Health-&-Fitness
Reasons Why Ramadan Fasting is More Beneficial Than Dieting
In pursuing a healthier lifestyle, the choice between Ramadan fasting and traditional dieting holds significance. Both practices impact health and eating habits, but which one emerges as the more beneficial option? Let's embark on a journey exploring the nuances of these two approaches and their impact on well-being.
Benefits of Month-long Fasting during Ramadan
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Holistic Detoxification
Ramadan fasting goes beyond the typical notion of dieting for weight loss. It involves a unique detoxification process where the body undergoes a thorough internal cleansing. The fasting period allows organs to rest and rejuvenate which promotes optimal functioning and contributes to overall health.
Mindful Eating and Discipline
Unlike conventional dieting, which solely focuses on restricting calories, Ramadan fasting instils a sense of discipline and mindfulness in eating habits. The structured nature of fasting encourages individuals to be more aware of what and how much they consume. Thus, Ramadan fosters a healthier relationship with food in the long run.
Read more: Healthy Sehri Meal Recipes for Ramadan Fasting
Spiritual and Emotional Well-being
Ramadan fasting is more than just a physical practice; it is deeply rooted in spirituality. The act of fasting is not only an exercise for the body but also for the mind and soul. This spiritual dimension contributes to emotional well-being and enhances a sense of inner peace, gratitude, and resilience.
Community Support and Bonding
One of the distinctive aspects of Ramadan fasting is its communal nature. Individuals come together to fast and create a supportive environment beyond personal discipline. This sense of community support and bonding provides emotional strength and motivation, elements often lacking in individualistic dieting journeys.
Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
Month-long fasting during the holy Ramadan encourages a holistic approach to health that extends beyond the month of fasting. The discipline and mindful eating habits cultivated during Ramadan can translate into sustainable lifestyle changes. This helps individuals maintain a balanced and health-conscious approach to nutrition throughout the year.
Read more: Ramadan Fasting with Diabetes: Best foods for Sehri and Iftar
Balanced Nutritional Intake
While dieting may sometimes lead to nutrient imbalances or deficiencies, Ramadan fasting emphasises a balanced nutritional intake. The pre-dawn and post-sunset meals, suhoor and iftar, are carefully planned to include a variety of food groups which ensures that the body receives essential nutrients.
Improved Digestion
The intermittent fasting pattern during Ramadan allows the digestive system to rest and function more efficiently. This can lead to improved digestion, absorption of nutrients, and a reduction in digestive issues, contributing to better health.
Controls Blood Sugar
During Ramadan fasting, insulin sensitivity can improve, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. When cells become unresponsive to insulin, insulin resistance can develop – a precursor to diabetes. Fasting prompts the body to use stored glucose for energy, reduces glucose levels, and enhances insulin sensitivity.
Read more: Healthy Iftar Meal Recipes for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
Promotes Weight Loss
Fasting aids weight loss by regulating portion sizes and cutting calorie intake. However, it is crucial to avoid overeating after fasting periods to maintain progress. Sustaining healthy eating habits and exercise during non-fasting hours is vital for lasting weight loss. Ramadan fasting offers a chance to reset eating patterns and foster healthier food relationships.
Good for Cardiac Health
Ramadan fasting positively affects heart health by decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and enhancing blood circulation. This minimises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Those with existing heart conditions should seek medical advice before fasting, ensuring it aligns with their health needs.
Improves Brain Function
Ramadan fasting boosts cognitive performance and brain function notably by elevating the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This protein fosters brain cell growth and survival, heightening memory, learning, and mental clarity.
Read more: Ramadan Fasting Benefits: Impacts on health when you fast for 16 hours
Increases Growth Hormone Secretion
During Ramadan fasting, the body's growth hormone secretion is naturally enhanced. Research indicates that fasting increases human growth hormone (HGH) levels. This hormonal surge supports metabolism, aids weight loss, and promotes muscle growth, contributing to health benefits during the fasting period.
