Latest news with #MayoClinic
News18
5 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Here's How To Stay Motivated For Workouts When You Feel Tired Or Uninspired
Last Updated: Staying consistent with workouts isn't just about willpower - it's about mindset, habits, and small wins that keep you moving. Staying consistent with workouts is tough, even for fitness enthusiasts. Life throws curveballs, routines get disrupted, and some days, motivation simply vanishes. But experts say it's not about being driven every single day, it's about building habits that support movement, even when you don't feel like it. Whether you're just starting or struggling to get back on track, finding the right workout strategies can help turn fitness into a lifestyle rather than a task on your to-do list. Anchor Goals, Not Wishes A vague aim like 'get fitter' rarely moves the needle. Instead, set a measurable target: complete three 30‑minute walks a week or finish a 5 km charity run in two months. Harvard‑linked studies show clear, time‑bound goals keep you focused and reduce the chance of burning out on unrealistic expectations. Put Workouts On The Calendar Treat exercise like any other non‑negotiable appointment. Block the slot in your phone and add a reminder. Mayo Clinic researchers found that simply 'scheduling it' increases adherence because you have to make a conscious decision to cancel rather than skip casually. Build Social Accountability Stanford Lifestyle Medicine notes that partnering up raises your show‑up rate and makes sessions feel lighter. A friend, spouse, or even a running group on an app can push you out the door when motivation sags. In Dr Friedlander's example, a 7 a.m. puppy walk circle works because nobody wants to disappoint the group. The body isn't wired for high‑intensity workouts every single day; a brisk 21‑minute walk still counts and reduces the guilt spiral of missing 'leg day.' Knowing an easier option exists keeps the habit intact and prevents the all‑or‑nothing trap. Curate A High‑Energy Playlist Music distracts from exertion and lifts mood. Exercisers who used fast‑tempo tracks logged longer sessions without noticing the extra effort. Build a 30‑minute set of songs paced around 120–140 beats per minute; stream it only during workouts so your brain associates the playlist with movement. Reward The Process, Not Just The Outcome Small non‑food treats can help reinforce the habit. Finished all your workouts this week? Celebrate with a new ebook or an episode of your favourite series. Linking rewards to your effort, not just results keeps the motivation cycle going. Re‑Evaluate Monthly Life seasons change, and so should the plan. If evening meetings creep in, shift walks to lunch breaks. Tracking fatigue, mood, and enjoyment alongside metrics helps you tweak frequency or intensity before boredom or injury strikes. Track Progress Visually Whether it's stepping on a wearable, a handwritten mileage chart or coloured stickers on a wall calendar, visual streaks tap into our reward circuits. The Self magazine survey of regular exercisers found that those who 'see' their wins are likely to push through the next session. Motivation isn't a one‑time spark; it's a renewable resource you create through structure, social support and flexible goals. Schedule movement when you feel strongest, keep the option of a low‑key walk in your back pocket, and celebrate each small win. Over time, these practical choices turn 'I should work out' into 'I don't feel right unless I move' – and that's when motivation becomes a lifestyle, not a chore. First Published:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The 1 Thing You Should Never, Ever Do If You Get A Mosquito Bite
Every summer, I get eaten alive by mosquitoes. My arms and legs get covered in bites that I scratch until they become bloody bruises that scab over and take weeks to heal. I know I'm treating my mosquito bites all wrong because, well, I have the scars to show it. Most mosquito bites go away within a week or so ― unless you don't take proper care of them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when you get bit by a mosquito, the bug injects saliva into your body via its proboscis, the little needle-like body part that sucks up your blood. That saliva contains an anticoagulant that keeps your blood flowing so the bug can get a hearty meal to lay its eggs. The toxins in that saliva are thought to be what makes their bites feel warm and itchy. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, the director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic and a spokesperson for the College of American Pathologists, said this is because your body mounts an immune response to the saliva and releases a wave of histamines and leukotrienes. This reaction varies from person to person, and bug to bug, which is why some people develop significant swelling and soreness while others just get a mildly itchy bump. Regardless of how you react to mosquito bites, doctors agree there's one thing you shouldn't do when you get a bite: scratch it. It can be tempting to scratch mosquito bites given how incredibly itchy they can get, but you really want to avoid doing so, Pritt said. The main reason: There are many different types of bacteria that live on our skin and our bodies — like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus — that, for the most part, are harmless, according to Pritt. 'But if you have an open wound, like if you scratch really hard, you could actually rub the bacteria from your skin into that little wound and get an infection.' These infections, like cellulitis and impetigo, can cause redness, swelling, a blister, tenderness around the bite along with swollen lymph nodes and yellow discharge. They can be treated with antibiotics, but, in rare cases, an infected bite can lead to serious complications like sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis. The second reason you don't want to scratch: The more you itch, the more histamine cells your body will release, making the bite even itchier. 