Why does the body move by itself, and who takes away the control of the body?

 Why does the body move by itself, and who takes away the control of the body?

Physiotherapy, vocational rehabilitation, speech therapy and regular exercise also improve quality of life.

Why does the body move by itself, and who takes away the control of the body?

Uncontrolled changes in body movements are called movement disorders, which are caused by disturbances in the nervous system of the brain.

Many of us have seen the problem of someone's hands constantly shaking, neck twitching, face twitching involuntarily, hands not moving when trying to write or legs moving at night when trying to sleep.

Most people ignore these symptoms as the effects of aging, weakness, stress or vitamin deficiency. But such symptoms can be a sign of a disturbance in the system that controls the movement of the brain. This problem is called 'movement disorder' in medical language, i.e. disease related to uncontrollable movement.

The human brain is the most complex and amazing part of the body. Walking, running, writing, speaking, smiling, eating or even the smallest activities are controlled by the brain in a very subtle way.

Some special parts of the brain, especially the basal ganglia, cerebellum and the nerve network connecting them, are making the movement of the body balanced, smooth and coordinated. When there is a problem in these parts, the body starts to move against the patient's will.

The most common problem is tremor. When drinking tea, holding a spoon or signing, the hands may tremble, sometimes even the head or voice may tremble. Essential tremor and Parkinson's disease seen in many elderly people are the main causes.

Not all tremors are Parkinson's, therefore, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Parkinson's disease is one of the major neurological diseases that increase with age. Symptoms such as slow movement of limbs, body stiffness, hand tremors when resting, loss of balance and reduced facial expression are seen.

Previously, this disease was considered very complicated, but now, thanks to effective drugs, restorative treatments and modern surgical techniques, patients can live an active and dignified life for a long time.

Another important problem is dystonia. In this, some muscles of the body contract uncontrollably, so the neck becomes bent, the eyes keep closing by themselves, the mouth or voice changes, or the hands go into an unnatural state. Its special type is writer's cramp.

In such a condition, the person can do all other work normally, but only after starting to write, the hand becomes stiff, the fingers become crooked and it becomes difficult to hold the pen. This problem can be seen in students, teachers, bank employees, writers and people who have to write a lot.

It is ignored for years as a simple weakness or mental stress, while with timely treatment, good improvement is possible.

In some patients, the limbs of the body move irregularly like dancing. It is called Korea. Slow jerking movements are called athetosis and sudden jerking movements are called myoclonus.

Some children and young people have the habit of blinking their eyes, opening their mouths, shaking their necks or making noises. Such conditions are called tics. Most of these are treatable.

Restless legs syndrome is a problem that many people experience but is less discussed. It has a strong urge to move the legs especially in the evening or when resting at night. The patient feels crawling, tingling, burning or pulling in the legs.

Moving the legs gives relief for some time, but when resting again, the problem recurs. As a result, sleep is disturbed, fatigue throughout the day, irritability and reduced ability to work. Most people don't care, thinking of it as a habit or a gas problem. But it is also a neurological disease and effective treatment is available.

Why do these diseases appear?

There can be many reasons. Changes in brain cells with age, hereditary effects, stroke, brain injury, long-term use of certain drugs, lack of iron in the body, diabetes, kidney disease or other neurological diseases can also cause uncontrolled movement.

Identification and treatment

To identify the disease, the patient's history, neurological examination, blood test if necessary, MRI, CT scan and other special tests are done. The most important thing is not to self-medicate and consult a specialist without delay.

As far as treatment is concerned, it varies according to the disease. Many patients get better with medicine. Botulinum toxin injections are very effective in many patients with dystonia.

Physiotherapy, vocational rehabilitation, speech therapy and regular exercise also improve quality of life. When drugs don't work enough, modern functional neurosurgery offers new hope. Its most successful technique is Deep Brain Stimulation.

In this, a small electrode is placed in a certain part of the brain and a light electrical stimulation is given by a battery connected under the skin. It can significantly improve Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia and some other movement related diseases by controlling abnormal nerve signals.

This treatment is successfully available not only in the developed countries of the world, but also in Nepal. Deep Brain Stimulation services are regularly available with us, and most patients have seen significant improvement and encouraging results from this treatment.

In society, such diseases are still considered to be the effects of old age, devastation, weakness or mental problems There is a tendency to misunderstand it. Due to such confusion, many patients are deprived of treatment.

The reality is, most movement disorders can be controlled if detected early, and many patients can return to a normal life.

If any part of the body starts shaking for no reason, if it is difficult to write, if the neck or face starts bending on its own, if there are uncontrollable tremors, or if there is a problem of moving the legs at night, it should not be considered normal. It is wise to consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon in time.

Only with a health-conscious citizenry, timely diagnosis and access to modern treatment can we reduce the disability caused by uncontrolled movement disorders.

Why is the coordination of science, spirituality, and human consciousness necessary in education?

 Why is the coordination of science, spirituality, and human consciousness necessary in education?

We have a rich Eastern knowledge tradition, but the ability to communicate with modern science is also developing.

Why is the coordination of science, spirituality, and human consciousness necessary in education?

It is essential to include the human and psychological aspects in health education, including palliative care and the experience of the last stages of life.

Nepal's education system is currently at a critical juncture of change. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, neuroscience, mental health, and global social change have changed the situation. Education can no longer be just a means of passing exams, getting jobs, or teaching technical skills.

Today's generation needs not only knowledge, but also the ability to understand life, mental strength, moral decision-making ability, compassion, self-discipline, and the skill of remaining balanced in uncertain situations.

Many countries around the world have begun to recognize this need. Mindfulness, stress management, socio-emotional learning, palliative care, positive psychology, end-of-life care, and consciousness-related studies are gradually expanding in schools and universities. Modern science is also studying the relationship between the body, brain, emotions, and behavior in greater depth than ever before.

