Eyes For Science

Category: Health

What is Biohacking – An Ultimate Guide
“Physical and mental fitness is on the roll.” Yes, this is how we can define some advanced and effective fitness regimes being tested by experts and even people. Still confused? Don’t be, as we’re here to clear all your confusion. We’ll here see what is Biohacking in detail.

Fitness has a different meaning these days as there has been a huge change to conventional strategies that were used by people earlier. It’s a new era as people believe more in something we call a “DNA Diet” when compared to a normal diet. Just like this, there has been a biohacking concept as well. It’s not like we’re just talking about all this, but it has delivered some amazing benefits to people who have tried it. Here in this post, we will be talking more about biohacking.

Define Biohacking

In simple terms, biohacking can be defined as do-it-yourself biology that aims at improving a person’s fitness with a strategic approach. Doesn’t this sound strange “hacking your own body?” But this is the truth and it has numerous potential benefits as well.

It also won’t be wrong to say that the strategies used while biohacking have already been used for decades or we must say centuries. The only difference is that we are using those strategies in a better and more planned way to achieve desired results. Not only this but some biohackers use more technical approaches to achieve the results they want. We must say that biohacking is like a “black hole” with endless possibilities. There are many advantages and disadvantages of Biohacking. But we must say, that if done right, benefits of biohacking are more.

There have been different reasons why people would love to hack their bodies. Some want mental peace, some want to improve their physical performance, and some would do this to improve the health condition they are suffering from. These are just a few reasons, there could be many. Above all, many people just try biohacking to see the effects of different techniques and even have complete control over their bodies.

What Are the Types of Biohacking?

There are many ways by of biohacking your body:

Lifestyle Changes

One of the simplest and the most effective way of biohacking is to make simple lifestyle changes. This can help improve both mental and physical health. Here’s what you can do:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Have a good and healthy diet
- Take sunbath
- Spend time with nature
And much more…!!

These might be easy techniques but one needs to be regular with these to experience the positives. And yes, you can try biohacking supplements as well.

We’ll talk about “biohacking supplements” in our next post.

Remember, these are the basics of biohacking, and you need to expert these before you could effectively try other biohacking techniques.

Smart Wearable Devices

People have become smarter these days by using wearable technology like a smartwatch that reminds you to drink water, watch more steps, take rest, and more. If you don’t know then we must tell you that using these devices is a type of biohacking as well. So, congratulations my friends, you all have been doing biohacking already.

Now you’ll stay more active while using wearable technology!

Genetic Engineering

This technique of biohacking is unregulated and controversial hence, you might not see this practice easily. It works on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology that allows editing of genes of an individual. We can also regard this practice as unethical.

These are just a few examples of biohacking as there are numerous possibilities for the same. But still, we must say that the best way to biohack is by diet, exercise, and meditation. For a more controlled approach, you can opt DNA fitness and DNA diet. Or we must say that a biohacking diet would be helpful.

It won’t be wrong to say that with several specific techniques, you can biohack every single system of your body. Let us have a deep look at it.

Cryotherapy – Biohacking your Circulatory System

You might have got an idea by reading the word “cryotherapy.” Yes, you’re right!

Also known as cold therapy, this method of biohacking puts the body under very cold temperatures and this causes severe vasoconstriction. When the body regains the normal temperature, there is a rush of blood in the veins and back to the tissues. This helps deliver a lot of minerals and nutrients to the tissues.

Now, if you are thinking about how much time it takes for cryotherapy, then the answer is only 3 minutes.

Red Light Therapy – Biohacking your Health

Now you might be wondering how the use of light can help improve your health? Here’s a scientific reason behind that.

According to the studies, our brain and body need light to function well. We all get exposed to sunlight and no doubt it provides vitamin D to our body which is required for strong bones but, it also plays an important role in maintaining physical and emotional well-being. If we talk specifically, the light between 600-900 nm wavelength is best absorbed by the body.

Red light has a wavelength between 600-900 nm and not only this but our body also responds well to red light. It gets absorbed in the body at the depth of about 8 to 10 millimeters and this is the point where mitochondrial chromophores absorb the photons.

So, red light therapy can activate various biological and metabolic processes in our body and deliver many benefits. Here are some of the associated benefits of red light therapy:
- Better skin tone
- Reduced depression
- Improved circulation
- Delivers anti-aging effects
- Enhanced muscle recovery
- Reduced pain and inflammation of joint
Compression Therapy – Biohacking your Lymphatic System

Compression therapy is the best way to biohack your lymphatic system. It delivers excellent results in the management of lymphoedema. Compression therapy works by firmly and evenly pressurizing the swollen area and helping in the flow of trapped lymph fluid via the lymph vessels.

Not only this but there are other benefits of compression therapy as well. It helps increase the blood flow in certain body areas and flush out the toxins. This speeds up recovery from various health issues.

Intermittent Fasting – Biohacking your Diet

What we eat defines how our health would be and genuinely makes a lot of difference. Giving a break to normal sugar-rich food that we eat in our daily lives and focusing more on meals that have low carbs is a great way of biohacking your diet. This will have a huge positive impact on your health. We can add more superfoods to our diet for better results.

Not only it is studied but is also experienced that intermittent fasting can help gain more muscles and energy while reducing fat. Besides this, it is can also optimize the body’s nutrient intake. Here is a quick glimpse of the benefits of intermittent fasting:
- Increases levels of growth hormone
- Boosts metabolic rate
- Reduces insulin resistance
- Assists in more fat burn
- Reduces bad cholesterol (LDL)
- Enhances cellular waste removal (Cellular autophagy)
- Has anti-inflammatory benefits
- Cancer prevention
- Improves cognitive function
Listen to Music – Biohacking your Brain

What if we tell you that music has some great magical powers? Yes, most of you might have also experienced that.

