People often tell us, “I have a genetic problem, my mother is suffering from diabetes”, “My father passed away because of heart attack. There is nothing I can do about it.”
The role of genes is undeniable but it is often exaggerated. Scientists suggest that the most important factor which lead to these lifestyle diseases is unhealthy lifestyle — starting from what we eat, how we eat, when we eat and what physical activities we do.
Myth #1: If it runs in your family, there’s nothing you can do about it.
Yes, if heart conditions run in your family, you are at 50% higher risk of heart disease as compared to others. Having said this, these diseases are still 80% preventable. Healthy behavior changes such as eating a healthier diet, increasing exercise, quitting smoking and keeping your cholesterol in check will help you make tremendous strides towards heart health. The power of prevention is undeniable.
A large study finds that people with the most inherited risk cut their chances of having heart problems in half if they didn’t smoke, ate well, exercised and stayed slim.
“If you are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, it is more important you follow a heart-healthy lifestyle and take medications to control these dangerous risk factors, and avoid or delay the onset of these diseases,” says Dr. Gillinov, Cardiac Surgeon, Cleveland Clinic.
Myth #2: Diabetes is hereditary and runs in family.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetic and behavioral factors. Scientists have linked gene mutations to a diabetes. But not everyone who carries a mutation will get diabetes. It is difficult to separate behavior factors from the equation because behavior also tends to run in families — parents with healthy eating habits are likely to pass them onto the next generation making behavior a stronger factor.
So who is to blame, if not genes?
So, basically all we need something or some one to blame for our choices of actions and words. Now, that we have been living our life in an unhealthy way all these years, we live in denial that the diseases that reside within us are due to the life that we have designed. So we make it simple in our heads — it is not us but “Genes”. So, if I am overweight than it is not me who is leading a life that is giving me this but, it is hereditary. Come on look everyone in my family is like that. Yes, they are because they have been leading the exact same life that you are leading today!
A wake up call — Let’s stop the blame game and take ownership if you Type 2 Diabetes or Hypertension or Obesity or a similar chronic condition. Owning that there is a problem is the first step in the journey of finding the solution!
Acne is a skin inflammatory condition which commonly begins at puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and can be seen residing in oily-skinned adults. Acne types observed in infants and children may be overlooked because it is usually mild and transient.
Acne occurs when the porous skin gets clogged by dirt, oil, bacteria or dead skin cells because of your lifestyle or the environment you live in. Although acne can appear anywhere on your body, evident hotspot areas include the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest.
Skin is the major route of acne formation.
Your overall health remains unaffected by pimple breakout but visible and permanent acne or its scars can have an impact on self-confidence and self-esteem if acne treatment is not well.
Advertisements
REPORT THIS AD
Let’s discover more about acne causes, types, prevention and tips for acne treatment.
Did you know acne affects approximately 85% of teenagers but can occur in most age groups and can persist into adulthood?
Certain acne may appear to be similar but they are not. Now, let’s read out the various acne types to know more.
Different acne types
The beginning of acne is marked when sticky secretions from the skin’s oil glands block the small apertures called plugged pores. These clogs can take the following appearances if acne prevention is not done at the initial stages:
1. Comedones
Comedones are skin-coloured, small bumps which may form a blackhead or whitehead. Usually, the first acne type to get formed.
2. Papules
Papules are tiny, red and raised pimples typically measuring less than a centimetre. Your papule could be flat on top or have a dome-like form.
3. Pustules
Pustules are small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like sores (lesions) on the skin surface. These lumps may be found in clusters on the same area of the body and may get extremely large.
4. Nodules
Nodules are solid swellings beneath the skin’s surface which can occasionally get infectious and grow into larger painful and pus-filled. This acne type is severe and should be treated immediately.
Acne causes
Being aware of the possible causes of acne helps in designing better treatment strategies for acne treatment. The most common acne causes include
1. Hormonal changes during puberty
As a teenager, an increased level of androgen hormone is secreted which in turn leads to oily skin. These hormonal changes are also witnessed during Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or other endocrine disorders.
Visit our website- zyla.in or download the Zyla App to live a healthier life with PCOS.
2. Stress
If you have stress, then the stress hormones released in your body will stimulate the oil glands to produce oil, increase inflammation and will reduce the defenses of your body for acne prevention.
