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Yoga is frequently studied for its potential to relieve chronic low back pain, a condition that in 2020 affected 619 million people globally. Moreover, severe back pain can trigger conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and infections. However, an Italian research team specializing in rehabilitative medicine has made an interesting discovery on yoga's positive impact on lower back pain.
Yoga poses included in the study, such as Downward-Facing Dog, Pigeon Pose, Child’s Pose, and Cobra Pose, were held for five breaths each. Dr. Alessandro de Sire, one of the study authors, highlighted that these poses can relax muscles and improve mobility. Jivana Heyman, a yoga therapist, added that hip flexion poses help increase the range of motion without overly engaging the lower back.
This study adds to growing evidence supporting yoga as a viable treatment for low back pain. For those interested in starting yoga, experts recommend seeking classes like "Gentle Yoga" or "Accessible Yoga," where instructors can adapt poses to individual needs.
While more research is needed, this study highlights yoga as a valuable addition to managing low back pain, combining physical relief with stress reduction and nervous system regulation.
Yoga is the oldest form of exercise and traces its roots back to ancient India. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means "to yoke" or "to bind." Interestingly, yoga incorporates physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation together. While spirituality lists various benefits of yoga, scientific research into it is still at a preliminary stage. However, numerous studies have indicated that it has a significant positive impact on a person's physical and mental health.
Yoga offers diverse benefits, enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It improves flexibility and joint health, particularly in older adults, while strength-building styles target both upper and lower limbs. Yoga reduces stress through physical practice, meditation, and breathwork, and research supports its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Practices like Yoga Nidra are particularly beneficial for anxiety relief.
For individuals with chronic pain, yoga improves quality of life and promotes long-term health benefits. Pranayama (yogic breathing) enhances cardiovascular function and strengthens the immune system by reducing inflammation. Yoga supports better sleep, fosters positive body image, and boosts self-esteem, especially in adolescents and young adults. Regular practice improves brain function, posture, and body awareness, counteracting the effects of poor posture and burnout. By promoting mental calm and resilience, yoga provides a holistic approach to maintaining health and well-being.
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A visit to the emergency ward (ER) of a hospital can definitely feel scary, and you want every reason to avoid ending up there as a patient. From broken bones to life-threatening emergencies, it’s a place filled with urgency, uncertainty, and intense emotions. Imagine what doctors and other health workers face every day.
However, while many cases are unavoidable, there are several that can be completely prevented, said doctors, while sharing a few. These include:
However, ignoring symptoms like a persistent stomachache or a nagging cough can allow a condition to worsen over time, eventually leading to an emergency.
“People say, ‘It’s pretty mild. I’m not worried about it,’” Dr. Evelyn Huang, an emergency-room physician with Orlando Health, was quoted as saying to Time.
“Days become weeks, weeks become months, and months can even become years, and by the time they're seeing me, these things have progressed so far that they’re now something dangerous.”
Seeking timely medical advice and not delaying checkups can help prevent complications and avoid unnecessary ER visits, the expert said.
Dr. Cheyenne Falat, assistant medical director of the adult emergency department at University of Maryland Medical Center stated that every time a patient comes ER with a drowning case, he hears the same story.
“I would have been watching them, but I thought the babysitter was watching them. I thought my spouse was watching them. I thought their grandparents were watching them.”
The doctor recommended instead starting swimming lessons as early as possible. She also urged for fences with childproof gates near pools.
People often don’t realize how quickly conditions can turn.
“They think, ‘I won’t be at risk for hypothermia because it's a little warmer during the day,’” said Falat. “Then they sweat,” which can leave their clothing damp and their bodies more vulnerable once temperatures drop.
Heat-related illnesses include mild dehydration to heat exhaustion and, in the most extreme cases, heat stroke, which can be deadly.
Recently, for example, he treated a young woman who came to the ER with neck pain, a hoarse voice, and bruising; she assured Yoo that she had wanted her partner to choke her. “I’m not judging anyone who enjoys this, but it's way more dangerous than people think,” he said.
A harmless party drug -- gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB -- can also turn life-threatening. It is a clear, odorless substance sometimes called “liquid ecstasy.”
While in small amounts, it can make people feel relaxed or euphoric, but when taken in overdose, it can lead to unconscious and breathing difficulties. “It’s one of the most awful sights,” Yoo said , adding that in severe cases, some patients need to be put on a ventilator to survive.
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In today’s hyper-connected world, access to health information has never been easier. Yet, ironically, the ability to understand and apply that information remains one of the biggest barriers to better health outcomes.
This is where health literacy comes in, not just the ability to read a pamphlet or follow a doctor’s prescription, but the broader skill of accessing, comprehending, and using health information to make informed decisions for oneself, one’s family, and one’s community.
While definitions vary, there is consensus that health literacy is multi-dimensional. It involves confidence, critical thinking, and practical skills, knowing when to seek care, how to evaluate health claims, and how to follow treatment correctly. In essence, health literacy is the foundation of preventive care and treatment adherence, and its absence can be devastating.
The scale of the problem in India is stark: nearly 90 percent of Indians have low health literacy. This gap directly affects patient outcomes, from delayed diagnoses and poor compliance with treatment to preventable complications and higher healthcare costs.
Several factors explain this reality:
Low health literacy doesn’t just harm individuals; it amplifies inequities and strains the entire healthcare ecosystem. It also worsens misinformation, as people turn to social media or word-of-mouth for guidance, often encountering unverified or unsafe advice.
Certain health check ups can help improve the chances of conception. (Photo credit: iStock)
Planning for pregnancy is an important step that requires proper health preparation for both partners. Preconception health screening helps couples understand fertility status and detect any underlying health issues. Doctors recommend that couples undergo certain medical tests before trying to conceive so that any health concerns can be identified and managed early. Here are some of the tests before pregnancy that can help couples identify potential risks early and improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Couples should opt for these tests without fail to ensure a smooth pregnancy.
While many people focus on health during pregnancy, preparing for pregnancy is also equally important. By opting for some crucial tests, couples can improve their chances of a smooth pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications.
Dr. Payal Narang, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Lullanagar, in an interview with Health and Me, listed some of the important health check-ups for men and women that must be considered before pregnancy.
Couples should follow the advice given by the doctor and take these tests for a smooth pregnancy.
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