BONE HEALTH:
The Taiwanese Osteoporosis Association said 8.1 percent of people aged 50 or older experience osteoporosis, but the prevalence among women is higher at 10 percent
By Lee I-chia / Staff reporter
Many elderly people aged 65 years or older might experience hip fractures when they fall down, but getting surgery would not be enough to fully recover, and postoperative rehabilitation is crucial for standing up again, the Taiwanese Osteoporosis Association (TOA) said yesterday.
The TOA yesterday held the Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) Taiwan founding conference in Taipei, where TOA chairperson and Kaohsiung Municipal Da-Tung Hospital orthopedist Chen Chung-hwan (陳崇桓) was named adjunct chairperson of the network.
The FFN addresses the full pathway of care for fragility fracture patients, and has been promoting improvements across four main pillars of care that include perioperative care, surgical treatment, rehabilitation, secondary prevention and policy change, the association said, adding that it has expanded its congress in different regions worldwide with participants from 102 countries.
Photo: Lin Liang-che, Taipei Times
Chen said the FFN Taiwan consists of orthopedists, geriatricians, rehabilitation physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and other healthcare professionals, and it aims to integrate resources for maximizing effectiveness in improving the quality of fragility fracture treatment in Taiwan.
According to the National Health Promotion Administration’s national nutrition survey between 2017 and 2020, the prevalence of osteoporosis among adults aged 50 or older was 8.1 percent, but the prevalence among women was higher — about 10 percent were estimated to have osteoporosis.
Chen said most hip fractures occur in elderly people and are caused by falling, and as women have higher rates of weakened bones by osteoporosis and weaker muscle strength, they have a higher risk of getting a hip fracture from a fall than men.
However, the postoperative healthcare they receive is crucial for recovery, as many who return home only to lay in bed, instead of undergoing physical rehabilitation, would have poor outcomes of rapid muscle loss and the inability to stand up and walk, becoming long-term bedridden patients, he said.
West Garden Hospital rehabilitation physician Hsu Po-cheng (徐伯誠) said about half of hip fracture patients need assistive devices or other people’s help to stand up after surgery, and about 90 percent need assistance to climb stairs, so many might lose their mobility to enjoy a full and active life.
However, if people do not practice moving around after the surgery, they could lose bone mass and muscle strength rapidly within a few months, he said, adding that therefore, they should try to leave their bed as soon as possible and get physical rehabilitation to gradually recover to preoperative conditions.
As people would need to add different exercises into their rehabilitation routine depending on their preoperative exercise habits, health conditions, complications and medications, customized plans and supervision might need a medical team with different health professionals, Hsu said.
Chen said the National Health Insurance policy says that large hospitals are responsible for acute treatment, but patients must be transferred to local hospitals or facilities for post-acute care.
Therefore, the FFN Taiwan would launch a hip fracture registry program with a hospitals this year, he said.
The FFN is to collect data from people to better understand what can be improved in the nation’s fragility fracture healthcare system, and try to obtain more resources to improve it, Chen added.
Additional reporting by CNA
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Patients with the most common sleep disorder could be offered pioneering weight-loss jabs to combat the condition which can be life-threatening.
More than 1.5 million people in the UK live with sleep apnoea, in which heavy snoring disrupts their breathing.
The condition leaves sufferers exhausted due to a lack of sleep as well as increasing their risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease.
But groundbreaking new research has found that weight-loss jab tirzepatide slashed the frequency of apnoea symptoms, boosting the amount of sleep participants got.
While people become more at risk of sleep apnoea as they get older, the most common cause of the condition is obesity.
The weekly injection works in a similar way to the popular weight-loss medicine Wegovy.
More than 1.5 million people in the UK live with sleep apnoea, in which heavy snoring disrupts their breathing (stock image)
But groundbreaking new research has found that weight-loss jab tirzepatide (pictured) slashed the frequency of apnoea symptoms, boosting the amount of sleep participants got
Those with sleep apnoea suffer a complete collapse of the muscles in the upper windpipe, which can temporarily interrupt breathing. File image
Studies suggest tirzepatide is twice as effective – leading researchers to dub it the ‘King Kong’ of weight-loss drugs.
Experts say it could be life-saving for NHS patients with debilitating sleep apnoea.
‘This looks like a promising treatment,’ says Dr Christopher Turnbull, a sleep apnoea expert at the University of Oxford.
‘Sleep apnoea has a massive impact on the lives of patients, who are more likely to develop heart problems.
‘Many struggle with their weight, which is the main cause of their apnoea, but find it difficult to take part in exercise or commit to a diet because they are exhausted due to the lack of sleep. Anything that could help them lose weight would be a welcome addition to treatment options.’
Muscles in the airways naturally relax during sleep. But those with sleep apnoea suffer a complete collapse of the muscles in the upper windpipe, which can temporarily interrupt breathing.
Those with the condition will often make choking, gasping and snorting noises, and frequently wake up – sometimes as often as every few minutes.
The disruption in breathing also leads to spikes in blood pressure, stressing the heart.
Sleep apnoea patients are twice as likely to suffer a stroke and 80 per cent more likely to develop heart disease than those who don’t have the condition.
In 2016, the death of Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher was put down to severe sleep apnoea combined with heart disease. However, the condition affects predominantly men. Research suggests excess weight can lead to a build-up of fat around the neck as well as increasing the size of the tongue.
In 2016, the death of Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher (pictured in 2011) was put down to severe sleep apnoea combined with heart disease
Carrie Fisher starring as Princess Leia on Star Wars the Empire Strikes Back in 1980
However, the condition affects predominantly men. Research suggests excess weight can lead to a build-up of fat around the neck as well as increasing the size of the tongue (stock photo)
One of the most common treatments for sleep apnoea is called continuous positive airway pressure (pictured). Patients wear a face mask while sleeping which pumps air into the mouth and nose to ensure the windpipe stays open
These changes increase the chances of the windpipe becoming blocked during sleep.
One of the most common treatments for sleep apnoea is called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Patients wear a face mask while sleeping which pumps air into the mouth and nose to ensure the windpipe stays open.
However, CPAP cannot cure sleep apnoea, and many users find the machine uncomfortable.
‘CPAP is very effective but it’s fairly burdensome for the patient,’ says Dr Turnbull.
Experts believe tirzepatide could be a possible alternative to CPAP after a US study involving nearly 500 obese participants concluded that the jab reduced sleep apnoea symptoms by nearly two-thirds.
Sleep apnoea studies often observe the number of obstructive ‘events’ patients experience – the amount of times they stop breathing.
The new findings, published by the drug’s developer Eli Lilly, show patients given tirzepatide experienced about 30 fewer events per hour than those who didn’t have the treatment.
Crucially, this was roughly similar to the benefits seen in patients using CPAP.
Experts say these striking results are due to the weight loss seen in the participants, who, on average, lost around a fifth of their body weight.
Tirzepatide mimics the GLP-1 hormone in the gut that helps with the release of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. It also supresses appetite, leading to weight loss.
‘Many sleep apnoea patients respond well to CPAP and would prefer to be drug-free,’ says Kath Hope, founder of the charity Hope2Sleep.
‘But for those who struggle with CPAP and are living with untreated sleep apnoea, this could be an excellent option.’
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the walls of a person's throat relax and narrow during sleep, blocking their airways.
This interrupts normal breathing, with symptoms including loud snoring, noisy and laboured breathing, and repeated episodes when breathing is interrupted by gasping and snorting.
OSA affects between four and 10 per cent of people in the UK. In the US, around 22 million are affected.
During an episode, the lack of oxygen triggers a sufferer's brain to pull them out of deep sleep so their airways reopen.
These repeated sleep interruptions can make the person very tired, with them often being unaware of what the problem is.
Risks for OSA include:
Being overweight - excess body fat increases the bulk of soft tissues in the neck
Being male
Being 40 or over
Having a large neck
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Being in the menopause - hormonal changes cause the throat muscles to relax
Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as loosing weight, if necessary, and avoiding alcohol.
In addition, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices prevent the airway closing by delivering a continuous supply of compressed air through a mask.
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) can also be used, which is like a gum-shield that holds the jaw and tongue forward to increase the space at the back of the throat.
Untreated, OSA increases a person's risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attacks and type 2 diabetes.
Sometimes, the most valuable thing you need on your journey to a healthy lifestyle is some guidance and motivation. Luckily, some user-friendly apps and gadgets can help you achieve your fitness goals in 2024.
The following devices are some of the newer products health enthusiasts are raving about this year. They are designed to track your progress, help you recover, keep you up to date on trends, and inform you about proper healthy habits. How many of these tools are you going to check out or add to your gym bag?
1. Lumen Metabolism Tracker
Image Credit: Metaflow LTD.
The Lumen metabolism tracker allows users to blow into a sensor, which tracks the carbon dioxide concentration in their breath. This indicates whether their body is burning fat or carbohydrates. From there, it breaks down a daily nutritional plan to give you the optimal time to eat or fast. It can tell you if you are fasting too long and no longer burning fat or if you are comfortably shedding weight. If you have a goal of slimming down this year, this ground-breaking technology could be your answer.
2. Apollo Neuro Stress Relief Band
Image Credit: Apollo Neuroscience, Inc.
The Apollo Neuro bracelet wraps around your wrist. It uses scientifically proven touch therapy to send tiny vibrations through your body. The goal is to calm your nervous system and improve your body’s reaction to stress triggers. Users have reported better quality of sleep, heightened focus, and lower levels of anxiety.
The device only needs to be worn when your body needs it. When you need to relax and unwind, this device is ideal for naturally training your body to deal with stress.
3. Fitbit Aria Air Scale
Image Credit: Google LLC.
This smart scale syncs with your smartphone and tracks body weight and BMI while analyzing the data. It works with any Fitbit smartwatch and helps users gather more comprehensive data and trends about their health, workout routines, lifestyle, and body weight.
The scale can connect to multiple users to create a support system for people taking charge of their health. For as little as $40, this gadget is a must-have for fitness enthusiasts.
4. Molekule Air Purifier
Image Credit: Molekule.
Whether you suffer from allergies or want to breathe the freshest air possible, this home air purifier is a life changer. The Molecule Air Purifier can easily and automatically clean the air in a room as big as 600 square feet.
The device comes with two separate filters. The first filter traps bigger particles like dust and pet hair, while the second breaks down pollutants at a molecular level. Bacteria, mold, viruses, allergens, and other contaminants don’t stand a chance of breaking through the proprietary light-activated catalyst technology this purifier boasts.
The device can be controlled by an app, sits quietly in the corner, and provides endless amounts of healthy air for you and your family.
5. MUSE S: The Brain Sensing Headband
Image Credit: Muse.
Studies have proven that regular meditation can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, fight addiction, and lower blood pressure. The MUSE S is determined to make your meditation sessions that much better by tracking and analyzing your body’s measurements.
Worn across the user’s forehead, the MUSE S measures heart rate, breathing, subtle body movements, and brain waves. The MUSE app provides biofeedback in real-time. Users can also use the device to track sleep habits, assist in guided meditation, and perform breathing exercises.
6. Noom Weight Loss App
Image Credit: Noom, Inc.
I’m sure some of you have seen the commercials for the weight loss app Noom. The brand’s approach to weight loss includes science and personalized programs to lose weight permanently. They believe in teaching their clients how to cope with their relationship with food, be conscious of their habits, and instill healthy lifestyle knowledge.
Daily lessons promote the company’s core beliefs. They want you to lose weight and understand why you are losing it. Food trackers and exercise logs are included to keep you consistent and on track to a healthier body.
A four-month subscription costs only $149, making it a fantastic resource for users looking to shed some pounds before summer.
7. Oral-B iO Series 9 Toothbrush
Image Credit: Procter & Gamble.