'Scratching can send mild pain signals to the brain, which can release serotonin and increase the sensation of itching,' said Pamela Frable, an associate professor at TCU's Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Of course, not scratching isn't the only way to speed up your recovery, and there are a few other steps you want to take to prevent infection and make sure your bite gets better. The very first thing you want to do after you get bit is wash the bite out with soap and water. This will help remove bacteria near the bite that could cause an infection. A mosquito bite is technically a small wound, said Frable, and 'it's generally a good idea to wash all wounds gently with soap and water.' Then, you want to apply ice to the bite, ideally for about 10 minutes or so, Pritt explained. Ice can drastically reduce the itching along with inflammation, pain and swelling, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Next up: Cover the bite with an anti-itch or antihistamine cream, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone. These products can drastically reduce itchiness and, most importantly, prevent you from scratching the bite and break the scratch-itch cycle, Pritt said. If you don't have these items in your medicine cabinet or aren't able to get to a pharmacy, you can whip up an anti-itch paste at home. Simply combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a splash of water to create a thick paste. Then, rub the mixture over the bite, wait 10 minutes, and wash it off. This DIY concoction reduces itch, according to the Mayo Clinic, but, better yet, it prevents you from scratching the bite and making things even worse. Finally, you want to keep an eye on the bite and pay attention to any symptoms you develop over the next week or two. It's fairly common to develop a fever or even swollen lymph nodes immediately after the bite, so don't panic if you experience these symptoms right away, Pritt said. Not all mosquitoes carry disease, but some spread Zika, dengue and West Nile virus, all of which can cause severe illnesses and health complications. You can't tell if a mosquito carried a pathogen by simply looking at the bite, according to Frable, which is why it's crucial to pay attention to any symptoms. So, if you get a fever, a rash, severe headache, or confusion a week or two after the bite, check in with a physician. They can run diagnostics tests to determine if you contracted a mosquito-borne disease and administer supportive care to help you recover. Fortunately, most mosquito bites resolve without any issues. But the less you itch and the better you take care of it, the sooner it'll clear up … until the next mosquito comes along. So THAT'S Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others How To Tell If A Bug Bite Needs Medical Attention The Definitive Answer On Whether Bug Spray Is Bad For You
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The 1 Thing You Should Never, Ever Do If You Get A Mosquito Bite
Every summer, I get eaten alive by mosquitoes. My arms and legs get covered in bites that I scratch until they become bloody bruises that scab over and take weeks to heal. I know I'm treating my mosquito bites all wrong because, well, I have the scars to show it. Most mosquito bites go away within a week or so ― unless you don't take proper care of them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when you get bit by a mosquito, the bug injects saliva into your body via its proboscis, the little needle-like body part that sucks up your blood. That saliva contains an anticoagulant that keeps your blood flowing so the bug can get a hearty meal to lay its eggs. The toxins in that saliva are thought to be what makes their bites feel warm and itchy. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, the director of the Clinical Parasitology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic and a spokesperson for the College of American Pathologists, said this is because your body mounts an immune response to the saliva and releases a wave of histamines and leukotrienes. This reaction varies from person to person, and bug to bug, which is why some people develop significant swelling and soreness while others just get a mildly itchy bump. Regardless of how you react to mosquito bites, doctors agree there's one thing you shouldn't do when you get a bite: scratch it. It can be tempting to scratch mosquito bites given how incredibly itchy they can get, but you really want to avoid doing so, Pritt said. The main reason: There are many different types of bacteria that live on our skin and our bodies — like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus — that, for the most part, are harmless, according to Pritt. 'But if you have an open wound, like if you scratch really hard, you could actually rub the bacteria from your skin into that little wound and get an infection.' These infections, like cellulitis and impetigo, can cause redness, swelling, a blister, tenderness around the bite along with swollen lymph nodes and yellow discharge. They can be treated with antibiotics, but, in rare cases, an infected bite can lead to serious complications like sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis. The second reason you don't want to scratch: The more you itch, the more histamine cells your body will release, making the bite even itchier. 