Mental Health & Psychological Disorders

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological & social well-being. It affects how we think, feel & act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others & make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood & adolescence through adulthood. Many people have mental health concerns from time to time.

Mental illnesses are very common. In fact they are more common than cancer, diabetes & heart disease. Mental illness does not discriminate. It can affect people of any age, income or educational level & cultural background. Mental health problems can cover a broad range of disorders, but the common characteristic is that they all affect the person’s personality, thought processes or social interactions.

Diagnosing Mental Health Problems

They can be difficult to clearly diagnose, unlike physical illnesses. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

·         Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry

·         Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

          ·         Family history of mental health problems

One or two symptoms can’t predict mental illness. But person experiencing several together that are causing serious problems in his or her ability to study, work, or relate to others should be seen by a mental health professional. Guidance counselors, teachers or classmates are often the first to notice symptoms.

Common Psychological Disorder Symptoms

The following symptoms serve as early warning signs and the sooner the treatment commences, the quicker the recovery.

· Feeling sad or down and loss of initiative to participate in any activity.

· Unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as poor 

      academic performance or difficulty performing familiar tasks

· Feeling of confusion & reduced ability to concentrate.

· Excessive fears or worries, suspicious of others or extreme feelings of guilt

· Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or ‘mood swings’; Excessive anger, 

      hostility or violence; Suicidal thinking

· Recent social withdrawal & loss of interest in others.

· Significant tiredness, low energy, dramatic sleep & appetite changes or 

      deterioration in personal hygiene

· Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior such as detachment from reality 

      (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations

· Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand 

      meanings or influence events

· Inability to cope with daily problems or stress

· Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought & speech that             are hard to explain.

· Trouble understanding, relating to situations & people

·  Vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings.

·  Alcohol or drug abuse

Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headache, or other unexplained aches & pains. Your loved ones need you, your care & your understanding. Help them by getting professional help before the condition progresses into a major mental illness. 

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Breast Cancer Awareness

A woman's breast is made up of milk glands & milk ducts. These are surrounded by fatty tissue & connective supports. Uncontrolled growth of cells in any of these breast tissues can cause breast cancer. Like all cancers, breast cancer occurs when cells begin to divide at an unusually high rate. No single trigger or cause has been identified for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in women.

A woman’s age also affects the probability of developing breast cancer. Chances of developing breast cancer rise dramatically as women age. 13 out of 1,000 women in their 40s; 23 out of 1,000 women in their 50s; 29 out of 1,000 women in their 60s; 31 out of 1,000 women in their 70s. Thus age can be looked upon as an important risk factor for breast cancer in women.

Breast Examination Is Crucial

A regular breast examination can be crucial to early diagnosis of breast cancer & this increases chances of successful treatment. Adult women of all ages should perform breasts self-examination at least once a month. Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who discover a lump during such self-examination. Everyone’s breasts are different; altering with age & at different times of the month. Look out for peculiar changes in breasts. The goal is to find cancer even before onset of symptoms.

Stay Breast Aware

Observe your breasts carefully & feel them. Also observe arm pits & upper chest. Look out for any lumps or thickening of breast tissue or under the arm pits. The lump might be the size of a pea initially.

Observe the size & appearance of the breast – whether the size of one breast is increasing or it is lower than the other breast. Is there any dimpling of the skin? The nipples become inverted or change shape or position. The nipples develop a rash, crusting or produce discharge.

Observe for pain in breasts or armpits or swelling under armpits & around the collar-bone.

If you are over 50, attend breast screening regularly.

Consult Your Doctor In Time

Promptly report any changes to your doctor without delay. Not all masses or lumps are cancerous. They might be benign cysts or overgrowth of tissues, but reporting your doctor & staying vigilant goes a long way in keeping conditions at bay. Your doctor is the best person to advice you & guide further diagnostic measures.

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MRI Exam Procedure

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Dry Eye Causes & Symptoms

Dry Eyes or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is a common disorder & is caused by eye dryness. Dry eye is caused by multiple factors involving tears & ocular surface. This in turn results with symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance & tear film instability with potential damage to ocular surface.  Dry eye syndrome can affect anyone, but it becomes more common with increasing age.

Developing Dry Eyes-

Dry eyes affect about 15 to 33 in 100 people, that is, possibly as many as a third of older people. Women are affected much more often than men. Dry eye is more common after menopause. Women who experience menopause prematurely are more likely to suffer from dry eye. According to reports people above 50 years of age are most likely to suffer from dry eyes.

