Moon's Blog

Never let yourself get bored, It’s mostly then you’ll fall prey to bad habits

Boredom is a sensation that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Boredom, however, isn’t just a harmless feeling; it can lead to a series of negative consequences, often manifesting as the adoption of bad habits.

Boredom is when our mind is asking for stimulation.

It plays a trap on us

Boredom in itself is just a state mind feels when it isn’t stimulated enough. While it might appear harmless, prolonged boredom can have detrimental effects on mental and emotional well-being. We might start seeking instant gratification or quick fixes to alleviate the discomfort. This is where bad habits often come into play.

What it does

These are typically those activities or behaviors that provide momentary relief but lead to long- term negative consequences. They can be excessive consumption of junk food, mindless scrolling through social media, to even more serious habits like substance abuse. Often, these habits serve as distractions from the underlying feeling of boredom. They provide a temporary escape from the monotony but fail to address the root cause.

It can be due to

Our all needs are met at home even recreation and entertainment are at home so our lives become boring.

What’s happening inside

Our brain keeps our energy in balance with one side towards pain and other toward joy.
When we feel pleasure our balance tips in one way, when we feel pain it tips in other direction. Our brain works to keep it in balance. For example: when we watch some exciting video, our brain tips to side of pleasure and then when we stop watching it, we have a comedown, which is an equal tip in the opposite direction and that’s when we want to watch one more video, and then this keeps on going on again and again. If we keep indulging in such activity again and again we will deliberately shift our brain to a lacking enjoy type of state that’s like dopamine deficit state.

This effect is like a drug. Our mind down regulates natural dopamine. These outside behaviors act as drugs that become crucial for our mood and energy . It’s the chronic use that resets the threshold of brain that normal things become boring.

Why is it necessary to understand

Only when your get awareness, it gives you a understanding of what you’re experiencing on mental level and then you can get some control over it, which is the goal of our everyday lives, to make the next day better than this.

But

You can’t stop a bad habit until you create a good habit.

So we have got to have some good to fight evil.

Friendship Recession

What is it?

It is

” The decline of close friendships among adults in the 21st century“

It means that more people are spending time alone, have fewer friends, and devote less time to their friendships. According to a 2021 survey done by the Survey Center on American Life, the number of men with at least six close friends decreased from 55% to 27% since 1990, and the number of men with zero close friends increased from 3% to 15%. The friendship recession affects women as well, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited physical contact and social activities.

Its negative impacts

Friendship recession has same bad effects on health as excessive smoking and drinking alcohol. But societies forced males to focus on career and this declines social life.

Factors that contributed to it

It can be due to increased use of technology and entertainment sources at home that we have a lack of meaningful connection with other people and friends
Increased and focused parental care
Work centeric culture
Jobs mobility
Sometimes we make friends and sometimes we break friendships. Most best friend span is 10 years in America
In a rigid social structure in which people are stuck with other people, when those people don’t do their part , you end up not doing your part either and the whole group collapses. If you have capacity to tell other person that I don’t want to be your friend anymore because you’re taking advantage of me, that capacity actually supports cooperation in group but you don’t want too much of that social fluidity because then you’ll not have friends. If you make new friends often, why would you invest in that person, especially time. You want the capacity to leave your friends precisely so that they will become better friends. For example divorce should be difficult but not impossible so that if If one spouse is bad other one is not stuck for life and also not too easy so you won’t care about your spouse either because they’re gonna change soon.

Ways to combat

Dedicate time to friends. We think we are a burden to our neighbors and friends, this is our perceived burdensomeness, the idea that people are better without me.

Benjamin Franklin said that what things you could do when you first move into a new neighborhood to ask your neighbor for a very small favor. The reason for that is that it gets a very reciprocal trade. People like to be of service and if you ask someone of a very, in this way you show them that they are positive and friendly in a very reciprocal way.

Most of content was from videos from some respected persons including Jordan Peterson.

Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that originates from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which starts in your buttock/gluteal area. The pain radiates from the back into the hip and outer side of the leg. It can be described as sharp, shooting, burning, electric or stabbing.

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common cause of sciatica is

A herniated or slipped disk that causes pressure on the nerve root
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Piriformis syndrome
Pregnancy

Risk factors

Age
Diabetes
Being overweight
Wearing high heels
Smoking
Sleeping on a too soft or hard mattress

How Can Sciatica be Prevented?

