Know It All About Angiography

Angiography is a medical imaging procedure that visualises the body’s blood vessels, particularly arteries and sometimes veins. It is employed to diagnose and evaluate various vascular conditions, most commonly in the coronary and cerebral arteries. During angiography, a contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream, which makes the blood vessels visible on X-ray or fluoroscopy images. This contrast dye allows medical professionals to pinpoint areas of blockages, narrowing, aneurysms, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels. The procedure is conducted in a specialised setting like a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory or interventional radiology suite.

Angiography is a valuable tool in modern medicine for diagnosing and guiding the treatment of vascular diseases. Know it all about Angiography and learn the different types of angiography and their essence in the field of medicine and if need be who can help you. 

Types Of Angiography

Angiography is a medical imaging technique used to visualise blood vessels in the body. There are several types of angiography, each tailored to specific medical purposes. Here are some common types:

Difference CategoryCoronary AngiographyPeripheral Angiography
PurposeCoronary angiography is used to visualise and assess the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. It is primarily a diagnostic tool to identify blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in these crucial arteries.Peripheral angiography is used to examine the blood vessels in the arms, legs, and other peripheral parts of the body. It helps in diagnosing and evaluating peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which involves blockages or narrowing in these vessels.
ProcedureA catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groyne or the radial artery in the wrist and guided through the vascular system to the coronary arteries. A contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray or fluoroscopy is used to capture images of the coronary arteries.Similar to coronary angiography, a catheter is inserted into a peripheral artery, often in the groyne, and advanced to the area of interest. Contrast dye is injected, and X-ray imaging is used to capture images of the peripheral arteries.
ApplicationsCoronary angiography is essential in diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), determining the location and severity of blockages, and guiding treatment decisions. It may lead to further interventions like angioplasty and stent placement to address identified blockages.Peripheral angiography is crucial for identifying the location, extent, and severity of blockages or stenosis in the peripheral arteries. It aids in planning appropriate treatment strategies, which may include angioplasty, stent placement, or other interventions to improve blood flow to the extremities.

While both coronary and peripheral angiography involve the use of catheters and contrast dye to visualise blood vessels, they are tailored to different regions of the body and serve distinct clinical purposes. Coronary angiography is specific to the heart’s coronary arteries and is primarily a diagnostic procedure for coronary artery disease, while peripheral angiography focuses on the peripheral blood vessels and is used to diagnose and guide the treatment of conditions affecting the limbs and other peripheral areas.

Why Are Angiography Used?

Angiography is used for various medical purposes due to its ability to visualise blood vessels within the body. It provides critical information for diagnosing and managing a wide range of vascular and cardiovascular conditions. Here are some common reasons why angiography is used:

Diagnostic Purposes

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Diagnosis: Coronary angiography helps diagnose CAD by visualising blockages and narrowing in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle.
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Diagnosis: Peripheral angiography is used to identify blockages or stenosis in the arteries of the arms, legs, and other extremities, which is crucial for diagnosing PAD.

Assessment of Vascular Anatomy

  • Cerebral Aneurysm Identification: Cerebral angiography is employed to detect and assess aneurysms in the blood vessels of the brain.
  • Vascular Malformations: Angiography helps identify arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and other vascular abnormalities in various parts of the body.

Treatment Planning

  • Interventional Procedures: Angiography guides interventional treatments, such as angioplasty and stent placement, to address arterial blockages or other vascular issues.
  • Embolization: It can help direct the placement of embolic materials to block or restrict blood flow to specific areas, often used in cases like bleeding blood vessels or tumours.
  • Monitoring Blood Flow: Angiography can be used to monitor blood flow during surgery or other medical procedures, ensuring adequate perfusion to vital organs and tissues.

Preoperative Planning: In cases where surgical intervention is required, angiography can provide surgeons with a clear roadmap of the patient’s vascular anatomy, aiding in surgical planning.