Could Extend Longevity
Examining periodic fasting's impact on the human gut, a study observed an increased diversity of beneficial gut bacteria, notably Christensenella species linked to longevity. Additionally, researchers identified heightened sirtuin levels, proteins crucial for metabolic regulation and longevity. Further research is essential to grasp fasting's longevity effects and identify optimal fasting protocols.
Reducing Cancer Risk
The American Cancer Society Journal suggests intermittent fasting could aid cancer treatment and prevention by reducing tumour growth and chemotherapy toxicity in certain cases. However, they stress the necessity for more robust clinical trials and advise cancer patients to undertake intermittent fasting within clinical settings. Further research is imperative to comprehensively understand fasting's impact on cancer.
Read more: 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
Celebrating wellness and women’s empowerment: Dhaka Flow’s weekend festival draws over 10,000 participants
The pioneering wellness platform Dhaka Flow, in collaboration with Baridhara Society, hosted a transformative two-day festival of yoga and wellness at the scenic Baridhara Society Park last weekend. The festival – titled “Inspire Her Wellness” – designed to honour Women’s Day, offered attendees a holistic experience centred on movement, mindfulness, health, nature, and community, free of charge.
The event showcased a rich tapestry of activities, attracting over 10,000 wellness enthusiasts and experts alike, converging to explore and exchange knowledge on health, well-being, climate change, and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, according to a media release.
Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor, Atiqul Islam, set a positive tone for the festival’s second day, emphasising the significance of utilising community parks for wellness initiatives. Chief Guest and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid later highlighted the crucial role of healthy living, urging the youth to adopt lifestyle tips from Dhaka Flow’s extensive offerings.
Shazia Omar, co-founder of Dhaka Flow and a celebrated yogini, shared her insights on holistic wellness, “Being holistically well offers us a different kind of freedom. It not only improves our quality of life and longevity, but also gives us the ability to stay grounded in the present moment, free from the prison of past regrets, future worries, illness, disease and negative thoughts.”
On Friday, the festival featured a Gratitude Tree Planting session with Shakti Foundation’s Labiba Rahman, and Baridhara Society President, Feroz Hassan. Another session was on Money Matters, powered by Brac Bank Tara, where moderator Shahirah Majumdar asked Zareen Karim, MD of Orion Group; Dilruba Chowdhury, Director of East Coast Group; Mehruba Reza, SVP of Brac Bank TARA; and Shamima Akhtar, Director at Unilever, about how to achieve financial freedom. Later Ghaashphoring Choir, led by Emmy-nominee Armeen Musa, saw hundreds of people in a circle, singing Rabindra Sangeet under a canopy of trees.
The art zone featured Gallery Cosmos, highlighting carefully curated 20 women artists and ‘Art Therapy through Printmaking’ by renowned artist Rokeya Sultana. The festival also featured a Sufi whirling class and a journaling session with Dhaka Flow’s ‘Flow Within’ journal featuring poetry by Jalaluddin Rumi. The meditation garden featured day-long mindfulness sessions as well as support group sessions on topics such as coping with chronic pain, cancer, depression, grief and addiction, thriving with children on the spectrum, and much more, in the hope that rather than suffering in isolation people can come together to be stronger as a community.
The festival contained a mela of 75 vendors, all of whom were women-owned businesses. The festival prioritised an environmentally-conscious approach, with no plastic waste, nourishing vegetarian foods, and free activities for all. It was sponsored by leading private sector organisations, to promote healthy living in the community: Brac Bank TARA, Suzuki Motorbikes, Turaag Active, BTi, and Ispahani Blender’s Choice Premium Tea.
Dhaka Flow is committed to a mission of wellness for all. For more information on holistic wellbeing and to register for classes or retreats with Dhaka Flow, please visit www.dhakaflow.com, and follow the social media @dhakaflowofficial.
Asia’s first-ever Wellbeing Summit held in Dhaka
Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation organised the first-ever Dhaka Wellbeing Summit at the Bangla Academy premises in the capital.