Sciatica can be prevented by regular exercises, maintaining proper posture while sitting and avoiding heavy weight lifting.

How is Sciatica Treated?

Most cases of sciatica resolve spontaneously over weeks to months
Medication is used in some cases. Medications such as anti-inflammatory medications, narcotics, muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants can provide effective sciatica pain relief
In severe and refractory cases, decompression of the nerve root may be done surgically
Self-care measures such as hot packs, cold packs and stretching can also help reduce pain.

What happens in your body after menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her ovaries decide to retire and stop producing eggs.

It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and is defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 months or longer.

When a girl is born, all the eggs that she’s ever gonna need are present in ovary. By the age of 10-14 ovaries start releasing eggs under the influence of hormones.

Vaginal dryness

As estrogen levels decrease, the vaginal tissues may become thinner and less elastic, leading to dryness and discomfort during sexual activity.

Hot flashes

This is the most common of others all.

Many women experience hot flashes, which are sudden and intense feelings of warmth or heat that can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Hot flashes can be accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.

Changes in skin and hair

Estrogen helps to keep the skin and hair hydrated and elastic. After menopause, some women may experience dry skin, thinning hair, and an increase in facial hair.

Changes in bone density

Estrogen also plays a role in maintaining bone density. After menopause, women are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle.

Changes in mood

Hormonal fluctuations can also lead to changes in mood, including anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Mood swings

What you can do

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help minimize the symptoms.

Don’t rely on wearable magnets or so-called compounded hormones. They are unproven and have risks.

Hormone Replacement Therapy : It involves taking hormones, usually estrogen and progesterone, in the form of pills, patches, creams, gels, or vaginal rings.

With the advancements in science there is a safe plan for almost every woman.

Feeling a scratchy or painful sensation in your throat? Does it hurt when you swallow or talk?

Are you feeling a scratchy or painful sensation in your throat? Does it hurt when you swallow or talk? These are common symptoms of a sore throat, which is a condition that affects many people at some point in their lives.

In this blog post, we can try to alleviate the pain.

Why does it happen?

Sore throats are usually caused by viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu. They can also be caused by bacterial infections, such as strep throat. Other causes of sore throats include allergies, dry air, smoking, and shouting or singing loudly. You can definitely feel it after a party night.

How to ease the discomfort?

There are several things you can do to ease the discomfort.

Drinking warm liquids, such as tea with honey, can help
Gargling with salt water can also be helpful
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and reduce fever
Resting your voice
Avoiding smoking or exposure to irritants can also help your throat heal more quickly.

In most cases, it will go away on its own within a few days. However, if it is severe or lasts longer than a week, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have other symptoms, such as a high fever, difficulty breathing, or swollen glands in your neck.

How to avoid it?

There are several steps you can take to prevent a sore throat, including

Washing your hands regularly
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

By following the prevention tips and practicing good hygiene, you can reduce your risk of getting a sore throat and stay healthy.

Things You Should Know Before Starting Clinical Rotation in Cardiac Unit

The rotation is a month long block of time with one PGYII as the lead together with (2-3) PGYI and (1-2) 4th-year students. The team admits and manages all general cardiology inpatients with close coordination with the CCU/heart failure service.

As a medical student, starting clinical rotation in a cardiac unit can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Before you start your rotation, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect. Here are some things you should know before starting your clinical rotation in a cardiac unit

Understand the basics of cardiac anatomy and physiology

Before starting your rotation, it is important to have a basic understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology. This will help you understand the pathophysiology of different cardiac conditions and how they are treated.

Know the common cardiac conditions

Cardiac units see a range of patients with different cardiac conditions. Knowing the common conditions such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease will help you understand the diagnosis and management of these patients. Such as;

Unstable angina
Heart attack
Heart failure
Arrhythmia
High blood pressure
Congenital heart conditions

Be familiar with cardiac medications

Cardiac medications play a crucial role in the management of cardiac conditions. It is important to be familiar with common medications such as

Calcium channel blockers
Beta-blockers
ACE inhibitors.