In such a situation, an important question arises—can Nepal develop an education system that establishes a balanced dialogue between its own knowledge tradition and modern science?

Nepal is not only a country of mountains and natural beauty; it is also an important center of Vedic, Upanishadic, Yogic, and Buddhist knowledge traditions. Thousands of years ago, sages and sages deeply pondered on the fundamental questions of human life, nature, consciousness, health, ethics, and the universe.

The ideas developed in the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Ayurveda, and other ancient texts about the body, mind, breath, self-discipline, meditation, compassion, life, and death have enriched the knowledge tradition. These texts are still studied today as important sources for understanding the development of philosophy, history, culture, and human thought.

Similarly, yoga is not just a method of physical exercise; it has traditionally been interpreted as a holistic way of life that disciplines the body, mind, and behavior. Practices such as pranayama, meditation, introspection, restraint, and compassion emphasize the inner development of the individual. Modern science has begun to study some aspects of these practices—especially meditation, mindfulness, and controlled breathing exercises—and the potential health effects of these practices. While positive evidence has been found in some areas, many questions are still the subject of research.

Therefore, the need today is not to accept ancient knowledge as superstition or to completely reject it in the name of modern science. What is needed is to conduct critical and evidence-based studies of these knowledge traditions in dialogue with history, philosophy, culture, and contemporary scientific research. It is necessary to creatively connect the wealth of knowledge developed by the sages and sages with modern research, neuroscience, psychology, medical science, and pedagogy. If this can be done, it will give a new direction to the national education system and create the possibility of establishing Nepal's unique identity in the global knowledge community.

This does not mean making religious/religious education mandatory in the curriculum. Nor does it mean presenting any religious or spiritual belief as scientific truth. Rather, it is about creating an environment where the various perspectives that human civilization has developed on life, health, consciousness, and death are studied based on evidence, history, philosophy, and critical thinking.

For example, thousands of scientific studies have been published on meditation and controlled breathing exercises in the last three decades. Some studies have shown that regular meditation practice can help reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalance. There is also increasing evidence that controlled breathing exercises can have a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, and physical responses to stress. However, not all claims of all types of yoga or pranayama have been scientifically confirmed.

Therefore, where the evidence is strong, it should be taught based on evidence; where research is ongoing, it should be presented as a subject of open research.

Another important aspect is health education. Today, most students studying medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, physiotherapy, etc. receive education focused on the diagnosis, treatment and life-saving skills of disease. This is very necessary. But not every treatment is successful, and every human life ends in death one day. Therefore, future health workers need to understand death not only as a biological event, but also as a deeply human, psychological, social and cultural experience for the patient and his family.

In many universities around the world, subjects such as palliative care, grief management, sensitive communication with patients, end-of-life decisions and death studies are gradually being made an important part of health education. It is time for Nepal to think about including such subjects according to its own cultural context.

Similarly, the body is not only a biological structure that can get sick It is not enough to understand only the brain. Science has proven that thousands of biochemical reactions are taking place inside the body every moment. Chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, cortisol, melatonin affect our emotions, thinking, memory, sleep, immune system and behavior.

Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, social relationships and lifestyle also affect these biochemical processes. This is why the concept of ‘holistic health’ is becoming important again in health science today.

Eastern yoga and meditation traditions have also emphasized breathing, self-discipline, diet, meditation and mental balance for thousands of years. The relationship between modern science and these traditions is not yet fully established, but the field of dialogue and research is expanding rapidly. Nepalese students should have the opportunity to study both sides from a critical, evidence-based and open perspective.

Another interesting topic is consciousness. Modern neuroscience is studying the brain processes related to consciousness, while philosophy, psychology, Vedanta, and Buddhist thought offer different explanations about the nature of consciousness. So far, a complete scientific explanation of consciousness is not available. For this reason, consciousness studies are developing as an interdisciplinary research field in prestigious universities around the world. Nepal can also explore the possibilities of research, dialogue, and educational development in this area.

Some may understand such a proposal as an attempt to expand religious education. But that is not the real purpose. The basis of the education system should always be the scientific method, critical thinking, evaluation of evidence, and intellectual freedom. No philosophical or spiritual concept should be studied as the ultimate truth, but as ideas developed by human civilization. Similarly, claims that are not confirmed by science should not be presented as scientific facts. This balance makes the education system credible.

Nepal has a rare opportunity. We have a rich Eastern knowledge tradition, but the ability to communicate with modern science is also developing. If these two can be connected on the basis of research, evidence, philosophy and critical thinking, Nepal can present a new educational model not only for its students, but also for the world.

The education of the future should not be just a means of producing good engineers, doctors, teachers or administrators. It should produce citizens who are scientifically minded, culturally aware, mentally strong, compassionate and able to maturely engage with the complex questions of life.

Education should teach technology, but also self-discipline. It should teach science, but also ethics. It should teach research, but also compassion. And along with preparation for life, it should also develop the ability to understand the final journey of life with dignity.

Where the ultimate goal of education is not just to produce successful professionals, but to produce holistically developed, responsible and humane citizens.

Eating more legumes and soybeans reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 30 percent

 Eating more legumes and soybeans reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 30 percent

Eating about 170 grams of legumes daily reduces the risk of high blood pressure by about 30 percent.

Regular consumption of legumes and soybean-based foods is very effective in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, a new study has shown. According to a large report published in the journal 'BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health', people who eat more of these foods are found to be much less likely to have high blood pressure.

Analyzing various studies conducted around the world, scientists have found a clear result. The risk of high blood pressure has been found to be reduced by 16 percent in people who eat more legumes. Similarly, this risk has been found to be reduced by 19 percent in people who eat more soybeans and dishes made from them.