Be Alerted If –

Symptoms of dry eyes include stinging or burning or scratchy sensation in the eye. You also get a sensation of having something sandy or gritty in your eyes. Your eyes feel tired and fatigued. Your eyelids may feel heavy. Your eyes suffer from pain & redness. You may get stringy discharge from eyes. You suffer from episodes of excess tears following very dry eye periods & also episodes of blurred vision.

Other common dry eye discomforts include:-

• You develop sensitivity to light
• You might experience increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
• Experience inability to cry when emotionally stresses
• Experience decreased tolerance of reading, working on the computer, or any activity that requires sustained visual attention

Dry Eye Causes - 

Dry eye can be due to multiple factors. It can be a side effect of some medications like antihistamines, nasal decongestants, tranquilizers, certain blood pressure medicines, birth control pills, anti-depressants, or some homeopathic remedies. These medications may decrease tear production leading to dry eye syndrome. Allergies can also be associated with dry eye. It can be a temporary case in women who are pregnant and women who are on hormone replacement therapy may also experience symptoms of dry eye.

Associate Factors Causing Dry Eyes

Poor production of tears by the tear glands, either due to age, hormonal changes or due to various autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may also cause dry eye. Skin diseases on or around the eyelids can result in dry eye. Dry eye can also develop after refractive surgery known as LASIK & symptoms could generally last up to six months or may be longer. Infrequent blinking associated with staring at a computer or video screens may also lead to dry eye syndrome.

Environmental Influences Promoting Dry Eyes

Dry eye can also be caused due to chemical and thermal burns that scar the membrane lining eyelids & covering the eye. Both excessive & insufficient dosages of vitamins can contribute to dry eye. Long-term contact lens wear which may affect cornea, can also cause dry eye. Exposure to irritants like chemical fumes, smoke, or drafts from air conditioning or heating can also lead to a dry eye syndrome.

Get Cost-Effective Eye Treatment with Travcure Medical Tourism 

Enquire Us at: info@travcure.com

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Heart Health Tips

Your heart is an incredibly hard-working muscle. The heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood as it contracts and expands about 100,000 times per day — which is why keeping it healthy is so important. Find out how to keep your heart in top shape.

Top 5  heart healing food

Incorporate five heart healing foods in diet:

1. Fiber 
You need 30 grams a day from fruits, veggies, beans & nuts.

2. Healthy Fats
Substitute saturated & trans-fats with olive & almond oils, avocados, omega-3 eggs. Eat small-mouth fish 3 times a week (or take a fish oil supplement).

3. Lean Protein
Eat free-range grass fed meats & poultry, low mercury seafood, beans, protein powder, tofu, plain nonfat yogurt.

4. Beneficial Beverages
Drink green tea, hot cocoa, red wine!

5. Fabulous Flavors
Use herbs & spices, garlic, dark chocolate.

Aerobic & weight-training exercise strengthens your heart & arteries. Exercise not only burns fat, it also improves blood sugar control, lowers inflammation, improves cholesterol profile, reduces stress & builds stamina.

Manage stress. Stress-induced spasms in coronary arteries can lead to heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. Reduce stress by -

·         Getting plenty of good quality sleep

·         Engaging in moments of peace & meditation

·         Enjoying loving relationships including sex, if possible

·         Exercising

Expert tips for preventing heart attack:-   

1. Calculate Risk: There is enough evidence from multiple heart disease risk studies that it is now possible to put a number on your risk of having heart disease within 10 years. The higher your risk, the more aggressive you should be in your efforts to prevent heart attack.

2. Lower “Bad” Cholesterol: If you have high LDL “bad” cholesterol, this is a high priority for controlling heart attack risk over long-term. Even if you have borderline high cholesterol but you also have some other heart disease risk factors, you must take steps to bring cholesterol levels into desirable range.

3. Improve “Good” Cholesterol: While you work on lowering bad cholesterol you should work on increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels as well.

4. Stop Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Even if you don’t have any other risks, smoking is bad for heart.

5. Control High Blood Pressure: You can’t feel it happening, but high blood pressure causes irreparable damage to your blood vessels over time.

6. Control Diabetes: Although the jury is out on whether controlling diabetes can significantly reduce heart disease risk, this is still an important risk factor within your control, say doctors. Remember, you can prevent or significantly reduce risk of having heart attack within the next decade by focusing on these risk factors. 

We at Travcure Medical Tourism provide low cost heart treatments in India. We are associaed with top heart surgeons in India performing advanced cardiac surgery procedures.

