Girls! Did you know these jobs could be harmful to your heart?

The lifestyle we live greatly impacts our health. Our eating habits, levels of physical activity and dependence on substances contribute to our overall well-being. But, did you know? Recent research shows that some career paths are proving to be more harmful to women’s heart health than others.

In this blog, we look at a number of different studies that have been conducted to support the aforementioned statement.

Managers
Let’s begin with a study conducted in Japan where women in managerial positions, from any industry, faced a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have deemed the reasons for these occupations being a health hazard. Some potential reasons could be the stress of day-to-day management of a team of varying and oftentimes clashing personalities. It could be juggling of the schedules of these personalities along with your own. Or it could be working for un-Godly hours and having to train cattle into corporates!

Social Workers
Through a Women’s Health Initiative study, researchers gathered the data of more than 65,000 women with an average age of 63 who had already experienced menopause. They studied this data on the basis of smoking status, weight, physical activity, nutrition, cholesterol, and blood pressure to find a potential association between heart health status and occupation.
The result of this study showed that women who performed social work were 36% more likely to face heart health issues. This may possibly be due to the harsh realities they have to witness and face on a daily basis. The trauma of others may cause stress to those with an empathetic heart.

Other Occupations 
The result of the aforementioned study also showed that retail cashiers had a 33% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nurses, psychiatrists, and home health aides had up to 16% higher risk of heart problems out of which nurses face a 14% heightened risk of heart health complications.

What jobs are good for you?
The same study concluded a few occupations that had lower risks of heart diseases. Turns out, real estate brokers and sales agents had a 24% lower chance of heart issues and administrative assistants had an 11% lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Along with the many things you need to consider while starting a new job, you now need to make sure it’s good for your heart!


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Running a little every day could go a long way!

 

Everyone knows that cardio is an effective method of keeping your body fit and active. Running and aerobics exercises are extremely beneficial to both the body and mind. New research suggests that running, for any amount of time, instantly reduces the risk of death by 27%. In this blog, SMBT will explore the details of this study.

Studies conducted in the past have concluded that running can help alleviate stress and slow down aging. Going for a run has proven to combat feelings of negative emotions and improve memory. It has also been proven that senior citizens that go for regular runs have the same amount of energy as a 20-year-old does while walking. 

Today, researchers are trying to find a link between running and decreasing mortality rates. Numerous published papers, conference papers, and doctoral thesis have been studied to find a correlation between running and a longer lifespan. A recent review of 14 studies was conducted. This entailed a total of 232,149 participants ranging from 5.5 to 35 years of age.

Their findings concluded an overall 27% decreased the risk of death among those who ran. Moreover, they also found a 30% lower risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases and a 23% lowered risk of cancer-related deaths.

The World Health Organisation recommends 150 minutes of intense exercise or at least 70 minutes of moderate exercise to stay healthy. But the review showed that a person who ran for less than 50 minutes or at low speeds for under 9.5km also saw the reduced risk of death. This breakthrough has introduced us to the secret of a long, healthy life. Make sure you spend a little time every day running, to ensure living and enjoying a full life!


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All About The Keto Diet

The popular Keto diet is a cult favorite! It mainly constitutes of omitting carbohydrates from your daily diet completely. The aim is for your body to enter ketosis, which is a state where your body begins burning fat for energy instead of carbs. But, every fad diet comes with a warning label. In this blog, SMBT will look into the pros and cons of Keto.

First, let’s look at a few positives. The Keto diet was initially used to treat patients suffering from Epilepsy with effective results. Today, the most popular reason for switching to the Ketogenic diet is for weight loss. Another benefit of carb restriction is lower glucose levels, aiding in the management of Type-2 diabetes. An emerging field of research is eliminating cancerous cells from our body with the diet. Tumor cells can break down glucose twice as fast as typical cells. Theory suggests, ‘starving’ these tumor cells could inhibit their growth and prevent cancer.

