Will Getting Up Early In The Morning Make You Happier?

Mornings may be difficult, particularly when you ‘re striving to squeeze in every additional wink of sleep you can. Waking up early, on the other hand, may make you a happier individual and studies suggest that it can enhance your overall health and general feeling of well-being.

Existing studies have found a relationship between chronotype, or a person’s biological predilection for mornings or evenings, and mood. Night owls, for instance, are more vulnerable as morning persons to suffer depression.

Morning people tend to be more in sync with conventional work-rest patterns, but night owls may struggle to adjust. Getting up early has been shown in studies to improve mood, increase satisfaction with life, and reduce mental health issues. Also there is a relationship between getting up early and having a higher level of well-being among elderly people.

Some Of The Advantages of Getting Up Early

Improved Organizational Skills

Because you have uninterrupted time to yourself in the early morning, this is usually the most productive time of day. When you are not distracted, you can do any work more quickly. You may utilise this calm and quiet time to organise your day ahead of time, allotting a certain amount of time to each of your activities. Mentally planning your day before you begin improves your organisational abilities and promotes productivity.

Avoid Heavy Traffic During Your Commute

If you get up really early, you may leave your house before peak traffic hours. You don’t lose time sitting in traffic on your way to and from work.  You’ll also be on schedule for all of your subsequent engagements during the day.

Have a Stress-Free Environment

Getting up early allows you to organise your day ahead of time. You aren’t racing through your day with a crowded head. Preparing ahead of time reduces the anxiety that comes with hurrying to complete tasks. Furthermore, waking up early allows you more time for stress-relieving leisure activities, allowing you to begin your day with a peaceful and focused mind.

Reap The benefits of Quality Sleep

Morning people are more likely to fall asleep quickly. When you get up early, your body becomes fatigued quickly, which leads to great sleep as soon as you go to bed. You become used to the natural circadian rhythm, which causes you to go to bed and wake up early. Heading to sleep early increases your chances of completing all four phases of sleep over the course of four to six sleep cycles, resulting in a well-rested and refreshed feeling the next morning.

Tips to Get Out of Bed Earlier

Begin slowly

Set reasonable goals and don’t begin getting up at an unusual hour. It is better to steadily increase the time. For instance, if you are accustomed to getting up at 7 a.m., set an alarm for 6:45 a.m. When your body has adapted to the change, you can extend it for another 15 minutes. Starting slowly will allow your body to better adjust to the shift.

As Soon as You Wake Up, Get Out of the Bedroom

In the bedroom, your mind has been programmed to feel drowsy. Leaving the bedroom as soon as you wake up prevents you from falling back asleep. While attempting to become early risers, numerous night owls succumb to the urge of going to sleep when they spend some time in the bedroom.

You Should Reward Yourself

You can encourage the system while training yourself to wake up early. You may spoil yourself with your favourite coffee taste or with more time in the shower. Do something out of the ordinary to make yourself feel exceptional for achieving your goal of getting up early. Rewarding oneself encourages you to stick with the exercise.

Maintain Good Sleep Hygiene

Create a nighttime ritual that signals to your body that it is time to sleep. Take a nice shower, read your favourite book, or reflect on the good things that happened to you that day. All of these things assist you to relax and prepare your body for sleep.

Blue Lights Should Be Avoided

Melatonin synthesis might be suppressed by blue light from your television or other devices. Inadequate or delayed synthesis of this sleep-inducing hormone may have a detrimental impact on your sleep quality. To really be regular with waking up early, you must go to bed early. Keeping away from blue lights for at least an hour before sleeping aids in your objective of falling asleep earlier.

Take Care Of Yourself

If you’re feeling unwell or weary, ease up on yourself and don’t force yourself to get out of bed too early. This adaptability will keep you from hating the thought of getting up early.

HOW SHOPPING CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY ?

Many people find happiness, excitement and pleasure while doing their favorite activity. Some people find happiness while shopping. It might be clothing, books or dresses, hardware’s, machines etc. and the point is not what is being [purchased but the fact that shopping brings happiness and pleasure to them. Shopping can be seen as a kind of therapy for many people ( as long as they don’t waste their money in buying unnecessary things which can bring problems in future). Shopping can help in many ways.

According to a study, which was conducted in 2014, it was found that retail therapy not only brings happiness and joy but it can also fight sadness in a lot of different ways. According to studies, sadness is generally associated with a sense where it can control someone’s life goals and outcomes and bring discouragement and embarrassment. But while shopping, the control over your own choices, necessities and needs can be brought back. By shopping one can restore the feeling of personal control and autonomy. Purchasing the things that you like and personally enjoy help in being more effective (up to 40 times) in giving the sense of pleasure and joy.

There are different ways by which shopping can bring you happiness:

DE-STRESS

While having stressful lives, people often try to find some leisure period and some activities which will make them feel lively and stress free. Stress can cause many mental illness such as depression or anxiety etc. and can also have harsh impact on physical health as well. But when people shop, they get an opportunity to forget everything all stressful things and focus on a particular task. Shopping is not an mindless activity because it required concentration for selecting good products and bargains. While buying something we need to compare them with other similar products and find out which product best suits our interest and needs. The stressors in life have less impact on you when you don’t think about them and thus it you get the opportunity to heal. Shopping will provide you a break from all stresses and worrying and will even help you to come with some solution.

IT TAKES MIND OFF THINGS

Online and offline shopping require concentration and taken time to decide the bet product and most suitable product and when you think about what you want or need and try to find the most appropriate item for meeting your requirements, your mind gets diverted from the stresses in your life.

BOOSTS CONFIDENCE

Perfect pair of shoes for your outfit can make you feel amazing because you feel complete and confident about what you’re wearing. The same goes with everything which is around your and which you use. It gives you the compliment: Yes, you’re amazing ! Its not just the wearing or thing being used which helps you, but it’ll also give a big confidence boost when you feel satisfied about what you’re wearing and using.