A wave-like pattern can measure brain activity and it can also determine your mood, and based on the task you are doing, brainwaves change. So, brainwaves also change when we listen to music, and it is a great way of biohacking your brain. Listening to functional music makes you relax and change your mood.

So, whenever you feel stubborn, stressed, or sad, just biohack your brain to change your mood.

Supplements – Biohacking Body’s Function

Eating biohacking supplements like vitamins and minerals can maintain energy levels, improve various biological functions, and enhance activity. But taking them in the right amount under an expert’s supervision is important. Even there are many supplements Dave Asprey suggests for biohacking your body.

Health supplements are available in the form of pills, shakes, chewable tablets, drinks, and bars.

So, we must say that biohacking is a concept of controlling different functions of our body and maintaining them with smart yet simple approaches.

For any suggestions, write us at [email protected].
July 24, 2022
DNA Based Fitness Regime- What You Need to Know?
Do you need a ketogenic diet? Exercise trumps nutrition for weight loss? Your DNA may contain the answers or we could say DNA-based fitness may be the answer. Genetic analysis is helping a burgeoning profession of nutritional therapy that offers personalized meal regimens based on nutrigenomics to help people make better lifestyle and health decisions.

This is where DNA Based Fitness comes into role.

What is a DNA-Based Fitness?

DNA guides every cell in your body. Thus, everybody has a different genetic make-up, with some genes coding for characteristics like eye color and other groups of genes interacting intricately to determine other characteristics.

Simply said, a genetic screening test maps out your DNA, frequently with a specific goal in mind. For instance, you might be subjected to a breast cancer risk gene screening (BRCA mutation).

Lifestyle tests are now widely available and reasonably priced, and they can provide details about nutrition absorption, ability to shed pounds, reaction to weightlifting, and other facets of health and lifestyle. Besides this, a DNA-based coach analyzes and uses this information to assist clients in making more manageable objectives and more readily achieving them. In other words, the whole process is known as DNA Based Fitness.

What is a DNA diet?

DNA diet is based on the science of nutrigenomics, which examines the relationship between diet and the human genome. Analyzing a person’s DNA can reveal the healthiest diet for them in order to deliver expected results. A DNA Diet Test can determine the link between a person’s genes and their overall health. In most cases, nutritionists use this data to figure out which diet is ideal for a particular person. Thus, it won’t be wrong to say that it is possible to treat chronic diseases including type 1 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease with nutrigenomics as well.

How does DNA diet work?

You might be surprised to know, that an easy cheek swab can provide incredibly detailed information about the best DNA diet plan for you. DNA diet test can tell minute changes in specific genes. The results can show your genetic makeup, including your susceptibility to lactose intolerance, celiac illness, caffeine sensitivity, fat sensitivity, and carbohydrate sensitivity. The study aids in developing a personalized diet that takes into account things like blood type, health, family history of diseases, and genetic makeup and mutations.

Is it helpful?

“Are we taking this diet seriously or is it a marketing ploy? So, rightly said, custom diets are better than generic ones. Fitness and wellness experts advise against diets that compel you to eat items you don’t enjoy or exclude meals you love.

Benefits and Risks Involved

Pros and cons are with everything and similar is the case with a DNA diet.

It improves the quality of sleep. External factors, such as lifestyle and diet, have a major impact on sleep patterns. Not to mention, but even many renowned dieticians believe that DNA Diet Test might help you determine what calms your body the most.

In fact, the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease is reduced. It won’t be wrong to say that DNA has the potential to dramatically reduce the risk of getting diseases like these.

Heart attack, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension are all also reduced. Your DNA-Based Fitness Coach tells you which type of exercise is ideal for your body. Above all, experts also think that it provides the pattern for the greatest training.
- It is simple, quick, and affordable.
- You learn how to consume and absorb nutrients, gain muscle, burn fat, and react to various types of exercise.
- The knowledge aids in controlling expectations for athletic and physical performance.
- Additionally, it aids in determining the ideal food and exercise routine for weight loss, weight maintenance, and modifying body composition.
Nutrition counseling may move toward genetically-based diet and activity recommendations. You must know, that a tailored DNA diet plan may enhance compliance and help you target diet and exercise objectives that will certainly work for your body.

Of course, DNA Diet Test has potential hazards-
- Inaccuracies or inconclusive outcomes may exist.
- Lab mix-ups are unusual but possible.
- Results interpretation isn’t easy.
- Negative results might cause anger, frustration, or melancholy.
Must read – How does stress induces infertility?

Common Questions That You Must Ask

Even if it’s easy to access and take these examinations, it’s still a big step. However, there are numerous significant factors to take into account, such as privacy concerns and the possibility of learning things you didn’t want to know. Before committing, everyone should ask necessary questions regarding the process.

The Process of Genetic Testing

First and foremost, many people’s worries revolve around what’s in it for them. I’m not sure how to do this. Is this clear to you? What exactly does it say?

Were you preparing for an exam?

One must understand this difference. The results of a DNA diet test can vary greatly. When it comes to health and fitness coaching, clients often use lifestyle assessments to gauge their current state of health. These don’t usually provide information on ancestry or disease risk.

What kind of test you should take?

