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

Some of us use nasal spray often to get relief from nasal congestion or block etc. Is this okay? It is true that nasal sprays speedy and targeted action makes it a highly convenient option for many of us to get relief from nasal congestion. Using nasal sprays frequently or excessively is not advisable as it would harm us. Various types of nasal sprays are SEO content Decongestant sprays that contain xylometazoline etc make their presence felt by shrinking the blood vessel in the nasal passages. By this, persons with nasal congestion would get immediate relief. Saline sprays are safe as they would prevent crusting in the nasal cavities without leading to side effects. Corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation and manage allergy based symptoms well. It must be noted that corticosteroid sprays are mostly used for issues like allergic rhinitis etc. Risks associated with overuse of nasal sprays are: Rebound congestion: Not many of us would be aware of the fact that using nasal sprays in excess could lead to rebound congestion. To remain open, the nasal passages become over-dependent on nasal sprays leading to rebound congestion. This could lead to a vicious cycle of usage and worsening symptoms. Please be careful and avoid overuse. Dependency: Bitter fact is that frequent usage of nasal sprays could lead to psychological or physiological dependency. By this, we would find it tough to breathe without using nasal spray. Dryness and bleeding etc: When decongest as well as corticosteroid nasal sprays are used often, then nasal lining could get dried out. This could result in irritation and occasional bleeding also. Long term risk of corticosteroids: It is shocking to mention here that over usage of corticosteroid sprays could lead to side effects like osteoporosis especially in those women in the menopause stage. Groups that must use nasal sprays with caution: Point is that women who are pregnant or lactating must use nasal sprays with caution as safety is not guaranteed. Kids under the age of 6 must not be allowed to use e nasal sprays. It is noteworthy that those with glaucoma or high BP must not use nasal sprays often. Safety tips for using nasal sprays: Firstly, decongestant nasal sprays must not be used for more than 3 to 5 days. Secondly, get the help of an ENT doctor if the symptoms persist. The doctor would recommend safe alternatives etc. Thirdly, use saline sprays for a safer daily option.

In the name of fashion, many of us wear tight fitting clothes, isn`t it!!  Now, one question is: Is this good for us? Bitter fact is that by wearing tight fitting clothes we are doing more harm to our bodies. How does the body respond to tight clothes? It was brought to light by a lead consultant Dr. Narendra Singhla from Delhi based C.K. Birla Hospital that when we wear tight fitting clothes then our body would respond in many ways. Cause skin irritations: We could get irritations, rashes and redness etc by wearing tight clothes and these are caused due to friction. It must be noted that these skin issues occur when tight clothes repeatedly rub against the skin. Nerve compression: Another common issue we could get by wearing tight clothes is nerve compression. Truth is that we could get sensations of tingling, numbness and even pain etc. When we wear tight clothes continuously for many years, then the nerve compression could worsen. Restricted breathing: The diaphragm inside us would restrict movement if we wear clothes tightly, especially around the chest or abdomen. By this, there would be shallow breathing leading to shortness of breath, fatigue and reduced intake of oxygen etc. Please take care. Impaired blood circulation: The blood flow would get restricted if we wear tight fitting clothes around waist or legs etc. Bitter truth is that this reduced blood circulation could also lead to other complications like varicose veins or sometimes blood clots too. So, please be careful. Infertility: Tight fitting clothes can also lead to fertility based issues in us.  It is noteworthy that sperms are produced in testicles and testicles must have a temperature cooler than the body. By wearing tight clothes, testicles would be pushed up against the body and due to this heat from the body might affect sperm count. Mental health issues: Not many would be aware that wearing tight clothes could lead to mental health problems also. This could be e due to self consciousness that we could have when we wear tight fitting clothes. Long term issues: We could also get affected by some long term issues like gastrointestinal issues or GI issues such as acid reflux, Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD etc. We could have more risk of getting infections due to improper ventilation, chronic nerve pain plus others like musculoskeletal strain etc.