CONTROLLED

While shopping, the purchaser is the one who will make all the decisions. If you feel that everything is out of your control, then you can go for shopping and this will help you in relieving your stress. Shopping provides complete control which doesn’t happen to be in every aspects of your life. So, when you get the opportunity then you should grab it. Once again, this will boost your confidence level and a day of shopping or retail therapy will remind you that we can make things right. Researches have found that, shopping decisions help us to have the sense of personal control over our environment and help to overcome sadness.

#5 GET TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH FRIENDS

In today’s busy world it is very difficult to meet and hang out with your loved ones and favorite persons and a shopping trip is the perfect opportunity to get everyone together and have fun. Shopping is something which gives more happiness and joy when done with friends or people you love. Time spent with our favorite people will make you feel more happy and good.

Following tips can be included in you shopping trip to make it more exciting and enjoyable:

  • Include lunch or dinner in the plan (or even breakfast if you’re shopping in the morning)
  • Include movie or some cocktails to relax if you get tired
  • Hangout in your friend’s house and try out the things that you’ve purchased.
  • Spending time with your friends and people you love is a great therapy and when this is done with shopping, then it will make the life more good.

#6 GRATIFYING

In shopping, Gratification comes in two forms:

  • Instant Gratification, which means seeing something that you need or want and then buying it.
  • Delayed Gratification, which means seeing something that you want and not buying it right away and saving up money for buying it and returning home and expecting to buy it some other time.

#7 IMPROVE SELF IMAGE

The way you present yourself to the world is one of the important factors which determine the image which will formed about you in others mind. Effectively creating the image that you want will make you feel good and you can shop according to your own style and image that you want to show to the world. You can buy something wither in online or offline mode to add on or perpetuate your image.

Every time you’re buying something, you are adding to your image and this will make you feel more confident about yourselves.

#8 REFRESHING

Everyone wants to have something and new things now and again. You can shop to enhance your look and image or new look to your room or wardrobe. Shopping always incorporates some thing new into your life and always feels refreshing.

#9 IT BRINGS CHANGE

We do shopping when we want to change anything in our life or want to add something new into our life. This may be because of some life event or we want people to see us differently etc. There are numerous reasons to do shopping and can change their life and outlook towards life.

So there you go and next time when you’ll be feeling down or sad, then boost your mind and spirit by shopping your favorite things with your favorite people.

Tell me your experiences from your last purchase in the comments…

Healthy food

Healthy food refers to food that contains the right amount of nutrients to keep our body fit. We need healthy food to keep ourselves fit.

Furthermore, healthy food is also very delicious as opposed to popular thinking. Nowadays, kids need to eat healthy food more than ever. We must encourage good eating habits so that our future generations will be healthy and fit.

Most importantly, the harmful effects of junk food and the positive impact of healthy food must be stressed upon. People should teach kids from an early age about the same.

Healthy food does not have merely one but numerous benefits. It helps us in various spheres of life. Healthy food does not only impact our physical health but mental health too.When we intake healthy fruits and vegetables that are full of nutrients, we reduce the chances of diseases. For instance, green vegetables help us to maintain strength and vigor. In addition, certain healthy food items keep away long-term illnesses like diabetes and blood pressure.Similarly, obesity is the biggest problems our country is facing now. People are falling prey to obesity faster than expected. However, this can still be controlled. Obese people usually indulge in a lot of junk food. The junk food contains sugar, salt fats and more which contribute to obesity. Healthy food can help you get rid of all this as it does not contain harmful things.In addition, healthy food also helps you save money. It is much cheaper in comparison to junk food. Plus all that goes into the preparation of healthy food is also of low cost. Thus, you will be saving a great amount when you only consume healthy food.

Junk food vs Healthy Food

If we look at the scenario today, we see how the fast-food market is increasing at a rapid rate. With the onset of food delivery apps and more, people now like having junk food more. In addition, junk food is also tastier and easier to prepare.

However, just to satisfy our taste buds we are risking our health. You may feel more satisfied after having junk food but that is just the feeling of fullness and nothing else. Consumption of junk food leads to poor concentration. Moreover, you may also get digestive problems as junk food does not have fiber which helps indigestion.

Similarly, irregularity of blood sugar levels happens because of junk food. It is so because it contains fewer carbohydrates and protein. Also, junk food increases levels of cholesterol and triglyceride.

On the other hand, healthy food contains a plethora of nutrients. It not only keeps your body healthy but also your mind and soul. It increases our brain’s functionality. Plus, it enhances our immunity system. Intake of whole foods with minimum or no processing is the finest for one’s health.

In short, we must recognize that though junk food may seem more tempting and appealing, it comes with a great cost. A cost which is very hard to pay. Therefore, we all must have healthy foods and strive for a longer and healthier life.

Photo by Trang Doan on Pexels.com

Healthy food

Healthy food refers to food that contains the right amount of nutrients to keep our body fit. We need healthy food to keep ourselves fit.

Furthermore, healthy food is also very delicious as opposed to popular thinking. Nowadays, kids need to eat healthy food more than ever. We must encourage good eating habits so that our future generations will be healthy and fit.

Most importantly, the harmful effects of junk food and the positive impact of healthy food must be stressed upon. People should teach kids from an early age about the same.

Healthy food does not have merely one but numerous benefits. It helps us in various spheres of life. Healthy food does not only impact our physical health but mental health too.When we intake healthy fruits and vegetables that are full of nutrients, we reduce the chances of diseases. For instance, green vegetables help us to maintain strength and vigor. In addition, certain healthy food items keep away long-term illnesses like diabetes and blood pressure.Similarly, obesity is the biggest problems our country is facing now. People are falling prey to obesity faster than expected. However, this can still be controlled. Obese people usually indulge in a lot of junk food. The junk food contains sugar, salt fats and more which contribute to obesity. Healthy food can help you get rid of all this as it does not contain harmful things.In addition, healthy food also helps you save money. It is much cheaper in comparison to junk food. Plus all that goes into the preparation of healthy food is also of low cost. Thus, you will be saving a great amount when you only consume healthy food.

