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Nura Expands Health Screening Services with New Centre in Calicut
March 10, 2025

Nura, a collaboration between Fujifilm Healthcare and Dr Kutty’s Healthcare, has opened its maiden health screening centre in Kerala. This facility has the potential to transform preventive healthcare in India. The recently inaugurated Nura Calicut health screening facility will improve early disease diagnosis by offering screening for common lifestyle diseases and cancers in just 120 minutes.

The state-of-the-art screening centre can screen up to 50 patients per day. It reinforces Nura’s mission to bring preventive healthcare within the access of a larger audience. Using artificial intelligence and advanced diagnostic technology, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and community healthcare.

 

Bringing Advanced Preventive Healthcare to Kerala

 

The opening of  Nura Fujifilm Calicut centre is a revolutionary moment in Kerala’s healthcare journey. Known for its strong medical infrastructure, the state has long led the nation in advanced healthcare programs. With AI-powered screening, Nura seeks to redefine the early diagnosis protocols that lead to timely intervention and better patient outcomes.

 

Nura’s Vision for Preventive Healthcare

 

Nura’s screening technology is carefully designed to catch life-threatening diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders at their initial stages. Utilising the latest imaging and artificial intelligence technologies, the centre offers timely, accurate and comprehensive health screens to help reduce the complications of late-stage diagnoses. Early detection and timely diagnosis is crucial for diseases, including cancer, as the survival rates increase significantly with early-stage detection.

As per the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR):

 

  • Over 10% of India’s population has diabetes
  • 35% suffer from hypertension
  • 28% suffer from high cholesterol levels

 

Due to the alarming increase in lifestyle disorders, regular screening for early detection and long-term well-being are imperative. Nura takes a proactive approach to health management by utilising cutting-edge AI screening. It enables users to gain insights into their health and well-being and pushes them towards early intervention rather than turning to reactive treatment.

 

Why Calicut? A Strategic Expansion

 

Kerala’s robust healthcare infrastructure and rising demand for advanced medical screening made Calicut an obvious place for Nura’s expansion. With a populace that increasingly favours preventive medicine and early diagnosis, the city has long been known for its forward-thinking attitude to health and well-being.

By establishing a cutting-edge cancer and lifestyle disease screening centre in Calicut, Nura aims to bridge the gap between technological advancements and community healthcare needs. This strategic expansion ensures that advanced preventive screening are highly accurate and widely available.

 

Inauguration of Nura Calicut: A Milestone Event

 
The launch of Nura Calicut was a landmark event in India’s healthcare sector, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and medical experts.

 

Key Dignitaries and Attendees

 

The facility for health screening in Calicut was officially inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, reinforcing the state’s commitment to embracing AI-driven healthcare solutions. The event also saw the presence of:

 

  • Teiichi Goto, President of Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
  • V Abdurahiman, Minister for Welfare of Minorities, Waqf and Hajj Pilgrimage, Kerala
  • Ayisha Kutti, representing Dr Kutty’s Healthcare
 
 

Facility Highlights

 

The Nura Fujifilm Calicut centre is equipped with cutting-edge AI-powered diagnostics, ensuring faster and highly accurate screening. Traditional ultra-low dose radiation scans often produce noisy, unclear images, making it easy to overlook potential abnormalities. Higher-dose scans improve clarity but expose patients to increased radiation. Nura’s health screening technology sharpens the quality of ultra-low dose scans, ensuring clearer visuals while maintaining minimal radiation exposure. This breakthrough assists doctors in early detection, leading to more accurate diagnoses. The facility currently offers:

 

  • Comprehensive scans for and common types of cancers
  • Lifestyle disease screening for diabetes, hypertension and more
  • State-of-the-art imaging and AI-enhanced reporting, reducing diagnostic errors and enhancing precision
  • Advanced screening targeting cardiovascular health and metabolic health
 
 

A Relaxing and Stress-Free Health Experience

 

Nura’s facility is designed to provide a comfortable and non-intimidating experience. The centre for Preventive Healthcare in Kerala ensures:

 

  • Quick and hassle-free check-ups, with results available in minimal time [2 hrs]
  • A welcoming and patient-friendly atmosphere for reducing anxiety around medical tests
  • Ai powered Comprehensive yet efficient screening that allows individuals to prioritise their health without disrupting daily routines
  • Painless and non-invasive procedures make screening very much convenient.
 

Transforming Healthcare in India Nura Health Screening

 

With the launch of its Calicut facility, Nura reaffirms its mission to make preventive healthcare more widespread. Preventive health screening not only facilitates early disease detection but also helps reduce the burden on tertiary healthcare centres, leading to:

 

  • Better allocation of healthcare resources
  • Reduced patient load in hospitals
  • Improved overall patient care and well-being
  • Avoid severely complicated end stage diseases.

 

As the best health screening centre in Calicut for preventive care, Nura is determined to empower people with knowledge about preventive health. We aim to make prevention possible through access to information for timely intervention and paves the way for the future of AI-powered preventive care.

How Regular Health Screenings Can Help You Manage Chronic Diseases
February 18, 2025

Chronic diseases account for nearly 75% of all deaths globally. But what if we could help these 41 million people manage chronic diseases? Proactive health management through preventive health screening – aided by hyper-tech AI health screening – now makes this possible. Regular preventive health screenings can help manage conditions like chronic kidney disease, heart attack, chronic fatigue syndrome,  and other parts of chronic condition management, giving you more power over your own health.

What exactly do we mean by preventive health screening when it comes to helping millions of people manage chronic diseases? Let’s find out.


The Importance of Preventive Care in Chronic Disease Management

 
Unlike acute illnesses, chronic diseases such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease develop silently, with symptoms appearing only in advanced stages. At that point, it is too late to reverse or slow down their progression.

Preventive care bridges this gap by focusing on early identification and intervention, greatly improving patient outcomes.

Not only do people have the option to detect chronic diseases early on, but according to the World Health Organisation, early detection and screening are the most important aspects of preventing chronic diseases. Population-level studies further support the assertion that screenings can significantly delay disease progression, improving quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Targeted screenings for women, such as mammography and cervical cancer tests, contribute to reducing morbidity and mortality rates associated with these conditions.

Some may argue that preventive screenings cause unnecessary panic or predict problems that may never arise. But when it comes to chronic  management,   is all about control. With regular health screenings, you can find risks early that may make big impact on life later and take treatments to prevent it from growing.


Role of Health Screenings in Chronic Disease Management

 

Early Disease Detection with AI Health Screenings

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has added a marked boost to health screenings, making them faster  AI-driven tools can analyse data from health checks and flag subtle signs of potential issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. A simple example of this is AI-based analysis in full-body health checkups that can detect early signs of heart attack or diabetes-related complications. Advanced options like low-dose CT scans expose patients to minimal radiation, allowing timely intervention and better outcomes.


