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 eat light food in July? Such is the advice of Ayurveda

 Why eat light food in July? Such is the advice of Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, since the digestive power is weak during the rainy season, health experts have suggested eating light, fresh and sattvic food in the month of July.

The month of July is considered special for religious faith, fasting and Shiva worship. But according to Ayurveda, its importance is not limited to religious aspects only. It is advised to eat light, fresh and sattvic food keeping in mind the biological changes in the body during the monsoon month of July.

Ayurveda has explained this season as a time when the risk of disease increases in the body. It is said that due to excessive humidity in the environment, low sunlight, fluctuations in temperature and the digestive system is weakened due to contaminated water and food, special care should be taken in eating.

Why is the digestive power weak?

According to Ayurveda, the whole health of our body depends on 'Jatharagni' i.e. digestive power. During rainy season, due to increase in humidity in the environment, change in body temperature and changes in daily lifestyle, this digestive fire naturally slows down.

When the digestive power is weak, the food eaten cannot be digested properly, which causes the body to produce common 'undigested toxins'. Ayurveda considers this mango as the main cause of many diseases.

For this reason, excessive oil, ghee, spices, red meat, fast food and many starchy foods are difficult to digest. If you eat such food regularly, you may experience problems such as heaviness in the stomach, increased gas, acidity, constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, nausea and feeling lethargic.

Imbalance comes in Tridosha

According to Ayurveda, the body operates in the balance of three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata dosha is especially likely to increase during rainy season and pitta dosha becomes unbalanced. It can cause joint pain, flatulence, acidity, skin problems, headache, fatigue and various digestive problems.

In addition, health experts say that the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi is faster during the rainy season, so the risk of diarrhoea, food poisoning, typhoid, cholera and other infections also increases. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to the quality, cleanliness and freshness of food during this season.

What kind of food is suitable in July?

Ayurveda recommends eating sattvic, fresh and easily digestible food in Sauna. Sattvic food not only provides the necessary nutrition to the body, but also does not burden the digestive system unnecessarily.

During this period, it is considered beneficial to consume freshly cooked pulses, rice, roti, green vegetables, gourds, parsley, giraunla, parval, parsley, seasonal fruits, semolina instead of curd, hot soup, porridge, khichdi and enough boiled or safe drinking water. It is better to cook food fresh, using less oil and less spices.

Also, using natural spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, black pepper in limited quantities can help improve digestion.

What foods to stay away from?

Ayurveda advises to avoid stale food, highly spicy food, highly starchy food, highly greasy food, junk food, cold drinks, excessive sweets and food made in unhygienic places as much as possible. Such foods can create more pressure on an already weakened digestive system.

Health benefits of sattvic food

Light and sattvic food relaxes the digestive system and also provides the necessary energy to the body. As such food keeps the stomach light, laziness and lethargy are reduced, the body remains active throughout the day and mental freshness is also maintained.

Since immunity is weakened during rainy season, sattvic diet can help in strengthening the immune system. Also, Ayurveda believes in helping the detox process naturally without allowing unnecessary toxins to accumulate in the body.

Positive effects on mental health as well

Ayurveda links sattvic food not only with physical health, but also mentions that it has a positive effect on mental health. A light and balanced diet is believed to help calm the mind, reduce stress and help focus. That is why sattvik food is especially associated with worship, meditation, chanting and spiritual practice during the month of Saun.

These habits should also be adopted to stay healthy

In July, it is necessary to pay attention to lifestyle along with diet. Eating on time, not eating too much, getting enough sleep, regular light exercise or yoga, drinking clean and boiled water, not eating stale food and paying attention to personal hygiene can prevent many health problems during rainy season.

Overall, the tradition of eating light and sattvic food in Saun is deeply connected not only to religious beliefs but also to health protection. According to Ayurveda, it is best to choose light, fresh and nutritious food as the digestive power of the body is weak during rainy season.

In addition to keeping the digestive system healthy, it can play an important role in reducing the risk of infection, strengthening immunity, maintaining mental peace and improving overall health.

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.

Why is genetic testing necessary during pregnancy? Who should get it done, when?

 Why is genetic testing necessary during pregnancy? Who should get it done, when?

Genetic testing is not something to be afraid of. Its purpose is to identify whether the child has any genetic problems in a timely manner.

According to pediatrician and genetic specialist Dr. Surbhi Aryal, although genetic testing is not necessary for everyone during pregnancy, it is considered very important in special situations.

It is natural for parents to have many questions and concerns about the health of the baby during pregnancy. In particular, whether the child has any congenital or hereditary problems has become a matter of interest for many.

In recent years, access to genetic testing has been expanding in Nepal as well, which has made it possible to identify some serious diseases in the womb. Who needs genetic testing? How much does family history affect? ​​When and which tests are performed? Is the test safe or not? And what options are available to parents if a problem is found in the test?