Follow-up and Surveillance: After an initial diagnosis or intervention, angiography may be used to assess treatment outcomes and monitor the progression of vascular diseases over time.

Research and Education: Angiography is also used in medical research and education to further our understanding of vascular diseases and to train healthcare professionals in the techniques of vascular imaging and intervention.

Who Performs Angiography?

Angiography is performed by a specialised team of healthcare professionals. Interventional cardiologists and interventional radiologists are the primary specialists who conduct angiography procedures. They have advanced training and expertise in vascular imaging and interventions. These professionals are skilled in using catheters and guiding wires to access and navigate the blood vessels within the body. Additionally, a team of nurses, radiologic technologists, and support staff assists during the procedure, ensuring patient safety and comfort. The entire team collaborates to operate the equipment, administer contrast dye, and capture high-quality images of the blood vessels, enabling accurate diagnosis and, when necessary, immediate interventional treatments.

To Sum It Up

Angiography is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and cerebral aneurysms. It provides detailed information about the location and extent of vascular issues, aiding doctors in making informed decisions regarding treatment. Depending on the findings, further interventional procedures, such as angioplasty and stent placement, can be performed during the same session to address blockages or abnormalities, ultimately improving blood flow and minimising the risk of complications.

Overall, angiography is a versatile and indispensable tool in modern medicine for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating a wide range of vascular and cardiovascular conditions. Its ability to provide real-time, high-resolution images of blood vessels is essential for making informed clinical decisions and improving patient outcomes. If you or your loved ones are struggling to find someone for angiography procedures visit us at RRMCH’s RajaRajeswari Heart Centre a medical institution that are equipped on the parameters of faculty competence, faculty welfare and development, research, innovation, pedagogic systems, placement and infrastructure promoting affordable yet 24/7 critical care.

Monsoon and The Rise of Illness

The monsoons provide much-needed reprieve from the oppressive summer heat. Furthermore, they are a boon to agriculture since they raise the water levels in reservoirs. Despite the many benefits of the monsoon, it also brings a variety of illnesses. It is home to a slew of infections and health problems, ranging from an increase in cough, cold, and flu due to extreme temperature swings to viral fever and mosquito-borne diseases, among other things. Doctors at RajaRajeshwari Medical College and Hospital have compiled a list of the most frequent monsoon-related disorders and what you can do to avoid or lessen your chances of being ill this season.

Monsoon-Related Diseases And Prevention Tips

Many seasonal illnesses go undetected until they have a major impact on a person’s health. However, by exercising early detection and some easy preventive and hygiene practices, you may stay safe during India’s severe disease season. This is a list of monsoon diseases to be careful of during this muddy, rainy season:

Mosquito-borne diseases

MalariaDengueChikungunya
Malaria, which is caused by a single-celled parasite called Plasmodium, is one of India’s primary health issues during the monsoon season. It is the breeding season for mosquitos (Anopheles minimus), which serve as hosts for this malaria-causing virus. This mosquito breeds in water channels and streams and causes a severe fever (up to 105 degrees Celsius) for several days.    Dengue-causing Mosquitoes of the genus Aedes aegypti breed in stagnant water (such as buckets, drums, flower pots, wells, and tree holes). These organisms have adapted to changing landscapes and growing urbanisation, and are now found in urban dwellings as well. Dengue fever takes four to seven days to develop after being bitten, and the initial symptoms are fever and exhaustion.    Chikungunya is a non-fatal viral disease produced by the Aedes albopictus mosquito. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and can attack you both at nightfall and during the day. Chikungunya, which means “bending up,” is named after its unique arthritic symptoms (pain in the joints and bones, stiffness).    

Prevention Tips

  • Use insect repellent creams, lotions
  • Keep polluted water from accumulating.
  • Use mosquito nets that have been treated with pesticide.