It seems like every gadget we use daily is getting upgraded to a smarter version. This smart technology automatic toothbrush is designed to keep our teeth clean, kill bad breath, and brighten our smiles. The toothbrush pairs with the mobile app and assures the user that it hits 100% of their mouth with the proper pressure and length of time. The device will also inform you when to replace the brush head for optimal oral care.
8. Dr. Relief Acupressure Mat
Image Credit: Dr. Relief.
I have personally never tried acupuncture, but many fitness experts swear by the results of this ancient Chinese medicine. Studies have shown that the practice of acupuncture can improve sleep, erase migraines, improve mental health, and temper chronic pain. Still, for some, the thought of needles in our bodies is beyond scary.
That is where this Dr. Relief mat comes in. It is thought to mimic the results without using those terrifying needles. The mat has a comfortable headrest that allows you to lie down for a full-body, acupuncture-like experience.
9. TheraGun Percussion Massager
Image Credit: Therabody, Inc.
If you ask any personal trainer or fitness expert, they will tell you that recovery is just as important as the actual workout. Tired muscles need time to recover and grow before training again, and failure to do so can risk serious injury. Massages can be the ideal recovery tool for a sore body but can be expensive. The TheraGun percussion massager lets you get quality massages at home quickly and easily.
The machine provides various speeds and pressures and effectively works out knots and target spots. Its compact design makes it portable, so you can use it at home, in the office, or on vacation.
10. Oura Ring
Image Credit: Ōura Health Oy.
The fashionable Oura Ring has built-in sensors to track and collect data 24 hours a day. It is quickly becoming one of the more advanced fitness trackers on the market. The third-generation Oura can successfully track sleep patterns, heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen level, steps, distance traveled, calories burned, and downtime. The ring can also alert you if you are getting sick, experiencing high levels of stress, or need more sleep.
You might think a resource like this would cost a fortune. Nope. The ring has a price tag of $299, making it a great option for fitness fanatics or people looking to better understand their bodies.
This QardioArm monitor takes the difficulty out of monitoring your blood pressure. The device wraps around your upper arm and instantly connects with your smartphone, making it super simple to send analyzed data to your medical provider.
The QardioArm is designed to measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and irregular heartbeat. You can set reminders, geo-tracking, and a relaxation mode. It is compact and portable with a rechargeable battery, making it one of the most convenient blood pressure monitors on the market.
12. Fitbit Sense 2 Fitness & Health Tracker
Image Credit: Google LLC.
Fitbit has continued to make high-quality fitness trackers, and the newest Sense 2 is no different. Not only is the futuristic case stylish and cool, but the technology has grown to help us store our fitness habits even better.
The watch is capable of tracking many bodily functions. It monitors heart rate, calories burned, steps, distance, elevation gain, and health trends. You can set the watch to different workout modes, rate your quality of sleep, and alert you to irregular heartbeats that could be a cause of an underlying health factor. All in all, this gadget is an amazing tool to have if you want to be informed of your body’s actions at all times.
14. Apple Fitness +
Image Credit: Apple, Inc.
Since the pandemic hit, people have preferred at-home workouts over gym memberships. Naturally, more options for home workouts have become available. One of the most popular apps for a quality home workout is Apple Fitness +.
For only $10 a month, Apple Fitness + will help you achieve your goals. You can choose from various workouts, up to 45 minutes long, taught by actual fitness professionals. Your results are tracked in the app, making it easy to stay consistent and track your actions.
No more crowded gym floors or influencers hogging the equipment. Bring the gym to you or wherever you travel with the Apple Fitness + app.
15. Tonal Mirror
Image Credit: Tonal.
It is hard to replicate lifting heavy weights and bars as you would in a gym, but the Tonal Mirror resistance technology is as close as you can get. The all-in-one workout machine comes with a wall-mounted screen that provides personalized coaching and fitness tracking. The equipment can hit all muscle groups and provide lifts like bench presses, squats, curls, and deadlifts.
The device can be a little pricey. At $3,000, it is a commitment, but over the course of a few years, the money saved on gym fees will pay for itself.
Mental Health Tips: What Happens to Your Body When You Take Too Much Stress? Side Effects And Ways to Cope
In addition to impacting mental well-being, stress can have profound effects on the body, contributing to various health conditions and diseases.
Mental Health Tips: What Happens to Your Body When You Take Too Much Stress? Side Effects And Ways to Cope
Stress may not only affect you mentally but is also detrimental to your physical health, said doctors here on Tuesday. April is known to be the stress awareness month. In today’s fast-paced world, people of all ages are facing unprecedented levels of pressure and stress, leading to a surge in mental and physical health challenges. “In addition to impacting mental well-being, stress can have profound effects on the body, contributing to various health conditions and diseases,” Vipul Gupta, Director of Neurointervention and Co-Chief of the Stroke Unit at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.
Side Effects of Taking Too Much Stress
The doctor noted that stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke. “Chronic stress triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including elevated levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt normal bodily functions. “Digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis are also linked to stress, as it can disrupt gut motility and exacerbate inflammation. Furthermore, prolonged stress may contribute to hormonal imbalances, leading to reproductive issues in both men and women, the doctor said.
A December 2023 study by ICICI Lombard General Insurance unveiled that every third person in India is grappling with stress. The report said that 77 per cent of Indians experience at least one symptom of stress regularly.
Expert-Recommended Ways to Cope up With Stress
Coping mechanisms such as mindfulness practices, healthy lifestyle habits, regular exercise, maintaining social connections, etc, play crucial roles in managing stress. Divya Mohindroo, a Counselling Psychologist suggested exploring mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing to manage stress. She also emphasised the therapeutic value of journaling and harnessing the power of nature.
“Explore the benefits of spending time outdoors for stress management. This highlights a natural approach to stress reduction that connects with the concept of awareness,” she told IANS. The experts also stressed the importance of seeking help when needed.
“Recognising when stress becomes overwhelming and seeking professional help is paramount. Visiting a doctor or mental health professional is necessary when symptoms persist, interfere with daily functioning, or lead to physical ailments. Stress awareness month serves as a timely reminder to prioritise mental well-being and seek support when needed,” Vipul said.
Researchers who study long COVID say its debilitating symptoms are often misdiagnosed by clinicians and dismissed by employers or loved ones because so little is known about the new syndrome. The results can be devastating for individuals and their families -- and for the economy.
It reminds Stanford Medicine's Hector Bonilla, MD, of another little-understood condition that the medical world still struggles to treat correctly.
"I've been working on chronic fatigue syndrome for almost eight years; when long COVID came along it was like déjà vu," said Bonilla, a clinical associate professor and an infectious disease physician who is a co-director of the Stanford Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome Clinic. "This is nothing new. We've been ignoring these problem for decades -- so it's time to pay attention."
Hector Bonilla
Nearly 1.2 million people have died from COVID-19, accounting for 2.2% of all deaths since the pandemic began, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC believes at least 5,000 people have died from long COVID, but it is trying to get a better account by issuing new autopsy guidelines for reporting long COVID as the cause of death.
Today, an estimated 16 million working-age people have long COVID, 4 million of whom can't work due to the debilitating symptoms. One of the worst things a long COVID patient can hear from their primary care physician, said Bonilla, is that they just need more sleep and to improve their diet and exercise. This attitude, he said, recalls the early days of CFS, when more physical activity was a common recommendation.
Long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms are similar: severe exhaustion, brain fog, chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Some patients experience cardiac and gastrointestinal issues, as well as loss of taste and smell and elevated levels of depression and anxiety.
Bonilla was joined recently by Gopi Shah Goda, PhD, a health economist who is a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. While she is researching the economic impact of the syndrome, Bonilla is focused on helping patients and letting them know they are not alone.
"You have to validate them," Bonilla said. "You have to say, 'Yes, I hear you and you are not alone; there are millions of people with the same problems you're having.'"
He said he's seen patients who have lost their homes and are living out of their cars, couples who are divorcing because one spouse doesn't believe the other is truly sick.
The economic impact
Goda calculates that on top of the quarter-million people of working age who died from COVID-19, at least twice that number have disappeared from the workforce. In a study published by the Journal of Public Economics, Goda estimates the average individual earnings loss due to long COVID-19 is $9,000 and the total lost labor supply has amounted to $62 billion annually.
Gopi Shah Goda
That's nearly half of the estimated productivity losses from cancer or diabetes. Yet, the Stanford experts say, those diseases receive billions of research dollars annually while long COVID research remains woefully underfunded.
"If you think about the budgets for some of the parts of the NIH [National Institutes of Health] that are funding research on cancer and diabetes, it's in the billions, and the amount that has been invested in long COVID is more in the millions," Goda said.
Stanford's long COVID clinic, which opened in May of 2021, received a grant last year of $1 million annually for five years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to care for people with long COVID -- particularly those from underserved, rural, vulnerable and minority populations that were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Goda believes many long COVID sufferers are falling through the cracks because clinicians aren't certain how to categorize their illnesses, so workers could be losing out on disability insurance through their employers or Social Security Disability Insurance.
The COVID-19 public health emergency expired in May 2023, and the CDC earlier this month lifted the five-day isolation guidance for those who test positive for COVID-19. Both Bonilla and Goda said they hoped this would not lead to relaxations that make workers more vulnerable, particularly those who have no access to paid leave.
No approved treatment but hope on horizon
Experts say 37% of COVID survivors report having at least one long COVID symptom in the 90 to 180 days after their initial infection.
But like chronic fatigue syndrome, there are no tests or approved treatments for long COVID, though Bonilla said he's seeing some positive results in his clinic by treating patients with off-label, low-dose naltrexone -- a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory -- and low doses of the antipsychotic drug Abilify.
There are also efforts to raise awareness about the need for more research that could lead to a cure. March 15 marked the second annual Long COVID Awareness Day, and the NIH is eager to get people with long COVID to join its CureID research program.
In addition, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing in January on long COVID, with committee chair Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) acknowledging that Congress needs to do more.
"There's a sense that something is going on in America which is serious that we're not addressing," Sanders said. "So I just want to say to our panelists and all those who are dealing with long COVID: We hear you what you're experiencing, and we take it seriously. We think we Congress has not done anywhere near enough, and we hope to turn that around."
Goda submitted a statement to the committee for that hearing, emphasizing the need for more mitigation policies and programs to help workers remain in the workforce.
More news on long COVID
"Despite COVID's harmful impact on the U.S. workforce overall, there are some signs of good news," she said in her statement. "So far, employment and labor force participation rates increased faster among those who report having a disability, likely because of new opportunities to work from home and the tight labor markets."
She noted there are also lower rates of COVID-19 related work absences. Between January and October of 2023, likely COVID-19 related absences from work were 16% higher than pre-pandemic levels. This was a sharp drop from 61% during March 2020 through December 2022.
Still, Bonilla said, while long-COVID may be getting more national recognition, many patients don't have access to health care or live far from clinics, such as native Americans, those in rural communities, and undocumented workers.
"There are people who have no voice, and nobody is talking about them," he said.
Beth Duff-Brown is the communications manager for Stanford Health Policy
The science is clear: sleep is essential for optimal running, recovery, and life in general. And with one in three Americans using wearable tech to track fitness and health, it’s clear that people crave data now more than ever—specifically, sleep data. But when you wake up and check your watch for all the details about how you slept the night before, you might not understand exactly what you’re reading.
In today’s high-tech age, most sleep trackers work the same way—though their accuracy is a spectrum. Each device uses a different algorithm, which makes results vary. That being said, many trackers contain accelerometers (small motion detectors), and photoplethysmography (PPG). Woah. Now that’s a word!
