Health-&-Fitness
Russian Vaccine Sputnik V: Things we should know to fight COVID-19
The vaccine development for the COVID-19 has been moving at a record speed around the world. However, some companies have already seen success in less than a year. While some of the first world countries developed COVID vaccines, Russian did not lag behind. Therefore, the whole world was surprised when President Vladimir Putin approved the country’s first domestically developed vaccine Sputnik V in August 2020. Though many countries around the world were confused about the efficacy of Russian Vaccine Sputnik V, now 59 countries in the world approved this Coronavirus vaccine. Here we addressed some frequently asked questions about Sputnik V.
What is Sputnik V?
Sputnik V is Russia’s first approved COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine entered limelight when Putin publicly approved it and stunned about the other countries who were still working to develop their vaccines.
Who invented this?
It was entirely developed and produced by the Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow, a Russian medical research institute, and operated under the purview of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Sputnik V was funded by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is widely known as Russia’s sovereign wealth fund.
Read How to strengthen your immune system to prevent COVID-19 infections?
What are the basics of Sputnik V?
Sputnik V was developed based on the common idea. Gamaleya researchers used the commonly known viruses that cause colds as their vaccine prototype. Subsequently, they worked with the coronavirus spike protein gene and added two separate adenovirus vectors in it, such as rAd5 and rAd26. Further, the researchers engineered them to invade cells without replication.
What is the working procedure of Sputnik V?
Sputnik V works in six easy steps. In the first step, it is injected into a person’s arm. After that, the adenoviruses vector gets into the cells and can create a bar of proteins on the cells’ surface. The cell then put the virus in a bubble and then an adenovirus moves towards the nucleus. Next, adenovirus inserts its DNA in the nucleus, and adenovirus makes copies of itself. Further, the cells can read the coronavirus spike protein gene and copy it into a molecule “called messenger RNA or mRNA.”
In the second step, mRNA leaves the nucleus and starts working on building spike proteins. The immune system recognizes the spike proteins. Afterward, the adenovirus excites the current immune system and switches them to the cell’s alarm system. Through the alarm system, Sputnik V makes the immune system respond strongly against the spike proteins.
Also read: What does it feel like to get COVID-19 after taking the vaccine?
In the third step, the system tries to spot the intruder. “When a vaccinated cell dies, the debris contains spike proteins and protein fragments.” Whenever such fragments are identified, a special kind of immune cell termed as, antigen-presenting cell absorbs those protein fragments.
In the fourth step, the process of creating antibodies works. Different immune cells named B cell may come across with the coronavirus spikes and lock the spike proteins. The B cells are then triggered through help from helper T cells and pour out antibodies.
Now the antibodies can work against the coronavirus spikes and work towards the destruction. Eventually, the antibody blocks the COVID-19 spikes and prevents infections.
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If there is an infected cell in the body, the antigen-presenting cell calls an immune cell called a killer T cell to destroy any coronavirus cells.
How many doses of Sputnik V are needed?
Two doses of Sputnik V are enough to create the antibodies and fight the virus. However, the doses need to take 21 days apart, and both doses use the same procedure.
How many versions of Sputnik are available?
After the success of the Sputnik V vaccine, the researchers worked harder to find out a more effective vaccination program. Nevertheless, they came up with a newer version of the vaccine, which is called ‘Sputnik Light,’ which is a single shot vaccine and claimed 79% effectiveness.
How effective and safe is Sputnik V?
According to the interim results’ data, Sputnik V has a 91.6% success rate. Besides, the data also shows that the vaccine does not have any significant side effects and it is totally safe. However, some mild side effects were reported, which was normal compared to the other available vaccines in the world.
Read Can you mix-and-match COVID-19 vaccines?
How much is Sputnik V?
Initially, the price is set at $10 internationally. However, Russia has already approved many countries of the world to manufacture the Sputnik V vaccine remotely. Hence, the price may fall in the future. The Sputnik Light may cost less than $10.
What is the storage procedure of this vaccine?
Sputnik V needs to store at 2-8 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is safe to transport and stored in any region of the world. Besides, it also comes in freeze-dried powder which makes it easier to store.
How many countries approved Sputnik V?
Russia has gone beyond the border to promote its invention. According to the latest data, minimum of 60 countries have approved the Russian Coronavirus Vaccine Sputnik V. What is more? This vaccine is ready to serve around 3 billion people globally, which is nearly 40% of the worldwide population. Indian, Bangladesh, Italy, China, UAE are among the 60 countries.
Read New Covid strains won’t impact the efficiency of Russian vaccines, expert claims
Does Sputnik V work against mutant variants?