Enquire us at : info@travcure.com
Call Us at : +91-8600044116

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Sleep – How Important Is Your Snooze!!

Sleep is as important to human body as the air we breathe & the food we eat. The wear & tear of body takes place when we sleep. Thus sleep keeps us physically & mentally fit.

Sleep deprivation is a term used to describe a state caused by inadequate quantity of sleep or poor quality of sleep. This can be either short-term or chronic. In short term, a lack of adequate sleep can affect judgment, mood & ability to learn, retain information & thereby may increase risk of serious accidents & injury. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation may lead to numerous health problems including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease & even early mortality.

Sleep deprivation affects every system of the body -

Cardiovascular System:

Sleep plays a vital role in your body’s ability to heal & repair blood vessels & heart. Sleep deprivation can lead to higher risk of chronic health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, & stroke. For people with hypertension or pre-hypertension, even one night without enough sleep can cause an elevated blood pressure all through the next day.

Immune System: During sleep, the immune system produces protective cytokines & infection-fighting antibodies & cells to fight off bacteria & viruses. Sleep deprivation disrupts immune system. Recovery from illness may also take longer due to sleep deprivation. The cytokines & other protective substances also help get better sleep, giving immune system more energy to defend against illnesses.

Respiratory System: Since sleep deprivation weakens immune system, it increases vulnerability to respiratory problems like common cold & influenza. A chronic lung disease will eventually worsen due to sleep deprivation. 

Central Nervous System: Sleep is of vital importance for proper functioning of central nervous system. Sleep deprivation leaves brain exhausted & thus affecting its functioning. It leads to a feeling of fatigue, impairs attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning & problem solving. 

Digestive System: Several studies have linked insufficient sleep & weight gain. It has been observed that people who habitually sleep less than six hours per night are much more likely to have a higher than average Body Mass Index (BMI) & that people who sleep eight or more hours have the lowest BMI. Poor sleep is also associated with increases in secretion of insulin following a meal, which in turn promotes fat storage leading to weight gain, a risk factor for diabetic patients.

Lack of Sex Drive: Sleep specialists say that sleep-deprived men & women report lower libidos & display less interest in sex. 

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Diagnosing Cervical Cancer

Causes of Cervical Cancer are yet unknown. However, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is considered to have definite association with Cervical Cancer cases. There also happen to be many different types of HPV. As some types of HPV cause genital warts, they are also sometimes called genital wart virus. But then, genital wart viruses are not the types which cause Cervical Cancer.

Passed on from one person to another through sexual contact, very often women developing Cervical Cancer are those who have had infections with HPV in the past. Changes in cells covering cervix which are likely to become cancerous in time have been noted among the high-risk type of HPV patients. Nevertheless, most women infected with HPV do not end-up with Cervical Cancer. Therefore, other factors definitely must be involved in causing Cervical Cancer.

How to Diagnose Cervical Cancer

There are many ways to diagnose Cervical Cancer. Some of the most common procedures are mentioned below:-

Pap Smear Test:

This is an examination of cells scraped from the tip of cervix under the microscope. Most doctors obtain samples by inserting an instrument called speculum inside vagina & scraping cervix with a small brush.

Hybrid Capture II Test:

Hybrid Capture II HPV test essentially specifies whether or not any treatment is required by the patient. This is a DNA based testing procedure providing information on 13 types of HPV viruses infecting cervical cells.

Liquid Based Cytology:

Liquid Based Cytology or LBC is a way of obtaining cervical samples which can be examined in a laboratory. These samples are collected similar to Pap smear using spatula as device which brushes cells from cervix.

Colposcopy:

Coloscopy is a special way using light to take a detailed view at cervix. A low-powered microscope is also involved to make cervix appear larger. It enables doctors make closer observations & subsequently biopsy abnormal areas of cervix.

MagneticResonance Imaging (MRI):

MRI uses magnetism so as to build up pictures of organs inside abdomen. It is also ideal for imaging tissues located in the pelvis where cancer is suspected. Moreover, MRI is painless & magnetism is harmless.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP):

LEEP involves using an electrode pushed inside cervix so as to remove abnormal cells from cervix & endo-cervical canal. There is a high frequency electric power running through wire.

ComputerizedTomography (CT) Scan:

CT Scans are type of x-rays which give cross-sectional images of organs & other tissues including tumors within the body.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET):

PET Scans are able to detect if cancer has spread to adjoining parts of the body. In case a patient is diagnosed having cancer, the doctor would be interested in finding out if it has spread in to other regions. This procedure is called staging, which also helps the doctor plan a treatment.

