Prevention

New York, Feb 16 (IANS) Employing cardiovascular disease prevention strategies in mid-life may delay or stop the brain alterations that can lead to dementia in later life, a new study suggests.The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that atherosclerosis in mid-life can impact areas of the brain impacted by dementia.Atherosclerosis, or buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on artery walls, is the underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of death around the world. Dementia is also among the top causes of death and disability around the world, with 50 million people currently living with dementia, according to the researchers from the American College of Cardiology. The presence of atherosclerosis has been linked to cognitive impairment in advanced stages of the disease, but little is known about how they influence each other, especially since both can be asymptomatic for long periods of time earlier in life, the team said.For the study, the researchers included 547 participants from an atherosclerosis-based study and scanned them using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) scans.The team sought to determine the association between brain metabolism, subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic, middle-aged adults.They found that cardiovascular risk is associated with brain hypometabolism, including the cerebral areas known to be affected in dementia. Hypertension was the modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factor with the strongest association.According to the researchers, these results underscore the need to control cardiovascular disease risk factors early in life to potentially reduce the brain's later vulnerability to cognitive dysfunction.--IANSvc/bg

What is Cervical Spondylosis? Cervical spondylosis is a disorder in which there is abnormal wear on the cartilage and/bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) and it is a common cause of chronic neck pain. It is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine affecting the middle and old age group of both sexes leads to pain and stiffness in the neck, radiating pain to the arm, paraesthesia, numbness, headache, giddiness, etc. In Ayurveda, Cervical spondylosis is caused by a Vata dosha aggravation and it’s mainly a Vata problem. Its clinical presentation is similar to Vishwachi in which degenerative condition of the cervical spine is common. It’s a disease that mainly affects the neck and upper extremities having signs and symptoms similar to that of cervical spondylosis. Vishwachi is a vataja nanatmaja vikara. The involvement of Vata in the clinical manifestation of vishwachi is of prime importance. Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms & Signs Often develop slowly over time, but they get worse suddenly  Pain may be mild/it can be deep and so severe that affected movements After standing/sitting at night, the pain gets worsen Pain over the shoulder blade/it may spread to the upper arm, forearm, fingers Pain gets worse at night/sneezing/coughing/laughing/bending the neck backward/walking more than a few yards Muscles weakness Neck stiffness that gets worsen Abnormal sensation/numbness in the shoulders/arms/legs Headache (especially back of the head) Balance loss If pressure occurs on the spinal cord then, loss of control occurs over the bladder/bowels Moving the head may make the pain worse and after sleeping neck stiffness is more common Sometimes, these all changes result in a compression of the blood vessels, it can affect the blood supply to the brain and results in dizziness and blackouts Dysphagia can occur rarely Cervical Spondylosis Causes It is caused by chronic wear on the cervical spine, includes the discs/cushions between the neck vertebrae and the joints b/w the bones of the cervical spine, there may be abnormal growths/spurs on the bones of the spine (vertebrae) The major risk factor is aging. At the age of 60, most persons show signs of cervical spondylosis Other factors include Being overweight/not exercising Having a job that requires heavy lifting/lot of bending/twisting Past neck injury Past spine surgery Ruptured/slipped disc Severe arthritis/small fractures/osteoporosis When to See Your Doctor for Cervical Spondylosis Disease? When pain and stiffness around the neck occur for long days and found unable to move properly your neck and facing difficulty and pain while bending, along with signs and symptoms that affect your daily routine, then you should consult the doctor. Risk Factors of Cervical Spondylosis Age- it’s a normal part of aging, occurs more commonly in old age persons Occupation- Overhead work put extra stress on your neck Neck injuries/Trauma Genetic factors inherent Repeated occupational trauma: carrying axial loads/professional dancing/gymnastics Some conditions that contribute to segmental instability and excessive segmental motion like congenitally fused spine/cerebral palsy/down syndrome Some myelopathy causes Smoking also a risk factor Cervical radiculopathy Cervical Spondylosis Prevention  Regular exercise for the speedy recovery A heated pad/cold pack can provide pain relief when the neck muscles become sore A soft neck brace can temporarily relieve pain if a person wears them for short periods Maintain neck muscle strength, especially neck extensor strength for prevention in general Avoid holding the head in 1 position (for long duration) Avoid prolonged head extension Be careful while performing physical activities Hot shower in the morning can help Headrest & seatbelt also may reduce the risk of developing this condition Yoga Therapy: balasana, natarajasana, bitilasana, marjaryasana, viparitakaranai asana, utthita trikonasana, shavasana can help to reduce the effect of cervical spondylosis Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylosis X-Ray/MRI EMG & nerve conduction velocity test may be done to examine nerve root function The doctor will check the range of motion in your neck for proper identification and location of pain Reflexes and muscle strength will be tested to find out if there’s pressure on your spinal nerves/spinal cord Gait examinations CT-scan Myelography Nerve conduction study What to avoid in