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Obese teens may have smaller brains-Study

Last Updated on: January 19, 2024
Edited By: Alfred

Ever wondered why most obese children wear a sleepy, dull expression most of the time’ Or why they have high chances of being at the bottom of their classes. It’s also been observed that despite the fact that these children try sincerely to loose weight, they are not able to keep away from food for too long. Most of them start believing this happens due to lack of will power to resist temptation. Well, latest finding may have the answer to these questions. This study conducted to study the behavioral pattern of obese children found that the size of their brain is smaller than that of regular, healthy children. It found that the region that controlled the spontaneity in the obese children was smaller than children who were not severely overweight.   As per the research, the reason behind the obsession of obese children with food is not lack of self control but due to small size of the portion of the brain also known as the ‘impulse ‘ control region’.? In fact, as per the study, children who have this finding could be predisposed to gaining weight or the obesity may affect the size of the brain starting a vicious circle. This study could rule out the myth that obese children lack the will power to actually lose weight. The researchers believed that it could be due to a change in the general construction of the brain or a trauma in the past that could trigger this cause.  Study
For this study, 91 teenagers and their eating habits were studied. The average age of most of these children was 17 years, among them 37 had average weight and 54 of them were obese. The body mass index of the obese teens was found to be 39 and their average weight measured to 300 pounds.   As a part of the study, all the teens had to undergo an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging). They were also mad to undertake many cognitive tests which aimed at studying the functioning and performance of the frontal lobe of the brain. The frontal lobe is at the anterior side of the brain (below the temple). This part controls the planning, behavior and self-assessment. In case of trauma, the person can have decreased impulse control.  
Finding
The finding (eating habit) showed that obese teens were more spontaneous and impulsive while eating. The MRI scan also reported that these children had a smaller orbitofrontal cortex and their performance in the cognitive tests was also poor as compared to the other children who were a part of this study. The fact that all the children belonged to the same strata of the society, ruled out the chances of their economic status playing a part their eating habit.   However, the result only hints at an association and not as a cause ‘ effect link. It does not prove that obesity can result in smaller frontal lobe or vice versa. It was also found that though obese children were not diabetic, they also had increased level of fasting insulin which could harm the brain. Insulin is a hormone that increases the absorption of glucose from the blood. As obese people are insulin resistant, they have to produce more of it to keep the glucose level normal.
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Know the difference between cold and flu

Last Updated on: January 19, 2024
Edited By: Alfred

Definition:
The common cold is also known as rhinovirus. It is defined as an acute respiratory tract infection marked by mild coryzal symptoms (cold reaching the head), rhinorrhea(dripping of the nose), nasal obstruction (blocked nose), and sneezing.
Definition:
Medically it is known as influenza virus infection. This disease is one of the most common infections and is among the most contagious airborne diseases. It is marked by an acute febrile illness (fever) and causes various systemic symptoms ranging from mild fatigue to respiratory failure. It severe cases, it can also prove to be fatal.Clinically there are two types of flu, called as influenza A, B or C infection.


Microorganism
There are a number of agents that can cause common cold though a majority of them (66-75%) of them are caused by 200 antigenically distinct viruses. Among them, the most common are rhinoviruses (25-80%), coronaviruses (10-20%), Influenza virus (10-15%), and adenovirus (5%).


Microorganism-
these can be caused due to various viruses, most common being adenoviruses, enteroviruses and paramyxoviruses.
Mode of infection-
This is a communicative disease that spreads through droplet infection and can also occur due to change in weather. The most common route is the nasal and oral cavity
Mode of infection-
this is also a communicative disease. However, this spreads faster than common cold.

  • Frequency
    – In the United States, most people have an average frequency of 1 episode in 1-2 years. Rhinoviruses cause up to 80% of this disease in the autumn months
  • Frequency-
    Flu usually takes the form of an epidemic in winter months in America. The severity depends on the pathogen involved. Within a year, millions of people can suffer from this infection.

