ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

Push-ups are a timeless workout, efficiently engaging various muscle clusters, particularly the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Since you don’t use specialised equipment for push-ups, you can go for them virtually anywhere. Hence they are very popular among those aiming to amplify upper body potency and general well-being.

Yet, the query of an ideal daily count for push-ups remains unanswered. The perfect count hinges on personal fitness tiers, aspirations, and other factors. This piece explores the answer to your question: how many pushups should I do a day?

What Do Push-Ups Do to the Body?

Push-ups, while mainly engaging your upper body, are ideal for strengthening the core, shoulders, arms, chest, and back. Primarily, they target the pectoral muscles located in the chest, triceps in the upper arms, and deltoids in the shoulders. Maintaining proper form is paramount when performing pushups. First, assume a plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Engaging your core muscles, maintaining a straight body alignment, and lowering yourself until your chest is near the ground before pushing back up is crucial. Avoid sagging hips or arching your back to prevent strain on your body.

How Many Push-Ups Should You Do Per Day?

The number of pushups you should aim for daily depends on your fitness objectives.

• For beginners, it is crucial to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity. Begin with a manageable number of pushups and incrementally add more over time. A reasonable starting point could be 5 to 6 push-ups performed in 2 sets daily, with a one-minute rest between the sets. These need to be performed in proper form to avoid strain or injury.
• Individuals who have reached intermediate and advanced levels might set more ambitious goals. The range can vary between 50 and 100 pushups per day, split into multiple sets. You may distribute the sets across the day to avoid fatigue and enhance recovery.
• Keep in mind that prioritising quality over quantity is crucial. Concentrate on executing every push-up properly, as an improper technique may result in muscle imbalances and potential harm.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced person, gradual progression is key. When you push yourself too hard early, you risk muscle strain or burnout. Instead, gradually increase the number of daily push-ups, allowing your muscles and joints to adapt and strengthen over time.

What Are the Benefits of Push-Ups?

Including push-ups in your exercise routine has several benefits-

• Improved Upper Body Strength:

  Push-ups effectively strengthen the chest, shoulders, and triceps, contributing to better performance in daily activities and other exercises.
  
  

• Enhanced Core Stability:

  Engaging the core muscles during push-ups promotes better posture and balance, reducing the risk of back injuries.
  
  

• Increased Bone Density:

  As a weight-bearing exercise, push-ups help build bone density, which is particularly beneficial in preventing osteoporosis.
  
  

• Cardiovascular Health:

  Regular physical activity, including push-ups, can improve heart health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
  
  

• Convenience and Accessibility:

  Push-ups require no equipment and can be performed anywhere, making them an accessible option for maintaining fitness.
  
  

Conclusion

Remember that muscles require adequate rest and recovery after exercise. Distribute your pushup sets throughout the day and incorporate rest days into your routine. Adding variety to your push-up routine is beneficial. While standard push-ups are effective, incorporating variations can target different muscle groups and prevent monotony.

If you encounter pain or discomfort during pushups, pay attention to your body’s signals and modify your routine accordingly. Don’t overlook the significance of proper nutrition and hydration. These elements play a vital role in muscle recovery and overall fitness. And remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes ensuring you have proper medical insurancecoverage for any unexpected injuries or health concerns.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

Typically, a health plan will offer coverage against several diseases, medical expenses incurred during sudden hospitalisation, reimbursement of hospital bills and other related medical costs.

It is also essential to buy health care policy in India from a reliable and well-known insurance provider. The goodwill of the company will impact the acceptability of your insurance policy across different health care centres. You must also compare health insurance policy offered by private and public sector domains so that you do not miss out on a policy which is within your budget with adequate coverage.

Several health insurance providers allow the insured to customise their insurance plan with add-on covers which will enhance the overall coverage. Not only that, some insurance providers offer the option of structuring the premium as per your convenience. Apart from these factors like entry age, co-payments and deductibles (if any) must be borne in mind when going through different insurance policies on health.

ICICI Lombard offers several health insurance covers which are designed to match the needs of different customers. With the gamut of options made available by such a reliable insurance provider, it becomes extremely easy to compare health insurance policy of your choice with several others and select one which perfectly suits both, your budget and needs. To do this, you can meet with the insurance agent, get quotes and select the policy or simply log in to the company’s website and read through several health insurance plans available. The online mode of research is extremely hassle-free as you have the ease of searching for your health insurance policy at your convenience.

The pursuit of a toned and flat stomach frequently leads people to explore diverse exercises that promise to target stubborn stomach fat.

Planking, a famous isometric exercise, is popular for its promise to sculpt a leaner middle. In this article, we delve into the query: Can planking reduce belly fat?