Cervical Spondylosis? Potato/cucumber/cold drinks/ice-cream/rajma/dry meat, etc. Avoided Bending/sudden stretching/weight lifting to be avoided for making it more severe Long journey on two-wheeler/sitting in abnormal posture/sitting for a long time to be avoided Avoid holding the head in 1 position ( for longer duration) Avoid prolonged head extension Be careful while performing physical activities Consumption of high-fat dairy products can lead to inflammation Avoid processed food completely Alcohol/smoking Avoid meat and dairy products which contain saturated foods & arachidonic acids Avoid more caffeine consumption Avoid red meat Avoid foods that lead to more production of acidity Avoid spicy/hot/salty/oily foods What to eat in Cervical Spondylosis? Black gram/horse gram/wheat/rice Gingili oil/mustard oil/milk/butter/soar fruits Dry grapes/garlic Drumstick fruits & leaves Consume a diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory food substances Fish/nuts/oilseeds/omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin- E rich foods Apple/garlic/ginger/turmeric Turmeric milk Diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids Replace rice with wheat Bitter gaud/drumstick bitter vegetables Questions & Answers Q1. Why Cervical Spondylosis occur in old-age people? Ans. Older age is a risk factor as in addition to age, people often get more likely to experience neck pain. It is the general term for age-related wear & tear affecting the spinal discs in the neck region. Also, it is caused due to disks dehydration and shrinking. In most people age > 50, discs between the vertebrae become less spongy & provide less of a cushion. Bones & ligaments get thicker and encroached the space of the spinal canal. Q2. If myelopathy occurs with cervical spondylosis, then what will be the symptoms like? Ans. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy include tingling/numbness/weakness in the arms, hands, legs, feet/lack of coordination & difficulty walking/abnormal reflexes/muscle spasms/loss of control over bladder/bowel incontinence. Q3. How is Cervical Spondylosis diagnosed properly? Ans. By taking a medical history with signs and symptoms appearing, it will be followed by a physical exam of the body by focussing on the neck/back/shoulders. The strength of hands and arms/reflexes test/loss of sensation checkups/walk/equilibrium can be tested. Other tests also can be done include x-ray/computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging( MRI), EMV tests, etc. Q4. According to Ayurveda, which disease is similar to that of cervical spondylosis? Ans. In Ayurveda, Cervical spondylosis is caused by a Vata dosha aggravation and it’s mainly a Vata problem. Its clinical presentation is similar to Vishwachi in which degenerative condition of the cervical spine is common. It’s a disease that mainly affects the neck and upper extremities having signs and symptoms similar to cervical spondylosis. Vishwachi is a vataja nanatmaja vikara. The involvement of Vata in the clinical manifestation of vishwachi is of prime importance. Q5. What exactly is the meaning of the term ‘Spondylosis’? Ans. Spondylosis is basically a painful condition and situation of the spine which results from the degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Often, it is considered a general term for age-related wear & tear of the spinal discs. It affects the vertebral discs and facet joints that gradually develop with age. This condition can narrow the spinal canal that further results in the compression of the spinal cord & nerve roots. Chronic compression can lead to damage to the spinal cord/can cause radicular arm pain further. Q6. What are the complications of Cervical Spondylosis? Ans. Complications of cervical spondylosis include: cervical myelopathy/paraplegia/tetraplegia/recurrent chest infection/pressure sores/recurrent urinary tract infection/progressive neurologic deficits/documented compression of the cervical nerve root/or spinal cord/intractable pain. Q7. What is the role of psychosocial support in the treatment of cervical spondylosis? Ans. Some patients with significant disabilities often react with fear/anxiety/depression. Postoperative depression is significantly associated with pain intensity/pain interference/pain-related disability. After surgery, results of one study of depression/negative affect among spinal surgery patients suggest postoperative screening for depression and treating depression to improve functional outcomes after spine surgery. Q8. What are the various exercises and therapies recommended for cervical spondylosis? Ans. Various exercises recommended to ease the symptoms of cervical spondylosis are neck stretch/neck tilt/side-to-side neck tilt/neck turn with 5 repetitions. In Ayurveda, some yoga therapies are there like, balasana, natarajasana, bitilasana, marjaryasana, viparitakaranai asana, utthita trikonasana, shavasana can help to reduce the effect of cervical spondylosis. Q9. What is the role of physical therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis? Ans. Usually, immobilization of the cervical spine occurs with severe cervical spondylosis with evidence of myelopathy. It limits the motion of the neck. Soft cervical collars are recommended for daytime use only. Patient’s tolerance and compliance are considered when any braces used. Isometric cervical exercises may help to limit the loss of muscle tone. Molded cervical pillows can better align the spine during sleep & provide symptomatic relief for some patients. Neck & upper back exercises are recommended. Yoga therapies also play an important role to reduce the inflammation and pain in cervical spondylosis. Q10. How cervical spondylosis is cured through the Ayurveda line of treatment? Ans. During the acute phase (about a week), usually complete bed rest & use of a thin pillow & hard bed is recommended. After acute phase, some panchakarma procedures like sadyovirechana, greevabasti, abhyanga, patra pinda sveda, nasya should be done. Podikkizhi, ilakikizhi, greeva pichu, tailadhara, panchatikta & ksheera basti, shalishastic pinda sweda is also recommend. Mainly, all the above procedures done after examine the bala and prakriti of the patients. Along with these procedures, shamana chikitsa with recommend classical formulations should be given to the patient. References 1. Longmore, Wilkinson, Davidson, Foulkes, Mafi, Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine 8th Edition 2. Kayachikitsa Volume-3by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sharma (2017) 3. Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana- ch-28 4. J.Alastair Innes, Davidson’s Essential of Medicine 2nd edition  5. K Sembulingam, P Sembulingam, Essentials of Medical Physiology 6th Edition