3. Cosmetics
You must be careful with the quality of beauty products because greasy products make your skin prone to acne. You might get a temporary glow but the pores of your skin will be blocked, causing prolonged acne treatment.
Not removing makeup before sleeping properly can lead to acne.
4. Environmental conditions
If you are a resident of a polluted area, you need to be extra careful because exposure to higher levels of dust, chemicals or even hot and humid environments are all acne causes.
5. Genetics
A family history of having oily skin can also make you more susceptible to acne. Also, females are more likely to have acne as compared to males because of less thick and more sensitive skin. This makes acne treatment and acne prevention difficult.
6. Self-maintenance
The acne on the skin can be irritating because of which you might squeeze the pimples, which can result in lifelong scars on the skin.
Hard scrubbing of the face using cleansers can also worsen the condition. Gentle skin care is needed for acne treatment.
7. Diet
If you have more refined carbohydrates such as white bread, buns or sweets, dairy products in your diet, the susceptibility to acne skin increases.
Personalized nutrition covering all the aspects of health can be the best approach towards acne treatment by diet and lifestyle management. We, here at Zyla, work towards customized nutrition on the basis of health problems being faced. Why wait? For proper guidance, download the Zyla app now!
Some of the following acne prevention tips can be followed to lower the chances of breakouts. Let’s get right into it.
Acne prevention tips
Try out these acne prevention tips and tricks to get clear and scar-free skin.
Don’t be hesitant to seek out help from a mental health professional when you need it. Go visit zyla.in or download the Zyla app and obtain help 24*7. By offering you individualized care, we assist you in enhancing your general well-being!
2. Keep your skin clean
Wash your acne-prone area especially your face twice a day and after sweating.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Touching the face frequently must be restricted.
3. Being gentle
Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Scrubbing the skin with a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything else can make acne treatment difficult.
Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free.
4. Oil-free skin
If you have oily hair, make sure to shampoo daily.
5. Natural healing
Let your skin heal naturally. If you burst or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear. Acne treatment will become difficult and you increase the risk of developing acne scars.
Did you know?
Studies have shown that the direct cost spent on acne treatment is estimated to exceed 247 billion rupees per year.
I am sure looking at the expense figures, you might have the urge to know about effective acne treatment so that extra costs can be saved. Read ahead to find out.
Acne treatment
The acne treatment strategy that is best for you will rely on a number of factors, including
Now, I will let you know about effective acne treatment on the basis of the type of acne as prescribed by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)-
1. Comedones
Acne treatment plan may include one of the following:
A retinoid
A retinoid along with benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide and an antibiotic to be applied to your skin
Acne treatment will depend upon acne and skin type.
2. Papules or pustules
Mild or moderate pimples can be treated with medication you apply to your skin. Acne treatment will often consist of applying one of the following:
Benzoyl peroxide
A Retinoid
Azelaic acid
Benzoyl peroxide + a retinoid or an antibiotic you apply to your skin
3. Nodules or cysts
If you have deep, painful acne that often leaves a permanent acne scar, effective acne treatment can help you see clearer skin and prevent new scars. Treatment may consist of:
Prescription medication that you apply to your skin + taking an antibiotic
Hormonal therapy (women only)
4. Additional therapies
Your dermatologist might also suggest including one of the following therapies for your acne treatment
Injections
In case of severe acne types, injections may be prescribed by a dermatologist at the affected site to rapidly relieve the pain and the size of the breakout.
Laser therapy
Dermatologists may find laser therapy necessary as an acne treatment option. This treatment could be used in combination with other treatment options.
Diet therapy
Any food or drink which seems to start a breakout or make your acne worse needs to be restricted or avoided. Low-glycemic index foods include most fresh vegetables, some fresh fruits must be encouraged for better management.
Acne healing is a slow process and will depend on the acne treatment and skin type. Check out this video on home remedies for acne prevention and treatment.
Takeaway message
Mind calmness and patience are crucial in acne treatment. Everyone faces acne at some point in life. So, always remember, you are not alone in this. The solution to getting a thorough and precise diagnosis is to go visit a dermatologist or get a consult on zyla.in.
While some therapies might be effective right away, it might take several months before you notice significant progress. In addition to this, lifestyle management and healthy behaviour can effectively manage acne causes.
The majority of our daily nutritional needs are met by a healthy well-balanced diet. At Zyla, we believe in a complete and holistic approach to preventing and managing all health issues with programs tailored just for you.
Go can visit zyla.in, download the Zyla app or send an email to care@zyla.in to know about our health programmes. Zyla can help you with not only doctor consults but also nutrition advice and exercise guidance, that are appropriate for you.
Do you sometimes feel as if your knee is hurting? And that constant pain tends to affect your day-to-day activities which is really annoying at times, isn't it?
Being active in your life is a great thing for your health, but if it degrades, it starts showing alarming signs and indicates that some solution is required.
Most of the time, it involves pain in your knees. This is because of the wear and tears from daily activities. You might now wonder, if knee pain is related to a specific age group or if anyone can get it.
Knee pain can happen in any age group and at any point in time. Someone who is an athlete may get knee pain because of vigorous activity, while a teacher may get knee pain because of his or her standing job.
Thus, it’s important we understand the knee pain causes, symptoms, the best knee pain treatments and ways of preventing it for leading a healthy and active life. So, in this blog, we’ll focus on all these aspects…
The knee is made up of bone, cartilage, and ligaments (which are connective tissues and fluids). The muscles and tendons help the knee joint to move. When the structure of the knee is damaged the knee problem starts and we start looking out for knee pain treatments.
A most common question asked is, “how do we generally get to know our knee is damaged? Is it only from the pain or are there other symptoms that we need to be aware of?” So, let us have a look below…
Symptoms of knee pain
The symptoms of knee pain can range from moderate to severe such as:
Swelling and stiffness
Redness and pain when touched
Instability and weakness
Crunching noises
Inability to straighten the knee
Based on the various symptoms, the doctors decide the type of knee pain treatment that needs to be provided. But another important factor to consider before providing treatment is the root cause of knee pain. Now, let’s jump on different knee pain causes…
Knee pain causes
The knee is made up of bone, cartilage, and ligaments (which are connective tissues and fluids). The muscles and tendons help the knee joint to move. When the structure of the knee is damaged the knee problem starts and we start looking out for knee pain treatments.
Some of the common knee pain causes are:
1. Osteoporosis
It is a condition wherein the cartilage of the knee wears out causing knee pain. This further reduces bone strength or density.
If you are looking out for the best guidance for your osteoporosis and knee pain, you can download the Zyla app or visit our website Zyla.in and get personalised counselling on food and exercises.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
Because of arthritis, the knee gets swollen and the cartilage gets destroyed leading to pain. To know more about ageing and bone disease, have a look at the blog for a better understanding.
3. Ligament injuries
The ligament present in the knee may get damaged because of sudden twists due to some sports activity or a sudden accident.
4. Tendon injuries
A tendon (flexible tissue) injury can range from inflammation to tear. This happens mostly because of overuse of sports or due to a fall.
5. Cartilage injuries and disorder
Injury, overuse, muscle weakness, or misalignment of the knee can soften the cartilage of the kneecap, or a blow to the knee may tear off a piece of cartilage.
6. Broken knee cap
The small, round bone (patella) that sits over the front of your knee joint breaks, usually due to a fall or a direct blow to the knee.
7. Gout
When uric acid crystals (a waste product) get built up in the knee it causes knee pain. If you are looking out for home remedies for uric acid, watch the video till the end.
8. Pseudogout
Similar to uric acid crystals, when calcium crystals deposit in the knee it gives knee pain.
If you are looking out getting the best treatment for your knee pain, you can download the Zyla app or visit our website Zyla.in and get personalised guidance.
You might have now understood that analyzing the cause of knee pain plays a major role in providing the right kind of knee pain treatment!
However, there are a few high-risk categories that need to be considered where the chances of knee pain are higher. Who all falls into these categories?…
Who is at risk?
1. Excess weight
Being overweight or obese can increase stress on the joints of the knee. It also becomes difficult to carry out normal day-to-day activities also and may lead to major knee injuries.
Watch this interesting video, which will help understand-”How to know your ideal body weight” so that you can work on your weight loss goals…
2. Lack of flexibility and strength
Strong muscles provide stability and protect your joints. The flexibility of muscles helps you achieve a full range of motion. Lack of flexibility and strength may lead to knee injuries.
3. Occupations
In certain occupations like construction or farming where the majority of the time, stress is given on the knees can cause a knee injury.