Pediatrician and genetic specialist Dr. A detailed conversation with Surbhi Aryal:

Should all women undergo genetic testing during pregnancy or is it only recommended for special situations?

Not all pregnant women need genetic testing. But in some special cases, it may be necessary if the doctor recommends it. For example, if the pregnant woman is over 35 years old, has had a genetic disease in a previous child, has a history of hereditary diseases in family members, or is suspected of having a genetic problem, then testing may be necessary.

Similarly, if a dual marker or quadruple marker test shows a risk, further confirmatory testing is required. In some cases, even if both parents are ‘carriers’ of a disease, testing of the unborn child is necessary. For example, if both husband and wife are carriers of thalassemia, special testing is done because there is a possibility of passing the disease on to the child.

How much does family history increase the risk of a genetic disease in an unborn child?

Family history is considered very important in genetics. Many genetic diseases are hereditary, so if someone in the family has the condition, the baby may also be at risk.

For example, some diseases, such as hemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are X-linked, which means they are usually passed down from the mother's side. If a pregnant woman has a history of these diseases in her siblings or maternal grandparents, she should definitely tell her doctor.

Thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy, and many other diseases can also cause the disease in her child if the parents are carriers. Therefore, it is important to be open about your family health history with your doctor during your prenatal check-up.

When is the best time to have genetic testing?

Different tests have different times.

NT scan: Between 11-13 weeks

Dual marker test: In the first trimester

Quadruple test: Up to about 20 weeks

NIPT: After 10 weeks

Chorionic villus sampling: At 12-13 weeks

Amniocentesis: After 14-15 weeks

When is the most appropriate test to perform?

Which tests are done depends on the age of the fetus, risk factors, and medical needs.

Which diseases can be detected through genetic testing?

Genetic testing helps identify many types of hereditary and chromosomal diseases. Down syndrome is one of the most commonly tested diseases. In addition, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and other chromosomal problems can also be detected.

If there is a history of a specific genetic disease in the family or if the parents are carriers, monogenic diseases can also be identified through gene testing. Current technology has developed the ability to detect many types of genetic diseases during pregnancy.

How safe are these tests during pregnancy?

Many parents worry about whether genetic testing will affect the baby or the mother. But most tests are safe. Ultrasound and screening tests using maternal blood do not harm the mother or the baby. They are considered completely safe.

Invasive tests such as CVS or amniocentesis may have a small risk because they use needles. However, the risk is very low when performed by an experienced specialist. If the doctor recommends it, there is no need to be afraid.

What options do parents have if a problem is found in the test?

If the test shows a genetic problem in the baby, the first thing to do is to consult a geneticist, genetic counselor or pediatrician to understand the nature, severity and future of the disease.

Every disease is different. In some cases, special monitoring, additional tests or a plan to deliver in a special health facility may be made.

In some serious diseases, the baby's life expectancy may be very low. In such cases, a decision can be made about the available options with the advice of a specialist.

Is treatment possible after genetic diseases are detected in the womb?

Most genetic diseases are not curable by taking medicines like other diseases. In such cases, the main focus is on supportive therapy, rehabilitation services, regular monitoring and long-term management. Therefore, early detection of the disease is the most important aspect.

What is the access and cost of genetic testing in Nepal?

Until a few years ago, samples had to be sent abroad for many genetic tests. It was a situation where there was no such thing as a genetic test. Now, dual marker, quadruple test, NIPT and many invasive tests are available in Nepal.

However, these services are mainly concentrated in urban areas. They are yet to be expanded to rural areas. When it comes to cost, not all tests are very expensive. Some screening tests start at around Rs. 5,000, while some complex tests may cost more. Therefore, the idea that ‘genetic testing is very expensive’ is not entirely correct.

Does the risk of genetic diseases increase as the mother ages?

As a woman ages, the chances of changes in the chromosomes in the egg increase. This may also increase the risk of chromosomal problems in the child.

Especially when pregnant at the age of 35 or above, the chances of Down syndrome, trisomy and other chromosomal abnormalities are relatively high, so doctors recommend additional tests in such cases.

What are the common misconceptions or misconceptions about genetic testing?

There are still some misconceptions in society about genetic testing. First, the idea that ‘if no one in the family has a genetic disease, the child will not have it either’. In fact, not all genetic diseases are hereditary. Some can even appear in new forms.

Second, the misconception that ‘genetic testing is a test to distinguish between sons and daughters’. Its main purpose is to identify whether a baby has a genetic disease, not to determine gender.

Third, the idea that ‘this test is too expensive for ordinary people to get it done’. Not all tests are expensive and are recommended only according to medical necessity.

How do you see the future of genetic services in Nepal?

