Impact of Bad AQI on Health

Mumbai is choking with poor Air Quality Index (AQI) levels…

Air pollution has become an increasingly dangerous problem in many parts of the world including leading cities of India. Scientists have long been warning about the potential health effects that air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can have on humans – especially on young children who are still developing. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of air pollutants can lead to developmental delays, respiratory issues, heart disease and even certain types of cancer.

Impact of Bad AQI

Doctors suggest that when AQI readings are between 200 and 300, it impacts vulnerable groups like senior citizens and children as well as people with co-morbidities. However, when the AQI readings cross 300 or 400, it affects a wider audience leading to various respiratory infections.

Particulate matter (PM) one of the most dangerous air pollutants is made up of tiny particles that get trapped in your lungs. When inhaled, PM particles can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and its effects on children are even more alarming. Medical statistics suggest that inhaling PM 2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns) levels exceeding 120 is dangerous and may cause severe health consequences including detrimental effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Also, children exposed to air pollution have higher rates of childhood asthma, respiratory infections, and chronic bronchitis.

First and foremost, it is important to monitor levels of air pollutants in your area so you can be aware of any potential risks. Lastly, it’s important to remember that while air pollution can be dangerous for everyone, it has an even greater impact on children due to their weaker immune systems. Therefore, it is essential for parents to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting their children from the risks posed by air pollution.

Precautions for safeguarding against poor Air Quality Index (AQI):

• Stay informed
  Stay informed about local AQI conditions, specifically identifying days and times to avoid outdoor activities in your neighborhood. Protect individuals with breathing problems and young children from exposure.
• Use Masks
  Regularly change masks during heavy pollution to prevent clogging. Consistent use of inhalers is crucial, especially for asthmatic individuals, particularly children, during outdoor activities.
• Respiratory Infections
  Refrain from exposure to poor air quality during respiratory infections, as it may exacerbate symptoms. Consider the trade-off between exercise benefits and harm from polluted air, especially for vulnerable individuals.
• Reduce Exposure
  Minimize outdoor activities, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Keep your windows closed to reduce exposure to polluted air.
• Choose organic
  Finally, try to choose natural or organic products for cleaning and household maintenance – many conventional cleaners can contain harmful chemicals which can contribute to indoor air pollution.
• Control indoor air
  Utilize air purifiers, ensure good indoor ventilation for better air quality.

It’s important to stay informed and take action when it comes to protecting your family from air pollution. We need to work together to ensure that we protect our children’s future by reducing air pollution and taking measures to improve air quality. By monitoring the levels of air pollutants in your area, taking precautionary measures, and educating yourself on the risks posed by air pollution, you can ensure that your family stays safe. Start now to create a better future for your family.

If you or someone you know is facing a breathing difficulty, chest discomfort or wheezing reach out to doctors at our Department of Pulmonary Medicine. Meet our pulmonologists to help manage your symptoms with prompt diagnosis. Call 022 42696969 for appointments or find more details on our website: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine.html

Around 1,85,000 stroke cases are reported every year in India with nearly one stroke every 40 seconds. Stroke is the second most common cause of death in India, as per experts at the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Stroke, often referred to as a “brain attack,” occurs when there is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain. This can happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke) or when a clot obstructs the blood flow (ischemic stroke). A stroke is a medical emergency that can happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when there is bleeding in the brain. This can cause brain damage, long-term disability or even death, so it’s crucial to seek immediate medical help. A healthy lifestyle is the key to help reduce the risk of stroke.