Understanding the plank

One of the most effective and healthy workouts is the plank. A plank strengthens your body’s core by allowing you to use several muscles at once. Planks enhance posture, increase flexibility and tighten your stomach.

Steps to do a plank

• Place your forearms on the ground in a push-up position.
• Make sure that your elbows are steady, right below your shoulders.
• Hold an upright posture using the middle section of your body.
• As you hold the posture, pay attention to your breathing.
• Make an effort to hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Now kneel down to complete the plank.

Mistakes to avoid while doing planks

Let’s look at the errors you must avoid when carrying out this exercise regimen.

1. Avoid bending or arching your back

• Your shoulder, back and butt must all be in a straight line.
• As you lay down, your lower torso must remain straight, and your toes ought to remain tucked within.
• You should not lean ahead or elevate your head.

2. Avoid pulling your stomach down

• Lowering your stomach while preserving the plank posture may not work because planks aim to tone the belly.
• As an end result, make sure your shoulders and butt are in alignment and that your belly is up.

3. Don’t attempt to hold for a longer duration

If you maintain the plank posture for more than 30 or 60 seconds, you risk losing concentration on your abdominal muscles. You will succeed if you keep the plank position for no more than 30 seconds while maintaining proper form.

There remains a sense of ambiguity surrounding the question, “can pull-ups increase height?” To be clear, engaging in pull-ups does not directly lead to a growth in stature. However, this exercise aids greatly in refining your posture and creating the illusory effect of increased height.

Correct posture relies primarily on robust core muscles and a resilient back that helps keep your spinal column correctly aligned. By fortifying upper body muscles such as arms, back, chest and abs through consistent and appropriate exercises, you can attain an upright posture that gives off an impression of a taller physical stature along with improved balance.

Can pull-ups increase height?

Regularly incorporating pull-ups into your exercise routine holds the potential to enhance the secretion and availability of growth hormones, which could plausibly influence your stature.

Nonetheless, it is imperative to approach this exercise prudently and refrain from putting excessive strain on your physique or unwarranted muscle reinforcement. Employing caution will avert injuries and hindrances in accomplishing your height-related aims.

Performing pull-ups correctly and consistently is important if you want to experience this exercise’s benefits.

The perfect way to do pull-ups

It’s crucial to start with the correct posture to get the most out of your pull-ups. Stand tall beneath the bar, keeping your arms directly above it and your palms facing away from you. Then, jump up to grasp the bar firmly.

The height of the bar should be such that your legs are entirely airborne. Additionally, if you wish to cross one leg over the other, you can do so for the purpose of stabilising your lower body.

Subsequently, gradually lower your elbows while ascending and ensure they point directly down towards the floor. 

Furthermore, it is important to avoid any swinging motion and maintain upright alignment both upward and downward during bar gripping. When reaching the top, you can pause briefly before descending smoothly without jerking.

The right number of pull-ups

Wondering how many pull-ups you need to do daily? You can start with 3-5 pull-ups if you’re a beginner, and go up to 25 pull-ups, 2 to 3 times a week.

Conclusion

Incorporating pull-ups into your weekly strength training routine can be challenging, but it is an exercise that effectively strengthens your upper body and improves fitness in general. Despite its difficulty, the benefits make it worth considering. Even if you are a beginner with pull-ups, simply hanging from the bar or engaging in assisted variations can still contribute to strengthening your muscles.

The pike push-up, a delightful twist to the classic push-up, promises to challenge your upper body in fascinating ways. If you want a powerful exercise that targets your shoulders and challenges your core stability, then learning how to do a pike push-up is your ticket to fitness innovation. Get ready to embrace a new perspective on push-ups as we delve into the steps of how to do a proper pike push-up.

Steps to do a pike push-up

Mastering a pike push-up involves precise movements that target your upper body strength and shoulder muscles. Let’s look at how to do a pike push-up step by step.

Warm-up

Always warm your body up before exercising, including a pike push-up. A few minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretches can help prevent injury.

Start with the right pose

Assume a high plank position, forming a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core muscles; avoid arching or rounding your back.

Create the pike shape

Keep your hands straight and at a width equal to your shoulders. Your fingers should be pointing forward, aligning with your shoulders. Elevate your hips and back towards the ceiling, creating an inverted V shape with your body. Your head should be between your arms.

Lowering phase

As you bend your elbows, bring your upper body closer to the ground. Your head should move towards the floor between your palms, threading through your arms.

Elevate with power

Push your body back up slowly to ascend to the pike (inverted V) position.