The future of genetic services in Nepal is very promising. The services currently available need to be expanded to rural areas, not limited to urban areas.

This requires skilled manpower, infrastructure, and government investment. Over time, this service is likely to become an important part of basic health care.

Finally, what is your message to parents?

Genetic testing is not something to be afraid of. The aim is to identify the child early if there is a genetic problem. If the doctor has advised screening or confirmatory testing, then you should do it with confidence.

If the disease is identified early, it is easier to provide the necessary counseling, planning, and management. Therefore, it is wise to prioritize the doctor's advice without getting confused.

Hantavirus: Why is a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent in the news now?

 Hantavirus: Why is a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent in the news now?

Hantavirus is not usually transmitted from one person to another. However, in the case of the Andean species of hantavirus found in South America, a few cases of human-to-human transmission have been recorded.

Hantavirus is a very deadly ‘zoonotic’ virus that can become a global health challenge at any time. This virus, which is mainly transmitted to humans from rodents, causes serious damage to the lungs and heart if infected. After its sudden outbreak on a cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean, it has become a topic of renewed discussion and concern among health experts and the general public around the world.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses belonging to the ‘Bunyaviridae’ family. It is named after the ‘Hantan’ river in South Korea, where it was first identified in 1978.

So far, scientists have discovered more than 20 species of it in different parts of the world, which affect human health in different ways.

Based on their effects and geographical presence, hantaviruses are mainly classified into two categories. The New World hantavirus species, found mainly in the American continent, causes ‘Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome’ (HPS) or ‘Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome’ (HCPS). This causes serious damage to the human respiratory system and heart function.

Similarly, the Old World hantavirus species, which is more active in Europe, Asia and Africa, causes ‘Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome’ (HFRS). This type of infection has a risk of direct and fatal effects on the human kidneys.

Recent Outbreak: Hantavirus Scare on Cruise Ships

The main reason why Hantavirus has recently become the focus of international media attention is the sudden outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship, operated by the Dutch Oceanwide Expeditions company, departed Argentina on April 1. The health crisis on the ship, which is on a tour of remote islands such as Antarctica, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha, has caught the attention of the world.

According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, seven of the 147 passengers and crew members on board the ship have been confirmed or suspected to be infected with Hantavirus. Three of the infected have died, while one is still receiving treatment in a serious condition. The other three have shown mild symptoms.

The deceased include a German citizen and a Dutch couple. According to the information received, the husband of the Dutch couple died on the ship on April 11, while the wife died in a hospital in South Africa on April 26. This tragic incident has sparked a new debate about the risk of the virus in closed environments such as cruise ships.

Source of infection and transmission

The main source of infection with Hantavirus is rodents. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the urine, feces or saliva of rats. When a person breathes in an area contaminated with rat feces, tiny particles of the virus mixed in the air directly enter the respiratory system. This is the most common and major route of infection. In addition, the virus can also enter the body when a rat bites, eats food contaminated with the virus, or touches a contaminated surface and then touches the eyes, nose or mouth with the same hand.

Hantavirus is not usually transmitted from one person to another. However, limited human-to-human transmission of the Andean hantavirus, a strain found in South America, has been recorded. According to the World Health Organization, such transmission is likely to occur through very close and prolonged physical contact.

The current outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship is also suspected to have involved human-to-human transmission. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of pandemic preparedness and response, said that the possibility of human-to-human transmission cannot be completely ruled out, as some of the infected people appeared to have had very close contact. However, she urged people not to be overly concerned, saying that the virus is not as easily airborne as flu or COVID-19 and that the risk to the general public is not currently high.

Treatment and prevention

There is no specific drug or specific vaccine developed to protect against hantavirus infection. Therefore, supportive care in hospitals remains the only option to save infected people. If the patient's condition is serious, they are placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and oxygen therapy and ventilators are used to facilitate the respiratory process.

Since this virus is transmitted by rodents, the best way to avoid it is to avoid contact with rats. Proper arrangements should be made to prevent rats from entering your home, workplace or storage rooms.

Special care should be taken when cleaning areas that may have rat droppings. To prevent dust from flying in such areas, instead of sweeping the floor, only damp cleaning should be done using a disinfectant solution or bleach. The mandatory use of masks and gloves during such cleaning can prevent virus particles from entering the body.

In addition, Squirrels should always be kept in a secure container out of the reach of rodents. People who live or work outdoors or near forests need to pay extra attention to the cleanliness of their surroundings. In unusual circumstances, it is wise to maintain personal hygiene and social distancing, while fully following the instructions of health authorities. Since there is no cure for Hantavirus, awareness and caution are the strongest weapons in the fight against this deadly infection.