Staying at home has resulted in a lot of stress for people of being stuck indoors for the week on end; the uncertainty has taken a toll on people's mental well-being. Stress cannot be hidden; it shows on your face. The first tell-tale signs reflect on your face as pale skin and mild eruptions on the surface. Stress causes hormonal imbalance which leads to acne, rashes, hair thinning and fall, and various other skin break-outs. It is imperative that people follow a good skincare routine while they're indoors. Staying inside does not necessarily mean you can forego or overlook skin and hair care. These are prone to more damage owing to stress. One should follow a strict, if not elaborate, skincare routine, which involves cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Geetanjali Shetty, Consultant Dermatologist, and Cosmetologist on behalf of Cetaphil India shares most important of all keep yourself hydrated with water and lots of liquid! Also, Read► 12 Yoga Poses That Do Wonders to Your Skin Naturally Side Effects of Stress Oily Skin & Acne Acne and oily skin are the most common side effects of stress. When our body is stressed it releases cortisol which is our fight or flight hormone. The cortisol (stress hormone) weakens the skin's immune system, leading to oxidative (free radicals) stress, which manifests itself as wrinkles, lines, and lackluster skin. It also increases inflammation in the body and conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis can flare-up. Prevention For skin, stress is quite evident in various forms like redness of the skin, acne, etc. If there are skin breakouts and eruptions -- it is better to avoid exfoliation and stick to cleansing your face thrice daily. Similarly, those with skin on the drier side should aim to wash their face only twice a day with a foaming cleanser. Should your skin need a little boost, indulging in Vitamin C to help combat the loss? If you know you're about to enter a stressful period, try to make time for the activities that will help you feel calm and rested -- your skin will thank you. Also, Read► 11 Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Cocoa Butter Home Remedies to Fight Acne It is highly imperative to discover what one is getting exposed to and when. Stick to your skincare routine - cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, and keep sunscreen handy for the times that you may have to make a quick dash to the grocers. Even if you're not wearing makeup, your face still gathers sweat, sebum, and dirt build-up throughout the day. Lastly, it's important that to stay away from fried and spicy food. Vitamin E is a superfood for your skin you can apply it topically or you can choose to consume it through vitamin E-rich foods like almonds, corn oil, cod-liver oil, hazelnuts, lobster, peanut butter, safflower oil, salmon steak, and sunflower seeds. The most essential thing to bear in mind is to keep yourself hydrated drink lots of water, juices, and liquids. (N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe) Read More► How to keep your skin healthy in changing season

February 4th is world cancer day: a reminder for people of all ages to minimize the risk of cancer by improving healthy habits. Even though cancer is an increasing concern around the world, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Here you'll get some tips to help you make incremental changes that will decrease the risk of cancer: Also, Read► An Ayurvedic View of Cancer by Mary Bruck Maintain a Healthy Weight Did you know that obesity is linked with the development of cancer? Not only does it feel good to maintain a healthy weight, but losing weight is beneficial to avoid life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Choose a healthy diet and maintain a consistent exercise routine to let go of the excess pounds. Also, Read► 5 Ways to Keep Your Spine Healthy and Happy Sun Protection The most common type of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and lead to cancerous growth. Never use tanning beds and be careful when spending time outdoors. In the mid-day, look for shady areas, wear clothing that offers sun protection, and apply sunscreen every 60-90 minutes. Also, Read► Why Is It Important to Wear Sunscreen in the Winter? Avoid Tobacco Researchers estimate that 80-90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking cigarettes. Additionally, the risk of many other types of cancer increases for smokers: throat, mouth, stomach, colon, bladder, cervix, kidney, liver, larynx (voice box), and more. Quit smoking to be proactive in avoiding a cancer diagnosis. Also, stay away from secondhand smoke whenever possible. Also, Read► Ways  to tackle tobacco addiction as per Ayurveda !! Limit Alcohol Links have been found between alcohol consumption and various types of cancers: voice box, mouth, throat, liver, and breast cancer. Minimize alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether. Vaccinations Hepatitis C has been connected to the development of liver cancer. This disease causes inflammation in the liver, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. An easy solution to prevent liver cancer is to stay current with vaccinations to prevent Hep C. Age is another factor that can affect the development of cancer. Everyone ages, so this factor can’t be avoided. But it is important to tap into resources that are available for assistance if you are facing cancer treatments in the later years of life. This content loaded with suggestions provides casual information only. It is in no way a replacement for a qualified medical opinion. Always talk with an Ayurveda doctor for more queries. Read More► Lung cancer rates are rising in young women