Category Archives: Self Care

In the sanctuary of GlamUp Gallery, we unveil a hub dedicated to your well-being – the realm of self-care. Here, we journey through the art of nurturing not just your body, but your mind and soul too. Our expertly woven blogs delve into the exquisite tapestry of mindfulness, offering you a guide to unwind, rejuvenate, and blossom. From the tender embrace of relaxation techniques to the profound strides in personal growth, we invite you to embark on a voyage of self-discovery, mental and physical health, guided by the nurturing hand of GlamUp Gallery.

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Self Care

Self Care Starts with Sleep Disorders Treatments

February 25, 2022 Manjari 2 Comments

Maturity is to realise nothing is more important than your sleep. In fact, you can never achieve your self care goal without having good quality sleep. Sadly, by the time you recognise the importance of self care and sleep, you deprive of getting good quality sleep. You know you are unable to take your beauty sleep but aren’t sure about the reasons! Right? Maybe you have been hit by one or more sleep disorders.

In today’s stress-filled scenario, sleeping disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome, have been very common issues for Millennials and Gen Z alike. These pressing sleep issues leave a drastic effect on every aspect of your life like your relationships, love, sex, safety, study, work performance, health, risk of heart attack and diabetes, skin and hair problems, weight maintenance etc. Evidently, not getting good quality sleep takes a toll on your health, love and life. So, if you ever feel you are not sleeping well, level up your self care game and consult a somnologist to get the treatment.

States About Sleep Disorders?

On average 70 million people in the US deal with some types of sleep disorders.
About 93% of people in India suffer from sleep disorders.
Around 16 million people in the UK deal with sleep deprivation.

How Does Sleep Deprivation Affect Self Care?

When we are unable to take the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep every night, it leads to various problems like feeling exhausted, inefficient concentration, personality variations, memory impairment, depression, learning disability, irritability, etc. Going through sleepless nights can also adversely affect life by meddling with cognitive function, decreasing work performance, slowing reaction times, and placing the sufferer at an increased risk for automobile accidents.

Reasons for Sleep Deprivation?

There are various factors that can cause sleep disorders. While causes vary from person to person, the most common ones are:

Genetic predisposition
Ageing (People often experience some types of sleep disorders after their 65).
Drinking too much alcohol
Excess intake of caffeine.
Being overweight
Certain medications
Mental issues like stress, trauma or depression
Lifestyle factors such as night shifts, exhausting work schedules, frequent travel, or irregular schedules.
Medical conditions like depression, pain, and heart disease.

Symptoms of Sleep Disorders?

You might be going through some kinds of sleep disorders if you experience some of the following symptoms.

Difficulty staying awake while reading, watching TV or when inactive.
Struggle to concentrate or pay attention at school, home or work.
Look tired and sleepy.
Fall asleep while driving.
Being forgetful or having memory problems.
Unable to control emotions.
Feel irritated and enraged on trifle matters.
Mood changes
A reduced sex drive

Types of Sleep Disorders?

There are around 100 different types of sleeping disorders. However, people often get affected by sone common ones that include:

Insomnia
Snoring
Sleep apnea.
Narcolepsy
Restless legs syndrome.
Parasomnias

Treatments of Sleep Disorders:

The treatment of your sleep problems depends on the type of sleep disorder you are dealing with.

What is Insomnia?

In insomnia, people face difficulty falling sleep and staying asleep throughout the night. They get up too early in the morning. Insomniacs frequently wake up during the night and have difficulty going back to sleep. It is 2 at night, you are taking sound sleep at your home, but Insomniacs are still staring at their ceiling, tossing and turning on their bed to get good-night sleep, but nothing works. Simply said, if you are going through sleepless nights, you have insomnia.