For those who want to become DNA-based fitness coaches, you will be able to recommend and try out credible companies. As a result, you should always encourage your customers to perform their research. It is important to know that one should look for companies with credible websites that are filled with information on the test, contact information, and the genetics specialists those companies employ. After all, the company must specify whose laboratory it uses and whether or not it is accredited. Find out whether their results are reliable and if they have a privacy policy.

How does this method work?

Most businesses follow the same rules. In the mail, you get a test kit that includes everything you need to collect a sample. After mailing the sample back, you will receive the results within a few weeks.
July 17, 2022
How Does Stress Induces Infertility?
Stress and Infertility – How they Are Connected?

Anxiety, stress, sadness, and other mental health concerns are difficult to manage at any time. Besides this, it is not uncommon for some of the same issues to arise while addressing fertility. However, because stress and fertility are both difficult to study on their own, determining how they interact is even more difficult. Nonetheless, research suggests that stress and worry might influence fertility. Dealing with fertility challenges can also harm your mental health. We’ll go into the research findings later, but here’s a preview of what you’ll learn.
- Whatever the source of your anxiety, the release of stress hormones (such as cortisol) can cause physical changes affecting your reproductive health — and the symptoms of stress can be similar whether you’re going to experience it as a consequence of fertility issues, challenges in life, or even serious illness.
- According to research, the longer you have problems getting pregnant, the more stressed you get.
- The research on stress and fertility is complicated, but there is evidence that stress might affect hormone levels and menstrual cycles.
- The data as to whether stress can affect time to pregnancy, pregnancy rates, or in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes is inconsistent – some research reveals negative effects, while others do not.
- We don’t know how effective mental health therapies are in increasing conception rates when stress levels are high. However, enhancing your mental health is worthwhile regardless of whether it directly affects your fertility.
Fertility stress is no exception

Symptoms of infertility-related stress may overlap with those associated with chronic or long-term stress for other reasons. They can even be comparable to the distress that people suffer when they are diagnosed with major illnesses. Those conditions could be cancer or HIV. Not only do reproductive stress and chronic stress share physiological characteristics but stress is more common among people who are having difficulty getting pregnant.
- One research following 352 women seeking infertility therapy discovered that more than half of them showed evidence of sadness and almost three-quarters showed symptoms of anxiety.
- Another research of 112 women discovered that 40% of participants had a diagnosable mental health issue such as generalized anxiety or serious depression throughout treatment.
- As more time passes without a successful pregnancy, stress levels can rise.
What is the Relation between Stress and Infertility?

To understand the data, it’s critical to understand how we investigate the impacts of physiological stress. Besides this, it is also important to know how our present research methodologies influence our conclusion. However, our present stress study approaches have a few limitations:
- Since research into stress and fertility is ongoing and recent, we must rely on smaller studies that aren’t necessarily of the best quality.
- Smaller studies also make it more difficult to rule out the possibility of other factors influencing fertility, such as age or reproductive organ health.
- Stress and fertility research currently does not include a diverse set of people, with the majority of results coming from white women.
- Similarly, much of what we know comes from IVF trials of patients with known fertility difficulties, so we know less about how stress affects implantation in people with presumed fertility.
- Different assessment methodologies, both in terms of stress and reproductive health, can muddy results.
The menstrual cycle and stress

As previously stated, the physiological impacts of stress can affect the operation of our reproductive system and interrupt ovulation:
- According to a 2015 study on 259 women who completed perceived stress assessments, the high-stress group had lower levels of oestrogen, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone, and higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone during the luteal phase of their cycles, implying a higher likelihood of anovulation.
- Increased cortisol levels caused by stress may interfere with follicular development and the inflammatory processes required for us to ovulate.
How do you deal with infertility stress?

Learn

Inform yourself about the typical reactions to infertility. Speak with other people who are suffering from infertility. Learn about your medical condition and your treatment options.

Communicate

Discuss your feelings and wants with your relationship and enable your partner to feel and cope differently. Avoid conflict by discussing your differences. Maintain contact with family and friends and avoid isolating oneself. Understand that you may discuss your condition.

Use relaxation techniques

The human body has two responses: fight-or-flight and relaxation. This is the same reaction you have when you are under psychological stress. When your body is in deep rest, you are experiencing a relaxation response. Progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, and imaging are all relaxation strategies. They can help you move to a relaxation response state. These approaches can help you deal with any form of stress, including infertility-related stress.

Focus on your physical being

Take care of your health by scheduling a well-adult exam once a year. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and make time for fun.

Deal with sexual tension

Sexual stress is particularly prevalent among infertile couples, mostly because couples perceive it as an obligation or a daily chore rather than an enjoyable activity. There are several approaches to dealing with this. Some of these are taking a break from child-rearing, and separating between work and leisure sex. Besides this, they are also learning sensual contact that does not result in pregnancy.

Must read a Guide on Monkeypox .
July 10, 2022
Tried and tested natural ways to fight depression
What makes you worried when you are stuck and feel lost? Of course, that important part of your life- “Happiness”. At times you feel happy and all of sudden, you feel lost in past or thinking about your future. In fact, you may have long sleepless nights. All these ailed problems are the symptoms of depression. And you must know that depression can drain your energy, leaving you feeling fatigued and empty. And being addicted to depression medication can make your situation worse than previous. So, we are here with tried and tested natural ways to fight depression.

What is depression?

How to Fight Depression?

There are a few small steps that you can follow to feel more in control and improve your overall well-being sense. So let’s move ahead.