According to the research, eating a certain amount of these foods daily is the most beneficial. Eating about 170 grams of legumes daily reduces the risk of high blood pressure by about 30 percent. Similarly, eating 60 to 80 grams of soy foods daily reduces the risk by 28 to 29 percent.

But scientists have said that eating more than that does not provide any additional benefit. Here, 100 grams of beans or soybeans is understood to be one cup of cooked beans or about 5 to 6 tablespoons.

This research included data from 12 long-term studies conducted in various countries in the United States, Europe and Asia. Beans and soybeans are rich in elements such as potassium, magnesium and fiber. These nutrients help balance blood pressure. The fiber in beans relaxes and widens the blood vessels in the body. In addition, a substance called 'isoflavones' found in soybeans also helps reduce blood pressure.

Currently, people in countries around the world, including Europe and the UK, eat very little beans. Although it is recommended to eat 65 to 100 grams of legumes daily for heart health, people are only eating 8 to 15 grams per day.

According to nutritionists, this research provides a strong basis for people to prioritize legumes and soybeans as the main sources of protein in their daily diet.

Development of a medicine to cure gum disease from bitter gourd and pomegranate peel

 Development of a medicine to cure gum disease from bitter gourd and pomegranate peel

A combination of bitter gourd and pomegranate peel has opened up a new way to solve the problem of pain and wear caused by severe gum disease (periodontitis). Brazilian scientists have developed a special biomaterial by combining bitter gourd, pomegranate peel juice and the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Pontifical Catholic University in São Paulo, Brazil, has been published in the scientific journal ‘Polymer Bulletin’. Severe gum disease gradually destroys the bones and tissues that support teeth, which leads to tooth loosening and loss.

Although currently available treatments reduce infection and swelling, they cannot regenerate the destroyed tissues or bones.

To overcome this limitation, scientists have used bitter gourd. Since the bark of the tree has a strong natural ability to stick (mucoadhesive property), it helps to keep the medicine and natural ingredients stuck to the gums for a long time. This eliminates the need for frequent use of antibiotics. All three ingredients used in this technique have different and important roles.

The bark of the tree acts as a base to keep the medicine stuck to the infected part of the gums for a long time, while the antimicrobial properties of the pomegranate peel juice fight harmful germs and infections in the gums. Similarly, the drug simvastatin reduces swelling and helps in the growth of new bone (osteoinduction).

Since most of this medicine is absorbed by the liver when taken directly as a pill, it would have to be taken in large quantities to reach the gums, which could cause side effects such as muscle weakness. However, when applied directly to the gums through this new gel, even a small amount works safely.

Initial laboratory tests on human stem cells have shown significant improvements in the process of new bone formation within 14 to 21 days of using the gel.

According to Professor Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duque, coordinator of the research team, this gel made from the bark of the thorn bush, which has not received much attention in medical science until now, could be a revolutionary step in the treatment of teeth and gums in the future.

Positive thinking makes the mind and body of the elderly healthier with age

 Positive thinking makes the mind and body of the elderly healthier with age

A new study by Yale University in the US has challenged the common belief that people's physical and mental abilities steadily decline as they age.

According to a new study by Yale University in the US, nearly half of the elderly over the age of 65 have seen significant improvements in their physical or mental abilities over time.

The research, published in the scientific journal 'Geriatrics', was conducted on more than 11,000 American elderly people for 12 years.

The study has shown that positive thinking about aging can help bring about significant improvements in the walking speed and mental performance of the elderly.

July 20, Kathmandu. Challenging the common belief that people's physical and mental abilities steadily decline as they age, Yale University in the US has made the findings of a new study public.

According to this long-term research, nearly half of the elderly over the age of 65 have seen significant improvements in their physical, mental, or both abilities over time.

The study, published in the scientific journal Geriatrics, followed more than 11,000 older Americans for 12 years. Their thinking and memory skills and walking speed were measured during the research. According to the results, 45 percent of the participants showed improvement in at least one area. Of these, 32 percent showed improvement in mental ability and 28 percent in physical ability.

“Many people view aging as an inevitable decline in physical and mental abilities,” said Becca R. Levy, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health and lead researcher. “But our study shows that even in old age, improvements in abilities are not rare, but rather a normal process.”

The study found that a person’s own perception of the aging process plays a big role. Older people who had a positive attitude towards aging showed greater improvements in walking speed and mental performance.

The negative perceptions that society creates through the media and advertising have a negative biological impact on people's health, while positive thinking makes the body more energetic, says Professor Levy. "Our findings show that even in old age, there is still an internal capacity for improvement, and that it can be improved by changing our thinking," Levy said.

This improvement was not limited to those who had recovered from illness. Older people who were initially completely healthy also showed further improvement over time. The study suggests that the ongoing decline that comes with aging can be prevented, and the researchers recommend that investment in positive environments and rehabilitation programs for the elderly, along with therapeutic services, be increased.

Food with ‘trans fat’ in abundance in the market, heart and brain are paying the penalty

 Food with ‘trans fat’ in abundance in the market, heart and brain are paying the penalty

Doctors say that the trans fat (very bad fat) hidden in bakery products, noodles, puffs and French fries, which are abundant in the market, is causing serious damage to the heart and nervous system at a young age.

Food with ‘trans fat’ in abundance in the market, heart and brain are paying the penalty

February 15, Kathmandu. ‘What is the worst fat found in?’ This is a question that senior cardiologist Dr. Ommurthy Anil often asks his patients who come to him for check-ups.

Most of those who come to check answer, ‘Red meat, ghee, milk, butter.’

Some add, ‘The fat in oil can be bad.’

He explains, ‘The worst fat in the world is found in foods containing trans fats.’