Why does Google Maps consume so much battery? This is the new power saving mode that saves battery for up to 4 hours

 Why does Google Maps consume so much battery? This is the new power saving mode that saves battery for up to 4 hours

In this era, smartphones are no longer just a means of communication for us, they have also become an integral part of our journey. Whether traveling to unfamiliar places or short distances within the city, we often depend on Google Maps.

But one of the bitter truths of using Maps is that it consumes the phone's battery at a very fast rate. Using Maps while going on a long journey or when there is no charging facility is like pushing the phone to the brink of death.

To solve this serious problem, Google has introduced a new power saving mode in its navigation service. As claimed, this feature can increase the battery life of smartphones by up to four hours.

But as attractive as this feature looks, some of the conditions or limitations that come with it are equally challenging. Today, we are discussing in detail about this new feature of Google Maps, how it works and the impact it has on the user.

Why does Google Maps consume so much battery?

There are many technical reasons behind Google Maps consuming battery. The first and main reason is the constant GPS tracking. Every second, the phone has to constantly communicate with satellites to determine your geographical location. This never lets the phone's processor rest.

The second reason is real-time data streaming. Maps doesn't just show the route, it also downloads real-time road speeds, accident information, and traffic congestion details based on data from millions of other drivers. Using machine learning, it constantly calculates the estimated time of arrival (ETA) to your destination and alternative routes.

The third and most visible reason is the bright screen. In daylight, the phone's screen needs to be run at full brightness to see the road clearly. Full-color maps, 3D buildings, and constantly changing scenes put a lot of strain on both the phone's processor and display. All these factors together can make even a phone with a large battery die before it can be fully charged.

New Power Saving Mode

This new mode recently introduced by Google is specifically aimed at users who are on long-distance trips and do not have the option of charging their phones. This feature minimizes unnecessary and energy-consuming visuals without removing basic information needed for navigation.

Technically speaking, this mode uses the phone's Always On Display technology. When you turn on this mode and press the phone's power button while navigation is active, the phone's screen turns into a monochrome, i.e. black and white interface, instead of turning off completely. This saves a lot of battery, especially on phones with OLED displays. Because the phone's pixels do not have to light up to display black.

Limited to the Pixel 10 series

One downside for now is that this feature is not available to all Android users. Google has limited this feature to its new models Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold for now. These phones use Google's new Tensor G-5 chipset. Which can handle such complex tasks in a way that consumes less energy.

Although this feature has been rolling out since last year, it has not yet reached other older Pixel models or phones from other brands like Samsung and Xiaomi. However, Google is expected to gradually make it widespread.

How to activate this mode?

If you have a Pixel 10 series phone, you will have to adjust this feature from the internal settings of Google Maps. To do this, first open the Google Maps app.

Tap on your profile picture in the upper right corner. Now select the Settings option and go to the Navigation settings.

You will see a toggle button for Power Saving Mode within the Driving options there, turn it on.

Once this setting is turned on, you just have to press the power button when you start your journey. After doing this, the main navigation information will start appearing on your phone's lock screen.

Effects of turning on power saving mode

While this mode is said to save battery, it may not always be useful for everyone. Google has removed many important features of Maps in this mode to save battery. Normally, Maps shows red if there is traffic jam, yellow if there is moderate traffic, and green if there is clear traffic.

However, this color-coded information is not available in power saving mode. You will not get visual alerts about accidents, construction work, or sudden jams on the road.

Similarly, this mode removes 3D buildings, detailed street names, and complex map layers. Only a simple black and white line appears on the screen and an indication of where your next turn is.

Where is the gas station in the middle of a trip? Where is the nearest restaurant or coffee shop? Such details are not visible in this mode. If you want to eat or fill up on gas along the way, you'll have to turn this feature off and return to the normal map.

Many drivers prefer to keep their phones in a horizontal position on the dashboard of their car. However, this power saving mode only works in portrait mode. This makes it difficult for those using the landscape mount. This can be inconvenient for some.

Surprisingly, this feature only works when you are driving. This mode does not work if you are walking, cycling or on public transport. While pedestrians may need more battery life.

In what situations does it work?

This mode seems to be designed by Google as an emergency tool rather than a default setting. Imagine, you are on a long road trip and your car's mobile charger suddenly breaks down.

Your phone has only 10 percent charge left and the destination is still far away. In such a situation, this mode can keep your phone alive for an additional 4 hours. It helps you reach your destination without getting lost. But it does not provide other features on the road.

So, using this mode on short daily trips or when there is a phone charging facility does not make much sense. It keeps you away from the real road conditions, which can sometimes be risky from a safety point of view.

Why is a postmortem necessary in unnatural deaths?

 Why is a postmortem necessary in unnatural deaths?

A postmortem is an examination of a body after death and is mandatory according to law in unnatural deaths.

A postmortem helps in finding the cause of death and helps in justice and helps in protecting the future from accidents and diseases.