Regular Screenings for Managing Chronic Diseases

 
Consistency is key when it comes to the treatment of long-term health conditions. Regular preventive  , like medical checkups and whole-body health tests, will make sure that you remain informed about any changes in your health. For example, periodic tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, or kidney function help monitor the   of chronic diseases like diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Without routine checkups, even well-managed conditions could take a sudden turn for the worse.
 

Understand Chronic Diseases and Their Progression

 

Chronic diseases do not develop overnight. They progress through stages of varying degrees, and the progression is so gradual, that you hardly notice any changes in your day-to-day life – and then it’s too late. For example, diabetes can move from prediabetes to advanced stages with complications affecting the eyes, nerves, or kidneys. Regular preventative screenings make it easier to catch these stages early on. The same goes for people with risk factors for  Screenings can help track the heart’s condition before serious symptoms develop.


Avoid Long-Term Complications of Chronic Diseases

 

Unchecked chronic conditions might potentially lead to severe complications. For example, high blood pressure, if ignored, might result in a stroke or coronary heart disease. Regular health screenings help detect early warning signs and allow for timely treatments that minimise these risks.


How Regular Screenings Reduce the Risk of Chronic Disease Complications

 

Screenings don’t just help in identifying chronic diseases, but they also suggest adjustments to your daily life. For example, identifying elevated cholesterol levels early allows patients to adopt dietary and exercise routines to prevent atherosclerosis.


How to Tailor Health Screenings for Chronic Disease Management

 

Every person’s health profile is different, and screenings should reflect that. Factors such as age, gender, family history, and pre-existing conditions play a big role in choosing the right tests. For example, women benefit from specialised screenings like mammograms or cervical cancer tests. On the other hand, men with a history of cardiovascular issues might choose to prioritise tests for heart health and even look at signs of chronic fatigue syndrome.


Chronic Disease Management: Role of Lifestyle and Health Screenings

 

Screenings are just one part of the equation. Lifestyle changes, like adopting healthy eating habits, exercising regularly, and managing stress, complement regular checkups to manage chronic diseases. Such changes can prevent or slow the progression of conditions like hypertension.


How to Choose the Right Screening Plan for Chronic Disease Management

 

Picking the right screening plan depends on several factors, including personal health goals and medical history. Comprehensive health checkups cover major lifestyle diseases and cancers and are perfect for those people who want a complete overview of their health in one go.


The Impact of Late Detection

 

Delaying health screenings can have serious consequences. Many chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and coronary heart disease, progress without showing any noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage. At this point, treatment options are more limited and less effective. Late detection also increases the chances of complications that could have been avoided with early treatment.


Conclusion

 

Preventive health screenings are not just diagnostic methods but tools of medical empowerment. By detecting conditions early, they offer a chance to manage disease progression. Combined with AI-driven advancements and lifestyle changes, these screenings empower individuals to take control of their health and reduce the risk of severe complications.

However important preventative screenings may be, they’re rendered useless if their credibility cannot be trusted. Nura, India’s first AI-powered preventive health screening centre, powered by leading Japanese technology, brings safe health screenings with 97% less radiation in CT scans. Take the first step toward a healthier future by prioritising regular health screenings – because early detection makes all the difference.


 FAQs

 

1) How do you manage chronic diseases?

Chronic condition management strategies include regular health screenings, lifestyle modification based on scientific research and guidelines, and adherence to medical recommendations.


2) What is the essential purpose of screening tests for a chronic disease?

At what stage you start chronic   management is far more important than the management itself. The biggest problem with chronic diseases is that you do not actively see the symptoms. Even when you do, it’s easy to confuse them with other factors and write them off as minor issues.

What   screenings do is, they help you decipher between those minor issues and the real problems. In medical terms, screenings provide a proactive approach to health management by identifying potential risks early and enabling evidence-based interventions.


3) How does screening improve health?

Screenings provide a proactive approach to health management by identifying potential risks early.


4) Why is it important to manage chronic illness?

Efficient chronic  management prevents disease progression and minimises complications.


5) What is the role of AI health screening in Chronic Disease Management?

AI health screenings improve early detection and give you the chance to consult a professional based on the results of the preventive health checkup.

How Annual Checkups Can Save You Money in the Long Run
February 4, 2025

The Financial Benefits of Regular Health Screenings

 

Many people avoid annual health checkups because they seem unnecessary when you feel fine. But skipping them can lead to expensive treatments later. Regular screenings help detect health problems early, reducing hospital bills and insurance costs.

 

1) Long-Term Financial Benefits

 

Preventive health screenings and make for a practical solution to one of the biggest challenges in the medical industry: addressing illnesses before they progress into severe, complicated, and conditions.

Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, coronary heart disease, and most of the cancers often develop without showing obvious symptoms until they reach advanced stages, at which point it is too late. And yet, many people fail to recognise the importance of prevention. The WHO reports that these diseases account for more than 70% of global deaths, yet they are manageable if detected early. Regular preventive health checkups play a critical role in identifying health risks at an early stage, significantly reducing long-term medical expenses.

For example, screenings such as mammography for breast cancer and colposcopy for cervical cancer help with early detection, which can drastically lower treatment costs if detected early.

 

2) Lower Insurance Premiums

 

Another financial benefit to prevention comes from your insurance premiums. Insurance companies assess risk profiles because people who go for regular preventive health checkups typically are considered low-risk. They’re rewarded with reduced premiums.

 

3)Tax Benefits

 

Preventive healthcare is also backed by financial policies that reward proactive efforts. Under Section 80D of India’s Income Tax Act, expenses on preventive health checkup costs are eligible for tax deductions. This means that people get a dual advantage: safeguarding personal health while reducing taxable income.

 

How Early Detection Prevents Costly Treatments

 

Prevention can help with early detection – but why is early detection so important? By undergoing regular screenings like a yearly health checkup, you get a chance to identify health risks early and start the reversal procedure right away. From lesser pain to fewer medical costs, people who go for a preventive health screening stand to gain on all fronts. Let’s look at exactly how regular health checkups benefit you.

 

1) Chronic Disease Management

 

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart failure have unfortunately been found to progress silently in the early stages. With the help of preventive health screenings, such conditions can be detected early on.

For example, detecting high blood sugar levels in preventive only requires changes to diet and mild medicines. Without those men’s preventive health checkups, people would be forced to bear the costs of treatments like dialysis when the condition ultimately worsens and leads to advanced kidney disease.

 

2) Avoiding Emergency Care

 

The scariest part of advanced medical conditions is emergencies. Emergency care is not just stressful but it is also expensive. Many conditions that lead to hospital emergencies, such as heart attacks, could have been prevented through preventive checkups. How? A preventive health checkup will help you identify warning signs like increased cholesterol levels or positive calcium scoring indicating heart blockageThis greatly reduces the possibility of sudden medical emergencies that require expensive and possibly life-threatening surgeries.

