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The winter season compels us to sit at one place, under the blanket, at the ease of warmth. But aren't we all aware of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle? And when it is winter, it makes it more so stagnant. Not just that, but now a new study from the University of Iowa says that being a couch potato could lead to 19 chronic conditions. Among the 19 chronic conditions, obesity, diabetes, depression and heart diseases also made it to the list.
Research shows that among many diseases, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, unhealthy cholesterol levels that leads to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and cancer are also there. This is why any extended sitting whether at desk, behind the wheel or the screen can be harmful.
The team of researchers from various departments at the University of Iowa conducted a detailed study where they analyzed records from over 40,000 patients at a major Midwestern hospital system. In the records, they looked at the extensive physical inactivity of these patients and how it impacted their overall health.
The study and the detailed analysis is published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease and studies.
As part of conducting the study, a 30-second exercise survey was conducted. Then, patients were also asked two questions: how many days per week they engaged in moderate to vigorous exercise and for how many minutes per session? On the basis of response, the patients were categorized into three groups:
As per Lucas Carr, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology and study's corresponding author, "This two-question survey typically takes fewer than 30 seconds for a patient to complete so it does not interfere with their visit. But it can tell us a whole lot about that patient's overall health."
The study got 7,261 responses, and it found that around 60% of them met the recommended guidelines for exercising. These people met the 150 minutes or more minutes of moderate exercise per week. However, almost 36% exercised less than 150 minutes per week and 4% reported no physical activity.
The study also found that people experienced lower rates of depression. 15% of people who exercise for 150 minutes or more, or at least for some amount of time could experience depression, as compared to 26% of those who are inactive. Similarly, for obesity, the numbers are 12% versus 21% for obesity, 20% versus 35% for hypertension and the similar trend was seen in other diseases, and markers of good health, including lower resting pulse rates, and cholesterol profiles.
Patients with no physical activity carried a median of 2.16 chronic conditions, this number was 1.49 conditions in insufficiently active patients and dropped to 1.17 in active patients.
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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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