Long COVID is when people continue to have symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks or months after the initial illness.
Signs and symptoms of  Covid-19 that lasts for greater than 12 weeks  and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis are most commonly described as long COVID.
What are the symptoms of long COVID?
Common Long Covid Symptoms  include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness and "brain fog" – problems with memory and concentration.
Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations, dizziness and joint pain.
How does long COVID affect people’s lives?
This is a condition that can have a huge impact on people’s lives. Many are unable to return to work or have a social life. Many have described how it affects their mental health, especially as the course of the condition is often fluctuating; just as they feel they are getting better, the symptoms return.†Because long COVID affects people’s ability to work, it has “important economic consequences†for them, their families and for society,
I
Garlic is a vegetable in the  Allium  family of bulb-shaped plants. It grows in several sizes and colors and it can be planted alongside other vegetables as a natural pesticide.
You'll know where the garlic is planted long before you see it, as its strong, sulfuric fragrance will declare its location very distinctly. Although dining on garlic-flavored foods may give you "garlic breath," doing so can improve your health by lowering high blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
When looking at potential benefits of foods in relation to cancer prevention, it's helpful to look both at population studies (do people who eat a large amount of the food have a lower rate of cancer?) and the possible mechanism by which they work (does the biological mechanism fit?)
It's certainly not possible to prevent all cancers, but population studies have found a reduced risk of the following cancers in people who consume more garlic:
Garlic has natural antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral. The knobs and cloves of garlic contain high levels of sulfur, flavonoids, and selenium. And, when it is crushed, chopped, or bruised, garlic produces the compound allicin.
It is garlic's antibacterial properties that may help to prevent cancer as well as its ability to enhance genetic repair, slow down cell proliferation, and prevent the formation of carcinogenic substances  in the body.
Four of the cancer-fighting compounds in garlic include:
There are several mechanisms by which garlic may inhibit the development of cancer. There are additional mechanisms by which it may also slow the cell cycle in cancer cells already present or induce apoptosis (cell death). Examples of just a few of these are discussed here.
Garlic's ability to enhance genetic repair, in particular, is worth noting. Cancer begins when a series of mutations (damage to DNA in cells) leads to a cell grows out of control (a  cancer cell) and becomes a cancerous tumor.
Damage to DNA in genes in the human body is common, caused by both environmental carcinogens and the products of normal metabolism in the body. Even when substantial damage occurs, however, the body has a way to either repair the damaged DNA or eliminate un-fixable damaged cells. Tumor Suppressor Genes are genes we all have that carry the blueprint for proteins that do these jobs. When these genes are mutated, a person may have an increased risk of developing cancer (a genetic susceptibility). BRCA Gene mutation  are an example of mutated tumor suppressor genes.
Cancer is common, affecting one in two men and one in three woman during a lifetime (not including skin cancer). While we are familiar with some of the causes and can thus avoid them, there is much that we don't understand. Therefore, a dietary compound that enhances DNA repair when damage occurs is exciting.
A 2019 study further supported the role of garlic in DNA repair in that (at least in the lab) garlic appeared to enhance the expression of tumor suppressor genes.
Just as dietary components may lower cancer risk, there are some that increase risk as well. Both nitrosamines and heterocyclic amines fall into this category. Heterocyclic amines are one of the reasons that grilled meat is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. The grilling process itself, and exposure to heat alone can result in these carcinogens being formed. (Grilling vegetables does not result in heterocyclic amines). Garlic appears to inhibit the formation of both heterocyclic amines and nitrosamines in grilled food.
Adding a little garlic to your meats before grilling might help, but there are other ways to reduce carcinogens in food, such as marinating meats for 20 minutes before cooking, cooking at lower temperatures, and using the right charcoal.
There is currently research looking at the potential role of garlic in cancer treatment. While the research is still in its infancy, and we don't know whether studies done in the lab can translate into actions in the human body, it doesn't necessarily matter if you are using garlic to enhance the taste of the foods you eat. According to a 2019 study, garlic may affect signaling pathways in cancer growth in a number of ways.
Few studies have been performed looking at the potential role of garlic treatment in humans, though a 2019 study was encouraging. Gastric cancer is very common worldwide, being the leading cancer diagnosis in some countries. A 2019 study in China found that both H. pylori treatment (the bacterial infections associated with stomach cancer) for two weeks or garlic supplementation for seven years were associated with a significantly reduced risk of death due to gastric cancer.
Cancer cachexia, a syndrome that includes both unintentional weight loss and muscle loss (atrophy), is thought to be directly responsible for roughly 20% of cancer-related deaths. To date, the prevention and treatment of cachexia has been challenging, and supplementation of calories alone is inadequate.