 

3) Preventing Complications

 

The most obvious reason educated people are studying preventive health checkup packages and going for annual checkups is to prevent complications. Unmanaged health conditions lead to severe complications like organ damage, which are not only expensive but also unbearably painful – all due to conditions that are completely avoidable. For example, if you catch the early signs of hypertension during a yearly checkup, you drastically reduce the chances of coronary heart disease, a complication that requires extensive treatments like angioplasty and bypass surgery.

 

How to Choose the Best Screening Package for Your Budget

 

1) Identify Your Health Risks:

 

Start with what matters most: your health. If you have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic conditions, choose a yearly health checkup that includes tests for these conditions. For example, a reliable men’s preventive health checkup is one that includes heart tests and prostate health screenings. As for a preventive checkup for females, a reliable screening should cover tests like mammograms or cervical cancer checks.

 

2) Understand What’s Included:

 

Advanced preventative screening centres like Nura have curated the screening package now that covers the most common lifestyle diseases and cancer risks affecting people in India.

 

3) Long-Term Costs:

 

For those trying to understand the importance of , you need to understand the difference between cost and worth. Start by factoring in the preventive health checkup cost vs the impact a yearly checkup can have on long-term costs like surgery and hospitalisation bills. That is where you understand that it is worth a lot more than the price you pay today.

 

4) Insurance and Tax Relief:

 

Insurance companies like care because it has been proven to reduce major complications. Naturally, the companies reward such customers with lower premiums. Another upside to consider is tax relief: According to the Income Tax Act in India, taxpayers can claim up to ₹5,000 in tax deductions for preventive health checkups under Section 80D. This applies to both individual and family health checkups, including preventive health screenings.

 

FAQs

 

1)  Why is an annual health check-up important?

An preventive health check-up is important because it helps identify possible health concerns early on, even before symptoms appear. Regular screenings can detect conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol imbalances, allowing for early intervention.

 

2) Why is it important to get regular yearly health check-ups?

Getting regular preventive health check-ups helps monitor your overall health and track any changes over time. Regular check-ups can catch silent health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes early, making them easier to manage. They also help assess risk factors for specific conditions based on your family’s medical history, and your age and lifestyle.

 

3) What is included in a preventive health check-up?

A preventive health check-up typically includes a range of tests and assessments designed to detect possible health problems early. This includes tests for metabolic health (blood sugar, HbA1c), cardiac health (ECG, lipid profile), and organ function (liver and kidney panels). Gender-specific tests like mammography or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) assessments may also be included in preventive health checkup packages.

 

4) At what age is a full body checkup best?

A full body check-up is beneficial at any age, but it becomes even more important as you grow older. Normally, professionals advise you to start regular full-body check-ups in your late 20s and early 30s, as this is when health risks start to show up. Risk factors for chronic illnesses increase with age, making early detection all the more important.

How to Choose the Right Health Screening Package
January 21, 2025

Why Health Screenings Are Essential for Your Well-Being

 

Even as a healthy, asymptomatic young person, you may be harboring serious health problems. Symptoms include shortness of breath (heart problems), recurring headaches (high blood pressure), and sudden weight changes (cancer). However, the main issue arises when a lot of these serious conditions manifest without any visible symptoms. This means that until it is too late to take measures, you don’t understand there’s something wrong with your health. And that is a growing problem.

This is where health screening tests can save lives. These tests assess your overall health and detect potential issues like blocked arteries, abnormal blood sugar levels, or early cancer signs before they become severe.

A comprehensive health screening includes tests for various organ functions, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and metabolic disorders. For instance, ultra-low radiation scan can uncover early signs of lung or heart disease without exposing you to unnecessary risks. Women’s health packages may include mammograms with features for added safety and comfort, making breast cancer detection more accessible and stress-free.

Health screenings are created for healthy, asymptomatic people because they focus on prevention. The process is non-invasive and painless, often completed in just 120 minutes. Additionally, there’s no fasting required.


Factors to Consider When Choosing a Health Screening Package


 

Now that we’ve seen the importance of preventative screenings, let’s understand how you can select the best health checkup packages out of all the available options. With the correct complete health checkup, you can zero in on the most important details of your report. With the right option, you will see a hundred per cent of the benefits of health screening.


1) Understand Your Health Goals

 

Does your family’s medical history make you worried about specific risks like heart disease or cancer? If you are someone who wants to be smart and careful, then you stand to benefit more from the more general full-body screenings.

With the advent of technology, there is an option to go for AI-powered preventive health screenings. These focus on detecting potential health risks early, catering to those people who are currently asymptomatic.


2) Review the Package Details

 

You can’t just give the package a cursory glance – you need to study the offerings in detail. For example, does the package include advanced imaging like low-dose CT scans? For the ones not well-versed in medical terminology, such scans are much safer for you because they expose you to less radiation. Another factor to note is, does the package has tests for key markers like cholesterol, blood sugar, and cancer risk.


3) Reputation and Accreditation of Health Screening Providers

 

When it comes to your health and selecting the right health checkup packages, it’s only natural for you to want to go with a centre that has a good reputation and the proper accreditation. The reason is simple: accredited centres make use of only validated equipment and adhere to international health standards.


4) The Return On Investment of Annual Health Screening

 

Investing in preventive health screening is a practical decision that prioritises early detection over costly treatments for conditions in advanced stages. What many people still don’t know is that using a heart checkup package for detecting a condition like coronary artery disease in the initial stages can avoid expensive, and not to mention painful, treatments like bypass surgeries.

When you are comparing the prices of different health screening packages, study the parameters included. For example, advanced options like ultra-low dose with minimal radiation exposure and metabolic tests are better for you. In that regard, you need to identify centres that offer such safe testing processes.


How Many Times Should You Get Your Health Screening Done?

 
 

The frequency of health screening tests depends on many different factors, like your health at the moment, family history, lifestyle, and age range. Even though there isn’t a general recommendation for the number of health screening tests you should get, let’s look at scientific guidelines to help you understand.

For healthy people who aren’t experiencing any obvious symptoms, an annual full-body health screening package is recommended. This gives you a 360-degree view of your health and gives you the chance to detect different conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and early-stage cancer.


Annual Checkups for Early Disease Detection

 

Annual health screening tests help pinpoint conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers early on, even before symptoms start showing. Hypertension, labelled “silent killer”, has the potential to cause severe complications like heart attacks if it goes undetected. You need regular monitoring via a complete health checkup to help curb efficiently.

A heart screening package also helps with detecting early signs of blockages. A full body checkup package normally includes tests for blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and liver and kidney functions to give you the full picture.


How to Prepare for Your Health Screening


 

1) Mental Preparation

 

How to prepare for a health screening? Let’s start with mental prep.

A health screening can feel overwhelming, particularly if it’s part of a full body checkup package. Understanding the tests in your health screening package can help you feel more at ease. Get plenty of rest the night before to support accurate results, especially for blood sugar and cholesterol tests. Staying calm during procedures, such as a heart screening package, helps you get reliable readings and makes the process smoother.


