Anxiety Archives - InnoHEALTH magazine

Unseen Struggles: Finding Peace When the Future Feels Too Heavy

Khushi Khandelwal — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Khushi Khandelwal

“When your mind won’t rest, and your heart feels tired“

Introduction
We live in a world that doesn’t slow down — not for our feelings, not for our fears. Every day, we’re surrounded by expectations, comparisons, deadlines, and distractions. And in the midst of all this chaos, there’s one silent struggle many of us carry but rarely speak about: The inability to be present.

We lie awake at night, mentally rehearsing conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or wondering if we’re falling behind. It’s more than just “overthinking” — it’s a slow, quiet war between our need for control and our longing for peace.
This article is not a guide. It’s a mirror — for you, for me, for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of the future pressing on their present.

This Isn’t Just Overthinking — It’s Mental Exhaustion

Overthinking has become a buzzword, but let’s be real — what most of us are experiencing is deeper than spiraling thoughts. It’s a constant inner noise that refuses to shut off. It’s unfinished thoughts, unresolved emotions, and unreleased fears.

You might find yourself:

Replaying conversations that never actually happened.
Planning for outcomes that are months or years away.
Doubting yourself every time you pause to breathe.
Feeling guilty for resting, yet too drained to keep pushing.

It’s not about drama or crisis. It’s about the everyday mental chaos we’ve normalized.

The Hidden Fatigue of Our Times

This isn’t physical tiredness. It’s the emotional burnout that comes from trying to stay “okay” in a world that constantly demands more.

You might:

Snap easily, then apologize for being “too much.”
Feel anxious in silence and overwhelmed in crowds.
Second-guess your joy, as if you don’t deserve it.
Struggle to even answer the question, “How are you?”
Feel detached from your own wins, as if they weren’t enough.

You’re not broken. You’re just tired of carrying things that nobody sees.

Why Are We So Anxious Without a Clear Reason?

Today, our fear isn’t about survival — it’s about being enough.
We fear falling behind.
We fear not living up to expectations — ours, our family’s, society’s.
We fear being forgotten, rejected, misunderstood. We’re always thinking of the “next thing”:
What if I don’t get that job?
What if I never feel fulfilled?
What if I never become who I thought I’d be? In this constant state of future-focus, the present slips away.

The Luxury of Feeling Calm

Ask anyone what they truly want, and it’s rarely fame or wealth. It’s peace.
Silence — the kind that doesn’t feel heavy. Rest — the kind that doesn’t come with guilt.

We all want:

Someone who listens without fixing.
A moment where we’re not being compared or measured.
A space where we can just be — imperfect, unpolished, real.

But most days, we just keep scrolling, smiling, surviving.

The Loneliness That’s Hard to Explain

You can be surrounded by friends and still feel unseen.
You can be doing well “on paper” and still feel hollow.
You can laugh at a meme and still feel empty afterward.
Because this isn’t about what’s outside.
It’s about the quiet, confusing storm inside. And the scariest part?
You’ve learned to hide it so well, even you forget it’s there sometimes.

So What Can We Do?

There’s no magic fix. No 5-step routine to solve what’s going on inside. But maybe, we can start with something smaller — something softer.

Leave your phone in another room.
Sit by the window and notice the sky.
Reach out to someone and just say, “I feel a little off today.”
Don’t plan your life. Just get through the afternoon.
Allow yourself to do nothing — and not feel bad about it.

Give yourself permission to be human, not perfect.

Conclusion: A Reminder You Might Need Right Now

You don’t have to have it all together. You don’t have to be productive every day.
You don’t need to be stronger, tougher, smarter, or faster than you are. Sometimes, just showing up — tired, messy, uncertain — is more than enough. And if you’re reading this and thinking, “This is me” — then know this:

You are not alone.
You are not failing.

You are simply living in a world that moves too fast and listens too little.
So slow down.

Breathe.

And if you have nothing else to give today, give yourself kindness.
Because even if it doesn’t feel like it — you’re doing better than you think.

If this article made you feel something, don’t keep it to yourself.
Maybe someone you know is carrying the same silent weight — and needs these words as much as you did.

The post Unseen Struggles: Finding Peace When the Future Feels Too Heavy appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

Using Bibliotherapy to Manage Anxiety

InnoHEALTH magazine digital team — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 05:21:15 +0000

In disproportionate levels, however, anxiety can progress into a medical disorder which manifests as excessive fear, apprehension, nervousness, and worry — affecting day-to-day life.

An anxiety is a normal emotion that is part of the body’s response to stress. It often manifests in the feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physiological effects such as changes in blood pressure. In disproportionate levels, however, anxiety can progress into a medical disorder which manifests as excessive fear, apprehension, nervousness, and worry — affecting day-to-day life. And according to Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, the global prevalence of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic rose to 21%.

There are different potential reasons for this increase, such as job loss, workplace or school closures, and restrictions over gatherings. Grief may have played a significant role in anxiety spikes as well. In an article called ‘Grief – A Healthy Emotional Response to Loss’, writer Anika Bhasin discussed how sudden, traumatic losses can lead to a lost sense of control as well; without certainty over the future, anxiety is likely to emerge alongside feelings of shock, sadness, anger, and guilt. The limited opportunities for mental health check-ups have led many people to educate themselves on managing anxiety at home. Bibliotherapy — the practice of reading books for mental health — is one solution that is probably as old as storytelling itself.