Water-borne Diseases

Gastro-intestinal infectionsCholeraTyphoidJaundice
The ingestion of stale, uncovered, or polluted food and drink causes gastrointestinal diseases such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastroenteritis. To avoid stomach infections, it is best to boil water before drinking it and keep all meals covered before eating them.    Cholera, which is also caused by inadequate sanitation and eating infected food, is accompanied by diarrhoea or loose movements.    Typhoid is a water-borne disease caused by the S. Typhi bacteria that spreads due to inadequate sanitation. The two most common causes of typhoid infection are consuming spoiled or unprotected food and drinking contaminated water. Fever, headache, joint pain, and a sore throat are among the symptoms.    Jaundice, a water-borne disease, is spread through contamination of food and water, as well as poor sanitation. It causes liver malfunction, as well as symptoms such as weakness and exhaustion, yellow urine, eye yellowing, and diarrhoea.    

Prevention

  • Keep up with your personal hygiene.
  • After coughing or sneezing, before and after using the toilet, and before and after handling food, wash your hands at regular intervals.
  • Avoid eating from street vendors.
  • Consume only pure, filtered, and boiling water.

Air-borne Diseases

Cold and fluInfluenza
The most frequent viral infection, the common viral flu, is caused by shifts in temperature during the time of the monsoon. A weakened immune system makes us more susceptible to mild infections, which are accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, fever, and chills.  Influenza, also known as the seasonal “flu,” is easily transmitted from person to person and is primarily conveyed through the air.        

Prevention

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Avoid eating in public places.
  • When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth.

Conclusion

Monsoon disorders can be brought on by a lack of sunlight and humid weather. Monsoon infections are conveyed through the air, water, or mosquito bites making it a note that we must take preventative measures. Monsoon disease prevention advice is straightforward and simple to use! Prevention is always preferable to cure. So, remain safe and have fun throughout the monsoon season. Pregnant women, small children, and babies are particularly prone to infectious infections and must be especially cautious. If you or a family member notices any symptoms of monsoon disease, contact your doctor immediately .

Community Medicine Course Overview: Admission Process, Scope, Areas of Recruitment

The area of medicine known as “community medicine” deals with healthcare issues that have an impact on the neighbourhood. It is sometimes referred to as community health science, public health, preventive medicine, or social medicine. It focuses on the historical analysis of a specific disease in a particular population, the impact of the environment on health, and the control of communicable diseases.

According to statistics, more people die each year from common diseases including malaria, hypertension, diabetes, and diarrhoea than from uncommon illnesses. Community medicine, which deals with these common disorders, is essential for this reason. This is why public health, which aims to safeguard and enhance community health, is so important. It is inextricably linked to a country’s welfare and economic success.

A three-year doctorate program in MD community medicine focuses on the health and disease of a population or a particular community. There are several job options in India and overseas for students enrolled in the MD Community Medicine program in a variety of medical fields. There are several career chances for the course in both the public and commercial sectors of numerous reputable businesses in India and overseas.

Admission Process: Eligibility for MD Community Medicine

In India, applicants for the MD Community Medicine program can apply online or on the grounds of the college. The admissions process is conducted carefully based on the results from the 10+2+3+2 exams, MBBS degrees relating to any science-related studies, and the results of the entrance tests.

For General Category (GC) Candidate

  • The candidate who has an MBBS degree from an accredited medical college and who, after completing a required rotating internship, has gained full registration from the Medical Council of India or one of the state medical councils.
  • obtaining not less than 50% in the previous four and a half years.
  • + 50% in any one of the entrance exams, such as the All India PG Medical Entrance Exam (AIPGMEE), the PG Entrance Test (PGET), or the Karnataka Religious and Linguistic Minority (KRLM)
  •  For SC, ST, OBC Candidate: The candidate who has earned a full registration from the Medical Council of India or one of the state medical councils after completing a required rotating internship and holds an MBBS degree from an accredited medical college.
  • obtaining at least 40% in the last four and a half years plus 40% in one of the entrance exams, such as the All India PG Medical Entrance Exam (AIPGMEE), the PG Entrance Test (PGET), or the Karnataka Religious and Linguistic Minority (KRLM).