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High-Fat Diet May Lead to Depression

New studies have linked depression & other mental problems to high-fat diets. This type of diet can also lead to brain inflammation & affect human behavior as well. As it is, a diet high in fat was tied to physical health problems including increased risk of heart attacks & strokes. Gut micro-biome, comprising a complete mix of bacteria in the human digestive system eventually get altered by consuming diet rich in fat. A typical human body contains almost trillions of such microorganisms.

High-Fat Diet Research on Mice

Mice fed on a normal diet were implanted with bacteria from rodents fed with large doses of high-fat foods. Monitored over time, the behavior & cognition of these animals were measured against a control group who had received microbes from mice on a normal diet. Louisiana State University researchers were trying to find out whether gut bacteria can alter behavioral patterns even among animal who do not exhibit obesity concerns.

High-Fat Diet Study

It was found that mice who had received implanted bacteria from rodents on high-fat diet exhibited anxiety, repetitive behavior & memory impairment. Signs of increased permeability & inflammation were also recorded in their intestines. Brain inflammation was also observed in mice with implanted bacteria which might have been responsible for behavioral changes seen in them.

High-Fat Diet Suggestions

This report suggests that high-fat diet impair brain health in part, by disrupting the symbiotic relationship existing between humans & microorganisms, occupying our gastrointestinal tracts. This study goes on to suggest that such behavioral changes also occur in animals who are not obese. Detailed mechanism caused by high-fat diet is still unknown & future research can establish how bacteria in gut are able to alter behavior.

Backed by Previous Research

Prior research had established a correlation between gut bacteria & some psychological conditions. This new study enjoins supportive evidence to earlier findings. Microbiome alterations are also previously tied to body-ability in fighting illness & heal injuries. Depression & obesity are known to be largely influenced by genetics. People in depression often tend to eat high-fat diets in order to feel better, while attached social stigmas invariably increase feelings of depression.

Relation Between High-Fat Diet & Depression

Another recent study found obese individuals to have a 20% elevated risk of getting into depression. Moreover, college-educated obese subjects risk of depression rises to almost as high as 44 percent. This study establishes an additional tie-up between these two conditions. This analysis of role of gut bacteria & high-fat diet on mental health is profiled in Biological Psychiatry journal.

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Complications Linked to Poorly Controlled Diabetes

Diabetes, if not well-managed & properly controlled, leads to numerous complications. It affects almost all body systems.

Some complications linked to poorly controlled diabetes are as follows:

Eyes: Diabetic retinopathy which is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina resulting in gradual loss of vision & eventually blindness, glaucoma & cataracts.

Feet: Neuropathy, ulcers, & sometimes a slow healing wound may get infected & gangrene may set in leading to foot amputation.

Skin: Diabetics are more susceptible to skin infections & skin disorders.

Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular disease is a serious complication of diabetes. Heart disease or stroke is the no.1 killer in diabetics. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to suffer from heart disease or stroke than adults without diabetes.

Mental health: Among a wide-ranging co morbidity linked with diabetes, mental health is one of the most overlooked. The mental health effects associated with diabetes aren't limited to depression, panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorder & posttraumatic stress disorder are also common among diabetic patients.

Hearing:  Diabetics have a higher risk of developing hearing problems. Hearing loss is twice as common among diabetics, than in those with normal blood sugar levels.

Oral health: There is a much higher prevalence of gum disease among diabetes patients.

Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a medical condition in which the food remains in the stomach for an abnormally longer time. It is also called delayed gastric emptying. Gastroparesis can make blood glucose control difficult. When food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine & is absorbed, blood glucose levels rise. Gastric emptying is unpredictable with Gastroparesis, causing a person’s blood glucose levels to be erratic & difficult to control.

Ketoacidosis:  Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma. When ketones build up in the body they make blood more acidic. It is also a warning sign that diabetes is out of control.

Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage which is a common complication of both type 1 & type 2 variants of diabetes. Around 60% to 70% of diabetic patients are affected by it. Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the world.

Kidneys: Diabetic kidney disease is a complication that occurs in some people with diabetes. In some cases it can even progress to kidney failure.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Symptoms may include pain in the leg, tingling & sometimes problems walking properly.

Stroke: If blood pressure, cholesterol levels & blood glucose levels are not controlled, the risk of stroke increases significantly.

Erectile Dysfunction:  Male impotence.

Infections: Infections are of particular concern for diabetics. People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing infections, as high blood sugar levels can weaken the patient's immune system defenses. 