Treatment of Insomnia:

The treatment of insomnia starts with changing your sleep patterns. For instance:

Fix a time to go to bed every night and get up every morning.
Don’t take a nap during the day.
Don’t take stress, discuss the pressing matter or do traumatic tasks long before you go to bed.
Relax before going to bed. Try to do meditation, praying, deep breathing and gentle stretching before your bedtime.
Keep your bedroom quiet, calm and dark. Don’t hesitate to use eyeshades or earplugs if needed.
Avoid taking coffee, proffee or any such things that contain caffeine.
Don’t consume alcohol before bedtime.
Take a healthy diet and workout regularly.
Remove the smart devices like mobiles, laptops, etc. from the bed.
Quit smoking.
Clear your mind before going to bed.
Make self care an essential part of your daily routine.

What Is Snoring:

Snoring is the hoarse sound that occurs while sleeping. It can be a nuisance to your spouse or the person sleeping beside you. Nearly we all snore once in a while, but for some people snoring is a constant problem, which indicates a serious health hazard.

Treatment of Snoring:

INR: 3496.00

To stop snoring, you can try these tips.

Quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake.
Sleep on your side.
Avoid taking sedatives like sleeping pills.
Stick nasal strips on your nose. Make sure to keep your nostrils open for undisrupted breathing.
Follow a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
For nasal blockage, seek medical treatment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that occurs during sleeping. In sleep apnea, people briefly stop breathing several times while sleeping.

Treatment of Sleep Apnea:

Since sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder, seeking clinical treatment should be your immediate action as soon as you identify you are dealing with this issue. In addition, you can try following these steps to lower the severity of sleep apnea.

Avoid smoking and drinking.
Don’t take sleeping pills.
Cutting off inches from your extra body weight may help.
Find out if you need a dental brace, Inspire, CPAP machine or any such medical device.
Your doctor may also ask you to go for certain surgeries.

What Is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder. People with narcolepsy lose control of falling sleep and waking up. They experience sudden sleep attacks or excessive sleepiness at any time of the day.

Treatment of Narcolepsy:

In many cases, people fail to diagnose they have narcolepsy, so it often remains untreated.

Taking scheduled naps such as before an event can help.
Take prescribed medicines to stay awake when needed.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RSL):

In RSL, people often experience an irresistible urge to move their legs while lying down in bed, driving, relaxing at a theatre, sitting for prolonged periods, or resting in any other way. While moving legs sounds normal to many of us, this sleep disorder makes it difficult for the sufferer to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome:

INR: 315.00

Cut down on your caffeine intake.
Take a warm bath before bedtime.
Keep cold or hot packs on your legs for relief.
Ask your doctor to take iron supplements.

What Is Parasomnias?

In Parasomnias, people make abnormal behaviours and movements during sleep. It includes but is not limited to sleep talking, sleepwalking, nightmares, night terrors, groaning, bedwetting, jaw clenching or teeth grinding.

Treatment of Parasomnias:

Medication and Cognitive behavioural therapy can help manage the issue.
Follow a regular wake and sleep schedule.
Get a full-night sleep.
Avoid taking sleeping tablets.
Limit your drug and alcohol intake.

A Quick Note From Editor’s Desk:

Sleep disorders may not be lethal, but they take a toll on our personal and professional life. So, when we can care for our body, health, hair and skin, why not our sleep habits? As a matter of fact, taking a good quality sleep is the key to having healthier skin and happier you. Your self care depends on your quality of sleep. So, if you are dealing with insomnia, sleep apnea, or any other sleep disorders, don’t hesitate to consult a somnologist. Follow the good-night sleep tips mentioned above and practice good sleep hygiene.

Sleep Disorders FAQs

Who are at higher risk of having sleep disorders?

Some sleep disorders like daytime sleepiness and insomnia distress females more than males, whereas snoring is a serious threat for males.

How much sleep should we take?

Somnologists or sleep specialists often recommend that adults should take a minimum of seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

What foods or drinks can cause a higher risk of getting a sleep disorder?

To reduce your risk of having sleep disorders, take out time for self care, avoid taking tobacco, alcohol, diet pills, caffeinated drinks, Antidepressants and Decongestants.