Keep Yourself Engaged in Doing Something

The first and foremost key to fighting depression is keeping yourself engaged in doing something. Although it is not that simple to stay engaged when there is something that is disturbing your mental health. So, you should start by:
- Watching Comedy Shows
- Reading Inspirational Books
- Watching Inspirational Videos
- Spending Time With Your Friends/Family
- Shopping and Traveling
A Girl with hands on her head

Don’t Stay Alone

One of the main causes of depression is staying alone. When you have no one to talk to, you get time to think and think more. And this overthinking can take you into past, regrets, and other ailed feelings due to which you get depressed and as a result, spend sleepless nights. Always try to be with your friends, family, or someone else with whom you feel comfortable and enjoy good food. If you want to share something with them then, do so.

Start Writing What You Feel

Well, this is the tried and tested natural way to fight depression. When you are in depression, there might be a chance that you don’t want to spend time with anyone. But you may have lots of things to share. If you aren’t comfortable sharing with someone else, then you should note it down in your diary or a page. Just find a place where you can feel free and comfortable like a terrace, hilly area, waterfall, or any of your favorite places. And start writing whatever you are going through or whatever is making you disturbed. Don’t think about language or handwriting, just write whatever you want. Don’t keep those pages with you, destroy them into pieces and get back to your normal schedule. It will make you feel relaxed.

Listen to Happy and Hip-Hop Songs

Some people listen to music or songs when they feel depressed. It is advisable to never go through sad songs because that may leave you with tears and regrets. Always listen to hip hop, disco, or happy songs because that is the thing that makes you feel happy.

Make Walking Part of Your Routine

Whenever you feel sad, just wear your running/jogging/sports shoes and go for a walk. Walking is an exercise that keeps you away from stress and depression. It keeps you distracted from your thoughts because your organs will start working and leave you tired after a long walk due to which you feel sleepy. And this is what you need, ‘A Deep Sleep’. Just take a glass of water after being relaxed and sleep comfortably.

Keep Your Living Space Organized and Decorated

Messy things leave you in mess. So, it is suggested to keep your bedroom or living area clean and organized. If you know decoration (even a little bit), just decorate your room with colors, teddies, décor items, and others that bring joy and happiness whenever you enter. Lights play a vital role, so always ensure that you have bright and colorful light around you.

Must read Healthcare in Metaverse.

Eat Healthy and Nutritious

The eating habit needs a change if you don’t eat healthily. You should always have healthy and nutritious food and don’t overeat, because overeating will make you feel uneasy and you may fall ill. Eat less but eat healthily. Drink juice, coconut water, and shakes. Add fruits and salads to your diet. A healthy diet boosts your immune system and makes you able to fight depression.

Meditation or Yoga

People commonly think that yoga and meditation are big tasks and they have to take time for it. But they are wrong. You can meditate anywhere and anytime. Just plug in earphones and play “relaxation music”, “calm music”, and “nature’s voice” and close your eyes. Sit in a comfortable posture and feel the music to relax your mind. There’s no need to fix a time and work on it. Whenever you have time, just do it.

Apart from these ways, you should keep yourself connected with nature because nature has an excellent healing power that will help you to fight depression. These tried and tested natural ways really work to fight depression. And it’s not rocket science; these are very simple ways that you can add to your daily schedule.
June 14, 2022
West Nile Virus – A Quick Guide
What is West Nile Virus and West Nile Fever?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a human pathogen causing encephalitis and West Nile fever. It is the cause of West Nile Fever. The bite of a mosquito can spread West Nile viruses into your body. The condition ranges from mild to severe. Approximately 80% of infections show few or no symptoms. Fever, headache, vomiting, or rash affect around 20% of people. Encephalitis or meningitis affects fewer than 1% of the population, causing neck stiffness, disorientation, or convulsions. Let us get more insights into what is West Nile Fever.

How West Nile Virus Spreads?

West Nile virus (WNV) spreads by mosquitos that become infected after feeding on infected birds, which usually carry the disease. In nature, the transmission between birds and mosquitoes then to humans maintains the cycle of West Nile Virus. Humans, horses, and other animals are all susceptible to infection. In rare cases, the virus spreads between people via blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding, but it does not spread directly between people otherwise. Besides this, being over the age of 60 and having other health issues are both risk factors for severe disease. Above all, blood tests and symptoms of west Nile fever help in the right diagnosis of the condition.

Discovery of the Viruses

In 1937, the West Nile Virus (WNV) was discovered in a woman in Uganda’s West Nile district. It was first detected in birds (crows and Columbiformes) in the Nile delta region in 1953. It is now the arbovirus with the largest geographic spread, having locations in North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. However, the West Nile virus spreads when a mosquito attacks an infected bird and then infects a person.

West Nile Virus

Symptoms of the West Nile Virus

Symptoms of the West Nile Virus can be broadly categorized into:

Mild Infections
- Fever
- Headache
- body aches
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- skin rash
Serious Infections
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Disorientation or confusion
- Coma
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness
- Vision loss
- Numbness
Approximately 80% of those infected with West Nile virus (WNV) exhibit no symptoms and go undiagnosed. Although, approximately 20% of infected people experience side effects. Intensity of symptoms may differ in people and it takes around 3-14 days to show symptoms once infected. Most people who do have mild WNV symptoms recover completely, although tiredness and weakness may last for several weeks or even months. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, such as paralysis and meningitis. Whereas, a serious infection can remain for weeks and, in rare cases, lead to permanent brain damage. If the virus affects the central nervous system, death may occur. Medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as being over the age of 60 increase the likelihood of having severe symptoms.

