There are times when you are ecstatic, and your joy knows no bounds. The next moment you are unreasonably irritable, angry, and frustrated. Your mood swings affect your behavior, thought process, sleep, energy levels, and power of judgment. The condition that causes extreme mood swings – episodes of extremely elevated mood (mania/ hypomania) or emotionally low (depression) is known as&nbsp;Bipolar disorder. There are different types of bipolar and related disorders. Bipolar I&nbsp;disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least a week or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes, which typically last at least two weeks, can also occur. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms simultaneously) are also possible. Bipolar II&nbsp;disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. It is different from the full-blown manic episodes typical of Bipolar I disorder. Cyclothymic disorder&nbsp;also&nbsp;Cyclothymia&nbsp;is defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for hypomanic and depressive episodes. Other types&nbsp;are&nbsp;usually induced by certain drugs or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. Symptoms&nbsp; Ecstatic and Enthusiastic&nbsp; Swings from a joyful mood to being irritable, angry, and hostile Restless&nbsp; Poor concentration, Distracted and Irritated&nbsp; Increased energy and less need for sleep High sex drive Making grand and unattainable plans Tendency to show poor judgment, such as deciding to quit a job Investing huge amounts of money or risky behaviour Drug and alcohol abuse Increased impulsivity Causes and Reasons&nbsp; It is difficult to state the exact reasons that cause Bipolar disorder. Genetics, Changes in the brain, factors like stress, and major life changes can lead to the condition.&nbsp; Treatment It is a lifelong condition. Your symptoms can be managed by following a treatment plan. Bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling. A good treatment program can stabilize severe moods and provide effective symptom relief. Continued treatment has been proven more effective in preventing relapses.&nbsp; Consult your doctor for a detailed medical examination and treatment.&nbsp;

Bipolar Disorder

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Are you sure your blood sugar level is under control? If not, it's a matter of concern. A high blood sugar level indicates a silent killer invading your body. If your blood tests reveal constantly high blood sugar levels, you have developed Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as diabetes. It is a lifelong disease.&nbsp; It is a condition where your body either does not produce enough of a hormone called insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces. It is insulin that helps the body convert glucose or sugar into energy.&nbsp; Undiagnosed and untreated diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs.&nbsp;The pancreas, an organ behind the stomach, releases insulin to help store and use sugar and fat from the food that a person eats. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin, produces very little insulin, or when the body develops the condition insulin resistance, where it does not respond to insulin.&nbsp; Symptoms If you are diabetic, you may experience the following symptoms: Fatigue Increased thirst Extreme hunger Weight loss Blurry vision Frequent urination Sores that heal slowly  Type 1 Diabetes, Prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and Gestational diabetes are the common types of diabetes.&nbsp; &nbsp;Causes and Reasons; and Treatment&nbsp;depend on the type of diabetes.&nbsp; Type 1 Diabetes: This is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, destroying the body's ability to produce insulin. If you are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you will have to take insulin to live.&nbsp; Cause: Exact reasons remain unknown. However, genetic and environmental factors are considered to play a significant role.&nbsp; Treatment: Type 1 diabetes can be managed through insulin intake, a healthy diet, exercise, and frequent blood sugar monitoring. Prediabetes&nbsp;occurs when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but it's not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes can lead to Type 2 diabetes.&nbsp; Causes: Your body's cells don't respond to insulin, and your pancreas makes more insulin to try to get cells to respond. Eventually, your pancreas finds it challenging to keep pumping, and your blood sugar shoots up. This sets the stage for prediabetes.&nbsp; Treatment:&nbsp;Prediabetes can be managed with a balanced diet, exercise, and careful monitoring of blood sugars. This can also prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.&nbsp; Type 2: It is the most common form of diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes produce insulin. But the insulin their pancreas produces is either not enough, or the body is resistant to the insulin. When insulin production is insufficient or the insulin is not used the way it should be, glucose can't get into the body's cells. Eventually, there arises the need for insulin medication.&nbsp; Causes:&nbsp;Exact reason remains uncertain. However, genetic and environmental factors are considered to play a significant role. Treatment:&nbsp;Although there is no cure for this condition, you can manage Type 2 diabetes by losing weight, having a healthy diet, regular exercise, and insulin therapy. Gestational diabetes: It develops in some pregnant women. In most cases, it goes away with the birth of the child. However, there is a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in later life. Sometimes diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy could be actual Type 2 diabetes. Causes:&nbsp;Although the exact cause is still unknown, excess weight before pregnancy plays a role in this condition. The blood sugar may also rise due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Treatment:&nbsp;Close monitoring of blood sugar levels, lifestyle changes, and medications can reduce complications during pregnancy and delivery. Prevention Although Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Steps including lifestyle changes, can help you prevent Type 2 Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes to an extent. Foods rich in fiber and low in fat and calories can help you prevent this condition. Moderate physical activity and losing excess weight will also help you prevent diabetes. Have your blood sugar level checked at least once a year. Consult your doctor for a detailed medical examination and treatment.

