Tag: healthy body

HUMAN ANATOMY

Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy is the study of the shape and structure of the body of organisms or living beings. The word anatomy is derived from the Greek words ‘ ana ‘ and ‘ tomy ‘ where ‘ ana ‘ means ‘apart’ and ‘tomy ‘ means ‘to cut’. In physiology, the functions of various system such as respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, skeleton system and muscular system of organisms are studied. It can be said that physiology is the study of how the body and all its part function. It consists of two word, namely, ‘physio’ and ‘ ology’ where ‘physio’ means ‘nature ‘ and ‘ ology ‘ means ‘ study’. Here ,we will study human anatomy and human physiology.

Definition of Human Anatomy

Free Vector | Anatomy of the human body information infographic

Human Anatomy is the study of structure ,shape, size , weight and location of all the organs of human body. A detailed knowledge of the structure of various system of human body is provided in human anatomy . For example , the shape, size, weight, structure and location of all the organs of the excretory system such as lungs, kidneys, large intestine, liver, skin, etc. are studied in human anatomy. Human anatomy can be defined as the science dealing with human body structure and relationships among structures.

Importance of Anatomy

The importance of anatomy and physiology is mentioned below.

  • Anatomy Provides the Knowledge of Structures of Various Organs : Human anatomy provides the detailed knowledge of the structure of various organ body . We get the knowledge of structure, shape, size, location and weight of organs of all the systems of our body. We come to know about the length of various organs such as the length, size and shape of the bones. With the help of anatomy , we get the knowledge of the percentage of white fibres and red fibres present in an individual. As a result of such knowledge , the teacher and coaches working in the field of physical education and sports may easily select the suitable sports according to the traits of students. For example, weightlifting is more appropriate for short statured students, who have more percentage of white fibres i.e., fast twitch fibres in comparison to red fibers i.e., slow twitch fibres can perform better in sprinting events instead of endurance events.

MEANING OF FIRST AID

Safety First: Three Tips for Packing the Perfect First Aid Kit

Every individua ‘s life and work are closely related to his environment . Man has progressed in various fields of life such as industrialisation , mechanisation, transport and science, etc. Therefore, this age is called an electronic age or space age. But on the other hand, this development has created such conditions that a person may get injured anywhere and at anytime.

In spite of good measures aimed at industrial safety and the development of safety devices and techniques, the number of accidents is still high in industries and specially in day to day life. Indeed, there is no definite time of such injuries. These can happen to anyone, anywhere and at anytime. Injuries usually occur in industries and on the farm, during the repair, maintenance and operation of vehicles of various kinds, during games and sports and in various situations everyday. These often happen by accident, so it is impossible to anticipate the time and place of an accident. Someone may get fractured, another may be bitten by snake. So, it can be said that every individual is trapped in one way or the other by accidents. In fact, it is very difficult ton get medical aid to victims at the sport of the accident. At that moment, some immediate possible aid is required to the victim. So, first aid is the first help which is given to the wounded or accidental victims before the arrival of the doctor.

In other words, ” It is an immediate and temporary care given to a victim of an accident or sudden illness before the services of a physician is obtained.”

In can also be said that first aid is that aid is that aid which is provided to the injured in case of an accident, injury or sudden illness. It enables the trained persons to render the help to preserve life, promote recovery of the injury until the arrival of the doctor.

In fact, the area of field of sports and games is such a field, where getting injured is very common. Any player can be injured at least once during his/her sports career. The facilities of a qualified doctor are available in national or international level competitions but usually such facilities or services of a doctor are not available during practice, training or competitions of normal levels. The teacher of health and physical education should also have enough knowledge of first aid so that he may provide first aid to the players at the time of training and competitions.

9 Health Benefits of Pilates

During these challenging times, taking care of mental and physical health is important. To attain a good balance of strength and flexibility, Pilates is a great exercise to add to your workout regime. If you are looking to tone your muscles and achieve an overall balance of mind and body, Pilates is your guide.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise for body strength, improving posture and general fitness. It emphasizes on core strength and forms are designed in a way to relieve body pain and aches.

It concentrates on balance, posture and flexibility. The chances getting injured are very less because it can be modified according to an individuals pace.

Mind and body concentration is tested when performing the movements. Complete focus is required on breathing and mind should work in the way body moves.