PPG is an optical technique using a tiny light to shine into blood vessels and reflect information back into the watch like heart rate, blood volume changes, and sleep stages. Accelerometers measure how much movement there is during the sleep cycle, which is helpful to track if you’re a restless sleeper.
Though there are a plethora of sleep trackers on the market, in this analysis, we’re focusing on Garmin specifically. All Garmin watches have sleep tracking capabilities, and certain versions, including the Venu 2 series, the fēnix 6, the fēnix 6 solar series, the Descent MK2 series, the tactix Delta series, the Enduro, the Forerunner 745, the Forerunner 945, have an insight called Sleep Score.
With the sleep tracking functionality built into our watches, how can we capitalize on the data to aid our running?
Stages of Sleep
A sleep tracker will tell you how long you’ve spent in each stage of sleep: deep sleep, light sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement). Sleep specialists, like clinical psychologist and sleep medicine expert Dr. Michael Breus, further delineate the stages (except REM) to the label of non-REM sleep, categorizing them NREM 1, NREM 2, NREM 3, and REM. Your watch categorizes your sleep into these stages by compiling things like breathing, heart rate, and movement.
“These estimates are based on things the watch knows,” Breus says. “For example, we know that the heart rate slows as you progress through the stages. So when it measures your heart rate, it can eventually estimate your sleep stage.”
You typically go through four to five sleep cycles during one night. One sleep cycle is one round of all four stages.
(Photo: Garmin)
Dr. Christopher Winter, MD, is a sleep specialist, neurologist, and author of the books The Rested Child and The Sleep Solution. He says that sleep trackers can be a helpful tool, but also cautions that they may perform better at certain things than others. Namely, he warns that these watches are better at calculating your total amount of sleep, not the amount of time spent in each stage.
“I do recommend them, as the longitudinal data they can provide can be helpful,” he says. “But they are much more accurate at calculating sleep amount, and a bit less on the nose when it comes to breaking down the stages.”
Each sleep stage plays an important role in recovery:
NREM 1
You’ll notice Breus has an extra stage that isn’t included in Garmin’s data—NREM 1. This is the first and shortest stage of sleep, taking up about five percent of your overall rest. It’s the time between wakefulness and sleep, when your heart rate and breathing decrease. You might even experience something called hypnic jerks, which are involuntary muscle twitches that happen when you fall asleep.
NREM 2 | Light sleep
Light sleep makes up about 53 percent of the night and is the stage that occurs before deep sleep. Your brain waves slow, body temperature drops, muscles relax, and breathing slows even more.
“This is where other EEG things happen called spindles and k-complexes,” Breus says. “So we can identify each sleep stage. This has various biological functions, but is mainly a buffer between REM and deep sleep.”
An EEG test (short for electroencephalographic—another whopper of a word) records, measures, and analyzes the brain’s electrical activity. During light sleep, spindles and k-complexes appear as hikes or jumps in EEG wavelengths. Both of these are believed to contribute to memory consolidation and cerebrum development.
NREM 3 | Deep sleep
When you’re in deep sleep, your brain’s delta waves—the slowest recorded brain waves in humans—slow in frequency. The heart rate and breathing slows to its lowest levels and muscles completely relax.
“Deep sleep is your physical restoration,” Breus says. “It’s when growth hormone is produced for cellular repair, when the glymphatic system removes certain proteins—which can prevent Alzheimers.”
REM
Just when you thought your brain can’t get any more chill after deep sleep…You’re right. Because Breur says, in REM sleep, your brain activity is actually similar to that of an awake person. In this stage, your body is at rest, but the thalamus (a part of the brain that relays information) is constantly sending the brain cortex sounds and images that make up our dreams.
“REM sleep is your mental restoration, where you move information from your short term memory into your long term memory, and where you process emotions and dream,” Breus says.
REM lasts about 10 minutes at a time, making up about 25 percent of your sleep in total.
So is there a “king” when it comes to these stages of sleep? Should we be getting more of one than the other?
“Everyone wants more deep sleep and more REM, but it doesn’t work that way,” Breur says. “You get what you get, as long as you’re not doing anything to your body that might prevent a particular stage of sleep like caffeine or alcohol.”
Sleep Metrics
Beyond the stages of sleep and how much time you’ve spent in each of them, Garmin offers several sleep metrics: resting heart rate, body battery change, and average respiration.
“Your resting HR gives you some indication of how calm you are, and how close you are to falling asleep,” Breus says. “Most people begin to get drowsy around 60 bmp (beats per minute).”
If you notice you have trouble lowering your heart rate before bed, you might be stressed, anxious, dehydrated, have consumed too much caffeine, or are going through hormonal changes. If you find this is a pattern, you might want to look at your lifestyle choices and see what can be modified to lower your overall stress, such as following a well-balanced diet, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, and exercising.
For an in-the-moment solution, right before bed, you can practice deep breathing exercises. The Premier Heart and Vascular Center says that deep breathing that causes your abdomen to rise and fall can calm a racing heart. Breathe slowly and deeply through the nose, and exhale through either your nose or mouth. Make sure your breaths are a consistent length, and, if it helps, hum while you breathe. This will stimulate the vagus nerve, which controls heart rate.
If your sleep tracker data reports a consistently high heart rate while you’re sleeping, you should consult your doctor. While everyone’s sleep patterns are personalized, it could be an indication you’re suffering from a sleep disorder.
Body Battery
(Photo: Garmin)
There’s also a category on the Garmin called Body Battery. While Breus doesn’t have any knowledge about proprietary categories (which a lot of smart watches have), there is an explanation on Garmin’s site:
“The Body Battery energy gauge is a feature that uses a combination of heart rate variability, stress, and activity to estimate a user’s energy reserves throughout the day. It records and displays a number from 5-100, representing the individual’s energy level.”
Because the Body Battery metric represents Garmin’s own analytics, sleep experts cannot determine its accuracy. But the basic idea is to use your own relative energy to make choices about your day. If you wake up and with a lower Body Battery reading, you might not have gotten enough sleep and could consider taking a nap, resting, and keeping your stress levels down (all of which will improve body battery). Having a low Body Battery during the day isn’t a reason not to exercise, but it’s something to keep in mind if you notice your run didn’t feel great that day, and you can give yourself some grace knowing that might be the reason.
Sleep Score
This is something not all Garmin watches have, but worth mentioning nonetheless. A Sleep Score is another insight created by Garmin, and therefore not all sleep specialists can comment on its validity. It’s meant to rate your sleep on a scale of 0-100, using all of the aforementioned data to give you an overall rating of how the night of rest went.
Sleep Score is made up of sleep duration, average stress during sleep, the amount of time spent in each sleep stage, awake time, and restfulness. Scores 90-100 are excellent, 80-89 are good, 60-79 are fair, and any scores below 60 are considered poor.
What to Look Out For
You have the data. You know what it means. Now what do you look out for?
“Inadequate sleep amount would be the number one 1,” Winter says. “If deep sleep and REM/dream sleep are consistently low, and this is coupled with feeling tired or sleepy during the day, it’s never a bad idea to speak to a sleep specialist or consider a real sleep study.”
If your Garmin reports that you’re waking in the middle of the night multiple times—even if you don’t notice it—your sleep quality might not be at its best. This might affect your day; you feel exhausted, struggle to concentrate, crave sugar, and are more hungry and stressed than usual. You may experience these effects even if you’ve technically gotten enough sleep the night before. That’s because quality and quantity have to go hand-in-hand.
(Photo: Getty)
“The quality of sleep matters,” Winters says. “It’s like asking ‘Does the kind of food we eat matter, or can we just eat a lot of candy and be okay?’”
Often you can improve sleep quality without an appointment with a sleep specialist by making a few adjustments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have a few tips: go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. Stop scrolling through your phone at least 30 minutes before bed, and, if you can, don’t bring your phone to bed at all. Avoid caffeine late in the day—one study reported that consuming caffeine even six hours before bed worsened sleep quality.
Research shows that regular exercise can improve sleep quality. A study found that adults who exercised for at least 30 minutes a day slept, on average, 15 minutes longer than those who didn’t. Getting outside can also help with sleep, especially if you can get some sunshine. Exposure to natural light is proven to help regulate your sleep cycles.
Take into account the time spent in each sleep stage, but don’t stress over it unless you are also feeling tired or unwell. Winters recommends having a couple weeks worth of data before making any assumptions about your health. It never hurts to make an appointment with a sleep specialist if you’re concerned.
Ultimately, using a Garmin, or another sleep tracking device such as an Oura ring or Whoop (Breus recommends the Oura ring to his patients, saying he personally believes the sleep tracking is a bit more accurate), can help you better understand your sleep and how to improve it. But don’t let the tyranny of technology unduly influence your life. Sometimes the technology knows better than you, and sometimes it doesn’t.
The global medical dynamometer market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by the rising prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the growing emphasis on physical rehabilitation. Advanced technologies such as wireless connectivity and real-time data monitoring are enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of muscle strength assessment, fueling market growth. Additionally, increasing awareness about proactive healthcare management is driving demand for dynamometers in fitness centers, gyms, and home-based rehabilitation programs.
BOSTON, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "According to the latest BCC Research study, the demand for Global Medical Dynamometer Market is estimated to increase from $547.5 million in 2023 to reach $780.1 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2023 through 2028."
This comprehensive report delves into the multifaceted landscape of the medical dynamometer market, spanning healthcare, rehabilitation, and research sectors. It provides an exhaustive analysis covering various types of dynamometers including hand, chest, squeeze, and push-pull variants. Targeting key stakeholders such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine facilities, and research labs, the report offers profound insights into market dynamics, current trends, and future potentials. By addressing drivers, challenges, and opportunities, it equips market players with strategic intelligence to navigate the evolving landscape. Moreover, the report elucidates industry status, recent developments, and emerging trends, enabling informed decision-making and fostering growth. Geographical nuances are meticulously examined, making it an invaluable resource for companies seeking to expand their market footprint. Whether for market incumbents, potential entrants, government agencies, or other interested parties, this report serves as a definitive guide to understanding and capitalizing on the dynamic medical dynamometer market.
The medical dynamometer has emerged as a pivotal tool in addressing clinical needs, particularly in precise ankle strength measurements. With its portability and high reliability, it proves to be indispensable for routine muscle strength monitoring across diverse populations, exhibiting robust agreement with the gold standard handheld dynamometer (HHD). Its versatility extends from children to the elderly and individuals with weak ankle strength, promising accurate measurements in clinical settings pending further validation. Adding to this landscape, Ashva WearTech's Fitmust introduces a handheld muscle strength dynamometer, poised to revolutionize muscle strength assessment. Launched in April, this microprocessor-based device offers precise and medically accurate measurements, aiding in injury assessment and rehabilitation. Fitmust addresses the critical aspect of muscle strength, recognized by physiotherapists and orthopedic surgeons as paramount in treatment protocols. By providing a comprehensive testing solution for various muscle groups, it empowers healthcare professionals with valuable insights for optimizing health and fitness outcomes.
Explore the full report on the burgeoning Global Medical Dynamometer Market for comprehensive insights and forecasts – click here to Learn More.
Key Drivers of the Global Medical Dynamometer Market
Increase in Sports Injury: With the surge in the popularity of sports and physical activities, there has been a corresponding increase in sports-related injuries. Medical dynamometers are indispensable in this scenario, as they play a crucial role in assessing muscle strength and monitoring rehabilitation post-injury. These devices are in high demand due to their effectiveness in tracking progress during the recovery process, ensuring athletes and individuals can safely return to their activities.
Rise in Prevalence of Bone Injuries and Osteoporosis: The prevalence of bone injuries, fractures, and conditions such as osteoporosis is on the rise, particularly among the aging population. In addressing these challenges, medical dynamometers prove invaluable. They aid healthcare professionals in evaluating bone health and assessing muscle strength around affected areas. Early detection and continuous monitoring facilitated by these devices significantly contribute to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life.