Junk food vs Healthy Food

If we look at the scenario today, we see how the fast-food market is increasing at a rapid rate. With the onset of food delivery apps and more, people now like having junk food more. In addition, junk food is also tastier and easier to prepare.

However, just to satisfy our taste buds we are risking our health. You may feel more satisfied after having junk food but that is just the feeling of fullness and nothing else. Consumption of junk food leads to poor concentration. Moreover, you may also get digestive problems as junk food does not have fiber which helps indigestion.

Similarly, irregularity of blood sugar levels happens because of junk food. It is so because it contains fewer carbohydrates and protein. Also, junk food increases levels of cholesterol and triglyceride.

On the other hand, healthy food contains a plethora of nutrients. It not only keeps your body healthy but also your mind and soul. It increases our brain’s functionality. Plus, it enhances our immunity system. Intake of whole foods with minimum or no processing is the finest for one’s health.

In short, we must recognize that though junk food may seem more tempting and appealing, it comes with a great cost. A cost which is very hard to pay. Therefore, we all must have healthy foods and strive for a longer and healthier life.

Photo by Trang Doan on Pexels.com

Importance of Tree plantation

“A tree is the best friend of man on earth.” When we use trees respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on earth. Trees are rightfully called the ‘lungs of the earth.’ Life on earth would cease to exist in the absence of trees. Trees are responsible for sustaining the environment in several ways.Trees release life-supporting oxygen and absorb harmful gases like carbon dioxide during the process of photosynthesis. They act as sponges by taking in toxic emissions and other pollutants, released into the atmosphere by industries and vehicles. The roots of trees bind the soil together thereby preventing erosion. The blatant and increased rate of deforestation is the primary cause of landslides. In addition to being the bearers of delicious fruits, trees are the natural habitat of several species of animals, birds, and insects. Thus, the destruction of a tree implies the destruction of an entire ecosystem.We have inherited this planet with its many resources, from our ancestors. The onus rests on us to protect the earth’s fragile ecosystem, so that future generations have a place they can call home. It is indeed ironic that despite being at the top of the food chain Homo Sapiens are intent on destroying the very things that guarantee their survival. However, there is a silver lining. The situation can be remedied by restoring the earth’s green cover and taking concrete measures to reduce carbon emissions. Let’s all take a vow to go green and save the earth from destruction.

Trees are our best friends because they clean the air we breathe. Likewise, they also clean the water and soil and ultimately make the earth a better place. It is also a fact that people who live near trees are healthier, fit, and happier than people who do not.Moreover, it is our responsibility to look after our friends who serve us in many ways. Most importantly by saving plants, we are not doing any favor to plants but to ourselves only. Because trees and plants life does not depend on us but our lives depend on them.

Importance of Trees

Trees are important to us in a lot of ways and we cannot ignore their importance. They are important because they give us fresh air to breathe, food to eat and shelter/shade from sunlight and rainfall. Besides this, there are many medicines in the market that are made up of trees extracts. Apart from this, there are plants and trees that have medicinal value.

They bring peacefulness; create a pleasing and relaxing environment. Also, they help in reflecting the harmful rays of the sun and maintaining a balanced temperature. Besides, they also help in water conservation and preventing soil erosion. They also manage the ecosystem and from ancient times several varieties of plants are worshipped.

Benefits of TreesTrees provide us many benefits some of which we can’t see but they make a huge difference. They help in fighting back the climate changes by absorbing greenhouse gases which are the main cause of climate change.Moreover, they replenish groundwater and filter the air from harmful pollutants and odors. Besides, they are a great source of food and the king of fruits ‘Mango’ also grow on trees.

Value of Trees When a seed of a plant or tree grow it makes the area around it greener. Also, it supports many life forms. Birds make their nests, many reptiles and animals live on it or near it.Besides, all these many beautiful flowers, food growing on it. Moreover, many parts of trees such as roots, leaves, stem, flower, seeds, are also edible. Most importantly they never ask anything in return for their services and the gifts they give. Trees also keep the balance in the ecosystem and ecology.To conclude, we can say that trees are very important and beneficial for every life form on earth. Without them, the survival of life on earth will become difficult and after some time every species starts to die because of lack of oxygen on the planet. So, to save our lives and to survive we have to learn the importance of trees and also have to teach our children the importance of trees.

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Pollution

Pollution is a significant threat to our environment and is caused by the reckless attitude of man towards nature. Our Earth provides us with food and shelter, whereas we treat it mercilessly and plunder its resources. Pollution is a direct result of our greed. We dump waste into our water bodies without caring for the organisms living in them. The balance of various gases in the atmosphere has been disrupted because of the large number of vehicles plying on the road. Even factories that release harmful gases into the atmosphere contribute to air pollution. When we do excessive and uncontrolled farming on a piece of land, it loses its natural minerals. So, when we use fertilizers to boost their productivity, it pollutes the soil. Noise pollution is caused by factories, jets, airplanes, etc. It harms our ears and can impair hearing.

Pollution is a term which even kids are aware of these days. It has become so common that almost everyone acknowledges the fact that pollution is rising continuously. The term ‘pollution’ means the manifestation of any unsolicited foreign substance in something. When we talk about pollution on earth, we refer to the contamination that is happening of the natural resources by various pollutants. All this is mainly caused by human activities which harm the environment in ways more than one. Therefore, an urgent need has arisen to tackle this issue straightaway. That is to say, pollution is damaging our earth severely and we need to realize its effects and prevent this damage. In this essay on pollution, we will see what are the effects of pollution and how to reduce it.