History of Pilates

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany. Originally it was called “Contrology”. He created an unique form of exercise program to help the injured soldiers of World War I in the UK. Such a program was designed because when a person comes across an injury, mental health is profoundly affected. He believed that mental and physical health are firmly connected. Later, he immigrated to the US and opened a Pilates studio in New York. Pilates is now one of the most popular exercises. Globally recommended by actors and fitness enthusiasts.

Benefits of Pilates

1. Weight loss –

Core conditioning through this exercise helps you achieve a flat stomach and toned waistline. With the help of Pilates, specific muscles can be targeted that need to be toned.

2. Improves flexibility –

Movements in Pilates are controlled and according to the pace the difficulty level is increased. Such a transition improves flexibility and strength without straining the muscles.

3. Boosts immunity –

Proper functioning of immune system is crucial for overall body functioning. Pilates improves blood circulation which is highly required for a good immune system.

4. Solid core strength –

A solid core is required to perform most of the exercises. Proper alignment of the body is essential to perform Pilates moves. This helps in maintaining a stable posture and fires up your core.

5. Improves Sleep –

In today’s world, everybody has a busy schedule. Hardly, anyone gets sleep due to increased work pressure and deadlines. Sleep is extremely important for mind and body. For better sleep, Pilates should be added to your daily schedule.

6. Relieves stress –

According to the studies, excessive stress results in compulsive eating, mental exhaustion and anxiety. To regulate your nervous system and reduce stress, regular Pilates is a safe option.

7. Improves Posture –

A workout is mainly about balance and proper alignment of the body. To perform such moves, strong core and back improves your strength, which in turn improves your posture.

8. Effective in easing body aches –

The sole purpose of designing such moves was to stabilize soldier’s injuries. Pilates is effective in relieving lower body pain or back pain. Further injuries can be prevented by concentrating on flexibility.

9. Improved concentration –

Mind and body concentration is must during Pilates. Your mind has to be aware of the movement of your body. Every move requires you to deeply concentrate on your breathing.

How to learn Pilates at home?

There are Pilates studios where you can be taught by certified instructors with mats and small equipments. Usually, it is taught in small groups or can also be taught one one one. Since, the current situation is critical, group classes can be avoided. One can learn Pilates at home. Videos and books are available online to guide you. You can subscribe on various streaming channels where you will find videos by well-trained and experienced instructors.

YOGA AND LIFESTYLE

In a first for East India, Visva Bharati varsity commences PG diploma course in yoga studies - Education Today News

Indeed , it is an astonishing fact that a yogic tradition , which is more than five thousand years old , has recently become a popular way of life . Presently , people consider that yoga is a significant means to achieve a healthy as well as a positive lifestyle . In fact , the power of yoga lies in its simplicity , flexibility and diversity . As a matter of fact , yoga helps in improving our flexibility , lowers our stress level and increases our confidence and finally contributes to a healthier lifestyle on the whole . There are various lifestyle diseases like obesity , diabetes , asthma , hypertension , back pain , migraine and depression which can be prevented and treated up to some extent with the help of certain yogic exercises .

Asanas As Preventive Measures

52,455 BEST Yoga Poses Male IMAGES, STOCK PHOTOS & VECTORS | Adobe Stock

According to Patanjali , asana means , “sthiram sukham aasanam “ i.e,. ” that position which is comfortable and steady ” . In Brahamanopanishad , “ To sit in a comfortable position or posture for everlasting period is called asana “. Asana is that state of body in which the body may be positioned easily . As a matter of fact , the ability to sit comfortably for an extended period of time in any position is called asana . In asanas , body is kept in various positions in such a way that the activities of organs and glands of body become more effective and eventually the health of mind and body is improved .

In fact , asana is a means through which physical and mental development is achieved . Prevention of diseases and delay in ageing are the desired effects that can be achieved through yogic exercises .

There are different types of asanas which include meditative asanas , relaxative asanas and corrective asanas . Regular practice of the above- mentioned asanas significantly affects various systems or organs of our body . Asanas can be used as preventive measures because they provide the following physiological benefits , which ultimately help us in avoiding various lifestyle diseases such as diabetes , obesity and cardiovascular diseases .