Candidates from outside Karnataka State

  • Candidates from states other than Karnataka must obtain an eligibility certificate from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences as well as a migration certificate from their respective states.
  • Candidates who are members of a minority group should possess a certificate from the relevant authorities.

Scope of Community Medicine

The scopes of community medicine in India vary, as was already mentioned. One can begin their career with government organisations, which provide doctors with a great salary package. One who works for a federal or state government agency is given adequate job security. Private hospitals in the private sector allow anyone to work as a visiting doctor and bill by the hour. They can also run a successful private practice out of their own clinic. Graduate students are employed in a variety of divisions, including the teaching and research divisions.

Candidates may choose to take the UPSC exam to begin a career in the civil service or to pass the appropriate admission exams to pursue a DNB, DM, M.Phil, PhD, or even MBA.

The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund), UNDP (United Nations Development Program), UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), and other UN organisations are among the ones that one might join. These organisations offer incredible job prospects with a wide range of exposure to real-world issues in the industry, allowing individuals to broaden their knowledge and professional experience.

Areas of Recruitment For MD Community Medicine

Doctorates in MD Community Medicine are in high demand across many industries, including technology, healthcare, hospitals, clinics, education, public healthcare, research, and many more. MD Community Medicine doctorates are preferred by the majority of private and public sectors of many reputable companies to operate in India and overseas. areas of recruitment for the programme include:

  • Health Centres or Hospitals
  • Non-Profit Organisations
  • Medical Foundation/Trust
  • Research or
  • Polyclinics

Why Choose Us?

RajaRajeshwari Medical College and Hospital provide its students with a place to grow not just their academic theoretical learning horizons but also gain an experience in the professional arena. Students at RRMCH learn under the supervision of pioneers in the medical field with access to medical world-class books and healthcare journals. We have more than 60-65 courses in seven streams such as undergraduate, post-graduate, Super Specialty, PhD, Fellowship Program, Allied Health Sciences, and Paramedical.  New sessions are around the clock if you are a medical aspirant visit us and check our course overviews. 

What Are Clinical Trials? Are They Only Restricted To Cancer Treatment?

A clinical trial is a human research study that aims to provide specific answers about novel treatments, vaccines, or diagnostic techniques, as well as novel applications of currently available medications. Clinical trials are used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medications, tests, and treatments. The safest approach to discovering therapies and medicines that benefit people is through careful execution of clinical trials.

New investigational therapies and procedures are tested in the lab and on animals before the most promising ones are brought into human clinical trials. There are various phases of clinical studies. As a trial progresses, more knowledge is learned about the prospective treatment, its dangers, its potential efficacy, and issues relating to quality of life.

What Happens In A Clinical Trial?

Participating in a clinical study could make you one of the first individuals to gain the advantages of a novel therapy. However, it is extremely crucial to examine a clinical trial’s phases before getting into the process.

Testing a new medicine

  • To determine if new drugs are safe and effective, all clinical studies go through a number of stages.
  • The drugs will typically be evaluated against control, which is a different form of treatment.
  • Either a placebo or an established standard treatment will be used in place of this one.

Phase 1 trials

  • The medication is administered to a small group of volunteers, some of whom may be healthy.
  • For the first time, the medicine is being tested on human participants.
  • Researchers examine potential adverse effects and determine what dosage should be used for treatment.
  • If participants experience no negative effects or only minimal side effects, researchers only increase the dose after starting with a low amount.

Phase 2 trials

  • The new medication is being evaluated on a bigger population of sick people. This is done in order to better understand its immediate consequences.

Phase 3 trials

  • Trials are conducted on medications that have successfully completed stages 1 and 2.
  • To determine whether the medication is more effective in real-world settings and whether it has significant adverse effects, it is tested on bigger groups of sick individuals and compared to an existing treatment or a placebo.
  • Many clinical trials last a year or longer and include thousands of patients.