Now that we have covered the benefits of this diet, let us look at possible damage Keto could cause to your body. A major cause of concern is the nutrient deficiencies your body could develop after eliminating entire food groups. It is essential to follow the diet with proper instruction from a specialist in order to avoid complications.
The term ‘Keto Flu’ refers to the side effects you may face while transitioning into this diet. These side effects include hunger, nausea, fatigue, headaches, irritability, constipation and prolonged brain fog. Ample sleep and water may help ease the transitory discomfort.
It could cause an increase in kidney stones, osteoporosis and blood levels of uric acid. Gut health is also affected by the diet as your fiber intake is reduced, hampering smooth digestion.

Research has proven the Keto diet to be harmful to patients with psoriasis. It causes skin rashes and inflammation. A series of experiments concluded that diets containing high amounts of medium-chain triglycerides and omega-3 fatty acids could aggravate inflammatory skin conditions. Make sure your Keto diet is well balanced and limited to long-chain triglycerides such as fish, nuts, soybean or olive oil, meat and avocado. Patients with psoriasis should reconsider switching to Ketogenic diets.

Before you go Keto, make sure you take the right precaution and get a full body check-up to rule out any health complications you may be facing that are not Keto-friendly. Consult a dietician for guidance on following the right kind of Keto diet for you. Ensure you are taking the necessary supplements along with your diet to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Switching diets is a major lifestyle change, so make sure your body and mind are fully prepared for it!


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Students Combating Chronic Pain

Do you face frequent or prolonged headaches? Have you noticed a constant pain in your back arising in the colder months? Do your joints begin to hurt more than expected when you perform physical activities? You may be suffering from chronic pain. As a student, you are subjected to long hours of study and classes that could prove to be uncomfortable for your body. It is essential to take precaution before your body develops a chronic condition

Chronic pain is in common terms, pain that is persistent. It is commonly caused due to musculoskeletal injuries, autoimmune diseases, nervous system dysfunction and chronic diseases. There are three main areas of our body that are subjected to chronic pain, which are, our head, back and joints.

Chronic Headaches 

A chronic headache lasts for at least 15 days of the month and goes on for a minimum of three months. Common chronic headaches are tension headaches, eye strain headaches, migraines and cluster headaches. 

Tension headaches arise from fatigue, stress and irregular sleep patterns. Limit your all-nighters and make sure to follow a schedule so that you aren’t overworked. 

Eye strain headaches are exactly what they sound; they are caused when our ocular muscles are strained. Make sure you limit your time using electronic devices and check your lighting when you’re reading. 

Migraines are severe headaches that stem from nervous system triggers or hormonal irregularities. Individuals may suffer from headaches in particular parts of their head. These are cluster headaches and they’re caused due to the enlargement of our blood vessels. Regulate your use of prescription drugs and reduce or better yet, eliminate the consumption of cigarettes and alcohol. 

Chronic Back Pain 

This is more commonly experienced in the lower back and is caused due to injuries, arthritis, osteoporosis or natural wear and tear. It is the result of slipped or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, compression fractures, soft tissue damage due to strain or trauma, spinal fractures, scoliosis or lordosis. Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerves. Soft tissue damage occurs when there is trauma to back muscles, ligaments or tendons. 

Chronic back pain can prove to be a serious issue and hamper the patients day to day performance. If you are an active athlete or used to be in the past, and may be suffering from back pain, it is wise to get yourself checked. There is also a possibility of the heavy bag weight students have had to carry during their school years that could have developed into one of this generation’s biggest complaints. 

Chronic Joint Pain 

This kind of pain is mostly caused by injuries, infection or ageing. The most common reason for chronic joint pain is arthritis. Specifically osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis. Osteoarthritis affects large joints and is more common among the elderly. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes our joints to swell up. Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs that cushion our joints get inflamed. Tendinitis is the inflammation of our joint’s tendons. Chronic pain is also a result of repetitive motion injury which is most often seen in people who are subjected to regular strenuous physical activity, such as athletes. 