Mortality-
Although common cold is not fatal, it accounts for 30-50 % of time lost by adults and 60- 80 % of time lost by children.
Mortality ‘
flu can prove to be fatal and in America alone, it accounts for more than 20,000 deaths annually.
Symptoms-
the incubation period for this disease is 12-72 hours. Some of the most common symptoms are-

  1. Nasal discharge which is yellow, green of white
  2. Nasal congestion
  3. Frequent sneezing
  4. Severe headache
  5. Facial and ear pressure
  6. Loss of smell
  7. Loss of taste
  8. Chest auscultation reveals ronchi (scrapping sound resembling sandpaper rub)

These symptoms usually last for 7 ‘ 11 days though 25 % of the patients may suffer from it for more than 2 weeks. In case of patients suffering from asthma and chronic pulmonary disease, the symptoms can get aggravated.
Symptoms
‘ The symptoms of flu appear from mild to severe. Severe patients appear ill with weakness while the mild ones show general symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  1. Fever- it can range from 100-104??F. As the person ages, the fever becomes more severe.
  2. Tachycardia- The heart rate increases due to hypoxia, fever or both.
  3. Throat infection- this can make talking and swallowing difficult.
  4. Reddening of the eye with watery discharge.
  5. Unlike common cold, patients usually do not have nasal discharge.
  6. Drug cough.

 

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Regular workouts ward off the common cold

Last Updated on: January 19, 2024
Edited By: Alfred

Common cold is not fatal but at the same time it can affect the quality of life of the person to the extent that it can take a toll on their professional and personal life. Since being confined to the bed or walking around with a handkerchief and a dripping nose is not an option that many would opt for, it’s important to ward off the disease. Studies have shown that one of the best ways to ward off diseases is to workout regularly.Ideally, the only reason people opt for working out is to tone their body and build muscles. However, another perk of regular work outs is the ability to avoid catching common cold.  
As per the studies
 

  • People who workout for almost 5 days a week have lesser chances of suffering from common cold. Even when they do, the cold is less severe as compared to people who workout for a shorter duration.
  • Just 30 minutes of daily workout can prove to be a powerful weapon during cold season.

The researchers believe that exercising stimulates the thymus gland which increases the production of active immune cells in the body, three hours post a workout. This shows that people who workout frequently have immune cells that are always actively invading pathogens. Due to this increased production and activity, the body is protected from frequent infections.  
Study
Researchers conducted a study on 1000 people who were in the age gap of 18 to 85 for 12 weeks. The duration chosen for this study was between autumn and winter because immunity efficacy is the most affected between these seasons. The workout patterns of these people were monitored and they were made to fill a questionnaire regarding their workout regimes at the end of the study. The study was as follows:  

  • People who worked out for five days a week had suffered a shorter duration of of common cold by at least 43 to 46 % as compared to people who dint work out at all.
  • People who were the fittest suffered from 41 % less severity than people who were less fit.
  • People who were married and older had less chances of catching cold than people who were young and single. This was because the older generation has more antibodies. It could also be due to the fact that married people mingled less in the crowd thus reducing their chances of catching cold.

This is not the first case; previous studies have also proved that regular workouts helped to boost immunity and thus people could fight diseases better. It was also shown that even moderate exercising can reduce the chances of respiratory tract infection by 23 % as compared to mild exercising. Another study proved that postmenopausal women who were overweight or obese also had decreased incidences of cold after regular exercises.   All this proves that workout regimes can boost immunity and thus lower the chances of suffering from common cold.

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Best Food For Spring Salad

Last Updated on: January 19, 2024
Edited By: Alfred

Spinach– Spinach if used in salad consists of Lutein a natural pigment that does great to one’s eyes and skin. ??Inclusion of spinach in our daily diet disallows congeality of arteries. It also prevents an individual from heart attacks and strokes. Spinach reduces the danger of cataract in the eyes.  Lettuce– Lettuce consists of lutein and is rich in Vitamins. Lettuce is not only good for the eyes but for all those who wish to burn the calories, it is the best option.    

Basil– Basil is used a lot in salads and soups. This herb is a great antioxidant. It also helps in keeping one away from viral and bacterial infections and fever. Inclusion of basil treats asthma and diabetes.