Understand the importance of vital signs and cardiac monitoring

Vital signs and cardiac monitoring are important in the management of cardiac patients. Understanding the different cardiac monitoring devices and interpreting the data will help you identify potential complications and alert the healthcare team. This can be done using electrocardiography (ECG), or through other methods such as telemetry or pulse oximetry.

Be prepared for the emotional toll

Working in a cardiac unit can be emotionally challenging. Patients may be critically ill or require end-of-life care. It is essential to be prepared for the emotional toll of caring for these patients and seek support from your colleagues and supervisors.

In conclusion,

In conclusion, starting clinical rotation in a cardiac unit can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By understanding the basics of cardiac anatomy and physiology, common cardiac conditions, medications, vital signs, and cardiac monitoring, you can better prepare yourself for the clinical rotation. Additionally, being prepared for the emotional toll of caring for cardiac patients is important for your well-being and success as a medical student.

What happens to your body if you don’t take sugar for a month

Ever wondered why you can’t lose weight, can’t get a clear skin, or how to get a sharp face!

Well, here lies something that can help.

Ever wondered what amazing things could happen to your body if you could just cut your sugar intake. Let’s see some of them.

Weight loss

Sugar is a source of empty calories and cutting it out of your diet can result in weight loss.

Improved insulin sensitivity

Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels, but cutting out sugar can help improve insulin sensitivity.

So what does insulin sensitivity mean ?

When cells are insulin-sensitive, they respond effectively to insulin, allowing glucose to be taken in and used efficiently. However, if cells become resistant to insulin, they may not respond effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This is a hallmark of conditions such as prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Improving insulin sensitivity means that cells in the body become more responsive to insulin, allowing for better regulation of blood sugar levels.

Lower inflammation

Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to increased inflammation in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Reducing sugar intake can help lower inflammation.

Better dental health

Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay, so avoiding it can improve the health of your teeth and gums.

Increased energy

Sugar may give you a quick energy boost, but it’s often followed by a sugar crash. By avoiding sugar, you may experience more sustained energy levels throughout the day.

Clearer skin

Excess sugar consumption has been linked to acne, so reducing sugar intake can result in clearer skin.

Did you know that sugar also affects your face shape!

Water retention

Consuming too much sugar can lead to water retention, which can make your face appear bloated and puffy.

Inflammation

Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to increased inflammation in the body, including the face. Inflammation can cause redness, swelling, and breakouts, leading to a less defined facial shape.

Weight gain

Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which can change the shape of your face by adding fat to certain areas.

Collagen breakdown

Sugar can interfere with the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin firm and elastic. As we age, collagen levels naturally decline, but consuming too much sugar can speed up this process, leading to sagging skin and a less defined facial shape.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s face is unique and that there are many factors that can affect its shape.Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any drastic changes to your diet.

Summary

Weight loss
Improved insulin sensitivity
Lower inflammation
Better dental health
Increased energy
Clearer skin
Water retention
Collagen breakdown

About Motion Sickness

What is it?

Motion Sickness is a condition characterized by unwellness due to certain movements.

It causes dizziness, pale skin, nausea and vomiting.

Why does it happen?

Our ears have a very important function in body balance. Motion Sickness happens when the movements our eyes see are different from what our ears sense.

What to do when having!

But what you should do and what not when having motion sickness?

Do’s

Sit in front of the car or bus and if on a boat sit in middle to reduce motion as much as possible
Look out of the car or plane rather than inside. Looking at a still object while moving puzzles our senses.
Breathe fresh air if possible. Open windows if not on a plane!
For children, distract them by talking and singing
Taking breaks in journey lessens chance of having motion sickness
Some foods also help in this condition. But only light foods like saltine crackers or plain bread. Having something in stomach is better than having nothing but be careful not to eat too much. Gingerale is a good natural remedy for motion sickness.

Don’ts

Don’t read or watch films. Fixing eyes on one thing can cause motion sickness
Also don’t fix on passing vehicles. So you’d think where to look! Just casually gaze out of the car on the way and sceneries
Don’t have heavy meals, spicy food or alcohol before or during travel.

Anti-histamines

Anti-histamines are medicines that are used to treat symptoms like nausea. Dimenhydrinate tablets like Dramamine are effective. These are OTC drugs that don’t require a prescription. They also come in chewables for children.

Conclusion

So next time before going on a trip take care of dos and don’ts and take precautionary medicines with you( consult with a doctor before).