The summit bagan on Friday will continue till Satuday, according to a press release.
The summit aimed to create a national well-being strategy, prioritizing the holistic well-being of people in Bangladesh, with the slogan 'From Generation to Generations' at its core.
This event, has been organised in collaboration with The Wellbeing Project, a France-based mental health and wellbeing organization, BRAC Institute for Educational Development at BRAC University, Heroes for All, Map Photo Agency, and Liberty.
The summit emerged as a force to elevate mental health awareness and underscored the significance of individuals’ inner well-being as a fundamental indicator of societal advancement in Bangladesh, it said.
The summit brought around 200 change makers together worldwide to promote inner well-being for all, spark meaningful conversations, inspire actionable insights, and catalyze positive change on both individual and societal levels across Bangladesh and beyond.
The opening ceremony featured Meerjady Sabrina Flora, ADG, DGHS as the chief guest and Professor Dr Avra Das Bhowmik, Director, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as the Guest of Honour.
Flora lauded IWF for its proactive initiative and shared an inspiring quote from Rabindranath Tagore on the holistic well-being of individuals. “We both live and celebrate. We should celebrate life.”
Dr. Avro underscored the paramount importance of the Wellbeing Summit in Bangladesh, particularly in the global context of mental health awareness.
Later, Mirzadi Sabrina Flora, accompanied by IWF Founder and Executive Director Monira Rahman, led the opening ceremony, which received an enthusiastic response from all the guests present. Over two days, participants had the opportunity to express their well-wishes on a "kalpataru" tree regarding their own wellbeing, the release also said.
Moderated by journalist Shahnaz Munni, the opening session of the conference's final day showcasedstorytelling. Shawn Mahmud, daughter of the martyred intellectual Altaf Mahmud, shared strategies for addressing intergenerational trauma from her own life experiences.
Dr Mohammad Robed Amin, Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Control (NCDC) line, who served as the chief guest at the closing ceremony, extended gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Health to IWF.
He remarked on the comprehensive exploration of well-being in social and personal spheres facilitated by the Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation through the Wellbeing Summit.
Amin highlighted the establishment of wellness centres at Chirir Bandar and Netrakona Sadar Hospital, where individuals are screened upon seeking mental health care and healthcare professionals are trained in mental health services. Over 1000 psychological counseling sessions have been conducted, predominantly with female clients, exceeding expectations. He expressed plans to expand the wellness centre concept nationwide and pledged support for the development and implementation of the well-being strategy paper derived from the summit's activities and discussions.
Monira Rahman, Executive Director of Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation and Country Lead of Mental Health First Aid Bangladesh Office, expressed, “Mental health is a fundamental right for everyone. To prevent mental illness before it occurs, it's important to stay informed, acquire mental health techniques, and apply them to our daily routines. We collaboratively reflected on the Wellbeing Action Strategy for Bangladesh and established a network to ensure its implementation across all levels. We will collectively advance the program of well-being from generation to generation.”
The summit culminated with cultural performance of Baul music by Tutun Shah Fakir, leaving the well-being seekers inspired and invigorated to continue the journey toward holistic well-being.
Self-care Tips for Parents of Newborns
Welcoming a newborn into the family is undoubtedly a joyous occasion, but it also comes with its share of challenges and adjustments. New parents often find themselves having sleepless nights, with endless diaper changes, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a tiny, fragile human being. Amid these changes, parents often neglect their equally important well-being. But self-care for parents is essential. Let's take a look into some self-care tips for new mums and dads.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care for parents of newborns involves intentional actions to preserve their physical and emotional well-being amid the challenges of early parenthood. It encompasses activities that promote rest, nutrition, and emotional resilience.
Self-care acts as a protective shield. From prioritising quality sleep to maintaining a balanced diet, self-care is vital for navigating the demanding responsibilities of caring for a newborn.