Although, West Nile fever symptoms often persist for a few days. Nevertheless, symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can last for weeks or months. Certain neurological effects, such as muscle weakness, have the potential to be permanent.

When should you see a doctor?

Mild West Nile fever symptoms normally go away on their own. However, if you develop severe headaches, a stiff neck, dizziness, or confusion, seek medical assistance straight away. In most cases, a serious infection requires hospitalization.

Also read Vaccination in The Age Of Modern Pandemic.

Transmission

Human infection generally occurs by a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds, which carry the disease around and in their blood for a few days. The virus eventually reaches the salivary glands of the mosquito. The virus may be transferred into humans and animals during later blood meals (when mosquitos bite), where it can multiply and perhaps cause sickness. Contact with other infected animals, their blood, or other tissues can also spread the infection. Human infections have occurred in a very small number of instances through organ transplantation, blood transfusions, and breast milk. There has been one case of WNV transfer from mother to kid. No human-to-human transmission of WNV is seen until now, and no transmission of WNV to health care workers is reported as well when standard infection control precautions are followed.

Exams and Tests

West Nile virus symptoms are similar to those of other viral infections. A physical examination may reveal no specific findings. Also, a rash may develop in about half of those affected only by the West Nile virus.

Tests for the West Nile virus include the following:
- A blood test or a spinal tap to look for viral antibodies
- CT scan of the head
- MRI of the head
Treatment

Infection with West Nile virus has no specific treatment. Most patients heal without any therapy. In moderate cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can aid individuals suffering from slight headaches and muscle aches. In severe cases, supportive treatment is provided, often in a hospital, including intravenous fluids, pain medication, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infection.

How to Prevent West Nile Fever?

In the warm embrace of summer, the buzz of mosquitoes can be an inevitable annoyance. However, with the rise of West Nile Virus, taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones becomes essential. Here’s a how to prevent West Nile Fever and keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.

Dress the Part

Consider your wardrobe a shield against mosquitoes. Opt for long sleeves and pants, preferably in light colors, to reduce your chances of mosquito bites. This not only adds a touch of fashion sense to your summer attire but also creates a physical barrier that mosquitoes find harder to penetrate.

Mosquito Repellents – Your Invisible Armor

Invest in a reliable mosquito repellent to create an invisible force field around you. Apply it on exposed skin, and don’t forget those often-neglected ankles and wrists. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard barbecue and enjoying winter foods or strolling through a park, a quick spritz of repellent can make a significant difference.

Dusk and Dawn Awareness

Mosquitoes are notorious for making their grand entrance during the twilight hours. To minimize your risk of exposure, plan outdoor activities accordingly. If possible, schedule your evening walks or gatherings to avoid the peak mosquito activity during dusk and dawn.

Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, turning even the tiniest puddle into a potential breeding ground. Be vigilant about removing standing water around your home – from flowerpot saucers to clogged gutters. A mosquito-friendly environment is the last thing you want on your doorstep.

Screen Time – Literally

Ensure that your home is a fortress against mosquitoes by installing screens on windows and doors. This allows you to relish the fresh breeze without inviting unwanted guests. Patch up any holes or tears promptly, as even the smallest opening can be an entry point for mosquitoes.

Incorporating these simple, human-friendly practices into your routine can go a long way in preventing the spread of West Nile Virus. Remember, a little mindfulness and proactive effort can turn your summer into a season of joy, minus the itchy aftermath. Stay safe, stay mosquito-free!
June 12, 2022
What is Monkeypox? A Detailed Guide.
What is Monkeypox Virus?

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus which transmits to humans from animals) with similar symptoms to smallpox patients, but less severe clinically. It has emerged as a significant orthopox virus for public health since the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination. It is also becoming more common in urban areas. Hosts are a wide range of rodents and non-human primates. Let us have a look at what is monkeypox disease?

The Pathogen

Monkeypox virus is a double-stranded DNA virus of the Poxviridae family’s Orthopoxvirus genus. The virus has two distinct biological clades: the central African (Congo Basin) clade and the West African clade. As per the reports, the Congo Basin clade can cause more severe diseases and is more transmissible. So far, Cameroon is the only country with both virus clades.

What is Monkeypox Disease?

Which is the Natural Host of Monkeypox Virus Disease?

Several animal species are susceptible to monkeypox virus. Some of them are, rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, non-human primates. The natural history of this virus is still unclear, and more research is process to determine the exact reservoir(s) and how virus circulation occurs in nature.

What Are the Symptoms of Monkeypox Virus Disease?

The monkeypox virus typically causes illness 1 to 2 weeks after exposure, but it can take up to 3 weeks.
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Aching muscles
- Sore Throat
- Chills
- Dry Cough
- Backache
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Breathing Issues
A rash appears one to 3 days after your fever begins. It usually begins on your face before spreading to the rest of your body. The rash appears more frequently on the hands, feet, arms, and legs. It also follows a consistent pattern: Lesions that are flat and round develop into slightly raised bumps, which then develop into bumps filled with clear fluid. These then transform into bumps filled with yellowish fluid, which crust over and fall off.

You can infect others with monkeypox beginning a day before the rash appears. You can be contagious for up to 21 days after your first symptoms or until your lesions scab over and you have no other illnesses.

Outbreaks of Monkeypox Virus

Human monkeypox was first discovered in a 9-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, in a region where smallpox had been eradicated in 1968. Since then, the majority of cases were reported from the Congo Basin’s rural, rainforest regions, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and human cases have been reported from across central and West Africa.