Note: The information listed in this article is purely research-based, referring to trusted medical sites. Our aim is to just aware people of their health and take essential lifestyle changes needed to improve sleep disorders. Readers are advised to consult their health care provider first before taking any significant steps mentioned in this sleep care guide.

Skin Care, Self Care

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks? Reasons & Solutions

December 31, 2021 Manjari 1 Comment

Life etches its vibrant tales upon our skin, leaving behind marks that narrate stories of growth and transformation—stretch marks, the eloquent storytellers of our body’s evolution. Seeking the elusive magic wand to bid them adieu permanently becomes a common quest, a desire to unveil the secrets of “how to get rid of stretch marks permanently.”

As we explore the answer to this most sought question, how to remove stretch marks fast, let’s explore the genuine, science-backed truths intertwined with myths. Together, we’ll discover a treasure trove of home remedies and in-office treatments that promise not just a resolution but a celebration of our skin’s resilience.

Join us in unraveling the reasons behind stretch marks and unlocking enduring solutions that let your skin radiate tales of strength, vitality, and authenticity.

What Are the Reasons for Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are one of the common skin problems for both men and women in the United States, India, and other parts of the world. Most commonly seen on thighs, waists, hips, lower backs, breasts, buttocks, abdomen, and arms, these hideous stripes tend to leave a drastic effect on people’s confidence. They may be pink, purple, red, or silver in appearance, but the question remains: what causes stretch marks?

“A woman gets stretch marks from one of two things: either she was big and got small, or she was small and got big”.
Katt Williams

If you have brought a new life into the world, gained some weight, lost those few extra pounds, or gone through any other kind of body change, you have a higher chance of experiencing these tiger stripes on your skin. Evidently, these lightened lines are the result of skin contraction or expansion. While pregnancy and puberty are the two common causes of stretch marks, weight fluctuation, stress, genetic factors, ignoring self care and body care, etc., can also be accountable to breed these beauty woes.

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What Are the Risk Factors of Gettings Stretch Marks?

No matter you are from India, the US, the UK, Canada or any other corner of the world, anyone can develop stretch marks (striae). However, people with the below signs are most likely of getting these hideous strips.

Being female
Sudden weight gain or weight loss
Having a family history of striae
Being pregnant
Using corticosteroids
Rapid growth in puberty
Getting breast enlargement surgery
Exercising, cycling and taking anabolic steroids
Skin stress

How to Protect Skin against Stretch Marks?

Even if anyone can develop these tiger stripes, you can follow some skin care tips to reduce the risk of getting them.

Control your weight
Stay hydrated
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
Include vitamin C and Zinc in your diet
Soak up some vitamin D
Do Regular Exercise

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How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Permanently?

While stretch marks aren’t an indication of ill health, they can really lower your confidence and check you from donning your favorite shorts, sleeveless, and those LBDs (little black dresses). So, if you have got fed up with these ugly scars and are looking for some quick ways to get rid of stretch marks, here is the fix.

Read on to know the effective home remedies and in-office treatments to remove stretch marks.

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Home Remedies to Remove Stretch Marks:

Stretch marks are a common concern for many, but worry not! Nature offers a repertoire of remedies that may assist in reducing their appearance. These distinct marks, often deemed as badges of life’s journey, can be managed effectively with accessible and natural solutions. From nourishing oils to simple home ingredients, let’s delve into a holistic array of home remedies designed to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, allowing you to embrace your skin confidently.

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is a proven remedy to remove stretch marks and promote skin care. It helps repair the skin cells and promote youthful skin. This is why Vitamin A is widely used in making skin care products and stretch mark creams.

How to use Vitamin A? Soak up some sun, take Vitamin A-rich foods, swallow Vitamin A capsules or apple vitamin A oil to the affected areas.

Sugar:

Sugar is a natural exfoliator used for homeopathic microdermabrasion to lighten stretch marks. Therefore, you can prepare a sugar scrub to lighten the pesky lines. The small sugar crystals will promote blood flow in the area, gently scrub away dead skin, speed up the skin healing process, and leave you feeling smoother.

