Author: Sunitha S

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems faced by adults all over the world, with four in five adults having experienced back pain at least once in their lives. Managing lower back pain, then should be information of high relevance for anyone. In fact, according to a report published by WHO, lower back pain is the primary cause of absence from work.  Symptoms of back pain can differ from person to person. Someone with a muscle strain might report crippling pain while another person with the same problem might only experience mild symptoms. Acute back pain develops…

The explosive growth of social media over the past decade means that it is now an ever-present part of our lives. Children are exposed to technology at a young age, and by adolescence, most of them are engrossed in digital and social media. Social media has both pros and cons. On the plus side, social media is a lifeline to teens who feel ostracised or marginalised. They are able to reach out and connect with others who share and understand their plight. Researchers have also found that it is a powerful tool for building friendships. However, even more than the…

Everyone knows what diabetes is, but what about the complications of diabetes? The Journal of Diabetology, in its 2018 edition, mentioned Asia as the epicenter of diabetes, with China and India occupying the top positions. The fast urbanisation and modernisation of Asian countries and certain characteristics specific to the Asian ethnicity, have contributed to the widespread prevalence of diabetes in this region. It is estimated that by 2045, the diabetic population in South East Asia could reach 151 million. But apart from these numbers, it is the complications that arise from diabetes, that are usually a greater cause for concern.  …

The body’s immune system is essential at keeping infections from germs at bay, but this is not always a given. Similar to how Popeye gets strength from spinach to defeat his enemies, vaccinations work by strengthening our immunity in its fight against infections. How do Vaccinations work?  Vaccines introduce small amounts of germs (harmless to our overall well-being) to our immune system, via an injection, to let our body naturally develop an immune response to it. This is when our body learns to recognise the germ, and the methods to defeat it. So that one day, in the case of…

The word “Aromatherapy” has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Whether you visit a spa, wellness center, or massage parlour, you are sure to come across a range of aromatherapy services. Such is the popularity of aromatherapy in one’s health and well-being that connoisseurs of wellness therapies vouch for it, and maintain that it is integral to the services they provide.  The origin of aromatherapy can be traced to almost a thousand years back. However, the true source cannot be pinpointed. Some countries in Asia and Africa used oil extracted from the barks and leaves of plants for…

If you have noticed advertisements featuring asian women around you, be it on television, posters at the bus stops, or a full-coloured glossy magazine page, you cannot help but realise that all these ladies will usually possess the smoothest, silkiest skin, often with a dewy finish. Asians have been known to pride themselves on having great skin, and this was probably further inflated with the all-too-popular 10-step Korean skincare regime which made waves a few years ago. But, truth be told, only a few are blessed with unblemished skin. Wrinkles, dark circles, pimples, spots, scars are a perpetual problem for…