Human cases of monkeypox have been reported in 11 African countries since 1970: Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. The true impact of monkeypox is unknown. The discovery of the concurrent chickenpox and monkeypox outbreak could explain actual or apparent changes in the mode of transmission in this case. Nigeria has been experiencing a huge epidemic since 2017, including over 500 suspected cases and over 200 confirmed cases, and a case fatality ratio of about 3%. Newer cases are still coming.

Must read Natural Ways to Fight Depression.

How Transmission of Virus Occurs?

While monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox, it can also spread from person to person through close contact. People with monkeypox virus may infect people via:
- Breathing in respiratory droplets
- Respiratory droplets inhaled
- Contact with body fluids such as blood or embryos
- Skin contact with monkeypox tumors (including inside their nose and mouth)
- Things that have come into contact with infected body fluids, such as bedding or clothing.
Infected animals can transmit the virus to humans if they bite or scrape you. Eating raw, contaminated meat can also transmit monkeypox virus. The virus can enter your body through a skin break or your mouth, nose, or eyes. You can breathe it in, but you’d have to be infrequent proximity for a long time. This is because most droplets do not travel very far.

Monkeypox isn’t an infection which transmits through sexual intercourse, because it can spread through other means. However, sexual intercourse may transmit the virus. According to WHO officials, sexual transmission is the common cause in majority of the May 2022 cases, particularly among men who have sex with men.

How Diagnosis of Monkeypox Virus Disease is Done?

Your doctor will examine your abnormalities and ask you detailed questions about your symptoms. They will attempt to rule out similar conditions such as:
- Allergies
- Syphilis
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Scabies
- Bacterial skin infections
A laboratory test can determine whether or not you have a monkeypox virus disease.

What is the Treatment?

In the absence of specific therapy, many people infected with the monkeypox virus have a mild, self-limiting disease course. However, the prognosis for the virus is dependent on several factors, including previous vaccination status, initial health status, concurrent illnesses, and co-morbidities. Following consultation with the CDC, the following individuals may be considered for treatment:
- People suffering from serious illness (e.g., hemorrhagic disease, sepsis, confluent lesions, encephalitis, or other conditions requiring hospitalization)
- Humans at elevated risk of severe disease:
- People with immunocompromised (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection, leukemia, lymphoma, generalized malignancy, solid organ transplantation, therapy with alkylation agents, anti metabolites, radiation, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, high-dose corticosteroids, being a recipient with hematopoietic stem cell transplant 24 months post-transplant or 24 months but with Graf-versus-host disease
- Pediatric patients, particularly those under the age of eight years
- Women who are pregnant, or breastfeeding
- People who have one or more complications (for example, secondary bacterial skin infection, gastroenteritis to severe nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, bronchopneumonia, concurrent disease, or other co-morbidities).
- People with monkeypox virus anomalous infections, such as accidental implantation in the eyes, mouth, or other anatomical areas where monkeypox virus infection may pose a special risk (e.g., the genitals or anus)
Is there any Vaccination for Monkeypox Virus Disease?

Several observational studies have revealed that smallpox vaccination is about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox. As a result, those with smallpox vaccine may result in a milder illness. A scar on the upper arm is usually evidence of prior smallpox vaccination. The original (first-generation) smallpox vaccines are currently unavailable to the general public. Some laboratory or healthcare workers may have received a more recent smallpox vaccine to protect them from orthopox viruses in the workplace. For the prevention, a newer vaccine based on a modified attenuated vaccine virus (Ankara strain) approved in 2019. This is a two-dose vaccine with limited availability. Due to the cross-protection by the immune response to orthopox viruses, smallpox and monkeypox, formulations of the vaccine is based on the vaccinia virus.

Therapeutics of Monkeypox Virus

To alleviate symptoms, manage complications, and prevent long-term sequelae, full optimization of clinical care for infected patients should be there. Fluids and food should be provided to patients to ensure adequate nutritional status. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) licensed tecovirimat, an antiviral agent developed for smallpox, for monkeypox in 2022 based on data from animal and human studies. It is not widely available yet. If tecovirimat is used for patient care, proper monitoring in a clinical research setting with prospective data collection should be there.

Prevention of Monkeypox Virus Disease

To avoid contracting monkeypox:
- Avoid contact with animals may have the virus, particularly dead animals in areas where monkeypox is common
- Do not use bedding and other materials that have been in contact with a sick animal
- Keep infected people and animals separate from others
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water if you came near to the infected person
- Wear protective equipment such as masks, safety goggles or glasses, and gloves
June 11, 2022
Healthcare in Metaverse – Is It Future?
Introduction to Healthcare in Metaverse

To increase the proficiency of medical equipment and widen the reach of medical services, the health industry has begun to utilize components such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) in software and hardware. Healthcare in metaverse can change the layout of the industry in an amazing yet positive sense. All in all, the metaverse’s potential is enormous: from better surgical precision to medicinal applications, social-distancing accommodations, and more, all signals point to widespread acceptance as a disruptive healthcare shift. In 2022, the metaverse, like telemedicine and mobile device integration before it, has the potential to be a significant technological gamechanger in healthcare.

What is a Metaverse?

The metaverse, often known as the virtual universe, is a collection of interconnected online environments. In the metaverse, virtual avatars can participate in activities such as gaming, shopping, and even attending events. Use of web 3 standards like blockchain can improve ownership, online payments, traceability, and more in the metaverse.