According to Dr. Anil, eating foods containing trans fats for a long time is fatal to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain. But we do not find it unusual to eat biscuits with tea in the morning, puffed noodles in the afternoon, and french fries with friends in the evening.

But hidden within this easy and tasty option is ‘trans fat’, i.e. very bad fat (unhealthy fat).

According to the doctor, foods containing trans fats are causing chronic diseases in the body. This is not a ‘normal fat’, but a silent poison that opens the door to chronic diseases.

A monitoring conducted by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control last November showed this alarming situation. During the monitoring, the ‘croissant’ of Nanglo Bakery and the puff produced by Khajuri Nepal Pvt. Ltd. were found to be harmful to health. After ‘trans fat’ was found to be more than the limit set by the government, the Food Department completely banned the sale and distribution and destroyed them.

Trans fat is considered one of the most harmful fats from a health perspective. According to experts, the reason for the increase in trans fat is unhealthy diet and urban lifestyle. Due to trans fat, heart attacks are increasing at a young age.

‘The trend of heart attacks that we are seeing in patients is directly related to diet,’ says senior cardiologist Dr. Prakash Raj Regmi, ‘Trans fat is an important reason for that.’

What is trans fat?

Trans fat is found from two sources, natural and artificial. It is found in the fat in red meat of animals such as cows, buffaloes, goats, and in dishes made from milk and yogurt. According to doctors, trans fats obtained from natural sources when consumed in small amounts do not have much negative impact on health. However, consuming excessive amounts can have negative impacts.

Industrial trans fats produced in the food industry are extremely harmful to health. They are obtained from artificial sources.

Industrial trans fats are mainly produced by converting vegetable oils into ghee through hydrogenation. In this process, it is produced by heating vegetable oils at high temperatures and adding hydrogen molecules. In this process, the liquid oil is converted into a solid state, i.e. vegetable ghee.

The vegetable ghee produced from this process is used to make various processed foods including bakery products, biscuits, cookies, ready-made noodles, bhujiya, dal moth, potato chips, etc.

Trans fats, which are produced by heating cheap oils in the industry and adding hydrogen, increase the amount of fat. In addition, foods cooked in such very bad fats become tasty and can be stored for many days.

Foods cooked in such oil are mostly used for packaged foods. Foods that look attractive from the outside are very harmful to health. Even if vegetable oil is heated many times, the amount of trans fat increases. Pakodas, samosas, potatoes, and chicken cooked in such oil are delicious to eat.

Another senior cardiologist, Dr. Premraj Vaidya, says, “It is considered good to eat one teaspoon of ghee a day. However, trans fat-rich foods are very dangerous.”

Senior cardiologist, Dr. Ommurthy Anil, says that heart attacks are increasing in people in their 30s and 40s. The main reason for this is a bad lifestyle and eating trans fat-rich foods. He says, “Trans fat-rich foods cause blockage in the blood vessels of a healthy person and lead to heart attacks. It affects everyone from children to senior citizens, pregnant women.

Transfats that poison the blood vessels

Ultra-bad fats (transfats) increase the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood and reduce the amount of good cholesterol. Similarly, they negatively affect the inner part of the arteries and increase the narrowing of the arteries.

'Not only does it narrow the blood vessels, it also causes inflammation (a condition like a swollen wound) in the inner part,' says Dr. Regmi, 'When cholesterol accumulates, blood blockage occurs. Which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.' Not only this, transfats increase the risk of type-2 diabetes.

Due to processed foods prepared for commercial purposes, fat accumulation around the stomach, weight gain and metabolic syndrome are increasing. There is an increasing addiction to junk food among children these days. Obesity, high blood pressure and pre-diabetes are starting to appear at school age, says Dr. Vaidya.

Experts say that excessive trans fat intake by pregnant women can affect fetal development. “There is a possibility that the effects of trans fat can reach the newborn through breastfeeding,” says Dr. Vaidya, “and the risk can last for a generation.” It is not limited. It has a bad effect on the health of the unborn child.

The fried and packaged foods in the market are rich in trans fats. Doctors say that excessive consumption of which leads to fatal diseases at an early age and many people die.

Dr. Regmi claimed that a young woman died after eating Bhujia after watching an advertisement. Recalling an incident a few years ago, he said, "Amitabh Bachchan had promoted Bikaji Bhujia in a very attractive way on Sony TV. A young woman is an Amitabh fan. After consuming Bhujia for a long time, she had reached a state of heart failure."

According to Dr. Regmi, continuous consumption of Bhujia weakened the heart muscle, increased blood pressure and cholesterol. Due to which the heart could not pump properly.

Heart disease is becoming the leading cause of death in the world. The main risk factors are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. A study by the World Health Organization has shown that high intake of trans fats increases the risk of death by 34 percent.

Effects of diet on the brain

Experts say that brain diseases have started increasing among Nepali youth due to changing diets along with modern lifestyle. According to neurologist Dr. Sushil Mohan Bhattarai, serious neurological diseases including stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other diseases have started appearing even in young people in their 30s due to trans fat-rich foods and unhealthy lifestyle.

Dr. Bhattarai, who works at a civil hospital, says, 'Earlier, paralysis and brain stroke were considered diseases that occurred after reaching the age of 70. But now it is seen in young people in their 30s.'

According to Dr. Bhattarai, after trans fats enter the body, they go directly to the cell membrane. Cell membranes are very important for maintaining the structure of the body and for communicating from one cell to another.

In order for the brain to implement what the hand thinks, there must be continuous communication between the nerves. But when trans fats start to mix with cell membranes, communication is disrupted and brain functions gradually deteriorate.

According to Dr. Bhattarai, trans fats reduce the amount of serotonin, the ‘happy chemical’ produced in the brain. Due to this, people in the modern era have started to tend to be more sad, negative and depressed. Not only that, but the ability to learn new things and memory decline.

