Tobacco consumption remains a widespread issue. Not only is it a major contributor to a heath-crisis, but according to a report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco growing and production exacerbates food insecurity. The report also suggests that the land used to cultivate tobacco can be more efficiently used to meet sustainable production goals. In lieu of this, World No to Tobacco Day is all the more crucial for Indian youth. Here’s why.

According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), nearly one-fifth of children aged 13-15 years are using tobacco products in India.

The survey revealed that 38 per cent of cigarettes, 47 per cent of bidi and 52 per cent of smokeless tobacco users have picked up the habit before their 10th birthday.

Bhavna B. Mukhopadhyay, chief executive, Voluntary Health Association of India, said: “The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2016-2017 says about 27 crore people consume tobacco in our country and about 12 lakh people die every year due to tobacco-related illness. The average age of starting tobacco use in India is 18.7 years. Men start using tobacco at a younger age than women.”

She further said that tobacco can cause 25 types of diseases and about 40 types of cancer, in which the major ones are mouth cancer, throat cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer and brain tumour.

Prof Surya Kant, head of the department of respiratory medicine, King George’s Medical University, said: “Tobacco smoke emits harmful gases and chemical substances, in which nicotine and tar are prominent. In all, 70 chemical substances have been found to be carcinogenic but these facts are ignored by those consuming tobacco.”

Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general, Association of International Doctors, said: “Smoking bidi is more harmful than cigarette. Due to the low amount of nicotine in bidi, nicotine addicts need it again and again. In our country, addiction to smoking is more in men as compared to women.”

Dr Amita Shukla, senior gynaecologist, SC Trivedi Memorial Trust hospital, pointed out: “One reason for infertility among women is smoking which can also cause pre-mature delivery, in case a pregnant woman consumes tobacco during pregnancy.”

When someone smokes, 30 per cent of the smoke of bidi or cigarette goes to the lungs of the smoker and 70 per cent remains in the surrounding environment, which affects passive smokers or those smoking indirectly, according to doctors.

If you are planning to embrace parenthood, first stop smoking, said experts ahead of the World No Tobacco Day.

World No-Tobacco Day is celebrated every year on May 31 to educate people about the perils associated with tobacco consumption.

“Best time to quit smoking is at least four months before pregnancy, that is, whenever you plan pregnancy,” Dr Rajashri Tayshete Bhasale, Consultant Gynecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon and Obstetrician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, told IANS.

“Smoking can interfere with females’ normally functioning ovaries and reduces the number of mature eggs that can be fertilised by lowering the egg count,” Dr Manju Gupta, Senior Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida.

According to the health experts, exposure to even secondhand or passive smoking can harm biological processes during — preconception, pregnancy, and post-delivery.

“Even during the nine months of pregnancy, a woman’s susceptibility to secondhand smoke’s effects might alter, reflecting various pathways of harm as the foetus develops and grows,” Dr Gupta told IANS.

“Avoid any contact with direct smoke or smoking in the same room. It is seen that traces of smoke are found for hours after smoking, hence any kind of smoking should be avoided in the house and also house guests should be instructed the same way,” Dr Bhasale said.

She explained that nicotine, present in tobacco, is a potent vasoconstrictor thus it can lead to abortion, ectopic pregnancy, Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or birth defects in babies.

Women exposed to smoke “are more likely to develop hypertension in pregnancy and its complications. Studies have shown smoking is associated with birth defects like cleft lip, cleft palate, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, limb reduction defect, gastroschisis, hypospadias. More over exposure in later months of pregnancy have shown to cause preterm delivery, low birth weight baby, stillbirth, intrauterine foetal demise or even sudden infant death syndrome,” Dr Bhasale told IANS.

Tobacco is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the country. Smoking is a growing matter of concern in India. Tobacco consumption impacts all the organs of the body.

Smoking contains tobacco which causes lung cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

“Other problems due to tobacco are wheezing, chronic cough, increased mucus, and shortness of breath. Smoking declines lung function. Thus, it is the need of the hour to quit tobacco and lead a healthy life. All forms of tobacco are harmful. Moreover, there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. It is better to quit it in all forms,” Dr Samir Garde, Director of Dept of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Global Hospitals, Parel, told IANS.

Ovulation bleeding means vaginal bleeding during or immediately before or after ovulation, which happens during the middle of a menstrual cycle. Are you aware? A shift in estrogen levels can lead to bleeding and spotting. But, you can be at ease as it is not so serious. Know more about this..

