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The skin is an outward reflection of our internal health. Dull skin, for instance, may indicate dehydration, a lack of essential nutrients, or an inconsistent skincare routine. As the most visible organ, the skin also provides insight into the health of the body tissues it protects. It's more than just an aesthetic aspect—it’s a window into overall well-being. Disorders of the gut, blood, hormones, and even the heart can manifest as skin issues, such as rashes.
Ayurveda has long emphasized the importance of skincare. In today's fast-paced world, a proper skincare routine is indispensable, not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. While modern skincare offers a plethora of products, many come with side effects. Ayurveda provides a holistic solution, addressing skincare concerns naturally and sustainably.
Ayurveda classifies skin types based on the three doshas:
Vatadominant individuals tend to have dry, rough skin that wrinkles easily if not properly moisturized.
Pitta dominant individuals often have oily skin, prone to acne, rosacea, and discoloration.
Kapha skin tends to be cold, oily, and prone to pimples, whiteheads, and water retention.
Panchakarma therapies help detoxify the body and enhance skin health. Key treatments include:
Abhyanga and Pizhichil: These therapies pacify doshas, enhance skin tone, and act as natural moisturizers.
Navara Kizhi: Improves skin softness and complexion.
Snehapana: Internal lubrication with ghee to maintain hydration and promote a natural glow.
Ubtan: A traditional herbal paste for exfoliation and nourishment.
Lepam: Herbal poultices to soothe inflammation and heal skin conditions.
Garshan/Udwarthanam: Dry brushing to stimulate circulation and exfoliate dead cells.
Shirodhara: Oil pouring therapy to relax, de-stress, and improve sleep quality.
Panchakarma Detox: A five-step detoxification process to cleanse the body and rejuvenate the skin.
1. Stay hydrated and drink 2–3 liters of water daily. Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges. Herbal teas with ginger, lemon, or chamomile aid digestion and promote glowing skin.
2. Follow a balanced diet based on your Ayurvedic prakriti and elevated doshas. Include whole grains, dairy, seasonal fruits, and antioxidant-rich foods like tomatoes, broccoli, and papaya. Avoid fried, refined, and processed foods, as well as excessive sugar, salt, and red meat.
3. Regular exercise promotes blood circulation, detoxification, and skin nourishment. Activities like yoga, walking, or dancing improve oxygen flow, flushing out toxins and revitalizing the skin.
4. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Restful sleep stimulates growth hormones, promoting collagen and elastin production, which keeps skin firm and youthful.
Small, gradual adjustments in daily routines can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. Embrace an Ayurvedic skincare regimen, complemented by panchakarma therapies, to achieve sustainable and natural skin health.
Credit: Michael Patrick/Instagram
Irish Actor Michael Patrick, known for his significant role in Game of Thrones, has sadly passed away at the young age of 35.
Sharing the news in a post on social media platform Instagram, his wife Naomi Sheehan shared that Michael Patrick (whom she fondly calls Mick) died after a years-long battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
"Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice. He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on 1st February 2023. He was admitted 10 days ago and was cared for by the incredible team there. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends," Naomi said.
Calling Michael a "titan of a ginger-haired man", she said that “Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are".
Naomi called Michael an "inspiration to everyone."
Also read: Dismissed as Anxiety: Terry Crew’s Wife Rebecca Shares Decade-Long Struggle With Parkinson’s
What Is Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
MND is a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease. According to NHS UK, it causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or years. It's usually life-shortening, and there's currently no cure, but treatment can help manage the symptoms.
Symptoms of MND include:
It makes everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or gripping objects difficult.
Also read: Grey’s Anatomy Star Eric Dane Dies After ALS Battle
As the disease advances, patients may develop difficulties with breathing, swallowing, and speech, along with changes in mood or personality. In later stages, walking and movement can become extremely limited.
Treatment of MND
About 1,500 people are diagnosed with MND each year, yet treatment choices remain scarce. Only a small proportion of patients currently qualify for therapies that target the disease process itself.
MND can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages. But as the symptoms get worse, it can usually be confirmed.