As soon as the new mutants emerged, Gamaleya’s researchers started working on that. A trial testing against the new mutants shows that the vaccine produces a strong result. However, it is not much effective against the South African variants but still works better than other vaccines.
How is Russian Vaccine Sputnik V different from the other COVID-19 vaccines?
Currently, there are at least eight COVID-19 vaccines available across the world. However, Russian COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V appears to be comparatively cheaper than other vaccines. Besides, the efficiency is relatively higher than other Covid vaccines. The newest Sputnik Light will certainly reduce the vaccination time length worldwide.
Read The Latest: Sri Lanka receives 1st batch of Sputnik V shots
What does it feel like to get COVID-19 after taking the vaccine?
In medical science, vaccines are used to prevent certain diseases. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent coronavirus is not different. However, it is not a myth that you can get affected by COVID even after getting the vaccine. After more than a year of fighting against the deadly virus, many institutes bring out the vaccine. While all the vaccines are tested before bringing out to the market, no vaccine can guarantee 100% prevention of COVID-19. Therefore, a small percentage of people will still get COVID-19 after the full vaccination or even the first dose, which is called “vaccine breakthrough cases.”
Although vaccine breakthrough cases for the coronavirus are significantly low, researchers are trying to find out the causes.
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Reasons to get affected by COVID even after the vaccination
According to the general theory, if anyone exposed to the virus is likely to get infected. However, the vaccine should be able to prevent it. But, in some cases, a person could be affected right after the first dose or even after the full vaccination. Typically, the COVID-19 vaccine takes two weeks to build protection in the body. So, it is normal that a person can get infected if the vaccine has not had enough time to build the antibody.
Another reason to get attacked by the new variants. While the current data suggest that vaccines will give protection against all types of variants, research is still going on. However, some variants might show regular symptoms of coronavirus in some people after they get both doses.
Also read: How to strengthen your immune system to prevent COVID-19 infections?
What does it feel like infected by COVID-19 after vaccination?
Even though a tiny percentage of fully vaccinated people might get sick, the vaccine will surely protect most of the people from getting affected. There is some evidence that getting COVID-19 after the vaccination may make the illness less severe. Despite this, if fully vaccinated people get affected, they might have chances to be hospitalized and die.
However, the overall chances of hospitalization and death among the vaccinated people will be lower than the people who are not vaccinated. The symptoms of COVID-19 for the fully vaccinated people will be similar to the regular COVID symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and dry coughs.
Less common symptoms include sore throat, headache, diarrhea, aches and pains, loss of smell or taste, and rashes on skins. Further, the serious symptoms might show chest pain or pressure, breathing difficulty, and loss of speech or movement.
Also read: Safe Lifestyle in COVID-19 Lockdown: Do's, Don'ts, and Precautions
However, the good thing is that vaccine breakthrough cases are rare. Although there is no report to get affected after vaccination in Bangladesh, about 0.01 percent of Americans are known to be infected following the vaccination.
According to data, of the 95+ million vaccinated United States population, only 9,245 people are reported to be affected. All these data suggest that the vaccine is effective against the coronavirus, and getting affected after vaccination is rare should be counted as normal.
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Aloe Vera: The magical herb with multifarious benefits
It’s common these days to hear people ask “would you like aloe vera for that burn?” Aloe vera has been renowned in a plethora of industries for its incredibly versatile approach to healthcare, skincare, and even nutrition. The plant itself may not look like much, but it won’t be overwhelming to say that Aloe vera is a magical herb. Let’s check out the multifarious benefits of Aloe Vera.
What is Aloe Vera
Also known as a “wonder plant”, aloe vera is a shrub that is rather short-stemmed. It belongs to a subcategory of succulent plants that originate from North Africa. It has a rich history in the world of medicine and has been highly regarded by English royalty for generations. Being abundant in North Africa, Egypt once considered this plant “the plant of immortality”. It has been internationally renowned for its medicinal capabilities and there should be credited to aloe vera if the plant has continued to stay relevant over the centuries.
Externally, Aloe Vera may appear unassuming, but it contains a clear gel within that can be applied on cream, ointments, and other types of gel. It is harvested first by singling out the thickest leaves from the stock and cut out at the base of the stem. After, the leaves are washed and trimmed with a blade. When the leaves are cut open, the sap will then need to be extracted. Overall, the process is relatively simple and requires little effort and equipment to get the best out of the plant, which explains how its benefits were found so early on in history.
