ARTICLES ON General Health

You’ve most likely heard that you should drink eight 8 glasses of water per day. But is this advice true, or is it just a myth? This article examines the evidence for the ‘eight glasses a day rule. Your body is mostly made up of water. Water is the primary chemical component that accounts for approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of your body weight – the fluid you cannot live without. Water is required for the proper functioning of every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. Water flushes wastes from your body via urination, perspiration, and bowel movements. Dehydration can occur when your body does not have enough water to carry out normal functions. You’ve most likely heard that you should drink eight 8 glasses of water per day. That equates to half a gallon of water (about 2 liters). This claim is widely accepted as fact, and it is simple to remember. But is this advice true, or is it just a myth? This article examines the evidence for the “eight glasses a day” rule. Drinking 8 Glasses of Water in a Day: Fact or Myth? There has been an ongoing debate regarding how much water one should drink. As per experts, it will be a good idea to at least drink 8 glasses of water on a daily basis. But, according to a finding of the new study, it is okay and not necessary to drink 8 glasses of water. So, it is fine, if you don’t drink water unless you feel thirsty. Do not drink water when it is not required. One needs to seriously monitor his/her water intake. You need to see how much water you are having. Dr Bipin Jibhkate, Consultant critical care medicine, and ICU director of  Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road says ‘It will be essential for one to calculate the amount of water received from food and other beverages like coffee and tea. You need to know that there is no standard quantity or one-size-fits-all measure for people. The water requirement will differ from person-to-person. The factors taken into consideration are one’s age, sex, size, physical activity levels, and the climate of the area that one lives in. Drinking a lot of water means you will make continuous trips to the loo. As that can be a huge disturbance during the nighttime. It is better to speak to the doctor about how much water you should drink and then accordingly decide what you need to do.’ Remember that not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, and dry skin and you will not be able to flush out toxins from the body. Did you know? Men have larger bodies and less body fat than women, and they end up drinking more water. It is better to drink water when thirsty and also have fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups that contain enough amount of water. The main motto should be to stay hydrated and healthy. Avoid going overboard on water. Stick to the instructions given by the expert only. Suggestion: If you want to keep things simple, just listen to your body and follow your thirst. When you’re thirsty, drink some water. Stop when you’re no longer thirsty. Drink more fluids during hot weather and exercise to compensate for fluid loss. Dr. Bipin JibhkateConsultant Critical Care Medicine & ICU DirectorWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.india.com/health/drinking-8-glasses-of-water-in-a-day-fact-or-myth-expert-answers-2-5801451/

When you are on a weight loss journey, the shedding of every inch and kilo must be celebrated as it comes with a lot of effort. But if you are losing weight unintentionally and without any effort along with experiencing a series of worrisome symptoms, you must investigate the reasons behind it as it could indicate a disease that may be ruining your physical or mental health. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing more than 5% of weight in the span of 6-12 months without doing any exercise or following a diet especially should be a cause of concern and may indicate a problem. Experts say unintentional weight loss is something that happens when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine and could indicate stress or a serious disease. “While typical weight loss is due to a change in lifestyle habits, decreased caloric intake, or an increase in physical activity but unexplained weight loss, or losing weight without trying, can be a cause for concern. It might indicate an underlying medical or disease. That is why one should take unexplained weight loss seriously,” says Deepti Khatuja, Head – clinical Nutritionist, Fortis memorial research Institute, Gurgaon. “Many a time, a patient is brought into the hospital with a symptom of weight loss, which appears to be of great concern to the patient or his or her accompanying relatives. Unintentional weight loss is when you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise routine. It can be a sign of stress or a serious illness. Weight loss can occur in patients with normal appetites or decreased appetites. When to see a doctor A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you have lost a significant amount—more than 5 percent of your weight—within 6 to 12 months. There are numerous medical conditions that cause sudden, unexplained weight loss,” says Dr. Hyacinth Peninnah Paljor. Common reasons for unexpected weight loss Some of the common reasons for unintentional weight loss are: 1. Diabetes: One of the major causes of unwanted weight loss is Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) although can may happen in Type 2 also. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t use glucose for energy. This results in high blood glucose. Our kidneys remove unused glucose through urine. As sugar leaves your body, so do calories, says Deepti Khatuja. “Symptoms associated are frequent urination, dehydration, fatigue, blurry vision, excessive thirst, excessive hunger. Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus includes insulin, blood sugar monitoring, diet, and exercise,” says Dr. Paljor. 2. Cancer: Cancer is a disease that causes abnormal cells to quickly divide and spread. According to the American Cancer Society, one of the first signs may be unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more. “This is common with cancers of the pancreas, lung, stomach, and esophagus. Cancer increases inflammation. This promotes muscle wasting and disrupts appetite-regulating hormones. A growing tumor may also increase your resting energy expenditure (REE), or how much energy your body burns at rest. Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome that is linked to many cancers. It’s most common in gastric and pancreatic cancers, as well as some lung, head and neck, and colorectal cancers in their later stages,” says Khatuja. “Early symptoms may be fever, fatigue bleeding from any site, changes in moles, lump in the breast, hoarseness of voice or there may be no symptoms other than weight loss. Treatment depends on the type of cancer. It may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy,” says Dr Paljor. 3. Tuberculosis: Another cause of unexplained weight loss is tuberculosis (TB), a contagious condition that usually affects the lungs, says Khatuja. “It’s caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Weight loss and decreased appetite are some of the common symptoms of TB. Although TB can be at different organs of the body like abdominal TB etc and unexpected weight loss is quite common,” adds the Fortis expert. TB is life-threatening and requires timely intervention. One is detected with TB while having symptoms such as constant cough, chest pain, and even unintentional weight loss. So, don’t forget to take charge of your health, says Dr. Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. 4. Hyperthyroidism: “As the thyroid oversees your metabolism, it’s understandable that thyroid problems could lead to weight gain. While having a fast metabolism can help you lose weight, having one that is too fast can be harmful. Rapid weight loss and sometimes additional complications, such as a raised heart rate, more anxiety, jitters, tremors, or insomnia, are all symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),” says Khatuja. “When the thyroid gland starts releasing an excess of its hormones which can be due to either its hyperfunctioning state or thyroid gland damage due to infections or antibodies. Diagnosed by a simple thyroid function test,” says Dr. Johann Varghese. 5. Gut diseases: Weight loss is caused by conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, lactose intolerance, and intestinal damage, which can cause malabsorption. Malabsorption occurs when something prevents your gut from absorbing essential nutrients. In most cases, such as celiac disease, the gut disease can be easily treated with a gluten-free diet and healthy weight gain can be promoted, says Khatuja. “IBD also disrupts ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and leptin, the satiety hormone. This results in decreased appetite and weight loss. Additional symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, bloody stools, and fatigue. Treatment consists of nutritional support, medication, and, in some cases, surgery,” says Dr Paljor. 6. Depression: “Depression is defined as feeling sad, lost, or empty for at least two weeks. These emotions interfere with daily activities such as going to work or school. Depression affects the same part of the brain that controls appetite, so this can lead to a loss of appetite and weight loss. Other symptoms include constant sadness, loss of interest in hobbies, low energy, poor concentration, sleeping too little or too much, thoughts of death or suicide, and irritability. Behavioral

Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. It generally affects younger & unvaccinated kids. Once quite common, but now measles can be prevented with a vaccine. Also called rubeola, measles spreads fast and can be serious and even deadly for small children. While casualty rates have been falling internationally as more children receive the measles vaccine. Still, from time to time, there are small pockets of epidemic occurrence throughout India mostly because of poor vaccination schedule adherence by parents. The current ones are in Mumbai & Maharashtra.  Measles signs and symptoms occur around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. It circulates via respiratory droplets & close contact. Signs and symptoms of measles generally include: Small white areas with bluish-white centers on a red background are based inside the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik’s spots A skin rash is large, flat patches that frequently run into one another The infection occurs in stages over 2 to 3 weeks. Infection and incubation. For the first 10 to 14 days after infection, the measles virus spreads in the body. There are no signs or symptoms of measles during this time. Nonspecific signs and symptoms. Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, often with a persistent cough, a runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), and a sore throat. This relatively mild illness may last 2 to 3 days. Acute illness and rash. The rash is made up of small red spots, some of which are slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a blotchy red appearance. The rash starts from behind the ears & spreads to the whole body. Over the next few days, the rash spreads down the arms, chest, and back, then over the thighs, lower legs, and feet. At the same time, the fever rises sharply, often as high as 104 to 105.8 F (40 to 41 C). Treatment is mainly symptomatic while actively looking for complications like pneumonia, ear infections, or other possible secondary bacterial infection. The focus should be on maintaining hydration & energy levels by offering lots of liquid & healthy food. The rash may last about seven days. The rash gradually fades from the face and from the thighs and feet. As other symptoms of the illness go away, the cough and darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was may stay for about 10 days. A child can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the inflammation has been present for four days. Review your child’s vaccination records with your Pediatrician, especially before your children start daycare, school, or college. According to the IAP recommendation, a child should complete 3 doses of the MMR vaccine at the age of 9 months, 15 months & 5 years. If your child gets contact with measles or develops symptoms contact to Pediatrician urgently & keep the child quarantined for at least 7 days. Dr Vishal ParmarConsultant PaediatricianWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104

Age-related mild forgetfulness might be a regular phenomenon. If you have trouble remembering someone’s name but remember it afterward, it’s not a serious memory impairment. However, memory issues might be early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease if they significantly impact your everyday life. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder, many individuals mistakenly think that it is a natural part of aging. Because of this mindset, many of us end up ignoring the early warning signs that our brains might be sending out. Here are seven signs early signs that a prospective Alzheimer’s patient may have that you shouldn’t miss. Consult your doctor if you have any of these symptoms and get your physical, as well as mental health, examined. They will review your medical history and conduct a mental status examination to assess your memory, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for simple logic. They might perform blood or brain imaging tests as well. It’s time to consult a doctor if you notice these changes in a loved one or yourself. Have a discussion with them about going to the doctor together. Ask your primary care physician or internal medicine specialist about dementia. Dr. Pavan PaiConsultant Interventional Neurologist and Stroke SpecialistWockhardt Hospitals Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.india.com/health/alzheimer-disease-7-warning-signs-and-symptoms-in-elders-that-shouldnt-be-ignore-5667853/

Physical maturity typically occurs with advancing years. But the same doesn’t happen with everyone mentally. Mental maturity is the ability to take responsibility for your actions, to be sensitive and respectful of others, and to adjust and adapt to surroundings as necessary. A person with emotional maturity always adds value to himself and those around them. However, being immature can have a detrimental effect on both your personal and professional life. So, how to become mature? Let’s find out! Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, who listed down a few ways a person can follow to become mature which can help make better decisions in life. Here are 5 tips to become mature, according to Dr. Anand: 1. Gain self-perspective Self-perspective refers to picturing what your thoughts and feelings would be if you were in another person’s shoes. Developing your own perspective helps you become mature. Dr. Anand says, “Observe your thoughts and behaviors so that you can become more objective and make better decisions. By gaining self-awareness you can understand yourself and even others better.” Along with this, start seeking feedback from other individuals to gain a fresh viewpoint. 2. Try to take control of your emotions It can be challenging to keep your emotions to yourself, and even constantly expressing them can cause issues. If you don’t express your feelings, over time, you could come to believe that no one is concerned about your needs and wants. You might feel nervous, depressed, and stressed as a result. However, if you express all of your sentiments, it could put you in a vulnerable place where people might judge you and think you can’t control your emotions. This can take a toll on your mental health. According to Dr. Anand, “One has to learn how to streamline emotions in a way so that balance can be achieved so as to make more rational decisions.” 3. Take charge of your overall health Taking charge of your health by choosing a healthy lifestyle will reduce dissatisfaction. Dr. Anand also says, “Physical and mental health both go hand in hand for a successful and meaningful life. Better health gives motivation and the strength required to see through difficult situations and come up with solutions.” Remember, better health can empower you to make better decisions. 