Effects of Pollution

Pollution affects the quality of life more than one can imagine. It works in mysterious ways, sometimes which cannot be seen by the naked eye. However, it is very much present in the environment. For instance, you might not be able to see the natural gases present in the air, but they are still there. Similarly, the pollutants which are messing up the air and increasing the levels of carbon dioxide is very dangerous for humans. Increased level of carbon dioxide will lead to global warming.

Further, the water is polluted in the name of industrial development, religious practices and more will cause a shortage of drinking water. Without water, human life is not possible. Moreover, the way waste is dumped on the land eventually ends up in the soil and turns toxic. If land pollution keeps on happening at this rate, we won’t have fertile soil to grow our crops on. Therefore, serious measures must be taken to reduce pollution to the core.

Types of Pollution

How to Reduce Pollution?

After learning the harmful effects of pollution, one must get on the task of preventing or reducing pollution as soon as possible. To reduce air pollution, people should take public transport or carpool to reduce vehicular smoke. While it may be hard, avoiding firecrackers at festivals and celebrations can also cut down on air and noise pollution. Above all, we must adopt the habit of recycling. All the used plastic ends up in the oceans and land, which pollutes them.

So, remember to not dispose of them off after use, rather reuse them as long as you can. We must also encourage everyone to plant more trees which will absorb the harmful gases and make the air cleaner. When talking on a bigger level, the government must limit the usage of fertilizers to maintain the soil’s fertility. In addition, industries must be banned from dumping their waste into oceans and rivers, causing water pollution.

To sum it up, all types of pollution is hazardous and comes with grave consequences. Everyone must take a step towards change ranging from individuals to the industries. As tackling this problem calls for a joint effort, so we must join hands now. Moreover, the innocent lives of animals are being lost because of such human activities. So, all of us must take a stand and become a voice for the unheard in order to make this earth pollution-free.

Photo by Chris LeBoutillier on Pexels.com

Some Healthy Vegetables

Everyone wants to live a healthy life & to live like that you have to know the ways for being healthy .Food takes a great role in this case .As you know vegetables are very nutritious & it keeps us healthy .Some vegetables have much nutrition value than other vegetables .Come & take a look at them .

Spinach

1.SPINACH : Spinach is a greeny & leafy vegetable .It’s origin is Persia .

Scientific Name — Spinacia  oleracea is its scientific name .

This vegetable is very nutritious & it often is eaten as salads or juice .It can be eaten in both ways, raw & cooked .

Spinach salad

Nutrients — 100 gm of raw spinach contain 3.6 gm Carbohydrates ,2.9 gm Proteins ,2.2 gm Dietary  Fibers ,0.4 gm sugars (as the form of Glucose & Fructose) ,0.4 gm Fat ,0.18 mg Vitamin B2 ,0.73 mg Vitamin B3 ,0.19 mg Vitamin B6 , 99 mg Calcium ,2.7 mg Iron ,79 mg Magnesium ,79 mg sodium , 558 mg potassium , 49 mg phosphorus .  It also contains Folate ,Vitamin E ,vitamin K , Vitamin A ,Vitamin B1 ,Vitamin B2 ,Zinc , Manganese ,zeaxanthin, lutein  etc. Spinach Also contains 91.4 mg water . It gives away 97 kilo joule energy .

Benefits — 1)It prevents ageing effect by preventing the free radicals from oxidation  of our body cells . 2)The carotenoids in spinach improves our retina, that’s why it is good for our eye health . 3)Vitamin K  which is present in spinach , helps in  blood clotting . 4) The nitrates of spinach keep the marginal level of blood pressure and prevent heart diseases . 5)Some research shows that spinach also fights against cancer .

Bell peppers

2.BELL PEPPER : It Is a very crunchy and tasty vegetable and full of Nutrition . It comes with various colours like green red yellow orange and also in purple . 

4 Common Color of Bell Pepper

Scientific Name —  Capsicum  annuum  is its biological species name .

some other colors of Bell peppers

It Is eaten in a cooked manner but it also can be eaten raw in salad .

Bell pepper salad
Bell pepper recipe

Nutrients —  red ,yellow, green, purple, orange And other various colored bell peppers have the same nutrients .100 gram bell pepper have 6 gram carbohydrate , 42 grams sugar ,1 gram protein ,2.1 g Fibers , 0.3 gram fat ,0.05 mg Vitamin B1, 0.48 mg vitamin B3 , 80 mg Vitamin C , 0.2 mg Vitamin B6 , 10 mg calcium,10 mg magnesium , 20 mg phosphorus , Free mg zinc ,0.3 mg iron ,175 mg Potassium etc. It also contains some amounts of vitamin B2 , Folate , phosphorus , Vitamin K ,Vitamin B9 , vitamin E ,many antioxidants(zeaxanthin, lutein) .Yellow and Orange wallpaper contains carotenoids & many other nutrients . It contains 92% water .It gives us 84 kilo joule energy.  Benefits — 1) zeaxanthin, lutein ,Vitamin A, Vitamin K , Vitamin C  work as antioxidants for our body . 2) Bell peppers help to prevent anemia Due to the presence of Vitamin C & iron . 3) The continents of bell peppers are good for our eye health . 4)Bell peppers help in metabolism by raising up the body temperature and kick out the toxins from our body . 5)Bell peppers are also good for our respiratory system like lungs & other parts .

Sea weed

3.SEA WEEDS : Seaweeds are produced from algae (green algae or Chlorophyta ,Brown algae or Phaeophyceae ,Red algae or Rhodophyta etc) which are found in the sea . It is eaten cooked in salad & soup .Various types of seaweeds are available based on from which algae it is produced .

Dried sea weed

Nutrients — Seaweeds are a very good source of vitamins and minerals . It contains proteins, iron , and copper carbohydrate fibre in high amounts . It has very low calories . As for vitamins riboflavin , vitamin A ,Vitamin C ,vitamin E, vitamin K and many essential amino acids are present in Seaweeds .It also has many antioxidants . various seaweed units contain various amounts of nutrients ,carbohydrates ,fibers ,polyunsaturated fatty acids etc.