A postmortem is an examination of a body after death. There are many misconceptions and misconceptions about postmortem in Nepali society. Due to such misconceptions and misconceptions in our society regarding postmortem, most of the relatives of the deceased do not want to perform a postmortem on the body of their loved one after death.

During a postmortem, the body has to be cut open and the internal organs examined. For this reason, people in Nepali society do not want to perform postmortems as much as possible due to religious and cultural issues.

However, if the death occurred in an unnatural manner, then a postmortem of such a body is necessary. For example: if someone finds a body in a murder, suicide, suspicious death, accidental death, sudden death, or a dead body, the police must be notified and a postmortem must be performed according to law. Since such deaths are suspicious, the cause of death must be found for the police investigation, for which a postmortem must be performed.

History of Postmortem

When digging into the history of postmortem, we have to go back to the beginning of the 14th century. In 1302, a postmortem of a body was performed for the purpose of investigating a death in Bologna, Italy. Similarly, since centuries ago, postmortems have also been performed in France, Egypt, and China to assist the law.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, postmortems gradually developed after the traditions of China and Babylon and the advanced use of European medical science. It was born separately in medicine, which was named ‘forensic medicine’. This field includes postmortems of bodies and medico-legal cases.

This branch of medicine is also known and understood as forensic pathology or legal medicine in some countries. In Nepal, the practice of performing postmortems in suspicious deaths seems to have started since 1960. The government doctor of Kathmandu's Prison Hospital officially started postmortems for the first time at Bir Hospital.

Why do postmortems?

Section 20 of the Criminal Procedure (Code) Act 2074 BS states that in the Nepali Constitution, in case of an accident, suicide or suspicious death within the territory of Nepal, the postmortem of the deceased must be paid by the government at all costs. Postmortems are performed at the request of the legal authorities responsible for investigating accidental and unnatural deaths, and the Nepal Police has the legal authority in Nepal.

A question that comes to the police every time after a death is why do we perform postmortems? What is the benefit of performing postmortems? The dead person is already dead, so why should we cause more suffering?

First of all, what should we understand is that we perform postmortems for the living rather than for the dying person. Postmortems provide a basis for finding out the facts and the cause of death, punishing the guilty and saving the innocent.

It helps in justice. In addition, performing a postmortem reveals many details about the death, which not only helps in investigating the death but also helps in making the living aware of diseases and causes of death.

In the event of a vehicle accident, the nature of the internal injuries can be examined and the safety systems of vehicles can be made aware. Previously, it was through such research that helmets were worn while riding a motorcycle, seat belts were made mandatory while driving, and airbags were made mandatory in vehicles, as well as head rests in the event of an accident.

Reasons for performing a postmortem

1. In fatal accidents

A postmortem is mandatory in fatal accidents because it can be found out which part of the human body is most affected in an accident and which part is most affected and leads to death. This helps in knowing about the measures to be taken to avoid the accident, the methods to be adopted in treatment, and awareness. This helps in reducing the number of deaths caused by fatal accidents.

2. In case of sudden death

In case of sudden death, postmortem can be done to find out the disease that most people die from. Postmortem can be done to find out which part of the body is affected by such diseases. By finding out the nature and condition of the disease, society can be helped to save it from diseases. Similarly, this can also help to find out about hereditary diseases and alert other family members in time to save it from premature death.

3. Help the law

The police must conduct a postmortem when investigating a death. The cause of death is mentioned on the basis of the postmortem report, based on which further legal investigation is carried out.

In case of suspicious death, the family, relatives and eyewitnesses of the deceased also make various statements according to their interests. Preparing a postmortem report based on statements affects the police investigation, therefore, postmortem is also mandatory from a legal point of view to help in finding out the exact cause of death and conducting a fair investigation.

3. For scientific research

The nature of the wounds on the body may vary between a vehicle accident, a fall, and a beating, which will allow proper scientific research to examine the nature of the injuries on disputed bodies in the future and determine whether the injuries were caused by a vehicle accident, a duty-related death (beating), or a fall. There may be grounds for distinguishing between the two.

How is a postmortem performed?

A postmortem is performed in all district hospitals or large government hospitals in Nepal. After a police report, it should be performed by a forensic expert or a doctor registered with the Nepal Medical Council. During a postmortem, the body is completely naked, the outer covering is noted, and the body is completely dissected and examined.

Sometimes, pieces of various parts of the body are removed to provide additional evidence for the police to investigate and the doctor performing the postmortem to determine the cause of death. And it is also sent to the police forensic laboratory for further examination. After the postmortem, a report with the doctor's signature is submitted to the police.

Postmortem related mistakes

1. The body is not dismembered during a postmortem

During a postmortem, the body is dissected as needed, and after examining the vital organs, the body is re-stitched and handed over to the relatives in its original state.