Phase 4 trials

  • While the medication is being used in practice, researchers continue to look into its effectiveness, side effects, and safety.
  • Not necessary for all medications.
  • This only applied to medications that have completed all prior tests and been granted marketing licences; a licence denotes that the medication is available only with a prescription.

 Diseases Clinical Trials Can Treat

Whenever we talk about clinical trials the first thing that comes to mind is cancer clinical research. However, do you know that clinical trials aren’t restricted to cancer? Check the listing mentioned below.

Serial numberTherapy Area 
1Cancers
2Cardiovascular & Circulatory Diseases
3Digestive Diseases
4Musculoskeletal Diseases
5Infectious Diseases
6Endocrinology & Metabolic Disease
7Nervous System Diseases
8Mental Health & Behavioral Disorders
9Respiratory Diseases
10Blood Diseases
11Blood sugar

Why Are Clinical Trials Important?

People are now surviving longer thanks to cancer medicines that have been effective in clinical trials in the past. Clinical trials are how doctors decide whether new medicines are safe, efficient, and outperform existing ones. Additionally, they assist us in raising patients’ quality of life both during and after treatment. Participating in a clinical study advances our understanding of cancer and helps future patients receive better cancer care. Clinical trials are essential to developing new cancer treatments here’s why:

Access to the latest therapies

Only clinical trials can provide access to some of the most cutting-edge therapies because of how quickly our knowledge of fatal diseases is developing. Numerous new treatment options from this research are still being studied.

Closer monitoring

Usually, healthcare professionals monitor trial participants more closely than other patients. In-person consultations and a predetermined number of imaging tests are frequently required by the research project itself.

Patients occasionally believe they will be used as “guinea pigs,” yet the contrary is actually true. You’ll have access to a second group of medical professionals who can address your questions and concerns. This is an advantage of participating in a trial. Many people find that more frequent check-ins are comforting because they can see how they’re responding to treatment.

Reduced cost

Patients typically don’t pay for clinical trial medications. Instead, the study team pays for those expenses. However, for the majority of patients, clinical trial therapies are no more expensive than conventional treatments. There may be travel costs or imaging services that the study does not cover.

Make contact with your insurance company and medical staff before enrolling in a trial to estimate your expenses. Social workers and financial counsellors are readily accessible to help you at many cancer centres.

Check here also a leading Hospitals in Bangalore

Is Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy Treatable?

A group of muscle abnormalities that impair a child’s capacity to control movement are collectively referred to as cerebral palsy. It results from aberrant brain growth or damage before, during, or soon after birth. Depending on the extent and location of the brain damage, cerebral palsy has varying effects on various kids.

As the areas of the brain that control muscle function are damaged, the messages or signals from the brain to the related muscles are disrupted, which has some effect on a child’s movement.

Children with Cerebral Palsy may struggle with their balance, reflexes, muscle tone, and motor skills. Nevertheless, other characteristics like learning and language abilities could be comparable to those of a typical youngster, again depending on the extent of brain injury.

Symptoms Of Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy

Abnormal muscle tone, which affects balance, posture, and motor function, can be a defining feature of both cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Infants with the disorders sometimes go undiagnosed until they begin to exhibit developmental difficulties. The majority of kids are diagnosed between 18 and 24 months.

 Cerebral palsy symptomsMuscular dystrophy symptoms
Difficulty walkingDifficulty eatingFine motor skill problemsLearning problemsStiff musclesTremorsDifficulties getting up, running, or moving feetGrowth delaysLearning problemsMuscle pain and weakness  

There is a subtype of cerebral palsy that is distinguished by hypotonia (low muscle tone), even though cerebral palsy is typically characterised by high muscle tone. A characteristic of muscular dystrophy is the weakening of the muscles with time. The muscle tone of those with muscular dystrophy declines as the disease worsens.

