United News of Bangladesh

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

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.  Read more: 10 Delicious Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss 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.

As a convenient personal transport, the popularity of motorbikes is on the rise. However, bike riding can pose a threat if not wearing safety gear, especially the helmet. Motorcycle helmets come in all types of shapes and sizes. From half helmets to modular, off-road, dual-face to full-face helmets, the choice seems to be endless. But in addition to the types, there’s also the aspect of QC and compliance to consider. While it might be difficult to fit all the criteria in a budget helmet, here’s a list of the ones to consider under 15000 BDT.   What to Consider Before Buying a Motorbike Helmet  In Bangladesh, The Road Safety Act of 2018 mentions the requirement of a “proper” bike helmet for the rider and the pillion. But there’s no exact specification to define what’s “proper.” As a result, helmets as cheap as 600 BDT are easily available in the market. But none of those qualify for the UN or the ECE standards.  Before getting into the list, here’s what one should consider before buying a motorcycle helmet.  Safety Standards  As mentioned above, there aren’t any strict measures to enforce standards on motorcycle helmets. But considering personal safety, look for helmets that meet either ECE, UN, or BSTI standards or clearance certification.  Read more: 10 Best GPS Trackers for Motorcycles in Bangladesh Fit and Comfort  There’s a common misconception that helmets need to be tight fit. On the contrary, the best approach is to go for a snug fit that sits comfortably level with the head. Even the pin-lock should be adjusted in a way that it doesn’t obstruct the natural jaw movement.  Helmet Type  The most common types of helmets in Bangladesh are full-face and open-face helmets. There are also modular ones but those are better suited for cruiser or off-road bikes. For normal city commutes, a full-face or open-face helmet would be ideal.  Weight  Always opt for a lightweight helmet so as not to stress out your head or shoulder. As a rule of thumb, look for a combination of lightweight build and enough cushioning for a snug and comfortable fit. Fiberglass or polycarbonate helmets can be a great choice in this regard. There are also carbon fiber ones, but those won’t come under 15000 unfortunately.  Read more: Uber Driver Account in Bangladesh: How to Activate, Delete, and Reactivate Noise Level  Make sure the helmet has ample aerodynamic and wind noise reduction for a comfortable ride. It depends on the fit and how much noise can be blocked. Too tight a fit might block essential sounds as well which might become an accessory for accidents. So try and strike a balance in between.

Walking, a seemingly straightforward activity, has taken a new twist — a backward or reverse step. The concept of walking backwards, often overlooked, comes with many benefits that can significantly enhance your physical and mental well-being. Let's delve into the world of backward strides and explore why incorporating this unique practice into your routine could be a game-changer. Health Benefits of Reverse Walking  Physical Benefits Improves Balance and Gait  Walking backwards challenges your brain and body to coordinate in new ways, which can improve your overall balance and stability. This practice can be especially beneficial for senior citizens or people who are recuperating from injuries. Reduces Knee Pain and Strengthens Muscles By engaging different muscle groups than forward walking, walking backwards can take stress off your knee joints and strengthen your hamstrings, calves, and glutes. This can be helpful for people with knee pain, arthritis, or weak lower body muscles. Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion The repeated leg extension involved in backward walking can improve your flexibility, particularly in your hamstrings and ankles. This can help with overall range of motion and reduce stiffness. Burns more Calories  Studies suggest that walking backwards may burn slightly more calories than walking forward, although the difference is small. 

 Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB) on Friday diabetes patient can fast easily by following some rules as modern medical methods have made fasting easy and safe.  ACEDB informed this info in an event organized at National Press Club. The event was organized on the occasion of Dia-Ramadan Awareness Month program announced by ACEDB for the month of Rajab.  In addition to the month-long program of the organization, some programs were highlighted to safely observe the fasting of diabetic patients.   According to ACEDB, fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. So, fasting is a must for every adult Muslim. Research has shown that about 80 percent of diabetic patients in Bangladesh maintain fast.  According to a statistic, around 50 million diabetics patients around the world fast. But among diabetic patients who maintain fast without doctor's advice, they face some complications. In particular, suffer from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), diabetic ketoacidosis, and dehydration.   Former Secretary of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Anwar Hossain Howlader said in the speech as chief guest, several recent studies shown, those who fast with the preparation of Ramadan have less complications including hypoglycemia than before Ramadan. Various studies have proven that fasting is beneficial to health.  "Diabetic patients are advised to consult their doctor at least 2-3 months before Ramadan to prepare," he said. ACEDB  President Professor Farid Uddinsaid, Muslims want to fast this one month for self-purification. Diabetics patients are no exception. Since fasting requires long periods of fasting and diabetics patients who take insulin or take oral medication, they need to take special precautions during Ramadan.    He also said it is necessary to plan and take advance preparation. You can combine diet, exercise and medicine. You can practice Nafal fasting before Ramadan.   General Secretary of ACEDB Prof. Dr. Indrajit Prasad said, some issues can be solved own by thinking a little consciously. For example, talk to the doctor and bring 3 times the medicine in one or two times. Can take day medicine at night before Ramadan.Experts of the organization said that diabetic patients can fast.  "Diabetes is not a barrier for those who can afford it. Prior preparation is required. They advised, diabetic patients should consult their doctor at least 2-3 months before Ramadan and make preparations," he also advised.      According to the ACEDB, several recent studies have shown that those who maintain fast with the preparation of Ramadan have a much lower incidence of hypoglycemia and other complications than before Ramadan. Various studies have proven that fasting is beneficial for health.   In the event, they informed that the Endocrine Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University has been taking various programs to make people aware at all levels about the safe fasting of diabetic patients. Before Ramadan, the endocrinologists of this hospital have been conducting various programs across the country. Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB), the leading organization of endocrinologists in Bangladesh, has declared the month of Rajab as 'Diabetes and Ramadan Awareness Month' in October 2023 to highlight the important issue more seriously to the countrymen.  In continuation of that, on the first Friday of the month of Rajab, on January 27, 2023, its auspicious opening was announced at the Dhaka Club, which is the first time in the world.   Programs for the month of Rajab include – training of doctors, training of diabetic patients, discussions with mosque khatibs and raising public awareness through various media. ACI Pharmaceuticals Limited is cooperating in this regard.