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Trends: There has been a significant emphasis on rehabilitation and physiotherapy in recent years. In this evolving landscape, medical dynamometers serve as essential tools for therapists to design personalized exercise programs tailored to individual patient needs. By facilitating targeted muscle strength assessment and monitoring, these devices help patients regain strength, improve mobility, and enhance overall functional capacity, thereby accelerating the rehabilitation process.
Growing Geriatric Population and Increase in Orthopedic Surgeries: As the global population ages, there is a concurrent increase in age-related conditions and orthopedic surgeries. Joint replacements, fracture repairs, and other orthopedic procedures are becoming more prevalent. Medical dynamometers play a crucial role in this scenario, assisting healthcare providers in preoperative assessments, postoperative rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring of patients. By accurately assessing muscle strength and functional capacity, these devices contribute to optimized outcomes and improved post-surgery recovery trajectories.
Technology, Product Type, Application, End-User, and Geographic Region
Regions covered
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW)
Countries covered
U.S, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, China, India, Japan, and Australia
Key Market Drivers
• Increase in Sports Injury
• Rise in Prevalence of Bone Injuries and Osteoporosis
• Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Trends
• Growing Geriatric Population and Increase in Orthopedic Surgeries
Global Medical Dynamometer Market Segmentation Analysis
Technology Segmentation
Within the medical dynamometer market, technology segmentation categorizes devices into two main types: Electronic Dynamometers and Mechanical Dynamometers. Electronic Dynamometers employ electronic sensors to accurately measure muscle strength, offering real-time data for assessment. On the other hand, Mechanical Dynamometers rely on mechanical principles such as springs or levers for muscle strength assessment, providing a portable and cost-effective alternative.
Product Type Segmentation
The market for medical dynamometers further segments products into various types to cater to different assessment needs. Handheld Dynamometers are compact and easy-to-use devices suitable for assessing muscle strength in different body parts. Pinch-gauges are specialized tools designed to measure pinch strength, particularly useful in hand rehabilitation. Push-Pull Dynamometers evaluate upper and lower limb strength during pushing and pulling movements, while Squeeze Dynamometers measure grip strength, crucial for assessing hand function.
Application Segmentation
Medical dynamometers find application across various medical fields, including Orthopedics, Medical Trauma, Cardiology, and Neurology. In Orthopedic settings, these devices assist in preoperative assessments, postoperative rehabilitation, and monitoring orthopedic conditions. Medical Trauma applications involve evaluating muscle strength post-traumatic injuries. Cardiology utilizes dynamometers to assess cardiac muscle strength and endurance, while Neurology employs them in diagnosing and monitoring neurological conditions.
End-User Segmentation
End-user segmentation categorizes users of medical dynamometers into different groups. Hospitals commonly use dynamometers for patient assessment, rehabilitation, and monitoring. Physiotherapy Clinics utilize these devices for designing personalized exercise programs, while Rehabilitation Centers rely on them for patient recovery and functional improvement.
This report on the Global Medical Dynamometer Market provides comprehensive insights and analysis, addressing the following key questions:
1. What is the projected market size and growth rate of the market?
The Global medical dynamometer market is projected to grow from $516.0 million in 2022 to $780.1 million in 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3 % during the forecast period.
2. What are the key factors driving the growth of the market?
Increase in sports injuries.
Rise in prevalence of bones injuries and Osteoporosis
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy trends
Growing Geriatric Population and increase in orthopaedic surgeries.
3. What segments are covered in the market?
This report segments the market based on technology, type, application, end-user, and region. Based on the technology, the market is segmented into electronic dynamometer and mechanical dynamometer. Based on product type, the market is segmented into handheld dynamometer, pinch gauges, push-pull dynamometer, squeeze dynamometer and others. Based on application, the market is segmented into orthopedics, medical trauma, cardiology, neurology and others. Based on region, the market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World.
4. By Type, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2028?
Handheld Dynamometer will dominate the market by the end of 2028.
5. Which region has the highest market share in the market?
North America holds the highest share in the market.
Some of the Key Market Players Are:
3B SCIENTIFIC GMBH
BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC.
BIOMETRICS LTD.
BTE TECHNOLOGIES
CHARDER ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
FABRICATION ENTERPRISES INC.
HERKULES KUNSTSTOFF OBERBURG AG
HOGGAN SCIENTIFIC LLC.
JLW INSTRUMENTS
JTECH MEDICAL INDUSTRIES INC.
KERN & SOHN GMBH
LAFAYETTE INSTRUMENT CO.
MARSDEN GROUP
NORTH COAST MEDICAL INC.
PERFORMANCE HEALTH
VERNIER SCIENCE EDUCATION
ZHONGSHAN CAMRY ELECTRONIC CO. LTD.
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Approximately seven million Americans have scoliosis, a spine condition characterized by a curvature in the back. While it is most often diagnosed in children, adults can also develop scoliosis. Either way, you may wonder if it affects running.
Here, two scoliosis experts, Juan C. Rodriguez-Olaverri, M.D., Ph.D., a former runner with scoliosis and the director of pediatric deformity surgery and early onset scoliosis in the NYU Langone Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Michelle Yang, DPT, C.S.C.S., a physical therapist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, answer questions about scoliosis and how it may affect runners.
What is scoliosis?
Everyone’s spine has normal curves from front to back, says Rodriguez-Olaverri. When you look at someone’s back from behind, most spines also appear straight from side to side. People with scoliosis, however, have spines that curve sideways when viewed from behind. Depending on where the spine curves, it may form an “S” or a “C” shape.
“There are many types of scoliosis,” Rodriguez-Olaverri tells Runner’s World. “You can have scoliosis in the thoracic [upper] spine or in the lumbar [lower] spine, [and] you can get scoliosis when you’re an adolescent or you can get scoliosis as an adult, and there’s scoliosis that needs surgery and scoliosis that doesn’t need surgery.”
In most scoliosis cases, the problem begins to develop for an unknown, or “idiopathic” reason, per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Idiopathic scoliosis typically occurs in children aged 11 and older, and is more common in girls than boys. However, genetics may play a role in its development. Patients are more likely to have scoliosis if a parent or sibling has it.
More uncommonly, some babies are born with spinal abnormalities that develop before birth (congenital scoliosis). Others, as they get older, develop spinal changes that occur because of neurological or muscular diseases like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy (MS), and spinal cord injury, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
Sometimes, scoliosis can be so mild that it doesn’t cause symptoms or pain. In other cases, the curve can become so exaggerated that someone may have uneven shoulders (one or both shoulder blades may stick out), one hip appears higher than the other, or one side of the rib cage is higher than the other when bending forward. When scoliosis is severe, a person may have back pain and even difficulty breathing.
Can adults develop scoliosis?
Adults are at risk for developing degenerative scoliosis, which is also known as adult onset scoliosis. It is caused by degeneration of the spine as people age, and is considered completely different from juvenile or adolescent scoliosis. The difference is that an adult is considered “skeletally mature,” and is no longer growing.
Symptoms of degenerative scoliosis are similar to those found in other age-related back problems. You might feel back pain, pins and needles tingling in the leg, or numbness in the buttocks and legs. Finally, someone may feel sharp pain or one side of the spine may stick out a bit more than the other.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
A doctor performs a physical examination to evaluate posture and check for asymmetries, and will likely order an X-ray to evaluate and measure the curve of the spine. If the curve is greater than 10 degrees, it is likely scoliosis. A curve is considered “significant,” say the experts, if it measures greater than 25 to 30 degrees and “severe” if it exceeds 45 to 50 degrees.
How is scoliosis treated?
Treatment for scoliosis varies depending on the age at diagnosis, the degree of curvature, and whether symptoms are present. The overall treatment goals are to stop or slow the spinal curve from worsening, prevent or decrease pain, improve posture, prevent or manage breathing problems, and boost quality of life.
You may not need treatment if the curve is mild, or if there is minimal concern that it will increase. However, people with scoliosis of any type and degree of curvature can benefit from physical activity. Yang encourages people to see a physical therapist for a top-down assessment to learn which exercises can help improve posture and prevent their scoliosis from progressing.
In addition, your doctor may recommend taking a spinal X-ray every five years—or sooner, if symptoms present—to ensure the curve isn’t worsening.
In general, surgery is only recommended if the spinal curve is greater than 50 degrees, the patient has nerve damage to their legs, and/or is experiencing curve-related bowel or bladder issues.
How does scoliosis affect running?
If you suffered with scoliosis as a teenager you should be able to run without limitations, unless you need future surgery, says Rodriguez-Olaverri. Those with degenerative scoliosis who have lower back pain should not run, he cautions, because that will place additional pressure on the lumbar spine and worsen the pain.
If your spinal curve affects your lungs, running may be less comfortable. Sometimes, the curves can decrease space in the ribcage, which can limit how much air you’re able to inhale with one breath, which is known as vital capacity, Yang says. So, you may find that you get out of breath easily. One major benefit of running, though, is that it forces you to breathe harder, repeatedly, which makes your lungs stronger over time, Yang notes.
Scoliosis may also create issues with running if there are significant asymmetries between the two sides of the body. “Some people with scoliosis actually have leg-length discrepancies, so one leg might be a bit shorter than the other,” Yang says. This asymmetry can put more load on one leg while you run, increasing your risk for injuries like bone stress fractures.
Also, asymmetries between your shoulder heights can affect running posture. Having one shoulder that’s higher than the other can cause you to slouch forward or lean more heavily to one side, Yang says. As you get fatigued, this forward slouch or side-lean can become more exaggerated.
One of the primary goals for people with scoliosis is improving their posture to prevent the spinal curve from worsening. Running with poor posture won’t help you achieve this goal. Yang recommends seeing a physical therapist or orthopedist if you experience pain, discomfort, or have questions about running safely. People with scoliosis benefit from a running form assessment, and the healthcare professional can offer specific exercises and advice to improve posture and form.
Can running improve scoliosis?
Despite the potential risks, running can be helpful for people with scoliosis. “I’m a huge advocate for people with scoliosis participating in any type of physical activity, which includes running,” Yang says. “It allows for symmetrical movement and helps engage your postural muscles overall, as well as keeping your core strong, which is really important” Strong core muscles help support your trunk, taking some of the burden off your spine.
Watching your running form is essential to reaping these benefits. If you can, get a running gait analysis. This way, a running professional can recommend how to improve your form and technique.
Here is a general running form checklist from the experts:
Move your arms from the shoulders, not the elbows.
Bring your heels toward your buttocks.
Gaze directly in front of you; don’t tilt your chin up or down.
Pull your shoulder blades back (pretend you’re squeezing a pencil between your shoulder blades).
Lean forward slightly from your ankles.
It’s always best to chat with your doctor first, though, before starting a running routine. That’s especially true for those with degenerative scoliosis, because as lumbar disks (spongy pads between the bones that make up the lower portion of the spine) wear down, you may need to do low- or no-impact exercise. “If you have scoliosis in the lumbar spine and your disks are degenerating, you don’t want to keep banging on those disks because they’re going to get worse,” Rodriguez-Olaverri says.
Having your doctor on board is especially important if you have higher-degree curvature. “With the higher-degree curvature, you worry about posture getting worse over time, so that’s a conversation to have with a doctor to make sure they’re doing the proper things to help decrease the curvature in their spine,” Rodriguez-Olaverri says.
Lauren Bedosky is a freelance health and fitness writer who specializes in covering running and strength training topics. She writes for a variety of national publications, including Runner’s World, Prevention, Experience Life and Women’s Running.