Children with muscular dystrophy are likely to develop respiratory and cardiac issues by the time they are teenagers. This is due to the fact that the heart and diaphragm are muscles, and their dysfunction may be brought on by a shortage of dystrophin.

Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy: similar or different?

Although the two illnesses may present similarly, they are fundamentally very distinct from one another. A section of the brain has been damaged, which is the underlying cause of the neurological disorder cerebral palsy. A hereditary disorder called muscular dystrophy, in contrast, has as its primary cause damage to the gene that produces the protein dystrophin, which is crucial for the preservation of normal muscle cell proliferation.

However, these diseases would impact a child’s ability to move, whether through delays in the development of motor milestones like crawling, sitting, standing, and walking. A child with cerebral palsy and dystonia both impact the capacity to control muscles, therefore the following secondary consequences of muscular dystrophy may also occur:

  • Insufficient muscular growth as a result of inactivity.
  • Deformities of the feet, arms, and hands, as well as malformed bones and joints and muscle imbalances that may cause complications including scoliosis and hip dislocations.
  • Compensatory movement techniques to facilitate movement, such as excessive hip rotations when walking rather than a straight line.
  • Easily exhausted because they tend to use more energy on simple movements than other youngsters do.

Can Cerebral Palsy or Muscular Dystrophy be treated?

Children who have Cerebral Palsy have permanent, non-progressive brain damage, which indicates that while the disorder cannot be treated, the damage won’t become worse. If necessary precautions are not taken, the damage’s side effects could worsen. The muscles will get weaker with age for kids with muscular dystrophy. Medication can, however, lessen the impact of the decline.

Physiotherapists work to help children with movement impairments and challenges learn the most effective ways to maximise their bodies’ functional mobility. Depending on their capabilities and needs, interventions would be concentrated on promoting mobility and achieving age-appropriate gross motor skills (e.g., sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running, and jumping). This would be done through enjoyable games and activities that incorporate training for strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and endurance.

Intervention would include dealing with any secondary problems that these kids could have, like coping mechanisms for scoliosis and hip dislocations. The kid’s quality of life can be maximised by a physiotherapist working with the child’s carers to empower the youngster and maximise their independent movement, even though they may not be able to undo the underlying harm. Thus, to optimise a child’s potential and to lessen or better control the illnesses’ secondary effects, early detection, diagnosis, and intervention are essential. If the field of Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy motor mobility and how it is treated interests your medical mind visit us at RRMCH and fulfil the dream set by the medical aspirant in you. For more information contact us and scroll through our website.

Plaques of Pregnancy or Puppp – A Rare Pregnancy Rash

We all know that pregnancy can bring along a lot of side effects also like fatigue, nausea, vomiting and more. But, one rare condition that only a few or say 1 in 160 women get are pregnancy PUPPPs. Though, it is known to be a common condition experienced by pregnant women, not all are aware of it. Here’s and over view of Pruritic Urticarial Papules or PUPPPS, also known as plaques or Pregnancy.

Plaques of Pregnancy or Puppp

Though as on day scientists and medical experts aren’t really sure of the reason behind the surfacing of such itchy rashes in women during pregnancy but believe that it could be due to excessive stretching of skin in the months nearing to delivery.

Also, there is no cure. The rashes tend to appear in the third semester and disappear within 2 weeks post birthing. The rashes start mostly from the stomach and spread across your thighs, legs, hands and neck area. They look like red swollen patches and are extremely itchy.

Another reason cited by experts around rash is the circulation of immune fetal cells through the body. These cells spark an immune response that in turn leads to the rash surfacing. The theory finds support in the fact that the fetal cells do stay in the body for short time after delivery. But, it’s not proved yet.