Sea weed recipe

Benefits —  1) sea weeds are very good for our gut health . 2) It is a diet vegetable which helps to to lose weight . 3) It controls the blood sugar level in our blood . 4) It also helps to prevent heart diseases and protect our cardiovascular system . 5)Seaweed also has a very important role in our body’s thyroid function .

Brussels sprouts

4.BRUSSELS SPROUTS : It is a green vegetable & it looks like a small ball of cabbage .

Vegetable Brussels Sprouts

Scientific Name — Brassica oleracea  is its species name . 

It can’t be eaten raw . 

Nutrients — 100 grams of brussel sprout contains 8.9 gram carbohydrate ,3.8 gm dietary fibers ,3.48 gram of protein , 0.1 mg of Vitamin B1, 0.7 mg of vitamin B3 , 0.3 mg of Vitamin B5 , 0.2 mg of Vitamin B6 , 85 mg of Vitamin C , 19 mg of choline , 42 mg calcium , 1 mg iron , 23 mg magnesium ,25 mg sodium ,389 mg potassium , 69 mg phosphorus 7 many other  nutrients and antioxidants .It gives 179 KJ energy & contain 86 gm water .

Cooked Brussels sprouts

Benefits — 1) Brussels sprouts fight against cancer & prevent it in our body . 2)It also helped by working on the reduction of inflammation in our body . 3) Brussel sprouts maintain the blood sugar level in our blood  and it is good for diabetes patients . 4) It helps to lose weight so it is a very good diet vegetable . 5) Brussels sprouts are good for blood clotting to lose more blood .

WHAT IS THALASSEMIA?

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by decreased hemoglobin production. Symptoms depend on the type and can vary from none to severe. Often there is mild to severe anemia(low red blood cells or hemoglobin). Anemia can result in feeling tired and having a pale skin. There may also be bone problems, an enlarged spleen, yellowish skin and dark urine. Slow growth may occur in children. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder inherited from a person’s parents. As of 2015, thalassemia occurs in about 280 million people, with about 439,000 having severe disease. It is most common among the people of Italian, Greek, Turkish, Middle Eastern, South Asian and African descent. Males and Females have similar rates of disease. It resulted in 16,800 deaths in 2015, down from 36,000 deaths in 1990. Those who have minor degrees of thalassemia similar to those with sickle-cell trait, have some protection against malaria, explaining why they are more common in regions of the world where malaria exists.

CAUSES:-

Thalassemia is caused by mutations in the DNA of the cells that make up the hemoglobin- the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. The mutations associated with thalassemia are passed from parents to the offsprings. Hemoglobin molecules are made up of chains called alpha and beta chains that can be affected by mutations. In thalassemia, the production of either the alpha or beta chains are reduced, resulting in either alpha-thalassemia or beta-thalassemia.

In alpha-thalassemia, the severity of thalassemia depends on the number of gene mutation inherited from the parents. The more mutated genes, the more severe is the thalassemia. In beta-thalassemia, the severity of thalassemia depends on which part of the hemoglobin molecule is affected.

ALPHA-THALASSEMIA:-

Four genes are involved in making the alpha hemoglobin chain. We get one from each parent. If inherited:-

  • one mutated gene- no signs or symptoms of thalassemia but the person is a carrier of the disease and can pass it on to the children.
  • two mutated genes- signs and symptoms of thalassemia are mild. This condition might be called alpha thalassemia trait.
  • three mutated genes- signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe.

Inheriting four mutated genes is rare and usually results in stillbirths. Babies born with this condition often die shortly after birth or require lifelong transfusion therapy. In rare cases, a child born with this condition can be treated with transfusion and a stem cell transplant.

BETA-THALASSEMIA:-

Two genes are involved in making the beta hemoglobin chain. We get one from each parent. If inherited:-

  • one mutated gene- mild signs and symptoms. This condition is called thalassemia minor or beta-thalassemia.
  • two mutated genes- signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe. This condition is called thalassemia major or Cooley Anemia.

Babies born with two defective beta hemoglobin genes usually are healthy at birth but develop signs and symptoms within the first two years of life. A milder form, called thalassemia intermedia, also can result from two mutated genes.

RISK FACTORS:-

  • Family history of thalassemia- thalassemia is passed from parents to children through mutated hemoglobin genes.
  • certain ancestry.

World Health Organization

World Health Organization(WHO) is a specialized agency of the united nations, that deals with health related problems around the globe. It was established on 7th of April 1948. The WHO has played a major role in fighting against some major diseases and boost the health of millions of people.

It establishes and enforces international norms and standard for betterment of people .WHO conducts researches on various diseases .The objective of WHO is as the attainment by all the peoples of highest possible level of health. it also says that taking the highest standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being. It gives technical assistance to different countries and collects collects data on global health issues through various Health surveys. Its Head quarter is in Geneva, Switzerland. and its budget is something around 7.96 billion $.

The governing body of who is world health assembly in which all 194 who members are stated.it meets once in a year to review the world health organization’s work, policy and many other things.

Functions of World Health Organization:-

  1. Directing and coordinating international health work.

2.To assure technical co-operation with countries.

3.Setting international standard with respect to food, biological and pharmaceutical products.

4.Developing models for monitoring ,and evaluating various programmes and products.

5.Helps in fighting various diseases. like small pox was eradicated from the world through a campaigns that was coordinated by World health Organization. Malaria eradications programme was the biggest health programme.

6. providing direct technical consultation and resource mobilization to the poor and developing countries.

There are many other functions also that world health organization does perfectly.

in 1977, the world health assembly set before itself the goal of ‘Health for all by the year 200’.this means that people should get every health services which would lead them to live a very productive life by the end of 20th century. However, this target of Who has not reached its goal till today, but world health organization continues to work towards that goal.(Kaeley and Bhandari,271).