‘Many college-going students come to the clinic with problems with concentration,’ says Dr. Bhattarai.

Similarly, according to Dr. Rajiv Jha, senior neurosurgeon at Bir Hospital, when the amount of fat in the body increases, the blood vessels that carry blood begin to clot. When fat accumulates in the veins, the blood flow is blocked, due to which the amount of oxygen that should reach the brain decreases.

According to Dr. Jha, if blood circulation is blocked in any part of the brain, the risk of stroke is high. ‘When too much fat accumulates, the vessels become narrow or stiff. That leads to brain hemorrhage or stroke,’ says Dr. Jha says.

According to Dr. Bhattarai, smoking is the number one risk factor for stroke in young people. In second place is unhealthy diet and foods high in trans fats.

‘Brain-related diseases are more common in urban youth and they smoke and eat foods high in trans fats from a young age,’ said Dr. Bhattarai.

Regarding the direct link between trans fat intake and stroke, Dr. Jha says, ‘Obesity and high blood pressure are the main problems in many patients who come to the hospital. Patients who have strokes at a young age often have an unhealthy lifestyle, excessive consumption of junk food, and lack of physical activity.’

Trans fat-rich foods in abundance in the market

Data from the Food Department shows that some of the foods produced in the market are very harmful to health. The department had monitored 67 prepared food items and the raw materials used in them in the last one year.

Of these, 16 percent, or 11, were found to contain trans fats exceeding the standard. In which the total fat content of the food item was more than two percent.

Manita Vaidya, Director General of the department, says, ‘During the monitoring, up to 15.5 percent trans fat was found. Which is very harmful to health.’

Eight puffs were tested during the monitoring. Four puffs had trans fat levels exceeding the standard. Four of the six vegetable ghees tested had high trans fat levels. Vaidya claimed that the products found to have trans fat levels exceeding the standard were returned to the market.

Dr. Anil says, ‘Finding 15.5 percent trans fat in food in the market is a poison for health. Eating such foods directly blocks the blood vessels of the heart and causes heart attacks.’

In the race to increase profits, hotels, restaurants and roadside shops are repeatedly using oil to make fast food such as pakodas, samosas, puris, chicken fries, sausages, etc., which produces trans fat. Deep frying destroys all the nutrients in the food and adds harmful fats to it.

“Most of the sweet shops in the market are using vegetable ghee and oil containing trans fats to make sweets. These dishes, which look smooth, shiny and durable, are actually poisonous to the heart and blood vessels,” said Dr. Vaidya.

Dr. Regmi adds, “Repeatedly heating oil is harmful. It is used Not only is it linked to disease, but it is also linked to the risk of cancer. It is advisable to avoid using vegetable ghee as much as possible.

Main causes of death Heart and stroke

The mortality rate from non-communicable diseases is increasing in Nepal. According to statistics, a large part of the total deaths are due to respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and strokes.

According to experts, unhealthy diet and increased consumption of processed foods are one of the main reasons for this.

According to the 2023 data of 'Nepal Burden of Disease', respiratory diseases are the number one cause of death in Nepal, heart disease is the second, and stroke is the third.

Our diet, behavior, and lifestyle have emerged as the main root causes of the spread of non-communicable diseases. Experts say that non-communicable diseases are increasing as a 'dormant' epidemic in developing countries in recent times. The mortality rate is also increasing in proportion to that. According to the latest statistics, 71 percent of deaths in Nepal are due to non-communicable diseases.

Public health expert Dr. Rita Thapa says that the increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases has become a matter of concern in recent years. According to Thapa, non-communicable diseases are increasing due to luxurious lifestyle and carelessness in eating, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

According to Dr. Thapa, the reasons are in our hands. There are things related to our lifestyle. Our behavior, junk food, lifestyle, use of tobacco products at a young age, and lack of exercise are the result.

‘Children at a young age consume tobacco products, junk food, and alcohol. Parents also give junk food to young children for lunch,’ Dr. Thapa clarified, saying, ‘The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing due to lack of physical exertion and excessive stress.’

Is it right to call food ‘junk’? – Online Khabar

State silence, consumer health at risk

With the beginning of the 2000s, health agencies in various countries of the world began to implement regulations to control trans fats used in food. Denmark introduced stricter standards in 2003, while Switzerland banned trans fats in 2008.

Within the United States, New York banned trans fats in 2006 and California in 2008. Canada followed suit in 2008. These decisions led to very low trans fat levels in many foods and complete bans on many products.

Then, it was announced that heart attacks, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes in young people had decreased. Denmark announced that it had reduced the incidence of diseases in young people by 50 percent. But at the time, many countries found it difficult to believe what Denmark had announced.

The World Health Organization investigated the issue and declared Denmark a “trans fat-free” country.

In the United States and Canada, the amount of trans fat must be stated on the label of packaged foods sold.

The World Health Organization had launched a campaign with the goal of eliminating industrial trans fats from all countries of the world by 2023.

On 24 Magh 2078, the government passed the Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (2021-2025) for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Under this plan, there is a policy to keep trans fats below 2 percent of the total fat content of food.

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has implemented the standards since 25 Shrawan 2081 after the standards were approved by the Food Standards Committee. However, it has not been adequately monitored.

Consumer rights activists say that the state machinery is still not serious about trans fat-containing foods being sold openly in the market. Consumer rights activist Madhav Timalsina says that the problem will worsen unless the state comes up with a clear and strict policy. According to him, the problem extends from production to regulation.

‘First of all, there should be stricter restrictions on the import of raw materials. Trans fat testing should be made mandatory at customs and quarantine checkpoints. But it does not seem to be happening effectively,' said Timalsina.