“How to Argue”

by the author of Negotiating the non negotiable by Daniel Shaipro

For the non-negotiable talks like politics
Problem is we have fallen into a tribal trap that we must not have to believe what the other side says and try to prove them wrong to bring ourselves up.

The problem is not what we are arguing on but how we are. There are three barriers that we have to overcome;

Identity
Appreciation
Affiliation

Identity

Why do we feel so why do we feel so emotional in this conflict situation because we feel our identity is being attacked, or core values and beliefs. When our identity gets hooked, our emotions get stronger. When emotions take over, we lose. We have to see what our values are and believe that they are driving me to stand on this point the more you understand your beliefs and core values the more you can stay focused.

So we have to find our identity and values and see if they are worthy to be stood upon.

Appreciation

When you are in a conflict try to listen at least for 10 minutes to the other side and try to get their perspective on what they are standing for. And then say that I get your point but you know what! (this is a great way to talk ).
Recognize the power of your appreciation.

Everyone wants to be appreciated but very few want to appreciate, so if you do it first you make your good immersion on the other side.

Affiliation

Make a connection between you and the other side. We typically approach these conflict situations as me and my perspective versus yours. That’s going to leave us like rams butting heads.

Turn that other person from an adversary into a partner.

Instead find some common ground like two of us facing the same problem and talk how can we get our interests met at the same time and change the direction of the conversation.

What if we do it?

If we follow these things, now it’s no longer me vs you but the two of us vs the same shared problem.

Ask the other person what your advice is so that we both can get our interests met at the same time.

The Conclusion

Imagine if we started a revolution but a positive revolution of greater understanding, greater appreciation and greater affiliation. How we could transform our politics, our country and possibly our world!

I believe it’s possible but it starts with each one of us

The reference taken

Learning how to learn” book summary

Modes of learning

1. Diffused mode promotes creativity

2. While focused mode helps solve difficult problems like algebra.

When stuck on a problem shift from focused mode to the diffused mode simply by stopping focusing (going on a walk or sleeping). Take a break to get new perspectives to solve a problem. Never get onto problems without learning the basics. Sometimes you’ve stuck a something because you’re missing basics.

Our memory is just dendritic spines on our neurons in the nervous system that grow better and fast when we sleep(proved by Guang Yang Tenures senior research fellow at Imperial College London). If we don’t recall the topic these spines just disappear so use it or loose it.

The Pomodoro Technique

Set timers for 25minutes and work in this time without all distractions and dont think about finishing work at this time, you might will but dont think about it just focus on the topic. After it take a break and do something fun. Do three or four Pomodoros per day based on your work.

Do active recall of anything you study. It creates and fixes neuron links in the brain so that the topic is not forgotten.

Don’t just jump on conclusions if a method doesn’t work. Give it some time

Further, teaching others a topic will further solidify the concepts in the brain. Don’t be afraid to go back to a beginner’s level if you can’t understand a thing.

Learning makes us smarter and learning how to learn is one of the best things to get the ball rolling

When we learn something new in class dendritic spines are formed but if we don’t revise the topic in a few days these spines are are lost.

Sleep

• Solidifies the walls of learning (said by the US championship winner Nelson)

• Sleep also clears the hippocampus to make room for new learning.

•Cramming your work at the last minute will give you less sleep nights so the dendritic spines would not grow better and you won’t be able to recall things in the exam.

Foods

Onion, dark chocolate, cabbage, nuts have the effect on ability to remember things.

Set a quitting time

Set a quitting time for studying (by Carl Newport, a doctorate from MIT) and think about what you just learn before sleeping. Quit even if the topic isn’t complete and don’t think you’re losing.

Video games

Action video games and video games like Tetris helps you focus and gives the mind flexibility but playing too much games can also be addictive.

In older people playing video games help maintain the focus in daily activities.

Exercise

As we all know exercise is good for overall health but it also has beneficial effects on the brain as it increases the blood supply and helps perform it’s functions better.

Motivation

We can’t start anything without motivation but can’t complete anything without consistency.

But what should we do to motivate ourselves for studying and follow all the above steps?

Take out a pen and paper and write at least at least five reasons why you are studying this topic except to avoid punishment like to get good grades and to get a job and have a better lifestyle. This will help you motivate. All these points should be positive.

The earlier steps are always the hardest.