Early-onset hypertension grips the Gen Z, doctors warn
With World Hypertension Day being observed on May 17, the 2025 theme — "Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer" — serves as a timely reminder to monitor blood pressure regularly and keeping it under control even for the younger population.
Dr V Jagadish Kumar V, senior consultant in Internal Medicine at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), said, "Genetics plays a role, but one key driver is information overload.
Today's youth are constantly bombarded with overwhelming amount of information, leading to overthinking and stress, which can result in health issues. We're seeing high blood pressure even in adolescents."
Hypertension in children aged 13 and above is defined as a consistent reading above 130/80 mmHg (millimetres of mercury). Grade 1 hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure ranges from 140 to 159 mmHg and diastolic from 90 to 99 mmHg.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
Grade 2 is marked by systolic readings between 160 and 179 mmHg and diastolic between 100 and 109 mmHg. Grade 3 hypertension is the most severe, with systolic pressure exceeding 180 mmHg or diastolic above 110 mmHg.
Dr Srikrishna Boddu, consultant general physician at Kamineni Hospitals, said, "Young people today are juggling studies, part-time jobs, and career prep, which adds to their stress. We've even seen hypertension cases in emergency admissions.
It's important to take accurate measurements — ideally three times a day over five days."
He also pointed out that hypertension often coexists with other health issues. "Many young hypertensive patients have high bad cholesterol, elevated uric acid levels, or obesity."
Lifestyle changes are key to reversing the trend, said Dr Jagadish. "Daily habits directly affect blood pressure. A balanced lifestyle — including avoiding fatty and salty foods, limiting fast food, managing stress, and exercising regularly — is crucial to control and prevent hypertension."
Skip Stress, Screens & Salt
Dos:
Use minimal salt in your daily meals
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
Exercise at least 30 minutes every day
Take time to relax through calming activities
Practice breathing exercises or yoga regularly
Maintain a balanced, stress-free lifestyle
Don'ts:
Avoid alcohol and quit smoking
Don't lead a sedentary lifestyle, keep moving
Don't compromise on sleep; aim for 8 hours
Limit screen time, especially before bed
Don't let stress go unmanaged — talk or seek help
Stay away from oily, fatty, and fast foods
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
From improving soil fertility to cleaning tools: 6 ways to use lemon peels in garden
Juicy lemons do add a lot of freshness and tang to sweet or savory recipes. From juices to desserts, lemons are used in multiple ways to add taste and flavor. Not only lemons but also their peels and rinds can be utilized in multiple ways, especially during the gardening seasons. What makes lemon peels, which are usually thrown away, effective is the natural acids contained in them, which can be used in making mosquito repellent and several other pest repellents. Several experts told that there are several ways in which lemon peels can be used in the garden. Pest repellent by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo Lemons can be used to make a pest spray for the garden. Add mint leaves to the recipe to add another level of fragrance pests hate, or a teaspoon of dish soap to spray on plants with aphids. Use the all-natural spray in garden beds and reapply as needed to maintain the scent. Some peels can also be placed around the base of plants or the edge of the garden to make a physical barrier that deters pests in tandem with the peels' unwelcome fragrance. Live Events Improve soil acidity Lemon peels contain citric acid , which can influence the soil's acidity when added to a compost pile. Put lemon peels in the compost bin with other organic materials; after six months of turning the pile or bin, the compost can be used around acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. If there is no compost pile, lemon peels can still be used to change the soil's acidity. Fertilize the soil Sara Rubens, certified garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary, told that vitamins and nutrients in lemon peels can be used to improve your garden's health by turning them into a liquid fertilizer. Rubens suggests making a gentle homemade fertilizer by soaking chopped lemon peels in water for a couple of days. After soaking, strain the mixture and use the nutrient-rich water to feed your plants. Attract butterflies Adrienne Roethling, head gardener for a private estate and former curator of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens at Plant Delights Nursery, told the lifestyle website that lemon peels can be left around the backyard to encourage butterflies to visit and pollinate the garden. Helps in cleaning tools The citric acid in the lemon peels can also be used for cleaning the garden tools, which can help in minimizing the spread of diseases in the garden. 'Just rub the peel over dirty surfaces to cut through grime before rinsing and drying," Rubens said. Grow new seeds Lemon peels, according to Rubens, can also be used as biodegradable pots, which can be used to start new plants. "After scooping out the pulp, poke a drainage hole in the bottom, fill with seed-starting mix, and plant your seeds. When the seedlings are ready to transplant, the whole lemon cup can be planted directly into the soil, where it will decompose and enrich the earth," she said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
How to talk to a loved one with Dementia