Ovulation bleeding is seen during ovulation, which is when the ovary releases an egg. During this process, the estrogen levels tend to rise and after the release of an egg, the estrogen levels go down and progesterone levels begin to increase. Thus, the balance between estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to light bleeding. If one notices symptoms such as cramping along with bleeding then something other than ovulation bleeding may be the reason behind it. If one is having irregular cycles, it can be difficult to tell the difference between irregular bleeding and the normal monthly period. So, it is better to speak to the doctor and get all your doubts cleared. Remember that light spotting in the middle of the cycle is not at all dangerous, especially if it occurs at the same time each month. You should not panic at all. But, it will be imperative for you to discuss unusual bleeding with the treating doctor who can guide you further.

Healthy Pregnancy Tips: The body experiences considerable hormonal changes that result in a range of symptoms that vary from woman to woman. When it comes to pregnancy, the body starts to alter before one even realizes it. While pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are the effective means to determine pregnancy, there are other signs and symptoms like missed periods, tender breasts, morning sickness, fatigue and frequent urination to keep an eye on. Dr Thejaswini J, Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bangalore reveals early warning signs every woman must look out for if they are pregnant.

Pregnancy causes several bodily changes where besides from weight and physical form, additional changes in your body’s chemistry and function occur like the heart beats faster, your temperature rises slightly, bodily secretions increase, joints and ligaments become more flexible and hormones change. Mood swings are frequent as a result of hormonal changes, increased exhaustion, and natural concern about body image, sexuality, finances, marriage duties and impending child.

Fibroids are muscular tumours that develop in the uterine (womb) wall. They are non-cancerous growth that often appears during childbearing years. They can develop as a single tumour or as several tumours that can range in size from an apple seed to a grapefruit in the uterus. Some women with fibroids experience no symptoms, while others may struggle to cope with their symptoms. According to the Journal of Women’s Health, 25 to 50 per cent of women with fibroids have symptoms like heavy menses, reproductive issues, increased urinary frequency, anemia, and abdominal pain.

2. Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet is essential because it helps to minimise inflammation, which in turn helps to lessen pain. According to Dr Nirmala, eating a lot of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, as well as fruits like apples and tomatoes, may help reduce the risk of getting fibroids. Increase your protein, whole-grain, and vitamin D intake as well. In addition to this, avoid processed foods, red meat, and goods with a lot of dairy and sugar to stop the fibroids from getting worse.

3. Relaxing techniques

One of the elements that can exacerbate the pain of fibroids is stress. Practicing certain relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, etc. has been proven effective in fighting pain. For additional pain relief, try lying on your side with your legs close to your chest.

4. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol consumption can increase the severity and duration of common fibroid symptoms. Therefore, reducing your alcohol intake may help you cope with some of the worst fibroid symptoms.

5. Painkiller

Your doctor may advise taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or naproxen to help decrease the shooting pain. NSAIDs can also lessen fibroids-related excessive menstrual flow.

What are the treatment options for uterine fibroids to avoid pain?

Treatment of fibroids depends upon several factors such as the size, intensity of pain, location, age, and their wish to conceive in the future. Some proven treatment methods, according to Dr Nirmala, are:

1. Medication: Hormonal medications such as birth control pills can reduce fibroids but can alleviate symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. The purpose of the medications is to shrink the fibroids by targeting hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

2. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) medications: Usually used for three to six months, this medication treats fibroids by preventing the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, resulting in a temporary menopause-like state where the fibroids shrink and anaemia improves.

3. Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD): This form of medication helps relieve heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. Even though this progestin-releasing IUD may not make fibroids shrink or disappear, it helps provide relief.

4. Other medications: In cases of anaemia due to heavy bleeding, doctors suggest iron supplements and vitamins, which help alleviate the symptoms of anaemia. Before undertaking any form of medication, it is important to consult the doctor to discuss any possible side effects or complications.

When medications do not improve the condition of the fibroids, there are surgical methods to consider which also depend upon factors like fibroids size, location, and future pregnancy plans of a patient. Creating a treatment plan under these conditions is essential because some surgical options preserve the uterus and allow pregnancy in the future, while other options can either damage or remove the uterus.

Surgical options for fibroids

These are a few surgical treatments for a patient who is planning for future pregnancies:

1. Myomectomy is a surgical operation in which the fibroids are removed while the uterus is still in place. There are a few surgical methods to treat fibroids depending on the size, number, and location.

