To save life and the planet, it is important to follow an eco-friendly lifestyle. This will not only elongate your life span but also helps in sustainable development. Breathing in better air, living in a cleaner atmosphere, eating better food, drinking purer water - all ensure a healthier body. Moreover, the improved aesthetics of a clean environment has positive psychological effects on your brain! protecting your environment is of utmost importance in ensuring your good health. Following are the key health benefits of having an eco-friendly lifestyle,


	
	An eco-friendly human would automatically engage in more physical activity, as they d attempt to choose walking or cycling over driving or using public transports whenever possible. Increased physical activity is directly correlated to one s health and fitness.
	
	
	An eco-friendly lifestyle entails the consumption of more organic food which allows more nutrition and fewer pesticides or chemicals to enter your body. Hence, one becomes less exposed to carcinogenic compounds and other diseases causing or immunity hampering chemicals. Moreover, when one is producing their own vegetables, they end up consuming more seasonal items, which ensures a better diet.
	
	
	City air has multiple pollutants even in the absence of smog that can cause diseases. Fresh or pure air not only contains more oxygen but also lacks harmful pollutants and microparticles that adversely affect one s health. Hence, an environment-friendly lifestyle allows one to improve the quality of the air they breathe and thus, avoid life-threatening diseases. We can do this by replacing our regular vehicles with eco-friendly ones. Also, try carpooling to reduce the emission of pollutants.
	
	
	Cholera, diarrhea, typhoid are just a few waterborne diseases that are transmitted via unclean drinking water. Hence, an improved environment ensures the supply of cleaner water, allowing one to consume its minerals while avoiding its pollutants.
	


Protecting the environment by adopting eco-friendly habits not only improves our own health but also helps us ensure the healthy life for our future generation!

 

Ways To Make Your Lifestyle Eco-friendly

Blood donation is a process that is carried out when a person voluntarily offers for blood to be extracted from his body. There are countless myths about blood donation that need to be squashed and awareness is the only way of doing it.

While blood donation brings multiple health benefits to both the donor and recipient, some facts are known to only a few. These facts will not only open doors to endless possibilities, but will make people feel confident about it.

Facts

Here are some lesser-known facts about blood donation- every person should know-

 


	
	Approximately 112.5 million units of blood are collected from blood donation globally.
	
	
	Around 30 million units are transfused annually.
	
	
	Any person in sound health, at least 18 years old, and weighing at least 45 kilograms can donate blood every 56 days.
	
	
	Your one unit of donated blood can save up to 3 lives.
	
	
	A, b, ab, and o are the primary blood groups. While ab is a universal recipient, o negative is a universal donor.
	
	
	The blood donation process normally takes less than 10-12 minutes.
	
	
	Donating blood does not make you physically weak or decrease your strength.
	
	
	Only 1% of india's population donates blood each year, leading to an annual deficit of two million units.
	
	
	All donated blood units are tested for diseases like hepatitis b, hepatitis c, hiv, and syphilis before transfusion.
	
	
	Red cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelets are the various types of transfusable elements derived from the blood. The procedure takes place using a method called apheresis.
	
	
	Red blood cells carry oxygen to the organs.
	
	
	Red blood cells survive for about four months in the system of circulation.
	
	
	Platelets encourage blood clotting and provide leukemia patients and other cancer patients with better treatment.
	
	
	Plasma is a pale yellow combination of proteins, salts, and water.
	
	
	Plasma is 55 percent of the volume of blood and 90 percent water.
	
	
	White cells are the chief defense of the body against infections.
	
	
	There is no alternative for blood donation as blood cannot be manufactured.
	
	
	You cannot contract aids or other infectious diseases due to blood donation.
	


Lesser Known Facts About Blood Donation

Potassium is one of the seven essential macrominerals found in a variety of foods, including legumes, fish, and leafy vegetables. The mineral plays a vital role in various body functions, such as regulating water balance, heart functioning, and muscle contractions.