The itching could get worse if you tend to scratch it. Better to avoid scratching. In hotter regions the itching and pain is much worse and proper care needs to be taken for relief. Here are a few tips around relief from rashes

  1. Ice – Cool ice compresses can help relieve the itching. Wrap the ice compress in a cloth and apply few time during the day.
  2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal baths are known to be effective home remedy for may skin conditions including this one.
  3. Peppermint – Peppermint comes with menthol and it is known to have cooling effects. Use peppermint oil on the rashes or you might consume the prescribed quantity after consulting your doctor.
  4. Moisturiser –
  5. Clove oil – Clove oil is also known to have cooling effects because it contains antimicrobials and antioxidants, phenol eugenol to be specific.

A study in 2017 revealed that around 25 participants who applied petroleum jelly followed by clove oil on rash prone areas show a reduction in symptoms compared to the group that used on petroleum jelly.

Having said that, not every pregnant woman gets these itchy rashes but those who get could use the above tips for relief purpose because these rashes could get itchy to hell and frustrate you to the core. But, be calm, this will pass off and there is not known effects to the fetus due to their occurrence as yet.

*Sourced from Internet

Know more about Best Gynecologist in Bangalore

Board Games Can Keep Cognitive Degradation At Bay – A Study

We all know that board games are a fun way to be engaged in play in doors particularly for kids. But, here’s some news. A new study carried out by the Researchers at Edinburgh university of United Kingdom reveals that board games could actually help Older Adults avert off their cognitive decline. The paper was authored by Drew Altschul of School of philosophy, Pscychology and Language sciences in association with Professor Deary, director of Edinburgh Lothian Birth Cohorts and published in the Journals of Gerontology.

FBHDTJ Still-life selection of board games (Monopoly, Chess, Cluedo, Scrabble) with playing cards and gambling chips

The study was carried out on 1091 subjects born in the year 1936 for assessment of their mental and cognitive capabilities. The researchers did the evaluation for cognitive functioning across ages 11, 70, 73, 79 with the help of 14 different standard cognitive tests.

The study included asking questions to participants in the age group of 70 and 76 about how many times across the week they indulged in board games like bingo, chess, crosswords, cards, bingo and more . The researchers also took into account confounding factors like education, early life cognitive function, activity levels, sex and health issues to name a few, as a part of their analysis.

The results unleashed that the people who were more into board games in their later year’s post 70’s were better off maintaining their cognitive functioning. Particularly those older adults who indulged in analog games post 70’s showed relative less decline in cognitive abilities across 11 and 70 years and also between the age of 70 and 79.

Altschul, one of the study leads says “ these latest findings add to evidence that being more engaged in activities during the life course might be associated with better thinking skills in later life”.

While coauthor thinks that there is a possibility that there is an interpretation of results as push to start playing board games and avoid cognitive decline.

*Sourced from Internet

Just know about Best Medical Colleges in Bangalore

How Climatic Conditions Effect Mental Health

No a new idea really, as there have been studies earlier around relationship study between mental health and climatic conditions. But, as the climatic conditions seen to be changing drastically and global warming issues and more are becoming the talk of the town, even the psychological health issues are becoming the areas of focus.

The earlier studies primarily were carried out for a short period of time and only have been able to identify the links between mental health as well as temperature but the research till date only involves short time period and more focused on connection rather than causal factors. Moreover, this findings have so far not yielded any substantial conclusions. So, the researchers with this study are hoping to get answers to their questions that are not answered as yet.

The researchers for their study has gathered data from various sources including Californian emergency departments, collecting data and analyzing information from the data of mental health diagnosis visits during the period of 2005 – 2016.

They even mined for data around suicides in America during 1960 – 2016 period. These information was based on statuses that were individually self-reported. After drilling the climatic temperature in US down, the researchers managed to develop ‘’fine spatial and temporal scales”.

From the study the researchers concluded that the mental health outcomes decrease as the temperatures cool and the increase mental health issues with rise in temperatures. Statistically speaking they found that there was a rise in 0.48% rise in mental health visits with a rise in average monthly temperature of 10 F and even a rise in suicides by 0.35%

In short, the rise and drop in temperatures has a significant impact of the mental health because the authors of the study also showed stability in the estimates even when accounted for socio economic status and air conditioning adoption.