Here's the sobering truth: Dealing with dementia is hard. But there's something even harder than that – it's dealing with your loved ones who are suffering from the neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, language, and judgment, to the point where it interferes with daily life and activities. Talking with a loved one who has dementia can be daunting, challenging, yet deeply moving and meaningful. As their cognitive abilities shift – memory, word-finding, and comprehension can fluctuate – communication requires patience, kindness, and adaptability. As tricky as it may sound, these conversations are precious opportunities: to connect, comfort, and preserve dignity. But how to approach the conversation – that's as fulfilling for them as it is rewarding for you? Let's explore some key aspects. Set the scene: calm, comfortable, and intentional Meaningful communication begins with the environment. Dementia can make it hard to filter distractions, so ensure a quiet space with ample light, free from TV, radio, or clutter. Choose times of day – often mornings – when cognitive function is at its peak, and check in on comfort: hunger, pain, bathroom needs. Before speaking, take a moment to center yourself emotionally – deep breaths, steady tone – and face your loved one calmly, gaining eye-level to show presence and respect. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cách giao dịch ETH/USD mà không cần nắm giữ Ether IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Engage gently: get their attention and show respect Begin each conversation by softly calling their name, providing a reminder of who you are – 'It's me, Neha' – and making gentle eye contact. Use a warm, patient tone; the slightest irritation or condescension can impact their mood and engagement. Allow plenty of silence after speaking – processing takes time, and rushed responses often lead to frustration. Speak simply, positively, one step at a time Simplified, direct communication is key: short sentences, one idea at a time, clear nouns instead of vague pronouns. Try avoiding void negatives – 'Don't run' – and rephrase positively: 'Hold my hand.' Yes/no or choice-limited questions are preferable to open-ended ones: 'Would you like tea or juice?' instead of 'What'd you like?' If confusion arises, rephrase gently rather than repeating, with added visual or tactile prompts, like pointing or showing an object. Listen deeply and validate emotions Active listening involves more than words: attend to facial expressions, gestures, and tone. If they express fear, sadness, or even misinformation, focus on the underlying emotion – not on facts. Don't put it forth like 'You're wrong'; instead, say, 'That sounds worrying' – a key principle of validation therapy. This acceptance helps soothe anxiety more effectively than correcting memory lapses. Validation therapy encourages empathy via techniques like emotional mirroring, reminiscing, and sensory prompts. Anchor emotions with non-verbal support Touch can convey compassion where words fail: hold a hand, a gentle arm touch, or a reassuring shoulder pat can ground them in care. Facial warmth – smiles, nods – and calm posture further reinforce safety and empathy. Match their body language: slow, steady movements reflect patience; anxiety or speed increases stress. Use life stories, sensory engagement, and memory cues Life-story tools – photo albums, memory books with labels, personal memorabilia – spark conversation, identity, and familiarity. Music, familiar scents, and favorite snacks engage multiple senses gently and meaningfully. Techniques like simulated presence therapy – playing a loved one's voice on tape – can reduce anxiety. These methods help bypass forgetting and invite connection. Redirect with empathy and a positive refocus If agitation or distress arises, move from emotional validation to gentle redirection: 'I see you're upset – I'm sorry. Let's have a cup of tea,' or 'How about we take a little stroll?' Offer simple tasks for engagement – fold laundry, sort photos, or join them in a sensory activity. The aim isn't to correct but to provide emotionally soothing alternatives. Adjust to the stage of dementia While in early stages , when they are still capable of meaningful conversation, include them in dialogues, encourage expression, ask open questions, and check comprehension. When they are in the middle stage , emphasize one-on-one connection, quiet settings, yes/no questions, visual cues, and written reminders as needed. At a more advanced stage , words lose meaning; rely on nonverbal communication – touch, tone, sensory stimulation – and emotional validation above all. The final word Communicating with a loved one facing dementia is a journey of adaptation, empathy, and heartfelt presence. By prioritizing a calm space, simple and positive language, emotional validation, and sensory engagement, every conversation becomes an act of love – preserving dignity, connection, and comfort. However, while you practise compassion for your loved ones, show the same grace to the caregivers and yourself. Dealing with a loved one who is losing memories and essentially whatever binds you with them – can be quite overwhelming. However, as you carry on with taking care of them, your emotional state influences the interaction; take a moment to calm yourself if feeling upset. Whenever needed, connect with caregiver support groups, respite services, and professional guidance to avoid burnout. Celebrate small moments – a laugh, a smile, a moment of clarity – they matter deeply. Russia Strikes Kharkiv After Tense Lavrov-Rubio Meeting; Shoots Down 155 Ukrainian Drones Overnight
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Menstrual cramps? Best yoga poses to soothe period pain naturally