Tests used to help diagnose MND include:
1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Early symptoms include muscle weakness in the arms and legs can cause you to trip and drop things.
2. Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP): It mainly affects muscles in the face, throat, and tongue, causing slurred speech and problems swallowing.
3. Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA): It causes weakness in the hands.
4. Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS): Leads to weak legs, sometimes with other symptoms, including speech problems.
Common treatment options for MND include:
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus had a significant impact on the eyes, causing conjunctivitis (pink eye), with red, itchy, watery, or painful eyes.
A new study now shows that eye symptoms may also be key in understanding the severity of long COVID, a collection of symptoms that last three months or longer after your first COVID symptoms.
The new study, published in the journal Clinical Ophthalmology, showed that the new onset of eye symptoms in people with long COVID may be an indicator of more severe disease.
Also read: Long Covid Causes Lasting Brain Inflammation And Lung Injury, Reveals Study
Researchers from the Yale School of Medicine analyzed survey data from 595 adults who self-reported having long COVID in surveys conducted from May 2022 to October 2023. They found that nearly 60 percent of people reported new-onset of ocular symptoms.
The findings suggest that ocular symptoms in long COVID may be interpreted as vision-related manifestations that cluster with systemic post-COVID conditions. The symptoms include a new onset of :
Notably, individuals with ocular symptoms reported:
Also read: Long COVID: The Story Of Those Who Are Still Dealing With Symptoms And Illnesses
Long COVID includes a wide range of symptoms or conditions that may improve, worsen, or be ongoing. While anyone who gets COVID-19 can develop Long COVID, studies have shown that some groups of people are more likely to develop Long COVID than others, including:
While many of the Long COVID conditions remain to be fully recognized, some people have more than one symptom that can be moderate to severe, and also impact the quality of life. According to the US CDC, they include:
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A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has raised serious concerns about growing doctor burnout, especially among junior and senior resident doctors, and warned that it is now affecting both doctor well-being and patient safety. Noting that overworked doctors are a risk for patient safety, the panel said that fatigue-driven errors and burnout could compromise care.
To tackle this, the committee recommended that the government introduce and strictly enforce a formal “Clinical Duty Hours Regulation” policy. This should mandate fixed rest periods and monitored duty rosters, with oversight mechanisms to prevent violations, stated the panel in its 172nd report presented before the Parliament.
The recommendation comes amid growing concern over long, unregulated shifts in teaching hospitals, where residents often work extended hours with limited rest.
The panel warned that such conditions not only increase the likelihood of clinical mistakes but also contribute to burnout and mental health stress among young doctors.
The Panel noted that due to persistent human resource shortages, the working hours of junior and senior residents doctors often stretch from 24 to 36 hours. This increases risk of clinical errors and burnout, thereby compromising patient safety. Thus it recommended a mandatory working-hour regulatory framework:
However, it noted the contractual engagement must not substitute regular appointments, as excessive reliance on contractual staff may dilute institutional accountability and continuity.
Instead, the panel has recommended adopting a "Total Support model for medical professionals" to attract and retain qualified doctors and specialists in the public health system.
Also read:India Must Integrate Technology To Build Preventive, Holistic Healthcare: Experts
The policy calls to:
Also read: Doctors Share Preventable Risk Factors That Can Land You in the Emergency Ward
Burnout is distinct from depression, which influences every aspect of life and often involves persistent thoughts of hopelessness or worthlessness. Burnout typically involves limited manifestations to the work environment, although its impact can resonate into other areas.
Symptoms of Burnout
1. Exhaustion: Prolonged mental and physical depletion of your energy levels.
2. Depersonalization: Cynicism and lack of concern creep into relationships and communication.
3 Reduced Personal Achievement: Your work loses worth, and you may feel you are not up to standards, giving in to frustration and reduced originality.
These signs frequently coincide with physical signs (headaches, muscle pain, sleeplessness), emotional signs (self-doubt, loneliness, unhappiness), and behavioral signs (social withdrawal, outbursts of anger, abandonment of obligations).
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