How Reading Can Manage Anxiety

In our fast-paced world, anxiety and stress issues are extremely pervasive. As bestselling author Max Lucado writes in his book Anxious for Nothing, “the news about our anxiety is enough to make us anxious.” We hear stories about people seriously struggling with anxiety, who find it especially hard to overcome their worries.

So how can reading help? For one, reading keeps your brain healthy. Unlike film or television, reading requires more active engagement from the brain. Different regions work together to build a new world inside our heads, and this brain workout improves memory, concentration, and mood. The habit of reading books regularly also combats conditions like dementia.

Another benefit of reading is that fiction often allows us to escape our reality. Readers turn to books to process anxieties and fears. When we read, we connect with characters who face similar obstacles and represent shared feelings; their experiences show us how normal our emotions are, and we feel less isolated in the process.

Surprisingly, many people find comfort in post-apocalyptic fiction — which is set in worlds affected by global catastrophes — as they recreate the atmosphere of an irrevocably-changed world, but also remind us of the human capacity to rebound, adapt, and thrive.

Stories have long been used to impart deep insights to us about living, and remain powerful vehicles for morals, lessons, and wisdom. In psychology, stories offer a universal type of therapy because it can work across ages, cultures, and mental illnesses. Although books alone cannot treat anxiety, they can definitely help in the process of recovery.

Giving Bibliotherapy a Try

Bibliotherapy — the practice of reading books for mental health — is one solution that is probably as old as storytelling itself.

Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University found that there are three categories of books that work well for therapeutic reading. Classical repertoire focuses on creative works like novels, poetry, and fiction to improve patient conditions through the process of identification. Then, there are also psychological works, which are more clinical; these provide more information about specific disorders and aim to assist readers.

The third category is self-help. These books augments tips for cognitive development, and offer precise methodologies or inspiration to treat mental health disorders. Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, for example, teaches readers about the benefits of ‘forest medicine’. By spending more time around trees, humans can reduce stress, boost their immune system, and improve overall feelings of wellbeing.

Through these three categories, bibliotherapy offers a respite from anxiety. However, it’s important to note that they are only effective if the patient enjoys reading. Patients who are unable to distinguish reality from fantasy, or have limited intellectual ability and attention span would likely benefit more from other types of therapy.

Composed by: “Lena Peterson is a freelance writer and researcher. As a mental health advocate she augments topics on psychology and wellness, as she believes these are important for each person’s overall well-being.”

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Integrating Spirituality in State of Art Modern Heart Care

InnoHEALTH magazine digital team — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:11:31 +0000

Dr Satish Kr. Gupta is the Director, Cardiology & Medicine, RMM Global Hospital Trauma Centre and JW Global Hospital & Research Centre, Brahmakumaris, Mount Abu.He was conferred with “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the then President of India late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam ji in 2006 for outstanding contribution in Preventive Cardiology and subsequently was also honoured for Excellence in Cardiology. Apart from receiving several accolades he has organized 12 World Congress on Clinical and Preventive Cardiology from 2006 to 2017 as Secretary General in which more than 14000 Cardiologists and Physicians took part from all over the World and India to propagate the message of “Integrating Spirituality in State of Art Modern Heart Care”. Meditation for preventing / reversing disease process’ through this meditative approach he was able to stop or decrease insulin and anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive medication requirements and almost all other ailments of mind and body.

Surgeon R Admiral V K Singh, Editor-in-Chief & MD InnovatioCuris interviews him to share his experience and also elucidate the importance of yoga in our life. V K Singh has been to his center number of times and also attended his workshop.

“Practice of Rajyoga Meditation along with a healthy diet, healthy exercise, and proper sleep as per our biological clock/circadian rhythm can regress CAD and prevent fresh angina or heart attack.”

Q. How did you turn yourself from clinical cardiology to preventive cardiology and adopt meditation to prevent/reverse heart disease.

While working in one of premier Heart Institute in Delhi in 1994-95, I noticed the number of heart patients in the 30-40 yrs age group, coming to the hospital with acute coronary events have increased. After managing the patient the next day we used to perform coronary angiography and we used to put a stent in the culprit lesion. I remember one patient, who was about 36 years old, got admitted to the emergency room with a heart attack. Next day in coronary angiography we found 80% blockage in Left artery and 60% blockage in right coronary artery.

I informed the patient’s wife about the urgent coronary intervention by putting stent. Patient was discharged from the hospital three days after the procedure. About 3 months later, same patient was again admitted to our hospital with chest discomfort, he was managed conservatively in CCU and repeat coronary angiography revealed 100% in stent restenosis in one artery and 80% in other artery his wife had sold their house and for the last 3 months, he is not able to join his work and now what should they sell to get angioplasty. I had no answer to his query and after the round I went to the library and found few research articles, which related psychosocial stressors e.g Type A behaviour, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, lack of social and emotional support etc. with rapid progression of CAD (Coronary Artery disease) and acute coronary events e.g. unstable angina or heart attack.

I met Brahmakumaris Rajyoga Meditation in 1986 when I was at AIIMS, New Delhi. I have been doing Rajyoga Meditation since then and experienced a lot of changes in my thought patterns. Just a few days of practice of Rajyoga Meditation made me experience internal peace, true love, and happiness. Then, one day after early morning meditation I had clairvoyance, in which I realised how psychosocial stressors are responsible for rapid progression of coronary blockages and acute coronary events. Practice of Rajyoga Meditation along with a healthy diet, healthy exercise, and proper sleep as per our biological clock/circadian rhythm can regress CAD and prevent fresh angina or heart attack.

After few days of this realization, when I was delivering a talk on “Stress & Heart Diseases” in Doctors meeting, I shared my thoughts on how stress can lead to rapid progression of coronary blockages & acute coronary events and how meditation and healthy lifestyle changes can reverse coronary blockages and prevent further heart attacks.

After this, we planned a research project in collaboration with Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences and Defence Institute of Psychological Research, DRDO, New Delhi. To conduct this research project I shifted to J Watumull Global Hospital & Research Centre, Brahmakumaris, Mount Abu in April 1995.

“Brahmakumaris Rajyoga meditation uses Rajyoga meditation to open the blockages, role of healthy diet, exercise, sleep and de-addiction from smoking and alcohol.”

Q. Could you elaborate how you have reversed angiographic proven heart blocks for which you had received a Lifetime achievement award from President of India Sh Abdul Kalam who had conceived this project with you as Scientific Advisor of the Ministry of Defence provided all technical support You have also written about it in my book published in the USA.

In the CAD Research Project, for every angiographically proven CAD patient psychological analysis along with physiological (EEG, HR variability), endocrinological (adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, cortisol; beta-endorphins, serotonin) was carried out. With 24 long years of research, we have been able to co-relate every coronary artery blockage with various thought patterns (type A behavior, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, lack of social and emotional support, etc).

We educate our CAD patients how to change various thought patterns with Rajyoga Meditation. This change in thought patterns along with better adherence to health-promoting behavior e.g. healthy diet, exercise, sleep and de-addiction from smoking and alcohol leads to normalization of endothelial function thereby reverse cholesterol transport of LDL from the plaque into the lumen, hence regression in coronary blockages.

Q. Can you give details of protocol you used in your one-week workshop for lifestyle changes.

Angiographically documented CAD patients along with spouse are invited for “3D Healthcare Rajyoga Meditative Lifestyle or Healthy Heart, Happy Mind & Healthy Body”, 7 days in-house program in RMM Global Hospital Trauma Centre & Brahmakumaris shantivan campus.

In the first day morning weight, height, BMI, skin for thickness, Heart Rate, blood pressure, ECG, and various tests e.g. Haemoglobin, Serum creatinine, serum lipid profile, blood sugar: fasting, two hours after the breakfast, Glycosylated Haemoglobin (only on day 1), Serum uric-acid are assessed on day one and day 6 (after 6 days of workshop). Along with these baseline assessments detailed Clinical and Psychological Analysis is also carried out. After these baseline assessment patients are given intense information, education and counselling about body, heart, mind, mind-body connection, about Heart Disease, conventional and psychological risk factors of heart disease. Brahmakumaris Rajyoga meditation uses Rajyoga meditation to open the blockages, role of healthy diet, exercise, sleep and de-addiction from smoking and alcohol. On day 6 repetition of clinical, psychological, pathological assessment is carried out. On day 7 every patient along with the spouse is given individual clinical, psychological healthy lifestyle counselling, overall risk factors modification and optimization of medication is advised.

Q. Could you explain how Meditation can help reversing diseases. Some details of Rajyoga you used extensively may please be brought out. There are around 35,000 thoughts a day out of which many are useless negative thoughts, how these can be reduced.

It has been observed in many studies that stress e.g. type A behaviour, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility etc leads to prolonged endothelial dysfunction. Rajyoga Meditation normalizes endothelial function thereby reversing the heart disease. When we are in stress our thought speed increases from 10-15 thoughts per minute to 30-45 thoughts per minute.

Rajyoga Meditation is conscious training of the mind for enjoying inner self consciousness for enduring the immortal spirit/soul and it leads to stability and full proof security. This further leads to the understanding of truth, purity, peace, love, happiness, bliss and powers from outer self-consciousness of the mortal body, or ever-changing role & material things which leads to instability and insecurity therefore they in-turn leads to type A behaviour, anger, anxiety, depression, isolation and chronic life stresses. Conversely, a healthy lifestyle is an ‘inner self-conscious lifestyle’ in which all negative and waste/useless thoughts disappear and only positive thoughts of peace, love and happiness, which leads to relaxation response and release of happy hormones e.g. endorphins and encephalins.

Q. You have published several scientific papers. Could you please elaborate in which all diseases meditation helps.

We have observed that more than 10,000 heart patients also had other lifestyle-related diseases e.g. anxiety, depression, hypertension (about 35%), diabetes (about 30%), high cholesterol (65-70%), obesity (35-40%), GERD/Acidity (45-50%), migraine (10-15%), cervical & lumbar spondylosis (20%), osteo-arthritis of knee joints (25%). We observed that most of these heart patients had better control of all lifestyle-related diseases of mind and body with significant reduction in requirement of medication.

Q. Can you explain your concept of three-dimensional healthcare (3D) ? How many patients have you handled with a positive response?

“3D Healthcare Rajyoga Meditative lifestyle” has the following principles to be sustained as far as possible in daily living:

Self-responsibility through self-empowerment: The word ‘healthy’ is derived from two words; ‘heal’ + ’thy’ i.e., to heal yourself. To heal oneself, one needs to be empowered by appropriate information about the mind-body connection, psychological and conventional risk factors, stress management, diet, exercise, sleep, substance abuse, and usual medical care.

Self-awareness: The very word HUMAN-BEING has two components: HUMAN+BEING: HUMAN word has its origin from HUMUS- a Latin word, which means SOIL (I-ness to illness) & BEING meaning Lifeforce/SOUL(We-ness to Wellness).

The Hindi word for healthy is ‘swasth’, which consists of swa-, meaning ‘inner self’, and -asth, meaning ‘conscious’. The word ‘healthy’ could also mean ‘inner self-conscious’. Outer self-consciousness of the mortal body, or ever-changing role & material things, leads to instability and insecurity, which in turn leads to anger, anxiety, depression, type A behavior, isolation, and chronic life stresses. Conversely, inner self-consciousness of an enduring and immortal spirit leads to stability and security, which in turn leads to peace, love, and happiness. A healthy lifestyle is an ‘inner self-conscious lifestyle’.

Multi-dimensionality: The current medical approach addresses only one dimension, the physical body. A new model of health, “3D HEALTHCARE” (Soul-Mind-Body Medicine) is called for. As per this new model, health is a dynamic process of harmony inflow of spiritual energy: knowledge of truth, purity, peace, love, happiness, bliss;

power: of discrimination, to judge, to withdraw, to pack up, to tolerate, to face, to accommodate, to cooperate;
mental energy: is positive thoughts, emotions, attitudes and memories (TEAM), and
physical energy: healthy diet, exercise, sleep, cessation of smoking and alcohol, proper adherence to prescribed treatment regimen and medication.

Biological clock and circadian rhythm: When activities are in rhythm with one’s biological clock, energy expense and stress are reduced, beneficial for the health of mind, intellect, and body.

More than 93% of patients adhere to this program sincerely. It has been observed that “Better the program adherence, more the reversal of heart blockages and other lifestyle-related diseases-in a dose-response manner.”

Q. No money is being charged from patients for treatment, boarding and lodging. How are you supporting your initiative?

We have not kept any formal fee for participation in these 7 days in-house retreat but most of the patients contribute as per their will and economic condition.

“For the last 24 years we have been using this scientific, evidence-based “3D Healthcare Rajyoga Meditative Lifestyle for Healthy Heart, Happy Mind & Healthy Body” for almost all the NCDs/lifestyle related mind and body diseases.”

Q. What is your message to the community to remain healthy by lifestyle changes?

At present due to industrialization, urbanization, acculturation, social and digital media, change in food, exercise, sleeping habits, and addictions, the whole world including India is suffering from pandemic of Noncommunicable diseases(NCDs). These all NCDs including cardiovascular disorders (such as hypertension, heart attacks, and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), depression, diabetes, etc. are psychosomatic/lifestyle-related diseases and only permanent solution for all these NCDs is integrating Meditation with modern state of art medication to enjoy healthy and happy life. For the last 24 years we have been using this scientific, evidence-based “3D Healthcare Rajyoga Meditative Lifestyle for Healthy Heart, Happy Mind & Healthy Body” for almost all the NCDs/lifestyle-related mind and body diseases.

I understand It is not very easy to follow such a regime by everyone as it requires utmost commitment. I would like to narrate a story that a Vice-Chancellor of a University friend of mine was advised angioplasty and I requested him to come with me to Dr Gupta and told him what all is required to be done by him to reverse heart block and avoid angioplasty. He told me it is better to have angioplasty and have my whisky and fried fish every day and enjoy life rather than a restricted lifestyle and stay many years miserably. I request you to follow 3D healthcare

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Indian Hemp: Neglected Pharmacological Treasure Trove

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 08:22:51 +0000

Hemp or Cannabis sativa with limited concentration of an active psychotropic substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) <0.3% is a promising industrial crop. It is known for its use in paper industry, textile, biodegradable plastics, paint, biofuel, food and feed. Historical evidence of its use can be traced in ancient literature Atharvaveda (1500 BC); Sushruta Samhita for treatment of phlegm and diarrhea and Persian medical text of 18th century (UnaniTibbi). Cannabis sativa, due to its close relative Cannabis indica (high THC Cannabis), always remained under shadow. It can be a useful source of non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD). The recent advances in CBD research and identification of Cannabinoid receptors in human revolutionized its importance in western pharmacology. The use of flowers/buds for cannabidiol (CBD), a non-addictive substance, is extremely useful for pharmacological formulation managing chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression etc.

Also Read: Study: Increasing Protein and Dairy Intake Reduce Burden of Diabetes

The processing of flower and buds of Cannabis is illegal in India. Flower and bud trichome’s release psychotropic substances formulated as charas, hashish and ganja. Phytocannabinoids accumulate in the secretory cavity of the glandular trichomes, which largely occur in female flowers and in most aerial parts of the plants. The seeds and leaves are permitted for usage depending on state policy though licensing. Ironically, since ages peoplein India have been consuming bhang milkshake (a preparation of C. sativa or Vijaya) as sacred drink during Lord Shiva related rituals, though its cultivation was legally banned in 1985 by Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. This act came after International Treaty of 1961 regarding Narcotics Substances.

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Mechoulam (2005) described hemp as “neglected pharmacological treasure trove”. Cannabinoids are now recognized more because of their relation with human endocannabinoid system which includes two G proteincoupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and two ligands (anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol). They can modulate variety of physiological responses such as pain, memory, inflammation, appetite, behavior etc. In contrast to Cannabinoids, THC is partial agonist of above mentioned receptors with higher binding with CB1. This may be associated with its known psychoactive abilities. Even though THC’s are more potent as a drug which can be used for various treatment protocols, the associated side effects makes it inferior candidate of choice in contrast to CBD. CBD can also reduce THC negative effects and help in improving efficacy of Cannabis based products. CBD is very promising cannabinoid and has been successfully used in preclinical studies of nervous system related diseases (epilepsy, schizophrenia etc.). However, at present, itsuse in therapeutic treatments is still limited.

In India, some States have been issued a license to produce hemp either in collaboration with Industrial Association, CSIR based pharmaceutical initiatives or to fulfill the requirement of R&D based activity under AYUSH regulations. Hemp is considered as a source of biomass, fiber, and high-value oil. Fibers based textile market is legal in India, however, at present, it is facing fierce competition. The availability of cheaper yarn from Bangladesh (full exemption of basic customs duty) and China’s favor to Vietnam (by waiving import duty) is further fueling the competition. Indian hemp based textile industry is still in nascent stages. Despite high technological advancement available in India, the use of Hemp in providing CBD moieties for new global pharmacological formulations is still not a reality. Even our ecosystem is not ready due to the non-availability of legal backing; technological innovations for using Hemp based fabric for

new quality material; lack of standardization of hemp cultivation with targeted % of CBD as being done in other parts of the world and also state-wise variation in the implementation of the law.

Also Read: Mediatesk Sensio-Biosensor Solution to Health Monitoring

Industrial uses of Hemp provide significant business opportunity, for example some companies have developed Eco-friendly bricks made out of hemp. These bricks absorb carbon monoxide and are durable as cement bricks. The production of hemp bricks can provide economic benefit venture for Indian farmers. This brick-based material was used in preserving Ellora Caves for 1500 years. In India, the major problem in any such venture is ‘middlemen policy’ which makes end product expensive with least benefit to the farmer (licensing cost etc.). Permission for contract farming lacks legal support. India, unlike developed countries, neither has strict regulation nor it is relaxed enough to cater as uniform business opportunity. Furthermore ‘stigma’ attached to hemp cultivation (confusion with marijuana) and lack of industrial linkage to farming units with direct export potential further reduces its industrial potential.

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On the other hand, without proper monitoring and uniform policy, relaxation of laws might aggravate the situation at ground level. As per understanding of Ayurvedic perspective, the plant resin (especially from wild plants at 2000 or 3000 m height) is charas which is an extremely powerful banned narcotic drug. However, its leaf based formulation bhang is used in Ayurvedic preparation as stimulant, aphrodisiac and also as sedative. The use of CBD in Indian Ayurvedic Formulations (with traditionally known 191 Ayurvedic preparations for 29 different diseases), regulated and approved by AYUSH after clinical testing, are still in a nascent stage. AYUSH medicines still need to bridge gap between their standards with globally accepted norms. The legal aspects of excise duties on medicinal or toilet preparation containing Indian Hemp limits its probable utility. It means when business is exploring its potential crossing excise department, agriculture department, narcotics department, there is no single window approach feasible. This environment-friendly, pest resistant and sustainable crop is self sustainable after few production cycles and can even be easily regulated by the provision of raw material i.e. seeds only via government sources.

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Keeping the vast market potential of hemp in both medical and food industry and significant pressure faced by Indian farmers, major attention from government sources is required. Firstly, amendments to existing regulations to tap complete potential of this industrial crop (especially regulated and controlled contract farming) is necessary. Secondly, the implementation of law requires adequate State machinery with upgradation of Indian Industrial Hemp Association to a forum for awareness, training and feedback platform. The integration of Central Digital Policy for linking of Aadhaar system to transfer benefits directly to farmers by controlling middlemen. Lastly, the development of uniform code throughout the country addressing excise, narcotics, medicinal, research and agriculture/export policy related to Indian Hemp multiple industrial uses with special focus on promising pharmacological relevance.

About the author

Dr. Sarita Jaiswal, Chief Scientific Officer at Carpere, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, is an accomplished Plat Scientist having 15+ years of R&D experience with specialization in cereal and pulse crop biochemistry and genomics. She has been awarded twice for the category of Young Scientist (Indian Society of Plant Physiology and amp; KK Nanda Foundation for Advancement of Plant Sciences).

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Study : Long Term Impact of Stroke

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 09:36:42 +0000

A new study looks at what problems affect people most after a stroke and it provides a broader picture than what some may usually expect to see.

Stroke affects more than just physical functioning, according to a study recently published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“People who have an only mild disability can often have ‘hidden’ problems that can really affect their quality of life,” said study author Irene L. Katzan, MD, MS, of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

“And for people with more disability, what bothers them the most? Problems with sleep? Depression? Fatigue? Not many studies have asked people how they feel about these problems, and we doctors have often focused just on physical disability or whether they have another stroke.”

The study involved 1,195 people who had an ischemic stroke or a stroke where blood flow to part of the brain is blocked. They were asked questions about their physical functioning, fatigue, anxiety, sleep problems, thinking skills such as planning and organizing, how much their pain affects other aspects of their life and their satisfaction with their current social roles and activities. Participants took the questionnaires an average of 100 days after their stroke, and about a quarter of the participants needed help from a family member to fill out the questionnaires. Researchers also measured their level of disability.

The people with stroke had scores that were considerably worse than those in the general population in every area except sleep and depression. Not surprisingly, the area where the people with stroke were most affected was physical functioning, where 63 percent had scores considered meaningfully worse than those of the general population, with an average score of 59, where a score of 50 is considered the population average.

On the question about whether they were satisfied with their social roles and activities, 58 percent of people with stroke had scores meaningfully worse than those of the general population.

“People may benefit from social support programs and previous studies have shown a benefit from efforts to improve the social participation of people with stroke, especially exercise programs,” said Katzan.

The thinking skills of people with stroke in executive functions, or planning and organizing, were also affected, with 46 percent having scores that were meaningfully worse than the population average.

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“The social participation and executive functioning skills are areas that have not received a lot of attention in stroke rehabilitation,” Katzan said. “We need to better understand how these areas affect people’s well-being and determine strategies to help optimize their functioning.”

Limitations of the study include that the questionnaires did not ask about other problems that can occur after stroke, such as communication issues.

Also, the study participants had milder strokes on average than people with stroke overall and the average age of participants was 62, which is lower than the average age of 69 for people with stroke overall.

Informatively, American Academy of Neurology is the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, with 34,000 members. AAN is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, concussion, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.

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Cover Your Ears on Public Transport

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 10:44:37 +0000

The noise levels commuters are exposed to while using public transport or while biking, could induce hearing loss if experienced repeatedly and over long periods of time, according to a study published in the open access Journal of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. Efforts to control noise should focus on materials and equipment that provide a quieter environment, researchers at the University of Toronto suggest. Hearing protection while using public transport should also be promoted.

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Dr. Vincent Lin, the corresponding author said: “This study is the first to look at and quantify the number of noise people are exposed to, during their daily commute, specifically on the Toronto Transit System. We are now starting to understand that chronic excessive noise exposure leads to significant systemic pathology, such as depression, anxiety, increased risk of chronic diseases and increased accident risk. Short, intense noise exposure has been demonstrated to be as injurious as longer, less intense noise exposure.”

Dr. Lin said: “We were surprised at the overall average noise exposure commuters experience on a daily basis, especially the peak noise intensity not only on trains but also on buses. Planners need to be more considerate of noise exposure in the future planning of public spaces and public transit routes. Toronto in particular, as the transit network expands, needs to consider ways to reduce noise exposure as a preventive measure for future health risks.”

According to thresholds recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to 114 A-weighted decibels (dBA) for longer than four seconds, exposure to 117 dBA for longer than two seconds and exposure to 120 dBA for longer than 20 seconds may put people at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. A-weighted decibels express the relative loudness of sounds experienced by the human ear; taking into account that sensitivity to noise differs depending on noise frequency. Peak noise levels in dBA across both public and personal transport exceeded the EPA recommended thresholds. The average noise levels by bike were greater than any level caused by modes of public transit.

To measure noise exposure, the researchers used noise dosimeters, which they carried on their shirt collars about two inches away from their ears. The researchers collected 210 measurements in total, comparing the noise on subways, buses, and streetcars, while driving a car, cycling, and walking. They measured in-vehicle noise and outside or boarding platform noise for all modes of private and public transportation.

The authors found that 19.9% of the loudest noises (peak noise) measured on the subway were greater than 114 dBA, while 20% of the loudest noises inside streetcars were greater than 120 dBA. 85% of peak noise measurements from bus platforms were greater than 114 dBA, while 54% were greater than 120 dBA. All peak noise exposures while riding a bike exceeded 117 dBA, with 85% being greater than 120 dBA.

When the authors extrapolated the EPA recommended noise thresholds for an average Toronto commuter who uses public transport, the recommended level of noise exposure was exceeded in 9% of the subway, 12% of bus and 14% of biking measurements but not when using streetcars, bikes or when walking.

The authors caution that the number of measurements taken for individual modes of transport is relatively low and that the cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow for conclusions about cause and effect. Further studies are needed to investigate other factors that may contribute to noise exposure such as the use of music players and lengthy transit times.

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Difference Between Pranayama and Breathing

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 07:56:20 +0000

Pranayama and Breathing

I agree everybody knows how to breathe, even a newborn child. Still, these days most of us need a breathing the program that can help us in dealing with our day-to-day desk work, driving, tension, anxiety and even depression. It is well known that deep breathing exercises can help overcome these stresses in life, so it is necessary for all of us to understand the science of breathing i.e. Pranayama.

“When the breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, But when the breath is still, so is the mind still.” Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Pranayama is a part of yoga system that teaches us the art of extending and controlling our breath in many ways. It teaches us to change the depth, rate, and pattern of breathing.

Also Read: Yoga Mojo Going Viral – Meditation in India

Difference between Pranayama and Breathing

Pranayama is the conscious awareness of breath. The term is derived from Sanskrit, Prana means breath, respiration, vitality or energy. Ayama means expansion or stretching. Thus, Pranayama connotes extension and control of breath. Proper rhythmic, slow and deep breathing, strengthens the respiratory system, soothes the nervous system and increases concentration. According to Yoga, the breath connects the Body, Mind, and Spirit.

The rate of breathing changes with circumstances such as it increases due to emotional or physical disturbances whereas, it automatically slows down when one is calm and peaceful. Like, when we get tired while climbing stairs, we get breathless. Try the following to regulate your breathing and feel less exhausted. Climb keeping shoulders straight and take a deep breath in for two stairs (inhale), and exhale for two steps, with a rhythm of two in and two out. Like this, we expel more carbon dioxide and take in great supply of oxygen, thus we feel less fatigue.

Mostly we use only a fraction of our lung capacity as we do shallow breathing. We barely expand the ribcage, shoulders are often hunched and have painful tension in the upper part of back and neck due to which we suffer lack of oxygen which makes us breathless and tired. So, keep both shoulder blades as close as possible without strain and exhale gently and fully pause, then inhale with a deep, slow, gentle breath until the lungs are comfortably filled. Then breath out slowly through the nose, without changing the position of shoulder blades. Repeat this cycle many times. By doing this, the brain gets stimulated and ease nerve tension by providing the fuller supply of oxygen.

Types of Breathing

Clavicular Breathing (Sectional Breathing): It is shallow breathing in which the abdomen is completely controlled, and breathing is performed by forcing the air into the uppermost region of the lungs. The shoulders and collar bones are raised while the abdomen is contracted during inhalation.

Thoracic (Chest Breathing): Breathing takes place by expanding and contracting the chest only, while the abdomen is kept under control. The middle lobes of the lungs are fully activated through this breathing.

Abdominal Breathing: Deep abdominal breathing brings air to the lowest and largest part of lungs. Breathing is slow and deep such that diaphragm is used properly.

A full yogic breath combines all three, beginning with abdomen and continuing the inhalation through the thoracic and clavicular area. The abdomen should expand outward on inhalation and contract on exhalation. To get the feeling of this motion, while sitting in any meditative posture preferably Vajrasana, place the hands on the abdomen close to each other. Exhale slowly inhale through the nostrils taking the hands away from each other so that the abdomen bulges. Hold the breath for a second. Then slowly exhale so that the abdomen retracts bringing the hands closer. Hold the breath for a second. Repeat the breathing cycle five times, preferably in the ratio 4:2:8:2. Breathing should be deep, slow and rhythmic.

The lower sections of the lungs increase with air flow. Rhythmic movement of the diaphragm massages the abdomen gently and enables the organs to function effectively.

Types and Benefits of Pranayama

Pranayama is practiced in a specific posture, especially sitting in Padmasana or Ardhpadmasana and should be performed early morning on empty stomach at a well ventilated quite place. Breathing should be slow and rhythmic, eyes should be close to control the mind and body. It has three aspects (1) Poorka (Inhalation) (2) Kumbhaka (Retention) (3) Rechaka (Exhalation).

Types of Pranayama:
• Ujjayi Pranayama (victorious breath)
• Anulom Vilom (alternate breathing)
• Brahamari Pranayama (humming bee breath)
• Bhastrika Pranayama (air is forcibly in and out)
• Shitali Pranayama (Cooling breath)
• Bahya Pranayama (forcibly breath in, breath out and then hold the breath)
• Kapalabhati Pranayama (exhales air from lungs is forcibly but inhalate involuntary)
Benefits of Pranayama

Pranayama purifies the psychic channels (nadis) and enables physical and mental stability. Pranayama is known to purify about 72,000 nadis or channels in the body. It helps to purify the blood and respiratory system. Deep breathing enriches the blood with oxygen. Large amounts of oxygen reach the brain, lungs, heart, and capillaries.

Pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress-related disorders:
• Improves the autonomic functions
• Helps relieve the symptoms of asthma
• Aids in reducing unnecessary thoughts which helps in calming down the overactive mind thus reduces anxiety and depression
• Causes change in the cardiorespiratory system and help in lowering the blood pressure
• Improves physical fitness by practicing certain asanas of yoga, it is excellent for weight loss also
• Deep breathing i.e. bringing focus on the breath can be extremely relaxing and rejuvenating. Regular practice improves concentration, memory and overall state of mind.
Precautions

Pranayama should be practiced with care and it is better to do under the guidance of trained yoga teacher, as certain Pranayama is not advisable to be performed by people having certain ailments.

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Insomnia – A Short Communication Study

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Tue, 15 May 2018 05:15:52 +0000

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Dr Tinni Dutta at Asutosh College, Kolkata, is eminent Psychologist and a famous educationist. Greatly appreciated her research work in India and aboard. She has visited U.S.A, U.K, Switzerland, France, Germany, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. She is a recipient of many awards and fellowship.

The impact of stress on physical health varies between diseases. Chronic or severe stress can lead to a variety of mental health problems-post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, insomnia and different types of psychosomatic disorder. The field of sleep disorder medicine has progressed to a great extent. Sedatives, Hypnotics and Anxiolytics are used for ameliorating these symptoms. But medicine alone cannot do much. Urgent counselling is needed in Yoga and meditations, as we find in DSM V (Diagnostic Criteria) sleep-wake disorders are intended for use by general mental health and medical clinicians.

It encompasses 10 disorders or disorder groups: insomnia disorder, hypersomnolence disorder, narcolepsy, breathing-related sleep disorder, circa din rhythm sleep-wake disorders, non-rapid eye movement (NREM), sleep arousal disorders, restless leg syndrome, and substance/medication-induced sleep disorder. In this article, we would limit our discussion only on Insomnia.

Caution! Energy Drinks Not Safe for Kids

Pathways between stress and disease
I. A predominant complaint of dissatisfaction with sleep quantity and quality, associated with one of the following symptoms:
• Difficulty initiating sleep
• Difficulty maintain sleep, characterized by frequent awakening
• Early – morning awakening with inability to return to sleep.
II. The sleep disturbance clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, educational, academic, behavioural or other important areas of functioning.
III. The sleep difficulty occurs at least 3 nights per week.
IV. The sleep difficulty is present at least for 3 months.
V. The sleep difficulty occurs despite adequate opportunity for sleep.
VI. The insomnia is not better explained by and does not exclusively during the course of another sleep-related disorder.
VII. The insomnia is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance
VIII. Coexisting mental disorder and medical conditions do not adequately explain the predominant complaints of insomnia.