This one's for the folks who are on a monthly subscription for agony! Menstruation is a common – although not universal – experience for women and vulva-owners around the world. The menstrual cycle is a monthly process where the body prepares for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the uterine lining (endometrium) is shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding. (It's important to note that not all individuals with vulvas are cisgender women. Transgender men and non-binary individuals may also have vulvas and may or may not menstruate depending on their individual circumstances and medical history.) Now, most girls experience their first menstrual period (menarche) between the ages of 10 and 16, with the average being around 12 years old. However, this can vary, and some girls may start earlier or later. And this monthly cycle goes on till women generally hit the ages between 45 and 55, when they reach menopause. This is a natural biological process where the ovaries stop releasing eggs and hormone levels decline, causing periods to cease. Through all these years of menstruating, period cramps have become somewhat of a regular (monthly) companion to women. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Menstrual cramps, known as dysmenorrhea, are a common discomfort for many individuals during their monthly cycle. Characterized by throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs, they can greatly disrupt daily life and well-being. While pain medication is often the first recourse, yoga offers a natural, gentle, and effective alternative, targeting muscle tension, boosting circulation, and calming the nervous system. In this article, we'll explore both the science behind menstrual pain and key yoga poses that can help alleviate symptoms. Understanding menstrual cramps: Menstrual cramps stem from uterine contractions triggered by prostaglandins – hormones responsible for inflammation and pain. While mild to moderate cramps during the period are common, severe dysmenorrhea can significantly affect quality of life. A comprehensive review of clinical studies highlights that regular yoga practice reduces menstrual pain intensity and duration, and alleviates associated symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings. Another small-scale trial using everyday gentle yoga over three months achieved a drop in pain scores from 4.16 to 0.26 on a visual scale – a remarkable improvement. What's more: Studies show, regular yoga significantly reduces the severity of menstrual cramps, PMS symptoms, and menstrual irregularities (like PCOS), while improving mood, cycle regularity, and relaxation – by modulating stress responses and stimulating natural pain relievers in the body. Yoga poses to relieve period pain: Here are the best yoga asanas that may become your reliable relievers from the monthly subscription of menstrual cramps: Child's Pose (Balasana) Balasana gently stretches the lower back, hips, and thighs, and calms the nervous system and enhances pelvic circulation. How to do it: Kneel, widen knees, fold torso forward, and rest forehead – use a cushion for support. Stay for 3–5 minutes. Cat–Cow (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana) This pose warms and mobilizes the spine while massaging the abdominal organs. It also enhances rhythmic breathing and pelvic blood flow. How to do it: From all-fours, alternate arching (cow) and rounding (cat) your spine for 5–20 rounds. Reclining Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana) This Asana opens the hips and pelvis, reducing cramps and tension. It also activates relaxation; supportive with cushions and props. How to do it: Lie on your back, soles together and knees wide. Use pillows under the knees and support the torso. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) One of the most popular Yoga poses, it strengthens the spine and gently stretches the abdomen, improving circulation. Cobra pose also targets both physical stiffness and mental fatigue. How to do it: Lie prone, palms under shoulders. Inhale to lift chest; exhale to release. Hold for a few breaths. Supine Twist (Reclining Twist) This one's known for alleviating lower back pain and massaging internal organs. It eases bloating and improves digestion. How to do it: Lie on your back, bend your knees. Drop knees to each side in turn, arms extended; stay for 5+ breaths. Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) This pose promotes pelvic blood flow and relieves tension through gentle inversion and acts on the parasympathetic nervous system. How to do it: Sit with hips near a wall; lie back and extend legs vertically. Relax 5–10 minutes. Pigeon Pose Pigeon pose is known for being a deep hip opener; it alleviates stress and pressure in the lower abdomen, supports emotional release, and aligns connective tissue. How to do it: From all fours, bring one shin forward diagonally. Square hips and stay 5–10 breaths per side. Supported Savasana (Corpse Pose) This Yoga pose encourages deep relaxation, spine decompression, and restorative rest. How to do it: Lie on your back with a bolster under your knees; optionally widen your arms and legs. Breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes. Precautions and safety tips: Before you get on the Yoga mat, tune into your body – and listen carefully. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and avoid pushing it into more exhaustion. Take it easy, and take it slow. Use props – cushions, bolsters, blankets — liberally. These transform a simple stretch into restorative therapy. Don't forget to breathe and relax. Inhale to lengthen, exhale deeply. Add mindful pauses to soothe the nervous system. Traditional caution on inversions: Ayurveda discourages head-down poses during menstruation, though modern experts often advise that gentle inversions like Legs Up are safe and beneficial. Choose what feels best for you. And finally, consistency yields results better than temporary fixes. Try and incorporate Yoga into your daily routine for a healthier lifestyle. 10 best yoga poses that will cure irregular periods