2) Medications and Supplements

 

Some substances have the potential to affect results, particularly for blood sugar or lipid panels in a body checkup package. Prepare a list of all medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements to share with the screening centre. If fasting is needed for your best health checkup packages, plan how to time your medication accordingly for precise results.


How to Choose the Best Screening Package for Your Budget

 

Deciding on a health screening package requires you to be smart and take into account your biggest health concerns, lifestyle, and budget. You can start by shortlisting the most relevant health checkup packages for your age and set of risk factors. For example, young people tend to benefit from basic preventive health checkups, whereas older people and those with a family history should go for a full body checkup package or a more specific option like a heart screening package.

Packages with detailed tests like imaging for cardiovascular issues can be more suitable for those people who are dealing with specific risks.


FAQs

 
 

1)  How do I know which health screening package is right for me?

To choose the right screening, take into account your age, your family’s health history, and any symptoms you might currently have. A full body checkup package is better for a 360-degree health analysis, and more targeted packages like a heart screening package will help with any specific concerns.


2)  What are the eligibility criteria for the health screening packages? 

Eligibility for health screening packages depends on your age, gender, and health conditions. Some packages are for general health, whereas others focus on specific issues like heart disease or diabetes. For example, older people and people with a family history of specific health problems require specific tests. Then there are also those packages that cater to specific genders, like a heart checkup package for men.


3) How often should I get a health screening?

If you’re over 30 years of age, getting a full-body checkup once a year is a good habit. If you have a family history of health issues or an unhealthy lifestyle, you should consider doing it twice a year. Regular screenings help detect problems early, making treatments more effective and reducing future medical expenses.


4) How to choose a full body checkup?

Pick a package that covers cancer screenings (lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, oral, colon, prostate for men; ovarian, breast, cervical for women) along with tests for heart health, visceral fat, kidney stones, fatty liver, bone density, blood parameters, vision, hearing, ECG, and urine analysis. Advanced AI-based diagnostics provide more accurate results.

How Cold Weather Triggers Lifestyle Disease
January 7, 2025

What Are Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Conditions?

 

Inflammation happens when your body responds to an injury or infection. It’s a good thing because it helps protect you, but if it goes on too long, it can lead to chronic conditions. Autoimmune diseases are a type of inflammation where your immune system starts attacking your own body by mistake.

Some common conditions include arthritis, lupus, asthma, and eczema. These are often linked to cold weather, and symptoms can get worse during winter, like joint pain, skin flare-ups, or trouble breathing, especially if you’re dealing with winter allergies or cold weather allergy symptoms.

 

Examples of Common Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

 

  • COPD Cold air is a major trigger for COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), as it causes airway constriction, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, and increased mucus production. In winter, dry and cold air can irritate the lungs, reducing oxygen intake and making flare-ups more frequent.
  • Asthma and Allergies: These are both inflammatory conditions that affect the airways. The winter months can make them worse because winter allergies become more common, leading to tight chests and shortness of breath.
  • Flu (Influenza): The flu causes a lot of inflammation in the body, which can make conditions like asthma or arthritis even worse. Cold air can also weaken the immune system, making us more prone to infections.
  • Strep Throat: Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, leading to throat inflammation, fever, and discomfort. In certain cases, untreated strep infections may contribute to reactive arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition that occurs following bacterial infections, or rheumatic fever, which results from the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues.
  • Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS): A rare condition where cold exposure triggers symptoms like fever and joint pain.

 

How Cold Weather Triggers Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

 

Cold weather can have significant effects on the body, particularly for individuals with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

One of the primary physiological responses to cold exposure is vasoconstriction, where blood vessels narrow in an attempt to conserve heat. This reduces blood flow to the extremities and can lead to decreased circulation, which is problematic for those with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Inflammation in the joints can worsen as a result, causing increased stiffness, pain, and discomfort. The restricted blood flow also affects other areas of the body, making it harder to heal from injury or infection, further exacerbating chronic conditions.

Another consequence of cold exposure is the increased stress on the immune system. Cold weather places additional strain on the body’s defences as it works to regulate temperature. This can leave the immune system more vulnerable to infections and unable to effectively manage autoimmune responses. For people with conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, this means an increased likelihood of flare-ups. Additionally, the reduced circulation caused by vasoconstriction makes it harder for immune cells to travel through the bloodstream, decreasing the body’s ability to fight off pathogens or manage inflammatory processes effectively.

When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, the vascular system constricts to preserve core body heat, but this process can negatively impact immune function. Reduced circulation means less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach tissues, particularly in areas like the joints and skin, making them more susceptible to damage. For individuals with autoimmune diseases, this decrease in blood flow can lead to a flare-up of symptoms as inflammatory cytokines and immune cells struggle to reach affected tissues.

  • Increased exposure to viruses: Winter months are known for the spread of respiratory viruses, such as influenza and the common cold, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD.
  • Weakened immune system: Cold exposure and levels in winter can impair immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections.
  • Worsened chronic conditions: Cold air can aggravate chronic diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and respiratory conditions, leading to more frequent flare-ups and complications.
  • Thus, managing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases during colder months requires understanding these physiological effects and taking precautions to minimise exacerbations.

 

The Role of Vasoconstriction, Immune Dysregulation, and Triggers in Cold Weather

 

Winter doesn’t just bring cold; it also brings more viruses. This can make existing conditions flare up, especially when your immune system isn’t working at its best.

  • Increased Exposure to Viruses: Winter months bring a surge in viral infections, including the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These viruses can increase inflammation and aggravate conditions like asthma, COPD, and winter allergies, as already irritated airways become more reactive.
  • Immune Dysregulation: Cold temperatures impact immune function through multiple mechanisms. Vasoconstriction impairs circulation, limiting immune cells’ ability to reach infection sites efficiently. Additionally, cold stress triggers hormonal changes, increasing cortisol levels, which can suppress immune responses and make the body more susceptible to infections.
 

How Winter Affects Lifestyle Diseases and Chronic Conditions

 

Winter isn’t just tough on inflammatory diseases – it can also make other chronic conditions worse:

  • COPD and Emphysema: Cold air can make it harder to breathe for people with lung diseases. A study found that people with COPD suffer more flare-ups in winter because the cold and dry air irritates their lungs.
  • Coronary Heart Disease: The cold puts extra pressure on the heart. A study found that heart attack rates go up during the winter, possibly because the body has to work harder to keep warm, stressing the cardiovascular system.
  • Blood Pressure: When it’s cold, blood vessels shrink, which raises blood pressure. This puts extra strain on the heart, especially for people already dealing with hypertension or heart disease.
  • Diabetes: Cold weather can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels. Changes in diet and activity, plus extra stress from inflammation, can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate more during winter.

