Latest news with #HTLifestyle
Hindustan Times
27 minutes ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Experiencing a burning pain in your stomach? Doctor says it can be ulcers; here's why they happen
Peptic ulcers are open sores on the lining of the stomach that can lead to a burning sensation, especially at night or when we are hungry. But what are ulcers? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sanjay Khanna, co-chairman - Manipal Institute of Gastroenterology, hepato-biliary and pancreatic sciences, Manipal Hospitals Dwarka said, 'Ulcers occur when the protective layer of mucus is reduced, allowing stomach acid to damage the tissue.' Also read | Ulcer: Doctors reveal causes, symptoms you should never ignore, treatment Having ulcer pain? Know when to consult a doctor.(Shutterstock) Addressing this, Dr Sanjay Khanna said, 'Ulcer pain comes from the sore area being exposed to stomach acid.' This can happen due to multiple reasons: Infection caused by the bacteria that damages the mucous lining of the stomach and small intestine. Long-term and frequent use of certain pain-relieving medications that irritate the lining of the stomach. Consumption of alcohol or spicy foods, which may not necessarily cause an ulcer, but aggravate the symptoms and make the pain worse. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterium weakens the stomach's protective lining, making it more vulnerable to acid Excess stomach acid: Overproduction of acid, often triggered by stress or certain foods, can hamper the lining of the stomach Smoking and alcohol: Both can irritate the digestive tract, increase acid production, and hinder the healing of existing ulcers. Also read | Ulcers and sores? Your mouth may be trying to warn you about lurking internal diseases Here's what can trigger stomach ulcers.(Pexels) When do you need to consult a doctor? A peptic ulcer can be extremely painful and sometimes dangerous. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience severe and persistent pain in the abdominal region. You may also notice the following signs: Burning stomach pain: This is the most common symptom and usually occurs between meals or at night. You may also feel unusually full or bloated. Loss of appetite or weight loss: You may suddenly lose interest in eating. This can also lead to weight loss and feelings of nausea. Dark stools: Bleeding can occur in the digestive tract, which turns black as it passes through the intestines. Look out for tarry or dark stools, as they indicate bleeding. Also read | Do you often get mouth ulcers? Dentist shares what causes them and 4 easy ways to prevent it Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
News18
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
What Is Epilepsy, Which Shefali Jariwala Battled For 15 Years? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Last Updated: Kaanta Laga's success catapulted Shefali Jariwala to overnight stardom in 2002. However, she had revealed she had been suffering from epilepsy since the age of 15. Shefali Jariwala Death: Actress and reality show star Shefali Jariwala, best know for her iconic appearance in the ' Kaanta Laga' music video and her participation in Bigg Boss 13, has passed away reportedly due to cardiac arrest. Her sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the television industry and left her fans heartbroken. The actor, who died on Friday aged 42, was meant to be the next big thing in showbiz, but a secret illness derailed that promising career. Amid the heartbreaking news, a throwback interview of the Bollywood star has resurfaced, where she opened up about her health struggles and why she stepped back from her career. Kaanta Laga's success catapulted Jariwala to overnight stardom in 2002. However, in an interview with The Times of India, Jariwala had revealed she had been suffering from epilepsy since the age of 15. 'I had an epilepsy seizure at the age of 15. I remember at that time I was under tremendous pressure to do well in my studies. Stress and anxiety can lead to seizures. It's interrelated, you could get a seizure due to depression and vice versa," she had shared. What Is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a severe neurological condition that can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life. If left untreated or poorly managed, it can lead to life-threatening complications. However, with appropriate medical intervention and proper precautions, individuals living with epilepsy can manage the condition and avoid severe outcomes. According to Doctor Vishwanathan Iyer, a neurosurgeon at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai, Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizures. The severity and frequency of these seizures can vary widely among individuals, depending on the extent of the condition. While epilepsy can develop at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed during childhood. Living with epilepsy can be a daunting and stressful experience. Those affected may find themselves relying on others for basic activities like driving, eating, bathing, or dressing, which can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety, and even depression. Precautions And Treatment In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Iyer emphasised the importance of both medical treatment and preventive measures to save lives and manage the condition. Medication is often the first line of defence, as it helps stabilise brain activity and reduce the frequency of seizures. In cases where medications are ineffective, surgical options may be considered. For more severe instances, treatments like Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) or Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) can be recommended for patients