It's easy to be complacent about COVID-19. Most people experience only mild issues – fever and coughing, maybe congestion and shortness of breath. But the coronavirus is capable of causing much more than a simple respiratory illness, affecting organs throughout the body, experts say. "We see people have symptoms from almost head to toe in terms of how they feel, how they function and what they can do," said Dr. Adrian Hernandez, a cardiologist who is director of the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, North Carolina. The new year started with an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S., prompting Hernandez and other experts to advise caution, especially for those at high risk. While the short-term effects of COVID-19 can be flu-like, even mild cases can lead to long COVID – a constellation of problems that can persist for weeks or months. More than 200 symptoms have been linked to long COVID, said Hernandez, who has overseen many COVID-19 studies. Because COVID-19 typically affects breathing and can lead to problems such as pneumonia, many people may think it's primarily a lung disease. It's not that simple, said Dr. Nisha Viswanathan, director of the long COVID program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Read: Monitoring lesser-known numbers in a blood screening can help heart health "I would argue that COVID-19 is not a disease of the lungs at all," she said. "It seems most likely that it is what we call a vascular and neurologic infection, affecting both nerve endings and our cardiovascular system." It's no surprise that experts say SARS-CoV-2 – the name of the virus that causes COVID-19 – is complex, with many of its pathways just beginning to be understood. But some things are becoming clear. One of the best reviews of long COVID symptoms, Viswanathan said, appeared last January in Nature Reviews Microbiology. It detailed the disease's effects throughout the body, including the pancreas, blood vessels and reproductive system. "SARS-CoV-2 is excellent at triggering your immune system to go from zero to 100," said Dr. Lindsay McAlpine, a neurologist who is director of the Yale NeuroCovid Clinic in New Haven, Connecticut. That revving of the immune response leads to both a "wide swath of inflammation" and excessive blood clotting, she said. "Perhaps the viral replication is going on in the lungs and nasopharynx (the area at the top of the throat that connects the nose to the respiratory system). But the inflammation that the virus triggers is systemic," McAlpine said. Here are some parts of the body significantly affected by COVID-19. The brain and nervous system "The virus and the immune response can have several different effects on the brain," said McAlpine, lead author of a 2021 study looking at strokes in people with COVID-19, published in the journal Stroke. She is researching issues related to COVID-19 and brain fog, which she called "a very common symptom." The exact causes of brain-related issues are not clear, but she said it does not appear that the virus is directly attacking brain tissue. Rather, it seems that the ramped-up immune response leads to clots that could cause brain problems. "A lot of patients have described it as feeling like they have a concussion," McAlpine said. "And it can persist for several months after COVID," even if the initial case was mild. "In addition to the cognitive impairment, we see worsening or new-onset migraines," she said. "We see new neuropathy in the legs and the arms – numbness, tingling, difficulty walking because of the neuropathy." COVID-19 might also be unmasking other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, she said. McAlpine has diagnosed new cases of Alzheimer's disease in people who, before COVID-19, were functioning fine, then developed symptoms. "We don't know why," she said. The heart and blood vessels Research shows COVID-19 infection can increase the risk for heart-related problems such as myocarditis, a rare inflammation of the heart, and an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation. Read: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety  The risk of dangerous clotting – including deep vein thrombosis (clots in large veins) and pulmonary embolisms (clots in the lungs) – is small but stays elevated for up to a year after the infection, according to research done before vaccines were available. Many factors might be playing into COVID-related heart problems, Viswanathan said, including microclots – tiny blood clots – or an autoimmune response targeting heart muscle cells. A recent study in Nature Cardiovascular Research shows the virus may infect coronary arteries, causing plaque buildup to become inflamed and break off, which can lead to a heart attack. Gastrointestinal system "Interestingly, the GI system's mechanism may be a little different than what impacts the heart," Viswanathan said. One theory suggests that the virus finds a hiding place while the rest of the body fights it off. "And we have found now in multiple studies that COVID can remain in our GI tract for weeks and months after it has resolved in the rest of the body." The exact place where the virus might hide is up for debate, Viswanathan said. But Hernandez said gastrointestinal symptoms are clear: "People can have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea." A large study of veterans published last year in Nature Communications found people with COVID-19 had a higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal problems more than 30 days after infection compared to people without COVID-19. The risk was elevated even among people who had mild cases of the disease. Kidneys Kidney problems were common in a 2023 study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine that looked at organ damage after COVID-19 infection. Researchers don't necessarily know whether kidney problems stem from people getting sick with high fevers and taking in less fluid or because "with a virus that can go anywhere and cause inflammation anywhere, you can have all sorts of problems," Hernandez said. What to do Not everyone who gets COVID-19 will have these problems, Viswanathan said. But people experiencing symptoms can reach out to their primary care physician or a long COVID clinic. What everyone can do, she said, is take steps to protect themselves and those around them. The first step is to be cautious if COVID-19 is surging in your area. Consider wearing a mask in crowded public places. "A lot of people have COVID now, and it may take a while for them to test positive," Viswanathan said. "The second thing is get vaccinated," she said. "It really does seem to be highly protective." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 5 and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine to avoid getting seriously ill from the virus. "The third thing is controlling your cardiovascular risk factors," she said. That means getting high blood pressure, diabetes or other chronic medical conditions under control. "It will all decrease your risk." McAlpine added that if you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay away from other people to avoid putting them at risk. Hernandez emphasized the importance of vaccinations in general for people with heart or lung disease, cancer or suppressed immune systems. "For people who have other health conditions, you don't need another one," he said. "And if you could avoid an illness like COVID or the flu – why wouldn't you?" 

Winter can be a challenging time for pets, requiring extra care and attention from their owners. This extensive guide offers in-depth advice on how to protect your pets from winter sickness, choose appropriate gear, maintain balanced nutrition, and more. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your furry friends are comfortable, healthy, and happy during the colder months. How to Protect Your Adorable Pets from Winter Sickness Understanding Winter Sickness in Pets The cold season can exacerbate existing health conditions in pets and introduce new risks. For example, older pets may suffer more from arthritis due to the cold, while younger pets might be more susceptible to respiratory infections. Awareness of these issues is crucial for early detection and effective management. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify and mitigate these risks early on. Understanding and Managing Winter Allergies Pets can suffer from allergies in winter too, often due to drier air and indoor allergens. Symptoms can include itching, redness, and discomfort. Regular cleaning and vacuuming of your home can reduce allergens, and humidifiers can add moisture to the air, alleviating dry skin. If you suspect your pet has allergies, consult your vet for appropriate treatments. Read more: 100 years after his birth, world’s most loyal dog Hachiko still winning hearts Preparing for Emergencies Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for emergencies. Have a pet emergency kit ready, including food, water, medications, and any other essentials your pet might need if you're unable to leave the house. Also, have a plan in place in case of power outages or if you need to evacuate your home. Signs Your Pet is Uncomfortable in the Cold Your pet may not be able to tell you when they're cold, but they can show it. Look for signs such as reluctance to go outside, shivering, or seeking shelter in warmer areas. These behaviors indicate that your pet is feeling the cold and needs additional warmth and care. Ensuring your pet has a warm place to retreat to inside, away from drafts, can greatly enhance their comfort. Choosing the Right Winter Gear for Your Pet Proper winter gear is essential for pets, especially those that spend time outdoors. When choosing gear, consider your pet's size, breed, and the specific weather conditions of your area. A well-fitted coat or sweater can provide much-needed warmth, while booties can protect their paws from cold surfaces. Remember, not all pets will be comfortable wearing clothes, so it’s important to introduce any new gear gradually and monitor their response. Read more: 10 houseplants that are bad for your pets