'Scratching can send mild pain signals to the brain, which can release serotonin and increase the sensation of itching,' said Pamela Frable, an associate professor at TCU's Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Of course, not scratching isn't the only way to speed up your recovery, and there are a few other steps you want to take to prevent infection and make sure your bite gets better. The very first thing you want to do after you get bit is wash the bite out with soap and water. This will help remove bacteria near the bite that could cause an infection. A mosquito bite is technically a small wound, said Frable, and 'it's generally a good idea to wash all wounds gently with soap and water.' Then, you want to apply ice to the bite, ideally for about 10 minutes or so, Pritt explained. Ice can drastically reduce the itching along with inflammation, pain and swelling, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Next up: Cover the bite with an anti-itch or antihistamine cream, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone. These products can drastically reduce itchiness and, most importantly, prevent you from scratching the bite and break the scratch-itch cycle, Pritt said. If you don't have these items in your medicine cabinet or aren't able to get to a pharmacy, you can whip up an anti-itch paste at home. Simply combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a splash of water to create a thick paste. Then, rub the mixture over the bite, wait 10 minutes, and wash it off. This DIY concoction reduces itch, according to the Mayo Clinic, but, better yet, it prevents you from scratching the bite and making things even worse. Finally, you want to keep an eye on the bite and pay attention to any symptoms you develop over the next week or two. It's fairly common to develop a fever or even swollen lymph nodes immediately after the bite, so don't panic if you experience these symptoms right away, Pritt said. Not all mosquitoes carry disease, but some spread Zika, dengue and West Nile virus, all of which can cause severe illnesses and health complications. You can't tell if a mosquito carried a pathogen by simply looking at the bite, according to Frable, which is why it's crucial to pay attention to any symptoms. So, if you get a fever, a rash, severe headache, or confusion a week or two after the bite, check in with a physician. They can run diagnostics tests to determine if you contracted a mosquito-borne disease and administer supportive care to help you recover. Fortunately, most mosquito bites resolve without any issues. But the less you itch and the better you take care of it, the sooner it'll clear up … until the next mosquito comes along. So THAT'S Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others How To Tell If A Bug Bite Needs Medical Attention The Definitive Answer On Whether Bug Spray Is Bad For You
United News of India
a day ago
- Health
- United News of India
Kerala CM leaves for Mayo Clinic in US for treatment
Thiruvananthapuram, July 5 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his wife, flew to the United States today for specialized medical treatment. The Chief Minister, whose trip is scheduled for ten days, departed from Thiruvananthapuram Airport in the early hours via Dubai. He is visiting the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for follow-up consultation and further treatment, having previously sought care at the same facility. During his foreign visits, the Chief Minister typically does not delegate responsibilities. He usually attends cabinet meetings online and oversees urgent official matters remotely. His wife, T. Kamala, and personal staff member V.M. Suneesh accompanied him on the trip. Although the Chief Minister had initially planned to travel to the US before the Nilambur by-election, the visit was postponed due to election-related commitments. The journey was finalized as the medical evaluations and treatment could no longer be delayed. The Chief Minister's visit comes at a time when the state's healthcare system is facing widespread criticism and public outrage. Amidst this backdrop, controversy continues over a recent incident in which a woman died following the collapse of a building at Kottayam Medical College. Critics have pointed out that the Chief Minister did not meet the family of the deceased, Bindu. In contrast, the Oommen Chandy Foundation (named after the late Congress Chief Minister) has extended Rs 5 lakh to help the family complete the construction of their house. The Chief Minister's departure follows a viral Facebook post by Dr. Harris Chiraykkal, Head of the Urology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, which highlighted systemic issues in the hospital and triggered public concern over the state's healthcare infrastructure. Meanwhile, the tragic death at Kottayam Medical College has intensified the political storm, prompting the Opposition to organize statewide protests demanding the resignation of Health Minister Veena George. It is amidst this politically and socially charged atmosphere that the Chief Minister has left for the United States. He also underwent treatment at the Mayo Clinic in 2018, 2022 and 2023. UNI DS RKM
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
CM to travel to US for medical treatment
T'puram: Chief minister is set to travel to the United States once again for medical treatment. According to a statement from the CMO, he will depart around midnight on Friday via Dubai and is expected to stay in the US for about 10 days as part of a continued course of treatment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is not the first time the CM is heading to the US for health reasons. He previously underwent treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and is now reportedly returning for follow-up consultations and further medical care at the same facility. The trip comes at a time when Kerala's public healthcare system is facing mounting criticism. A recent Facebook post by Haris Chirakkal, head of the urology department at Thiruvananthapuram medical college, flagged critical issues within the hospital infrastructure, sparking widespread concern. The situation escalated further when a woman died after a building collapsed at Kottayam medical college, intensifying public outrage. Opposition parties have launched statewide protests demanding the resignation of health minister Veena George, citing the govt's failure to ensure basic safety and standards in public hospitals. As these controversies continue to dominate headlines, the CM's decision to seek treatment abroad has added a new dimension to the political debate over the condition of Kerala's healthcare system.