Potassium deficiency can lead to weakness, ;fatigue, and constipation. It is therefore important that you include potassium-rich foods in your daily ;diet.

However, keep in mind that taking in more than the required amount of potassium can do more harm than good to your body.

How much should you take in and why?

As per the world health organization, the recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is between 3500mg and 4700mg, as it is safe to consume. When taken in recommended measures, a potassium-rich diet can have some impressive benefits on your overall health. It may reduce or prevent a host of health problems.


	
	Lower high blood pressure
	
	
	Helps eliminate salt insensitivity
	
	
	Reduces your chances of getting a ;stroke by 7%
	
	
	Helps prevent osteoporosis and minimizes the risk of bone fractures
	
	
	Alleviates the risk of ;kidney stones
	


Natural foods are the best source of this mineral. However, you may also turn to supplements, as per your healthcare provider s recommendation.

How much is too much?

Despite its health benefits, potassium should be consumed within the prescribed limit. Going overboard can cause excess potassium to be stored in your blood, and your kidneys may not be able to filter the excess amount   this condition could possibly lead to hyperkalemia. If your potassium levels are between 5.1mmol/l and 6.0mmol/l, you might be at risk of hyperkalemia. Higher than 6.0mmol/l level is considered dangerous   you will need to monitor and manage the condition in order to avoid the risk.

Potassium is essential for bodily functions. A healthy diet and overall eating patterns are important for maintaining good health and keeping illnesses at bay. Be sure to meet your recommended daily intake and avoid exceeding 4700mg of potassium daily. If you are looking to include supplements, talk to your doctor and make sure you stick to the prescribed dosage.

How Safe Is Potassium For Your Health?

When abnormal cells grow inside the brain and are in the form of a mass the condition is called a brain tumour. There are various types of brain tumours that exist. Some of the brain tumours which exist are malignant or cancerous while other may be non-cancerous. A brain tumour can begin in any part of the brain and spread to other parts of the body or vice-versa. The growth rate of brain tumours is different for each individual suffering from it. As per studies, every 2 in 1, 00, 000 people are said to be affected by a brain tumour in india. However, it may come as a relief to some as not all brain tumours are cancerous or life-threatening. Some are benign tumours and seldom pose any threat to the affected individual.

 

Types of brain tumor

Brain tumours may be primary or secondary.

Primary brain tumour

In this type of brain tumour, the abnormal mass of cells that originated in the brain does not metastasize to the other organs. Based on their location in the brain, the primary brain tumours may be of the following types.


	
	Gliomas: one of the most common types of primary brain tumours, gliomas can have their origin in the spinal cord or the brain. Some of the common types of gliomas include astrocytomas (originates in the cerebrum of the brain), glioblastomas (these tumours form from the astrocytes which form the supportive tissues of the brain), ependymoma (these develop from the ependymal cells which are present within the cns), oligodendrogliomas (these tumours are found to arise from the oligodendrocytes).
	
	
	Schwannomas: also called acoustic neuromas, these primary brain tumours form on the nerves that play an important role in regulating the balance and hearing from the inner ear to the brain.
	
	
	Meningiomas: these types of tumours are usually benign and have their origin in the meninges (membranes surrounding the spinal cord and the brain).
	
	
	Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (pnets): primitive neuroectodermal tumours (pnets) are rare malignant tumours that originate from the fetal (embryonic) cells in the brain.
	
	
	Pituitary adenomas: as the name suggests, these tumours arise from the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.
	
	
	Medulloblastomas: common among children, these malignant primary tumours develop in the brain (lower back) and gradually spread via the spinal fluid.
	


Other types of primary brain tumours include craniopharyngiomas and germ cell tumours.

Secondary brain tumours ;

Unlike the primary brain tumours, these tumours have their origin in the other body parts and organs (mostly in the lungs, skin, colon, breast, and kidney) and then gradually metastasize to the brain. Secondary brain tumours are found to be more common.

