Mental Health: Growing Concern at Workplace!

The tendency to discuss mental health issues is not yet common in the 21st century. The sufferer is ashamed of discussing it despite being a serious problem. The fear of being bullied or fooled around causes discomfort to share their problems with others. 

According to the recent World Health Organization(WHO) report, one in four people in the world is dealing with mental disorders and around 450 million people are suffering alike situation positioning mental disorders as a leading cause of ill-health worldwide.

This has led to an increase in the number of patients dealing with mental health issues escalating the number of suicides. 

Most of the mental health sufferers are Millennials and Gen-Zers. In the fast-paced world, people are striving hard to reach their goals. In this phase, there are a lot of people who are going through mental health issues due to work-related burnout. Burnout in simple terms means when someone is emotionally and physically exhausted and drained. 

For example, a graduate student finds difficult to get a handsome paying job in a saturated market where there are thousands of waiting for the same job. It then becomes financially challenging which leads to high-stress levels and depression.

Also long working hours, unfeasible expectations from managers, less pay, no upward mobility, poor communication and management practices, less support from the senior officials, inadequate health and safety policies, are some of the major causes affecting the employee’s mental health. 

WHO asserted that depression and anxiety cause a loss of productivity of $1 trillion a year in the global economy.

There arises a need to access the situation by employers. Because it will not only give mental support to the employees but also it will be a good business strategy to improve the productivity of the company. Because if the employees are stress-free and feel goods working in the company, they will work with full potential and capabilities which ultimately benefits the company.

Increasing mental health problems have also caught the attention of the researchers to incorporate technology to tackle mental disorders. Currently, researchers are finding ways to adopt artificial intelligence to screen, diagnose and treat mental problems.

Recently Microsoft has collaborated with a leading mental health company, SilverCloud Health to develop an Artificial Intelligence-based mechanism to improve mental health problems. The collaboration offers to deliver digital CBT-based programs and making treatment more accessible to the people. Researchers at Microsoft Research Cambridge are finding ways to incorporate machine learning to provide quality care to the patients suffering from mental illness by treating according to individual needs.

The mental health issue is a serious concern to be looked after. If the source of issues impacting mental health is identified it becomes easy to take steps to deal with it. Many organizations are adopting different ways for a healthy work environment. Researchers are also taking a stand to deal with mental illness. 

The World Conference on Mental Health will discuss more about intellectual learning of mental health and psychological resilience.

Do E-Cigarettes Help Reduce Smoking?

e-cigarette effects
E-cigarette impact

A recent study by cardiologists found that the consumption of e-cigarettes harms the brain, lungs and blood vessels. The research published in the European Heart Journal highlights the mechanism by which e-cigarettes damages the body through harmful chemicals induced in the vaping process. These chemicals may also exist in lower concentrations in vaping liquid.

The scientist from the University Medical Centre Mainz in Germany, who led the research stated that e-cigarettes are addictive and life-threatening. The countries should take action and ban them. Many countries like Mexico, Brazil, India, Thailand, and Singapore have already taken action against e-cigarettes. 

The study was conducted on healthy smokers and mice. The study inspected that the vapor of e-cigarettes can have a negative impact before vaping. The vapor affects the blood flow in the main blood artery in the upper arms of the twenty healthy smokers. After fifteen minutes of vaping an e-cigarette, it was found that the artery became stiff. 

The researchers exposed 151 mice to cigarette vapor for more than one, three or five days for 20 minutes and six times a day. It came out that only one vaping episode elevated heart rate and also caused the stiffening of arteries. Also, the inner lining of arteries – endothelium stopped working properly in the smokers. 

The main function of the endothelium is to maintain proper dilation and tightening of the blood vessels. The endothelium also defends tissue against toxic substances and controls inflammation and blood clotting processes. 

Also, an enzyme called NOX-2 was activated by e-cigarette vapor that was accountable for damage caused to blood vessels in the lungs as well as the brain.  

The study has indicated that e-cigarette is not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes.

The e-cigarette was initiated to lessen tobacco cigarette consumption but now it is a growing trend among youths. The number of vaping has increased. 

In the U.S, more than 3.6 million children are reported to use e-cigarettes. The consumption of e-cigarette is widespread in the U.S and countries of Europe. The youth concerning quitting traditional smoking is getting addicted to e-cigarettes. 

According to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) National Youth Tobacco Survey, American teenagers over 5 million have used e-cigarettes in the past month, making vapes the biggest product use ever in this age group.

The signs are not of greater impact in the initial years, but it will have major ill effects in the later years. Exposure to nicotine has long-lasting effects. It can also cause respiratory issues as the vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs. 

Researchers suggest that tobacco products should be taxed heavily and its marketing should be curbed. Educating teenagers and families about the health hazards of tobacco products is the need of an hour.

The upcoming international conference will discuss more such research by cardiologists in 2023. The global event will be an open platform for cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, medical practitioners, researchers, and clinical research organizations to explore modern technologies. 

How is Asthma Correlated to Obesity?

The recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal shows that fats get deposited in the airwalls of lungs. The accumulation of fat in airwalls can cause artery plague leading to clogging vessels and cardiac arrest. This has also raised the concern of a higher risk to develop asthma.

Researchers are exploring in the field of health management to deal with the issues. The upcoming international conference will also discuss and present the latest advancements in the field of obesity and diet management.

The 21st century is observing an increase in the number of the obese population mainly due to changes in eating patterns and the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle. The increasing population with obesity is of growing concern raising the complications of health diseases, thus reducing the lifespan of humans. The diseases vary from diabetes, cardiovascular problems to death, causing cancers. 

Under the microscope

Earlier it was known that obesity could cause asthma and lung-related issues, but there was no clear understanding. Hence, researchers have undergone a study by examining the lung tissue of 52 people. Of which 16 people had died due to asthma, 21 people diagnosed with asthma but died due to other reasons and 15 people didn’t have asthma. 

The researchers used dyes and tissue samples to analyze more than 1300 airways through a microscope to find if there any fatty tissue present and compared with the Body Mass Index(BMI) of each individual. It was found that the size of fatty tissue increases with increasing BMI. 

The researchers claimed that fatty tissue deposits could cause inflammation in the lungs activating symptoms of asthma-like wheezing. Past studies by several researchers also suggest that excess weight can have direct pressure on the lungs. 

Also, the surplus weight surrounding the chest and abdomen can compress the lungs making it harder to breathe.

According to the World Population Review, the global obesity rate has tripled since 1975. More than 3 million people die due to obesity. Approximately 30% of the world population is obese, and it continues to grow.

Way ahead

Hopes are now revived to study further the relationship between asthma and obesity. Many researchers are finding ways to alter respiratory symptoms and also if weight loss can reverse the effects. 

The earlier study suggests that losing more than 5 percent of weight improves the breathing function and quality of life of obese people with asthma. Exercise is an effective way to manage weight and also results in improving the symptoms of asthma such as wheezing, coughing and gasping for breath.  

Exercise nurtures lung power, thus reducing breathlessness and also improves the immune system that confronts colds and viruses. Diet also plays an important role in weight loss. Avoiding allergy-triggering food that includes sulfite and sodium can prevent asthma symptoms. The intake of vitamin D will boost the immune system and also reduces airway inflammation. As it is said, “the more kilos, the harder it gets.” 

Beware of Silent Stroke!

Researchers have recently found that silent strokes are more common than stroke in aged people. Silent strokes are generally experienced in people with age around 65 years or more and those who have undergone surgery. 

The study, published in the journal of The Lancet, found that around half of 50 million people above 65 years and gone through non-cardiac surgery are expected to suffer a stroke. 

A silent stroke is difficult to identify as it disturbs that part of the brain that doesn’t control any vital functions such as moving or speaking. Silent stroke doesn’t show any symptoms as it occurs when the supply of blood to the part of the brain instantly breaks off. The general way to detect silent stroke is by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)  or CT (X-ray computed tomography) scan.

What is Silent Stroke?

A silent stroke is also known as silent cerebral infarction(SCI)  is a stroke is subtle and doesn’t show any bodily symptoms related to stroke. Hence it is also called silent because it occurs unknowingly. The silent stroke is risky for the patients in the future as it interrupts blood flow and causes damage to the brain. Many people are not even aware of experiencing silent stroke until there is some severe brain damage. 

What causes Silent Stroke?

The causes are not clearly defined. But today’s sedentary and comfortable lifestyle is a major reason for strokes. The noticeable risk factors include a person suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular disease, and blood clots. 

Effects of Silent Stroke

The initial stage of silent stroke doesn’t show any harmful effects. But in the future, the damage caused can be cumulative. 

  • The sufferer of silent stroke is likely to have mood swings. 
  • They can have emotional disorders such as crying or laughing at ill-suited times.
  • They might find difficult to remember things and places earlier they were familiar. 
  • The silent stroke sufferer will find difficult to concentrate and difficult to make any decisions.
  • Also, a silent stroke sufferer is likely to lose bowel and bladder control.

A recent study by Canadian researchers also suggests that ill-effects of silent strokes are experienced after a year mostly by aged people who have undergone surgery. The common effects include perioperative delirium,  cognitive decline, and transient ischaemic attack.

How to prevent silent stroke?

As silent strokes are common, their prevention should be taken into consideration. 

  • The most common way to reduce silent stroke is by keeping a check on blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Consumption of oral contraceptives, alcohol, and cigarettes should be limited. 
  • A healthy diet can not only prevent silent stroke but can help to prevent many other health problems. Consumption of a balanced diet is recommended that includes fresh fruits,  vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fiber, and seeds. 
  • Regular exercise regime help reduce risk factor associated with strokes 

The upcoming International Conference on Neuroscience and Neurology will discuss such brain-related disorders. The conference will also discuss on latest innovations in the field of Neuroscience, Brain Disorders, and Treatment. The event is taking place in Tokyo, Japan during 25-26 May 2023.

Is Remote Patient Monitoring Gaining Importance In Healthcare?

According to the latest study, approximately 88% of healthcare service providers are planning to invest or already made investments in remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology for better management of chronically ill patients.