Healing of Wounds: Wound-healing can be slow in diabetics. Cuts and lesions take much longer time to heal.

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Diabetes & Healthy Diet Plan

Diabetes - This disease is also known as the “silent killer” because it does not exhibit any symptoms at the onset & if left untreated it can cause many complications. Diabetes can also be described as a metabolism disorder. Metabolism refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy & growth. The food we eat is broken down into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar in the blood - it is the principal source of fuel for our bodies. When our food is digested, the glucose makes its way into our bloodstream. Our cells use glucose for energy & growth & insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in glucose. Insulin is produced by pancreas & it lowers blood glucose by helping the body cells absorb glucose. Diabetes is caused either because of the absence or insufficient production of insulin. Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which the blood glucose levels are very high over a prolonged period of time.

Types of Diabetes

Broadly, there are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 & gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes resulting from the body’s failure to produce insulin & the symptoms may develop very rapidly. This type has to be managed with insulin injections.

In type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, the symptoms develop slowly, may be subtle or totally absent. This type can be managed with medications & with or without insulin injections.

The third type is gestational diabetes in which pregnant women without previous history of diabetes develop high blood glucose levels. This type usually resolves after the termination of pregnancy or child birth.  Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst & increased hunger.  Prevention & treatment involve a healthy diet, physical exercise & maintaining a normal body weight.

Foods Help Control Blood Sugar

Coffee & Cinnamon have long made headlines as foods that can help cut the risk of diabetes by improving blood sugar levels. Oatmeal is also good for diabetics, but make sure that you don’t get the sweetened variety. Besides oats, barley & most whole grains are also a great choice for diabetic patients. Add plenty of non-starchy vegetables into your meals. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli & green beans are ideal as they are high in fiber & low in carbohydrates. Do not shy away from strawberries just because they are sweet. A cup of strawberries is great for a healthy diabetes snack. Fish, skinless chicken breast & lean cuts of meat are also great choices for diabetic diets.

Living with Diabetes

Do not feel deprived if you have to live with diabetes. Learn to balance meals & make healthy food choices. Once you get the hang of a healthy diabetic diet, you can perhaps relax & dig into a large variety of delicious meals & snacks.

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Complex Effects of Stress

Stress is an automatic response of the body to an inappropriate level of pressure. It is a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Everyone experiences stress in some form or the other, but it is important to handle stress effectively. The effects of stress are numerous depending upon the severity. It is accompanied by an array of physical reactions which may be characteristic of other physical or mental disorders. Medical records suggest 75% to 90% of all visits to the doctor are associated with stress-related ailments.

Stress affects the entire body & chronic stress may even take the form of ailments.

Nervous System:

When stressed, physically or psychologically, the sympathetic nervous system signals the adrenal glands to secrete more hormones. The release of adrenaline & cortisol increase heart beats, raise blood pressure, change digestive processes & boost glucose levels in blood stream.

Musculoskeletal System:

During stress muscles tense up causing headaches, migraines, backaches & various musculoskeletal problems.

Pulmonary System:

Stress can cause rapid breathing or hyperventilation which can lead to panic attacks. But for people suffering from asthma or emphysema, the need to breathe easier can be difficult.

Cardiovascular System:

Acute stress can cause increase in heart rate & also bring about stronger contractions of heart muscles. Repeated acute stress & chronic stress may contribute to inflammation in the circulatory system & coronary arteries, which in turn may cause heart attacks.

Endocrine System:

When the body is in stress, the hypothalamus signals the autonomic nervous system & the pituitary gland to secrete cortisol & epinephrine, which are also called “stress hormones”. In reaction to these hormones, the liver produces more glucose & releases it in the blood stream.

Gastrointestinal System:  

Stress may lead to overeating or much less than one usually does. One may also experience heartburn, or acid re-flux. One may even experience nausea or pain in the stomach. Stress can affect digestion & may either cause constipation or diarrhea.

Male Reproductive System:

Stress can affect the normal functioning of the male reproductive system. Stress causes release of hormone cortisol. Excess amounts of cortisol can affect the normal biochemical functioning of the male reproductive system. Sperm production, maturation, etc. can eventually be affected.

Concerning Women:

Stress can affect menstruation among adolescent girls & women in several ways. It may worsen premenstrual symptoms like cramping, fluid retention & bloating, mood swings etc. It may also cause absent or irregular menstrual cycles or more painful periods. Stress may cause increased number of hot flashes in premenopausal women, fatigue & reduced sexual desire.

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