How about having a bite of grilled chicken burger and coke? Or do you avoid them, considering your weight gain? If the latter is your choice, you are on the right path. It might taste good, but researchers have something else to say- processed foods increase cancer risk. Processed foods include packaged bakery products and snacks, sweetened or fizzy drinks, tinned food, processed meat, cheese, etc. They are often modified using artificial or chemical food colors, flavors, and emulsifiers.&nbsp; A study published online by the British Medical Journal (The BMJ) in February 2018 states that every 10% increase in consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 12% higher risk for cancer in general and an 11% increased risk for breast cancer. The 2016 report by&nbsp;Foresight&nbsp;states that Sales of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages are growing, and this growth is almost exclusively found in the under-developed and developing countries. In fact, India is a vast market for the food processing industry, involving local and international brands.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hidden danger:&nbsp;The tasty sugar, oil, and fat-rich processed foods often lack essential nutrients, which add to cancer risk. There is evidence that relates processed red meat to liver, lung, colon, rectum, stomach, and kidney cancer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Way to a healthy life:&nbsp;An expert report from World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) suggests that diet and nutrition are modifiable factors for cancer prevention. The use of fresh and minimally processed foods such as vegetables, fruits, rice and eggs, meat and fish, and milk is associated with lowering cancer risk.&nbsp; You need to change your food habits and shift to a healthy way of life. The government, too, can make decisions to safeguard the food habits of the citizens, especially the younger generation.

Processed Food And Cancer

Is your mood always low? Do you often feel anxious, worthless, and suicidal? Do you inflict self-harm? Is there a lack of interest in sex and other pleasure-giving activities? Are you the kind of person who refuses to socialize and experiences an inability to function at home and at the workplace?&nbsp; If the answer to all these questions is a YES, you might be suffering from&nbsp;DEPRESSION, ALSO KNOWN AS MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER OR CLINICAL DEPRESSION.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is a common and serious medical illness that has a negative impact on your state of mind and well-being. It affects how you feel, think and act. It decreases the quality of your life.&nbsp; Depression affects people of all ages. Children, Teens, and Adults show different symptoms.&nbsp; Refusal to go to school, aches, and pains, worry, clinginess, irritability, sadness, and being overweight are the common symptoms in children.&nbsp; Substance abuse, avoiding social interaction, self-harm, overeating and oversleeping, poor academic performance and attendance at school, anger, and irritation, feeling worthless and guilty, sadness, being too sensitive, and loss of interest in normal activities are the general signs of depression in teenagers.&nbsp; Adults experience mild to extreme memory loss, personality changes, aches and pains, fatigue, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, lack of interest in all activities which give pleasure, refusal to socialize and stay within homes, and suicide mentality.&nbsp; Symptoms&nbsp; A feeling of extreme sadness&nbsp; Anxiety, worry Decreased ability to function at home and at the workplace&nbsp; Emotionally disturbed Fatigue&nbsp; Feeling worthless and unwanted&nbsp; Increase in purposeless physical activity&nbsp;like restlessness and agitation Not being able to focus on everyday activities&nbsp; Not interested in activities once enjoyed&nbsp; Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide Slowing down of movements&nbsp; Trouble sleeping or oversleeping&nbsp; Unable to concentrate, think and make decisions&nbsp; Causes / Reasons&nbsp; Being sad is not the same as being depressed. Continuous exposure to physical and mental violence, emotional neglect, or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression. People with low self-esteem, generally pessimistic, and those susceptible to stress experience depression. Genetics and Biochemistry are also factors contributing to depression. It can even occur because of a particular medical condition or due to certain medications.&nbsp; Treatment&nbsp; Depression is among the treatable mental disorders. It may require long-term treatment. But don't be discouraged. Medication, Psychotherapy, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), or a combination of these can improve the condition of patients.&nbsp; Consult your doctor for a detailed medical examination and treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As we celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month&nbsp;in August each year, it is essential to dispel some of the myths surrounding breastfeeding. Despite being a natural and vital aspect of motherhood, breastfeeding often comes with its fair share of misconceptions. It is crucial to address some prevalent myths and provide evidence-based facts to promote better understanding and support of breastfeeding mothers.By debunking these misconceptions, we hope to encourage a more positive and informed approach to breastfeeding, fostering a nurturing environment for both mother and baby.Myth 1: Once you have given birth, you need to be on a light diet and avoid normal meals.Fact: Once the mother is discharged from the hospital with the baby, she should eat a well-balanced diet including vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Adequate hydration is crucial, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids such as water, coconut water, buttermilk and milk, twice a day.&nbsp;Myth 2: You shouldn’t breastfeed when unwell.&nbsp;Fact: In most cases, mothers can continue to breastfeed their babies even when they are unwell. However, it is essential to get enough rest to recover and receive proper treatment. If a mother has a cough and cold, she should take extra precautions by frequently washing her hands and wearing a face mask during feeding. While most medicines are safe to take when breastfeeding, it is best to consult your doctor for guidance.Myth 3: Breastfeeding milk may not be enough to keep the baby well-fed.&nbsp;Fact: This is a common misconception. Breastfeeding operates on a need-per-basis system. The more the baby latches on the breast and sucks effectively, the more milk the mother will produce. Putting the baby on the breast each time helps maintain an adequate supply. While the initial days might be challenging, most mothers produce enough milk with the right nutrition for their babies.&nbsp;Myth 4: Breastfeeding hurts.Fact: While some mothers may experience initial discomfort when they start, breastfeeding usually doesn’t hurt. It is essential to address the root cause of pain. Pain and sore nipples are often the result of an incorrect latching technique. Seeking support from lactation counsellors can help mothers learn proper positioning and attachment, making breastfeeding a pain-free experience.&nbsp;Myth 5: It is time to breastfeed babies when they cry.&nbsp;Fact: Crying is one of the late cues for feeding. It is essential to look for early cues when initiating breastfeeding. These cues include baby waking up from sleep, moving their mouth as if to suck, head turning towards the breast, sucking their fingers, and lip-smacking among others.Myth 6: Babies should be given water during summer.Fact: World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months of age. Babies who are breastfed do not need additional water, as breastmilk contains all the essential nutrients for your baby, including water. Breastfeeding is a valuable gift of nature that benefits both mother and baby. This year’s theme "Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents" highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding, especially for mothers who are balancing work and motherhood.It is important to remember that seeking advice from Lactation Counsellors, doctors and support from friends and family can make the breastfeeding experience more enjoyable for both mother and baby.&nbsp;