2. In Laparoscopy, small incisions are made in the abdomen through which a scope is inserted to remove the fibroids.

3. In hysteroscopy, a scope cuts away the fibroids which are inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.

4. Open incisions like laparotomy where the incision is made in the abdomen can all be used to remove the fibroids.

In cases where the individual does not consider future pregnancies, a few surgical measures that can help treat fibroids effectively are:

1. Uterine fibroid embolization: UFE is a minimally invasive therapy that includes obstructing the blood vessels that the fibroids use to receive minuscule particles, which causes the fibroids to contract and eventually die.

2. Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy is a surgical process in which the entire uterus is removed. This is the most effective method of treating uterine fibroids, and it is frequently suggested to women who no longer want to become pregnant.

Whether you’re celebrating a joyous occasion, entertaining guests or having those quiet nights within the comfort of your home, alcohol and food are a match made in heaven. Hic, hic… only when consumed in moderation. Did you know that the more alcohol one consumes, the more likely one is to feel hungry? This is due to the fact that alcohol increases hunger in such a way that the person may end up craving salty foods like pizza, fried foods and spicy foods. But here’s a reminder: this is the worst food pairing.

4. Beans or lentils

Alcohol makes it difficult to digest foods that are good sources of iron, such as beans or lentils. Alcohol and beans have a negative effect on the intestines and may impair the digestive system.

5. Salty food items

What could be a better combination than alcohol and fries or pakode? If you think so, you’re putting yourself at risk. High sodium content in salty food might cause stomach problems. In fact, higher salt levels may lead to dehydration, which in turn raises alcohol consumption.

6. Dairy products

Dairy foods such as cheese, milk, ice cream, dessert, butter, and yogurt should be avoided when drinking alcohol as well as before and after. They will only make your health worse. Alcohol and dairy products taken together in the stomach might result in infection, stomach pain, and even constipation.

7. Spicy foods

Just like salty foods, spicy foods can mess up your system too. Eating spicy foods with alcohol can upset your stomach and can cause digestive issues. Gopal says, “Spicy foods delay the stomach emptying process and cause acid reflux. This situation gets even more intense after you eat citrus fruits.”

Summer is the time for fresh fruits, vegetables and their juices. Fresh juices are way better than any aerated or artificially sweetened drinks to quench the constant thirst for something refreshing. But some fruit juices have more health benefits to offer! I saw my mother sipping a glass of beetroot juice one day. I wondered why she made the unique choice. She says this red-violet coloured drink is a good detox and also healthy for people with hypertension.

The BHF study concluded that consuming a cup of beetroot juice led to a decrease of 8/4 mmHg in blood pressure, bringing the levels to normal for the subjects. This makes it significant considering the cardiovascular complications that hypertension can raise in the long run.

A 2008 randomized controlled trial tested the effect of raw beetroot juice on blood pressure levels. As per the results, healthy volunteers recorded reduced BP approximately 3 hours after consuming 500 ml of beetroot juice.

If the idea of trusting a natural product over a pill to manage hypertension seems appealing to you, get your glass of beetroot juice ready! But before you do that, check with your medical expert.

How to use beetroot juice for hypertension?

Health Shots reached asked nutritionist Nisha Mandal, about the best way to use beetroot for hypertension management.

The expert says, “For better results , the best way to consume beetroot would be in the form of juice without adding salt or sugar to it. One can have approximately 180 ml to 250 ml daily for two weeks continuously.”

Making beetroot juice is simple! You could simply juice the beets or use it with other fruits or vegetables. The ABC juice, involving apple, beetroot and carrot, for example, is very popular.

Here’s the simplest way to make beetroot juice:

* Peel the beets
* Cut them into chunks
* Put them in a juicer or blender
* Add a little water
* You could add more fruits and vegetables for taste and other health benefits.

But here’s a piece of advice shared by Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, Lead Author of the BHF study. She says when you plan to use beetroot for high blood pressure, avoid boiling it as dietary nitrate is water soluble. However, you could steam, roast or drink it in the form of juice.

Side effects of beetroot juice for blood pressure patients

Experts say patients need to be conscious about beetroot consumption if they are already on BP medicines. So, it would be best to consult your doctor before deciding to add it to your diet.

According to Nisha Mandal, “Beetroot does not have many side effects on body, but those who have Hypotension should avoid having. Also, since it is rich in oxalate and fiber, those who have kidney stones and Irritable Bowel Syndrome should avoid beetroot.”

You should also not get worried if you begin to consume beetroot juice and observe a change in urine or stool colour. A reddish tinge would be absolutely normal!