in these areas."The virus can survive well in hot and humid countries and this is proven now," he stressed.--IANSna/rs/