BALANCED DIET

Balanced Diet - Components, Types & Benefits - Safar Medical

No doubt that everyone wants to remain fit and healthy . Food and nutrition play a very vital role in our growth and development . These are helpful for maintaining good health . The requirement of nutrition is essential for every individual but it is indispensable for the individuals who actively participate in games and sports . With the help of appropriate nutrition , sportsperson can enhance their performance . Even some supplements are also required to provide proper nutrition to sportsperson.

Meaning of a Balance Diet

A balanced diet refers to the intake of edibles which can provide all the essential food constituents necessary for growth and maintenance of the body , in definite amount in which they are required by the body .A balanced diet means eating the right amount of foods from all food groups .

“A diet which consists of all the essential food constituents , viz., protiens , carbohydrates , fats , vitamins , minerals and water in correct proportion is called a balanced diet.”

In other words , ” Balanced diet is that diet which contains of various constituents of food in accurate and appropriate quantity and quality according to the requirement of an individual .”

A Balanced Diet – The Ultimate Guide - lyonsdenfitness

In fact , every individual does not require same type of diet . The diet differs from individual to individual . The following points sum up a balanced diet .

  1. A balanced diet must contain all the essential constituents in adequate amount
  2. There must be definite proportion between the different constituents of food .
  3. The food should be easily digestible .
  4. Cooking of food is necessary because it sterilizes foodstuff and makes it palatable and easily digestible.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic disease. It is caused by the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus attacks the immune system, causing a potential life threat. Initially, the infected person may not show any or negligible symptoms like dry cough, chills, nausea, fever, body aches, and loss of appetite. A prolonged period with no symptoms may make it seem normal, but over time, the virus interferes more with the immune system, which makes the body much vulnerable to infections and results in tumors and tuberculosis. Such symptoms which show up later are said to be Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Abnormal weight loss can be seen in this stage.

Causes of AIDS

The cause of AIDS is HIV infection. The virus copies its RNA into the host cell’s DNA, altering the genetics of the body. This ability of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) makes it a retrovirus. HIV targets and destroys the White Blood Cells (WBCs). The white blood cells are known as the immunity cells as they fight against any foreign bodies such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, or any other infections and diseases. As the WBCs weaken, the overall immune system gets disturbed and weak, resulting in the inability of the body to fight against any disease.

How Does the Virus Transmit?

HIV is mainly transmitted from unprotected sexual intercourse through genital, oral, or rectal parts. The body fluids released during sexual activity transmit the virus from one infected body to the healthy body. Other than that, it can also transmit through pre-natal and blood.

In the case of blood, using the same needles as used on HIV positive person on a healthy person can easily infect the person. Even, transfusion of blood of an HIV-infected person into the body of a healthy person transmits the virus.
In pre-natal transmission, the virus is transmitted through the mother to the baby during pregnancy, during delivery, or through breastfeeding.

Treatment

AIDS is a lifelong disease that neither has a cure nor vaccine. But it can be treated and prevented. People have the misconception that HIV can even spread with minimum touch or contact with the infected person, without any sexual contact necessarily. It is important to have protected sex to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. After all, prevention is better than cure.

It is advised to have safe sex and wear condoms by any of the partners, be it male or female. It not only prevents unplanned pregnancy but also safeguards against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
It is better to get tested for HIV routinely and to have a restricted number of partners to have sex with.

Stigma Related to AIDS

Many people still have the misconception that AIDS is contagious and often maintain a distance from people with AIDS. There have been various instances where people with AIDS are not accepted socially. They are often not offered jobs or terminated from their jobs after finding their disease.

Many cultures and religions discourage the use of condoms as they believe it is a barrier to the natural process. Such ill practices contribute to the spread of such diseases.

Conclusion

HIV is not a contagious disease; however, it is life-threatening. Being bullied or secluded by people makes it much tougher for HIV patients to survive. They are already suffering, and discrimination against them makes them mentally suffer more than they are already suffering physically due to the underlying disease.

HIV-positive patients can lead healthy and normal life with proper treatment, love, and affection. It is important to create awareness among people regarding AIDS. Educating them about the fatality and the importance of getting tested on a regular basis for HIV is crucial.

YOGA: FOR A HEALTHY BODY AND A CALM MIND

On this day seven years ago, the United Nations on 11th December 2014 announced 21st June as the international yoga day. The aim behind it was to “globally raise awareness regarding the benefits of practicing yoga”.