If you’re wondering how to use sugar to get rid of stretch marks permanently, you must try this DIY treatment. Take a tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Add a few drops of essential oil to it to form a fine paste. Rub the mixture over the striae for a few minutes and then rinse it off. Follow the process twice a week while in the shower.

Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera has a long history of healing and hydrating the skin. This is the reason that it is used in many natural skin treatments and stretch marks removal creams.

How to use aloe vera to remove stretch marks? Apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel directly to the affected area daily after bath.

Also Read: Uses and Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin, Hair, and Health

Virgin Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil has some proven self-care benefits, such as healing wounds, treating scars, and preventing stretch marks. Thus, expecting mothers are advised to apply coconut oil to their abdomen. After all, prevention is better than cure.

There’s not a lot of evidence to support the use of coconut oil or any other plant oils, like argan oil, tea tree oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc., to remove stretch marks. However, a gentle daily massage with coconut oil will not harm you. It may not remove them, but it will help prevent their occurrence for sure.

Glycolic Acid:

Glycolic acid is an excellent ingredient that you must include in your skin care routine, if not yet. Not a very popular, but an effective skin care ingredient to moisturize the skin, boost collagen, treat acne, lighten scars, and remove those unsightly striae.

How to use glycolic acid to remove stretch marks? Apply a small amount of it to the affected area before going to bed at night and rinse it off in the morning. Don’t use it when in the sun as it can cause sunburn.

Potato:

Potato is an effective skincare remedy to remove stretch marks. Yes, you read it right. Potato juice can help heal the striae. Since they are rich in starch and skin lightening enzymes, they help lighten the scars and give you brighter skin. This is why people often use potatoes to remove dark circles.

Not sure how to use potatoes to remove stretch marks? Follow these steps. Take out potato juice and apply it over the stretch marks. Leave it for 20-30 minutes, and then wash it off. Daily application of potato juice will give you spotless, glowing and healthy-looking skin.

Lemon Juice:

Lemon is a tried and trusted skin care ingredient known for its natural body care and bleaching assets. It helps reduce the visibility of stretch marks and makes them less visible.

How to use lemon juice to treat scars and marks? Apply fresh lemon juice to the affected area or rub a lemon wedge on the stretched skin lines regularly to notice the visible result.

In-office treatments to remove stretch marks:

Stretch marks can be challenging to tackle. But fear not, as advancements in dermatology have birthed an array of in-office treatments specifically designed to combat these persistent marks. Let’s explore the arsenal of cutting-edge in-office procedures meticulously crafted to bid adieu to stretch marks and unveil smoother, more supple skin.

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Laser Therapy:

Laser therapy is a world-popular treatment to remove stretch marks. This treatment can help stimulate collagen, diminish skin texture, and reduce scar redness. So, it makes sense that laser therapy can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks. There are several options for laser treatment. Depending on your particular issue and other medical factors, your doctor will help you decide which option will best suit you to get rid of stretch marks. Some laser therapies require several sessions to offer visible results.

Microdermabrasion:

Microdermabrasion is a kind of medical exfoliation of the skin. This is far different from the home exfoliating technique. In microdermabrasion, a certified professional uses a handheld wand to apply an abrasive substance to the affected area. The process aims to scrub away the dead skin cells and lighten the silver lines.

Microneedling:

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment used to treat the texture of stretch marks. In this treatment, professionals use a handheld roller with numerous microneedles that create tiny pricks in the skin. It causes the skin to produce collagen and elastin, which help remove unwanted striae.

Radiofrequency:

If you are looking for a non-invasive treatment as an answer to how to get rid of stretch marks permanently, RF therapy (radiofrequency) can be the best choice for you. RF treatment sends energy waves into the skin that penetrate the dermis layer and stimulate collagen production. The result can be brighter and firmer skin.