Repeat with control

Do the pike push-up steadily, focusing on maintaining your form and raising your body up and down.

Sync your breathing

Inhale as you lower yourself towards the ground; exhale as you elevate back to the pike pose.

Gradual progress

If the pike push-up seems confusing, start with a simpler version against a wall instead of the floor. Work your way towards the full movement as you gain strength and confidence.

You can consider more challenging forms of pike push-ups if your fitness level allows you to do so. For instance, you can try out the diamond push-up (holding your thumbs and fingers in a diamond shape while doing a push-up), if you’ve already become a pro with the initial stage. But remember to consult a fitness trainer before starting with more challenging versions. Additionally, remember to have health insurance against any accidents or mishaps that might occurs during your exercise. 

Conclusion

Now that you know how to do a proper pike push-up with ease, you can think of variations. This exercise might appear puzzling at first, but with these steps, you can master the technique. Embrace the challenge, add it to your fitness routine, and watch your upper body strength and stability soar. Remember, fitness is a journey filled with intriguing twists and turns, and the pike push-up is a great way to increase your strength. Get ready to push yourself and elevate your upper body workout routine with this intriguing version of the classic push-up.

Most salaried employees who are covered by their employer's group health insurance schemes put off buying personal health covers till they are close to retirement. Some may buy it only after retirement. But it makes sense to buy an individual policy, or at least a top-up even while you continue to enjoy your employer-provided schemes. This is because of the waiting periods which do not allow you to claim immediately after buying the policy. In group policies, there is typically no waiting period.

Most policies have a 30-90 days waiting period, during which you will not be able to claim any hospitalisation expense, except in case of accidents. This is to ensure that the buyer does not purchase the policy immediately after he or she is diagnosed with an illness and then try to claim the money for the treatment.

Then there is a waiting period for specific ailments like cataract, stones (kidney or urinary tract stones), arthritis, hysterectomy, hip or knee replacements and so on. The waiting period in these ailments vary from one to two years. Most companies have a list of 10-20 such ailments. Some companies may have a longer waiting period for those above 60 years.

There is also a personal waiting period which would include ailments like diabetes or high blood pressure, which are discovered at the time of the medical check-up while buying the policy. This waiting period, too, is typically for two years.
Then there is a waiting period for pre-existing diseases which may not get disclosed during the medical check-up. This can be up to four years, which is the maximum limit prescribed by IRDAI.

"Medical check-up is restricted and there could be conditions may not get detected. So, at the time of hospitalisation if the doctor says that the particular condition was pre-existing then it may not get covered," says Divya Gandhi, head-general insurance and principal officer, Emkay Insurance Brokers.

"Cashless hospitalisation" is one such benefit. It enables the person insured to get admitted to a hospital directly without any hassles pertaining to arranging money. The medical health insurance company takes care of the bills.

There have been significant developments in the field of healthcare in our nation in the past few decades. The number of hospitals, clinics, doctors has increased. There have been technological advancements, medicinal researches and many more changes that have made the healthcare facilities better and more accessible to the population. The health insurance industry is closely tied with healthcare facilities. Naturally, changes and advancements in one field would spill over to the other. Health insurance companies are always on the lookout for changes they can make or new benefits they can introduce to make the stressful time of illness a little bit easier for their policyholders.

"Cashless hospitalisation" is one such benefit that the insurance companies have started offering. There are multitudes of health insurance companies and it is partly out of competition and partly out of a need to simplify the claim process, that this benefit has been introduced. With this benefit, when the need arises, a policy holder can get hospitalised and receive treatment right away, without worrying about the money. The medical health insurance company will take care of all the bills and any payments directly.

The policy holder needs to only worry about two things. Firstly, he needs to check whether or not the hospital that he is going to is on the panel of the company that he is insured with. Secondly, he has to get the approval of the "third party administrator". Once, he has done these two things he can go to whichever hospital he prefers, get hospitalised and receive proper treatment. This way the patient focuses on getting well while the insurance company worries about the financial aspect.

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills, ultimately affecting even the simplest of everyday tasks. It causes difficulty with communication, understanding and learning new things; sufferers may also experience confusion or mood swings. Alzheimer’s symptoms can be light at first but become increasingly severe over time - early interventions are critical to managing them effectively and slowing their progress. In this blog post, we'll explore Alzheimer's disease symptoms in more detail so you can understand what your loved one might experience as they progress through their diagnosis. This will also help you plan your health insurance coverage against this and similar illnesses.

What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's?