4. Sports
Sports that involve the knee majorly such as skiing, basketballs, high jumps and jogs lead to knee injury because of repetitive stress.
5. Previous injury
Any sort of previous injury to the knee may result in pain again, in the case of negligence. Hence, be careful and avoid exerting your knees in such cases.
If you are looking out to get your knee pain treated, then the team at Zyla will provide customised doctor’s guidance as per your needs. You can download the app Zyla app for more details.
Along with causes and symptoms, it is equally important that the right diagnosis is made so that the best knee pain treatment can be given. Let us see a few commonly used tests that are used to diagnose knee pain.
Tests to diagnose knee pain
These different radiological tests help to diagnose knee pain:
1. X-ray
Initially, doctors ask to do an x-ray. It helps to detect fractures and declining changes in bones in your body.
2. Computerized tomography (CT scan)
CT scan includes multiple angle x-rays that create cross-sectional images of the body. These help diagnose bone fractures and bone problems.
3. Ultrasonography (USG)
This method takes real-time images of soft muscle around the knee. Ultrasound can be done from multiple angles to check specific problems.
4. Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI captures a 3D image of soft tissues and knee matter by using waves and a powerful magnet. It helps diagnose injuries of ligament, tendon, cartilage etc.
What might be the next step post diagnosis? You guessed it absolutely right! We now jump into the various knee pain treatment and preventive options available…
Knee pain prevention
As we say “prevention is better than cure”, here are a few knee pain prevention methods that you can follow:
Strengthen your leg muscles to help maintain stability in your knees by walking, stair climbing or doing a supervised workout with weights.
Avoid sudden changes in exercise intensity.
Wear shoes that fit properly and are in good enough condition to help maintain balance and leg alignment when you walk or run.
Maintain a healthy weight.
If you ride a bicycle, make sure that the seat is high enough so that pedalling won’t put too much pressure on your knees.
Knee pain treatment
Based on the grade and severity, the knee pain treatment options are provided accordingly.
1. Physical therapy or physiotherapy
Physiotherapy provides flexibility and mobility to the knee joints. It also gives strength to knee muscles and joints.
2. Medicine
If the pain gets a bit worse your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen to get instant relief from knee pain.
3. Surgery
In adverse cases, when the pain gets worse, knee replacement is the only option for relief.
4. Injections
Certain steroids, gel shots, PRP (Platelet rich plasma) injections, and stem cell injections are given by doctors for temporary and instant relief of pain.
5. Weight management
Many times, knee pain happens because of excess weight that creates pressure on both knees. Hence, by reducing weight, further damage to the knees can be prevented.
Read our blog- “The top 5 weight loss mistakes we all make” and get the right guidance. If you’re seeking help to improve body weight, you can download the Zyla app or visit our website-Zyla.in and get the best help from the experienced team.
Last but not the least, we often try looking out for age-old home remedies to see if they will help reduce the pain. Let us look at certain scientifically proven remedies which you can try at home.
Home remedies for knee pain
Home remedies are one of the many methods of knee pain treatments. Though they cannot reverse pain completely, they can give relief to a certain extent.
1. Ice
Cover ice with a cloth and apply it to your knee 2–3 times a day for 15 minutes. Ice helps narrow the blood vessels of the knee and reduces inflammation.
2. Comfortable footwear
Wear comfortable cushion footwear as it supports your knee and prevents knee pain.
3. Pillow
Avoid sleeping on one side. However, if you are comfortable sleeping only on one side, you can keep a pillow between both your legs.
4. Stay seated
Stay seated more as sometimes standing may worsen the pain. Even if you are standing, make sure to divide your weight equally between both your legs.
5. Massage
Massaging your knee with some warm herbal oil may give relief. However, this remedy is subjective and make sure to consult your doctor before starting it.
I am sure, by now you have a clear understanding of what is knee pain, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and the best knee pain treatment methods. At any point in time, if you face any kind of discomfort in the knee, please reach out to your doctor and get it checked to prevent further complications.
Whenever a knee is damaged it is very important to be careful and to avoid adding extra pressure on the knees. Do take proper rest till the pain comes down and restart your day-to-day activities gradually.
If you are suffering from any condition leading to knee pain, then you can download the Zyla app or visit our website Zyla.in and get a holistic treatment that is best for your health. Do not delay any further and download the app right away!