4. Learn how to deal with negativity Being in a negative state of mind or situation can hamper decision-making. If you are feeling overwhelmed with negative feelings, it is important to look after yourself and take some time out to relax or do something you enjoy. “Analyse the situation and look for positive means to deal with negativity,” says Dr. Anand. Practicing meditation, and yoga can help in such situations. Cognitive restructuring is also a better way of changing thoughts to reduce negative thoughts. 5. Practice empathy Emotionally mature individuals approach life by doing as much good as they can and supporting those around them. Developing empathy for others helps in making wiser decisions and gaining mutual respect. Take criticism in a way that can be used for self-development and motivation. “Learn how to forgive yourself as well so that the mind is clear and more capable of better decision-making,” suggests Dr. Anand. Dr. Sonal AnandConsultant PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/how-to/follow-these-5-tips-to-become-mature/

A 21-year-old boy was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai with a history of pain in the abdomen and fever for over 10 days. Blood test reports revealed that he had abnormal liver along with HIV-positive status. Further testing and CT scan showed a large liver abscess or collection of pus in the liver. Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central said that the pus collection was due to a fungal infection. They conducted endoscopic drainage was conducted to remove the pus. As they have claimed, this was the first case of a fungal liver abscess drained in HIV-positive patients using endoscopic ultrasound in Maharashtra and Central India. Liver abscess can be fatal The boy, named Harshal Patil, was admitted to the hospital in the first week of July 2022. According to Dr. Shankar Zanwar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, the position and size of the abscess (7cm) were so huge that if it had not been treated early, it could have led to a rupture in the abdomen and resulted in a life-threatening situation. After analyzing the various possible ways to treat the patient and related complications, Dr. Zanwar and his team decided to conduct endoscopic drainage. He said, “Our initial plan was to drain the abscess in the liver by putting a needle and a drainage tube through the skin known as percutaneous drainage as this was a convenient way to operate on the patient. After reassessing the tract to drain this it was found that an unusually long puncture would have to be done, which was technically challenging, and the patient would have had a lot of discomfort post-procedure as it would lead to the inability to sleep or lie down on the right side since the tube would be hanging out for longer time. Thus, endoscopic drainage was explained to the patient and on his agreement, the team of doctors planned the procedure.” How liver abscess endoscopic drainage is performed Using an endoscopic ultra-sound method, the doctors accessed the pus collection through the stomach. Within three days of treatment, the fever and pain subsided and the patient became completely symptom-free. He was discharged five days after the procedure and was on antibiotics for 21 days. Repeat sonography scan at 1 month showed near complete resolution of the pus collection, Dr. Zanwar stated. According to the doctors, draining of liver abscess through endoscopic ultrasound is an unusual procedure and is performed by very few centers in India. They say simple aspiration of pus leaves a scope of incomplete clearance and prolonged time of recovery, while drainage of pus collection with drains helps early recovery. Treatment of various abdominal diseases such as large pus collection around the pancreas blocked bile ducts or pancreatic duct narrowing have now become easier and require no major surgery. Sonography vs endoscopic drainage A liver abscess (pus-filled cavity) need removal, usually it is done using direct sonography and can be painful for some patient as a tube is hanging out from the abdominal wall for a few days. Endoscopic drainage can be done for difficult to access pus collection through the abdominal wall which cannot be done using routine sonography. This avoids major surgery and offers very early patient recovery. Dr. Shankar ZanwarConsultant – GastroenterologistWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/hiv-positive-patient-develops-liver-abscess-due-to-fungal-infection-endoscopic-drainage-saves-his-life-903872/