Signs of Alzheimer’s often include:

Memory loss:

A person may have difficulty remembering information, which can lead to:

• Increased confusion and memory loss
• Inability to keep new things in mind.
• A person starts withdrawing from social gatherings and activities.
• Difficulty organizing thoughts and thinking abilities
• Forgetting about events or appointments
• Wandering or getting lost
• Changes in sleeping pattern
• Hallucination
• Impulsive behaviour and emotional outbursts
• Repetition of statements.

Cognitive deficits:

A person may experience difficulty in performing complex tasks like:

• A person has a reduced understanding of safety and risks
• A person faces difficulty with money or paying bills
• Difficulty making decisions
• Difficulty in doing multi-step procedure

Problems with recognition

An individual may become unable to recognize faces or objects or be less able to use simple tools because of impairment in the working of brain cells. 

Problems with spatial awareness

A person may have difficulty with their balance, trip over, orientation or spill things more often because their brain cells are not able to concentrate properly.

Problems with speaking, reading, or writing

A person may develop difficulty in speaking properly, and his thinking capacity also reduces with age, and they even face difficulty with the use of common words.

Personality or behaviour changes

A person may experience changes in personality and behaviour that involve a sudden burst of anger, compulsive, obsessive words, worry more often than before and inappropriate social behaviour.

Conclusion

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can have a major impact on their physical, emotional and mental health. Knowing Alzheimer’s disease symptoms can help in the early detection of this condition. It is advisable to see a healthcare provider if a person is experiencing issues with memory and thinking abilities so that they can address the issue and guide their family member on how to deal with such cases and conditions for the well-being of the patient.

Blood clots are a serious condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A blood clot is a mass of blood cells that forms when platelets, proteins, and cells in the blood stick together in blood vessels. They can form anywhere in the body, most commonly in the veins or arteries, and can have potentially life-threatening complications if not addressed immediately. Knowing the causes of blood clots is hugely important for addressing clotting problems before they become severe medical emergencies. In this article, we’ll explore some of the leading reasons why these dangerous health issues may arise.

How are Blood Clots Caused?

When a blood clot is formed inside one of the veins or arteries, it is called a thrombus. When a thrombus breaks loose and travels from one location in the body to another, it is called an embolus, which can partially or totally block the flow of blood in a blood vessel. If there is a blockage in the vein, then it often causes fluid buildup and swelling. A blood clot is more likely to form in the following situations:

• Long-term bed rest where there is little to no body movement
• Sitting for long periods in the same place
• Post-pregnancy
• Excessive use of birth control pills or estrogen hormone-related medicines
• Long-term use of an intravenous catheter
• After surgery
• People with conditions like cancer, obesity, and liver or kidney disease are at risk of developing blood clots.
• Smoking is also one of the major causes that increase the risk of forming blood clots.
• Blot clotting increases when conditions are inherited in the family history that is more likely to form an abnormal blood clot. 

Conclusion

Blood clots can happen anytime and anywhere, to anyone. Knowing the potential causes of blood clots can help you become more vigilant in protecting yourself from dangerous scenarios. While lifestyle changes such as getting regular physical exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and quitting smoking may aid in reducing the risk of forming a blood clot; there are no guarantees. It is important to be aware of the causes of a blood clot and seek medical attention if any abnormalities present themselves. 

Chronic constipation is a common condition where infrequent bowel movements or strained passage of stools persist for several weeks or longer, due to which a person is unable to empty the bowel. Constipation can affect individuals of all ages and can also cause the stools to be hard and lumpy, as well as unusually large or small, which varies from person to person. If a person has chronic constipation, it can cause chronic pain and discomfort and even affect quality of life. Key features that define constipation include dry and hard stool, painful bowel movements and having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Let us look at some of the causes of constipation:

How is Constipation Caused?

A person is said to be constipated when they pass waste or stool too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot empty the bowel from the rectum properly due to hard and dry stool. There are many reasons for constipation, including:

Blockages in the colon or rectum

Chronic constipation can block the colon or rectum due to slow stool movement, which can cause problems like:

• Small tears in the skin surrounding the anus cause a condition; anal fissure
• Bowel obstruction due to blockage in the intestine.
• Colon cancer
• Narrowing of the colon
• Rectal cancer
• Rectocele, where the rectum bulges through the back wall of the vagina
• Narrowing of nerves around the colon and rectum

Chronic constipation can cause some neurological problems, which can affect the nerves and muscles present in the colon and rectum to contract resulting in moving stool away slowly through the intestines. This condition can cause:

• Autonomic neuropathy in which nerves that control bodily functions get damaged
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke

Difficulty with the muscles involved in elimination

In some cases, the pelvic muscles involved in bowel movements may result in chronic constipation due to some impairment in the muscles. These problems may include:

• Anismus is the condition where pelvic muscles are not relaxed to allow for a bowel movement
• Dyssynergia- It is the condition that occurs when the pelvic muscles don't coordinate relaxation and contraction correctly.
• In the case of weak pelvic muscles.

