Whether it is scorching hot summer or freezing cold winter, our body works non-stop to stay in balance.  For survival and for comfort, our body`s ability to regulate the temperature is essential. For the sake of our overall health, we must maintain a stable body temperature. Bitter fact is that when our body gets too hot then we could get heatstroke whose symptoms are confusion, hot skin, rapid heartbeat etc and when our body gets too cold then we could get hypothermia whose symptoms include shivering, pale skin, slurred speech etc. It was mentioned by WHO or World Health organisation that maintaining body temperature would ensure optimal functioning of organs plus improvement in metabolic performance. Stress related issues would get reduced. There are certain simple changes or ways or tips by which we could regulate our body temperature and these are By staying hydrated all time: For thermoregulation, intake of water is very important as it would play a key role. Sweating as well as proper circulation would take place and these would help in cooling the body. Especially when the temp is hot and humid, it is necessary to drink 8 t 10 glasses of water to support temperature balance. By eating light and frequent meals: Metabolic heat production would be increased by heavy greasy meals. This would make us feel warmer. In this scenario, it is good to opt for small meals with fruits, salads, cooling foods like cucumbers etc. It is believed that nutrient dense light meals would support digestion and lower body heat. By dressing depending on the weather: In summers, our body would be able to release heat well when we wear loose fitting clothes. In the cold winter season, we must dress in many layers to trap the body heat. As a first step in external temp control, wearing clothes appropriately for the weather would be important. By avoiding alcohol and caffeine in extreme heat: Our internal temp would get increased due to the diuretic nature of alcohol and caffeine. This would lead to faster dehydration in us. Hence, we must not drink them during extreme heat. By taking regular breaks from heat or cold exposure: Our body would recalibrate when we take regular breaks whether we work in the sun or in the cold. It has been suguggested by the National Institute for Health or NIH that it is necessary to cool down in shaded places or warm up in the winters. This would help us to avoid fatigue due to temperature. By engaging in physical activity in a wise manner: It is not advisable to exercise in the extreme heat or cold as it could lead to a few issues. Truth is that in summer we can do workouts in the early morning or in the evenings.  In the winter season, we must do certain warm-ups before doing workouts etc. For the sake of thermoregulation, we must change our physical activity schedule to the weather conditions. By using warm compress or cold pack: In the summer season, applying cold compress on the neck, wrists, forehead etc would bring down body heat quickly.  In the winter season, warm pack application on the lower back or feet would make the body feel more balanced. This would provide a superb solution for the sudden temp changes

How many know what Parkinson Disease is? A progressive neurological disorder that affects the movement is Parkinson`s disease or PD. Why do we get affected with PD? When the nerve cells present in our brain that are responsible for the production of dopamine (a chemical for transmitting signals for smooth and coordinated muscle movements) begin to deteriorate and die, we could get PD. It is believed both genetic as well as environmental actors could result in PD. Though we might not be able to avoid PD entirely, we would be able to lower the risk or delay PD in us by means of certain lifestyle choices. Point is that most people have a normal life span even if they are affected by PD. Symptoms of Parkinson Disease are: A person having PD would show certain symptoms like tremors, rigidity, slow movement, postural instability etc. So, please take care. There are few important ways by which we could reduce the chances of getting affected by Parkinson Disease. They are By exercising regularly: We would be able to maintain our brain health and motor control by doing exercises like aerobic types. Neuroplasticity would be stimulated by doing exercises and this would enhance dopamine signalling and lower oxidative stress. By consuming brain healthy diet: It is essential that we must consume brain health foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains plus healthy fats, nuts etc. These foods would provide us antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that would protect neurons. Point is that intake of Mediterranean diet has been associated with lower chances of getting PD. By limiting exposure to pesticides and toxins: The shocking piece of information is that long term exposure to pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals etc has been associated with more chances of getting PD. It is possible to lower environmental triggers of PD by using protective gear while gardening, by avoiding areas with high industrial pollution etc. By consuming caffeine in moderation: It is worthy to note that moderate or reduced intake of caffeine through coffee or tea etc could d lower the risk of getting PD. It is good to consume caffeine in limited amounts as it would protect the dopamine producing neurons and brain function would be supported also. Excessive intake of caffeine could lead to issues in sleep and increased anxiety also.  By sound sleeping: It has been brought out that chronic sleep issues might lead to PD in us. In addition to this, REM sleep behaviour disorder or RBD could also result in PD. Brain detox and repair would be possible if we maintain regular sleep hygiene, avoiding screens before bed etc. By staying mentally active: Cognitive challenges like reading, solving puzzles, playing musical instruments etc would keep the brain sharp and would prevent neurological decline. It is true that mental stimulation could safeguard us against diseases such as PD etc. By means of social connections: It is noteworthy that regular social interaction would lead to better mood, lowered stress and slower cognitive decline etc. These would help in lowering the chances of getting Parkinson Disease. By avoiding head injuries etc:  There are more chances of PD if we get traumatic brain injuries repeatedly. This would be possible by wearing helmets while riding bikes or engaging in contact sports etc. By staying hydrated: Gut brain axis plays a huge role in brain health. Point is that dehydration and poor gut health would negatively affect this gut brain axis. We could avoid neuroinflammation by drinking water frequently plus by eating fibre rich foods like kefir, yoghurt etc. This would lead to a healthy microbiome in us

Some of us use nasal spray often to get relief from nasal congestion or block etc. Is this okay? It is true that nasal sprays speedy and targeted action makes it a highly convenient option for many of us to get relief from nasal congestion. Using nasal sprays frequently or excessively is not advisable as it would harm us. Various types of nasal sprays are Decongestant sprays that contain xylometazoline etc make their presence felt by shrinking the blood vessel in the nasal passages. By this, persons with nasal congestion would get immediate relief. Saline sprays are safe as they would prevent crusting in the nasal cavities without leading to side effects. Corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation and manage allergy based symptoms well. It must be noted that corticosteroid sprays are mostly used for issues like allergic rhinitis etc. Risks associated with overuse of nasal sprays are: Rebound congestion: Not many of us would be aware of the fact that using nasal sprays in excess could lead to rebound congestion. To remain open, the nasal passages become over-dependent on nasal sprays leading to rebound congestion. This could lead to a vicious cycle of usage and worsening symptoms. Please be careful and avoid overuse. Dependency: Bitter fact is that frequent usage of nasal sprays could lead to psychological or physiological dependency. By this, we would find it tough to breathe without using nasal spray. Dryness and bleeding etc: When decongest as well as corticosteroid nasal sprays are used often, then nasal lining could get dried out. This could result in irritation and occasional bleeding also. Long term risk of corticosteroids: It is shocking to mention here that over usage of corticosteroid sprays could lead to side effects like osteoporosis especially in those women in the menopause stage. Groups that must use nasal sprays with caution: Point is that women who are pregnant or lactating must use nasal sprays with caution as safety is not guaranteed. Kids under the age of 6 must not be allowed to use e nasal sprays. It is noteworthy that those with glaucoma or high BP must not use nasal sprays often. Safety tips for using nasal sprays: Firstly, decongestant nasal sprays must not be used for more than 3 to 5 days. Secondly, get the help of an ENT doctor if the symptoms persist. The doctor would recommend safe alternatives etc. Thirdly, use saline sprays for a safer daily option.