2. The organs of the body are not removed during the postmortem

The main purpose of performing a postmortem is to find out the cause of death. Therefore, the body is dissected and examined for important organs. Then the organs are placed inside the body and sewn up and sent. In any suspicious situation, small pieces of organs can be removed for testing for poisons and other chemicals as needed. Then the organs are sewn up in their entirety. After death, no organ works for another person.

3. A postmortem cannot be done without dissecting the body

In Nepal, a postmortem cannot be done without dissecting the body. However, sometimes, since hospital reports reveal the cause of death based on CT scans and X-rays, a postmortem can be done even with minimal incisions. Therefore, the hospital report is important after death.

4. Is it known whether a person is dead or not after an autopsy?

A postmortem is basically to find out the cause of death. After the cause of death is determined, the investigation into whether the death was accidental, accidental, or suicide remains. After the doctor determines the cause of death, the police investigate based on that. The doctor who performs the autopsy does not reveal the exact cause.

But sometimes, based on the nature of the injuries on the body, the doctor can give an opinion to the court about accidental, accidental, or suicide.

Postmortem Neglected

Postmortem plays an important role in determining the cause of death and minimizing deaths due to potential disasters.

Due to the state's lack of importance in this field, the new methods introduced by medical science in this field have not yet been introduced in Nepal, which is why even today the postmortem space in government hospitals in Nepal is limited to a dark room.

In developed countries, postmortem examination rooms are equipped with postmortem X-rays and CT scans, as well as labs for DNA, drug and poison testing, to minimize the amount of dissection required during postmortems. However, ironically, in Nepal, state agencies are less knowledgeable about what constitutes a dead body and have neglected this area in every way.

Why do people get headaches and red eyes after drinking alcohol?

 Why do people get headaches and red eyes after drinking alcohol?

A headache after drinking alcohol is a common problem, which people know as a ‘hangover’. That is why most people say they have a hangover after drinking too much alcohol.

According to an article based on a study published on the American website National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a hangover refers to the symptoms that appear as a result of drinking too much alcohol.

What science says is that when we drink too much alcohol, we experience a hangover, or when our head starts to hurt, we feel dizzy, and by that time there is no alcohol left in our body.

Why do we get headaches after drinking alcohol?

Dr. Rajiv Jha says that headaches are common after drinking alcohol. ‘Alcohol itself is a bad drink, which keeps the body in its grip for a long time,’ says Dr. Jha, ‘A person who drinks alcohol can have a hangover for two days. That is why people who drink alcohol experience headaches, body aches, laziness, and weakness.

After drinking alcohol, there is an immediate and another long-term side effect. Headache is an immediate side effect, says neurologist Sunilram Koirala. ‘Alcohol is a substance that mixes with the blood as soon as it reaches the stomach. Its full effect starts to be seen within 10 minutes to one to two hours,’ says Dr. Koirala. ‘Our brain needs to be informed by the nervous system. Various chemicals are being produced there. Alcohol blocks them and changes the brain’s information system.’

That is why people who drink alcohol start to experience problems such as being unable to think, unable to make decisions, slurred speech, and unable to remember, says Koirala. He says, ‘Alcohol overstimulates our nervous system and brain, making it almost like thinking.’

Alcohol is made from ethanol. Ethanol is a type of poison found in alcoholic beverages. Enzymes in our body break it down and convert it into various other chemicals. The most important of these is acetaldehyde. The main cause of hangovers is this acetaldehyde, says Dr. Saroj Kumar Suwal, a specialist in orthopedics and neurology.

According to Dr. Suwal, when alcohol is broken down in our liver, a more toxic chemical called acetaldehyde is formed. A substance called glutathione tries to make acetaldehyde less toxic. But when you drink a lot of alcohol, the level of glutathione decreases and acetaldehyde starts accumulating in large quantities in the body. It is broken down further and converted by enzymes into another chemical, acetate.

This acetate chemical is converted into fatty acids and water. Acetaldehyde enters the bloodstream and is distributed around the body. It damages healthy cells and causes hangovers, including dizziness.

Drinking too much alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, which can lead to weakness, lightheadedness, and fatigue, says Dr. Suwal. “After drinking alcohol, you urinate more than usual,” says Dr. Suwal. “In this case, not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines in people with migraines. Also, people with migraines are more likely to have hangovers after drinking alcohol.”

Alcohol consumption also affects sleep. Most people drink alcohol late at night. As a result, they do not get enough sleep. This is also why they experience fatigue and headaches, said Suwal.

Why do eyes turn red after drinking alcohol?

Alcohol has different effects on each person. Alcohol consumption slows down the speed of communication between neurotransmitters in the brain. This can delay the brain and eye receiving messages. It weakens the coordination of the eye muscles. Due to which excessive alcohol consumption can cause problems such as dry eyes and redness, says Dr. Koirala.