What is a 2D Echo Test? A 2D echocardiography test is as good as sonography of the heart and is a quite common cardiac investigative tool. It is a non-invasive, painless, and risk-free procedure for the heart. The procedure, uses high-frequency ultrasound waves, reflecting off various structures of the heart, to obtain one- and two-dimension real-time images of the beating heart. It assists, to visualize and assess heart muscles, valves, blood flow, four-chamber dilatation, and overall heart functioning capacity. Moreover, the test can be done on an outpatient basis in a clinic. It takes around 20 to 30  minutes for the test to be done. During the test, the patient lies down and a probe will be placed on the chest to create pictures of the heart which is viewed on a screen monitor. Thereafter printouts, the images are then given to the doctor and the patient as a report. The test offers, the cardiologist valuable information regarding the function and health of the heart. Generally, the cardiologist will advise the investigation in order to ascertain a diagnosis of an underlying heart condition when a patient has the symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, giddiness, and extreme fatigue. The 2D echo test can also be carried out in case a patient has a history of any cardiac condition such as heart blockages or previous heart attack. The 2D echocardiography investigation can determine whether there is heart failure, coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeats, valvular damage, cardiomyopathy, and infections in the heart. These circumstances, coincide with the symptomology that the patient presents to the cardiologist.   There are various heart conditions, which can be derived from the result of the 2D echo which can be the cause of heart damage or failure: There are Three Basic “modes” used to Image The Heart: Types of 2D Echo Test: Precautions Before the 2D Echocardiography: How Does a 2D Echo Test Work? A non-invasive test called 2D echocardiogram, sometimes referred to as 2D echo, is used toevaluate the sections of your heart and analyse how it is working. Using sound vibrations, thistest creates pictures of the different parts of the heart. It helps in identifying signs of damages,obstructions, and blood flow rate.   2D Echocardiography Procedure The procedure of 2D Echo will be done in the following steps: When Do you Require a 2D Echo Test? The 2D Echo test is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of variety of heart-related problems,including: Wockhardt Hospitals has a full-fledged noninvasive cardiac diagnostics department under one roof.  The cardiologist and expert technicians are fully trained in performing the procedure and diagnosing various heart conditions. To understand more about the 2D echocardiography test, its price, its results, and at location near you. To book an appointment visit: https://www.wockhardthospitals.com/get-appointments/ FAQs on 2D Echo Test Q. What can you expect during the 2D echocardiography test? During a 2D echocardiography test, patients would be asked to lie down on a table and a technician places specific electrodes on the chest and applies gel to the transducer, and then moves it around the chest to obtain images of the heart’s structure. Q. What happens during the 2D echo test? During a 2D echocardiography test, a small device, called a transducer, is carefully placed on the chest that emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the heart’ structures. These images are displayed on a screen in real-time or recorded for reviewing later. Q. Is fasting required for a 2D echo test? The 2D echocardiography test is a completely non-invasive test that utilises a device to produce images of the heart’s structure, so patients don’t need to fast before a 2D echocardiography test. Q. What are the uses of the 2D echo test? A 2D echocardiography test is used for: Assessing cardiac blood flow, Identifying blood clots, Detecting anomalies in the heart’s walls and valves, Evaluating the effectiveness of cardiac treatments, such as surgeries or interventions, and Continuous monitoring of patients with chronic heart conditions. Q. What are the benefits of getting a 2D echo test? The benefits of a 2D echocardiography test include: Non-invasive procedure Safe for monitoring heart health during pregnancy  Assess risk for surgery Stress test Assess congenital heart problems Monitor the cardiac health of children  Additionally, a 2D echocardiography test is a cost-effective way to study the heart’s structure and function. Q. What is a good 2D echo test result? A 2D echo test reveals the presence or absence of any heart issues or atypical movements, or rhythms of the heart. A good 2D echo test result indicates the absence of any structural or functional issues of the heart that may cause the heart to function less efficiently and pump blood ineffectively. Q. What is the normal result of a 2D echo test? The result of a 2D echo test is expressed in terms of percentage and is an indicator of how well the heart functions in pumping blood. A normal 2D echo test result may fall within the range of 50-70%. Q. What is the 2d echo test price at Wockhardt Hospitals? The 2D Echo is a routine procedure that is cost-effective. At Wockhardt Hospital, 2D echotests cost between Rs 2500 and Rs 5000. The cost of an echocardiography test varies based onseveral factors, including the type of echocardiogram conducted and the cardiologist’s level ofexperience. Q. Can a 2D echo detect heart blockage? A 2D echo scan is unable to identify heart blockages. Doctors can see the heart’s internalstructures, such as the heart’s muscles, valves, and cardiac function, but they cannot detectblockages in the heart. It can only identify the function of the heart muscle, and the presence ofclogged arteries can be inferred if there is any weakening in the heart tissue. Q. Is 2D echo better than ECG? An ECHO is preferable to an ECG because it provides more precise data on how your heartvalves are functioning. In an echocardiogram, the heart is ultrasonically scanned to providemoving pictures that reveal the intricate anatomy and operation of the heart.