Mar. 26—There are about 37 million adults in the U.S. that are living with chronic kidney issues, but about 90 percent don't know it.
You don't usually see symptoms, said Dr. Ike Okwuwa, program director and associate professor of Family and Community Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Kidneys filter your blood, remove waste, balance water and nutrients and release some hormones to help regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells and help with bone health.
"It's not just a filter. It does a lot of things," Okwuwa said of kidneys.
"It's a very, very important organ that I think it's our duty to try to protect," he added.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, "Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific. This means they can also be caused by other illnesses. Because your kidneys are able to make up for lost function, you might not develop signs and symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred."
Fatigue, anemia, protein in the urine which can make it foamy and swollen legs are signs of the disease, Okwuwa said. But by that time, the disease has progressed "a little bit more."
"A ton of people have CKD or chronic kidney disease and don't know about it ... It's very easy to test these things in the blood. Every year you go see your doctor. They can do a blood test for you. It shows how much your kidneys are still filtering, so the function of your kidneys. They can even do a urine test. That would show if your kidneys are ... leaking proteins," Okwuwa said.
He added that the two most common causes of chronic kidney issues in the United States are diabetes and high blood pressure. Obesity can also be a risk factor. It's recommended that people exercise 150 minutes a week, or about 30 minutes a day five days a week.
Controlling your high blood pressure, diabetes, salt intake, watching your diet, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, quit smoking and staying hydrated and asking your doctor about any medications you might be taking that could impact your kidneys also helps.
Sometimes doctors may need to reduce the dose of some medications.
"It's going to have to be that good relationship between your doctor and (yourself) and watching," Okwuwa said.
If your primary care doctor thinks you need to see a nephrologist (a kidney doctor), they can refer you.
Should the disease progress too far, it's dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Kidney function is going to decline with age, starting at about age 60, he said. If you have a family history of kidney disease, it puts you more at risk.
If the kidneys are damaged, it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It also affects bone health.
If you're looking for a way to boost your workout routine this spring, try giving your smartwatch an upgrade. With advanced activity tracking, workout guidance, exercise reminders and even customized training plans, the latest smartwatches can double as your own personal fitness coach.
When you add in robust health features like heart rate and body temperature tracking, sleep tracking and stress monitoring tools, the best smartwatches also help you stay aware of your health and spot early warning signs that it's time to talk to your doctor or make a lifestyle change.
On top of all that, our favorite smartwatches also serve as tiny on-wrist phones, allowing you to do things like check your email, answer calls and even respond to text messages without ever having to touch your actual phone.
To make sure you get one that does everything you want it to do, we've rounded up our favorite smartwatches so far in 2024 that will help you crush your fitness goals and answer your texts while you're at it.
Best smartwatch overall: Apple Watch 9
Amazon
(Note: To get the most out of an Apple Watch, you'll need to be an Apple iPhone owner. If you're an Android user, we suggest the Pixel Watch 2, Garmin Venu 3 or one of the other smartwatch options listed below.)
Siri Health may be the best new upgrade in the Apple Watch 9. It makes starting your workouts and getting status updates along the way a breeze. Instead of navigating the watch screen, just say "Siri, start an outdoor run workout" or "Siri, start a yoga workout." Your new watch will immediately start tracking the activity, even when you're not connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network. You can also ask Siri for updates during a session like what your current heart rate is or how much distance you've covered so far.
This makes the Apple Watch 9 a great choice for people who need to interact with their watch during workouts to check stats or start and stop timers. The hands-free functionality will seriously improve your workout experience so you can accurately log your activity without fussing with your watch.
The smaller-sized 41mm version is on sale for as low as $329 at Walmart (reduced from $399). You can also find it on Amazon for $329. The larger, 45mm version starts at $359.
Top features of the Apple Watch 9:
Siri Health turns Siri into your built-in fitness trainer, letting you start or stop workouts, check your health stats, and more with voice commands on your watch, with no Wi-Fi required.
The new double tap gesture lets you control any active app on your watch by double tapping your finger and thumb so you don't have to stop or slow down to navigate your watch.
The improved dictation is up to 25% more accurate so you can reply to texts, emails and more while you work out.
You can take an ECG anytime.
The Apple Fitness+ app (three months free) offers new ways to train and gives deeper metrics into your body's performance.
Use Apple Wallet on the go so you can step out for a run without your phone.
Because it doesn't have the blood oxygen tracking feature at the heart of the international trade violation case, the Apple Watch SE will remain on shelves even if other models disappear. This lower-cost Apple Watch offers the same quality and seamless iPhone pairing as other models without some of the more premium features you'd find in the Series 9 or Ultra 2.
That makes the Apple Watch SE the best alternative to the Apple Watch 9, especially for iPhone users. The design, user interface, and even many of the features are the same.
This version of the Apple Watch still boasts an accurate heart rate tracker, 18-hour battery life, and important safety features like emergency SOS and fall detection.
The only major things it's missing compared to the Apple Watch 9 are the new Double Tap gesture, the Siri Health functionality and, of course, the blood oxygen tracking feature.
The 40 mm size normally retails for $249, but right now, you can get it for just $189 at Walmart. The larger, 44 mm size starts at $219.
Top features of the Apple Watch SE:
The crack-resistant and swim-proof design can withstand any workout.
Call, text, stream music and use Apple Pay from your watch even when you leave your phone at home.
Get access to thousands of apps so you can use your favorite fitness apps with your Apple Watch.
Access tons of workouts through the Apple Fitness+ app and follow them from your watch.
Most advanced health tracking features: Pixel Watch 2
Amazon
The Pixel Watch 2 is the latest model of Google's smartwatch. One of the biggest changes coming with the second generation watch is the improved heart rate sensor that's up to 40% more accurate than the first Pixel Watch even during intense workouts.
Borrowing tech from the now Google-owned Fitbit, the Pixel Watch also added a skin temperature sensor and a continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor. A feature not even the Apple Watch has, the cEDA sensor continuously measures changes in the electrical currents on the surface of your skin to help track your stress levels.
Those new sensors give the Pixel Watch 2 the ability to offer new health insights like a sleep score and daily readiness score. One of the most impressive additions is "Body Response," a measure of stress and excitement that can send you a notification when it detects heightened stress and take you through guided breathing or mindfulness exercises to help you find your calm.
Beyond stress management, the new Pixel Watch 2 packs tons of new fitness tools. You can now do heart rate zone training with real-time feedback and coaching during your workout when you go above or below your target zone. You can also do pace training, with similar real-time alerts when you go above or below your target pace.
Top features of the Pixel Watch 2:
The upgraded sensors and Google AI make for the most accurate heart rate tracking of any Google or Fitbit device.
Leave your wallet at home and pay for things with Google Wallet on your watch.
Get turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps on your watch.
Emergency SOS, safety check alerts and fall detection can automatically alert your close contacts and emergency services.
The watch is waterproof down to 50 meters so you can swim or shower with it on.
The Garmin Venu 3 boasts an upgraded touchscreen display compared with the previous generation. It's larger and more responsive, so you can easily check metrics and navigate through features mid-workout. The fitness-focused Garmin smartwatch can track heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen levels and more.
But what really sets it apart is its 14-day battery life. When you're out backpacking or camping, that two-week battery life can make a huge difference. But even during your everyday life, it's a nice perk to know you can go weeks in between charges.
Speaking of that workout, the watch comes preloaded with routines that target different muscle groups or performance goals. When you pick one and tap start, the watch not only starts a timer but shows an animated display of how to perform the exercise you're doing in each interval.
As you cycle through your intervals, the watch will show you which exercise you're on and alert you when your interval ends. So there's no need to look at your phone at all. Just tap start on your watch and focus on your workout.
If you don't want to use a preloaded routine, the Garmin app has a database of more than 1,400 exercises, categorized by which muscle groups they work. Build a custom routine in the app on your phone. Then download it to your watch and get moving.
The smartwatch has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Get it for $450.
Top features of the Garmin Venu 3:
The battery lasts up to 14 days on a single charge.
Follow along with animated on-screen workouts.
Customize the display to show you the metrics you care about during your workout.
Use Garmin Pay to make payments with your watch.
Get text, email and other notifications on your watch.
Use Siri, Google Assistant or other compatible voice assistant to make calls and respond to texts from your wrist.
Best smartwatch for stress management: Fitbit Sense 2
Amazon
The Fitbit Sense 2 is the smartwatch that does it all. Answer calls on your wrist. Pay with Fitbit Pay or Google Wallet using your watch. Track your routes with built-in GPS. And, of course, it comes with all your essentials like heart rate, blood oxygen and activity tracking.
On top of those features, the Sense 2 adds an EDA sensor so you can take an ECG to get a more accurate heart rate reading. But the standout feature that separates the Sense 2 from the pack is the all-day body response tracking.
Using the EDA sensor, skin temperature sensor and heart rate sensor, the Sense 2 constantly monitors for fluctuations in your stress level throughout the day. When it spikes, you'll get a notification so you can pause to reflect or use the built-in mindfulness and breathing exercises to relax.
At the end of the day, you'll get a report that shows when your physical stress levels spiked and dropped so you can better identify patterns around when, where and why you're feeling stressed.
Normally retailing for $300, it's the most expensive Fitbit in the lineup. But those advanced health and wellness features make it worth the price for anyone who's trying to improve their overall wellness alongside their workout performance. And right now, you have a chance to get it for 20% off.
Top features of the Fitbit Sense 2:
With on-wrist phone calls, built-in Alexa and notifications from your calendar, email and other apps, the Sense 2 is a fully functional smartwatch with all the bells and whistles.
The all-day body response tracking uses advanced tracking features to continuously monitor your physical stress levels so you can look for patterns and identify the best ways to reduce your stress.
If you're looking for the best smartwatch under $100, look no further than the 4.2-star-rated Amazfit Bip 5. An Amazon bestseller, this budget watch has a lot of the same features that pricier watches do. You can use it to answer calls (via Bluetooth), track your blood oxygen and stress levels, monitor your sleep quality, log all your workouts automatically with auto-detect and more. Amazon Alexa is built in for voice commands and smart home control.
You can get the surprisingly feature-rich smartwatch at Amazon for $80 right now, reduced from $90.
Top features of the Amazfit Bip 5:
It features a large 1.91-inch screen. (It's noticeably bigger than the Apple Watch 9.)
It lasts 10 days on a single charge with normal usage, or up to 26 days in its battery saver mode.
The under $100 price point is hard to beat, especially considering its advanced feature set.
Use the built-in Amazon Alexa to set timers, check the weather, get translations and more.
The summer of 2020 shouldn’t project beautiful memories onto the brain maps of those who endured it, but Theda Hammel’s anxiety-addled screwball feature debut “Stress Positions,” set around that COVID Fourth of July in New York, asks you to relive the scary days of sheltering in place, banging pots and pans in solidarity with health care workers, and social distancing whenever it was convenient or made you look like you stood for something.
“Stress Positions” mines the gap between the dark bookend of events that shaped millennial lives — September 11 and the pandemic — and that between liberal-posturing millennials and a Gen Z with a less fussy, more hopeful worldview. Hammel’s muses and emissaries on either side of the dichotomy in a comedy swirling with ideas are comedian John Early as a gay soon-to-be-divorcee and Qaher Harhash as his nephew, a 19-year-old Moroccan model with identity-shifting questions of his own. Here is a movie that sees a hapless set of self-obsessed millennials who came of age out of liberal arts colleges and the internet for who they really are.