Read more: 10 Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-being during Pregnancy
Why is it Essential for New Parents to Take Care of Themselves
The physical toll of caring for a newborn is undeniable. Lack of sleep, irregular eating patterns, and constant physical demands can lead to exhaustion and potential health issues. Prioritising self-care ensures parents can maintain the physical stamina needed for the demanding tasks at hand.
Emotional well-being is equally crucial. The rollercoaster of emotions that accompany parenthood, from joy to frustration, can be overwhelming. Taking time for self-care enables parents to recharge emotionally, fostering a healthier mindset to face the challenges with resilience.
Essential Tips for Caring Parents of Newborns
Prioritise Quality Sleep
Ensuring sufficient, quality sleep is crucial for both physical and mental well-being, especially as new parents grapple with inevitable sleep deprivation. To make a significant difference, one should create a sleep schedule that allows for restful nights.
Read more: 15 Gift Ideas for a Newborn Baby
Parents may consider taking turns with their partner during nighttime duties to maximise the quality of their rest. This approach not only fosters a supportive partnership but also ensures both parents have opportunities for uninterrupted and rejuvenating sleep amidst the demands of caring for a newborn.
Delegate Responsibilities
Due to traditional mindsets and patriarchal social systems, in many families, the care of a newborn and doing household chores are granted as the mother's sole responsibility. It may deteriorate the mother’s emotional and physical health. As a result, many mothers suffer postpartum depression. Therefore, it is necessary to recognise that the mother of the baby need not shoulder everything alone; seeks the aid of her partner, family, and friends.
The new parents and other family members can share diverse responsibilities like household chores, cooking, cleaning, etc. Delegating responsibilities eases the burden and also grant parents precious moments to concentrate on both nurturing their newborn and tending to their well-being.
Read more: Newborn Baby, Infant Care Tips during Summer
Building a supportive network ensures that the challenges of early parenthood are shared. It fosters a healthier and more balanced environment for both parents and their new addition to the family.
7 Types of Strength Training And Their Benefits
The American Council of Exercise outlines seven diverse forms of strength training, each catering to distinct functional applications. While each type enhances physical fitness, athletic abilities, or overall well-being, their stark differences explain why a track runner and a bodybuilder, both labeled "strong" and "fit," frequently exhibit contrasting appearances and training routines.
What is Strength Training?
Strength training, also called weight or resistance training, involves doing exercises to get stronger and last longer. It's not just about lifting weights; you can use your body weight or try different exercises like isometrics and plyometrics. The goal is to make your muscles stronger over time.
Strength training is mainly a type of exercise that doesn't require a lot of air, but some forms like circuit training also get your heart pumping. It helps make your muscles, tendons, and bones stronger, boosts metabolism, and reduces the chance of getting hurt. Athletes and older people can benefit from it to improve their joints, hearts, and lower their injury risk. Many sports and activities include strength training in their practice to make people better at what they do.
Read more: How Does Physical Activity and Exercise Affect Testosterone Levels?
Benefits and Risks of Different Types of Strength Training
Agile Strength Training
Agile Strength Training is a fitness approach that blends traditional strength exercises with practical movements for daily activities. It emphasizes adaptability and flexibility, incorporating dynamic workouts like weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and flexibility drills. The primary goal is to enhance overall strength, flexibility, and agility, adapting to individual needs and progress.
Benefits of Agile Strength Training
This approach improves overall strength, flexibility, and the ability to move with precision in different directions. It's valuable for daily tasks, promoting quick and controlled responses to your surroundings, ultimately aiding injury prevention.
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Colon Cancer: Everything You Need to Know
Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer as it is commonly known, is a type of cancer that develops at the rectum or colon of the human body. WHO reports that colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer globally with 10% of all reported cases. It is also the third highest reason for cancer-related deaths. Let’s take a detailed look into the fatal disease, what causes it, and how people can potentially save themselves from colon cancer.
How Does Colon Cancer Develop?
The colon or the rectum is the terminal point of the digestive system. It is essentially a sac that houses the bowel and aids in the bowel movement process. The lining of the colon can develop precancerous polyps which can become cancerous over time.