Chemical Peel:

A chemical peel is a highly effective cosmetic procedure to reduce the visibility of stretch marks. The procedure involves the application of an acid to the skin’s surface that exfoliates the outer damaged skin and improves the texture of striae.

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Say GoodBye to Stretch Marks!

In general, medical treatments are more effective than home remedies when looking for the answer to how to hget rid of stretch marks permanently. But any skin care treatment for stretch marks can cause sensitivities or side effects. This includes both home remedies and in-office treatments.

So, it’s wise to consult a skin care specialist to figure out which one will best suit you. Make sure to have realistic expectations about the outcome because no procedure can guarantee the complete removal of stretch marks.

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Self Care

Heart Attack Update – Statistics, Symptoms, Reasons, Prevention And More

December 24, 2021 Manjari 1 Comment

Cardiac failure colloquially called a heart attack is a phenomenon being witnessed at large among youngsters in India. As per a recent study, GenNext (people aged between 35 to 45 years) have a higher risk of getting a deadly cardiac arrest than similar-aged people from western countries. According to WHO, in India, one-fifth of the total deaths happen due to heart ailments. The most unfortunate part is that 40% of them are below 55.

Here’s looking at famous personalities who lost their lives in 2021 due to heart-related ailments even before they turned 50.

The sudden demise of several celebrities from the TV, Bollywood and Sports industries have left their fans and family in deep mourn. Also, their unexpected deaths have made people think life is unpredictable.

Brahma Swaroop Mishra – Mirzapur actor died on 2^nd December 2021 due to chest pain at 36.
Puneeth Rajkumar – Leading Kannada actor lost his life due to severe cardiac arrest on 29^th October 2021. He was 46.
Sidharth Shukla – Bigg Boss 13 winner, television and Indian film actor died due to a cardiac arrest on 2^nd Sept 2021. He was just 40 and at the sweetest peak of his career.
Raj Kaushal – A famous director and producer succumb to a heart attack on 30th June 2021 at the age of 49
Amit Mistry –A popular name in the Hindi and Gujarati film industry left us on 23rd April 2021 aged 47.
Diego Maradona – The football legend suddenly succumbed to a heart attack on 25^th November 2021 at 60.

Concerns caused by the demise of these much-loved celebs:

The unexpected loss of these world-famous celebrities made several headlines and raised many questions like:

What is a heart attack?
How can we prevent cardiac failure?
What are the reasons for a heart attack?
Why has cardiac failure emerged as quite a big danger to youngsters? (Until a few years back it was a threat mostly attached to older adults).
What lifestyle changes are needed to lower the risk of a heart attack?
Which lifestyle factors cause heart attack among youth?
What actions should we take when a heart attack occurs?
What to do when suspecting a heart attack?
What is the treatment of heart attack? And so on.

With the rapidly increasing occurrences of heart attack deaths in India, it is time to be aware of this deadly disease and take essential steps to reduce its incidences in India. Being informed about the symptoms, precautions, reasons, risk factors, treatment etc. can help people manage this fatal health issue and avoid their chances of a sudden cardiac failure.

Scroll down to get a complete guide on Heart Care and Heart attack:

Heart Disease – Statistics:

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death
In 2019, around 9 million people died due to cardiovascular diseases, out of which, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.
Someone experiences a cardiac attack every 40 seconds in the United States.
About 805,000 people have cardiac failure every year in the United States.
Heart ailments are the main cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of death in the US. Around 375,000 Americans die every year due to a heart attack.

The good news is that heart ailments are preventable. While self-care is the key to avoiding the risk, call 911 and ask for medical emergencies if you suspect a heart attack.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, also known as Myocardial Infarction (MI), occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, and it can’t get the oxygen it requires. A cardiac attack is an unavoidable medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Without proper treatment, a mild heart attack can lead to severe cardiac arrest in which the heart stops beating utterly.

Spotting the early signs of a heart attack, taking prompt actions and seeking the dead-on treatment can save a person’s life.

What to do when suspecting a heart attack?