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This caustic Brooklyn-set ensemble comedy awash in discourses around gender, social justice, and American ignorance of the Middle East is an energetic interrogation of what that kind of film — in other words, stuff that’s often very much the province of a Sundance indie — looks like in 2023. Early’s Terry Goon is a once-idealist turned politically indifferent basket case splitting up with his husband Leo (John Roberts), who’s left his shambling Brooklyn brownstone in Terry’s care while Leo runs off to Berlin in search of ketamine and other trade. (A great line later sees one character describe Fire Island, where Terry and Leo got married, as “a beach retreat for the children of Sodom.”) Trans filmmaker/writer Hammel casts herself as Carla, an ambitionless bodyworker in a foundering relationship with a lesbian named Vanessa Ravel (Amy Zimmer), whom Carla has accused of stealing her life story of transition as fodder for Vanessa’s debut novel. But it’s Carla who now enjoys the spoils of that book’s success, living rent-free in Vanessa’s apartment.
The 19-year-old and very beautiful Bahlul (Harhash) is Terry’s nephew, now convalescing with a broken leg in a brownstone whose own layout becomes as stress-inducing to navigate for the characters as it does the audience. Bahlul is the only son of Terry’s sister Abigail, shown only onscreen in fragmented home videos who, after fleeing the U.S. decades ago, converted to Islam, and returned to the U.S. with hate in her heart toward the Western world. The film’s slippery, though at times frustratingly overexpository, narration slides from Carla’s own to Bahlul’s as he explains his complicated family history.
“Stress Positions” packs a crazy gaggle of characters into a tight 90 minutes, expanding the film’s entropic little universe in providing three dimensions to nearly all introduced, everyone bouncing like speedy atoms off each other, including Grubhub courier Ronald (Faheem Ali, who shares a story credit with Hammel), who Carla seduces. The film’s commentary on immigrants forced to submit themselves to the gig economy is only skin-deep, but “Stress Positions” mostly succeeds in chewing off so much that any and all digressions from its core characters could risk shaking the focus too much.
Everyone but Bahlul — far more unflappable than his minders, and he doesn’t judge when everyone continues to make the mistake of misidentifying Morocco as a Middle Eastern country — is on the precipice of falling utterly apart. Carla, as so many of us did in the deep dog days of the pandemic, has taken to day-drinking to numb her boredom when not meddling with others’ lives or participating vaguely in protest (“we’re occupying,” she tells Terry when entreating him to join her at city hall, but for what the film never says though we can assume it’s related to the murder of George Floyd given the particulars of this COVID period piece).
When Bahlul asks her why she transitioned, Carla, in a hilarious and increasingly slurry grappa-soaked monologue, says, “I wanted to kill myself, and this helped,” a painfully funny line that rings with the real misery of uncertain identity in a wishy-washy world. Editor Erin DeWitt and cinematographer Arlene Muller create an atmosphere that never stops to breathe between panic attacks, especially as “Stress Positions” starts to feel like one big long one in desperate need of a Xanax or at least a session of four-quadrant breathing.
“Stress Positions” leaves unturned no hollow stone of millennial ideologies that now border on self-parody when stacked up against the category-eschewing sensibilities of the younger Generation Z, who here make a fool out of their forbearers. Vanessa is aggressively vegan, which is seemingly all she stands for, while Carla and Terry have a lot of thoughts about the “Arab world” but can’t name who actually orchestrated 9/11 and where Kabul is situated on a map. Bahlul does not make his politics the definition of his identity, a gesture seemingly the province of his millennial elders, and look how that turned out? They’re too caught up in their own neuroses and narcissistic bullshit to be politically committed to anything genuinely. Eventually, Bahlul becomes the heart of “Stress Positions,” as he forms a sweet connection with a chain-smoking upstairs neighbor (Rebecca F. Wright) with a voyeuristic agenda of her own.
Hammel and Early make for a wickedly funny pair, playing off each other’s misanthropy and deftly personifying what a long-term friendship that started a decade before in college now looks like in the 30s: “Not everyone is trans!” Terry screams at Carla, in a moment that feels designed to rile up corners of the audience (certainly not the target viewership here, and unlikely to see this film anyway) who will roll their eyes at the fact that literally every character in “Stress Positions” is queer in some way, something Hammel’s sharp script both celebrates and critiques.
John Early, first through his TV work as a quippy pop culturally literate New York gay in “Search Party” and his self-effacing standup, now again proves that he may truly be the voice of his generation (at least the cis white gay ones in the room). Here, he makes his body as much an instrument as his wit, literally flailing as his life crumbles around him, frantically applying Purell, Lysoling his groceries, wearing a garish respirator in the company of all around him. Terry is running in place — quite literally so on an exercise bike, sweatily, in the basement each night — but Early makes his existential inertia always feel like it’s compellingly headed some place, and that is a doomy kind of catharsis.
You wouldn’t be wrong to feel like at turns “Stress Positions” lays it on thick with social commentary and even overwhelms the audience with talky mouthpieces who all represent the far-flung quadrants of the issues at hand, whether immigration, globalization, sexuality, race, or lazy liberalism. But in its wryly amusing self-awareness at all turns, the film actively and relentlessly lampoons the very language and gesturing we all affect in trying to broach the political maelstrom of identity politics.
But all along, the film is carefully layering its cracked cast and meandering anecdotes toward a profoundly satisfying conclusion, even if “Stress Positions” feels like it leaves us and its characters hanging in the middle of its own unfinished sentence. There’s a Chekhov’s massage gun throughout the film — how applied in vain it is by the characters onto themselves as their only balm for relief from their own physically realizing anxieties — that brings the events cascading toward a chaotic climax where everyone’s positions are brought out into the light for what they are: phoneys, but real phoneys, and always headed for self-made disaster anyway.
Grade: B+
“Stress Positions” premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Neon will distribute the film in the U.S. later this year.
After a public struggle with endometriosis, Halsey is opening up about several other life-disrupting health issues.
The Grammy-nominated singer, who uses the pronouns she/they, revealed they've finally received some answers after being sick for most their adult life and finding their symptoms starting to get "really bad," they said in their Instagram story Tuesday.
“Obviously my health has changed a lot since I got pregnant and gave birth. And I started getting really, really, really sick,” Halsey, 27, said in the video.
“I was hospitalized for anaphylaxis a few times and I had some other stuff going on. Basically, after seeing like 100,000 doctors, I got diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome, POTS."
The singer said they were on a treatment plan and staying active.
People identified the last condition as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a group of disorders marked by lightheadedness or fainting and a rapid heart rate when a person stands up after lying down, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Up to 80% of patients are women between the ages of 15 to 50.
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune, rheumatic disease with symptoms that include dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue and musculoskeletal pain, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Most patients are women.
In mast cell activation syndrome, a patient keeps experiencing hives, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and other symptoms of anaphylaxis, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology noted.
It’s actually a group of 13 related disorders caused by different genetic defects in collagen, an essential building block, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
EDS weakens the body’s connective tissues — which normally provide strength and flexibility — either because the collagen isn’t as strong as it should be or there’s not enough of it in the skin, muscles, skeleton and blood vessels.
The inherited disorders affect about one in 5,000 people, the National Institutes of Health noted. They’re diagnosed with genetic testing and a physical exam.
What are the symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
They depend on the type of EDS and can range from loose joints to life-threatening complications, such as bleeding and the possibility of organ and vessel rupture. The Ehlers-Danlos Society listed these possible warning signs:
loose, overly flexible or unstable joints
joint pain
soft, stretchy, fragile skin that tears or bruises easily
slow and poor wound healing
severe scarring
debilitating musculoskeletal pain
poor muscle tone
What is the treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
There is no cure, so the treatment involves managing symptoms. About 90% of EDS patients suffer from chronic pain, which may require medication, physical therapy to prevent injuries, low-resistance exercise and the support of devices like braces, canes, wheelchairs and scooters.
If patients have loose, hypermobile joints that can easily dislocate, the focus is avoiding situations that might cause it to happen, like contact sports or lifting heavy objects. Calcium and vitamin D can help maximize bone density.
Doctors may also recommend patients use sunscreen and mild soaps to protect their fragile skin, the Cleveland Clinic noted.
These premium smartwatches for fitness enthusiasts normally have a premium price to match, but you can now get some of the most advanced Garmin watches at some of the lowest prices we've ever seen. Keep reading for our favorite Garmin deals, or tap the button below to start shopping all the Amazon Big Spring Sale deals. But don't delay -- the Big Spring Sale ends today.
The best Garmin deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale
If you're looking for the most advanced activity tracking, health metrics and other high-end features, it's hard to go wrong with Garmin smartwatches. Luckily, you have a chance to save big on these premium smartwatches when you shop these Garmin deals at Amazon today.
Save $100 on the Garmin Forerunner 255
Amazon
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a lightweight smartwatch for runners that tracks all the essentials like heart rate, breathing rate, blood oxygen and body temperature. It also offers more advanced features like automatic rep counting and training load, a metric that helps you decide how intense (or easy) your workout should be each day.
Get the insight-loaded Garmin fitness tracker during the sale for just $300 (reduced from $400).
The Garmin Venu 2 is a fitness-focused smartwatch that can track heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen levels and more. But what really sets it apart is the ability to customize the display to show you the metrics you care about during your workout.
Speaking of that workout, the watch comes preloaded with routines that target different muscle groups or performance goals. When you pick one and tap start, the watch not only starts a timer but shows an animated display of how to perform the exercise you're doing in each interval.
The premium fitness tracking smartwatch is on sale for $328 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale (reduced from $400).
When choosing a smartwatch, we hate to let price dictate a purchase, but it's tough to deny the quality of Amazon's discount on the Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS smartwatch. Keep track of everything from energy level, stress levels and sleep.
Twenty pre-loaded indoor sports and GPS apps can record all the ways you move, all day, all the time -- perfect for yoga, running and swimming. Smart notifications keep you in touch with text messages and calendar reminders when paired with your mobile device. It's available in two sizes -- the 40mm size featured here and a larger 45mm size.
Regularly $330, the 40mm size is currently on sale at Amazon for $260.
Boasting durability that can withstand life's adventures, the Garmin Instinct is shock and water-resistant (up to 100 meters). Multiple navigation systems make for accurate tracking in rugged environments proving more accurate than GPS alone.
We like the track back feature for hikers, climbers, runners and adventurers to help navigate the back to your starting point. The battery life is a plus as well -- 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 16 hours in GPS mode.
Train with pre-loaded activity profiles and monitor heart rate, activity and stress, to make this one of the most efficient smartwatches, especially for the price. Four color options are available.
Regularly priced at $250, the Garmin Instinct GPS is on sale at Amazon for $168.
Smoking was once considered to be a style statement in the form of cigars and hookahs as shown in various Hollywood and Bollywood movies. Though a statutory warning flashes with every such picture depicting smoking but unfortunately it is still increasing. The chemicals and toxins in tobacco smoke damage the delicate tissues of your lungs, leading to inflammation, irritation, and narrowing of the airways. Over time, this can cause permanent damage to the airways in your lungs, increasing your risk of developing serious lung disease.
by Dr. Pavan Yadav, Lead Consultant - Interventional Pulmonology & Lung Transplantation, Aster RV Hospital
Smoking was once considered to be a style statement in the form of cigars and hookahs as shown in various Hollywood and Bollywood movies. Though a statutory warning flashes with every such picture depicting smoking but unfortunately it is still increasing. The chemicals and toxins in tobacco smoke damage the delicate tissues of your lungs, leading to inflammation, irritation, and narrowing of the airways. Over time, this can cause permanent damage to the airways in your lungs, increasing your risk of developing serious lung disease.
Air pollution also increases the risk of lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. In all the Metropolitan cities and urban areas, its residents grapple with unique challenges impacting lung health. The city's rapid urbanization brings forth concerning issues like air pollution, industrial emissions, and vehicular exhaust, all of which contribute to respiratory issues. Moreover, Bangalore's lush flora adds to the pollen levels, triggering allergies and exacerbating respiratory concerns. Seasonal variations in air quality and construction dust further compound these challenges, making lung health a pressing concern for its inhabitants.