 

Preventing Exacerbations and Practical Tips to Manage Inflammatory Conditions in Winter

 

If you deal with an inflammatory or autoimmune condition, managing symptoms during the winter months requires planning and winter precautions. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Monitor Inflammation and Immune Markers: Regularly monitor inflammatory markers like CRP (C-reactive protein) and cytokine levels. Research has shown that inflammation prevention strategies, such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), can help control flare-ups caused by cold-induced inflammation.
  • Minimise Exposure to Cold: In addition to wearing warm clothing, reducing exposure to cold air, particularly during peak cold-weather periods, can help prevent exacerbations. Avoiding abrupt temperature changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of flare-ups in autoimmune patients.
  • Targeted Therapies: In cases of autoimmune disease cold sensitivity, therapies such as corticosteroids or biologics that target specific inflammatory pathways may provide additional protection against the effects of cold.

 

Lifestyle Adjustments to Reduce Winter Triggers

 

There are small changes you can make to reduce the risk of flare-ups during winter:

  • Dress Warmly: Layer up with warm clothing, especially your hands and feet. This can help avoid vasoconstriction (when your blood vessels shrink), which can cause joint pain and stiffness.
  • Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Going from a warm room into the cold outside can shock your system, making symptoms worse. Try to adjust gradually to avoid triggering winter allergies or cold weather allergy symptoms.
  • Get Enough Sleep: A good night’s sleep supports your immune system. According to research, poor sleep can increase inflammation, making it harder to manage autoimmune conditions.

 

Strengthening Immunity Against Seasonal Flare-ups

 

To help manage symptoms during the winter, here are a few tips to strengthen your immunity:

  • Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods: Foods like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. A study showed that omega-3s can be especially helpful for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make inflammation worse, so it’s important to drink plenty of water, even when it’s cold outside. Avoid alcohol, which can worsen symptoms of winter allergies and cold weather allergy symptoms.

 

When to Seek Medical Advice

 

While some symptoms can be managed at home, there are times when you need to seek help:

  • Persistent Joint Pain: If joint pain sticks around for more than a few days, especially during cold weather, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.
  • Trouble Breathing: If you’re finding it hard to breathe, especially if you have asthma or COPD, don’t wait to get help.
  • Severe Allergic Reactions: If you have trouble breathing or notice swelling, get medical help right away.

Routine check-ups during the winter months can help you stay on top of your health before the cold makes things worse. Remember, winter precautions can make a big difference in managing your symptoms.

FAQs

 

1) Do autoimmune diseases get worse in winter?

Yes, cold weather can trigger flare-ups of autoimmune diseases, worsening symptoms like joint stiffness, inflammation, and respiratory issues.

 

2) How do you control autoimmune inflammation?

Controlling autoimmune inflammation involves anti-inflammatory diets, medication, exercise, stress management, and regular medical check-ups to monitor symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

 

3) Does winter weaken your immune system?

Winter can weaken immunity, as cold reduces circulation, lowers vitamin D, and increases indoor virus exposure, making infections more likely.

 

4) What are the best practices for managing inflammatory conditions in winter?

To manage inflammation, stay warm, exercise, hydrate, follow a healthy diet, avoid temperature extremes, and monitor symptoms closely.

 

5) Can cold weather trigger allergies?

Yes, cold weather can trigger allergies, especially from indoor allergens like dust mites and mould, irritating respiratory pathways and worsening symptoms.

7 Science-backed Healthy Lifestyle Hacks for Busy Professionals
December 17, 2024

Why Healthy Habits Matter?

 

You spend one-third of your life working, and with time your work  defines your lifestyle. From eating healthy to even forgetting to eat during work hours, your health becomes a second priority.

Let’s be honest—we all somewhere down the line recognize this shift but feel there’s little time to make health a priority. Over time, the impact of ignoring wellness accumulates, potentially leading to chronic stress and compromised health.

Building healthy habits doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, consistent actions create lasting impact. Once habits are formed, they boost energy, strengthen immunity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The power of habits lies in transforming challenges into effortless routines, leading to a healthier, more productive life.

Keep reading to know how you can adopt a healthy lifestyle at your workplace.

 

7 Healthy Lifestyle Habits You Can’t Say No To

 

Being healthy is a choice, the one you need to choose daily. Yet, with constant deadlines, long hours, and rising stress, prioritizing wellness often takes a back seat. With “30s being the new 50s,” it’s more important than ever to make the right decisions for a longer, healthier life.

Here are seven tips for busy professionals to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

 

1. Snack Only Healthy

 

Healthy snacks

 

Amid back-to-back calls and meetings, it’s easy to grab a quick, processed snack. Yet, these options are often loaded with sugars and unhealthy fats, offering only short-lived energy boosts and cravings. Healthy snacking, on the other hand, fuels you steadily and supports better focus throughout the day.

You can always try out:

  • A handful of nuts, which are high in healthy fats and rich in protein, can help you feel fuller for longer.
  • Greek yogurt with berries, a protein-packed snack that provides antioxidants.
  • Apple slices with almond butter for a balanced snack packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

 

2. The Pomodoro Movement Routine

 

The Pomodoro Movement Routine

 

Staying seated for long hours can decrease circulation, stiffen muscles, and increase stress levels. However, making time for a workout during stressful work phases can feel unrealistic. With the Pomodoro technique, you can fit in quick bursts of activity, supporting both physical and mental health without disrupting workflow.

  • After 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break to walk around the office. This prevents prolonged sitting and increases focus.
  • Quick movements like stair climbing or desk stretches can release tension.
  • Short bursts of activity can improve circulation and reduce stiffness without requiring equipment.
 

 3. Incorporate Sitting Exercises

 

Incorporate Sitting Exercises

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.8 billion adults worldwide don’t engage in enough physical activity. Both mental and physical health can be maintained with a consistent workout routine.

Endorphins, released during exercise, can help reduce stress, elevate mood, and give you more energy.

Here are some quick workouts you can easily fit into your busy schedule to maintain a healthy lifestyle:

  • Try desk exercises like shoulder shrugs or seated leg raises to stay active while working. This keeps your body active, reducing stiffness and improving circulation even during long hours of sitting.
  • Take a brisk 10-minute walk between meetings or during lunch. It boosts energy and enhances focus, helping you stay productive throughout the day.
 

4. Alternate-Nostril Breathing

 

Alternate nostril breathing

 

 What do you do if you need a quick mental reset? It takes one deep breath to settle you down. Alternate nostril breathing influences the autonomic nervous system by enhancing parasympathetic activity when breathing through the left nostril, promoting relaxation, and increasing sympathetic activity with right nostril breathing, which is linked to alertness. Research indicates that regular practice can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, improve lung function, and enhance cognitive performance by maintaining a balance between the two hemispheres of the brain. These physiological effects contribute to stress relief and overall well-being, making alternate nostril breathing a valuable tool for health management.