A component of crushed garlic, A-ajoene, has intrigued researchers as a potential therapy in reducing cancer cachexia. A 2019 study looked at the effects of an ajoene extract both in mice and in human cancer cells grown in the lab. It was found that ajoene may function in two separate ways both to reduce the inflammatory responses that contribute to muscle atrophy and by actually promoting muscle protein synthesis. It's not yet known if these results will mean that ajoene (a sulfur compound present in crushed garlic) can protect against muscle atrophy in people with cancer, but garlic may help in yet another way. A lack of appetite is far too common with cancer, especially advanced cancer, and garlic can spice up a meal to make it more appetizing.
Ginger and the winter season have the best equation. On cold morning days, a cup of ginger tea is an absolute pleasure to soothe your throat. Ginger is also known as Adarak in Hindi, is one of the healthiest spices on the earth. The ginger spice comes from the roots of the plant. Ginger is a plant with leafy stems and yellowish-green flowers.
Ginger is a perennial plant scientifically known as Zingiber officiale Roscoe. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family contains essential oils and resins. It provides a specific odor and spicy flavor. It is a popular home remedy for nausea, stomach pain, and other health issues.
Ginger has been used now for more than 2,500 years. This plant originated in Southeast Asia. It is cultivated now throughout the humid tropics, with India being the largest producer. Now it is growing in China, Japan, parts of South American, and Africa.
Ginger may have various properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-viral, and other healthful properties. Below are some benefits of ginger-
Ginger is beneficial to reduce nausea and vomiting. It helps lower nausea through a direct effect on the stomach rather than on the central nervous system. Research suggests that ginger may help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by drugs used to treat HIV infection. It also treats nausea due to vertigo, nausea after surgery, and vomiting from chemotherapy. ÂÂ
A cup of hot ginger tea is the famous solution that may reduce your cough and cold instantly. The ginger contains compounds gingerol and shogaol may help fight off a cold because they can lower a fever, reduce pain, and suppress a cough. ÂÂ
Research suggests that ginger has a warm effect that may help reduce cold and cough symptoms. In 2013, the researcher concluded that fresh ginger beneficial for respiratory infections. ÂÂ
Ginger has antioxidant properties that help reduce the free radicals in the body that may cause obesity. It contains gingerol and shogaol compounds that may contribute in various biological activities in the body. Research suggests that gingerol has anti-obesity properties that help food to digest faster and stimulate the body to speed digested food through the colon.
Ginger may help to reduce menstrual cramps by lowering the contractions of your uterus. According to the studies, taking ginger powder 500-2000 mg during the first 3-4 days of a menstrual cycle decreases pain in women and teens with painful menstrual periods. ÂÂ
Some studies suggest that consuming ginger during pregnancy may reduce the morning sickness symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. However, taking any herb or medication during pregnancy is a big decision. Before taking ginger, be sure to discuss the possible risks with your doctor. ÂÂ
In Ayurveda, ginger is a highly recommended hair growth treatment. It contains various minerals and fatty acids that help in hair thickening and encourages hair growth. Ginger also has natural antiseptic properties that help to prevent dandruff formation. ÂÂ
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce joint pains like hip and knee joint pain. ÂÂ
The Delta Plus variant is a mutant version of B.1.617.2 strain, which was called Delta by the World Health Organization. Experts say the Delta strain drove the second wave of COVID-19, infecting millions and leading to the deaths of thousands.
What the government says on Delta Plus
According to an official statement, the Delta Plus Variant has shown
How dangerous is the new Delta Plus variant?
There is very little evidence of how virulent the new strain is.
Experts in Maharashtra, one of the worst-hit states during the first and second waves, say that owing to the new variant, the third wave may come earlier than predicted. The state, which has reported most of the cases of the new variant, is already preparing for a third wave.
The Delta Plus is active in US, UK, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, Russia, China, and India.
Maharashtra is currently collecting data, including travel history and vaccination status, of those who have reported this version of the virus.
Are vaccines not effective against this variant?
It's too early to say. The government says Covishield and Covaxin are effective against the Delta variant but data on how effective they are against the Delta Plus will be shared later.
Stress is the body’s response to a challenge or demand. Everyone experiences stress, which can be triggered by a range of events, from small daily hassles to major changes like a divorce or job loss. The stress response includes physical components such an elevated heart rate and blood pressure, thoughts and personal beliefs about the stressful event, and emotions, including fear and anger. Although we often think of it as being negative, stress can also come from positive changes in your life, like getting a promotion at work or having a new baby.