Chronic Nerve Pain 

This is also known as neuropathic pain which occurs when our nerves are stripped off of myelin sheath, i.e. their protective exterior coating. This happens when nerves are damaged, compressed, or exposed to drugs. Chronic nerve pain is the result of conditions such as sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia. Sciatica is a sharp shooting pain in the leg caused by a nerve compression. Diabetic neuropathy is the umbrella term for nerve disorders usually occurring in our hands or feet that are caused by diabetes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a tingling, numbing or sensation of weakness in the wrist due to a strain on its nerves. Trigeminal neuralgia is severe facial pain caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve of the face. Did you know? Simple repetitive motions of texting on your phone and typing on a computer may contribute to a case of carpal tunnel. 

Diagnosing Chronic Pain 

The keyword being ‘chronic’ which means ‘constantly recurring’, a diagnosis of chronic pain is usually made only after three to six months of experiencing it. Patients have to go through numerous tests such as imaging, blood work and nerve tests to eliminate the probability of certain diseases and disorders and eventually draw up the right diagnosis. The most common methodologies of detecting chronic pain symptoms are X-rays, MRI scans and CT scans. 

Multiple Cases of Chronic Pain 

A recent review of 14 different studies found that there is a link between chronic back pain and headaches. It said that patients suffering from chronic joint or head pain have twice the chances to experience the other disorder. This review was published in the Journal of Headache and Pain where the 14 studies had a variety of sample ages; the smallest of which were 88 participants and the largest sample size was a study conducted with 404,206 participants. 

It is said that chronic pain is a sort of disability that the patient has to live with. The review of these studies determined that patients suffering from one type of chronic pain are highly sensitive to the other one. This urges doctors to look into combined treatments that help counter both aiments at once. At the moment, there are a few holistic remedies. It is best for science to invent a sort of multi-purpose medication that combats both disorders at once. It would also ease the patients financial burdens with one solution for multiple problems. 

For now, the right medical and physiological management can help provide a quality life for patients. Once there is substantial research conducted and science is able to clearly understand the complex biological relationships that interlinks two disorders, patients can look forward to a better quality of life that they are already provided. 

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Does the patient have Lewy body dementia or Alzhiemer’s?

Dementia is an umbrella term for diseases that deteriorate cognitive functions making it difficult for patients to perform simple daily tasks. Lewy bodies are small deposits of protein in brain cells, called alpha-synuclein. In the early 1900’s, neurologist Dr. Freiderich H. Lewy accidentally discovered Lewy body dementia while conducting research on Parkinson’s disease.

Lewy body dementia is a condition where the patient’s mental and physical abilities rapidly decline. Its effects are a kind of combination of the effects of Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. One of the first symptoms of Lewy body dementia is visual hallucinations. Patient may see animals, shapes or even people that aren’t there. Hallucinations can also extend to sound, smell or touch. The patients’ autonomous nervous system begins to glitch. Our pulse, blood pressure and sweat glands are regulated by a part of the nervous system which is severely affected by Lewy body dementia causing frequent falls, dizziness and bowel issues. Patients also face difficulties sleeping or paying attention. They may also suffer from depression and apathy. Patients experience cognitive symptoms of Alzhiemer’s such as confusion, visual-spatial issues and memory loss. They also go through Parkinsonian signs such as slowed movement, rigid muscles and difficulties walking.

The demographic at risk are statistically men, over the age of 60 and the condition is hereditary. If complications persist, patients can suffer severe dementia and depression as well as aggressive behaviour and worsened Parkinson’s symptoms. On average, the patient may pass away approximately eight years after symptoms start.

Looking at how complicated the symptoms of this disease are, one can easily understand how it can be misdiagnosed. Surveys show that 80% of lewy body dementia patients are misdiagnosed! Out of this percentage, 50% were misdiagnosed with Alzhiemer’s. 15% of patients had to consult over five doctors before getting the right diagnosis. Only 27% were diagnosed correctly within three months after their symptoms began to show. 23% received the right diagnosed within a year. 50% patients got the correct diagnosis after over a year and 20% had to wait for a whole three years before being accurately diagnosed.