Balance is the key to perfection – be it diet or workout – and now, a person’s ability to balance the body could also be indicative of longevity. At a time when several people are relying on health check-ups to check for disease risk, experts say that a balance test should also be included in the routine to ascertain how healthy or how long one is likely to live. For this, it is advised to remove the shoes and socks and place the front of the free foot on the back of the opposite lower leg while keeping the arms by the sides and gazing ahead. In the study, 1 in 5 people failed; additionally, 54 percent of 71 to 75-year-olds failed to strike a balance as opposed to 5 percent of 51 to 55-year-olds. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, experts tracked the participants for years and after a seven-year follow-up, they discovered that 7 percent of the participants had died. 17.5 percent of the people who failed the test were part of the group who had failed the test. With this, experts concluded that the inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds is associated with an 84 percent rise in early death risk. To know more about this link, Times Now Digital connected with Dr. Mohit Kukreja, Consultant Arthroscopy, and Sports Medicine Specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals. “This seems to be an observational study with a significant amount of arbitrary correlation and confounding factors involved. So we can’t be sure exactly what could be the reason for their inability to stand for less than 10 seconds. It could probably be poor health but could be some musculoskeletal or proprioceptive issues related to various systems of the body. So this statement cannot be accepted as a dictum and larger, prospective, and randomized studies need to prove this fact,” he said. “Of course, we advise single leg balance exercises to improve steadiness in old age and to improve joint proprioception after sports-related ligament surgeries of the knee. This reduces the risk of a fall in the geriatric population and is a very important milestone to progress post-surgery knee patients to more aggressive rehabilitation exercises respectively,” Dr. Kukreja concluded. Dr. Mohit KukrejaConsultant Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine SpecialistWockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: 022-61784400 Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/health/can-you-stand-on-one-leg-for-10-seconds-study-reveals-what-it-could-say-about-your-health-article-92408550

How many times have you found yourself wanting to end an unhealthy relationship, but you didn’t? Here’s why it’s so hard to get out of a relationship. Leaving a relationship is not as easy as it seems. There are a lot of emotions and memories associated with the person, which can cause people to stay in an unhealthy relationship. Furthermore, they are afraid of the change that can occur following the end of a relationship. No matter what the nature of a relationship is, we all want someone to love us. As a result, people expect everything to be fine one day and believe that’s how a relationship should be. That, however, is not the case. You should understand that if something does not make you happy, you should let it go. And it doesn’t take long for an unhealthy relationship to deteriorate into a toxic one. Let’s find the causes behind why people struggle to leave a relationship Researchers from the University of Minho in Braga, Portugal, believe they have discovered why people stay in bad relationships, and it may have something to do with the “sunk cost fallacy.” The “sunk cost fallacy,” according to researchers, is an effect in which people tend to stick with something because they’ve already invested so much time, money, and/or energy in it, making it difficult for them to let go – even if it’s not the best decision. To understand more about this, Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai. Here 7 major reasons why leaving an unhealthy relationship can be so difficult: 1. They have been in an enmeshed family “Sometimes families that don’t function well can have a lasting psychological impact. People who have been in such family environments are so used to it that they get used to unhealthy relationships as well and feel that this situation seems more familiar and so find it difficult to move away,” says Dr. Anand. 2. Learned helplessness Leaving an unhealthy relationship necessitates confidence and self-esteem. However, some people lack the motivation to leave an unhealthy relationship because they believe there is no way for them to escape their circumstances. They may believe that they will never find a solution or that they are the cause of the unhealthy relationship. And this can make getting out of the situation difficult. 3. Lack of control People who are in an unhealthy relationship frequently attempt to end it. But they don’t in the end. It occurs because some people have low self-esteem and, due to that, they believe they have no control over relationships and situations. As a result, people choose to stay rather than leave. 