Role of world health organization during covid-19 pandemic

The world health organization is the leading organization involved in the fight against COVID -19 virus. On January 2020,WHO told the world about a pneumonia in china and investigated about the disease. On 30th of January, WHO declared the outbreak of Public health emergency of international concern and warned all countries before the spreading of the disease in other countries. By 5th of October in the same year ,world health organization estimated that the a tenth of the world’s population has been infected with the virus.

WHO has taken several initiatives like the COVID -19 soliditary fund to raise money for COVID-19, the soliditary trail for investing potential treatments options for disease. WHO also required a diplomatic balancing act between the members states china and USA. On august 27,WHO announced the setting of an independent expert review committe to examine different treaties that governs response to health issues. The world health organization team arrived china in January 2021 to investigate about the origin of COVID 19.Apart from theses initiatives WHO also spread awareness about the COVID-19 virus, and importance of wearing mask and maintaining social distancing. (source:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization%27s_response_to_the_COVID-19_pandemic)

Psychological Disorders Part 8

Introduction

In Psychological Disorders Part 7, Depressive and Substance-Related disorders were discussed. They are both very serious disorders that need immediate help. Both can be dealt with by consulting a psychologist and taking the proper medication needed. This article will discuss Neurocognitive and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders.

Neurocognitive Disorders

These disorders are accompanied by deficits in cognitive functioning. These are different from the disorders of impaired cognition present at birth.

Delirium is a serious disorder concerning disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the surrounding environment. Delirium is usually very rapid; it starts within hours or a few days. It usually arises because of contributing factors such as a chronic illness, changes in metabolic balance, medication, infection, surgery, or intoxication. It is important to note that delirium and dementia look very similar but are different. Symptoms for reduced awareness of the environment are the inability to stay focused or continuously switching topics, getting easily distracted by useless things, getting stuck on one idea, and being withdrawn. Symptoms for poor thinking skills are disorientation, poor memory, difficulty in speaking or recalling words, trouble understanding speech, rambling, and difficulty in reading or writing. Some of the behavioural changes are hallucinations, calling out or moaning, lethargy, disturbed sleep habits, agitation, being withdrawn, and reversal of the night-day cycle. Some of the emotional disturbances experienced are depression, euphoria, apathy, anxiety, paranoia, anger, unpredictable moods, and personality changes.

Neurocognitive Disorders used to be known as Organic brain syndrome. It is a group of conditions that leads to impaired mental function. These disorders usually occur in older people but that does not mean they cannot affect young adults. It includes problems with memory, changes in behaviour, trouble performing daily activities, and difficulty understanding language. These symptoms may be caused because of a neurodegenerative condition like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Neurodegenerative diseases result in the brain and nerves deteriorating over time which then causes loss of neurological function. Neurocognitive disorders can be a result of brain trauma or substance abuse. Symptoms for this are memory loss, confusion, anxiety, headaches, inability to focus, short-term memory loss, trouble performing normal tasks, changes in vision, and difficulty in walking and balancing. Some of the neurodegenerative diseases that cause this disorder are Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, prion disease, dementia, and multiple sclerosis.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

This is a category of psychiatric condition that includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body-dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), excoriation disorder (skin picking), substance-induced OCD, and OCD because of a medical condition.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a pattern of unwanted fear (obsessions) which leads to doing repetitive behaviours (compulsions). This starts interfering in the daily activities. When a person tries to ignore the obsessions, the anxiety keeps increasing hence making the urge to do the compulsions stronger, and this is how the cycle of OCD is created. Obsessions usually have a theme such as fear of contamination, having difficulty tolerating uncertainty, needing things to be symmetrical, having horrific thoughts about losing control, and unwanted thoughts on religion or sexual subjects. Symptoms of obsession are fear of touching people because of contamination, doubts whether you have locked the door or turned off the stove, images of driving into a crowd of people, unpleasant sexual images, excessive stress when objects are not placed orderly, thoughts about acting inappropriately in public and avoiding situations that might trigger obsessions. Symptoms of compulsion are washing hands till the skin becomes raw, checking doors repeatedly, checking the stove repeatedly, counting in a pattern, silently repeating a word or phrase, and arranging things in a particular order.

Conclusion

Neurocognitive disorders remain chronic but they can be controlled and monitored by medication and therapy. There is no exact way to prevent OCD but it can be treated by consulting a psychologist and learning how to deal with the fears that lead to the compulsions.

References

Note: this is just Part 8 of the Psychological Disorders series.

Vitamin c

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. 

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants  that can protect against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, as well as toxic chemicals and pollutants like cigarette smoke. 

Vitamin C is easily absorbed both in food and in pill form, and it can enhance the absorption of iron when the two are eaten together.

Vitamin C Benefits Your Body

1.May reduce the risk of chronic disease

2. may help manage high blood pressure

3.May lower your risk of heart disease

4. May reduce blood uric acid levels and help prevent gout attacks

5. Helps prevent iron deficiency

6. Boosts immunity

7. Protects your memory and thinking as you age

8.Vitamin C Stimulates Collagen Synthesis

9.May Bolster Cancer Treatment

10.Antioxidant-Rich Vitamin C Protects the Eyes

11.decreases the severity of cold and flu attacks.

Vitamin c

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. 

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants  that can protect against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, as well as toxic chemicals and pollutants like cigarette smoke. 

Vitamin C is easily absorbed both in food and in pill form, and it can enhance the absorption of iron when the two are eaten together.