All About Yoga: Poses, Types, Benefits, and More | Everyday Health


Yoga, in the words of late practitioner B.K.S Iyengar is a way of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.

Since the onset of the pandemic followed by a nationwide lockdown, the amount of physical activity performed by an individual has declined at an alarming rate. The gyms shut down while the permission to leave the house only for essentials has made the human body quite lethargic and stiff. But yoga is one of the few ways where an individual can maintain their physical and mental health without the need of stepping out of the house.

So, on this yoga day, let’s talk about a couple of asanas that help one with weight loss.

Using yoga for weight loss is a pretty debatable topic. Many believe it alone can’t promote weight loss unless it’s combined with a healthy diet. By combining yoga with a healthy diet not only does it helps in losing weight but also keeps the mind and the body healthy. 

One of the reasons for weight gain is neither binge eating nor lack of physical activities but stress. Stress can have a disastrous effect on one’s mind and body. It often reveals itself in the form of insomnia, anxiety, lack of concentration and pain. Combining yoga with stress management techniques; not only helps in weight loss but also helps in maintaining good physical and mental health.

Talking about the asanas, they don’t immediately produce a result as the poses are simple but, they focus more on increasing body flexibility, improving concentration, and building one’s muscle tone. Once the body gets used to it, only then it starts to show the results. The asanas used for weight loss are as follows.

1. Chaturangadandasana (the plank pose)

How to Do Low Plank (Chaturanga Dandasana)

Chaturangadandasana or the plank pose mainly to strengthens the core muscles. The benefits of this asana are contradictory to the way it’s performed. To perform this, you have to hug your elbows to your side while making sure your upper arms are parallel to the floor. 

2. Virabhadrasana (the warrior pose)

Warrior Pose (Veerabhadrasana or Virabhadrasana) | The Art of Living

Virabhadrasana or the warrior pose helps in toning the thighs and shoulders while increasing one’s concentration. It also improves the balance of the body and tones the back end, arms and legs. While contracting abdominal muscles while holding the pose helps in attaining a flat belly. It works more effectively the longer one can hold this pose. 

3. Trikonasana (the triangle pose)

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) | Yoga Garden San Francisco Bay Area

Trikonasana or the triangle pose helps in improving digestion and reducing fat accumulation in the belly and waist. This pose improves the blood circulation in the entire body and, its unique lateral motion helps to burn belly and waist fat while strengthening the thigh muscles and the hamstrings. 

4. Adho Mukha Svanasana (the downward dog pose)

How to Do Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Adho Mukha Svanasana or the downward dog pose benefits the body by toning it and strengthening the arms, thighs, back and hamstring. It also improves blood circulation, and the concentration when one holds the pose concentrates solely on breathing.

5. Sarvangasana (the shoulder stand)

How to do Sarvangasana | Shoulder Stand Step | Benefits Sarvangasana


Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand pose has multiple benefits. It increases strength, and improves digestion of the body and is also known for boosting the metabolism and balancing the thyroid levels. It also strengthens the upper body, legs and abdominal muscles while improving one’s sleeping pattern and respiratory system.

6. Sethu Bandha Sarvangasana (the bridge pose)

How to Do Supported Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)


Sethu Bandha Sarvangasana or the bridge pose is excellent for weight loss, glutes and maintaining thyroid levels. This pose helps in toning and strengthen the back muscles, improve digestion and thyroid levels while regulating the hormones and reducing back pain.

7. Dhanurasana (the bow pose)

HOW TO BOW POSE/ DHANURASANA🎀⁠ ⁠ follow @yogarove⁠ follow @yogarove⁠ ⁠ Bow pose is a DEEP chest opener a… | How to do yoga, Yoga for beginners, Yoga poses pictures


Dhanurasana or the bow pose massages the abdominal muscles while strengthening the thighs, chest, and back muscles. This pose stretches the entire body while improving blood circulation.

Yoga, which originated in India, is a revival method for body and mind. It is a traditional form used by people of all age groups who yearn for a healthy body and mind. It benefits every single part of the body and also helps in relaxing the mind. This age-old tradition has been accepted and praised worldwide for its effectiveness and has helped maintain a healthy body and a relaxed mind.