In the world of advancement and innovation in technology, healthcare is no way left behind. With the burgeoning of the semi-tech devices, telemedicine has evolved as a privilege bridging the geographical barrier. 

The technology has led the doctor to diagnose the patient living in the remotest part of the country. The telehealth and telemedicine enable real-time health data access to the provider to offer better services to the patients without being physically available. 

The findings come from the survey conducted on more than 100 interviewees that included clinical informatics and health IT thought experts. The survey respondents claimed that RPM solutions are useful for service providers to supervise and manage patients with high-risk of chronic conditions considered unstable and are at a risk for hospital readmission.

The study found that nine in 10 providers surveyed have already started encouraging patients, family member to take charge to manage their chronic conditions. The study ascertains that 89% of healthcare service providers are enforcing mobile technologies, telehealth video conferencing servicers, EHR based patients portal and wearable technology to widen the engagement of chronically ill patients. 

The remote patient monitoring is a health delivery practice that uses technology to determine patient health without visiting clinical setup. The practice is an ingenious, lucrative and patient-friendly approach to healthcare.

The RPM manages chronic conditions including diabetes, COPD, Asthma, congestive heart failure, and hypertension.

RPM can estimate several things from heart rate, glucose level, oxygen level to medication tracking and temperature. It has a wide range of applications. It can be used for clinical trial monitoring, ameliorate patient adherence. RPM also has its application to check infertility, dementia and heart failure. 

The real-time access to patient’s health can help to detect the early signs of occurring health illness and can accordingly take preventive measures.

Voice app is the most common RPM device that reminds patients of their medicine or related treatment. For example, the voice app helps a patient diagnosed with diabetes to remind them to take insulin, which ultimately enables the physician to track their health and take necessary action.

The wireless ambulatory, ECG or electrocardiography are some of the other RPM devices. 

Sensors based wearable devices are suitable for RPM providing real-time medical data.

Monitoring routine helps improve the health of people and also allows the older and disabled people to live a longer life. Application of RPM results in the reduction of hospitalizations, readmissions that tends to reduce expenses as well.

The main advantage of RPM is that it has no limitation with regards to typical working hours, scheduled physical meeting and distance. 

Technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and telemedicine have the potential to transform the healthcare industry. The advancement of technology has been beneficial to provide better service and enhance the health industry.

The upcoming healthcare conference will discuss more on technological advancements and their relevance in the health industry. 

3M-Diet: A New Eating Pattern for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

3M-Diet: A New Eating Pattern for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

The recent study has found a new eating pattern that may transform the treatment of type-2 diabetes. The researchers found that consuming three determined meals a day can help balance sugar levels and keep them under control. The eating protocol is a substitute to avoid insulin injections any other diabetic-related medications.

The study carried out by scientists from Tel Aviv University was published in the medical journal Diabetes Care. The study suggested that consuming starch-rich food in the morning produces glucose and improves glycemic control of type 2 diabetics patients.  This can reduce injections of insulin or even stop the injections. The excess of body weight and lack of physical activity is the major cause of type 2 diabetes. 

It was found that metabolism and biological clock are tailored in such a way that eating should be in the early hours of the day and fasting during evening and night when it’s time to be asleep. 

However, the traditional diet advised for type 2 diabetes comprises half a dozen smalls meals to be eaten the whole day. That includes three meals and three snacks daily, also one snack before sleeping to bar drop in sugar levels at night. This diet is usually called “6M-diet”.

The patients suffering from type 2 diabetes are injected with insulin for approximately four times a day. Insulin is a hormone that maintains the flow of sugar into the liver, muscle and fat cells. 

However, the constant injection of insulin activates the dreadful cycle of higher insulin doses. These injections are linked to continuous weight gain, loss of control of blood sugar levels, cardiovascular diseases and other complications. 

The study was conducted on twenty-nine type-2 diabetic people who undergone a newly develop “3M-diet” that is more suitable for the biological clock. The data obtained from people who followed 3M-diet was compared with those following conventional 6M diet. 

The 3M diet included a meal of bread, fruits, and sweets in the early morning hours,  a basic lunch, and a small dinner avoiding starches, fruits, and sweets.

The comparison gave the result that the group of people following a conventional 6M diet did not show any significant changes. Even they didn’t lose any weight and there was no progress in sugar levels. This ultimately leads to an increase in treatment and insulin doses.

Whereas on the other hand, a group of people that followed a new 3M-diet tend to lose weight and also improved sugar levels. The researchers also observed that the need for diabetic medication dropped gradually and even some of them were able to stop the use of insulin. 

The findings reveal that 3M-diet not only benefits to control diabetes but can also prevent many other diabetic-related complications such as aging, cancer, cardiovascular diseases. These all are modulated by the biological clock genes. 

The 3M-diet strengthens insulin secretion and ameliorates sugar delivery into muscles that maintain balanced daytime and nighttime glucose metabolism. 

The upcoming conference on Diabetes and Endocrinology 2023 will discuss more on such diagnostic approaches taking place in the field of diabetes and endocrinology.