Vitamin C Benefits Your Body

1.May reduce the risk of chronic disease

2. may help manage high blood pressure

3.May lower your risk of heart disease

4. May reduce blood uric acid levels and help prevent gout attacks

5. Helps prevent iron deficiency

6. Boosts immunity

7. Protects your memory and thinking as you age

8.Vitamin C Stimulates Collagen Synthesis

9.May Bolster Cancer Treatment

10.Antioxidant-Rich Vitamin C Protects the Eyes

11.decreases the severity of cold and flu attacks.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance refers to a type of insurance coverage that protects your overall health by paying your medical expenses due to an illness. Health insurers directly pay for the health expenses incurred from an injury or a certain condition. It provides multiple benefits to the insured. Any person of any can avail the benefits of this insurance. The main objective of health insurance it to provide maximum protection during an illness.

Pros of Health Insurance

1.Protects you financially

Financial planning can be disrupted if you have to take a loan or sell any asset for availing health services. The kind of medical expenses one is burdened with is huge and your current financial situation may not support such huge bills. Taking loans affect your current finances, whereas, health insurance ensures best quality of health services without any compromise on your current finances.
During emergencies, health insurance is the best way to avoid such a predicament. Instead of borrowing, health insurance helps at the time of need without damaging your financial plan.

2.Benefit from taxes

Health insurance is purchased by a numerous people because of the tax benefit you get from it. It is one of the advantages that excites people to buy health insurance. Tax deduction for people below 60 years is around Rs 25000 and for people above that age criteria can claim a double deduction from what people below that age received. However, tax benefit should not be the only reason to purchase health insurance. You should consider it as a health security during emergencies.

3.Wide range of available options

Back in those days, a basic health insurance plan was available to everyone. Now, a wide range of plans are available to choose from. Health insurance is available for an individual and for a family. If you want your entire family to be insured, then family insurance is available.
Apart from these basic and popular insurance plans, insurance is provided even for people suffering from chronic illnesses or accidents. You can choose from whatever suits your needs.

4. No Claim Bonus

No claim bonus is a bonus benefit that get with your health insurance. Insurance premium is paid every year to renew your insurance plan but if you don’t file a claim for a year, you will benefit from No Claim Bonus.

5.Cashless Claims

An advantage of health insurance is cashless hospitalization. There are a group of network hospitals in the entire country that are partnered with the insurance company. If you get admitted at any one those network hospitals, you will have to pay no medical bills. Insurers will pay all your hospital dues and your treatment will be totally cashless. If you get treatment from non-network hospitals, reimbursement claim facility can be used.

6.Provide security

The thought of managing every penny to pay medical bills and entire treatment at the last moment can be very stressful. Health insurance relieves that stress and ensures utmost safety. It provides you with certain security for your not only yourself also your family. Health insurance frees you from healthcare costs and additional worry about quality care.

Cons of Health Insurance

1.Waiting period for pre-existing health issues

A lot of healthcare insurances have a specified waiting period. This period can be from 2 to 3years for the people already suffering from a health problem. At the time of purchasing health insurance, if you are currently suffering from diabetes, thyroid or any other condition, you will have to wait until the end of the waiting period. Nevertheless, there are insurance plans that have less waiting period. To avoid this, health insurance should be bought at a younger age.

2.Insurance premiums and age

Insurance premiums are decided according to the age of the insured. If 30 year old people or below purchase an insurance plan, the risk of those people suffering from a health condition is very low, so the insurers will charge lower premium. In the case of a 60 year old people or above, insurers will change higher premium as the chances of them getting serous health conditions is quite higher.

3.High premium for additional benefits

Every insurance plan can be customized. You want certain claims to be added to your insurance plan, you will have to pay additional premium. Therefore, additional benefits come with higher benefits. But if you see these add-ons are beneficial as most insurance plans exclude severe illnesses, adding it to your plan covers your overall healthcare. The only drawback is that you will have to pay extra premium.

Health insurance has a a few drawbacks but it is still essential to secure your health. Choose an insurance plan wisely to protect your health and your dear ones as well.

Poverty

Poverty! Poverty is lack of food, Poverty is lack of shelter, Poverty is being sick and can not afford medicines, Poverty is knowing how to read but can’t afford going to School, Poverty is being unemployed. And Poverty is lack of representation and freedom.Poverty has so many faces, and can describe in different ways. Most often, poverty is a situation people want to escape.

We have to take the step to reduce poverty so that many more may have enough food to eat, adequate shelter to cover their head, access to education and health.Overpopulation and underdevelopment in the country is the main cause for poverty. The birth rate in India is very high and the former has taken the measure of the ‘one child policy’ to change the situation, but the latter has not made any effort yet.

Underdevelopment is another reason, the country do not have enough economic growth to support their growing populations.Poverty in India can eradicate with some effective programmes, just need a joint effort from everyone not only from the government. Government of India should make effective policies aiming to develop rural areas through the key components like primary education, population control policies, family welfare, job creation and many more.

We can define poverty as the condition where the basic needs of a family, like food, shelter, clothing, and education are not fulfilled. It can lead to other problems like poor literacy, unemployment, malnutrition, etc. A poor person is not able to get education due to lack of money and therefore remains unemployed. An unemployed person is not able to buy enough & nutritious food for his family and their health decline. A weak person lacks the energy required for the job. A jobless person remains poor only. Thus we can say that poverty is the root cause of other problems.

How Poverty is Measured?

For measuring poverty United nations have devised two measures of poverty – Absolute & relative poverty.  Absolute poverty is used to measure poverty in developing countries like India. Relative poverty is used to measure poverty in developed countries like the USA. In absolute poverty, a line based on the minimum level of income has been created & is called a poverty line.  If per day income of a family is below this level, then it is poor or below the poverty line. If per day income of a family is above this level, then it is non-poor or above the poverty line. In India, the new poverty line is  Rs 32 in rural areas and Rs 47 in urban areas.

Causes of Poverty

According to the Noble prize winner South African leader, Nelson Mandela – “Poverty is not natural, it is manmade”. The above statement is true as the causes of poverty are generally man-made. There are various causes of poverty but the most important is population. Rising population is putting the burden on the resources & budget of countries. Governments are finding difficult to provide food, shelter & employment to the rising population.

