Latest news with #HarishBhatia
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Breathe, walk, heal: Forest bathing, Japan's lush prescription for modern-day burnout
Modern world is full of fast moving individuals who live in a metropolitan highly polluted city and hardly have any time for themselves. They don't know what mother nature does to them - Healing. As a pulmonologist, I have seen the impact of polluted air on the lungs and on top of it comes the effect of chronic sedentary and immobile lifestyle. Let me revive you with an age-old Japanese tradition that is quite powerful even today for our lungs and immunity and it is Shinrin-yoku , or forest bathing . It has been scientifically proven that this practice of nature therapy has physical as well as psychological health benefits. Forest bathing Forest bathing doesn't mean jumping into a river or hiking a mountain. It simply means spending intentional, mindful time in a forested area. You walk slowly, breathe deeply, and absorb the natural surroundings with all your senses, without distraction, gadgets, or goals. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, Shinrin-yoku was introduced as a public health intervention to counter rising stress and chronic disease. Since then, it has been extensively researched — and the results are remarkable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Forest environments release phytoncides, organic compounds emitted by trees and plants. When inhaled, phytoncides have been shown to enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity, which plays a vital role in fighting infections and even cancer cells. For the respiratory system, forest air is noticeably cleaner, free from urban pollutants, allergens, and harmful particulate matter. This cleaner air supports better lung function, especially in patients with asthma, COPD, or post-viral lung fatigue. People often report easier breathing and less coughing after time spent in forests. In addition, the act of forest bathing naturally encourages slow, diaphragmatic breathing. This calms the nervous system, reduces cortisol levels, and helps expand lung capacity, particularly beneficial for those with restrictive lung conditions or anxiety-related breathlessness. This practice doesn't mean that you have to go and live in a forest. Any park, botanical garden or an area denoted to greenery can offer the same health advantages as a forest. All you have to do is denote 20-30 minutes twice or thrice a week and you will find yourself stress free with improved breathing and good overall health. As a pulmonologist, I believe forest bathing isn't just a feel-good ritual, rather it's preventive medicine. It's time we rediscovered this simple, side-effect-free way of healing. In nature, we not only find peace, we find breath. Dr. Harish Bhatia, Founder Director of Rebreathe Clinic, Senior Chest Specialist & Director & Head Dept. Of Respiratory Medicine with MGS Hospital One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
News18
14-05-2025
- Health
- News18
The Silent Threat: All About Genitourinary Tuberculosis And Its Impact On Fertility
Last Updated: Genitourinary tuberculosis is a form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that affects the urinary tract and the female reproductive organs. GUTB may cause infertility by inflaming and scarring reproductive organs. When most people think of tuberculosis, they picture a disease that affects the lungs. However, tuberculosis doesn't always stay confined to the respiratory system. It can quietly spread to other parts of the body, often going undetected. One such lesser-known form is genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) – a stealthy intruder that targets the female reproductive system. Often symptomless until significant damage is done, GUTB can be an underlying and overlooked cause of infertility in women. Genitourinary tuberculosis is a type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that has a direct impact on the kidneys, urinary bladder, fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries and also other parts of the reproductive system as well as the urinary system. In many cases, it develops after the primary infection has settled elsewhere, often years later. What makes GUTB particularly dangerous is its stealthy nature; most women show no obvious symptoms until they face difficulty conceiving. Impact On Female Fertility Dr. Harish Bhatia, Founder Director of Rebreathe Clinic and Senior Chest Specialist & Director & Head of Dept. of Respiratory Medicine with MGS Hospital says, 'The female reproductive organ that is most affected by tuberculosis is the fallopian tube, followed by the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. The tuberculosis bacteria lead to inflammation, scarring and adhesions, making the tubes blocked and creating an inhospitable environment. In some cases, the ovaries may also be involved, affecting ovulation." Dr Bhatia adds, 'Common symptoms – if they occur – include pelvic pain, irregular menstrual cycles, or unexplained amenorrhea (absence of periods). But often, the only red flag is unexplained infertility. Studies suggest that in endemic regions like India, up to 18% of women with infertility may have underlying genital tuberculosis." GUTB is notoriously hard to detect. Standard tests of tuberculosis are not always helpful and even there may be no abnormalities seen even on the pelvic examination. Dr Bhatia mentions, 'For accurate diagnosis, an endometrial biopsy, laparoscopy or molecular tests such as PCR is required." Talking about its treatment, Dr Bhatia mentions, 'Treatment typically includes a six-month course of anti-tuberculosis medications, similar to pulmonary tuberculosis. However, the damage caused to reproductive organs may be irreversible, especially if diagnosed late. This makes early detection and prompt treatment crucial." Awareness Is Crucial The silent nature of genitourinary tuberculosis makes awareness critical. Women who struggle with infertility should get evaluated for GUTB if other causes of infertility have been ruled out. While genitourinary TB may be silent, its consequences on fertility are profound. Breaking the silence around it is the first step toward giving affected women a fair chance at motherhood. First Published: May 14, 2025, 15:27 IST