It is important to note that all polyps are not cancerous. However, it is needed to medically treat them at the earliest as there is always the chance of it developing into cancer cells.
The exact cause of polyp development is unknown. However, scientists have often pointed out that genes and age play a crucial role in their development. Other factors like diets, obesity, smoking, and inflammation of the colon lining have been identified as leading causes thus far.
Read more: Measles: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
What are the Symptoms and Causes of Colon Cancer?
Symptoms of colon cancer include:
Change in Bowel Movement
As a precursor to colon cancer, a patient often notices a significant shift in bowel movement. For example, the frequency of diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency is noticed.
Blood Discharge
A common symptom of colon cancer is the presence of blood in the stool. Patients may not feel any apparent discomfort but dark tarry stools may be noticed during bowel movement.
Pain in the Abdomen
Another common symptom of colon cancer is severe and lasting pain in the abdomen. It generally starts as mild discomfort and gradually moves to severe cramps.
Read more: JN.1: Symptoms, Prevention of and Precautions for the New COVID-19 Variant
Anemia
The blood discharge with stool may trigger anemia or loss of red corpuscles in the blood. Anemia also triggers weakness and fatigue which is a secondary symptom of colon cancer.
Unexpected Weight Loss
Another sign of any cancer in general is the unexpected loss of weight. Cancer patients including colon cancer ones tend to rapidly lose weight which may lead to secondary complications.
There are several known causes of colon cancer. These include:
Age
Age is one of the commonly identified factors behind colon cancer. Anyone over the age of 50 is at risk of contracting colon cancer though it might occur at any age.
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Family History
Genetics are also thought to be a reason behind colon cancer. Families with a history of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or FAP and Lynch Syndrome tend to compound the chances of contracting colon cancer.
Personal Medical History
Colon cancers are often recurring, meaning they can come back even if it is treated completely. A personal medical history of colon cancer or repeated polyp formation may trigger renewed cancer cell generation in the colon linings.
Additionally, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase the risk of contracting colon cancer. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also run the risk of developing colon cancer.
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How Does Physical Activity and Exercise Affect Testosterone Levels?
Testosterone, a crucial hormone for both men and women, plays a vital role in various bodily functions. One factor that significantly influences testosterone levels is exercise and mental well-being. So, it is natural to wonder how these two interact. Let's explore the intricate relationship between exercise and testosterone to understand how physical activity impacts hormonal balance.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone, a pivotal hormone, is present in both men and women, although commonly associated with male characteristics. Produced in the testicles in men, ovaries in women, and to a lesser extent, the adrenal glands, it plays a crucial role in diverse bodily functions.
This hormone is instrumental in the development of male reproductive tissues, including the testes and prostate. Often referred to as the "male sex hormone," testosterone acts as a conductor orchestrating various bodily functions, impacting muscle growth, bone density, mood, libido, and more.
Read more: 10 Hazards at the Gym and How to Avoid Them
In women, testosterone is essential for maintaining reproductive health and influencing aspects of mood and energy.
The decrease of testosterone hormone with age is natural, but factors like stress and lifestyle can accelerate this process. Understanding how to optimise testosterone, perhaps through targeted physical exercises, can help promote overall health and well-being.
How Exercise Affects Testosterone
Relationship between Exercise and Testosterone
The correlation between exercise and testosterone levels in men has been well-established by different research initiatives. Long-term engagement in physical activity has shown a consistent increase in testosterone levels.
Interestingly, certain physical exercises can induce a temporary spike of testosterone hormone within fifteen minutes to an hour after completion of the workout. Such short term impacts are especially noticeable in younger men. This immediate boost is more pronounced when workouts are performed in the morning, aligning with the natural peak of testosterone levels during that time.
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However, sustaining elevated testosterone levels over the long term requires regular exercise. While there is currently no conclusive evidence of increased testosterone levels in women due to exercise, the presence of testosterone during workouts aids in training and muscle recovery.