Conditions that affect hormones in the body

Whenever there is a hormonal imbalance in the body due to certain conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy or hypothyroidism, it can lead to constipation.

Other factors that may increase the risk of chronic constipation include:

• If a person is above the age of 50 years
• In the case of pregnant women, due to hormonal imbalance
• Being dehydrated
• When a person is not eating a diet that's rich in fibre
• In case of zero physical activity involvement in routine life
• Taking certain medications like some anti-depressants, medicines related to blood pressure, or painkillers
• If a person is facing some mental health condition like depression

Conclusion

Constipation is a very common problem worldwide that affects a patient’s daily life. There are several preventable ways to minimize the risk factors like changing food habit and personal habits like caffeine abuse, medication etc. that causes constipation. Understanding the causes of constipation and taking care of these factors can play an important role in minimizing their effects, which in turn minimizes the socioeconomic burden of constipation significantly. Apart from this, early diagnosis and seeking medical attention to manage the other existing factors are important to give relief to the patient from undue physical and psychological stress.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most serious and important health concerns in both developed and developing countries. This article will look to explore some of the possible sources that could be contributing to this prevalent illness in order to better equip individuals with knowledge about how best to approach their own personal health. We’ll discuss topics such as genetics, lifestyle choices, medications, hormones and more. So whether you have recently been diagnosed or know someone who has been affected by this condition, keep reading for an informative breakdown of some potential causes of type 2 diabetes! Additionally, check with your health insurance provider for diabetes specific coverage. 

How is Type 2 Diabetes Caused?

Before we dive into what causes type 2 diabetes, let us first understand the role of glucose in the body.

• The main sources of glucose are food and the liver
• Insulin aids in transporting glucose into cells via the bloodstream
• The liver acts as the main glucose storage and production centre
• On low glucose levels, the liver converts stored glycogen into glucose to maintain balance
• In type 2 diabetes, sugar accumulates in the blood instead of entering cells
• Rising blood sugar prompts the pancreas to release more insulin
• As time passes, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas deteriorate, leading to insufficient insulin production.

The root causes of type 2 diabetes arise from problems with insulin production or utilisation in the body. This leads to an alarming inability to regulate blood sugar levels, causing them to skyrocket. The two causes of type 2 diabetes are:

1. Insulin resistance: Cells in muscle, fat, and the liver resist insulin, leading to inadequate sugar absorption.
2. Insufficient insulin production: The pancreas is unable to create sufficient amounts of insulin in the body to regulate blood glucose levels effectively.

Listed below are the main risk factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes:

1. Weight: Being obese or overweight is one of the most common reasons for developing diabetes. It is important to maintain a healthy weight by following a nutritious, low-fat diet and exercising regularly.
2. Fat distribution: Storing excess fat in the abdomen raises the risk even further.
3. Inactivity/Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity increases the risk significantly. It is important to exercise regularly, with the goal of performing aerobic exercises for at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week.
4. Family history: Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes increases your own risk of developing this disease.
5. Blood lipid levels: Low levels of "good" cholesterol and elevated levels of triglycerides are linked to increased risk. Choose foods that are low-fat and avoid foods that are loaded with salt, including processed and deep-fried foods.
6. Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes rises with age, especially after 35.
7. Prediabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can progress to type 2 diabetes if untreated.
8. Pregnancy-related risks: Having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a large baby increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after delivery.
9. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder raises the risk due to its associated symptoms.

By understanding these risk factors of type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to regulate your blood glucose levels and maintain optimal health.

It is also important to know the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, which include:

• Blurred vision
• Persistent fatigue
• Excessive thirst
• Unintentional weight loss
• The presence of fruity breath odour
• Increased urination, especially during nighttime
• Recurring genital itching or persistent thrush
• Delayed healing of cuts, grazes, or bruises

If you or a family member are experiencing any of these symptoms, it could potentially signify the presence of diabetes. In such cases, it is advisable to seek consultation with your local GP. The GP can conduct tests to identify the underlying causes of type 2 diabetes symptoms.

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes disrupts the body's energy conversion process and often arises from issues with insulin regulation. Understanding the causes of type 2 diabetes for timely medical intervention is thus crucial. Notably, the condition is linked to factors like inactivity, obesity, family history, and pre-diabetes. Diabetes symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, excessive thirst, weight loss, and more. Effective diabetes management involves a balanced lifestyle of diet, exercise, and medication, depending on the severity. Regular monitoring, blood pressure, cholesterol control, and screenings are vital for effective type 2 diabetes care.