Lifestyle Changes for Stroke Prevention

By making conscious choices and adopting healthier lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a stroke. Recent studies suggest that nine in 10 strokes could be prevented by modifying 10 primary risk factors. These include:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet
  Choosing the right types of food is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, which, in turn, is vital for reducing stroke risk. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help you control your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Here are some dietary tips to consider:
  • Reduce Sodium Intake
  • Embrace the Mediterranean Diet
  • Increase Fibre
• Manage Weight
  A person who is overweight and suffering from obesity has a high stroke risk. To understand whether the weight is in a healthy range you must know your body mass index (BMI). Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise is crucial for stroke prevention.
• Exercise Regularly
  Physical activity not only helps with weight management but also improves overall cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise every week. This can include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing.
• Control Blood Pressure
  One in three adults suffer from high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. If yours is elevated, have it checked frequently and monitor it regularly. Lowering salt consumption, staying away from foods rich in cholesterol, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking can all help lower high blood pressure.
• Manage Diabetes
  Diabetics have a 1.5-fold increased risk of stroke compared with those without the disease. Consult your physician to control your blood sugar levels.
• Stop Smoking
  Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. All forms of tobacco can cause blockages in the artery leading to the brain. The harmful chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots. Quit smoking to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of stroke.
• Say No to Alcohol
  Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that can result in blood clots and stroke. Quit alcohol.
• Stay Hydrated
  Dehydration can increase the risk of blood clots and thickening of the blood, both of which can lead to stroke. Make sure you drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.
• Get Sufficient Sleep
  Quality sleep is essential for brain health. Lack of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, and other stroke risk factors.
• Manage Stress
  Chronic stress can greatly impact your cardiovascular system negatively. Take up stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or enjoyable hobbies. Managing stress effectively can help reduce your risk of stroke.

Stroke Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai has established a comprehensive stroke care programme for the management of acute and chronic stroke patients. A dedicated stroke unit, neuro-imaging, emergency care, neuro-intervention, neurosurgical, and neurological intensive care unit services are all included in the Code Stroke Plan. Under the direction of highly skilled professionals, our team provides complete acute neurointervention services. Over 1500 successful brain operations for stroke have been performed by the Centre for Neurosciences. We are the only private hospital in Mumbai and in Western India to offer a comprehensive Level-1 Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) for patient care, training and research. Our Trauma Centre is reputed to respond the fastest in times of a stroke, which ensures higher recovery chances. If you or someone around you is having a stroke – reach out to our Centre for Accident & Emergency team on 022 42699999. Please find below our website details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_neurosciences/stroke.html

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_accidentemergency.html

Medical research statistics conducted by India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) found that nearly 15 crore Indians are in need of mental health care services, but fewer than 3 crore are seeking care. With unhealthy lifestyles, hectic work schedules, increased social media use, and loneliness taking care of your mental health is important in today’s times than ever before. Getting timely medical advice for mental health disorders is not a luxury but a necessity.

Physical activity can play an important role in improving your mental well-being and can even reduce symptoms of serious mental health conditions. Exercise isn’t just about building muscles or shedding pounds; it also has a profound impact on your mental health. The connection between physical activity and mental well-being is well-documented, with numerous studies showing that regular exercise can alleviate the symptoms of many existing mental illness.

How Exercise Promotes Positive Well-Being

Exercise can also be used to enhance well-being in already healthy people. Here is how regular exercise benefits your health:

• Exercise decreases stress hormones
• Keeps you away from negative thoughts
• Exercise promotes confidence
• Exercise provides a buffer against stress

Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Exercise is not just about improving your fitness levels. People who exercise regularly are motivated to do so as it gives them a great sense of emotional satisfaction. Here are some benefits:

• Exercise and Depression
  Medical research suggests that that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression effectively. Research suggests that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. Exercise is known to be a powerful depression fighter. Most significantly, it encourages a variety of changes in the brain, including a neuronal development, decreased inflammation, and new activity patterns that foster emotions of peace and wellbeing.
• Exercise and Anxiety
  Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. Through the release of endorphins, exercise reduces anxiety and stress, increases physical and mental vitality, and improves wellbeing.
• Exercise and Stress
  Another mental benefit of exercise is reduced stress levels—something that can make everyone happier. Increasing your heart rate with exercise can actually reverse stress-induced brain damage by stimulating the production of neurohormones like norepinephrine, which not only enhance cognition and mood but also clear thinking muddled by stressful experiences.
• Exercise and ADHD
  Regular exercise is one of the simplest and most efficient strategies to lessen ADHD symptoms and enhance focus, motivation, memory, and mood. The levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels in the brain rapidly increase with physical exercise, which improves your focus and attention.
• Exercise and PTSD and trauma
  There is evidence to support the idea that paying close attention to your body and how it feels when exercising might really assist your nervous system get “unstuck” and start to emerge from the immobilization stress response that characterises PTSD or trauma. Exercises that involve cross movement and that engage both arms and legs—such as walking, running, weight training, swimming, or dancing—are some of your best choices.

Other Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Regular physical activity plays a huge role in improving your mood and helps maintain a positive outlook in life. Regular exercise can help provide:

• Increased energy levels
• Sharper memory and thinking
• Higher self-esteem
• Better sleep
• Stronger resilience
• Fosters discipline

Mental health care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Incorporating regular exercise into your life is a powerful tool for improving your mental health. From releasing feel-good chemicals to reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function, the benefits are wide-ranging and well-documented.

Are you or a loved one suffering from any mental health concerns such as anxiety, mood swings, sleep difficulties, depression or some phobia? Do not delay seeking help to address your mental health needs. Consult highly trained and compassionate counselors and mental health specialists at our Department of Psychiatry for further assistance. Please visit the below link for more information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/psychiatry.html

The estimated dementia prevalence for adults aged 60+ in India is 7.4%. About 88 lakh Indians older than 60 years live with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a relentless neurological condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is a progressive brain disorder that primarily impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. As it advances, Alzheimer’s can become increasingly challenging, both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. However, with the right strategies and support, individuals with Alzheimer’s can lead meaningful lives.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of dementia cases. It is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of protein aggregates in the brain, leading to the death of brain cells and the subsequent decline in cognitive function. While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses through several stages, each with its own set of symptoms:

• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
  In the early stages, individuals may experience subtle memory lapses, difficulty finding the right words, and challenges with problem-solving. These changes can be concerning but might not interfere significantly with daily life.
• Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
  As the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticeable. Individuals may have trouble with tasks like managing finances, remembering recent events, and getting lost in familiar places.
• Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
  This stage often brings more severe memory loss and cognitive decline. Individuals may struggle to recognize loved ones, exhibit mood swings, and need assistance with activities of daily living.
• Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
  In the advanced stages, individuals lose the ability to communicate, recognize even the closest family members, and require round-the-clock care.

Expert Recommendations for Coping with Alzheimer’s disease

It’s essential to understand that Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, meaning it worsens over time. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are ways to slow its progression and improve the quality of life for those affected. Here are some expert recommendations on coping with Alzheimer’s disease:

• Early Diagnosis
  Seeking a timely diagnosis is crucial. An early diagnosis allows for better planning and access to available treatments that may temporarily alleviate symptoms.
• Medications
  Some medications can help manage cognitive symptoms and behavioral changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Consult a neurologist to determine if these are appropriate for the individual’s condition.
• Memory Aids
  Use memory aids like calendars, notes, and reminders to help individuals remember important dates and tasks.
• Right Engagement
  Engage in activities that stimulate the mind, such as puzzles, art, music, or gardening. These activities can help maintain cognitive function and improve mood.
• Healthy Lifestyle
  Encourage healthy living by eating a balanced diet, getting frequent exercise, and getting enough rest.
• Safe and Calming environment
  Remove hazards that increase the risk of falls, ensure proper nutrition, and establish a simple and regular routine for the patients and follow it daily.
• Emotional Support
  Alzheimer’s can be emotionally challenging for both the affected individual and their caregivers. Seek support from local Alzheimer’s associations, support groups, or therapists to help cope with the emotional toll of the disease.