When the effects of alcohol increase, the amount of sugar in the blood decreases. Koirala says that due to the lower amount of sugar in the blood than required, the eyes become blurry and vision becomes weak and the eyes become red.

Prevention methods

You can find a lot of information on social media about ways to reduce alcohol hangover. However, Dr. Koirala says that none of the methods have been scientifically proven to be effective.

‘There is no medicine to get rid of a hangover,’ says Dr. Koirala, ‘it starts to go away on its own after some time. You have to wait for the person’s body to digest alcohol, eliminate toxins from the body, rehydrate, repair the cells that have been burned by alcohol, and restore normal brain activity.’

To reduce the effects of a hangover, you need to reduce the amount of alcohol. He says that the more you reduce the amount, the less hangover you will have.

Why and how is YouTube a threat to television channels?

 Why and how is YouTube a threat to television channels?

Last July was a good month for YouTube, as for the first time in the US, people spent more time on YouTube than watching TV or movies.

As a result, YouTube even surpassed OTT platforms such as Disney, Paramount, Fox Channel, Netflix and Amazon. However, a few months later, YouTube fell to second place, behind Disney and DC platforms.

In fact, YouTube’s popularity is growing worldwide. In the UK, 50 percent of people aged 16 to 24 prefer to watch YouTube instead of watching television programs.

Has YouTube completely overtaken TV channels?

According to Mark Bergen, a Bloomberg technology journalist and author of the book about YouTube, Like, Comment and Subscribe: YouTube’s Chaotic Rise to World Domination, about three billion people watch YouTube every month in the world. Most of them are between the ages of 25 and 35. That is, they are younger than the main TV audience. It is now available on apps, video game consoles and smart TVs.

He says YouTube has become the most popular online platform and the biggest way for advertising companies to reach people. It is the largest catalog of videos. People can search and watch different things on YouTube.

YouTube launched in 2005

The online video sharing and streaming platform YouTube was launched in 2005. The first video uploaded to it was just 19 seconds long, which its co-founder recorded while walking around the San Diego Zoo in California.

Google bought YouTube for $1.65 billion a year after its founding. YouTube is most viewed in India, where about 400 million people watch YouTube.

According to Mark Bergen, in many new emerging markets such as Brazil and Indonesia, YouTube has not only replaced TV channels, but has also become the main source of entertainment and news there.

YouTube Los Angeles Headquarters

According to Mark Bergen, YouTube has evolved in three phases.

“A former YouTube executive told me that the company’s mantra was ‘Challenge, Joke, or Truth?’” He says. At first, the entertainment industry and advertising companies didn’t take YouTube seriously.

Then came YouTube’s second phase, where it became a threat to Hollywood, the TV industry, Netflix, and Amazon. It started making its own original shows and charging subscribers like Netflix.

According to Bergen, YouTube started making original and expensive content in 2016. However, it couldn’t compete with the investment of companies like Netflix and closed this department in 2022. Now, in this new phase, YouTube has consolidated its position.

Mark Bergen says that people now use YouTube as a utility platform. For example, people use YouTube videos to watch cooking recipes or repair something.

People can easily find most of the videos they need on YouTube. YouTube has its own celebrities whose popularity is no less than that of Hollywood actors.

Mr. Beast, a 26-year-old content creator, whose YouTube channel surpassed Indian music channel T-Series in June. He has 320 million subscribers. So YouTube has proven that anyone can become a star.

YouTube and its famous content creators earn a lot of money from advertising. When an advertisement appears on a video uploaded to the channel, they earn money.

Mark Bergen says: Advertising companies pay YouTube to broadcast their ads, and YouTube keeps 45% of that amount and gives the rest to the respective YouTube channels or three content creators. When YouTube adopted this model in 2007, it was a very new and risky idea. But that same model has proven to be one of the main reasons for YouTube's success.

With the exception of a few services, most of YouTube's services are free. According to Mark Bergen, YouTube is experiencing so many videos that it has become a challenge to regulate them.

YouTube Content Monitoring

Content Creator Mr. Beast

Chris Stokel-Walker, a journalist and author of the book How YouTube Shook Up TV and Created a New Generation of Stars, explains that YouTube is excluded from the legal framework that many TV broadcasters have to operate under.

This means that the strict editorial rules that apply to TV networks do not apply to YouTube content.

To understand this, we need to go back in history. Many years before YouTube arrived, in 1996, the US Department of Information and Communications Technology amended the Communications Decency Act (CDA) to add Section 230, which was designed to give tech companies a boost.

The aim was to protect these companies from potential lawsuits because they did not have enough people or resources to monitor the content that was being broadcast on their platforms.

Chris Stokel-Walker says: This law meant that these companies only broadcast user-generated content, but they don't take responsibility for it. Nor do they have to pay for it.