Stating that merely setting standards is not enough, he says that strictness is needed in implementation.

'The policy is limited to paper. There is no will to implement it. The terror of trans fats in the market will not stop until a comprehensive awareness campaign is launched among the government, industrialists, importers and consumers,' said Timalsina.

Department spokesperson Bal Kumari Sharma claims that food products have been monitored regularly lately.

'Last November, we recalled the puff produced by Khajuri from the market after it was found to be substandard,' says Sharma. 'We found that it was safe to eat in subsequent monitoring.'

Lax regulation

The Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081, clearly provides for mandatory labeling of food and beverages. It is the responsibility of producers and sellers to provide consumers with accurate and clear information about the nature, quality, quantity, expiration date and potential risks of the product.

Similarly, the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS, has ensured the right of consumers to be informed about price, quality, results and purity, and has provided a legal basis to protect them from the sale and distribution of products that are harmful to human health.

But the law seems to be limited to paper. Unlabeled food products are found being sold openly in the market. Some products do not even mention the details of ingredients, production and expiry date. Due to this, consumers are directly at risk due to weak state monitoring.

The Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2076 BS and the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS clearly prohibit misleading and false advertisements related to health and nutrition. Who is it? These legal provisions could have been enough to stop the aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods, sugary drinks, and industrial trans-fat products targeting children. But implementation is weak. The Food Technology and Quality Control Department and provincial-level laboratories have cited a lack of manpower as the reason for their inability to conduct effective monitoring.

The argument of limited technical capacity and weak laboratory infrastructure at the food department, provincial laboratories, and local levels has been repeated. The growing market for highly processed foods, the tendency to not follow labeling, and a weak monitoring system have made the situation more complicated. The regulatory mechanism is in disarray, increasing the health risks to consumers.

Health experts say that mandatory mention of trans-fat content on food labels, clear visual warnings, and targeted implementation strategies are necessary to control industrial trans-fat. They suggest that inspection and laboratory capacity should be strengthened by implementing tax policies and strict labeling at the provincial level.

Consumer rights activists in Timalsina say that there should be no delay in making market monitoring effective and banning the sale and promotion of high-trans-fat products in schools and communities.

Preparations to bring a multi-sectoral action plan

The government has said that preparations are underway to bring a new multi-sectoral action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. According to Health Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bikas Devkota, the action plan implemented from 2021 to 2025 has expired. Now, the process of formulating a new strategy for 2026 to 2030 has been initiated.

Stating that the main causes of non-communicable diseases lie outside the health sector, Dr. Devkota says that multi-sectoral cooperation is indispensable.

‘About 80 percent of the causes of non-communicable diseases are related to factors outside the health sector,’ says Dr. Devkota. ‘They are linked to other ministries and agencies on issues such as environmental pollution, chemical substances, waste management, and pesticides.’

According to him, although the previous action plan tried to include a multi-sectoral concept, sufficient success was not achieved in practical implementation.

‘The health sector alone cannot be held responsible; other sectors should also reduce the causes that negatively affect health through their policies, investments, and practices,’ he emphasized. He also said that a strategy will be prepared so that various ministries and stakeholders can clearly contribute through policies, resources and programs.

‘A plan is being prepared to incorporate the lessons learned from the previous period into a new strategy and address the weaknesses and challenges seen in implementation,’ says Dr. Devkota, adding, ‘A more effective and clear multi-sectoral approach is now needed to control non-communicable diseases.’

What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

 What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

To control sodium, try to consume less than 2 grams of salt per day, which is about a teaspoon.

What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

Sodium is a part of salt and is necessary for the normal functioning of the body's cells, nerves, muscles, and heart.

Consuming more than 2 grams of sodium per day can cause high blood pressure and long-term heart problems.

The salt we eat daily is not only related to the taste of our food, but also to the balance of the body, heart health, and quality of life. Both conditions of sodium deficiency and excess can cause serious health problems.

A conversation with cardiologist Dr. Rajendra Koju on what sodium is, why the body needs it, how much is safe, and what risks arise when it is too much:

What is sodium and why is it needed by the body?

Sodium is the scientific name. In simple terms, it is a part of salt. It is a mineral element. We eat it every day and it is one of the most important minerals for our body.

Without sodium, the body's cells, nerves, muscles and heart cannot function normally. It is essential for water balance, blood pressure, signal transmission and muscle function. But too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and heart problems, so it is important to keep it in the right amount.

What happens in the body when there is a lack of sodium?

Sodium keeps our body in good balance. It is found in the blood, muscles, cells and other parts of the body. Most of it is in the blood. Without this mineral, cells cannot function. Muscles, the heart and the brain all need it. If it is less than the required amount, it has a negative effect on the body.

Due to its deficiency, muscles cannot function, the nervous system is affected, and problems occur in the heart and other organs. This is called hyponatremia. It must be kept in the required amount. About 500 milligrams of sodium is needed every day, but it is recommended that the amount of salt should not exceed 2.3 grams. This 2.3 grams is not even equal to a teaspoon.

Is sodium only in salt or is it also found in other foods?

Foods like green vegetables, fruits, milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, meat, and eggs contain sodium even if they are not salted, but the amount is less.

It is difficult to say exactly how much salt to eat daily, but it can be estimated in these ways. The World Health Organization recommends less than 2 grams of sodium per day for adults. This is approximately the same as a teaspoon of salt.

Sodium is found not only in salt, but also in foods added to food and vegetables. The added sodium should not exceed 2.3 grams. A teaspoon can be used when measuring. For example, a teaspoon of salt is enough to cook vegetables for four people. Generally, it is okay to eat only one teaspoon of salt per day.

What happens when you have too much sodium?