At the time of a heart attack, you need to take prompt action to open the blocked artery. Call 911 and ask for a medical emergency immediately. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, begin CPR (push hard and fast in the centre of the chest) and chew an aspirin (325 mg). Aspirin is a prescribed drug used to thin blood clots and improve blood flow to the heart. Hence, lower the risk of heart attack deaths by 25%. Continue CPR until help arrives. Make sure the patient is not allergic to aspirin.

Even if you are not sure it is just chest pain or heart attack, call 911 or EMS (emergency medical services) immediately. EMS staff can start the treatment as soon as they arrive, around an hour sooner than if you take the patient to the hospital by car. Also, EMS staff are well skilled to revive someone’s heart that has just stopped.

Key emergency actions to take at the time of heart attack:

Call 911
Check for breathing
Give Aspirin 325 mg
Perform CPR
Continue CPR until help arrives

Every minute matters. Take prompt action ASAP. The more you wait, the more damage is done to the heart and the lower chances of survival.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

The most common symptoms of a heart attack in men and women are:

Chest discomfort: It feels like pain, pressure, fullness or squeezing. Sometimes, it also feels like indigestion or heartburn. The pain in the chest can radiate to the arms, jaw, neck and back. It is often in the left or centre of the chest and lasts more than a few minutes. It may recur after a while.
Shortness of breath.
Feeling weak and lightheaded.
A devastating feeling of anxiety.
Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Getting clammy and sweaty.

Knowing the symptoms of a cardiac failure can lower the risks of deadly outcomes and increase the chances of survival.

What is the risk factor of a heart attack?

Here are some lifestyle factors that increase the risk of a cardiac attack:

Family history
Genetic factors
Male sex
Older age
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Obesity or diabetes disorders
Having a diet high in fats, processed foods, sugars, and salt
A high alcohol intake
Smoking excessively
Low physical activity
High levels of stress or hypertension

Generally, a person experiences a cardiac failure from one or a combination of these factors.

How to prevent a heart attack?

You can take various steps to lower your risk of getting a cardiac failure or having another one.

Quit smoking.
Reduce your alcohol consumption. (Take not more than two drinks a day for males and one drink for females).
Take a balanced diet. (Take a low-fat, high-fibre diet with a minimum of 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day). Eat a diet that is low in cholesterol, salt, and sugar; and high in whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids.
Maintain your weight.
Do regular exercise. (Workout at moderate intensity for half an hour a day, 5 days a week).
Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and other medical conditions.
Don’t take excess stress. (Try meditating, getting enough sleep, and spending time with people you love).

By just making these lifestyle changes, one can reduce the risk of cardiac failure by more than 80%.

What are the complications after a heart attack?

Depending on the severity and other medical factors, people can experience these complications after recovering from a heart attack.

Depression: This is one of the most common complications. Spending time with loved ones and engaging with their favourite activities can help minimise the issue.
Oedema: Fluid amasses and causes puffiness in the legs and ankles.
Arrhythmia: The heart pumps erratically, either too slow or too fast.
Angina: Inadequate oxygen reaches the heart and causes chest discomfort.
Aneurysm: Scar tissue accumulates on the affected heart wall, causing stretching and thinning of the heart muscle, developing a sac. It can lead to blood clots.
Myocardial Rupture: Due to damage done by a heart attack, Myocardial Rupture (a tear) occurs in a part of the heart.
Heart Failure: The heart stops beating effectively, leading to difficulty breathing, fatigue and oedema.

Some lifestyle changes, medical monitoring, ongoing treatment and self-care can help reduce the risks of these complications.

What should we do to steer away from a heart attack danger?

Undergo regular glucose tests and a complete lipid profile every five years after 20 and then yearly after 40. Also, make heart health screening a yearly occurrence. If the tests result show abnormal reading, start following the below steps immediately to avoid the risk.