Did it ever happen to you that after listening to any hour-long lecture in a workshop or classroom you can’t remember anything? Though you were physically present at that place, your mind was not there. What’s missing here was focus.   Focus – a little word with a huge impact! It's like the superhero of thinking, connecting to decisions, problem-solving, learning, memory, and how we see the world. If the focus game isn't strong, it can put a damper on thinking skills. Mastering the art of focusing is a game-changer. Focus can be used like a spotlight to direct the flow of energy. Harnessing the power of focus is key to success in life.  What is Focus? Focus is like a superpower that helps you to fully concentrate into one specific task and ignore the noise and happenings around.  Some folks call it "flow," a term made cool by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in his book “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.” It's that feeling of being in the zone, where your mind is so absorbed that you forget about everything else – time, space, and anything other than the task at hand. For instance, with focus, you can enjoy a novel amid the huge chaos of a railway station. Read more: How to Utilise the Power of Visualisation to Achieve Goals Focus lets someone immerse themselves completely in one thing, without allowing mental distractions. It's like a mental power boost, concentrating all brain energy on one awesome task. Focus is the secret sauce to becoming the superhero of concentration! You can think of focus as a muscle for your mind. Like any other muscle, you can train it. So, if you want to boost your focus game, treat it like a workout – flex that mental muscle regularly. What is Attention Muscle? The attention muscle is like the brain's personal trainer for focus. It's all about the ability to direct and keep your awareness on a task, even when distractions come knocking. If you don't intentionally work it out, this attention muscle doesn't get stronger – and that's when the mind becomes a bit of a scatterbrain. An under-exercised attention muscle leads to a twitchy, agitated mind that can't catch a break, constantly hopping from one distraction to another. It's like trying to herd cats. Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators Most people don't realize how feeble their attention muscle is until they actually need to buckle down and focus. Without proper training and development, sustained focus becomes a bit like trying to juggle too many balls at once – nearly impossible! So, if you want to avoid mental acrobatics, it's time to hit the mental gym and give that attention muscle a good workout.