who do not respond to conventional medications. He also recommended making significant lifestyle changes to improve overall well-being and manage the condition effectively. Simple but essential practices such as getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night, managing stress through relaxation techniques, avoiding known seizure triggers, and maintaining a balanced diet can greatly help in controlling epilepsy. Who Was Shefali Jariwala? Shefali first rose to fame in the early 2000s with her bold and glamorous look in the remix music video Kaanta Laga, which became an overnight sensation. She was dubbed 'The Kaanta Laga Girl" and was seen as a trailblazer for the remix era. She also made a brief appearance in the 2004 film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi starring Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. In later years, Shefali transitioned to reality TV and gained popularity through her participation in Nach Baliye with her husband, and later, Bigg Boss 13. Her entry into the Bigg Boss house was particularly talked-about due to her history with fellow contestant and late actor Sidharth Shukla. The two had dated over a decade ago, but Shefali maintained that they were always respectful of each other on and off the show. Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: June 28, 2025, 12:19 IST News lifestyle What Is Epilepsy, Which Shefali Jariwala Battled For 15 Years? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Orthopedic surgeons explain how obesity is actually linked to increased risk of fractures
Does obesity influence fracture risk? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rajesh Srinivas, consultant, orthopedic surgeon, Manipal Hospital Varthur Road and Dr Harekrushna Sahu, consultant, orthopedics and spine surgery, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, spoke about the unexpected obesity and fracture link you might not have considered. Also read | Spine surgeon warns Indians not to ignore back pain until it's too late, reveals who all 'should be extra careful' Does being overweight make you more prone to some kinds of fractures? Here's what you need to know. (Freepik) According to them, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well, and exercising regularly are essential for good bone health and effective weight management, and thereby reducing fracture risk and complications. Dr Srinivas said, 'Obesity and fracture risk have a complicated relationship. It was long believed that a person's bones would be stronger based on their body fat percentage. However, newer research shows that central obesity and abdominal obesity are linked to a higher risk of fractures. Other spinal disorders, like degenerative diseases of the spine and osteoarthritis of the knees and ankles, can worsen in obese individuals.' Dr Sahu added, 'Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m2, has become more and more prevalent in the last few decades. Obese individuals usually have more fat distribution in the abdomen or waist area. Earlier it was thought that obese individuals have stronger bones due to more body weight and it is protective for some fractures like hip fracture due to cushioning effect of waist fat but recent research suggests that the relationship between obesity and fracture is not that much straight forward and may vary with regards to age, sex, ethnicity and for different fracture types.' Dr Srinivas further shared that 'more than 40 percent of adults worldwide are overweight or obese'. 'Unfortunately, obesity among children and middle-aged people is rising due to several problems, including metabolic disorders, mainly thyroid issues, growth hormone issues, etc.,' he said. Many obese individuals have body posturing and balancing issues, leading to a higher incidence of falls, which can cause fractures. (Freepik) Factors influencing fracture risk According to Dr Sahu, many studies have found that obese individuals are more prone to ankle and shoulder fractures as these areas lack the cushioning effect of body fat, and the higher body weight of obese individuals leads to higher impact on these areas during a fall. 'Many obese individuals have body posturing and balancing issues, leading to a higher incidence of falls, which can cause fractures,' he said. Dr Sahu shared that 'obese individuals usually have lower vitamin D levels in their bodies', which also impacts bone health and increases fracture risk. 'Spine fractures are also very common in many obese individuals, although some studies have contradictory results on this aspect. Many obese individuals have associated metabolic syndrome (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia), causing difficulty in the management and treatment of their fractures,' he said. Dr Sahu added, 'Recently, due to the increased prevalence of childhood obesity, there has also been an increased risk of some fractures in children. Obese adolescents are also at high risk of developing slipped capital femoral epiphysis, a condition causing the spontaneous slippage of the femoral head of the thigh bone.' The bones weaken rapidly after menopause, and obesity increases stress on them, leading to a higher risk of hip, spinal, and wrist fractures. (Freepik) Obesity and bone health in women Women, who face obesity after menopause, encounter significant challenges due to osteoporosis, according to Dr Srinivas. He said, 'The bones weaken rapidly after menopause, and obesity increases stress on them, leading to a higher risk of hip, spinal, and wrist fractures. Obesity not only raises the chances of fractures but also slows down recovery.' Dr Sahu said that obese post-menopausal women have also been associated with osteoporosis, defined as decreased bone mineral density, causing weak bones that easily