Too much sodium has various negative effects on the body. Because sodium attracts water. When there is too much sodium, the body retains water, blood volume increases, and pressure in the blood vessels increases. The biggest problem caused by this is high blood pressure, which causes long-term damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, etc.

What are the symptoms of sodium deficiency or excess?

When there is a deficiency (hyponatremia) or excess (hypernatremia) of sodium, various symptoms appear in the body, which are mainly due to the effects on the brain and nervous system.

Sodium deficiency occurs when the blood sodium level is 135 milliequivalents per liter.

The main symptoms are headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or weakness, muscle weakness, cramps, confusion or dizziness, irritability or low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or a person may go into a coma.

When sodium is high, ‘sodium 145 milliequivalents per liter in the blood’

When sodium is high, problems such as excessive thirst, feeling tired or lethargic, dizziness or confusion, irritability, muscle twitching or cramps, dry mouth and skin, and rapid heartbeat may occur.

You can predict these symptoms at home. If you experience problems such as headache, fatigue, confusion, cramps, or fainting, you should go to the doctor immediately. These symptoms can also be associated with other diseases. But the most accurate and reliable way is to check the amount of sodium in the blood by doing a blood test.

How does sodium affect heart health?

Excess sodium affects the heart in two main ways. First, it causes high blood pressure and puts extra pressure on the heart and blood vessels. Second, as blood volume increases, the heart has to pump more blood, which can cause the muscle in the left lower chamber of the heart (ventricle) to thicken or enlarge, a condition called ‘left ventricular hypertrophy’, or increase the risk of heart failure.

In addition, excess sodium activates the sympathetic nervous system, weakens the inner lining of blood vessels, and increases inflammation, which further damages the heart and blood vessels. The effects are more severe in people with high blood pressure or heart disease, as it increases the accumulation of excess fluid in the body, putting an additional burden on the heart.

How to control sodium?

-To control sodium, try to keep your daily intake below 2 grams, which is about 5 grams of salt per day.

-You should cook more fresh food at home. Processed/packaged foods such as chips, noodles, sausages, bread, soy sauce, etc. should be reduced as much as possible. Salt should be kept to a minimum while cooking and eating.

-You should check the sodium content of packaged foods by looking at the label and choose low-sodium options.

-You should eat more potassium-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. This reduces the negative effects of sodium.

How did mega concerts and tours become a money-printing machine?

 How did mega concerts and tours become a money-printing machine?

Taylor Swift's 'The Era' mega concert has grossed over $2 billion in two years, performing in 189 venues.

K-pop artists have adopted new strategies to connect with fans and make concert tours successful by using social media and technology.

As album sales have declined due to the development of digital technology, artists have made concert tours their main source of income.

Taylor Swift's mega concert 'The Era' ended in December 2024. A mega concert is a concert held in multiple venues under one banner. Taylor performed in 189 venues around the world for two years.

The tour also became the highest-grossing music event of all time. During that period, the tour grossed over $2 billion. No previous mega tour had grossed even half of that.

Nine months later, pop band Coldplay wrapped up their ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour. Coldplay’s mega tour grossed over $1.5 billion.

This raises the question of how music’s mega concerts and tours are becoming a platform for generating more revenue.

Large fan base

How do musicians grow their fan base? How do they keep their fan base growing? We can look to K-pop artists to understand this.

K-pop is a blend of Korean and Western music styles. Their melodies and lyrics have energetic and swinging beats. And with that, dancing is also included. Not only that, K-pop artists are using social media and technology to connect with their fans.

Regarding their success, Kevin Kim, Asia head of Seoul-based music distribution company Root Notes, says, “One of the big differences between Western artists and Korean artists is that Korean K-pop artists are always online. They have a strong presence on YouTube. Many artists also chat directly with their fans through the ‘Bubble’ app.”

‘Bubble’ is a South Korean social networking platform. Through it, fans can communicate directly with their music stars.

Similarly, through the same app, K-pop artists also know how many fans they have. And, based on that, they plan their concert tours.

K-pop fans are also very emotional about the artists. Because some fans travel to distant cities and even other countries just to see an artist’s concert.

Concerts are often a new experience for K-pop fans. At the concert, fans carry a ‘light stick’, the color of which indicates which region they are from. Also, the organizers of the concert control the light of the light stick during the event. So that its color changes with different melodies of the music.

According to Kevin Kim, the light stick is made of very advanced technology. This makes the musical atmosphere at the concert different.

This makes the concert experience for fans very ‘dynamic’. They feel like they are part of the music. However, K-pop artists sell not only light sticks, but also other goods.

‘Korean artists sell many things such as posters, T-shirts and key chains with their pictures. T-shirts and key chains with new pictures are made and released for each concert,’ says Kevin Kim, ‘Their fans buy these things with great interest. And, collect them.’

These strategies have made concert tours more profitable than ever. But, the question arises, how was such a huge success possible? How did the old ways of making money by selling albums or CDs change?

Digital change

According to Serona Elton, a professor at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in the US, pop music bands used to use concert tours to promote their new music albums or CDs. However, now these music bands are making a direct profit from concert tours.

According to her, one of the main reasons for this is the change in digital technology in the last 20 years. Earlier, people used to go to music stores to buy an artist's album. However, now their songs can be easily downloaded from the Internet.

'Earlier, young people used to buy most music records or CDs. Now they use digital technology. This has changed the equation of the music industry, says Serena Elton, “When artists saw their music record sales gradually decreasing, they also started to make money through concert tours.”

During such concert tours, the internet streaming of artists’ music also increases. Because as soon as the concert is announced, fans start buying albums online. Although it does not benefit much. The main focus of artists is to perform grand concerts and sell all the tickets as much as possible. Again, to perform a grandiose concert requires a corresponding investment.