Research reveals nuanced findings show that men experience significant testosterone increases post-weightlifting, whereas women show minimal changes. Resistance training in women has a temporary testosterone boost impacting fat distribution.
For older men, regular physical activity not only raises testosterone levels but also enhances growth hormone levels and positively affects brain function. In those previously inactive, exercise led to a notable increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
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Interestingly, even in men with obesity, regular exercise proved more effective in boosting testosterone levels than weight loss diets alone. Maintaining healthy or heightened testosterone levels is crucial, not just for muscle building but for overall well-being and exercise progress.
Exercises that Increase Testosterone
Not all exercises can create the same impacts when it comes to elevating testosterone levels. Understanding the most effective workouts can contribute significantly to achieving the desired hormonal balance. Here is a closer look at some of the best exercises known to increase testosterone.
Measles: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, has been a persistent health concern worldwide. Understanding the symptoms and causes of measles is crucial for individuals and communities to combat its spread effectively. In the wake of a recent measles outbreak in Europe, understanding the symptoms and causes of this highly contagious viral infection is more crucial than ever.
What is Measles? How Does It Affect People?
Measles is characterised by fever, cough, and a distinctive rash. The virus responsible for measles is a paramyxovirus (known as rubeola), and its high contagiousness often leads to outbreaks, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. This contagious viral disease easily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
While capable of affecting anyone, it predominantly targets children. Measles initiates in the respiratory tract and then disseminates throughout the body. As a highly contagious disease, it underscores the importance of preventive measures, with vaccination being the most effective way to shield against severe illness, complications, and potential fatalities.
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What are the Symptoms of Measles?
The symptoms of measles typically manifest 10–14 days after exposure to the virus, with a prominent rash being the most evident sign. Early symptoms persist for 4–7 days and include
- A high fever- Runny nose - Cough - Red and watery eyes - Tiredness- White spots inside the cheeks, known as Koplik's spots
The characteristic rash emerges approximately 7–18 days post-exposure, starting on the face and upper neck, and gradually spreading to the hands and feet over about 3 days. This rash persists for 5–6 days before fading. Other measles symptoms may include
- A sore throat- White spots in your mouth- Muscle pain- Sensitivity to light.
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What are the Causes of Measles?
The measles virus, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, is renowned for its highly contagious nature. Spread primarily through respiratory droplets, it easily transmits from person to person. Measles is exceptionally contagious, with individuals at risk of contracting the virus even after an infected person has left the vicinity.
The virus can endure on surfaces and in the air for hours, posing a continual threat. Originating in the nose and throat, measles is transmitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing infectious droplets into the air. These droplets, both airborne and on surfaces, remain contagious for several hours, facilitating the virus's easy transmission.
Measles Health Risks
The primary cause of death resulting from measles is often complications associated with the disease. These complications encompass various serious issues
- Blindness- Encephalitis, an infection leading to brain swelling and potential brain damage- Severe diarrhea, accompanied by dehydration- Ear infections- Severe respiratory problems, including pneumonia.- In the case of a pregnant woman contracting measles, it poses a significant risk, endangering both the mother and potentially resulting in premature birth with a low birth weight for the baby.
Read more: How to Protect Babies and Children from Dengue Fever
Complications, often leading to fatalities, are more prevalent in children under 5 and adults over 30, especially those malnourished or with weakened immune systems, as measles itself can compromise the body's ability to defend against infections, rendering children exceptionally vulnerable.
JN.1: Symptoms, Prevention of and Precautions for the New COVID-19 Variant
The past two years have been a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty, and just when the world thought the situation of Coronavirus pandemic was under control, a new variant, JN.1, has surfaced. This article aims to dissect the symptoms, causes, and implications of JN.1, the new strain of COVID-19.
What is JN.1? How Does it Affect People?
JN.1, an Omicron subvariant, surfaced in September last year amid declining temperatures, showing heightened transmission rates. Stemming from BA.2.86 (also known as Pirola), JN.1 possesses an additional spike protein mutation crucial for SARS-CoV-2 cell interaction.