Stress serves an important purposeâ€â€Âit enables us to respond quickly to threats and avoid danger. However, lengthy exposure to stress may lead to mental health difficulties (for example, anxiety and depression) or increased physical health problems. A large body of research suggests that increased stress levels interfere with your ability to deal with physical illness. While no one can avoid all stress, you can work to handle it in healthy ways that increase your potential to recover.
There are several other methods you can use to relax or reduce stress, including:
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus  Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all.
Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
Infection
The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. Many different kinds of wild and domestic animals carry the bacterium.
These can include, but are not limited to:
When these animals are infected, they may have no symptoms of the disease.
Infected animals may continue to excrete the bacteria into the environment continuously or every once in a while for a few months up to several years.
Humans can become infected through:
The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as floodwaters. Person to person transmission is rare.
Signs and Symptoms
In humans, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. In addition, some infected persons may have no symptoms at all.
The time between a person’s exposure to a contaminated source and becoming sick is 2 days to 4 weeks. Illness usually begins abruptly with fever and other symptoms. Leptospirosis may occur in two phases:
The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Without treatment, recovery may take several months.
Risk of Exposure
Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is most common in temperate or tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with animals, such as:
The disease has also been associated with swimming, wading, kayaking, and rafting in contaminated lakes and rivers. As such, it is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports. The risk is likely greater for those who participate in these activities in tropical or temperate climates.
In addition, incidence of Leptospirosis infection among urban children appears to be increasing.
Treatment
Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease.
Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms. Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a health care provider.
Prevention
The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine, or eliminating contact with potentially infected animals.
Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities.
[cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_column data_width="1/1"][cmsmasters_text]
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a self-limiting acute mosquito transmitted disease characterized by fever, headache, muscle, joint pains, rash, nausea and vomiting. Dengue Fever (DF) is caused by an arbovirus and spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Some infections result in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and in its severe form Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) can threaten the patientÃÂÂs life primarily through increased vascular permeability and shock. Over the past two decades, there has been global increase in the frequency of DF, DHF and its epidemics, with a concomitant increase in disease incidence. Various factors responsible for the resurgence of dengue epidemic are:
(i) Un-precedented human population growth
(ii) Un-planned and un-controlled urbanization
(iii) Inadequate waste management
(iv) Water supply mismanagement
(v) Increased distribution and densities of vector mosquitoes
(vi) Lack of effective mosquito control has increased movement & spread of dengue viruses and development of hyper endemicity and
(vii) Deterioration in public health infrastructure
About the Aedes mosquito
The aedes aegypti mosquito is considered the primary vector of Dengue. It lives in urban habitats and breeds mostly in man-made containers. Ae. aegypti is a day-time feeder; its peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening before sunset.  Female Ae. aegypti frequently feed multiple times between each egg-laying period. Once a female has laid her eggs, these eggs can remain viable for several months, and will hatch when they in contact with water.
It has to be noted that the mosquito can also bite at night time at places which are well lit (example indoor and therefore precaution needs to be taken according.
Signs and Symptoms
Dengue should be suspected when a high fever (104 °F) is accompanied by 2 of the following symptoms during the fever phase:
A patient enters what is called the critical phase normally about 3-7 days after illness onset. It is at this time, when the fever is dropping (below 100 °F) in the patient, that warning signs associated with severe dengue can manifest. Severe dengue is a potentially fatal complication, due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment.
Warning signs that doctors should look for include:
If patients manifest these symptoms during the critical phase, close observation for the next 24–48 hours is essential so that proper medical care can be provided, to avoid complications and risk of death.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Fever reducers (anti-pyretic) can be taken to control the symptoms of muscle aches and pains, and fever. The best options to treat these symptoms is Paracetamol.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be STRICTLY AVOIDED. These anti-inflammatory drugs act by thinning the blood, and in a disease with risk of hemorrhage, blood thinners may exacerbate the prognosis.
For Severe Dengue, medical care by physicians and nurses experienced with the effects and progression of the disease can save lives. Maintenance of the patient's body fluid volume is critical to severe dengue care. Patients with Dengue should seek medical advice upon the appearance of warning signs.