This is a fatal situation to be in for a disease that directly and quite severely affects its victim’s brain. Late diagnosis is extremely harmful. Recent studies have shown that Alzhiemer’s and Lewy body disease can be differentiated through the patients walking patterns. Research shows that although both diseases affect the brain, they affect different parts of the brain. Alzheimer's attacks the hippocampus which is responsible for brain formation while Lewy body disease attacks the part of the brain that controls movement and certain fragments of memory. When a study was conducted, it showed that patients with Alzheimer’s rarely showed variation in their walking pattern while Lewy body dementia patients all had unique walking patterns with variation in the time it took to take a step or the amount of steps they could take at a time. The researchers, through this study, could differentiate between the disease with an accuracy of 60%. This is the very first study that has come through with these findings that could prevent misdiagnosis before it’s too late.

Science continues to advance in their findings to combat and cure life-threatening diseases so humans can live a long and healthy life. SMBT continues to educate their audience about the latest research in the medical field. Stay tuned for more interesting and informative blogs on www.smbt.edu.in

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The Abuse of Blood Donor Dogs

Why do we need blood donors?: Blood Transfusion

Individuals donate blood that is stored in banks and used when an individual requires a transfusion. Blood transfusion is needed in cases where the patient suffers from severe blood loss, severe infection, liver disease, anemia, and more.

Donor Dogs & their Abuse

Just like humans, dogs also require blood transfusions in certain surgeries or medical conditions, creating the need for donor dogs that can provide canine blood. The procedure of collecting blood from donor dogs is painless and quick. The dog is made comfortable and blood is taken from its jugular vein in a matter of 15 to 30 minutes. The dog is given enough reassurance throughout and treats for positive reinforcement in the end.

But what happens when selling canine blood is turned into exploitative business practice?

Greyhounds are universal blood donors as their blood is compatible with all breeds. There are canine blood “banks” that breed greyhounds and sell their blood to hospitals. Hemopet is rumored to be such a book bank, located in California, USA. They house around 200 greyhounds, most of which are retired racing dogs. Racing dogs are usually euthanized after their career. The organization started as a way to save these canines from being euthanized and providing universal blood to other canines at the same time.

But there have been serious allegations against their care for their dogs. There have been rumors of them mistreating canines by constricting them to small cages for 23 hours at a stretch. Other allegations include drawing blood from unhealthy dogs suffering from anemia, infections and incurable diseases such as lupus. The deprivation of normal life and emotional neglect of these dogs cause them immense distress and are the cause for frequent fights between canines that leave wounds. There are allegations that the staff of Hemopet does not take the right measures to prevent these fights and leave the inflicted wounds untreated, causing infections.

Hemopet has denied these allegations and continue to vouch for their dogs being treated well and kept in safe, habitable and caring environments. But the public is not convinced.

What can you do to help?

First and foremost, we can do our bit by spreading awareness about this case.

SMBT has also gathered a list of petitions you can sign to put a stop to the cruel acts of Hemopet.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/803/992/551/stop-farming-greyhounds-for-their-blood/

https://forcechange.com/516504/justice-for-dogs-allegedly-harvested-for-blood-at-unregulated-rescue-clinic/

https://www.care2.com/causes/secretive-california-canine-blood-banks-use-caged-dogs-as-donors.html

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LUPUS

What started with stiffness in her wrists, seventeen-year-old Anne Marie started facing several problems from swelling in her joints to severe pains in her body. What followed were numerous appointments with doctors and diagnosis of problems like arthritis, to the possibility of a trapped nerve. Despite ongoing treatments, Anne’s condition followed to worsen, and she started showing different symptoms like abnormal weakness and rosy cheeks. It took over two years and multiple misdiagnosis to conclude that the condition that Anne was suffering from was lupus. 

Lupus also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SEL) is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. 

In India, over 1 million cases of lupus are recorded each year. Just like Anne, many people suffering from it aren’t able to be correctly diagnosed at the first attempt when symptoms occur due to the mystery that is- Lupus. 

