What do you search most on the internet? Is it about health, diet, nutrition or fitness? The most popular search engine is called "Doctor" Google for a reason we guess. From searching symptoms to medical terms to finding a home cure, just introspect how much of your health concerns are being answered by the world wide web. Now the question arises, how much can you trust any and every information that you get as your search result? Only a trusted portal like OnlyMyHealth can get you reliable answers to your burning health questions because here, the editorial team works with several credible health experts, dotors and researchers to get you information that you can trust. So here the top ten most searched health questions on the internet and their doctor verified answers.
What is Normal Pulse Rate?
The top most reached health query is on the pulse rate. It may be the first thing your doctor checks but what does that little thump on your wrist or neck indicate? Simply put your pulse rate is the rate with which your heart pumps blood. In resting or exercise phase this rate can indicate important factors about your wellbeing, from fever to risk of heart attack.
Expert Response: "The number of times your heart pounds by the minute is your pulse rate. An average resting heart rate should be 60–100 beats per minute, but it can vary from minute to minute. It can go up to 130–150 seconds or higher per minute when you’re exercising – that is normal because the body needs to pump more oxygen-rich blood around the body," says Dr Ramani Ranjan, Consultant, Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospital, Noida.
Also Read: What Is Oxygen Therapy? Know All The Benefits Of This Treatment
How to calculate BMI?
Although not a diagnostic tool, a BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator is often used to screen if you are at your optimal weight or not. Body Mass Index or BMI is an easy tool to see if you are under, over or the right weight according to your gender, height, and age. Although there is a formula that you can use to calculate BMI which is BMI = kg/m2 our BMI calculator tool allows you to do it in a quick effective way. Try calculating you BMI now!
Expert Response: Dr Atish Laddad, Founder & Director- Docterz, states that the formula for BMI (Body Mass Index) is weight in kgs (kilograms) divided by height in meters squared. If the size has been measured in centimetres, divide by one hundred (100 to convert) this to meters. When using English measurements, pounds should be separated by inches squared.
Also read: Inadequate sleep may increase the risk of mental health issues in students
What Is CBC Test?
You may have been flummoxed when your doctor ordered a CBC test. The Complete Blood Count ( CBC) is a blood test that helps a doctor analyze a variety of concerns, infections, disorders, anemia etc. A doctor may ask for this test to review your overall health or diagnose a medical condition, even to monitor a treatment or condition. For a CBC test you can eat and drink normally before giving a sample. Do speak to your doctor or lab technician before you give a sample for the test.
Expert Response: Dr Sanjay Dhawan, Director and HOD, Ophthalmology, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, Delhi explains that "a CBC (full blood count), also known as a full complete blood count, is a set of medical lab tests that provide information about the cells in a person's blood. The complete blood count indicates the amounts of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, the concentration of hematocrit, and the haemoglobin".
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What is the normal/average sugar level?
In a healthy adult, the pancreas releases insulin that allows the body to absorb glucose. Low or no insulin production results in the glucose remaining in the blood making the blood sugar high which in turn impacts nerves, heart and blood vessels. This is what happens in Diabetes. Which is why it is important to be vigilant about the blood sugar levels.
Expert Response: Dr Namita Nadar, Head Nutritionist, Fortis Hospital Noida states that "a blood sugar level less than (140) one hundred forty mg/dL, (7.8 approx eight mmol/L) is standard. A reading of more than (200) two hundred mg/dL (11.1 eleven mmol/L) after 2 hours indicates diabetes. A reading between one hundred forty (140) and 199 (one hundred ninety-nine) mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes. What other diseases it includes: type 1 diabetes. Treatments: Insulin, exercise and medication.
Also Read: Here's How You Can Manage Diabetes During Quarantine, Explains Dr Malige
How to lose weight?
Losing weight can be a daunting task. But do not be demotivated. On OnlyMyHealth we regularly get you expert tips and inspirational stories to help you stay on track with your weight loss programme. Dr. Swati Bathwal, our resident Nutritionist regularly writes on the topic and Vesna Jacob, Pilates expert is helping body transformations for OMH users here as well.