This technique works as follows:

  • Start by closing one nostril and inhaling through the other, creating a balanced, rhythmic flow that calms the nervous system.
  • Switch nostrils after each breath to increase focus and promote mental clarity.
  • Repeat for at least five minutes.

So, the next time you feel stress symptoms creeping in, try deep breathing to calm yourself down and develop mindfulness.

 

5. Protect Your Eyes And Vision In The Workplace

 

eyes and vision in the workplace

 

Do you often experience eye strain, dryness, or headaches after a long workday? Prolonged screen time and improper lighting can take a toll on your eye health, leading to discomfort and potential long-term vision issues.

For busy professionals, maintaining eye health is essential for sustained focus, productivity, and overall well-being.

  • Adjust screen brightness and position to reduce glare and eye strain.
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Use artificial tears or a humidifier to prevent dryness in air-conditioned spaces.
  • Ensure proper lighting at your workspace to minimize screen glare and shadows.
 

6. Prioritise Regular Health Screenings

 

reguler health screening

 

Many health issues, like heart attack, chronic liver disease, cancers, etc, develop without immediate symptoms. Yet, fitting in health appointments during a busy workweek can feel nearly impossible. 

So, opt for a convenient regular health screening. At Nura, we make prioritizing your health easy. Our AI-powered, comprehensive health screenings deliver detailed and accurate insights in just 120 minutes, including a consultation with a doctor, without disrupting your workday.  Our screenings cover:

  • Early detection of lifestyle conditions like coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and visceral fat.
  • Advanced cancer screenings for organs like the lung, liver, and colon.
 

7. Drink Water with Intention

 

drinking water with intention

 

Are you someone who needs a coffee every hour to work better? It’s time to go past that. Relying on caffeine to stay alert can be a quick fix, but dehydration often contributes to the fatigue and brain fog that lead to those extra coffee breaks. 

By making hydration a priority, you can improve concentration, avoid lethargy, prevent mood swings, and keep energy steady throughout the day.

Mindful hydration begins with being intentional and focused with every sip of water.

  • Start your morning with a glass of water to set a mindful tone.
  • Keep a water bottle nearby and use reminders to stay on track with hydration.
  • Aim to sip consistently, especially during long work sessions, to maintain energy and clarity. Pair this with regular breaks to move around, helping you stay refreshed and focused throughout the day.

 

Start small for big changes

 

Remember, big changes often start with small, mindful transitions. It takes days and often months to incorporate new habits into a consistent, set routine. But once you know the way, there’s no going back.

 

More Information

 

Nura’s AI-powered health screening offers convenient, program designed for busy professionals. These programs provide quick and comprehensive results, making it easier for you to stay informed about your health without disrupting your schedule.

 

FAQ’s:

 

1) How to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Start by adopting small, attainable habits such as take regular movment breaks, careful hydration, sitting exercises and the 20-20-20 rule for eye health. Incorporate mindful snacking, and schedule health screenings to stay proactive about your well-being. Consistency is essential.

2) What are some easy exercises I can do in the workspace?

Simple exercises like seated leg raises or shoulder shrugs relieve tension and improve circulation while sitting. These quick exercises help you stay active and focused throughout the day.

3) What are healthy eating habits for busy professionals?

Healthy eating for busy professionals involves planning meals with a balance of nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Opt for healthy snacks like nuts and yogurt, and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain energy and focus.

4) What are the benefits of adopting healthy habits?

  • Boosts energy and sharpens focus
  • Enhances physical and mental well-being
  • Reduces stress and the risk of digital eye strain
  • Improves resilience and supports better decision-making
  • Boosts productivity and overall quality of life

5) How often should I schedule a health check-up?

Regular check-ups, preferably once a year, are advised for preventative care and early diagnosis of potential health problems.

Want to know why regular screenings are so important? Check out our blog on 10 Reasons Why Regular Health Screening is Important and The Benefits of Regular Health Check-ups

Employee Health Screening key to a Healthier Workforce
December 26, 2022

Staying healthy is key to being able to work at your peak efficiency. We all know that physical and mental fitness go hand in hand. As an employer, this is something you must bear in mind when it comes to your employees. If you run a business or are setting up one, offering employee health screenings takes on great importance. Medical screening ensures that you have a healthy workforce capable of taking your business to new heights. However, the fact that this does impose a financial cost on the company prompts hesitation in many employers. Here are a few reasons why health screening of employees is in the best interests of your business.

  • A Simple Way to Boost Employee Productivity

We all know that we work best only when we feel our best. The fact is that healthy employees are productive employees. If you want to keep your workforce productive, ensure that the workforce is healthy and fit. You can wield some control over this by screening employees for health issues and offering medical benefits to get treated for any conditions that are detected. The employees and your business both benefit because the screenings also prompt the employees to stay educated about simple changes they can make in their habits to improve their health and stay fit in the long term.

  • Healthy Employees Create a Positive Environment

Healthy people are confident, happy and enthusiastic in general. This is the kind of workforce you want in your organisation because they create a positive environment and are ready to take up new challenges. Ensuring employee health by offering preventive health screenings is a great way to pave the way for a conducive working environment in your organisation. It is also a great way for you to ensure that your workforce is in peak form at all times, ready to make the best of business opportunities that come your way.

  • Show your Employees you Care

Workplace satisfaction is a huge factor determining how successful you are at retaining skilled, talented people and how well you can attract the best professionals to join your organisation. No one likes to work for an employer who is apathetic to their needs. An employer who demonstrates consideration and concern for employees also becomes a coveted one to work for. Hence, if you wish to attract the best talent to your organisation, demonstrating your concern for employees via health screening services is a good strategy.

  • Reduce Off Days by Employees

Preventive health screenings help employees identify health issues before they turn bad enough to affect their daily lives. They are aided in identifying potential illnesses well in advance before the symptoms even begin to show up or the symptoms get bad enough to disrupt their ability to work. In this way, medical screening reduces the need for employees to take days off on account of sickness, be it for a short while or extended timelines. Disruption-free work helps your organisation’s profitability too.

Preventive health screenings defined

Now that you know how your business can benefit from the health screening of employees, it is also important for you to understand how to offer this. Different kinds of ailments crop up at different stages of life. For example, as we age, arthritis and bone-related issues arise that we may not be as much at risk of when we are younger. To offer your employees the most suitable health benefits, it is a good strategy to design a healthcare package that offers health screenings by age. This means the employee health screenings take into account the employee’s age and ensure that they are screened for the ailments for which they are at the highest risk.

Here’s how You can go about it

Employees who are in good health are a company’s greatest asset. A corporation cannot function if its workers are ill. A company’s development and success are directly correlated to the happiness and wellness of its workers. Therefore, conducting periodic health screenings for your employees enables you to keep a close tab on their overall well-being.

The most critical aspect for your organisation to consider when thinking about employee health screenings is to ensure they get accurate and reliable test results. Partnering with a well-known and trusted partners like NURA Ai Screening allows you to give your employees the best in class preventive health screenings that enable them to identify changes or anomalies in their bodies early so that they can start treatment well in time.

