World Health Organisation

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

होली यानी कि रंगों और खानपान का पर्व है, इस मौके पर आयुर्वेद के जरिए सेहत को भी दुरुस्त करने का अवसर होता है। ऐसा इसलिए क्योंकि एक तरफ जहां जड़ी बूटियों का उपयोग कर वातावरण को संक्रमण रहित किया जा सकता है तो वहीं प्राकृतिक रंग त्वचा के लिए लाभदायक होते हैं, साथ ही पाचन तंत्र के लिए फायदेमंद पदार्थ मौजूद है। शासकीय आयुर्वेद कॉलेज रायपुर के सह-प्राध्यापक डॉ. संजय शुक्ला ने बताया कि चूंकि इस समय वातावरण में अनेक पराग कण मौजूद रहते हैं जो एलर्जिक रोग पैदा करते हैं, इसलिए होलिका दहन में अगरू, आम, साल, नीम इत्यादि के सूखे पेड़ों की टहनियों तथा गूगुल, कपूर इत्यादि आयुर्वेदिक जड़ी-बूटियों का उपयोग हवन के रूप में करना चाहिए ताकि वातावरण संक्रमण रहित हो सके। डॉ. शुक्ला ने बताया कि टेसू सहित अनेक वनस्पतियों जिससे प्राकृतिक रंग और गुलाल बनाया जाता है, उनमें औषधि गुण भी होते हैं। फलस्वरूप ये त्वचा और आंखों के लिए सुरक्षित होने के साथ ही चर्म रोगों में भी गुणकारी होते हैं। आजकल एरोमा थेरेपी यानि सुगंध से इलाज भी प्रचलन में है इसलिए सुगंध युक्त रंग-गुलाल से मन प्रसन्नचित्त हो जाता है जिससे होली का उमंग दोगुना हो जाता है। इसके अलावा मेहंदी और नीम की पत्तियों, गुड़हल, गेंदा, गुलाब, हरसिंगार फूल और नील पौधे की फलियों को उबालकर रंग व गुलाल बनाया जाता है। होली में हमें प्राकृतिक रंग और गुलाल का ही उपयोग करना चाहिए। डॉ. संजय शुक्ला ने बताया कि होली के समय एवं बसंत ऋतु में आयुर्वेद पद्धति में पाचन तंत्र के लिए सुरक्षित और सुपाच्य आहार व पेय के विशेष निर्देश हैं। शीत ऋतु में शरीर में जमा कफ इस ऋतु में पिघलता है जिसका प्रभाव यकृत यानि लिवर में पड़ता है जो पाचन तंत्र से जुड़ा महत्वपूर्ण अंग है। आयुर्वेद चिकित्सा पद्धति के अनुसार इस ऋतु में गेहूं और मिश्रित आटे की रोटी, मूंग की दाल, खिचड़ी, हरी सब्जियां जैसे भिंडी, करेला, मुनगा यानि सहजन, भाजी, पुदीना, लहसुन, अदरक जैसे भोजन, सब्जियों और मसालों को अपने खान-पान में शामिल करना चाहिए। होली और ग्रीष्म ऋतु में छाछ, नीबू, आंवला, बेल, खस का शरबत और गन्ना रस का उपयोग करना चाहिए। लेकिन बाजार में बिकने वाले इन पेय पदार्थों के सेवन से परहेज करना चाहिए क्योंकि साफ-सफाई के अभाव में अनेक रोगों के संक्रमण का खतरा हो सकता है। आयुर्वेदिक चिकित्सक के मुताबिक ग्रीष्म ऋतु में अंगूर, संतरा, मौसंबी, तरबूज और खरबूज जैसे रसीले व पानीदार फलों का सेवन करना चाहिए जो शरीर को निर्जलीकरण से बचाता है। लोगों को आसन्न गर्मी के लिहाज से होली त्योहार में अधिक वसायुक्त खाद्य पदार्थों, गरिष्ठ भोजन, मांसाहार, भांग इत्यादि मादक पदार्थों तथा शराब के सेवन से बचना चाहिए, अन्यथा अनेक रोगों का खतरा बढ़ सकता है जो रंग में भंग डाल सकता है। आयुर्वेद में बताए गए इन सावधानियों के पालन और खान-पान से होली का उमंग दोगुना हो सकता है। यह भी पढ़े► होली के रंगों में स्वास्थ्य का संदेश !

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANSlife) As much as the sun is fiery and all about passion and high-octane energy, the moon on the opposite side is cooling, calming, and very creative in nature. Ardha Chandrasana as the name says particularly this posture brings serenity, and tranquility to the moon. It brings the shine and hue of light from within. Lunar energy helps you develop empathy, compassion, creativity, and connect with hearts. Talents are the sign of representation of moon subtleties and grace. The push and pulls of life stretch people to sit for late hours at work, till the sun rises. Long hours of sitting continuously lead to tight gluteus, quads, and hamstrings muscles. Ardha Chandrasana also known as Half Moon pose is a perfect posture for those. Because every asana is about geometry, our inner geometry corresponds to the geometry of the outside world, the Universe. This must also be flawless in terms of symmetry. So, when it comes to angles, make sure that you have deep relaxation in your body and mind and achieve the appropriate posture with the right alignment of your palms to shoulders and hands above, the leg that is down absolutely stable and deeply anchored for you to get anchored in your own self as well. The beauty of Ardha Chandrasana is the combination of being anchored and soaring in this posture. It's standing and a challenging posture. Like the moon goes through phases to reach the full moon. To achieve the perfect posture we also need to practice preparatory postures. Make sure your sensibilities, your senses, and your awareness are all conjured up together, and with absolute grace and softness of being you hold this posture and don't use aggression anywhere, because aggression doesn't allow you to balance, it will tip the balance. It may also cause injuries. So, one needs to warm up well before getting into the actual pose. You can do compound movements or any individual muscle group movements for warm-ups with gentle breath in and out, stretching every body part, especially your shoulders, back, lower back, gluteus, and hamstrings which are going to play in this posture. How to Do: Stand with Legs apart, Bend in Trikonasana, Breathe in slowly raise your leg up and try to balance on one foot and one arm. Try holding as much as comfortable. Repeat on another side. Focusing your attention on the upward movement of the hand and the alignment, being perpendicular to the ground is so important that leads to stability of the mind which we call "Sthirtha" in Yoga. The Benefits: Strengthening Core Muscles: Strengthening your core muscles translates into strengthening confidence. Improves Body Balance: Practicing it on both sides keeps you well co-ordinate and deeply anchored into your being and mentally stable. Ardha Chandrasana in particular also helps you to bring equanimity to the fore, calmness, and serenity, once again Chandra representing the moon is all about coolness being collected, getting integrated, and balanced. Strengthens Your Legs: When you strengthen your legs, it helps to maintain your energy throughout the day precisive with clarity. Good Body Stretch: Stretching on other hand expands spaces on your own being and helps you move your fluids and air-ether element better. When an air-ether element is stable your movement and mental state also become stable. Cellular Regeneration: When done together, all kinds of stretches and bends contract most of our toxins in organs. When we stretch fresh nutrients and oxygen-laden blood gets into our organs. So, rejuvenating our organs and cellular regeneration is very good. Holding postures for an extended time helps us improve concentration, focus, determination, and Sankalp. With Sankalp, we can achieve anything. All Yoga postures translate into a stable, strong, confident personality. People who master Ardha Chandrasana are disciplined, they are very focused, determined, and most important they are visionary people. (Dr. Mickey Mehta is a Global leading holistic health guru/corporate life) Read more►5 Healthy Ingredients for Fitness Enthusiasts