Expert Response: Dr Charu Dua, Nutritionist and Dietician, Max Healthcare Vaishali responded to the question with these exercise and diet tips.
- Skipping breakfast can never help you lose weight; hence you should not skip breakfast.
- Eat regular meals including fruit and veggies
- Drink plenty of water as it'll help you get more active
- Eat high fibre foods and read food labels before eating
- Use a small plate.
What is the normal/average heart rate?
Many factors influence heart rate, such as age, fitness levels, activity, cardiovascular conditions, even temperature and body posture and build. It is simple to check your heart rate, place your index and middle finger at the base of your neck, towards the left side and keep count of the thump for a minute. A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60-100 for an adult.
Expert Response: "An average heart rate for grown-ups ranges from (60 to 100) sixty to one-hundred beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate implies better cardiovascular fitness and more efficient heart function. For instance, a well-trained athlete might have an average resting heart rate closer to forty beats per minute", says, Dr Samir Kubba, Associate Director, Cardiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About A Heart Transplant From Cardiologist
How to increase height?
Nutrition, exercise and genes play a part in determining your height. Your height will increase all through toddler and teenage years. Each individual has a different growth pace.Girls 'shoot up' in their early teens, while for the boys the growth spurt usually occurs in the late teen years. Growth in height typically stops after puberty.
Expert Response: "Are you seeking an answer for your short height? Well, if so, follow a step-by-step plan to increase size. The plan must include exercising regularly, eating right, practising right posture, sleeping right, and keeping the immune system healthy (will increase height)" says Dr Neelesh Kapoor MBBS, MD General Physician, Litl Smiles Multispeciality Clinic.
Also Read: Tips For Parents: Encourage Your Kids To Adopt These Habits For Gradual Height Growth
How to reduce belly fat?
Belly fat is usually the most stubborn. It is not just an aesthetic irritant but also has several health disadvantages. Belly fat is a visceral fat that puts the body at risk of diabetes and heart conditions. Losing this fat may be difficult but not impossible. OMH regularly gets you helpful articles on diet and exercises to reduce belly fat.
Expert Response: Dt. Shikha Mahajan, the Holistic Nutritionist, shares five easy tips to reduce belly fat.
- Eat plenty of soluble fibre and a high protein diet
- Avoid trans fats, alcohol and sugary foods
- Reduce stress levels
- Do aerobic/cardio exercise
- Cut back on refined carbs.
How to gain weight?
While there are so many of us struggling to put off excess weight, there are also people who deal with the opposite issue of being too skinny. Being underweight is as much of a health concern as being overweight. Being underweight can impact your immune system, increase chances of infection and can be cause of various deficiencies.
Expert Response: Dr. Shikha Mahajan, the Holistic Nutritionist, states that adding calories from healthy foods will help you to gain muscle mass. One must not get calories from fast food or unhealthy snacks. Processed foods, including the chips, soda, and white bread, do not provide nutrition, just empty calories. These foods never help you look good or feel better. "Do you know that a diet that lacks nutrition hampers the optimal growth? Opt for sandwiches, have chicken noodle soup, whole-grain bread preferably and have cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. For example, 2 grilled chicken breasts and two baked potatoes, make a wholesome nutritious meal."
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About The MIND Diet
How to commit suicide?
That this question is in the top 10 questions asked on the internet is an indication- that mental wellbeing is a big concern. Depression, stress and anxiety impacts more people, more frequently than we can imagine. If you are reading this, remember, even though the pain you are experiencing may seem unbearable, there is always a way out. Suicidal thoughts do not make you a loser, seeking out for help is not a sign of failure, this feeling is not permanent. There are helplines that can help in distress situations.
Expert Response: Dr Sadhna Kala MBBS, MS Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Nehru Place, New Delhi shares some depression symptoms to look out for, "hopelessness, lost interest, prolonged fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety and irritability, changes in weight and appetite, suicidal thoughts."
If there are any other specific questions that you have about your health or a disease write to us on onlymyhealth@gmail.com and we will get them answered by doctors.
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