 
Parsley– Parsley is rich in Vitamin C. It prevents bad breath. Use of parsley in salad is the best therapy for people suffering with kidney stones. It also clears ones stomach and helps in getting rid of the problems related to urinary infection. It also treats cold and having rich source of boron and fluoride it may also help those suffering from osteoporosis.  
Swiss Chard– Swiss chard also known as Chard consists of Vitamin A, C, iron and protein. It promotes bone health. The anti oxidant property in it fights diseases related to lung, cancer and osteoporosis, by increasing one’s immunity.   Cherry– Cherry not only makes a salad tasty but it also relieves muscle and joint pain that may ensue in many people due to running and walking. Cherry contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C. It helps in fighting diseases like Cancer, relieves headaches and prevents from heart diseases.  
Papaya– Papaya in salad not only makes it colorful and tasty but also nutritional. Papaya consists of carotene and vitamin C that prevents diabetes. It also cures allergies and problems of indigestion. It also lowers cholesterol level in the body that may lead to heart ailments.  
Strawberries– The most popular and nutritional berry, this red berry is an antioxidant that increases ones immunity to fight with diseases. It also averts leukemia. It prevents from tumors.    
Blueberry– It consists of Vitamin A, B and C. It also consists of potassium and magnesium, that reduces cholesterol levels and reduces the fat from the body. It also lessens sodium level in body, thus curbing from diseases like diabetes and heart related ailments from occurring.  
Fig– Fig just eaten raw or put in a salad with other fruits and vegetables completes the nutritious bandwagon. ??Fig consists if minerals that control hypertension and high blood pressure. ??It helps in reducing weight and is the best for people suffering with breast cancer and diabetes.   All those who wish to taste the naturally grown fruits and vegetables for your salad then spring is the right season to enjoy those delicious salads with the seasonal fruits and vegetables.

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All you need to know about Penile Implant or Penile prosthesis

Last Updated on: January 19, 2024
Edited By: Alfred

Erectile Dysfunction is a physical sexual disorder which is a nightmare for numerous men. Penile prosthesis or penile implant is a treatment for impotent men who have tried various medicines and methods for curing ED or impotency, but did not experienced any improvement.? It is a surgery in which a device is implanted generally through an incision and is placed in the scrotum. According to the analysis and evaluation, doctors may decide what would be a suitable device whether inflatable or non-inflatable. Generally these devices are filled using saline or salt water, and a pump is kept hidden in the scrotum. The function starts from this pump which when gently pressed passes the liquid to the device through a reservoir, which is implanted near the bladder. The actual device is present in the male reproductive organ (male organ for reproduction). This chief device consists of two chambers which go into the corpora cavernosa, which are chambers of erectile functioning. The water inflates these chambers resulting in erection for the patient. After the course of copulation the device can be deflated.  Infrapubic Penile implant:
Most impotent men desire to acquire knowledge about penile implants and their types, before they opt for their last hope. Infrapubic penile implant is preferred over conventional implant, in conventional method the device is implanted through incision, which makes it significantly invasive. In case of infrapubic penile implant the incision is relatively lesser which makes the surgery less invasive. In this process the device as well as the reservoir is placed through less incision just above the male organ of copulation, close to lower portion of the abdomen, rather than placing the device in the scrotum.
Visibility of the surgery:   Most men question whether any evidence of the surgery is visible from outside. It is to their information, that the presence of the device is not detectable as it is completed hidden once the surgery is successfully completed. The process of inflation and deflation is done by the patient using the pump which is internally present either in the scrotum or right above the male organ for reproduction.  
Inflation and Deflation of Devices:
In case of non-inflatable penile device, you can bend the organ up for erection and down when it is not in utilization. But the case of two piece inflatable devices is different. In this scenario you need to press the pump for erection and it will be down when it is not being used. However, in the third class of implant which is using multi-component or three piece inflatable devices, you need to gently press the pump to get erection and press the valve that is allocated for deflation which will be placed above the pump. All three types of penile implant have different methods for inflation and deflation.  
Advantages of penile implant:
Every types of penile implant have varying advantages. However, the first and foremost advantage of penile implant or penile prosthesis is that it eradicates impotency from your personality and helps you have successful sexual life. It is also easy for you and your partner to use the implanted devices during the session of intercourse. The inflation and deflation is under the patient’s control.  
Recovery:
The surgery of penile implants generally takes less than an hour to be successfully completed. Depending upon the condition, the patient may be allowed to be discharged on the same day. It takes around 2 to 3 weeks to recover from the surgery; however, in order to resume to sexual intercourse one should consult the doctor.   You can consult your family physician, sexologist or other health experts to discuss about the issue and your desire to have a penile implant.