What happens in lupus?

In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. Normally our immune systems produce proteins called "antibodies" which protect the body from these invaders.

However in lupus the immune system goes into "autoimmunity" meaning your immune system cannot tell the difference between the foreign invaders and your own body’s healthy tissues. As a result, it creates auto antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue.

These auto-antibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

Symptoms of lupus

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes — called flares — when signs and symptoms get worse for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
• Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body
• Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity)
• Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's phenomenon)
• Shortness of breath Chestpain
• Dry eyes
• Headaches, confusion and memory loss
  

Many of these symptoms occur in other illnesses. In fact, lupus is sometimes called "the great imitator" because its symptoms are often like the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, fibromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid problems, Lyme disease, and a number of heart, lung, muscle, and bone diseases.

To be sure of what the present matter may be, one should always see the doctor if they face develop an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, persistent aching or fatigue.

Causes of lupus

As the cause of lupus can be unknown in most cases, it’s tricky to link its association with a specific cause. It's likely that lupus results from a combination of one’s genetics and environment.

It appears that people with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with something in the environment that can trigger lupus.

Some potential triggers include:

• Sunlight. Exposure to the sun may bring on lupus skin lesions or trigger an internal response in susceptible people.
• Infections. Having an infection can initiate lupus or cause a relapse in some people.
• Medications. Lupus can be triggered by certain types of blood pressure medications, anti-seizure medications and antibiotics. People who have drug-induced lupus usually get better when they stop taking the medication. Rarely, symptoms may persist even after the drug is stopped.

Treatment for lupus

Treating lupus is a lifelong process. It requires ongoing planning and communication. Right now, there’s no cure for lupus, but there’s a lot one can do to manage the disease and improve the quality of life.

The goal of any treatment is to ease out symptoms of the disease and provide relief. Changes in diet and lifestyle are recommended to minimize the symptoms. Certain important practices are recommended, such as exercise and meditation to reduce stress, avoid eating certain foods that may trigger immune system attack, regular screenings to keep a check on steroids side effect, etc. Treatment may vary depending on the symptoms, severity of the disease, and affected body part. Learning as much as one can about lupus treatments and approaches will help one work with their doctor to find a treatment plan that’s right for the person.

Lifestyle and home remedies
Taking care of one’s body and taking preventive steps on a daily basis can make a big difference. Simple measures can help one prevent lupus flares and, should they occur, better cope with the signs and symptoms one experiences. Try to:

• See your doctor regularly. Having regular check-ups instead of only seeing your doctor when your symptoms worsen may help your doctor prevent flare-ups, and can be useful in addressing routine health concerns, such as stress, diet and exercise that can be helpful in preventing lupus complications.
• Be sun smart. Because ultraviolet light can trigger a flare, wear protective clothing — such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants — and use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 55 every time you go outside.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise can help keep your bones strong, reduce your risk of heart attack and promote general well-being.
• Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and can worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and blood vessels.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Sometimes you may have dietary restrictions, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney damage or gastrointestinal problems.
• Ask your doctor if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements. There is some evidence to suggest that people with lupus may benefit from supplemental vitamin D. A 1,200- to 1,500-milligram calcium supplement taken daily may help keep your bones healthy.

Despite of the fact that lupus affects a large number of people, women in majority, it still remains to be a mystery. Due to the symptoms that overlap with various other diseases, misdiagnosis of lupus can be common. Lupus symptoms infact differ from person to person. As there are different types of this disease, treatment also varies greatly from patient to patient. 
Due to improved diagnosis and disease management in today’s time, most people with the disease will go on to live a normal life span.

Treatment for lupus is widely available in India and one should consult a Rheumatologist if they see any signs or symptoms of the disease.

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HOW TECHNOLOGY IS AFFECTING OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Technology has slowly made space for itself in everybody's lives. With eighty-seven percent of millennials stating that their smartphone never leaves their side, 80% of them checking their smartphone first thing in the morning and 88% using the camera on their smartphone weekly, we can determine the extent to which we have become dependent on technology.