fracture during a fall. Importance of lifestyle modifications Dr Srinivas said that efforts to combat obesity primarily focus on figuring out its causes, whether they are metabolic, genetic, or related to diet: 'We need to find the root cause and address it directly. Managing obesity requires teamwork. We also involve an endocrinologist to assess and address the issue. Our main goal is to prevent obesity, with lifestyle being the key factor.' According to the WHO, a person needs to walk briskly for 40 to 45 minutes to stay healthy. Dr Srinivas said, 'This is in addition to doing exercises or workouts like strength training. It's important to track calorie intake and calorie loss, as this provides a clear way to manage one's lifestyle. We should also understand lifestyle changes well. These changes mainly focus on keeping a daily exercise routine and eating a healthy diet.' Dr Sahu said fractures in obese individuals are challenging to treat surgically because of weak bones, more fat, and possible postoperative wound complications. 'Rehabilitation after surgically or conservatively treated fractures in obese individuals can also be problematic due to high body weight and balancing issues, sometimes leading to prolonged non-weight-bearing status and making them bedridden,' he said. 'There is always a high risk of fracture incidence in obese individuals, which is difficult to manage and rehabilitate, leading to poorer outcomes for many. So it's always better to prevent getting overweight or obese by regulating our food habits and doing regular exercise. Obese individuals should take adequate vitamin D supplements if they have lower levels and do regular exercise, and should be aware of fall prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of fractures in them,' he added. Obese individuals should take adequate vitamin D supplements if they have lower levels. (Freepik) Exercise recommendations for obese individuals Dr Srinivas said, 'If the patient is obese, we recommend avoiding activities that put a lot of stress on the body. For example, running or jumping adds significant pressure on the legs and spine. Until they lose weight, we suggest they avoid these activities and switch to low-impact options like cycling, swimming, and walking, which can be increased gradually.' For elderly patients who are somewhat obese, Dr Srinivas recommended using assistance when walking, such as a stick or a walker, to help prevent falls: 'At home, we suggest adding supports in necessary areas and using non-slip clothing, especially in the bathroom, to reduce the risk of falls.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Designing workplaces that heal and empower: Top design trends for offices that support mental wellness and inclusivity
Productivity is essential for employee performance and overall output of work. But productivity is a cumulative result of focus, mental wellbeing, physical comfort and social belongingness, all of which are shaped by the workplace design. It helps to bring the best to work every day. And in general as well, for both job and life satisfaction, workplace design should be in tune with employee wellness, as they spend the lion's share of their waking hours in these spaces. Having green interiors at the workplace boosts productivity levels.(Shutterstock) HT Lifestyle reached out to experts who share key design elements that enhance employee well-being, encourage collaboration and create inclusive workplaces. 4 designs that promote mental wellness Surrounding play a key role in regulating moods, which in turn affect productivity and focus.(Pexels) Sapna Khakaria, Principal Architect at The Canvas, shared these 4 key design elements that address mental wellness by fostering calm and comfort: 1. Regenerative Biophilic Spaces Regenerative biophilic design prioritises health and sustainability. It includes passive cooling, daylighting, and breathable materials like clay plasters, stone dust composites, and terracotta fins that create comfortable, toxin-free environments. These natural elements improve air quality and thermal comfort while supporting the planet through recyclability. The result is an office where employees feel refreshed and connected to nature. 2. Calming, earth-toned colour schemes Earth-inspired palettes like sage, basalt and sand offer grounding and serenity. Using volatile organic compound (VOC)-free mineral-based paints, earth pigments, and plant-based binders ensures these hues are both safe and sustainable. These choices foster calm and focus, helping teams thrive in visually harmonious surroundings. 3. Comfortable, circular collaboration zones Furniture with curved designs appears relaxing and inviting.(Freepik) Collaboration spaces are reimagined for comfort and sustainability. Upcycled upholstery and curved forms replace rigid furniture, reducing waste and encouraging interaction. Tactile finishes and soft acoustics further enhance these zones, making them both welcoming as well as environmentally responsible. 