Different manifestations of insomnia can occur at different times of sleep period. Sleep onset insomnia involves difficulty initiating sleep at bedtimes. Sleep maintenance insomnia refers to frequent or prolonged awakenings throughout the night. Late insomnia involves early – morning awakening with an inability to return to sleep.

Insomnia is related to sleep physiological and cognitive arousal which interferes with sleep. The more an individual strives to sleep, the more frustration builds. The more impairs sleep. It is also associated with other psychological complaints like fatigue, boredom decreased energy and mood disturbances.

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Smartphone addiction creates imbalance in brain

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 09:47:21 +0000

Researchers have found an imbalance in the brain chemistry of young people addicted to smartphones and the internet.

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According to a recent Pew Research Center study, 46 percent of Americans say they could not live without their smartphones. While this sentiment is clearly hyperbole, more and more people are becoming increasingly dependent on smartphones and other portable electronic devices for news, information, games, and even the occasional phone call.

Along with a growing concern that young people, in particular, may be spending too much time staring into their phones instead of interacting with others, come questions as to the immediate effects on the brain and the possible long-term consequences of such habits.

Hyung Suk Seo, M.D., professor of neuroradiology at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, and colleagues used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to gain unique insight into the brains of smartphone- and internet-addicted teenagers.

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MRS is a type of MRI that measures the brain’s chemical composition.

The study, presented recently at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, involved 19 young people (mean age 15.5, 9 males) diagnosed with internet or smartphone addiction and 19 gender- and age-matched healthy controls. Twelve of the addicted youth received nine weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy, modified from a cognitive therapy program for gaming addiction, as part of the study.

Researchers used standardized internet and smartphone addiction tests to measure the severity of internet addiction. Questions focused on the extent to which internet and smartphone use affects daily routines, social life, productivity, sleeping patterns and feelings.

“The higher the score, the more severe the addiction,” Dr. Seo said. Dr. Seo reported that the addicted teenagers had significantly higher scores in depression, anxiety, insomnia severity and impulsivity.

The researchers performed MRS exams on the addicted youth prior to and following behavioral therapy and a single MRS study on the control patients to measure levels of gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain that inhibits or slows down brain signals, and glutamate glutamine (Glx), a neurotransmitter that causes neurons to become more electrically excited. Previous studies have found GABA to be involved in vision and motor control and the regulation of various brain functions, including anxiety.

The results of the MRS revealed that, compared to the healthy controls, the ratio of GABA to Glx was significantly increased in the anterior cingulate cortex of smartphone- and internet-addicted youth prior to therapy.

Dr. Seo said the ratios of GABA to creatine and GABA to glutamate were significantly correlated to clinical scales of internet and smartphone addictions, depression and anxiety.

Having too much GABA can result in a number of side effects, including drowsiness and anxiety.

More study is needed to understand the clinical implications of the findings, but Dr. Seo believes that increased GABA in the anterior cingulate gyrus in internet and smartphone addiction may be related to the functional loss of integration and regulation of processing in the cognitive and emotional neural network.

The good news is GABA to Glx ratios in the addicted youth significantly decreased or normalized after cognitive behavioral therapy.

“The increased GABA levels and disrupted balance between GABA and glutamate in the anterior cingulate cortex may contribute to our understanding the pathophysiology of and treatment for addictions,” Dr. Seo said.

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Digital tracking system: Pill to determine medication ingestion

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 11:14:41 +0000

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a pill with sensor that digitally tracks if patients have ingested their medication

AbilifyMyCite (aripiprazole tablets with sensor) has an ingestible sensor embedded in the pill that records that the medication was taken. The product is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and for use as an add-on treatment for depression in adults.

The system works by sending a message from the pill’s sensor to a wearable patch. The patch transmits the information to a mobile application so that patients can track the ingestion of the medication on their smart phone. Patients can also permit their caregivers and physician to access the information through a web-based portal.

“Being able to track ingestion of medications prescribed for mental illness may be useful for some patients,” said Mitchell Mathis, M.D., director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The FDA supports the development and use of new technology in prescription drugs and is committed to working with companies to understand how technology might benefit patients and prescribers.”

It is important to note that AbilifyMyCite’s prescribing information (labeling) notes that the ability of the product to improve patient compliance with their treatment regimen has not been shown. AbilifyMyCite should not be used to track drug ingestion in “real-time” or during an emergency because detection may be delayed or may not occur.

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder. About 1 percent of Americans have this illness. Typically, symptoms are first seen in adults younger than 30 years of age.

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Symptoms of those with schizophrenia include hearing voices, believing other people are reading their minds or controlling their thoughts, and being suspicious or withdrawn. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is another brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. The symptoms of bipolar disorder include alternating periods of depression and high or irritable mood, increased activity and restlessness, racing thoughts, talking fast, impulsive behavior and a decreased need for sleep.

AbilifyMyCite contains a Boxed Warning alerting health care professionals that elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. AbilifyMyCite is not approved to treat patients with dementia-related psychosis. The Boxed Warning also warns about an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants. The safety and effectiveness of Abilify-MyCite have not been established in pediatric patients. Patients should be monitored for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. AbilifyMyCite must be dispensed with a patient Medication Guide that describes important information about the drug’s uses and risks.

In the clinical trials for Abilify, the most common side effects reported by adults were nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, uncontrollable limb and body movements (akathisia), anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. Skin irritation at the site of the MyCite patch placement may occur in some patients.

Prior to initial patient use of the product, the patient’s health care professional should facilitate use of the drug, patch and app to ensure the patient is capable and willing to use the system.

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