Do you feel a scratchiness in your throat and pain when swallowing? You may be suffering from strep throat, a contagious infection caused by bacteria. While the main cause of strep is Group A Streptococcus or “GAS” people do not contract it often from another person. That’s right—not all cases of GAS are spread through contact, meaning there are other potential causes of strep throat that can increase your risk. In this article, we will talk about the main causes of strep throat.

How is Strep Throat Caused?

So, what causes strep throat? The bacteria responsible for strep throat is known as Streptococcus pyogenes or group A Streptococcus (GAS). The following are the modes of transmission of this bacterium:

• Strep throat can be easily contracted by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after coming in contact with this bacterium, such as when someone with strep throat coughs or sneezes.
• The lesser-known mode of transmission is through sharing food or a drink with an active strep throat infection.
• Beware of everyday objects like doorknobs or faucets that can harbor group A strep bacteria and potentially lead to you catching strep throat just by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Don't forget about young children who are prone to putting objects in their mouths and can also contract strep throat this way.

The following are factors that increase the risk of acquiring strep throat:

• Close contact with a person who has strep throat puts you at risk.
• Crowded settings like schools, daycare centers, and military facilities increase your chances.
• The age range of 5 to 15 is more susceptible to contracting strep throat.
• Having a school-aged child also raises your risk.
• Adult professionals in close contact with children, such as teachers or healthcare professionals, can be more prone.

Furthermore, did you know most adult cases occur in those under the age of 40? Given that close contact is the primary mode of transmission, it's important to take precautions within your household.

Conclusion

In conclusion, strep throat is a very contagious bacterial infection that can impact individuals of all ages. Contact of the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium with droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze is the main cause of strep throat. It is beneficial to understand the causes of strep throat, practice good hygiene and sanitation methods like frequent hand washing along with avoiding contact with infected persons. Keeping up preventive measure such as these can markedly reduce the likelihood of contracting strep throat and increase everyone’s overall health. Additionally, it is best that you have the apt health insurance coverage for strep throat and other conditions.

Eclampsia is a word that can send shivers down the spine of any expectant mother. This condition is characterised by the development of seizures in pregnant women who previously had a condition known as pre-eclampsia. This rare but potentially life-threatening complication of pregnancy demands attention and awareness. Let's look at the eclampsia signs and symptoms that every pregnant woman should be aware of.

What are the Symptoms of Eclampsia?

There are some clear symptoms of eclampsia. Recognising the symptoms can be a game changer in ensuring a safe pregnancy. Let's explore the key indicators:

1. Severe headaches: One of the major symptoms of eclampsia is an unrelenting severe headache. While headaches during pregnancy are common, a persistent, pounding pain that doesn't subside with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers should raise concern.

2. Difficulty breathing: As Eclampsia progresses, it can lead to breathing difficulties. Shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation should be taken seriously and reported to a doctor promptly.

3. Nausea or vomiting: Experiencing nausea or vomiting in the later stages of pregnancy can be normal but if it becomes frequent, severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, it might be a sign of eclampsia.

4. Trouble urinating or not urinating often: Eclampsia can affect kidney function, leading to a decrease in urine output. If you notice a significant change in your urination pattern especially if it's reduced, consult your doctor.

5. Abdominal pain (especially on the upper right side): Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen can be a sign of liver involvement, a serious complication of eclampsia. If you experience this type of pain, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

6. Blurred vision, seeing double or loss of vision: Visual disturbances are hallmark signs of eclampsia. Blurred vision, seeing double or sudden vision loss can occur, indicating a critical situation.

7. Swelling of the hands, face or ankles:  Swelling, known as oedema is common in pregnancy. However sudden and excessive swelling especially in the hands, face or ankles can be alarming symptoms of eclampsia.

Lymphopenia, a term that might sound unfamiliar, can have a significant impact on your immune system. Lymphopenia is a condition where your body has an abnormally low number of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell vital for your immune system. Let’s take a closer look at its symptoms, shedding light on the crucial warning signs of low lymphocytes you should be aware of.

Symptoms of Lymphopenia

Recognising the symptoms of lymphopenia is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention. Here are the key indicators:

1. Frequent infection such as cold or pneumonia: Lymphocytes play a pivotal role in defending your body against infections. If you find yourself feeling ill with common infections like cold or pneumonia more frequently than usual, it could be a symptom of low lymphocytes.