Why should parents ensure their newborn baby undergoes NBS? What are the tests involved? An expert breaks it down.You have just become a parent and feel blessed to have your little bundle of joy. You can’t wait to leave the hospital and be surrounded by your friends and families in celebrating the good news.Just then, the baby's doctor walks in, informing you about newborn screening.What is NBS? Let's break it down.Newborn screening (NBS) is a cost-effective intervention that allows the early detection of certain conditions before clinical symptoms manifest, enabling timely treatment.NBS is typically conducted soon after birth, before the baby is discharged from the hospital.The significance of newborn screening lies in its ability to identify and treat conditions early on, preventing the development of certain diseases and mental disabilities.By detecting these conditions in their early stages, infants can receive prompt medical attention, leading to better long-term outcomes and a healthier start to life.While newborn screening is currently being performed in many hospitals in India, it is not yet a part of the country's health policy. However, a few states, such as Kerala, Goa, and Chandigarh, have implemented NBS programs in government hospitals, providing free screening. These states serve as models for others to learn from and emulate.Newborn screening typically includes the following:<h2>Blood Tests</h2>In most hospitals, blood samples are collected from the baby's umbilical cord soon after birth, eliminating the need for an additional prick. Pricks on a newborn can be quite distressing for parents.If cord blood cannot be obtained, a heel prick test is done 24 - 48 hours after the birth.Commonly tested disorders include,<ul><li>Congenital Hypothyroidism</li></ul>Congenital hypothyroidism can be easily treated with not-so-expensive, easily obtained medicine, and early detection helps prevent intellectual disability.<ul><li>Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD)</li></ul>G6PD deficiency, which is more prevalent in boys, can lead to anaemia and jaundice in the early neonatal period. Parents with babies of G6PD deficiency are given a Diet/Drug list to avoid. These drugs include certain antibiotics, antimalarials etc.<ul><li>Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)</li></ul>Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, if undetected, can lead to severe complications including shock and even death.<h2>Newborn Hearing &amp; Heart&nbsp;Screening</h2>Hearing loss occurs in 2- 4 out of every 1000 babies. Screening is therefore crucial, and involves a simple test called Otoacoustic Emission (OAE).The test involves placing a small probe (like an earphone) in the baby's ear, providing a click stimulus, and detecting a response from the inner ear.If it fails, the test is repeated with the 6-week vaccination visits, and if the child still doesn't pass, a detailed test called Brainstem meant to revoke Response Audiometry (BERA) is recommended.Early detection of hearing loss is crucial to prevent impairments in speech, communication, behavior and learning difficulties.<ul><li>Screen before one month of age</li><li>Diagnose before 3 months</li><li>Treat (Hearing aids) by 6 months of age</li></ul>Crude methods to assess hearing (for example, a baby responding to a door closing with a startle) can falsely reassure parents. This is why it's important to convince them to get hearing tested by a formal yet simple test- OAE.Another aspect of newborn screening involves using a pulse oximeter to check for certain heart conditions in infants.<h2>Challenges to Implementing Newborn Screening</h2>Some roadblocks to regular newborn screening include,<ul><li>Financial constraints</li><li>Lack of awareness among healthcare professionals policymakers, and parents</li><li>Need for retesting if a screen comes back positive.</li></ul>Additionally, certain disorders may require specialised diets that are often expensive and difficult to procure from other countries.To ensure the successful implementation of newborn screening, increasing awareness among the medical community, policymakers, and parents about the benefits of NBS are vital.Integrating newborn screening into the national health policy and gradually rolling it out in a phased manner, taking into account the prevalence of conditions in each state, will lead to a healthier and happier India.Newborn screening holds the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality in neonates and infants, providing early detection, intervention, and treatment.By taking one step at a time, we can work towards the universal implementation of NBS, ensuring a healthier future for our children.

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