While this technology can very conveniently help us learn about new things, it can also affect our physical and mental health. And since we are always in the contact of technology in some form or the other, it is imperative to check on how it is affecting us physically in various ways.

Sedentary lifestyle
While technology is meant to add to our efficiency, it also encourages a sedentary lifestyle. A study proves that there is a direct connection between prolonged sitting and life longevity. Hence, if you are a person who works the whole day in front of your computer or laptop and then goes back home to watching TV or using mobile phones for entertainment, SMBT Group of Institutes suggests you some kind of movement to ensure that you live a healthy and long life.

Sleep disorders
Prolonged exposure to screens and the subsequent emission of blue light reduces the levels of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep and allows for increased alertness the following morning. As a result, the number of cases of people having troubled sleep is increasing. A research conducted in 2015 states that 93% of Indians are sleep deprived for various reasons. The anxiety behind not receiving a call or a text, or using phones till late at night is adding to this percentile. SMBT Group of Institutes suggests proper sleep hygiene, including limiting the use of light-emitting devices or smartphones close to bedtime.

Vision issues
70% of adults have experienced some symptoms of eyestrain from digital device usage, including using small cell phone screens to watch videos and movies. Prolonged exposure to screens can cause dry eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, fatigue, and headaches. SMBT Group of Institutes advices the 20-20-20 rule to counter this problem. When working with screens, take a 20 second break every 20 minutes and look 20 feet away. Using screens at appropriate distances and using cool gray color as the backdrop can also help.


Muscle strain
Using phones, computers or laptops for longer periods of time can create a strain in our neck and back. Constant scrolling or playing games using thumbs can cause a condition called ‘text thumb’. The arms, elbows and fingers too get strained when too much time is spent holding a cellphone to the ear, resting elbows on a desk, or keeping arms bent in an acute angle. SMBT Group of Institutes recommends using both the hands to reduce appendage and change in the position of arms.

While not much can be done about the nature of the jobs we do or the ever increasing link between the real and virtual world, a lot can be done on creating a balance between the two. See to that you limit your time on the screens and make sure that you provide your body with some kind of movement everyday. We hope that these facts and tips help you in some way. Here’s wishing you a healthy screen time!

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Medical science is creating innumerous opportunities today!

The frontier of medical science has rarely been as exciting and as full of spectacular opportunities as it is today. From basic science through clinical research to health service research, the opportunities made available through impressive breakthroughs of recent decades in biomedical as well as the physical, computational, and behavioral and social sciences have paved way for unprecedented possibilities. Although traditionally structured laboratory and clinical techniques are still largely prevalent, several technical and scientific advancements have altered how medical science is perceived.

Why should you consider pursuing medicine?

When it comes to applied sciences, careers in medicine have got to be one of the most important areas for you to enroll in. Be it a doctor, a dentist or a research scientist you want to become your job will be integral to treating illness, solving physical problems, developing newer medicines for fatal diseases; all in all, saving lives.

What options can you explore in medical sciences?

There are so many different areas of medical sciences, it is difficult to decide what to start with.
To show you how massive is the list of occupations in this sector, here’s a start as to things you might be doing:

• Performing operations and surgeries, number of which would increase with your experience.
• Diagnose and treat problems related to people’s teeth, gums and related parts of the mouth.
• Developing a cure for cancer.
• Figuring out how to make multi-vitamin tablets much, much smaller.
• Scientific study of living organisms related to their origin, evolution and biological traits. 
• Diagnose and treat various eye disease as well as prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision.
• Conduct research on specimens, such as bacteria and viruses, then regularly perform reviews and clinical investigation. 
• With these and many more options available, the medical world is truly your scientific oyster.