NURA combines the medical expertise of the world-class AI-backed imaging of Japan’s Fujifilm with Dr Kutty’s Healthcare to deliver top-notch testing outcomes. We understand how medical screening can be an uncomfortable, worry-inducing process for many. That’s why our Radiographer, lab technicians, Doctors and service personnel are trained to answer all queries with patience and empathy. With a friendly, comfortable lab environment, testing with the most advanced technology, speedy results and the best customer service, NURA Ai Health Screening / labs is the perfect partner for you to ensure the good health of your workforce.

Causes of Liver Diseases
December 26, 2022

As the liver is the second largest organ in the human body and the key player in waste removal from the system, its proper functioning is extremely critical. Several kinds of liver diseases can affect how well the organ works, and many of them, when left unchecked, can impair liver function completely. Liver chronic disease may prevent proper separation of nutrients and waste, leading to severe complications. Being aware of liver problem symptoms helps you take the right steps in time to prevent this situation.

Liver Disease Symptoms: What to Watch Out for

Knowing the early symptoms of liver disease works in favour of seeking medical help well in time to prevent liver failure. Some warning signs include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea

When the condition has been existing for a while, and the organ is affected, these are the liver damage symptoms that you may experience:

  • Bloated stomach
  • Jaundice
  • Sleepiness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Swelling or oedema in arms and legs
  • Easily bruising or even bleeding
  • Urine/stool colour change
  • Disorientation

What Causes Liver Failure?

Liver infection can slowly progress over a long time, ultimately resulting in liver failure. However, there is also a condition known as Acute Liver Failure that can occur very quickly, over as little as 48 hours.

Scarring or cirrhosis occurs when significant parts of the liver are damaged beyond repair. The organ damaged in such a way over large areas cannot function because there is not enough healthy tissue left. When this happens, it is called liver failure. This can be potentially life-threatening, and immediate medical care is imperative.  Some kinds of liver disease can also result in cancer when left untreated.

Acute liver failure can develop in those with no previous history of liver problems. Since it develops so quickly, the individual may completely overlook the liver disease symptoms until too late. The symptoms of liver failure mimic those of liver disease; hence they should not be ignored or sidelined as something to be looked into later.

Acute and Chronic Liver Failure

Acute Liver Failure: This occurs when the liver suddenly stops working without any warning signs of liver disease prior to this. An individual may not even know that he/she has a major health complication and needs immediate medical intervention.

Chronic Liver Failure: The damage to the liver builds up slowly over several months or even years until the liver can no longer function properly. When the damage is too substantial, the organ stops functioning. In most cases, untreated liver chronic disease is the leading cause.

Common Causes of Liver Damage

Many factors can damage the liver and/or cause scarring, such as:

  • Some infections such as hepatitis A/E, chronic hepatitis B/C
  • Some autoimmune diseases
  • Diseases that affect bile ducts
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Genetic diseases like Wilson’s disease
  • Diseases that affect the veins in this organ
  • Liver diseases arising from drinking alcohol
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Exposure to toxins like strong industrial-grade chemicals
  • Exposure to toxic mushrooms

Apart from these, some causes arise from medications or treatments you follow:

  • Excessive use of Acetaminophen
  • Reaction to antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-epileptic drugs
  • Some herbal supplements, such as kava

Diagnosing Liver Disease

As acute liver failure can be fatal, it is essential to diagnose it in time and get the right treatment quickly when you see the first warning signs and symptoms. When you approach your physician for liver problem diagnosis, these are the steps they may recommend:

  • Liver Function Tests: This involves assessing the level of protein and enzyme in your blood to indicate how well the liver is functioning
  • Blood tests to identify other conditions: Since liver damage can arise from other conditions, too, blood tests like a complete blood count (CBC) may be advised to identify it
  • Liver Biopsy: Liver samples may be collected to see if there is scarring
  • Imaging: CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound may be done to examine the liver visually

Preventive Care for Liver Disease

Getting liver infection treatment promptly is critical to ensure you do not suffer liver failure. But it is possible for you to overlook the common liver disease symptoms or to put off treatment until it is too late. The best way to avert complications arising from such situations is to focus on preventive care.

An annual health check-up that includes the proper tests to identify liver damage and liver disease in the initial stages helps you identify and seek medical attention at the right time. With the appropriate treatment at the early stages, you can avert serious problems and continue to live your life with ease and freedom.

NURA Ai Screening offers the best testing options backed by Japan’s Fujifilm AI-driven imaging technology and Dr Kutty’s healthcare. Friendly staff (lab technicians, Radiographer, Doctors) empathetic service, quick report generation, and a comfortable lab environment make undergoing preventive tests easy and simple at NURA. Our whole-body scan packages help you keep a watch on your health and identify issues like liver trouble before they begin to affect your body. Book your appointment today and ensure your good health.

Learn More: 10 lifestyle diseases that are common in India

10 Ways In Which Smoking Can Damage Your Body
December 7, 2022

Have you ever heard anyone wax eloquent on the benefits of smoking? Has any cigarette brand ever talked about which cigarette is good for health? No, because cigarette smoking, in fact, the use of tobacco products, is harmful to health, is well known and established. Yet in 2020, according to the WHO, 22.3% of the population worldwide used tobacco. According to a 2022 report, 267 million Indians use tobacco, and this includes minors as well. About 15 million Indians above 15 smoke some form of tobacco, and statistics reveal that it is fatal for approximately 50% of its users. While there are many forms of tobacco, cigarette smoking is its most popular form, which we focus on mainly in this piece. So know how cigarette smoking can be injurious to health in myriad ways.

10 Ill-Effects of Smoking

Smoking can affect every organ. While most people know that the harmful effects of tobacco include the heightened risk of cancers, there are many less-known smoking diseases that can significantly affect your health and lifestyle. Take a look at ten of these:

 

  • Cardiovascular diseases

Yes, cigarette side effects include heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) diseases like stroke and heart disease. In 2000, more than 1 in 10 deaths from CVD were traced back to smoking. Cigarette side effects include an increase in triglycerides and lower good cholesterol. Further, it can increase the risk of blood clots in the arteries by making the blood stickier while also causing the narrowing of blood vessels. Cigarette smoke causes damage to the cells lining our blood vessels. All of these lead to a seriously heightened risk of CVD in smokers.

  • Central Nervous System

The smoke effect is so potent that it can reach your brain in just 10 seconds after you take your first whiff of the cigarette. Nicotine in cigarette smoke can alter your mood. That’s why smoking makes you feel euphoric and energetic initially. But it harms your nervous system in many ways, as follows:

  • Neurotransmission
  • Development of nervous structures
  • Cognitive function
  • Cerebrovascular health

Smoking diseases include neurodegenerative diseases as well.