As for suicide rate, it rises only if there is a rise in temperature amid the growing season because growing season is all about crop yields. If the temperature rises, the crop yield reduces and leads to financial issues that in turn increase the risk of suicides.

*Sourced from Internet

Just know about RRMCH Bangalore

Horns Of The Dilemma – Dairy Good Or Bad For Health

Though fruits and veggies are known to be healthy options as far as food is concerned there are conflicting views over dairy products and even their consumption levels on a regular basis. Milk and milk products in plenty are a must for kids and adolescents as milk is a rich source of calcium. Though milk is good, it comes under saturated fats and hence for people on a diet skimmed milk is a better option.

As per global standards the average consumption is around 2 to 2.5 servings a day for children. Organizations like USDA and National Institute of Health (NIH) dairy is a vital source of magnesium, phosphorous, Protein and Vitamin D. A deficiency in calcium could raise the risk of osteoporosis as bones become weak and brittle.

Having said that there are conflicting views around consumption of dairy products. As per a systematic review as well as meta-analysis says that increase in dairy consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis. But, not all studies are included in the said analysis.

Another long term study of Sweden that included 61000 women and 45000 men revealed a potential link between high milk consumption as well as high rate of bone fractures. Though a Japanese study carried out over 94,980 people revealed that a rise in consumption of milk did lower the mortality risk.

Even the American heart Institution (AHA) has said that saturated fats could lead to increase in cholesterol as well as heart disease. Hence, some full fat dairy products do not come in the list of heart healthy diet recommendations. Furthermore, the national lung and blood institute has advised people to limit their dairy intake and use low fat dairy in their diet.

There is an article with umpteen analyses as well as reviews that do not believe that saturated fats cause heart disease. It also states that the saturated fats could decrease the risk of diabetes that is linked to obesity.

So, while there is conflict with studies to support, dairy could be a healthy option if taken in limit. It could be helpful for people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

*Sourced from Internet

RRMCH is one of the Best Hospital in Bangalore

How Much Fiber Intake For Prevention Of Diseases

A new study revealed exactly how much fiber is required for keeping the chronic conditions as well as premature mortality at bay. The objective of the study is to set the guideline for consumption of fiber besides bringing to light information around the carbs responsible for protection against non-communicable diseases as well as curb weight gain.

The author of the study namely Professor Jim Mann, of Otago University New Zealand and the author of the paper Andrew Reynolds is a postdoctoral research fellow at Otago’s Dunedin School of Medicine.

The study was carried out by Reynolds and colleagues by examination of a data that had 185 observational studies that included 135 million person-years besides 58 clinical trials that involved the participation of 4600 people. The study analysis was carried across 40 years.

As per prof. Mann, the motivation behind this study was analysis of previous reviews and meta-analysis. The scientists studied chronic condition incidences as well as premature deaths resulting from them. The conditions included cardiovascular diseases, stroke, colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, cancers such as esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, prostate cancer to name a few.

The results of the study revealed that people who consume more fiber daily are 15-30% less prone to premature deaths or any of the aforementioned conditions. It also determined that daily consumption of 25 -29 gms of fibre is good for health. Though consumption of more than 29 gms of fibre could be even more beneficial.

Having said that, the authors cleared that the study did not present any side effects of fibre consumption but too much fibre could also be harmful particularly for people with iron and mineral deficiencies. Even consumption of whole grains in excess can lead to iron deficiency as per researchers.

Lastly, the study also found that consumption of high amount of fibre results does relate to less weight and cholesterol levels.

Prof. Mann says “ Health benefits of fiber are supported by over 100 years of research into its chemistry, physical properties, physiology and effects on metabolism.

*Sourced from Internet

Just know about Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore