New VR tool may help boost mental health, well-being:

Researchers are developing a personalised, therapeutic virtual reality (VR) tool which may enable new forms of self-reflection, and help improve and maintain positive mental health. The VR tool being developed by researchers can be used by people with common mental health problems to create an immersive version of their journey through life.

The tool allows people to capture life events, upload relevant digital content and reflect on their thoughts and feelings in great detail, researchers said.

As well as helping with better mental health, this approach could also be beneficial for people in the early stages of dementia, those receiving end-of-life care and those with addiction problems or long-term physical conditions.
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Can a Broken Heart Kill You?

 If you've ever been dumped by somebody who you loved intensely, you should know the unmistakable feeling of heartbreak all too well. Sometimes the pain goes away for a while before another wave of sadness comes crashing into you just a while later. When it may feel like too much to bear, many have often wondered whether you can actually die of a broken heart. Keep reading and find out...

1. Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Well, the simple answer is, unfortunately, yes. It is known by doctors as “stress-induced cardiomyopathy,” in which the stress that your suffering is placing on your heart becomes so intense that it stops beating.
According to a heart surgeon, "for some people, the stress of losing a loved one, or any kind of stressful event in your life, does precipitate a whole bunch of reactions in the physical body as well as in your mind that can cause disease and sometimes cause someone to pass away.”
The Dr. also said that it does "things like, increase your heart rate and blood pressure, makes your heart work faster, makes your blood sticky, and ruins your immune system.”

2. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

When professionals speak of dying from a broken heart, they are typically referring to a very rare condition known as 'takotsubo cardiomyopathy.'
According to the Dr., "what happens is in an acutely stressful event … there is a massive rush of adrenaline and it causes something similar to a heart attack," and that “when it comes to takotsubo, we do actually see all of the tests that point to a heart attack.”

3. Older Women Are Most Vulnerable

Recent studies have shown that 90% of reported takotsubo cases occur for women aged between 58 and 75. However, most physical sufferers were healed within a month, and only 5% of women who die from cardiac arrest have been diagnosed with the disorder.
This syndrome is supposedly the reason why studies have shown your risk of death increases in the first month after losing a loved one. It is also the reason why you hear so many tales of people who have been together for a very long time passing on within a very short time-frame of each other.

4. It's All in Your Head

When it comes to breakups, the root of the problem is located in your mind and not in your heart. In fact, many have often made connections between the mind of a drug addict and the mind of a person in love.
Since romantic love stimulates the brain's pleasure receptors in a similar way to a drug high, people in love will feel euphoric when in the presence of the object of their affection, while suffering from separation anxiety and intense cravings when they're apart.
This also means that a person who has been abandoned by someone they love will suffer from the same sort of terrible withdrawal symptoms that a heroin addict will go through when trying to wean themselves off of the drug.

5. Time Is the Best Healer

The best piece of news is that scientists have found that time does physically heal such wounds. In fact, they found that the more time that passes after the breakup, the less activity related to the attachment is found in the brain.
According to a biological anthropologist and author, the best thing to do while waiting for time to heal your wounds is to reflect upon the breakup instead of distracting yourself.
She says that "it seems to be healthy for the brain, to instead of just wallowing in despair, to think about the situation more actively and try to work out how you’re going to handle it,” she said. So, if ever you feel like you're never going to get better after experiencing heartbreak, remember that this too shall pass.

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Reflux- Acidity- Cause, tests etc.

“Acidity occurs in the stomach and in the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. We know after every meal, our stomach produces Hydrochloric acid in order to digest the food we eat. Our stomachs are lined with a protective mucous membrane that prevents this acid from injuring the walls of the stomach. However, when this membrane is damaged, the acid will affect the stomach cavity and ulcers can result,” explains Dr. There can be many reasons for this damage. In most cases, our lifestyles are to blame. Eating oily, spicy food regularly, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, excessive consumption (more than two cups a day) of beverages such as tea or coffee, untimely meals and long periods of starvation in which the stomach is literally empty—all this can greatly damage the stomach mucosa.”


Cause of Acidity
Another cause of acidity (that can sometimes lead to the more severe peptic ulcer) is the presence of bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori. If you've suffered from unabated acidity over a long period of time and the condition still hasn't become better in spite of the fact that you lead a healthy lifestyle, if you're prone to nausea and intense stomach pain during these attacks, Dr Rao recommends a stomach biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, a small sample is taken from the lining of the stomach and small intestine during an endoscopy. Though this test isn't as invasive as surgery, an endoscopy can be uncomfortable. Your gastroenterologist will ask that you swallow a thin, narrow tube that is attached to a minute video camera device at one end and a lens at the other, thereby allowing your doctor to view the picture on screen. It's rather like telecasting live the damage done to your insides and is also used to establish the presence of an ulcer. “It's the only effective way to determine whether you're affected by this bacteria that thrives in acid,” Dr .


A Urea breath test (much like the one given by traffic cops to check if someone has consumed too much alcohol) is another diagnostic option that's less invasive. However the breath test isn't always available nor as reliable. Stools and blood can also be tested to check for H. Pylori. Many people contract the acidity inducing H. Pylori infection at a young age, but the symptoms often show up only in adulthood. The good news is that the treatment is simple and effective. “Administering antibiotics over a period of time will help clear the infection and you'll have immense relief,” says Dr .

Stop popping pills

If you're like most people who suffer from painful acidity, you probably reach out for that bottle of antacid or those easy to pop over-the-counter drugs in order to control the burn that's raging in your belly. These reduce the acid secretion in the stomach, so you may be tempted to take it often. However, experts feel that this is a quick-fix at best. You're only treating the symptoms temporarily and in the long-run, PPI's can harm the system. “If taken regularly for a period of over three years, PPI's can weaken the bones in both men and women,” says Dr . A pre-cursor of the dreaded bone brittling disease osteoporosis, it can leave you prone to multiple fractures. If you need to soothe the stomach quickly,  an age-old home remedy: tender coconut water. “Coconut water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. Altogether, it aids in digestion and metabolism,

Heal the Hurt

You may be glad to learn that the stomach mucous can repair itself —it is possible to heal the hurt that you have unknowingly inflicted on it. If an unhealthy lifestyle is causing your burn, throw away the antacids as well as the bad habits that are making you sick. Limiting your consumption of tea and coffee and ensuring that you don't smoke (either actively or passively) can help. “Smoking not only damages the stomach mucosa, it can also prevent it from healing,” says Dr . “Coffee and tea are also the worst offenders, especially when people drink these beverages at odd times and while skipping meals. The best way to deal with acidity is to ensure that you eat mini-meals or healthy, nutritious snacks every two-three hours.” Instead of large meals taken at one sitting, these snacks taken at regular timings will not only keep your energy up, it will also aid digestion and control excessive acid production. Even if you tend to work late into the night or do the night shift, having healthy snacks handy will ensure the burn is kept at bay. Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables and fresh fruit juices (not the pre-packaged tetrapacks) will also speed up the healing process.

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Some ways to banish menopausal blues

 

revise your assumptions

 though Menopause is a normal part of every woman’s life, but it can affect your moods.  Usually there are many other factors involved in menopausal mood changes than just hormones. Although hormonal changes may well play a role in depression, it’s still important to schedule an appointment with your physician so she can evaluate other potential culprits, including thyroid disorders, anemia and side effects from medications. 

take some time to reflect

Use a journal to record the characteristics of your sad or irritable moods. Do they come and go relatively quickly, or are they persistent? Have you developed them recently, or have you been down for months, even years? Did you start having hot flashes and then find yourself depressed? Think about your medical history as well. If you have had premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression or another major depressive episode, you may be vulnerable to a more serious depressive episode. This is important information to consider as you and your doctor plan your mood management strategies.

manage your stress

 Women who become more seriously depressed are those who are struggling with extreme levels of stress and worry. Poor physical health, lack of access to healthcare, concerns about family members and financial problems are the most common stresses among midlife women.   Talk to a friend, your doctor or a member of the clergy about resources in your community. Many hospitals now offer stress management groups at a relatively low cost.

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Social support helps

Social support is a powerful tool for helping you through life—and menopause. Decades of research demonstrate that a close relationship with a family member or friend can alleviate suffering and promote health. Confiding in a friend who has been through a difficult menopause.  will make you will feel more connected, as  she may have helpful suggestions and you will see that it gets better.

get some rest

Hot flashes begin during premenopause, the years before menopause when menstrual periods become irregular. For some women, these night sweats are not disruptive; for others, they can interfere with sleep and lead to a more serious depression. Plan ahead for the night. Wear layers of cotton nightclothes and use thin layers of sheets or blankets that you can easily toss off. Keep some ice water nearby. If these  don’t help, talk with your doctor about your medication options.

if you smoke, quit

This is a perfect opportunity to increase your motivation to stop smoking. Kicking the habit should help reduce the severity of your hot flashes. Your body will begin to recover from the effects of nicotine and other harmful additives within hours. You will also reduce your risk for heart attacks, stroke, asthma and lung cancer.

get moving

Exercise helps mediate mood. Women who get 20 to 30 minutes of activity have improved mood immediately after they exercise, and  cope better in general. Staying active also helps keeps the weight off. Just 60 minutes a week of moderate physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression. Consider exercising with your partner or friend to get the added mood-boosting benefit of a social connection. If you prefer to exercise solo, listen to podcasts, music or books to keep yourself entertained—and on track.

consider herbal preparations

Some women have experienced relief from hot flashes while taking supplements such as dong quai, red clover and black cohosh, controlled trials have not shown these herbs to be much more effective than a placebo. If you do decide to use an herbal preparation, proceed with caution. Be sure to tell your doctor, because some herbal supplements interact with prescription medications.

treat a major depressive episode

If your self-assessment or a visit with your doctor reveals a major depressive episode, consult a mental health professional. The most effective treatments are individual cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy, antidepressant medication or a combination. Treatment for depression is effective and available.