4. Intelligent, eco-friendly lighting and sensory design Lighting is designed for performance and preservation. Natural daylight is maximised with energy-efficient LEDs, and motion controls are used wherever required. Sensory elements like curved biomorphic forms, breathable acoustic panels from recycled cellulose and natural tactile finishes promote calm, focus, and flow. Inclusive designs that make queer communities feel seen beyond pride month While Pride Month may be coming to an end, truly inclusive workspaces go beyond the symbolic gestures of badges and rainbow flags. Workplaces need to implement accessible designs that make the queer people feel seen, heard and respected. Kunal Sharma, Founder & CEO at Flipspaces, shared with HT Lifestyle that inclusive workplaces are moving toward DEI‑first design. For the uninitiated, DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a framework that makes the spaces more accessible for everyone. He explained, 'We're in the midst of a powerful shift toward DEI-first design. Prayer rooms, gender-neutral restrooms, nursing spaces and accessible layouts are becoming the norm, creating spaces where everyone truly feels they belong. Neuro-inclusive design is gaining momentum, too. Sensory-friendly corners, calming colours, flexible lighting, and adaptable seating help support a wide range of minds and working styles.' Suvrat Jain, Founder and CEO of Onward Workspaces, shared with HT Lifestyle how modern offices are becoming more human-centric, recognising all needs with empathy and acceptance. Neuro-inclusive design is one of the main aspects of this shift, bringing in support for diverse cognitive and sensory needs as well. Suvrat said, 'True inclusivity starts with recognising that people perceive and process environments differently. That's where neuro-inclusive design comes in, intentionally supporting diverse cognitive and sensory needs, including those of individuals with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or different communication styles. The rise of gender-neutral restrooms, sensory-friendly zones, and co-created DEI spaces marks a cultural shift, not just a trend.' ALSO READ: Beyond Pride Month: Experts share negative impact of unsupportive workplaces and strategies for year-round inclusivity
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Culinary art of spice fusion: Chef shares how to pair pan-asian cuisine with Indian flavours
In today's hyper-connected world, cuisines know no boundaries. As they go global, they absorb local, native flavours as well, creating a wonderful culinary exchange that feels refreshing. Pan-Asian cuisine, which typically includes dishes from East and Southeast Asia, such as those from Thailand, Japan, Korea, China, and more, is gaining popularity in India. The strong footing of pan-asian cuisine also has roots in the art of fusion, where Asian cooking techniques and methods are integrated with Indian ingredients and spices. Pan-asian foods are diverse and have a wide variety of flavours.(Freepik) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Chef Avinash Kumar, Director of Culinary at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, explained the growing appeal of Pan-Asian cuisine among Indian diners. He said, 'In recent years, there has been an increased fondness for Pan‑Asian cuisine amongst Indian diners, not just for its novelty but for its adaptability. This adaptation isn't about fusion as a gimmick; it's about genuine flavour dialogue of an exchange between Asia's classic ingredients and India's rich taste traditions. Serving authentic Asian dishes in India is not about changing the soul of the cuisine but about thoughtfully pairing it with the bold, layered tastes that Indian guests love." ALSO READ: Tea and coffee in fine dining? Chef shares beverage pairing rules, Indian dishes to go with, and brew types What is the secret of fusing the two cuisines? Balance will help to avoid a clash of Indian and pan-asian flavours. (Freepik) With India's strong spice profile and the boldness of Pan-Asian flavours, it's important that any fusion is done in a cohesive, complementary manner that avoids blatant flavour clash. One of the key secrets to successful fusion, as explained by Chef Avinash, is using local Indian ingredients, sometimes as equivalents, while following the principle of flavour synergy. He further elaborated on the essential Asian flavour notes and how to make them complement India's spice profile. Chef Avinash said, 'We curate Pan Asian menus that honour traditional techniques while thoughtfully incorporating subtle local influences. Each dish is designed to strike a harmonious balance among the five essential Asian tastes sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami, complemented by familiar Indian spice notes. " He adds, "For example, adding chilli flakes to our kimchi fried rice evokes the flavour profile of Gochugaru, the traditional Korean chilli powder, while also resonating with the warmth of Indian chilli powder. The key here is to infuse symmetry into those rich palates so that a culinary authenticity is not compromised, but crafted in a manner to cater to the tastes of Indian diners.' Balance is a central focus in Indo–Pan-Asian fusion cuisine, as the Indian spice profile differs significantly from the quick, sharp heat typically found in many Asian dishes. He added, 'Indian cuisine embraces robust, lingering spice, while Asian dishes often use sharper, quick heat, and pairing Asian flavours for Indian palates is an art of balance, not compromise. Try to combine Asian chilis with familiar Indian spices. Add fresh green chilli or black pepper to complement Asian peppery notes." Tips on how to pair asian cuisine with indian flavours Locally sourced ingredients can also be added in the pan-asian cuisine, infusing desi touch.(Freepik) 1. Understand the core flavours: When pairing for an Indian palate, think of how to align with Indian staples. Go for desi parallels, rooted in core flavours. For instance, tangy tamarind resembles Indian kokum or raw mango; miso's depth is similar to rich Indian gravies. 2. Use local ingredients: For Thai-style sourness, opt for kokum or raw mango. Use locally available fish like kingfish or pomfret to recreate Japanese teriyaki. Incorporate seasonal greens in Asian stir-fries. This will keep the flavours authentic yet comforting. 3. Pair with balanced sides: Serve spicy curries with jasmine rice or fluffy millet and offer stir-fries with warm phulkas or steamed buns. Cool down heat by pairing with fresh salads or yoghurt dips.