The other causes are- lack of education, war, natural disaster, lack of employment, lack of infrastructure, political instability, etc. For instance- lack of employment opportunities makes a person jobless & he is not able to earn enough to fulfill the basic necessities of his family & becomes poor. Lack of education compels a person for less paying jobs & it makes him poorer. Lack of infrastructure means there are no industries, banks, etc. in a country resulting in lack of employment opportunities. Natural disasters like flood, earthquake also contribute to poverty.

In some countries, especially African countries like Somalia, a long period of civil war has made poverty widespread. This is because all the resources & money is being spent in war instead of public welfare. Countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. are prone to natural disasters like cyclone, etc. These disasters occur every year causing poverty to rise.

Ill Effects of Poverty

Poverty affects the life of a poor family. A poor person is not able to take proper food & nutrition &his capacity to work reduces. Reduced capacity to work further reduces his income, making him poorer. Children from poor family never get proper schooling & proper nutrition. They have to work to support their family & this destroys their childhood. Some of them may also involve in crimes like theft, murder, robbery, etc. A poor person remains uneducated & is forced to live under unhygienic conditions in slums. There are no proper sanitation & drinking water facility in slums & he falls ill often &  his health deteriorates. A poor person generally dies an early death. So, all social evils are related to poverty.

Government Schemes to Remove Poverty

The government of India also took several measures to eradicate poverty from India. Some of them are – creating employment opportunities, controlling population, etc. In India, about 60% of the population is still dependent on agriculture for its livelihood. Government has taken certain measures to promote agriculture in India. The government constructed certain dams & canals in our country to provide easy availability of water for irrigation. Government has also taken steps for the cheap availability of seeds & farming equipment to promote agriculture. Government is also promoting farming of cash crops like cotton, instead of food crops. In cities, the government is promoting industrialization to create more jobs. Government has also opened  ‘Ration shops’. Other measures include providing free & compulsory education for children up to 14 years of age, scholarship to deserving students from a poor background, providing subsidized houses to poor people, etc.

Poverty is a social evil, we can also contribute to control it. For example- we can simply donate old clothes to poor people, we can also sponsor the education of a poor child or we can utilize our free time by teaching poor students. Remember before wasting food, somebody is still sleeping hungry.

Photo by namo deet on Pexels.com

Ways To Improve Your Work-Life Balance While Working From Home

Work is an important aspect of everyone’s lives. Our income ensures that the lights are kept on, that there is food on our table, and the rainy-day fund is full. In today’s volatile and incredibly quick corporate environment, achieving work-life balance is a difficult challenge.

As we become more linked via social media and the internet, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish our workplace from our personal life. It is standard practise to read emails at all periods of the day and night, to handle business calls at the dinner table, and to work on our computers on weekends. How did this come to be regarded as acceptable?

Jobs are starting to require more and more from their employees, putting them under intense pressure to provide better outcomes. As a result, employees work harder and longer and spend less time at home.

Despite overwhelming proof that working longer is damaging to both individuals and employers, several workers continue to struggle to alter their beliefs — and strongly established behaviours — about work hours.

Establishing a healthy work-life balance is not only beneficial to one’s health and wellbeing, but it could also boost one’s efficiency and, consequently, performance. Simply stated, if your employees do not see work as a chore, they will work even harder, commit fewer errors, and are much more inclined into becoming company supporters.

How To Improve Your Work-Life Balance While Working From Home

Allow yourself to just let go of perfection

We should constantly aim for excellence rather than perfection; this really is especially crucial when balancing work and life while working remotely. You are unlikely to have everything you need to do your tasks exactly as you would at the office. You won’t have access to all of your files, computer, copier, or even the fax machine you barely use once a month. It’s time to make changes and just do the utmost you can with the resources you have. It’s a little mental adjustment, but it makes a massive impact.

Disconnect

If you’re always available, your working hours never conclude. You require those periods when you switch off. Allow yourself some time away from work. It might be something as easy as not reading emails in the evenings or on weekends. Give yourself periods of tranquilly rather than racing through each activity.

Exercise

Exercise should always be the first thing we make time for when our routine is interrupted in such a major way. It decreases stress, increases endorphins, and improves your mood. Don’t even have an hour to work out? Begin by stretching for 15 minutes with yoga. It will provide you with the same benefits (although on a smaller scale) as well as an extra sense of achievement and self-care.

It’s understandable that when gyms and sports centers are shut, it might be difficult to find alternative forms of exercise. Several trainers and gyms now offer online lessons, and you may even find free classes on YouTube. When working at home, exercising is a wonderful method to attain work-life balance.

Have proper meals

While munching on snacks during the day while working from home may sound appealing, it does nothing for your productivity or feeling of work-life balance. At work, we may feel more driven to take a lunch hour when our colleagues urge us to do so – this doesn’t really occur when you are working from home. Ensure that you schedule time in your day for a decent break. Create a calendar or phone alert about it.

Create transitions going in and out of the work mindset

We frequently take our transit time for granted and wish we can get there sooner. However, we rarely recognise the chance it provides to psychologically prepare. You don’t usually sign off on a large project and then head home to cook dinner. Allow your mind to press the reset button. Get a signal to serve as a buffer at the start and conclusion of your day.

Remember to socialise

When the whole company begins working from home, you are shut away from several informal everyday contacts. If you’re not accustomed to working alone, this might be isolating. Occasional social contacts can break up your day and make it feel unique, whereas isolation may make each day seem like Groundhog Day, except we’re all working.

Resist this by speaking with your coworkers several times during the day. Take a video coffee break, inquire how they did over the weekend, check up on their personal happenings, reach out and exchange that joke or meme, or simply talk about the series you’re currently binge-watching. Continue to chat to them on a certain issue if you typically do.

When working from home, these small encounters might help you maintain your work-life balance.