Most people think of the metaverse as a virtual realm that they can access via a headset. It would link numerous digital worlds for anything from business to leisure activities. Those activities may include concerts, movie trips, or simply hanging out. Above all, the combination of metaverse and healthcare will be great.

What Examples Can You Give?

Here’s a look at what’s going on right now that could influence the metaverse of tomorrow:

Microsoft
- Microsoft’s Mesh platform allows developers to create mixed and extended reality (XR) apps. These apps combine the real world with augmented reality and virtual reality.
Meta
- Facebook has previously made large investments in virtual reality, most notably the acquisition of Oculus in 2014. Meta imagines a virtual world where digital avatars converse with one another through virtual reality headsets for various purposes.
Epic Games
- “It’s no secret that Epic is committed to developing the metaverse,” said Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, the company that created Fortnite. There have been concerts by Ariana Grande and Travis Scott, as well as movie trailers and music debuts.
- It creates photorealistic artificial individuals with its MetaHuman Creator, which might be how you construct your digital doppelganger in future open-world games.
Minecraft
- Minecraft, a popular virtual universe owned by Microsoft and popular among children, is essentially the digital equivalent of Legos, in which players may create their digital character and build whatever they like. As of August, Minecraft had around 140 million monthly active users. It has exploded in popularity among children who, as a result of the pandemic, have had to rely more heavily on virtual connections.
Healthcare in Metaverse

In the Metaverse, What Does Healthcare’s Future Hold?

Learning and Training in the Medical Field
- VR is utilized in doctor and medical staff training to immerse learners in the human body, giving them a 360° view of diseases or simulating real-world procedures.
- Medical schools are also using AR in their curricula to provide students with significant hands-on learning opportunities. Medical students can visualize and practice new techniques by using augmented reality apps to replicate patient and surgical contacts.
- Immersive experiences based on real operations might be constructed, in which students sense and feel the repeated genuine procedure as if they were the surgeon themselves.
Fitness, Health, and Quality of Life are All Important Factors to Consider
- Gamification, or the application of game concepts to non-game situations, opens up new avenues for connecting healthcare practitioners and patients. At the moment, AR’s usage in healthcare is mostly limited to wellness and fitness apps; for example, AR is being utilized to give better workouts with coaching from virtual teachers.
- VR has also been demonstrated to help patients with dementia enhance their quality of life. Patients in one trial were given a virtual reality headgear and were able to ‘visit’ one of five virtual locales, including a church and a sandy beach. Researchers discovered that after 16 supervised sessions, individuals were better able to recall past experiences. This increased mood and gave good mental stimulation.
Surgical Treatments and Pre/Post-Operative Evaluations
- More sophisticated procedures will increasingly incorporate AR, building on the current use of surgical robots. The removal of malignant tumors to difficult spinal surgery are all possible applications. Above all, these advancements will improve surgical precision and flexibility in complex treatments even further.
- Already, AR is giving surgical staff new ways to access information that are more compatible with surgical workflows and the sterile field of the operating room, such as real-time guidance in the surgeon’s field of view of the surgical site via integration with surgical navigation systems and fusion of data from multiple imaging sources.
- Pre- and post-surgery evaluations can also benefit from the use of AR to improve surgical results through a more individualized intervention based on data analytics.
The Metaverse’s Potential in Healthcare

Metaverse will Transform Patient Visits and Support
- It’s one of the best uses of the metaverse in healthcare; we may envisage making virtual medical visits; not every visit necessitates a physical examination by a doctor; some visits are only for consultation.
- Telemedicine and teleconsultation services are rapidly expanding around the globe, and the metaverse will usher in a new era of physical visits.
Virtualization is Transforming Family Visits to Patients.
- Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, many hospitals have set restrictions on patient visits in the last two years. When we visit a friend or family member in the hospital after surgery or a grave health condition, we will see innovation in social measures.
How the Metaverse Can Help Radiology
- Radiology is one of the most technologically dependent services in healthcare. In the previous ten years, we’ve seen a lot of advancement in its technologies, from scanning equipment to software solutions that have released new powers in this field. Radiologists can work together in 3D on medical images even if they are in separate locations or nations.
The Use of Cryptocurrency and the Metaverse in Healthcare
- Because Metaverse is embracing blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies, individuals will likely be able to pay for healthcare with bitcoin. After all, it would serve as an alternative to traditional methods.
The Metaverse’s Medical Wearables
- In the last few years, medical wearables have enabled patients and clinicians to generate a large amount of useful health data that experts require.
- Data visualization is also vital for professionals to make educated judgments regarding their patients by making it easier and more relevant. Metaverse will enable the age of big data by improving visualization and collaboration. Besides this, making it smarter than it has ever been.
The Metaverse’s Challenges in Healthcare
- Getting the Metaverse’s Audience to Show Up
- Concerns about privacy and security in the metaverse
- Issues with Connectivity
- Technology’s High Price
- All Stakeholders Need New Business Models
Conclusion

If it comes with actual innovation to match people’s imagination and expectations, metaverse technology will alter healthcare practice soon. Virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR) solutions are already boosting patient experiences and outcomes. Even routine procedures like intravenous injections and blood draws can benefit from Accuvein’s vein mapping technology. This technology casts a map of a patient’s veins onto the skin. Here, we can say that metaverse VR or AR metaverse will be great in respect to the healthcare sector. Although the metaverse is still in its early stages, it has enormous potential to revolutionize and enhance healthcare.
February 19, 2022
What is Black Fungus Disease? A Quick Guide.
What is Black Fungus?