Benefits of working in the medical field

It’s a good time to be a professional in the field of medicine and science- the demand for top talent in the industry is soaring. Job opportunities are expanding at a rate of 22% per year, ensuring you won’t face a problem of not finding a job. Due to an aging population and major changes in the healthcare market, careers in health sciences are expected to see substantial growth over the next decade and into the future.
Clearly, working in the medical field or in the science industry can be extremely appealing, and a big part of that appeal is the generous salaries that the professionals take home. The average annual salary for any medical professional is roughly around INR 5,00,000.
Apart from the above advantages, the satisfaction of saving a life or working towards the betterment of lives is something only medical professionals can proudly experience.

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Career options after Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery.

   An ancient system of medicine, which traces its roots back to the Vedic times, Ayurveda stresses on holistic health, which not only provides soothing and curative medicines but also plays a vital role in prevention of recurring diseases. According to Ayurveda, all ailments are understood as imbalance between three elements of the human body Kapha, Pitta and Vata. These elements are commonly called as Doshas in Ayurvedic terminology. Kapha means Phlegm (water and earth), Pitta means Bile (fire and water) and Vata means wind (air and space). The technique of Ayurveda allows you to indulge in natural healing capabilities of human body and nature. However, one cannot expect a speedy recovery, because it takes a little longer than conventional allopathic treatments. It’s an all-encompassing technique which requires changes in diet, lifestyle and habits.

BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a graduate degree in field of Ayurvedic science. It is a 5 ½ year degree course with academic session for 4 ½ years and 1 year is dedicated to internship programme with live practical. After completion of this degree, one must mandatorily resister him/herself at the respective councils (under Indian Medical Central Council Act). Also, to practice across the country, registration under Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) is a must.

Further, the scope of Ayurveda is ever increasing not only in India but also in the world. In many cases, when the usual allopathy fails to deliver expected results, Ayurveda comes to the rescue of patients, providing effective treatment and rejuvenating them. Naturally, it opens wide doors for those with a BAMS degree seeking career opportunities, regional as well as global.

• You can work as medical officer/doctor in government or private Ayurveda hospitals.
  
• With advanced degrees like MD and PhD, an ayurvedic doctor can qualify for supervisory/research/teaching position in various Universities or organizations.
  
• One can start his/her own practice or set up a retail shop for ayurvedic medicine.
  
• There is a high demand in the pharmaceutical industries for ayurvedic doctors to regulate/monitor the drug research.
  
• Staring salaries for BAMS graduates ranges between INR20,000-40,000 monthly, whereas with an MD one can expect around INR50,000-80,000 per month.
  
• With newer diseases coming up every other day, a study in Ayurveda not only promises secure income but also provides numerous opportunities to serve the society as a whole.

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5 New Cardiac Technologies to look out for

For most of the 19th century, doctors used most of the medicals tools that fit easily in their little medkit bag, and diagnoses were based more on instinct than on science. The advancement and discovery of various antibiotics, lifesaving drugs and equipment have contributed tremendously to increase the lifespan of a human being on average of nearly 30 years. It’s easy to see how advances in health and medicine have touched the lives of nearly every person on the planet, whether its technology that allows us to peek deep into or body or the medicines that extend the lives of those with unimaginable and sufferable chronic disease.

Here are 5 innovative cardiac technologies that will change the outlook of the coming future:

1) GOOGLE GLASSES

Google Glasses are one of the best known wearable technologies made. They are similar to any other spectacle with preloaded options of taking pictures and recording videos in HD and wireless transmission. Cardiologists have successfully used the equipment in cardiac surgeries. They are used for coronary angiography where the cardiologist takes accurate, precise and resolute pictures of heart artilleries and could transfer the images to computers or Ipads.

2) BIORESORBABLE STENTS

During an operation, the cardiologist needs to perform an open artery surgery where they push a mesh tube called stent that releases drugs into the vessel to keep it open. But using the stent over time might cause blood clotting and to overcome the disastrous consequences a new type of stent that gradually dissolves within a year or so may help sidestep that problem. They also enable treated vessels to regain their ability to constrict and expand.