4. Expecting happier days are around the corner People stay in unhealthy relationships because they believe they have invested significant time and energy in this relationship. As a result, they anticipate that everything will be fine one day. Dr. Anand says, “It’s normal to hope for better days, but sometimes this hope can get too prolonged and lose objective.” 5. Common friends and family relationships Social norms may require perfectionism in relationships, putting pressure on both partners. The individual may believe that he or she will not be socially accepted without a partner among close common friends or even family members. That makes it hard to break up. “Even the obligation of children can be a factor here. Some people endure just for the sake of their children,” says Dr. Anand. 6. Being clueless Some people are unaware that they are being manipulated and believe their unacceptable behavior patterns are simply errors. As a result, they make do with what they have. It could also be a first-time relationship, making quitting difficult. 7. Previous heartbreaks Some people go through difficult breakups and don’t want to go through heartbreak again. They could also become dependent and believe that they can’t live without that person. So they refuse to leave. Dr. Sonal AnandConsultant – PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/emotional-health/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-leave-an-unhealthy-relationship/

It’s not easy to wake up fresh every morning. However, with these 9 tips, it’s possible to kick-off morning fatigue and grogginess. Do you constantly press the snooze button in the morning? Sleeping for an extra five to ten minutes may seem divine. However, they can often cause morning fatigue and grogginess! Certain morning habits can help you re-energize, eliminate stress, and build focus commonly caused by the chaotic morning rush. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, morning habits help create a happier life, complete with fulfillment and maximum productivity. Health Shots spoke to Dr. Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, Mumbai, to find some great tips that can help make the morning energetic and refreshed. 9 tips to avoid morning fatigue and stop feeling groggy: 1. Do not hit the snooze button Say no to snoozing, ladies! You must avoid falling asleep again. If you do so, you will end up feeling fatigued and inactive. Try to get up and start the day immediately after the alarm rings. Also, keep your alarm away from your bed instead of keeping it next to you so that you’ll be forced to get up and move your body to turn it off. 2. Start the day with a glass of water In any case, it is a good idea to be well-hydrated. Starting your day by drinking a glass of water can help to keep your morning laziness at bay. Water will flush out the toxins from the body, which means a healthy gut and a glowing you. Dr. Mule says, “If you feel fatigued in the morning, it is probably due to dehydration. Having a glass of water will freshen you up before starting the day.” 3. Get sunlight exposure Sunlight, especially the one soaked in the morning, helps boost serotonin in your brain, which can give you more energy and keep you calm, positive, and focused. Avoid being in the sun at noon, when it is at its highest point and emits the most UVB rays. It’s a tried-and-true method for getting your lazy ass out of bed. 4. Indulge in yoga Getting some physical activity in the morning is the best thing you can do for your health. Exercising or practicing yoga can be the body’s natural way of waking itself up after being immobile for long hours during the night. Dr. Mule says, “Stretch, do yoga, or even other exercises like walking after waking up to avoid being groggy. Doing so can help you stay energized.” Try to do some form of exercise in the morning without fail. 5. Listen to soothing music A study published in the journal BJPsych International states that music stimulates our brain circuits and boosts both creativity and productivity. So if you really want to say bye-bye to morning tiredness and laziness, listen to music, and lift your mood. 6. Eat a healthy breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you cannot afford to skip it. According to Dr. Mule, “Skipping breakfast will leave you more tired. So, eat oats, fruits, or eggs. But, avoid high carbohydrate intake and fatigue. A low-carb breakfast would improve cognition and mood.” 7. Consume energy foods Along with your healthy breakfast, make sure you add some energy-boosting foods to your morning meal. Foods such as pumpkin seeds, walnuts, dates, and almonds are the best sources to get an instant energy boost. They can be your pre-workout or evening snack as well. 8. Make a bedtime routine The only thing that never worries you about waking up refreshed is your bedtime routine. A bedtime routine, on the other hand, is essential. So, sleep on time, turn off your phone an hour before bedtime, and avoid drinking coffee at night. 9. No smoking “Some people have a habit of smoking after waking up. Well, this can land you in trouble. It is a well-known fact that smoking is injurious to health. It is best to avoid it and start your day with meditation instead,” says Dr. Mule. Dr. Aniket MuleConsultant – Internal MedicineWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/how-to-wake-up-fresh-9-tips-to-avoid-morning-fatigue/