How many of us remember those golden days when almost every household across India had a charpoy full of papads drying under the sun? These days with less time at the disposal due to fast paced lifestyle etc, the art of making papads at the homes has come down. Whatever it might be, the fact is papads have the amazing ability to elevate the taste of a simple meal. Point is that in south India there are rice papads, gram flour papads in north India in Rajasthan, Urad dal papads of Punjab etc. Papads usually have nutrients like calories, proteins, fats, sodium and carbohydrates etc. It is okay to eat one or two papads but not in more quantities as they could cause few health issues in us.  Various health risks associated with eating excessive amounts of papads are High sodium content: It is worthy to note here that factory made papads would have sodium based preservatives and salt etc. It must be noted that excess intake of sodium can lead to high BP, kidney issues, heart problems etc in us. It has been brought to light by a research study that intake of processed foods with high levels of sodium would lead to long term health risks for those with heart issues and high BP etc. Please be careful and avoid excess sodium intake. Acrylamide formation: Point is that when we eat foods having asparagines then acrylamide formation could take place. Same goes with papads intake also. When carbohydrates rich foods like papads are roasted and fried then acrylamide formation occurs. Bitter fact is that acrylamide is a carcinogen and a neurotoxin. When fat gets broken down during frying of papads, then we could get rancidity linked to symptoms like anxiety and mood fluctuation etc. Cancer and heart disease are also possible when we get exposed to acrylamide. So, please take care. Preservatives and artificial additives etc: The commercially made papads would contain artificial flavours and preservatives and due to this we could get acidity issues also. Saji (sodium carbonate) are sodium salts that are used to enhance taste but could significantly increase sodium intake. High absorption of oils: It is true that most Indian households prefer to fry papads instead of roasting. By this, oil would also be consumed by us along with papads. This would result in high cholesterol levels in us. By this, there are more chances of getting atheherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases etc.

Most of us will feel surprised if we come to know the truth that not all vegetables would be suitable for eating in the summer season. We could get dehydration plus other issues like changes in digestion, heat exhaustion etc during the hot summer seasons. It is noteworthy that our digestive choices play a huge role in making the body cope up with the scorching heat. Though vegetables are full of nutrients, some of them are not suitable for eating especially in the summer. The reason for this is some vegetables could raise the body temperature plus cause bloating and dehydration etc. For maintaining good health, seasonal eating is important for us. This was mentioned by the NIN or National Institute of Nutrition. These vegetables could result in few issues if you consume them in the summer season. Brinjal or eggplant intake: Many of us eat brinjal during summer season without knowing that this vegetable can aggravate heat related problems in us. We might get skin rashes or acidity issues also. It is advised to eat brinjal sparingly during the summer season. Radish intake: This vegetable is known for its pungent smell. It would be good to eat radish in the winters. Consuming this vegetable in the summer would lead to bloating and digestive issues in us. Garlic and onions intake: It is true that onions have cooling properties when consumed in raw form. Eating too much of cooked onions or garlic would lead to body heat and acidity etc. Mustard greens intake: These are warming in nature and good to eat especially in the winter season. The body heat would be increased due to their spicy taste and would lead to digestive issues due to irritation. Spinach intake: Not many of us would know that the oxalates present in spinach would cause bloating and gas when this vegetable is consumed in the summer season. Beetroot intake: Consuming beetroot in the summers could make a person prone to boils or skin breakouts etc in those who are sensitive in nature. Turnip intake: Turnip is better suited in the winter season due to its high starch content and warmth. There are chances of getting indigestion if we eat this vegetable in the summer season. Bitter gourd intake: Bitter gourds can act as diuretic is known. Dehydration based symptoms could worsen if we do not drink enough quantities of water in the day. Cabbage and cauliflower intake: When consumed in raw form in the salads in the summers, cabbage and cauliflower could lead to bloating and gas. It is necessary to cook them lightly and then eat during the summers.