 

What Are The Different Types Of Brain Tumours?

Hepatitis- related to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It occurs mainly due to infection caused by viruses but there are other possible causes as well. Hepatitis can be temporary or viral. Temporary hepatitis, which is acute in nature, gets resolved on its own. Viral hepatitis can be of five types, a, b, c, d, and e.

Symptoms of hepatitis

Hepatitis, in its initial phase, is called the acute phase. The following symptoms along with mild flu are visible:

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Joint pains
Pain in the abdomen
Nausea
Weight loss
Jaundice
Though this phase is not really dangerous for some patients, it can result in liver failure leading to death.

How is hepatitis diagnosed?

Physical examination
Laboratory tests
Imaging tests


Treatment for hepatitis

Treatment options for different types of hepatitis are:

Hepatitis a: this doesn t require treatment as it is short-term in nature. In case the symptoms cause a lot of discomforts, then bed rest is recommended. The vaccine is available to prevent this infection.

Hepatitis b: acute hepatitis b doesn t require treatment either. Its chronic form can be treated with antiviral medications. This can be prevented with vaccination.

Hepatitis c: this type of hepatitis, both in its acute and chronic forms, is treated through antiviral medications.

Hepatitis d: according to a study in 2013, a drug known as alpha interferon is used to treat this type of hepatitis. Unfortunately, this only comes to the rescue of 25-30% of people.

Hepatitis e: this acute form of hepatitis gets resolved on its own. Adequate rest, drinking a sufficient amount of water, and taking enough nutrients in their food are some of the ways to get healed from this disease.


 

Hepatitis: Signs, Diagnosis, And Treatment

The most common forms of diabetes ;are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1, your immune system damages the cells inside the pancreas that produce insulin. Therefore, the pancreas are unable to produce an adequate amount of insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, your body does not respond properly to the insulin produced by the pancreas. As a result, your body will have a difficult time removing sugar ;from the blood. The cells may stop insulin production over time that may lead to insulin deficiency. However, there are other forms of diabetes that are lesser-known but can affect you just as bad.

Types of diabetes beyond type 1 and type 2

Gestational diabetes

In gestation diabetes, a condition that affects pregnant women, the blood sugar levels increase to an extent that may hamper the health of the mother and the child.

Symptoms

Usually, there are no symptoms as such. If diabetes worsens, women may observe symptoms such as -


	
	A need to pee more frequently
	
	
	Excessive thirst and hunger
	
	
	Dryness in the mouth
	


Lada (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults)

It is sometimes referred to as type 1.5 diabetes. Here, your immune system kills the insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. As this condition takes a longer period to develop, you may not need insulin for many months after you have been diagnosed.

Symptoms

You may observe the following symptoms  


	
	Dryness and itchiness
	
	
	Tingling sensation in feet or hands
	
	
	Blurry vision
	
	
	Frequent urination
	


Mody (maturity-onset diabetes of the young)

This condition is observed during adolescence. Here, genetic mutations limit the pancreas from making insulin. So, due to insufficient insulin, your blood sugar level goes up. If any of your parents have mody, you are likely to have the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include  


	
	Yeast and ;skin infections
	
	
	Frequent urination
	
	
	An urge to pee more often
	


Treatment

Primary care for these other forms of diabetes follows the usual course of treatment as with type 1 and type 2.


	
	Diabetic medications
	
	
	Insulin shots or injections
	
	
	Dietary changes
	


The doctor may instruct you to monitor your blood sugar levels frequently to keep it under control. This will be accompanied by a diet ;consisting of adequate calories, but avoid fatty foods, excess sugar and carbohydrates. Mild exercise is also recommended.

The best way to prevent these conditions is to visit your doctor frequently and follow the treatment plan. Do not keep your diabetes untreated.

A Sneak Peek Beyond Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

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