3) LEADLESS PACEMAKER

A PaceMaker is a device for stimulating the heart muscle and regulating its contractions. It consists of a small battery-operated power source implanted under the skin. PaceMakers these days are of top quality, the only faulty part of them is the lead which they use which cause complications or an infection at the insertion site. The leadless pacemaker is a tiny, self-containing unit which is placed on the inside wall of the heart through a thin, flexible tube called catheter. The new model of the pacemaker does look promising without any after effects.

4) VALVE-IN-VALVE PROCEDURE

Compared to mechanical valves that carry a high risk of blood clotting, heart valves made from animal tissues (bioprosthetic valves) are increasingly used to replace stiff, narrowed aortic valves. Bioprosthetic valve is inserted into the heart via a catheter at the site of the failing device.it turns out to be the best valve replacement option for people at high risk from surgery.

5) PROTEIN PATCH FOR HEART MUSCLE GROWTH

The cells cannot fully regenerate and scar tissues form when heart muscle cells suffer damage and die. It makes the heart harder for the heart to pump blood effectively and ultimately leads to heart failure. Recently, a team of health and bioengineering experts discovered a natural protein that can promote the growth of normal tissues. Human clinical trials are yet to take place on the patch in the upcoming year and it goes holds a bright future for bioengineering

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MEDICAL MYSTERIES

 

Medical Industry has developed and advanced in past 50 years. New treatments, various type of modern equipment, vaccines are being introduced for a better and healthy life for human beings. However, there comes a speed bump in this ever-advancing field. Diseases, genetic conditions, and conundrums rise from almost any part of the world and leave even the best and well-equipped scientists and doctors baffled.

Here is a list of medical mysteries which shook even the renowned medical facilities.

1) Water Allergy

Yes, there's this disease where individuals are allergic to water. It does sound impossible as our own body contains 70% water. They can still drink water and other stuff, its water that comes in contact with the body that causes the problem. The victim's skin starts to erupt in itchy red welts when they take a bath or shower. This rare condition is known medically as aquagenic urticaria. It first came to light in 1964. Its cause is still a mystery, but doctors deduced that it might be due to toxic response when water touches the skin, or due to extreme sensitivity to ions in water.

2) Chimeric People

It's a strange anomaly. Imagine a person went through a genetic test and found out that he/she is not the biological father/mother- despite the fact that he/she gave birth to them. It was an unfeigned case that Margot Kruskal, a doctor at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, came face to face with such five years ago. The patient needed a kidney transplant, and so her family underwent blood tests to see if any of them would make a suitable donor. When the results came back, she was hoping for good news. Instead, she received a hammer blow. The letter told her outright that two of her three sons could not be hers. No one knows how common chimeras are but due to changing evolution and genetic diversification, cases like such might come to light.

3) Foreign Accent Syndrome

You woke up in the morning with an accent different than what you have been using since all these years. Chances are that you are suffering from Foreign Accent Syndrome. The best-known case of this syndrome dates way back to 1941, where a Norwegian woman was repudiated after she was injured during an air raid and began talking with a heavy German accent. This syndrome was once contemplated as a psychological disorder but later was ruled out for being a neurological disorder which comes about when a stroke or injury damages the part of the brain associated with speech.

4) Tree man

We all have heard of this syndrome, haven't we ? Dede, a man from West Java, Indonesia, appeared to be half man, half tree. But what was the reason for this deformation ? Thankfully this mystery has been recently solved. It appeared that a rare immune deficiency which allows the human papillomavirus, better known as warts when goes out of control, thickening of skin takes place which starts spreading across the whole body.
 

5) Putrid finger

A distressing case study was found from a 1996 issue of the medical journal The Lancet. A 29-year-old man had pricked his fingers on a chicken bone 5 years previously, leaving him with an infection which made him smell terrible.

"The most disabling consequence of the infection was a putrid smell emanating from the affected arm , which could be detected across a large room , and when confined to a smaller examination room became almost intolerable”, the paper states.

The cause of the infection was identified and the wound did not respond to any antibiotics. The patient was treated by a dermatologist at Peter Holt of the University Hospital of Wales where it was later reported that the patient's infection cleared up spontaneously, and he no longer smells putrid. But the case still remains a mystery .

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