Category: Health

Good mental health means a person can handle life’s stresses, use their skills, learn and work effectively, and contribute to their community. It’s valuable in itself and crucial for overall well-being. Many things, from personal and family life to community and societal structures, can affect mental health, positively or negatively. While most people can bounce back from difficulties, those facing hardship like poverty, violence, disability, or inequality are more likely to experience mental health problems. Effective, low-cost treatments exist for many mental health conditions, but healthcare systems worldwide lack resources, leaving huge treatment gaps. Even when available, mental health care is often subpar, and those with mental health conditions frequently face stigma, discrimination, and human rights abuses.(WHO)

Looking after your mental health involves practicing self-care—making time for activities that boost your overall well-being. This can help you manage stress, reduce your chances of getting sick, and increase your energy levels. Even small self-care actions can make a big difference. Here are some tips:

• Be physically active: Regular exercise, even just a 30-minute walk daily, can improve your mood and health. Don’t worry if you can’t do it all at once; even short bursts of activity count.
• Eat well and stay hydrated: A balanced diet and drinking enough water will keep your energy and focus up. Be mindful of how caffeine and alcohol affect your mood; reducing your intake might help.
• Prioritize sleep: Aim for consistent, sufficient sleep. Limit screen time before bed, as the blue light from devices can interfere with sleep.
• Engage in relaxing activities: Explore relaxation techniques like meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises, perhaps through apps or programs. Make time for enjoyable and healthy activities like listening to music, reading, spending time outdoors, or pursuing hobbies.
• Manage your time: Set realistic goals and prioritize tasks. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to new commitments if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Acknowledge your accomplishments at the end of each day.
• Cultivate gratitude: Daily, remind yourself of specific things you’re thankful for, either by writing them down or reflecting on them.
• Think positively: Identify and challenge negative thoughts.
• Stay connected with others: Reach out to supportive friends and family for emotional and practical assistance.(nimh)

-Eagle

Whether you’ve been active in the past or have never been one for regular exercise, now is the perfect time to begin a fitness routine. Staying physically fit is just as essential for seniors as it is for younger individuals.

Why is exercise crucial for older adults? Physical activity helps manage blood pressure, prevents plaque buildup in arteries, reduces inflammation, regulates blood sugar, strengthens bones, and combats depression. Additionally, regular exercise enhance sleep quality, lower the risk of certain cancers, and contribute to a longer life. Many older adults are hesitant to start exercising because they are unsure about which types of activities are safe and effective or how much exercise they need. The good news is that any movement is better than no movement at all, so don’t worry about starting small and gradually increasing your exercise duration. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Aside from structured exercise, staying active throughout the day — like climbing stairs, doing yard work, or playing with grandchildren — also contributes to your fitness. However, if you have significant health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, or a neurological condition, it’s important to consult with your doctor first. Those with mobility challenges, like balance problems or arthritis, should also seek medical advice before beginning any new exercise program.

-Eagle

Artificial intelligence is the field of science and engineering dedicated to creating machines that can think and learn like humans. It uses sets of instructions, called algorithms, to enable machines to mimic human cognitive abilities, like learning and problem-solving. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers hope by potentially making healthcare better and cheaper. In hospitals and clinics, AI is often used in systems that help doctors diagnose and treat patients. While traditional systems compare patient information to existing knowledge, AI systems learn from data from similar patients. Even though AI has a lot of promise, it can’t solve every problem.AI is making a big impact on healthcare, sparking debate about whether AI could eventually replace doctors. We think doctors aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, but AI can definitely help them make better decisions and even take over some tasks, like reading X-rays. The explosion of available health data and improved data analysis techniques are what’s making these AI healthcare applications possible. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare by improving patient care and empowering both patients and medical professionals. AI analyzes patient data to personalize health recommendations and medication management, while also enabling remote monitoring and virtual consultations, expanding access to care. Furthermore, AI significantly enhances diagnostics by analyzing medical images like X-rays and tissue samples, detecting abnormalities, assisting with diagnoses, predicting disease progression, and improving quality control in radiology and histopathology. AI also streamlines patient complaint management by automating processes, analyzing feedback, and even predicting potential issues. Beyond direct patient care, AI aids in error reduction and continuous learning for medical professionals, detecting potential errors, providing clinical decision support, facilitating continuous medical education, and analyzing provider performance for quality improvement. In essence, AI is making healthcare more efficient, personalized, accurate, and safer, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

-Eagle