The grandeur of the concert

Often, such concerts are held in huge stadiums, where thousands of fans come. Fans sitting two or three rows behind the stage do not see the artists performing on the stage clearly. In such a case, large video screens must be installed in the stadium. So that the artists can be seen clearly and up close.

Similarly, the light and sound are also of the same level. And the same time and manpower are required to build the stage, dismantle it and move it to a new place. That's why it is essential to make a profit when doing such a big mega concert.

Social media also plays an equal role in making a concert tour successful. Usually, when performing at any place, the ratio of fans and purchasing power are considered a lot.

The economics of the tour

According to Adam Behr, head of the music department at Newcastle University in the UK, the work of pop music artists was not like it is now. They used to go to the studio. They would record an album. Then they would start promoting it. Music labels would help organize the tour. But in the digital age, this equation has changed.

'There is no limit to the online streaming of albums. But tickets for tour concerts are limited. The fun of live music is different. It makes the experience special,' says Adam Behr, 'that's why tour concerts are a hugely profitable business.'

According to Poppy Reid, music journalist and founder of Sydney-based 'Curious Media', concert tours are not for all artists. Only artists with millions of fans can do such a concert.

According to him, even if there is money in this business, the profit margin is low. Because the investment is high. However, it is not enough for the organizers of such mega concerts. The local community is also benefiting equally.

Because the number of days these artists stay in a city, they stay with great enthusiasm. That is why some governments appeal to bands like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Coldplay to come to their cities.

The then Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, President of Brazil, Lula, and the heads of state of Chile and Thailand had requested Taylor Swift to tour their countries. This shows how important this mega tour is economically.

In the case of some artists, they earn income even after the mega concert. Taylor is an example of this. Taylor made a 6-part documentary in collaboration with Disney Plus on her ‘The Era’ tour.

According to Poppy Reed, organizing such tours involves huge expenses, which artists have no choice but to recover and make a profit. However, the bigger the concert, the more money it brings in. On the other hand, fans themselves believe that this is the reason why mega tours are so successful.

Does a dog bite transmit rabies? Let's know 9 myths and truths

 Does a dog bite transmit rabies? Let's know 9 myths and truths

The rabies virus is transmitted to humans through animal bites or their saliva, and it is fatal if not vaccinated on time.

Rabies can also be transmitted from not only dogs but also cats, monkeys, bats and foxes.

To prevent rabies, it is necessary to get vaccinated immediately after an animal bite.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus. It is mainly a disease that occurs in animals, but it can also be transmitted from infected animals to humans. This virus remains in the saliva of infected animals. When an animal bites a person, the virus is transmitted to humans. Rabies is a serious and deadly disease, about which there are many myths and misconceptions in society.

Myth 1: Rabies is transmitted only through bites.

Truth: Rabies is usually transmitted through animal bites, but if the saliva of an infected animal enters the body in other ways, the disease can also be transmitted to humans. The disease can also be transmitted through cuts, abrasions, or contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Myth 2: Rabies is only transmitted by dog ​​bites.

Truth: Many people have the misconception that rabies is transmitted only by dogs. However, this is not true. Rabies can also be transmitted by other animals such as cats, monkeys, bats, and foxes. Also, any rabies-infected animal can spread the disease.

Myth 3: Pets are protected from rabies.

Truth: Pets are not automatically protected from rabies. They need to be vaccinated on time. If they are not vaccinated, they can also be at risk of this disease. Therefore, it is important to regularly vaccinate your pet dog or cat against rabies. For this, you should consult a veterinarian.

Myth 4: Rabies vaccination is not necessary if you are bitten by a vaccinated dog.

Truth: If a pet dog or cat has been vaccinated and bites or scratches, you should seek medical advice immediately. Sometimes the vaccine can be missed or the immune system is not fully developed, so there is a risk of rabies. Therefore, post-bite vaccination should be done after consulting a doctor.

Myth 5: Rabies vaccine is given in the armpit.

Truth: Many still think that rabies vaccine is given in the armpit, but this is wrong. Modern medical science has made progress. Now rabies vaccine is not given in the armpit, but in the arm or sometimes under the skin. This modern vaccine is very effective and safe.

Myth 6: Applying turmeric, chili or oil to the bite site prevents rabies.

Truth: It is completely wrong to use home remedies like turmeric, chili on the bite site of a dog or cat. Such measures can cause more serious harm to the patient. The bite site should be washed immediately with clean water and soap and immediately go to the doctor and get rabies vaccine.

Myth 7: Rabies vaccine can be given at any time.

Truth: Many people think that rabies vaccine can be given at any time, but this idea is very dangerous. Rabies vaccine should be given immediately after a bite or scratch. Delaying treatment reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine. If symptoms appear, the disease cannot be treated. This disease is fatal.

Myth 8: Tetanus vaccine protects against rabies.

Truth: Many people seem to feel more confident after getting the tetanus vaccine, and some even avoid getting the rabies vaccine after getting the vaccine. As a result, we have experienced that people who have been bitten by a rabid animal have died due to rabies. Therefore, rabies vaccination is mandatory.

Myth 9: The vaccine should be given within 24 hours of a dog bite.

Truth: It is not necessary to get the vaccine within 24 hours of a dog bite. The sooner the vaccine is given after the dog or animal bites, the faster it works, so it is advisable to get it immediately. But even if it is delayed for some reason, it should be administered as soon as it is known or as soon as the vaccine is available.

Points to note

The only way to avoid rabies is prevention, which is possible through vaccination. If you have pets, they should be vaccinated on time. If you are bitten by an animal, you should immediately seek medical advice and do not use any home remedies on the wound. If symptoms of rabies appear, this disease can be fatal. Therefore, you should not believe any myths related to rabies and only follow the advice of a doctor.