The mental and physiological effect of the pandemic has become unavoidable. The fear-mongering and consumption of too much news have left the public more stressed. Unfortunately, this also results in an uninformed mass. It is vital to be informed on the subject. What is Black Fungus? Why is it more relevant now? Is it related to Covid-19? How can we ensure safety?

All of these questions are valid and necessary to tackle. We will get into the details of understanding and following the required steps.

We will help you know what the Black Fungus infection is. Keep in mind that, knowledge on the subject is not equivalent to fear. The more you know the more aware you can become.

Infection and COVID – 19 Pandemic

Black Fungus Disease can be scary if we do not understand the repercussions. We can break down a few things to make them comprehensible. Fear-mongering is never the answer to anything. Pandemic in itself has been chaotic and citizens can be well informed to stay alert.

We are all familiar with the Coronavirus Pandemic. The symptoms are related to respiratory complications. The fungus infection is further a plethora of risks.

What is the Black Fungal Infection Related to?

The Black Fungus or mucormycosis is a fungal infection. The sickness can come from Covid-19 infection. However, the infection did not come about after the Covid pandemic.

What you can understand is that the patients that have recovered from Covid-19 are also at risk. The patients that are undergoing treatment are also a vulnerable group. The infection is dependent on moisture and humidity. Therefore, the oxygen therapy used for the patients in ICU is also a way for the infection. Usage of humidifiers provides moisture in the environment leading to the fungus.

The illness can be severe when proper treatment is not provided. It affects the brain, the sinuses, and the lungs of the patient. Although considered life-threatening, early detection and preventive measures are available.

What Are the Symptoms of Black Fungus?

Looking at the symptoms one can have a better approach in receiving treatment. How can you consider yourself sick, if you do not know what the symptoms are? We understand that the citizens are not all medical professionals. Hence, observing few symptoms here and there can be very helpful.
1. The infection can cause a person to have discoloration of their tongue and nose.
2. The patient will experience blurry vision.
3. Respiratory symptoms can be observed. There will be breathing problems and the patient will have chest pain. Coughing with blood is also a symptom of the infection.
4. The patient will have fever and vomiting.
5. There will be redness in the eyes and headaches.
6. The symptom also includes a black lesion in the mouth.
7. The infection affects different body parts all simultaneously. It requires immediate attention from an ENT doctor or a neurosurgeon. The treatment also starts from an antifungal treatment.
Who Are Vulnerable to Black Fungal infection?

Now, there is always a question of safety for all age groups when it comes to infection. However, there are a certain group of people that becomes more susceptible to the Black Fungus infection. Covid-19 patients and the treatment process can be in the risk category for fungus.

Other factors further create vulnerability for this infection. People with high blood sugar have to be more careful, as they are at risk for the infection. As mentioned, Covid patients and high blood sugar patients are to remain more alert.

No age group is resilient to the infection. Therefore, precautions for children and adults are similarly vital. Diseases that the patient has can also create a risk. Hence, more illness and complications will make way for the infection. Patients with cancer and HIV/AIDS are also at a risk.

Irrespective of that, we should not let half of the information dominate social media and the internet. And this does not mean that the vulnerable group will necessarily get the infection. But there are ways to tackle and take precautions.

What Are the Risk Factors for Black Fungal Infection?

We cannot rule out that other factors have an impact on the illness.
- Patients that are treated with steroids and used ventilation are also at vulnerability to the illness.
- Covid patients who are taking treatment for the illness are at risk. The duration is 6 weeks of the treatment. They are at a higher risk rate.
- Cold oxygen usage for the patient also provides a chance for infection. Doctors have mentioned its dangerous impact.
- The patients with higher risk can be provided with an anti-fungal drug by the doctor.
- There is a risk in wearing the same masks more than 5 times. Depending on the type of mask you can take precautions. You can use a cloth mask with frequent wash. Whereas, the N95 masks are ideally not to be used after 5 times.
- There are other reasons such as weak immune system, and voriconazole therapy that creates a chance of infection.
- Patients that are consuming steroids also become a group that is at risk for this infection.
How to Prevent Black Fungus Infection?

Here are some of the ways of keeping black fungus infection at bay:

Hygiene is Heroic

Embrace the superhero within you by championing good hygiene practices. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces in public spaces. Maintaining personal cleanliness is akin to donning a shield against black fungus.

Nourish Your Immune Fortress

Your body’s defense system is its fortress. Fortify it by consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Incorporate immunity-boosting foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals. A well-nourished body is better equipped to fend off infections.

Moisture Management

Black fungus thrives in damp environments, so keep moisture at bay. Ensure proper ventilation in living spaces, especially in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Wipe down surfaces prone to dampness regularly to deny the fungus a conducive habitat.

Say No to Self-Medication

In times of illness, it’s tempting to resort to self-medication. However, indiscriminate use of steroids and antibiotics can compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to black fungus. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.

Diabetic Diligence

Diabetes is a known risk factor for black fungus infection. If you have diabetes, diligently manage your blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring, a healthy diet, and adherence to prescribed medications are key to keeping diabetes in check.

Mask Up, Step Out Safely

Wearing masks not only protects against respiratory infections but also reduces the risk of inhaling fungal spores. Ensure your mask is clean and fits snugly to maximize its effectiveness as a shield.

In the face of the black fungus threat, let’s unite in our efforts to prioritize health and well-being. By adopting these simple practices, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to the collective resilience of our communities. Remember, prevention is a shared responsibility that starts with each one of us. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Also read about Omicron.
May 27, 2021