Do you know which cancer is the fourth most common in women? Women in their reproductive and post reproductive years get affected by one serious health issue and that is cervical cancer. This is a major public health concern. Lower part of the uterus is called the cervix and persistent infection with high risk types of HPV or human papilloma virus could lead to cervical cancer.  It has been confirmed by WHO or World Health Organisation that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. What causes delayed diagnosis of this cancer is lack of awareness regarding the symptoms associated with cervical cancer. Importance of early detection of cervical cancer: In the beginning, the cervical cancer developed slowly and would not show signs. This cancer would show many distinct signs once it gets developed. Women must never ignore the signs. As per CDC and WHO understanding these symptoms is necessary and women must undergo regular screenings like HPV test and PAP smears etc. Signs of cervical cancer are Pelvic or lower abdomen pain: Women get abdominal cramps during their periods or menstrual cycle. It must be noted that unexplained pelvic pain not linked to menstrual cramps might be a sign of cervical cancer. Unusual bleeding: Women must not ignore abnormal bleeding such as bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or post-menopause etc. This could be the most noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. Watery or foul smelling discharge: Infection of the presence of cancer in the cervix would be brought out by means of persistent watery discharge with strong odour or foul smell. Some women might also get discharged with blood. So, please take care. Painful intercourse: Cervical inflammation cervical cancer could lead to pain during intercourse or sex. It must be noted that a medical professional must evaluate the symptom. Pain during urination: When cancer spreads to nearby tissues, a woman could get pain, bururning sensation etc while urinating. It is believed that increased frequency of urination could be an important sign of cervical cancer. Unexplained weight loss or fatigue: Weight loss associated with diet change or exercises etc is normal. Some women experience weight loss plus fatigue without any diet change or exercises etc and this could be a very important sign of cervical cancer. Back pain and leg swelling: Bitter truth is that when cervical cancer spreads it might press against nerves and lymph nodes. This could lead to swelling in their legs and back pain etc. Bleeding after a routine gynaecological exam: Routine gynaecological exam or minor trauma after douching might cause bleeding if normal tissue is present in the cervix. Please be careful and take care. Note: Point is that when detected early, cervical cancer could be preventable, treatable and even curable.

Whether it is scorching hot summer or freezing cold winter, our body works non-stop to stay in balance.  For survival and for comfort, our body`s ability to regulate the temperature is essential. For the sake of our overall health, we must maintain a stable body temperature. Bitter fact is that when our body gets too hot then we could get heatstroke whose symptoms are confusion, hot skin, rapid heartbeat etc and when our body gets too cold then we could get hypothermia whose symptoms include shivering, pale skin, slurred speech etc. It was mentioned by WHO or World Health organisation that maintaining body temperature would ensure optimal functioning of organs plus improvement in metabolic performance. Stress related issues would get reduced. There are certain simple changes or ways or tips by which we could regulate our body temperature and these are By staying hydrated all time: For thermoregulation, intake of water is very important as it would play a key role. Sweating as well as proper circulation would take place and these would help in cooling the body. Especially when the temp is hot and humid, it is necessary to drink 8 t 10 glasses of water to support temperature balance. By eating light and frequent meals: Metabolic heat production would be increased by heavy greasy meals. This would make us feel warmer. In this scenario, it is good to opt for small meals with fruits, salads, cooling foods like cucumbers etc. It is believed that nutrient dense light meals would support digestion and lower body heat. By dressing depending on the weather: In summers, our body would be able to release heat well when we wear loose fitting clothes. In the cold winter season, we must dress in many layers to trap the body heat. As a first step in external temp control, wearing clothes appropriately for the weather would be important. By avoiding alcohol and caffeine in extreme heat: Our internal temp would get increased due to the diuretic nature of alcohol and caffeine. This would lead to faster dehydration in us. Hence, we must not drink them during extreme heat. By taking regular breaks from heat or cold exposure: Our body would recalibrate when we take regular breaks whether we work in the sun or in the cold. It has been suguggested by the National Institute for Health or NIH that it is necessary to cool down in shaded places or warm up in the winters. This would help us to avoid fatigue due to temperature. By engaging in physical activity in a wise manner: It is not advisable to exercise in the extreme heat or cold as it could lead to a few issues. Truth is that in summer we can do workouts in the early morning or in the evenings.  In the winter season, we must do certain warm-ups before doing workouts etc. For the sake of thermoregulation, we must change our physical activity schedule to the weather conditions. By using warm compress or cold pack: In the summer season, applying cold compress on the neck, wrists, forehead etc would bring down body heat quickly.  In the winter season, warm pack application on the lower back or feet would make the body feel more balanced. This would provide a superb solution for the sudden temp changes

How many know what Parkinson Disease is? A progressive neurological disorder that affects the movement is Parkinson`s disease or PD. Why do we get affected with PD? When the nerve cells present in our brain that are responsible for the production of dopamine (a chemical for transmitting signals for smooth and coordinated muscle movements) begin to deteriorate and die, we could get PD. It is believed both genetic as well as environmental actors could result in PD. Though we might not be able to avoid PD entirely, we would be able to lower the risk or delay PD in us by means of certain lifestyle choices. Point is that most people have a normal life span even if they are affected by PD. Symptoms of Parkinson Disease are: A person having PD would show certain symptoms like tremors, rigidity, slow movement, postural instability etc. So, please take care. There are few important ways by which we could reduce the chances of getting affected by Parkinson Disease. They are By exercising regularly: We would be able to maintain our brain health and motor control by doing exercises like aerobic types. Neuroplasticity would be stimulated by doing exercises and this would enhance dopamine signalling and lower oxidative stress. By consuming brain healthy diet: It is essential that we must consume brain health foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains plus healthy fats, nuts etc. These foods would provide us antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that would protect neurons. Point is that intake of Mediterranean diet has been associated with lower chances of getting PD. By limiting exposure to pesticides and toxins: The shocking piece of information is that long term exposure to pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals etc has been associated with more chances of getting PD. It is possible to lower environmental triggers of PD by using protective gear while gardening, by avoiding areas with high industrial pollution etc. By consuming caffeine in moderation: It is worthy to note that moderate or reduced intake of caffeine through coffee or tea etc could d lower the risk of getting PD. It is good to consume caffeine in limited amounts as it would protect the dopamine producing neurons and brain function would be supported also. Excessive intake of caffeine could lead to issues in sleep and increased anxiety also.  By sound sleeping: It has been brought out that chronic sleep issues might lead to PD in us. In addition to this, REM sleep behaviour disorder or RBD could also result in PD. Brain detox and repair would be possible if we maintain regular sleep hygiene, avoiding screens before bed etc. By staying mentally active: Cognitive challenges like reading, solving puzzles, playing musical instruments etc would keep the brain sharp and would prevent neurological decline. It is true that mental stimulation could safeguard us against diseases such as PD etc. By means of social connections: It is noteworthy that regular social interaction would lead to better mood, lowered stress and slower cognitive decline etc. These would help in lowering the chances of getting Parkinson Disease. By avoiding head injuries etc:  There are more chances of PD if we get traumatic brain injuries repeatedly. This would be possible by wearing helmets while riding bikes or engaging in contact sports etc. By staying hydrated: Gut brain axis plays a huge role in brain health. Point is that dehydration and poor gut health would negatively affect this gut brain axis. We could avoid neuroinflammation by drinking water frequently plus by eating fibre rich foods like kefir, yoghurt etc. This would lead to a healthy microbiome in us