2. Unusual infections caused by microbe’s fungi or parasites: Lymphopenia weakens your immune system making you suspectable to infections that typically pose no threat to individuals with a healthy immune system.  If you develop infections from unusual microbes, fungi or parasites, it is a clear signal that your immune system needs attention.

3. Long-lasting infection such as tuberculosis: Chronic or long-lasting infections, especially ones like tuberculosis that require a persistent immune response, can be a red flag for lymphopenia. If you have difficulty recovering from infections that should resolve within a reasonable time frame, it's time to consult a doctor.

4. Missing abnormal tonsils: Tonsils, those small structures at the back of a throat are part of your lymphatic system. If you have missing or abnormally developed tonsils, it can be associated with lymphopenia. This is an anatomical clue that should prompt further investigation.

5. Swollen lymph nodes: While swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of various health issues, they can also indicate lymphopenia. If you notice persistent swelling in your lymph nodes, especially in multiple locations, it's wise to consult a doctor.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD for short, is more than just a penchant for cleanliness or tidiness, it's a complex mental health condition that can significantly impact a person's daily life. Let’s explore the symptoms of obessive compulsive disorder helping you better understand this condition.

What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

OCD manifests through a variety of symptoms, and it is important to recognise them to seek proper help and support. Here are some key OCD symptoms:

1. Compulsive behaviour: OCD often involves repetitive, ritualistic behaviours that individuals feel compelled to perform to elevate distressing thoughts. These behaviours include:

• Cleaning and frequent hand washing to prevent contamination.
• Constantly verifying that doors are locked, appliances are turned off or other safety-related concerns.
• Repeatedly counting objects or actions, often without a clear reason.
• Ordering and arranging in a specific way or a compulsion to keep them that way.
• Collecting and refusing to discard items even when they have no practical value.
• Seeking constant reassurance from others often about irrational fears.
• Incessantly repeating words phrases or prayers in one’s mind.
• Trying to counteract obsessive thoughts with other thoughts or actions.

2. Intrusive obsessive thoughts: Individuals with OCD experience persistent unwanted and distressing thoughts or mental images. These thoughts are often irrational and can lead to intense anxiety. Examples include fear of harm coming to loved ones, concern about personal morality or disturbing thoughts about violence.

3. Impairment in daily functioning: OCD symptoms can interfere with a person's stability to carry out everyday tasks, maintain relationships, or pursue their goals. The time and energy spent on compulsions and obsession can be overwhelming.

4. Distress and anxiety: OCD is accompanied by significant emotional distress and anxiety. Individuals with OCD are well aware that their thoughts and behaviour are irrational but they struggle to control them.

Vitiligo is a condition characterised by the loss of skin pigmentation in patches. People with vitiligo often experience physical, mental and emotional struggles brought on by their symptoms, so it’s important to familiarise ourselves with potential causes, treatments, triggers and risk factors for Vitiligo. In this article, we dive into the potential underlying causes of vitiligo, including genetic predisposition and autoimmune disease.

How is Vitiligo Caused?

Vitiligo is a multi-factorial disease and can occur at any age, from childhood to adulthood. Hence, it is best to have the right health insurance coverage at an early age. It is mostly associated with auto-immune disorders like Graves disease/hyperthyroidism. Both genetic and non-genetic environmental factors play a role in the incidence of vitiligo. The major reason is the loss of melanocytes in the affected area that can happen due to various genetic/non-genetic factors. The following factors can be considered for the loss of melanocytes or the occurrence of vitiligo:

• Cytotoxic mechanism: Loss of melanocytes occurs due to certain physical injury, stress, and sunburn, which are the main vitiligo reasons.
• Auto-immune mechanism: Loss of melanocytes occurs due to an alteration in immune response that causes the destruction or dysfunction of melanocytes.
• Genetic mechanism: It is an intrinsic defect in the production of melanocytes. Here, an inherent genetic abnormality can hinder the growth and differentiation of these cells.
• Neural mechanisms: Here, a mediator of the neuronal system can destroy the melanocytes and decrease the production of melanin.
• Oxidant-antioxidant mechanisms: Here, the metabolic product/intermediate of the melanin synthesis system causes the destruction of the melanocyte itself.
• Emotional stress: People who are under deep emotional stress can cause their liver function to be compromised, and this, in turn, can result in weakened immunity as well as progression towards vitiligo, even with a mild trigger.

Conclusion

If you wondering what causes vitiligo to spread, we hope this article has helped. Vitiligo is a non-contagious disease and is not associated with any type of physical discomfort, but it is surely associated with social stigma and causes a person to feel bad about their skin condition. Therapies like laser therapy, phototherapy, and skin grafting surgeries are also available to treat vitiligo. With regular care and a few lifestyle changes, vitiligo can be well managed.   