Misconceptions Around Smoking and Lung Health Recently No Smoking Day was observed and it is vital to address common misconceptions surrounding smoking and lung health. Many mistakenly believe that "light" or "low tar" cigarettes are less harmful, or perceive hookahs and e-cigarettes as safe alternatives. However, nicotine's addictive nature and smoking's comprehensive harm to the body, not just the lungs, must be acknowledged. Moreover, awareness about the irreversibility of smoking-induced lung damage remains low. We do not have to wait for ‘No Smoking Day’ to create awareness about the ill-health smoking can cause. It's crucial to emphasize that quitting smoking is pivotal for improving lung health and overall well-being. Support is available for those ready to embark on this journey towards a healthier life.
The Impact of Smoking on Lung Health Trends Smoking remains a significant factor in the prevalence of lung diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer, among Bangalore's residents. Both direct smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke face increased risks, underscoring the pervasive threat smoking poses to lung health. Beyond quitting smoking, Bangalore residents can take proactive measures to safeguard their lung health. Regular exercise, a diet rich in antioxidants, and avoiding exposure to pollutants are paramount. Additionally, wearing masks during high pollution days, using air purifiers indoors, and scheduling regular health check-ups can mitigate pollution-related lung damage.
Improving Lung Health for Former Smokers For individuals who have smoked previously, prioritizing lung health entails quitting smoking and engaging in pulmonary rehabilitation. Breathing exercises and vigilant avoidance of environments with air pollutants or second-hand smoke exposure are crucial for maintaining and improving lung function. To mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution, Bangalore residents should stay informed about air quality indices and limit outdoor activities during high pollution levels. Using N95 masks, improving indoor air quality, and advocating for cleaner energy sources are indispensable strategies.
Government Initiatives and Public Health Programs The Government of India, through initiatives like the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), educates the public about smoking dangers. Bangalore, equipped with robust healthcare infrastructure, offers smoking cessation clinics providing counseling, medication, and support for individuals aiming to quit smoking.
Advancements in Lung Health Treatment and Prevention Recent advancements, such as lung transplantation and personalized medicine, offer hope for improved lung health outcomes. Additionally, developments in pulmonary rehabilitation contribute to better preventive measures against chronic lung conditions like severe asthma. Research indicates a correlation between smoking and the severity of COVID-19 cases. Smokers are more likely to develop severe disease and experience worse outcomes due to lung damage and compromised immune function.
Resources for Smoking Cessation and Lung Health Awareness Bangalore residents seeking to quit smoking or learn more about lung health can avail themselves of resources like the National Tobacco Cessation Program, QUITLINE, mobile cessation programs, local hospitals' smoking cessation clinics, online platforms, and community support groups. To conclude, prioritizing lung health requires collective efforts, including smoking cessation, pollution mitigation, and awareness campaigns. By taking proactive steps and leveraging available resources, Bangalore residents can safeguard their lung health and overall well-being.
Doctors cure sometimes, treat often, but comfort always — and guided by that saying, Dr Lim Zhen Wei made the decision early in his career to practise anaesthesiology — and later to specialise in pain medicine.
Dr Lim performs a staged procedure to dull pain in the spine. The nurses and radiographer wear protective vests as a fluoroscope, essentially an x-ray, is used to help pinpoint the exact area of pain.
THE discipline fascinated him as he viewed anesthesiologists as being able to exercise exact control over the human body, and to practise medicine with what he describes as instant benefits for his patients.
“Anaesthesiologists play a very important role in making patients comfortable and lessening anxiety during and after surgery by precisely managing human physiology like blood pressure, breathing volume, and body temperature,” said Dr Lim, who is Consultant, Department of Pain Medicine, Pain Management Centre (PMC), Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
“Pain medicine is a natural extension of practising anaesthesiology where I lessen patients’ pain, frequently after surgeries or secondary to another disease.”
Dr Lim feels a great sense of achievement when he can help his patients overcome their pain.
“I once treated a 60-year-old who was limping into the procedure suite in the morning but was hopping out of PMC by lunchtime,” he said.
His patients are a diverse group, ranging from teenagers to nonagenarians, with complaints such as painful joints in their limbs and even the spine.
Their pain might have resulted from sports activities, accidents, or just age-related wear-and-tear.
Most, however, seek help to manage their pain because they are not keen on more invasive treatments like surgery.
Dr Lim recalled a female patient in her late 60s with osteoarthritis in both knees.
“She was petrified at the idea of undergoing surgery. I did a right knee genicular nerve ablation treatment and her knee pain was reduced substantially,” he said.
Dr Lim used the same treatment on a younger man in his early 40s who also had knee pain.
In his case, jogging, golf and other activities had worn out his knees, causing pain.
The man did not want surgery as he felt his symptoms were relatively mild.
After positioning a needle next to the nerve causing pain and numbing it with state-ofthe- art cooled radio frequency ablation, the patient was able to return to what he was doing before.
“Numbing the nerve — a pure sensory nerve that does not supply any motor function — reduces the pain,” said Dr Lim.
Dr Lim has a keen interest in horology, the art of making clocks and watches.
For many patients, having the pain reduced to a level that enables them to get on with life is sufficient.
Making the patient more comfortable, even without correcting the underlying disease, is vital.
The natural reaction of someone with a painful left knee is to use their right knee more to avoid putting pressure on the painful knee.
But over time, the patient could start feeling pain in the right knee.
“It is important that we treat the pain early so that the patients can continue to maintain a balanced posture. It slows down the progression of the disease. For many patients, that is enough,” said Dr Lim.
Dr Lim sees the practice of medicine as both an art and science.
So perhaps it is not surprising that he should have an interest in horology, the art of making clocks and watches.
“Other than good clinical acumen and skills, a good doctor must also be able to build rapport and make patients feel at ease.
With advances in AI (artificial intelligence) and technology replacing many things in our lives, a good horological creation will remain relevant, just like a good doctor-patient therapeutic relationship, which cannot be replaced by AI,” he said.
Dr Lim, who shares young children — a girl and boy, aged five and two respectively — with his teacher wife, also enjoys travelling as a family.
“Travelling helps us understand the world around us and gain perspective on our own lives by seeing what others are going through. It truly is another form of education. Most importantly, it makes memories that last a lifetime.”
The world marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day annually on March 24. The goal of the day is to promote public awareness about the severe health, social, and economic implications of tuberculosis, as well as to increase efforts to halt the global TB epidemic.
This day provides an opportunity for people all around the world to unite and raise awareness about the devastating impact of tuberculosis, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the main causes of mortality from infectious diseases.
World Tuberculosis Day was first commemorated in 1982, 100 years after Dr Robert Koch discovered the bacteria that causes TB. Since then, the day has become a significant day to educate people about TB symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
What Is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis mostly affects the lungs and is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Other organs, such as the brain, bones, lymph nodes, intestines, kidneys, eyes, and skin, can also be impacted.
There are two types of tuberculosis: latent TB, which has no symptoms, and active TB, which has symptoms.
Tuberculosis: Symptoms
Tuberculosis can be cured and prevented. It travels from person to person via the air. When a person with lung tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, or spits, he/she releases TB germs into the air.
Common signs of active tuberculosis include coughing and wheezing for three or more weeks with blood or mucus, chest pain or pain when coughing and breathing, abrupt and unexpected weight loss, exhaustion, fever, night sweats, chills, and loss of appetite.
Tuberculosis: Causes
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that transmit from person to person via tiny droplets released into the air when coughing or sneezing. TB is communicable; however, it is not easy to contract the disease.
People with active tuberculosis who have received appropriate pharmacological treatment for at least two weeks are no longer contagious.
Tuberculosis: Precautions
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent tuberculosis. The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is the most widely used tuberculosis vaccine.
- If you come into contact with an infected person or exhibit signs of tuberculosis, get tested as soon as possible.
- Maintain proper hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water frequently, particularly after visiting public places.
- A good diet and regular exercise can boost your immune system, which will aid in fighting the infection.
Ministers are being urged to roll out a better testing regime for one of the country’s biggest killers, with the most recent figures showing death rates for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease more than three times higher in some of the most deprived areas of the country.
More than 20,000 people a year in England die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The most significant cause of COPD is smoking, but a significant proportion of cases are work-related, triggered by exposure to fumes, chemicals and dust at work.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that death rates from the disease are significantly higher in more deprived areas of the country including Wolverhampton, Rochdale and Blackpool. Death rates in Salford (82 per 100,000) are 3.9 times higher than in Bath (21 per 100,0000).
The NHS is rolling out targeted lung screening across England for people aged between 55 and 74 who are current or former smokers. The charity Asthma + Lung UK says the checks will identify many people who may have COPD, but there is no established protocol for them to be diagnosed and given appropriate treatment and support.
Dr Samantha Walker, interim chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Once targeted lung health checks are fully rolled out, millions of people could be told they have an incurable lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but they won’t be given a firm diagnosis or signposted to the right support, which is simply unacceptable.
An X-ray of a patient’s lungs. Photograph: Douglas Sacha/Getty Images
“What we need to see is a national referral pathway in place for those people who show signs of having other lung conditions as part of this screening process to ensure that people with all suspected lung conditions get the diagnosis and treatments that they deserve. We know that people with lung disease will live better, fuller lives with an earlier diagnosis.”
A survey by the charity published in 2022 found that nearly one in four people with COPD waited more than five years to be diagnosed. About one in eight waited more than 10 years for a diagnosis. There is no cure for COPD, but lifestyle changes and disease management can help slow its progression. A spirometry test which shows how well the lungs are working is used to diagnose COPD. An investigation last year by the BMJ, the medical journal, found that some of the most deprived areas of England had no or limited access for spirometry.
Katy Brown, 66, a former nursery nurse from Portishead, Somerset, said she had suffered from breathlessness since 2019, but had not been diagnosed with COPD until October last year. “It literally takes your breath away,” said Brown. “It’s like someone is sitting on your chest.”
She said that once diagnosed, people could benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation, which provides exercises and advice on managing the condition.
Felicity Payne, 67, a language teacher, from Eastbourne, said exercise played an important role in managing the condition, with regular mile-long swims part of her regime since her diagnosis in 2016. “I never thought I would be able to do that several years on [from the diagnosis],” she said. “It has been a lifeline.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are working to improve services for people with chronic conditions such as COPD so they can live longer, healthier lives.
“The Major Conditions Strategy will look at proposals for the improvement of health outcomes across the six groups of conditions that includes COPD responsible for over 60% of ill health and early death in England.”
The 2023 No. 5 overall pick had already missed five games prior to the announcement with what was initially characterized as “asthma.” Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, Thompson has already been cleared for conditioning work and is expected to return to non-contact basketball activities after the season’s conclusion on April 14.
The Free Press spoke with Dr. Geoffrey Barnes, cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, about blood clots and how they impact professional athletes. Barnes is not involved in Thompson’s medical care, and the Pistons didn’t provide details on the exact nature of his clot.
Most commonly, a blood clot diagnosis references a clot in the veins of the legs (a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), or a blood clot that has broken free from the veins, traveled up through the body and lodged itself into the lungs (a pulmonary embolism, or PE).
The former is often accompanied with pain or swelling in one leg. Pulmonary embolisms impact the upper body — chest discomfort, shortness of breath, a sped-up heartbeat and potential lightheadedness and dizziness if it becomes more severe.
“That’s usually what people mean when they say ‘Oh, they have blood clots,’" Barnes said. “It’s something in the vein system, starts in the legs, can break free and travel to the lungs. It’s incredibly common, over a million people every year in America get these.