[/cmsmasters_text][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row]
[cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_column data_width="1/1"][cmsmasters_text]
Are you looking for health benefits of kesar? If yes, then you have come to the right place. But, first let's learn some important facts about this wonder spice. Saffron is a small, bulbous, perennial spice, a member of the lily family. To produce saffron, the stigmas [the part of the flower, which catches pollen] must be painstakingly handpicked, cut from the white style and then carefully laid on a sieve and cured over heat to deepen the flavor- a process so labor intensive that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Currently saffron is commercially produced in Iran, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Kashmir and Italy. Iran is the most important producer of saffron both, in terms of volume and quality, and Spain being the largest importer of the spice. Saffron is a labour intensive crop, which makes it so expensive. It has three delicate crimson stigmas in the centre,  which are hand-picked, placed on a riddle, and cured over heat to amplify its flavour. Apart from being the most expensive spice, there are many benefits of saffron, which makes it even more special.
The benefits and medicinal properties of this highly priced spice, make it a valuable culinary ingredient worldwide. Modern research suggests that saffron can be used as an aphrodisiac, diaphoretic [to cause sweating], carminative [to prevent gas] and to bring on mensuration. Some other benefits are mentioned here under:
1. Protects against cancer:  Saffron contains a dark orange, water soluble carotene called crocin, which is responsible for much of saffron's golden color. Crocin has been found to trigger apoptosis [ programmed cell death] in a number of different types of human  cancer  cells, leukemia, ovarian carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. Researchers in Mexico who have been studying saffron extract have discovered that saffron and its active components display an ability to inhibit human malignant cells. Not only does the spice inhibit cells that have become cancerous, but it has no such effect on normal cells and actually stimulates their formation and that of lymphocytes [immune cells that help destroy cancer cells].
2. Promotes learning and memory retention:  Recent studies have also demonstrated that saffron extract, specifically its crocin, is useful in the treatment of age related mental impairment. In Japan, saffron is encapsulated and used in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, memory loss and inflammation.
3. In delayed puberty:  In under developed girls, saffron has an overall stimulant effect. A pinch of saffron crushed in a table spoon of milk is useful to stimulate hormones and bring about desired effect.
4. To increase vitality:  In low libido saffron aids as a sexual stimulant and can be consumed in a dose of a pinch in a glass of milk at bed time
5. In patchy baldness:  Saffron mixed in liquorice and milk makes an effective topical application to induce hair growth  in alopecia.
6. Protection against cold: Saffron is a stimulant tonic and very effective to treat cold and fever; saffron mixed in milk and applied over the forehead quickly relieves cold.
7. Food Additives:  Saffron is an excellent replacement for synthetic food additives- for eg: instead of FD and C yellow no 5: a synthetic food coloring agent that is a very common allergy trigger, Saffron’s glorious yellow could be an acceptable hypoallergenic choice.With these kesar benefits known to us, this culinary treasure has to be used and especially in the winter months.
[/cmsmasters_text][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row]
Cinnamon  is a favourite household spice, and has been used around the world for centuries. Once traded as currency, this spice has a pleasant flavour and warm smell that has made it popular in cooking, particularly in baking and curries.
The spice comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree. The bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry, where it curls up into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is also available in powdered form.
Here are 6 health benefits of cinnamon:-
Cinnamon is thought to have many  medicinal and soothing property, and is used frequently in Ayurvedic and herbal medicine. The distinctive smell and flavor of cinnamon comes from the essential oils contained in the bark,  called Cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde displays anti-viral, anti-bacterial and  anti-fungal  properties.
Cinnamon also contains large amounts of polyphenol antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect the body from disease and are found in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. The antioxidants in cinnamon have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Some spices, including cinnamon, have prebiotic properties  that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and help suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, including spices regularly in your diet may help improve gut health.
Cinnamon is also a useful source of  manganese and contains small amounts of calcium and fibre.
There is  some evidence  to suggest that the consumption of cinnamon  is associated with a short-term reduction in blood pressure. Although the evidence is hopeful, it would be premature to recommend cinnamon for blood pressure control until a comprehensive  randomized controlled trial  (RCT) involving a larger number of patients has been carried out.
It has been suggested that cinnamon can have a moderate effect in improving glycemic  and supporting the management of type 2 diabetes. However, conclusions are mixed, and  larger  randomized controlled trials  are needed in well-defined population groups using standardized interventions in order to definitively determine the efficacy of using cinnamon in subjects with diabetes. However, a small amount used at breakfast or in baking will not do any harm, and can be eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Cinnamon extract has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal problems in both Eastern and Western medicine for years. It has been described as a carminative, renowned for its digestive, anti-microbial  and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon bark oil is used for treating flatulence and digestive imbalance. It is believed that the warmth of cinnamon increases blood flow and improves blood oxygen levels to help fight off illness. To alleviate digestive symptoms, cinnamon is taken as part of a hot drink (much like a tea). In this instance, it’s easier to use ground cinnamon rather than trying to grate cinnamon sticks yourself.
NABH Accredited Hospital