When you get the results from a routine blood screening, some familiar terms and numbers may jump out: cholesterol levels that point to a risk for heart disease, for example, and A1C, a blood sugar measurement used to diagnose diabetes. But are there other numbers that merit a closer look? "There are lesser-known numbers to look at regarding heart-related risk," said Dr. Elliot Davidson, medical director of the Center for Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Ohio. "They can be helpful for anybody on the fence about taking medication." Standard bloodwork typically includes tests for liver and kidney function "that are important considerations for the heart," said Dr. Parag Joshi, a preventive cardiologist and an associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "That kind of stuff is important to know." First, the basics: Health care professionals encourage people to monitor five numbers to track their heart health. They are blood pressure; blood sugar, or glucose; cholesterol; body mass index or waist measurement; and sleep duration. Read: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety Davidson and Joshi said there are more results on your blood test to consider as well. Non-HDL cholesterol The total cholesterol number is calculated by adding HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and 20% of the triglyceride number. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store excess energy from your diet. High LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with low HDL, contribute to fatty buildup in arteries. If you take the total cholesterol number and subtract the HDL, you get the non-HDL cholesterol. "Sometimes that picks up some risk that the LDL or the triglycerides and the total (numbers) don't totally capture, and that we might be missing if we just focus on the usual results," Joshi said. Non-HDL cholesterol is measured in deciliters of blood. An optimal range for non-HDL in adults would be less than 130 mg/dL, according to the National Institutes of Health. Davidson said doctors can use cholesterol and blood pressure results, as well as other health factors, to calculate the risk for having a heart attack, stroke or other disease caused by the buildup of plaque in arteries. People can work with health care professionals to calculate their risk. Tools are available from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, which recently released a new risk calculator that incorporates kidney function and other newly added factors. The AHA tool can predict risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure over the next 10 years and 30 years in people ages 30 to 79. "Even if you have a low 10-year risk, you might have a pretty significant lifetime risk," Davidson said. Lipoprotein(a) Another measurement to know is lipoprotein(a), a larger type of "bad" cholesterol that can build up in arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It's mostly genetic, Joshi said, rather than caused by lifestyle factors, and no treatments have yet been proven to lower lipoprotein(a) levels. Read: Winter Hair Fall Issues: Causes, and Solutions About 1 in 5 people worldwide has high lipoprotein(a) levels, according to the American Heart Association. "For people with a strong family history of heart disease or early strokes or early blockages, it sometimes shows up as the only risk factor we can identify," Joshi said. "It is something I often check in preventive cardiology, and people are becoming more aware of it." There is no consensus on risk thresholds for lipoprotein(a) levels, but AHA and ACC guidelines consider a high measurement to be 50 mg/dL or higher. Hemoglobin When patients report they are fatigued, that's a reason to focus on their hemoglobin, or red blood cell count, Davidson said. "If it's lower than it should be, you have to look for a reason," he said. "A common cause would be gastrointestinal blood loss. You've got to make sure you're not losing blood somewhere." A low count, a condition called anemia, also may be caused by iron and vitamin deficiencies. Normal ranges for hemoglobin can vary slightly, but in general they are 13.5 g/dL to 18 g/dL for men, 12 g/dL to 15 g/dL for women, and 11 g/dL to 16 g/dL for children. Creatinine Blood tests for kidney and liver function also can indicate cardiovascular risk, Joshi said. The level of creatinine, a waste product formed by digestion of protein, is a marker of kidney function. "It's supposed to be cleared out in the blood by the kidneys," Joshi said. "If the creatinine in the blood goes up, the kidneys aren't doing a good job." Protein in urine is another risk indicator, he said, "because the kidneys are supposed to retain all your proteins. So, if you're losing protein through your urine, there's something wrong with the kidney. We're learning a lot about how kidney problems increase the risk of heart problems, and vice versa." Davidson noted that high creatinine levels are "not only an independent marker for heart disease, but you have to be very careful about certain medications like ibuprofen and other things that would aggravate your kidney function." Creatinine levels above 1.2 for women and 1.4 for men may be cause for concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read: Which Vitamins are Essential for Women? Liver enzymes Tests for liver enzymes known as ALT and AST can indicate impaired liver function or unhealthy fat deposits in the liver, Joshi said. There are several reasons for elevated ALT or AST, he said. "But one of those reasons is this deposition of fat in the liver, and that is a marker of increased risk of heart disease in the future." The enzymes are measured in units per liter. For ALT, a standard range is 29-33 for men and 19-25 for women. AST levels should be less than 35. The bottom line, according to Davidson: "Have a primary care doctor that you trust, keep in close contact, and discuss your bloodwork."  

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain or neural plasticity, is the remarkable ability of the brain to reconfigure its neural connections throughout life. This phenomenon underlines the brain's capacity to adapt, learn, and reshape itself in response to experiences and stimuli. It plays a critical role in learning new concepts, honing skills, and recovering from brain injuries, significantly boosting productivity. Let's explore some effective methods for enhancing your brain's neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity Techniques for Everyday Life to Enhance Brain Productivity Juggling as a Brain Exercise Ever tried juggling with balls? It's not just entertaining; it's a brain booster! Juggling engages multiple brain areas, improving multitasking abilities and spatial perception. Regularly practicing juggling, even for just 10 minutes a day, can develop new neural pathways. It's a delightful approach to enhance hand-eye coordination and your brain's flexibility. The Power of Reading Aloud Reading aloud isn't just for kids; it's beneficial for adults too! This activity stimulates the brain's language centers, involving both auditory and speech processing. Regularly reading aloud can strengthen language comprehension and communication abilities. It's an easy yet powerful way to activate and improve your brain's language functions. Read more: 10 Ways to Boost Team Productivity in Workplace Musical Instrument Mastery Ever considered learning an instrument like the guitar? It's a fantastic way to foster creativity and fine motor skills. Research indicates that musicians often have more neuroplastic brains. Playing an instrument enhances memory, coordination, and overall brain adaptability. As you progress, you'll notice improvements in focus, memory, and creative thinking. It's enjoyable and beneficial for your brain. Embracing Mindful Moments Consider incorporating mindful walks in nature or familiar environments into your routine. Mindfulness promotes concentration and mental clarity. Regular mindful breaks, and focusing on breathing with closed eyes, can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall brain function.