“They tend to happen most commonly in folks as they age, so it’s much more common in people over the age of 60 or 65 than in younger folks. They can happen for a wide range of reasons. But oftentimes they just come out of the blue and we can never figure out exactly why somebody developed their blood clot.”
The severity of the symptoms, coupled with diagnostic testing, allows doctors to determine the severity of the clot, Barnes said. A small clot in the leg may be accompanied by mild swelling and soreness, and can be treated with blood thinners without the need for a hospital stay.
On the extreme end, a large clot lodged into the lung could block blood flow and strain the heart — leading to a quickened heart rate and fast breathing due to a lack of oxygen.
“That’s when people are in the hospital, we often have to do surgery or procedure to try and remove the blood clot and figure out ways to really support them through it,” he said. “It’s a really wide-ranging condition. Thankfully, the vast majority of people do very well and have more minor blood clots, the forms in the legs or a small one in the lungs that aren’t life-threatening.”
Bosh, a two-time NBA champ with the Miami Heat, reportedly felt pain in his back and side for several days before getting his symptoms checked out. He returned for Miami’s season opener in 2015-16, but a blood clot in his leg shut him down for the final time the following February. The NBA eventually ruled continued clotting issues were a career-ending illness.
Other players, such as New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, have been able to resume their careers without further issues.
The good news, Barnes said, is that most professional athletes are low-risk due to their age. But there are factors, such as dehydration and longer-distance flights, that can increase the risk for athletes.
The main treatment for everyone who has a clot, regardless of athletic status, is to be put on a blood thinner. The medicine prevents new clots from forming, but also comes with an increased risk for bleeding. It’s often why athletes can’t play while they’re on thinners, he said.
When athletes develop PEs, they work with doctors to make sure their heart and lungs sufficiently heal afterward. Symptoms such as chest discomfort and lightheadedness while walking are tracked. Physical activity can ramp up from there, starting with climbing stairs or going for a bike ride or jog. For DVTs, doctors check to see if pain and swelling have resolved.
With that, athletes also go through cardiopulmonary exercise testing that allows them to measure heart and lung function. Recovery is quick for some — weeks to a couple of months. But it can take six months or more in extreme cases. In the worst cases, long term or permanent damage can prevent athletes from getting back to their prior status. It largely has to do with the size of the clot.
Once a first clot happens, the risk of having a second one increases, Barnes said. But with minimized risk factors, many people are able to live the rest of their lives without a second complication.
“The highest-risk people maybe have a genetic disorder that puts them at risk for blood clots,” he said. “Maybe they have cancer or another condition. Those are people who I get really concerned about. Some people have one blood clot and never have anything again the rest of their life, and don’t have other significant risk factors.
“As you think about an athlete, it really depends on what kind of athlete and what kinds of activities that they’re doing. You could imagine that maybe a golfer or a billiard player, somebody who is a high-level athlete but doesn’t necessarily have that same level of cardiovascular strain might not be at quite as high a risk as somebody who, say, is a soccer player who’s having to run 10 miles every game and is having issues with dehydration and is flying all over the world. It depends on the situation for each athlete.”
While previously seen as predominantly affecting men, there has been a change with more women now being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Factors that increase the risk of OSA include women who have reached menopause and lack of exercise.
Sleep apnea among women (Photo credit: Pexels)
New Delhi: Sleep apnea is a serious respiratory issue where individuals face interruptions in breathing or shallow breaths while a sleep due to blockages in the upper airway, often resulting in snoring. When we sleep, our bodies relax, causing the muscles in the mouth, tongue, and soft palate to also relax and collapse, leading to an obstruction in the air passage. This leads to periods of paused breathing known as apneas, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes and occur multiple times during sleep.
Dr Preeti Dhingra, ENT Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital, said, “Sleep apnea is a serious respiratory issue where an individual faces breathing interruptions or shallow breaths while asleep due to a blockage in the upper airway, often leading to snoring. When sleeping, the body relaxes, causing the muscles in the mouth, tongue, and soft palate to also relax and collapse, resulting in an obstruction of the airway. This obstruction causes breathing pauses called apneas that can last from a few seconds to several minutes and occur multiple times throughout sleep.”
Sleep apnea among women
While previously seen as predominantly affecting men, there has been a change with more women now being diagnosed with sleep apnea. It is not exclusive to women who snore or are overweight. Any woman experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, disturbed sleep patterns, anxiety, depression, or morning headaches may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is frequently misdiagnosed and requires immediate attention for proper treatment.
“Factors that increase the risk of OSA include women who have reached menopause, consumption of alcohol, smoking, and a lack of physical activity. It is important to be conscious of these risk factors and prioritize one’s health. Patients with OSA are at risk for complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and irregular heartbeats.”
Treatment
Early detection and treatment can enhance one’s well-being. A diagnostic sleep study will be conducted, to confirm the presence of this condition. “During the study, monitors equipped with sensors will be affixed to your body to track various aspects of your sleep patterns: duration, quality, interruptions, oxygen levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rhythm,” she added.
These findings will help classify the severity of your condition into mild, moderate, or severe categories. A thorough examination of the nasal passages will be performed to identify and address any issues such as nasal septum deviations, polyps, or sinus complications. In cases where collapsing airways contribute to snoring and apneas, a specialised procedure called sleep endoscopy may be carried out through the nose in a hospital setting to pinpoint the problematic area.
A new way to classify tuberculosis (TB) that aims to improve focus on the early stages of the disease has been presented by an international team involving researchers at UCL.
The new framework, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, seeks to replace the approach of the last half century of defining TB as either active (i.e., causing illness and potentially infectious to others) or latent (being infected with the bacterium that causes TB [M tuberculosis] but feeling well and not infectious to others) – an approach researchers say is limiting progress in eradicating the disease.
Of note, large surveys conducted in over 20 countries recently have shown than many people with infectious TB feel well.
Under the new classification, there are four disease states: clinical (with symptoms) and subclinical (without symptoms), with each of these classed as either infectious or non-infectious. The fifth state is M. tuberculosis infection that has not progressed to disease – that is, M tuberculosis may be present in the body and alive, but there are no signs of the disease that are visible to the naked eye, for example with imaging.
The researchers say they hope the International Consensus for Early TB (ICE-TB) framework, developed by a diverse group of 64 experts, will help lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the early stages of TB which have historically been overlooked in research.
TB remains the world's most deadly infectious disease currently and has caused over one billion deaths in the last 200 years. An estimated three million cases a year are not reported to health systems and more than half of these cases will be asymptomatic.
The international team was led by researchers at UCL, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), University of Cape Town, Imperial College London and the South African Medical Research Council.
The binary paradigm of active disease versus latent infection has resulted in a one-size-fits-all antibiotic treatment for disease, but designed for those with the most severe form of disease. This leads to potential over-treatment of individuals with subclinical TB.
A key research priority now is to identify the best combination, dosage and duration of antibiotics to treat each TB state, as well as the benefits of treating the subclinical states."
Dr Hanif Esmail, co-lead author at the UCL Institute for Global Health and MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL
Professor Rein Houben (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), co-lead author of the paper, said: "While providing treatment to people who become very sick with TB has saved millions of lives we are not stopping transmission of the disease."
"To prevent transmission of TB, we need to move away from focusing just on the very sick and look at earlier disease states, identifying people who may be infectious for months or years before they develop TB symptoms.
"Our consensus framework replaces the old binary concept of 'active' versus 'latent' TB with a more detailed classification system that we hope, if widely adopted, could help to improve treatment for those with early-stage TB and drive forward efforts to eradicate the disease."
The framework was developed via a Delphi process designed to reach a consensus among a diverse group. The process began with a scoping review of papers and online surveys of experts and culminated in a two-day meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, of researchers from a range of disciplines as well as policymakers, clinicians, and TB survivors.
Dr Anna Coussens, co-lead author from WEHI, said: "One key finding in the consensus is moving the disease threshold and acknowledging that disease does not just start with symptoms or transmission, but when tissue is damaged.
"In time we hope our framework can contribute to TB elimination by leading to improved early diagnosis and treatment, optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing transmission."
The researchers noted that the disease process was non-linear – that people may fluctuate between infectious and non-infectious states, and between the presence and absence of symptoms or signs.
They also said that better diagnostic tools were needed to identify many of the TB states. For instance, there is currently no test to detect a viable M tuberculosis infection (i.e., one where the bacteria are physiologically active), as opposed to a non-viable infection or recent infection that has cleared.
The international team involved stakeholders from 19 countries including International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, The StopTB partnership, World Health Organization, FIND, National TB Programmes, TB Proof, and researchers from a number of universities and medical research institutes.
The work was supported by Wellcome, the National Institutes of Health/RePORT RSA, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Medical Research Council, the European Research Council, and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Coussens, A. K., et al. (2024) Classification of early tuberculosis states to guide research for improved care and prevention: an international Delphi consensus exercise. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(24)00028-6.
Breathing+ by Breathing Labs has passed peer review in a randomized controlled clinical trial that was recently published in SCI Q2 journal Pediatric Pulmonology. Research done by @bezmialem Full text is available in a link here: https://www.breathinglabs.com/clinical-trials/research-breathing-labs-and-nintendo-clinical-trial-is-published-in-journal-pediatric-pulmonology-sci-q2-impact-factor-3/?fbclid=IwAR2wNhSgurdbrrf3gzOOkHthgiWfXJ1x8RWvnMhkSo6fi33QPZEGzxzd6jM
BREAKING: @breathinglabs and @Nintendo clinical trial is published in journal Pediatric Pulmonology (SCI Q2, Impact Factor > 3), full text: https://breathinglabs.com/Nintendo%20&%20Breathing%20Labs%202022 #telemedicine #telehealth #mhealth
Clinical mouthpieces 10pcs packages are now available at 45€/50USD (shipping cost not included). Learn more: https://www.breathinglabs.com/latest-news/announcement-breathing-mouthpieces-for-clinical-and-professional-use-are-now-available/
BREATHING VR: Lately we are sourcing this VR headset for use in Breathing VR application. It allows easiest installation of both breathing+ headset cable, and USB charging cables, which is essential in professional use: https://www.banggood.com/VR-SHINECON-G5-VR-Glasses-3D-Virtual-Reality-Glasses-VR-Headset-For-iPhone-XS-11Pro-Mi10-p-1679808.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN
Update: Each purchase of Breathing+ will now include three machine washable mouthpieces. Previous buyers will be supplied with those by their country representatives but will have to cover shipping costs. Please be patient while we arrange distribution. https://www.breathinglabs.com/latest-news/announcement-breathing-mouthpieces-for-clinical-and-professional-use-are-now-available/
Update: We moved servers + relocated all our games to our servers, please be patient while google reviews all that (showing unsafe website atm). Use duckduckgo or non-chromium browsers to reach our pages in the meantime. Everything ok + new product addons coming out in a month!
Registration and all functionalities at http://breathinglabs.com (and in our iOS and Android games) are fixed and fully working. If you find any issues -> support@breathinglabs.com
We are back in stock with Breathing+, currently searching for VR supplier, and setting up mass production for toys and tens stimulation + in November we will be signing up new erasmus traineeships, research projects, bilateral, FP(eu), and asia-pacific ->support@breathinglabs.com
BREAKING: Nintendo Co. Ltd (Japan) is implementing Breathing Games by @breathinglabs in FDA approved clinical trial for children with bronchiectasis: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04038892
Notice to b2b partners: we are running late with some minor upgrade-> briefly running out of stock -> retail and b2b sale is closed until early october. To get a list of partners with stock to sell contact us at support@breathinglabs.com Thanks, we'll go strong again in winter 💪