Coping with Alzheimer’s disease is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s possible to lead a fulfilling life even in the face of this progressive condition. Early diagnosis, a supportive environment, proper medical care, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle are essential components of Alzheimer’s management. It’s crucial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers to access timely support and medical care to help them navigate this journey.

Alzheimer’s care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Are you or a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease resulting in memory loss, confusion, difficulty in speech and understanding, change in personality, aggressive behavior, hallucinations or depression. Our Centre for Neurosciences offers a comprehensive screening and care program for Alzheimer’s disease including neurology consultation, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. We are committed to work together with the patient and their family to alleviate suffering by offering the best possible medical care. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can maximize the benefit and improve the patient’s quality of life. By following expert recommendations and maintaining a positive outlook, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can continue to find moments of joy and connection in their lives. Please find below our website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_neurosciences/alzheimer_sdisease.html

Tossing and turning around, constantly worried and anxious, thinking about the next day, unable to settle into deep sleep, does this sound like you? Do you often feel fatigued and drowsy even after a night of sleep? More and more young Indians are suffering from a quiet epidemic of sleeplessness. A study conducted in 2019, suggests that India is the second-most sleep-deprived nation after Japan. High stress levels, unhealthy diets, alcohol intake, excessive screen use, work commitments, social events, etc are all disrupting the natural circadian rhythm allowing little time to wind down and relax with restful sleep. This is taking an invisible but massive toll on people’s physical, cognitive and emotional health as per Dr. Annu Aggarwal – Consultant, Neurology, Specialist Cognitive and Behavioural Neurology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.

The Importance of Sleep

Sleep, one of our most fundamental physiological processes, often gets sidelined in the hustle and bustle of modern life. Getting enough sound sleep is incredibly important for your overall health. However, as people are getting busier and more stressed, it can be difficult to switch off and get a good night’s rest.  Sleep is not just ‘downtime’ when the brain shuts off. It’s an active period during which vital processing, restoration, and strengthening occur. Lack of adequate sleep can lead to a host of health problems, from impaired memory and mood disorders to heightened risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes

How to Improve your Sleep routine

Most people should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and children require even more hours. Here are some helpful tips to help sleep better:

• Develop a routine
  One of the most effective ways to ensure a good night’s sleep is to develop a routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day will help your body adjust to a regular sleep/wake cycle. This will help you fall asleep more quickly and wake up feeling more refreshed. It’s also important to wind down in the hours leading up to bedtime. Dim the lights, and engage in calming activities such as reading or taking a bath.
• Limit exposure to screens
  Blue light emitted by various screens can disrupt the melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Avoid use of any screens at least 1 hour before bedtime.
• Create the right environment
  Creating the right environment for sleep is very essential. You must ensure that your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a good quality mattress and pillows to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. Blackout curtains or an eye mask can help block out unwanted light, while earplugs can help reduce noise.
• Eat and drink wisely
  Your dietary habits have a huge impact on your sleep quality. Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime, as they can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Similarly, caffeine and alcohol should be avoided in the hours leading up to bedtime. Instead, try to stick to non-caffeinated herbal teas or warm milk.
• Exercise regularly
  Regular exercise is another key factor in promoting restful sleep. However, it’s important to avoid rigorous exercise too close to bedtime, as it can be stimulating. Aim to finish your workout at least 3 hours before bedtime for best results.
• Minimize stress
  Finally, it’s important to minimize stress as much as possible in the hours leading up to bedtime. This may be easier said than done, but there are lots of relaxation techniques that can help. Meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation are all effective ways to calm your mind and prepare for sleep.

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your health and wellbeing. By developing a routine, creating the right environment, eating and drinking wisely, exercising regularly, and minimizing stress, you can set yourself up for a restful night of sleep. Monitoring your sleep progress can be motivating. Use a sleep diary or a tracking device to observe patterns and make necessary adjustments. Noticing improvements in your sleep quality can encourage you to maintain your new habits. Good sleep hygiene can profoundly impact your quality of life..Sweet dreams!