Seek dietary help. Manage the level of salt, sugar, salt and fat in the daily diets. Excessive consumption of sugar and saturated fat leads to obesity and increased bad cholesterol. And consuming excess salt can lead to increased stress and hypertension, which causes heart damage. Seek expert tips to bring some lifestyle changes like doing exercising, quitting smoking and developing healthy habits.

It is never too late to start taking care of your heart.

Outlook:

A heart attack can be life-threatening if not treated on time. Hence, taking immediate medical attention is highly advisable. Key warnings include severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Thus, if you ever suspect a cardiac failure, call 911 immediately and perform CPR until help arrives. With prompt action, there is often a higher chance of survival.

Heart attack is preventable. Take care of your heart to avoid the risk.

Note: The information mentioned in this post is purely research-based (info taken from trusted medical and government sites.) Our aim is to just aware people of their heart health and take essential steps needed to promote a healthy heart. Readers are advised to consult their health care provider first before taking any significant steps mentioned in this heart care guide.

Lifestyle, Self Care

How To Choose A Good Quality Face Mask?

November 3, 2021 Manjari Leave a comment

COVID-19 has made it almost impossible for people to step out without wearing a face mask. The face mask has become a new normal in the current phenomenon. A face mask safeguards the people from the double danger of COVID-19 and air pollution. Doctors have also confirmed that air pollution is accountable for a high rise in COVID-19 cases. Dry cough, stifled throat, headache, and watery eyes are some of the common symptoms of the novel coronavirus. And people often experience these contaminated symptoms due to bad air quality.

Hence, wearing a face mask is the first and foremost precaution you can take to stay protected from the double danger of COVID-19 and airborne infections.

How to buy the best face mask?

Buying a good quality face mask isn’t easy at all, specifically when every other brand makes it and claims to offer the best protection against the global pandemic. Don’t get trapped in the gimmick of any mask maker. Instead, follow these simple tips to buy the best mask for you and your family.

Multi-layered Masks:

Make sure the mask you wear contains multiple layers of fabric. According to medical experts, layered face masks offer better protection against air pollution and COVID-19. A multi-layered face mask filters out the virus, bacteria, germs, pollutants, and other dust particles more effectively than one without layers.

Leak-proof Masks:

Another vital consideration is to make sure that the mask you wear is leak-proof. If it is not leak-proof and allows air to escape while breathing, the protective efficiency of the mask is at high risk. A leak-proof face mask with a proper fit is highly useful in keeping fumes, pollutants, dust particles, germs, and other airborne illnesses away from you.

Proper and Comfortable Fit:

Go for ear loops! Earloops with silicon sliders are one of the most important considerations while buying a face mask. Mask with ear loops is more convenient and quicker to use than the other available options. Also, the attached silicon sliders allow the users to adjust the ear loops to make the mask fit even more firmly and comfortably.

Easy Breathing Efficiency:

Since masks are meant to wear when going outside, it is integral to ensure that the mask you wear comes with low respiratory resistance and does not cause breathing difficulty. It will not only offer you a comfortable fit but also allow you to wear the mask for a longer period whilst keeping you calm and cosy.

Certification Standards:

While the certification standards for a face mask significantly vary from pole to pole, European Union FFP2 and Chinese KN95 standards are two of the most widely accepted certifications. Both these certifications assure the users get a higher degree of filtration efficiency and protection against COVID-19.

Do Surgical Masks Protect Against Pollution?

All surgical masks are not made equal; most of them fail to filter out small PM 2.5 (particulate matter). However, a high-grade mask can protect against pollution and viruses (up to 80-90%). So, choose your masks carefully to get the utmost protection against pollution and viruses.

Bonus Tips:

Surgical masks get grubby after a couple of hours. Change your face masks after every 5-6 hours. Don’t prolong their use.
Give a good wash to reusable/cloth masks and allow them to dry in the sunlight.
Throw your used mask in a closed bin.

The Takeaway:

Keep the above-listed considerations in mind the next time you buy a face mask to stay protected against COVID-19, airborne ailments, and particle pollution.