  • Addiction

Tobacco effects are not restricted to physical ailments. It can also become an addiction that you cannot break out of. The first smoke effect that you experience is positive. You can concentrate better and feel that it makes you very productive. But then these effects quickly wear off, leaving you craving the energy again, especially as you feel drained and enervated soon after smoking. Nicotine, which is highly addictive, makes smoking a tough habit to quit, and this can result in a slew of other problems for you both health-wise and apart from that.

  • Lung damage

The cigarette side effects on the lung are known very well, but smokers do not realize the seriousness of the issue until too late. Cigarette smoke significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. You are 25 times more likely to contract this dreaded disease if you are a smoker, more in the case of women. Most lung cancer fatalities across the world can be attributed to smoking.

  • COPD 

According to the American Lung Association, harmful effects of tobacco include a seriously heightened risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. COPD is the umbrella term for various illnesses that affect the lungs and cause considerable respiratory distress.

Know More: Understanding COPD & How Early Detection Helps

  • Macular degeneration

Did you know that smoking can make you lose vision? Smoking heightens the possibility of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration. This eye disease hampers your central vision owing to damage to the macula portion of the eye. AMD is a prevalent condition, especially in older people and those habituated to smoking; the chances of losing central vision are much higher.

  • Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is also one of the cigarette side effects that you should be aware of. There is a 30- 40% greater chance that smokers will develop this disease when compared with non-smokers. Diabetics who smoke are more likely unable to manage their insulin dosing correctly. So not only is Type 2 diabetes one of the common smoking diseases you can contract, but smoking can also make it difficult for you to manage the condition.

  • Erectile dysfunction

One of the tobacco’s less known harmful effects is that it narrows the blood vessels in the body. This also impairs the blood supply to the penis affecting male sexual function. One of the first questions asked of patients with erectile dysfunction is if they smoke a lot.

  • Reproductive complications

The risk of a fatal reproductive complication is heightened in women who smoke. Known as ectopic pregnancy, this condition occurs when the fertilized egg is not implanted inside the uterus but elsewhere. Not only does this pregnancy not survive, but the mother is also at grave risk.

  • Colorectal cancer

The link between lung cancer and smoking is relatively well known, but do you know that colorectal cancer can also be attributed to cigarette side effects? When cancer cells multiply in the colon or rectum, the condition is called colorectal cancer. Cigarette smoking is linked to this condition, and a preventive measure for this disease is to quit smoking.

There is little doubt that cigarette smoke can be highly injurious to health, but less known is the fact that most of the diseases outlined above can also be attributed to the harmful effects of tobacco. If you smoke or use any such product, it is time to stop NOW!

You must prioritize medical screening tests to evaluate how your body has been affected by cigarette side effects so that you can take corrective action quickly and effectively. Remember that many significant illnesses, including cancers, can be effectively treated if identified early, and screening helps you do that.

Book your appointment at NURA labs right away for a whole body check-up to evaluate overall health and identify potential early risks. You can also call in and check with us about the best package that suits your needs. With the medical prowess of Dr Kutty’s Healthcare and the cutting-edge technological expertise of Japan’s Fujifilm, NURA ensures you get the most accurate test outcomes, the fastest testing, and the best care before, during and after the testing procedures.

Read More: Everything you need to know about Coronary Artery Disease

Key Benefits of Employee Medical Check-up & Health Screening
December 2, 2022

Human resource is one of the vital assets of any organisation. As a business owner, it is up to you to safeguard this asset so that your business can grow at an incredible pace. Investing in employee health is even more critical now when chronic illnesses are on the rise.

Some of these may arise from stress at the workplace or workplace environment, including poor ergonomic work conditions. Many stem from lifestyle habits. Irrespective of the factors that affect employee health, prioritising this aspect by offering routine medical check-ups for employees is beneficial for your business. Here are six reasons why.

Six advantages of routine health check-ups for employees

  1. Healthy employees are also productive, and productivity underpins a business’s ability to fulfil market demand and remain profitable. When an employee is ill or unable to work at his/her best, the person’s productivity level dips. Not only is the illness affecting the employee, but it is also impacting your business’s efficiency and profitability. Regular health screening allows employees to keep track of vulnerabilities and pre-empt illnesses that may affect their productivity. In this way, when you invest in an employee health check-up package, you also invest in your business’s health.
  2. When employees call off sick, it causes much disruption in your business processes. While this is more evident, especially in the case of higher levels employees in the core management team, the frequent absence of employees in the lower hierarchies also disturbs the smooth working of the operations team. A routine medical check-up for employees helps identify potential illnesses in time so they can be averted or treated without the employee being affected to the extent that they need a leave of absence. Since health screening also helps identify serious ailments at early stages, it enables quick and easy treatment for such diseases. The employee derives the benefit of better treatment outcomes and quicker recovery, meaning they can resume work at the earliest too.
  1. A great way to improve employee retention is to demonstrate that you/your business truly cares for your staff. One of the lesser-known advantages of routine health check-up for employees sponsored by the company is that this positions you as a caring, considerate employee. Your qualified, trained staff is less likely to quit and move on when they perceive you as a good employer.
  1. As an extension of this, your business also gains a reputation for being a good employer, and this helps you attract the best talent in the market when you are looking to hire fresh talent. An employee health check-up package delivers great ROI by making you a coveted employee so that the most qualified and brightest freshers consider you their preferred employer.
  1. Medical check-ups for employees are not just advantageous for existing staff but also during hiring processes. Making a pre-employment medical test a part of your recruitment process helps you select the best candidates who are likely to give you committed, dedicated service for the long term. You cannot determine through an interview if a potential employee is healthy and fit enough to work without taking frequent leaves. However, the pre-employment medical test makes this very clear to you.
  1. Among the financial advantages of routine health check-ups is the tax benefit to you and your staff. Instead of increasing salaries and pushing your employee to a higher tax bracket, you can sponsor an employee health check-up package for the employee and their family members as a perk. This helps you and them save money on taxes while ensuring they remain healthy and fit to give you their best.

Also Read: Health and Safety of Employees – Why is it Important ?

Getting the right employee health check-up package

With so many benefits, it makes sense for your business to standardize an employee health check-up package that you can offer your entire staff. Choosing a committed, professional partner to give you this service is critical, so your employees get the best outcomes. What is most vital is that they get accurate results in the quickest possible timelines and that screening is done with top-notch equipment and complete convenience.

NURA labs ticks all these boxes and then some, with cutting-edge Japanese Fujifilm technology powering our testing processes. Dr Kutty’s Healthcare joins hands with this world-class technology to bring you the most efficient screening tests to keep track of your employee health. We understand that the common man may not be aware of which tests are to be prioritized at what stages in life. That’s why we have packages designed to give you comprehensive health check-ups that can screen for all major diseases efficiently and minutely. Partnering with NURA can help you give your valuable human resource the greatest advantages of routine health check-ups that include prevention and early treatment of serious ailments like cancer.

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