There is a responsibility to review each piece of content.

But now, people who upload offensive content or make offensive comments on YouTube can be prosecuted. Today, technology companies are making billions of dollars, and they still maintain legal protections.

According to Chris Stokel-Walker, these companies have been taking advantage of this exception for twenty years, and only now are we starting to think about the consequences. Now, copyright and other legal provisions are being applied to determine the liability of companies like YouTube.

In 2019, Google and YouTube were sued for collecting data from children under the age of 13 without their parents' consent. In that case, the companies had to pay $170 million.

According to Chris Stokel-Walker, these companies are spread around the world and are not subject to the jurisdiction of any one country. However, in many places they are also under government surveillance.

For example, YouTube has been banned or criticized in many countries in the Middle East because it contains videos that involve sex, sexual violence, and drug use, which are not as controversial in Western countries. However, these contents are against the culture of Middle Eastern countries.

Recently, the European Union has implemented two new legal provisions to ensure online safety and control anti-competitive behavior of technology companies. However, the implementation of these legal provisions is problematic because of the large amount of content uploaded to YouTube.

According to one statistic, 500 hours of content are uploaded to YouTube every minute. This creates many difficulties in monitoring.

YouTube has its own rules and guidelines that clearly state what kind of content can and cannot be uploaded. For example, hate speech and offensive comments are prohibited, and users who do not follow these rules are warned or even banned.

YouTube also blocks ads on such content, which means that the creators of that content do not earn money.

Is TikTok a challenge for YouTube?

TikTok

Earlier, the TV industry could not consider YouTube as its competitor. But now, YouTube has become a powerful competitor not only for TV channels but also for Hollywood, Netflix and Disney.

YouTube's biggest advantage is that it has user-generated content, where users do not need to think about what will be trending or popular.

On the other hand, TV companies and OTT platforms have to think about this deeply, because they have to invest a lot of money in their content. This takes time, and sometimes the content may not be popular with the audience. But for YouTube, this is not a problem. On the other hand, YouTube also knows very well what content viewers are watching on its platform.

Netflix or other traditional television channels only create content. But YouTube knows what we have watched or liked in recent days and based on that, shows ads on YouTube or recommends similar videos to watch. That is why YouTube is more connected to the audience than other streaming platforms and traditional TV.

But one of YouTube's weaknesses is that it doesn't make big-budget videos like other channels and doesn't broadcast big sporting events. TV and streaming platforms also want to take advantage of YouTube's reach.

For example, when TV channels and streaming platforms launch new shows, they use YouTube to promote them.

YouTube doesn't see a threat from traditional TV, but it is also concerned about the growing popularity of TikTok, a video-sharing app that also features user-generated content. Because TikTok is competing with YouTube.

TikTok really knows how to entertain people. People spend hours watching videos on TikTok.

In fact, all platforms now want to attract user attention, and apps like TikTok can challenge YouTube. However, YouTube has so much variety and interesting content that no one can shake its leading position in the current market.

The mantra

YouTube

According to Dr. Marlene Komorowski, a professor of European media markets at the University of Brussels, YouTube is once again focusing more on advertising and content creators, which was its original mantra.

It has started placing more ads on YouTube channels. Last year, YouTube earned $31.5 billion from advertising, which is 10 percent more than its parent company Google.

According to Komorowski, YouTube has achieved great success and has established its dominance in various markets around the world. Just as the Disney Channel invests heavily in content production, YouTube is also investing heavily in content production. YouTube has spent $20 billion worldwide on content production, which is a huge amount.

YouTube's main goal is to The goal is to attract the attention of the audience and being part of Google helps it a lot in bringing new features to its platform.

According to Dr. Marlin Komorowski, with the help of Google, YouTube brings useful features to its content creators on its channels. It automatically translates the videos uploaded to it and adds subtitles to their videos. Google is developing this AI to help its creators.

Considering the competition with TikTok, YouTube has included the Shorts feature, which is a video shorter than a minute. Shorts is really giving TikTok a run for its money.

Such a short video format feature is also available on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

According to experts, Google keeps bringing new features and products by considering what other competing platforms are doing, which are becoming very popular and successful.

There was a time when Facebook seemed to be very powerful. But now TikTok has made a strong presence in the social media market, which has a lot of very young users. On the other hand, Facebook and YouTube users are a bit more mature than Tiktok.

Now let's get back to the main question: Has YouTube completely defeated TV channels? In fact, YouTube has closed its original content creation department. But this does not mean that TV channels are less threatened by it. In fact, YouTube has posed a big challenge to TV channels by focusing more on user-generated content. Watching YouTube every day has become a daily routine for millions of people. Advertisements have increased YouTube's income and it is increasing its investment in content creation. YouTube's content is always available on the Internet. Due to which people have started watching YouTube more than TV.