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises JN.1 as a Variant of Interest (VOI), distinct from its precursor BA.2.86, due to its rapid spread. Recently identified in the United States, close monitoring is essential to comprehend and address the dynamics of this evolving COVID-19 variant.
The rise in JN.1 cases aligns with a general surge in COVID-19 infections. Symptoms of JN.1 infection closely resemble those of earlier Omicron variants, with no apparent increase in severity. While there are hints of potential increased diarrhoea cases, concrete data supporting this observation is currently lacking. Continuous monitoring is essential to better understand the characteristics of this variant.
Read more: Bangladesh reports 53 more Covid-19 cases in 24hrs
Is JN.1 More Transmissible?
JN.1, a descendant in the Omicron lineage, appears to be more transmissible than its precursor, BA.2.86. The observed surge in case numbers indicates increased transmissibility. Several newer variants, including JN.1, exhibit mutations affecting the spike protein's binding strength to respiratory cells, potentially enhancing replication and immune evasion.
While it remains early to precisely gauge JN.1's transmissibility and immune escape compared to other Omicron variants, experts assert its notable virulence. Dr. Joseph Khabbaza from the Cleveland Clinic notes that the current strain seems to deliver a more potent impact than its predecessors.
Who is at High Risk of Infection?
Certain groups face a higher risk of contracting the easily transmissible virus. These include:
- People aged 65 and above- Diabetic people- People with neurological disorders- People who have pre-existing health conditions like COPD, heart diseases, chronic kidney diseases, cystic fibrosis, and individuals suffering from liver ailments- Pregnant women- Smokers- People with a compromised or weak immune system- Healthcare workers- People who are not vaccinated or have not taken booster shots.
Read more: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 35 more cases in 24hrs
What are the Symptoms and Causes of the JN.1 COVID-19 Variant?
JN.1's increasing prevalence implies heightened contagiousness or improved evasion of immune defences, as per the CDC. Currently, there is no evidence indicating it induces more severe disease than other strains, despite potential transmission spikes. Symptoms associated with JN.1 seem comparable to those induced by other strains, encompassing a range such as
- Sore throat- Congestion- Runny nose- Cough- Fatigue- Headache- Muscle aches- Fever or chills- Loss of sense of taste or smell- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing- Nausea or vomiting- Diarrhoea
The nature and intensity of symptoms typically rely more on an individual's overall health and immune condition rather than the specific variant causing the infection.
Read more: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 28 more cases in 24hrs
How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight?
Losing weight is a common goal for many, but have you ever wondered where the fat goes when you shed those kgs? This article will unveil the secrets of fat-burning and discover effective weight-loss strategies. Join the journey to a healthier you, where every lost kg tells a tale of determination and transformation.
What is Body Fat?
Body fat, often unappreciated, serves a crucial role as a reservoir of stored energy, particularly during extended periods without food access. Body fat refers to the adipose tissue present in the human body, serving as a crucial energy reserve and playing various physiological roles.
Comprising triglycerides, body fat is stored in adipocytes, or fat cells, distributed throughout the body. While essential for insulation, organ protection, and hormone regulation, an excess of body fat can lead to health issues.
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The growth of fat cells in size and number is determined soon after birth and during adolescence. It remains relatively stable in adulthood unless disrupted by long-term excess calorie consumption. Weight loss can shrink fat cells but not their number.
Body fat is typically categorised into two types: essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat is vital for normal physiological functioning, found in organs, nerves, and cell membranes. Storage fat, on the other hand, accumulates beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) and around organs (visceral fat), providing a reserve for energy needs.
Measuring body fat percentage is crucial for assessing overall health and fitness. Various methods, such as skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), help estimate body fat content. Healthy body fat percentages differ based on age, sex, and fitness levels, with excessive body fat linked to increased risk of conditions like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise
Maintaining a balance between essential and storage fat is essential for overall well-being. It apexes the importance of a healthy lifestyle encompassing proper nutrition, regular exercise, and holistic health management.