Lupus nephritis is a kidney condition that is frequently linked to the autoimmune disorder systemic lupus erythematosus. The immune system incorrectly targets healthy kidney tissues in lupus nephritis, resulting in inflammation and damage. If left untreated, this can result in oedema, high blood pressure, and even renal failure. It can also cause the kidneys to be less effective at filtering waste and extra fluid from circulation. In this section, the primary attention is placed on the causes of lupus nephritis, which results from the autoimmune character of SLE, causing kidney involvement and associated functional impairment. For patients with lupus nephritis, early detection and effective therapy are essential to preventing kidney damage and maintaining general health.

How is Lupus Nephritis Caused?

The primary cause of lupus nephritis is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets healthy tissues like the kidneys. Here is how it functions:

1. Immunological Reaction

• SLE triggers a hyperactive immune system which is a major cause of lupus nephritis.
• Various bodily tissues accidentally get attacked by immune system proteins (antibodies).

2. Involvement of the Kidneys

• The kidneys accumulate immune complexes, which are made up of antigens and antibodies.
• As a result, the kidneys become inflamed and suffer tissue damage.

3. Deficient Filtration

• Kidneys become less efficient in removing waste and extra fluid.
• The body begins to accumulate wastes and toxins.

4. Deterioration of Kidney Function

• The functioning of the kidneys may deteriorate over time as a result of persistent injury.
• Kidney failure and high blood pressure are examples of potential consequences.

5. Environmental and Genetic Influences

• Susceptibility may depend in part on genetics.
• Environmental factors can play a role, including illnesses and specific drugs.

Hairy cell leukemia is a rare form of blood cancer that primarily affects B cells, a group of white blood cells essential for the immune system's response. These leukemia cells undergo aberrant changes and, when viewed under a microscope, have a "hairy" appearance, in contrast to healthy B cells. Surprisingly, these cancerous cells avoid the body's normal cell life cycle, accumulating and resulting in uncomfortable symptoms over time. Hairy cell leukemia normally develops slowly, allowing for a wait-and-see strategy before the start of treatment, which usually involves chemotherapy. Medical researchers and specialists have become confused about the root causes of hairy cell leukemia

How is Hairy Cell Leukemia Caused?

The main reason for hairy cell leukemia cause is still unknown, but it is thought that several variables have a role in its occurrence. The following are some of the causes of hairy cell leukemia:

1. Genetic Changes:

• HCL has been linked to mutations in genes, such as the BRAF V600E mutant, which is prevalent in most cases of the disease.
• This mutation, which causes B cells to expand out of control, is believed to be a fundamental cause of hairy cell leukemia.

2. DNA Changes in B Cells:

• Hairy cell leukemia develops when genetic abnormalities alter the DNA of B cells, causing them to proliferate uncontrollably and prevent normal cell death, which aids in the progression of the disease.

3. Bone Marrow and Organ Infiltration:

• The accumulation of those defective B cells in the bone marrow and other organs can cause several symptoms and side effects that are related to hairy cell leukemia.
• Hairy cell leukemia causes the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen to enlarge.

Lupus anticoagulant, despite its name, is not a type of lupus nor does it act as an anti-coagulant in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a complex condition that interferes with the body's blood clotting process, potentially leading to harmful blood clots. This condition does not have visible or easily noticeable signs like other illnesses which makes it more dangerous. This article delves into the causes of lupus anticoagulant, shedding light on the factors contributing to its development.

How is Lupus Anticoagulant Caused?

Lupus anticoagulant is a type of autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the blood's clotting mechanism. To understand Lupus anticoagulant causes, it is essential to recognise that the immune system plays a significant role in this condition.

1. Autoimmune conditions especially SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): LA is often present in people with other autoimmune conditions, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most notable. In SLE, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, including those involved in blood clotting. This can lead to lupus anticoagulant.

2. Infections: Surprisingly, infections can trigger the development of lupus anticoagulants. Conditions like HIV, hepatitis and malaria have been associated with LA. When the body is fighting off these infections, it can inadvertently produce antibodies that interfere with blood clotting, resulting in the formation of Lupus anticoagulant.

3. Medications: Certain medications can also induce the presence of lupus anticoagulant in the bloodstream. Drugs like procainamide and chlorpromazine, used to treat various medical conditions may stimulate an autoimmune response in some individuals. This response can lead to the development of LA.

4. Genetics: While not as common as other causes, genetics may play a role in some cases of Lucas anticoagulant. Individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders may have a higher predisposition to develop LA.