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Benefits and Uses of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera for sunburn healing
Going back to the aforementioned quote, aloe vera can literally heal burns due to its moisture, soothing, and cooling feature. Researchers have shown consistent results with Aloe vera’s effect on burns that even supersedes other cream-based agents. An additional perk is how affordable aloe vera solutions can be when compared to alternatives. Even though sunburns aren’t nearly as severe, aloe vera-based sunblock is also a thing and has the same benefits for the skin.
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Can heal other wounds
Aside from burns, aloe vera has been a quick fix that tackles open wounds and sores particularly well. The gel contains compounds like glycoproteins, polysaccharides, and glucomannan that stimulate the growth of fibroblasts which catalyzes the growth of collagen and tissue. In short, when aloe vera is described as medicinal, the term isn’t used lightly. Despite not being a healing solution on its own, its ability to be a swift temporary solution does carve out a niche of its own in the world of healthcare and cosmetics. Additionally, other chemicals within aloe vera promote insulin growth within the body.
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Aloe Vera for acne cure
Wounds and burns are skin-based injuries, which means it's safe to say that the plant’s cooling properties and top-tier moisture allow it to be just as effective in the beauty industry. In this case, the gel’s moisture and antioxidant properties are its main selling points and will often be coupled with honey and nuts to reduce oil clots within the pores. It is a natural solution that is criminally underrated in the beauty industry and can definitely hold its own against artificial, cream-based counterparts.
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Aloe Vera moisturizer for dry skin
Given how often the aloe vera solutions have been praised for their impressive moisturizing capabilities, it is a safe solution to apply even without burns or wounds. When dry skin starts becoming prevalent in colder climates, aloe vera gel once again is mixed with other components such as milk, honey, and rose water to ensure the best possible results. This skincare blend should be applied and left for about 20 minutes to ensure that the ingredients have had enough time to make their way into the skin properly.
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Organic food source of antioxidants
When thinking about antioxidants, fruits and vegetables come into mind - and aloe vera falls in that category too. Aloe vera is perfectly edible and has been renowned for making ways in the health and wellness scene for being a nutritional powerhouse. Although it is normally taken in the form of its gel and blended with fruits and vegetables, the aloe vera leaves also have a place but will be bitter if not mixed in with sweater components like fruits or honey. Although not the most well-known way to appreciate the plant, it certainly does taste great, improves bodily immunity, and is worth a try.
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Aloe Vera for hair fall treatment
Going back to the topic of skin, it isn’t as strange of a fact that aloe vera can help prevent hair loss when the scalp is made out of skin cells. The cause of hair loss is primarily due to dead skin cells on the scalp, which is where the antioxidant and moisturizing properties of aloe vera make this a star. Aside from smooth and shininess hair from the properly maintained scalp, aloe vera also throws in the perks of reducing dandruff and itchiness too. Although aloe vera can never be the all-purpose replacement for shampoo, it serves as a fantastic secondary component that does wonders for your hair’s longevity.
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Aloe Vera for weight loss
With its antioxidant properties, it should come as no surprise that a healthy immune system will improve the body’s metabolism quality as well. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, sterols, and enzymes are all found in aloe vera and also happen to be the boost needed to optimize your diet. This ingredient by no means should replace your meals in your diet but should be heavily considered as a complementary ingredient to be taken between meals to ensure that your body will always have sufficient nutrients to stay healthy.
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Cycling Benefits: How Indoor and Outdoor Cycling Strengthens Your Immune System
Cycling has always been a popular sport that has had tons of following, but in recent years, many are opting for cycling and for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s delivery, fitness or convenience, consumers are starting to see this cost-effective tool that can provide convenience in many aspects of their everyday life. In the world of fitness, cycling has taken form through spin classes, cross-country tours and other forms. How does indoor and outdoor cycling strengthen the immune system? And, what are the benefits of cycling?
Why Is Cycling So Popular Now?
Convenience
There are many places that people want to go to that is too far to walk, but not worth hopping into the car for, which is where cycling comes in. As a mode of transportation that doesn’t have a carbon footprint, the bicycle can easily be taken around town and securely locked at a bicycle lot. When running everyday errands, it can be used easily and bought at an affordable price.
Also read: How to strengthen your immune system to prevent COVID-19 infections?
Fitness
When taking the bicycle for a spin outside of everyday use, the fitness aspect of cycling is not to be scoffed at. Its use in the exercise department is almost as versatile as running and an incredible way to burn calories. Whether it’s committing to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or going for marathon-levels of fitness, the bicycle can do it all.
Community
Almost like a progression journey, a community tends to come around when cycling is done frequently and is certainly a key motivator that encourages longevity in the hobby. With the preliminary perk of convenience out the way, communities tend to form around the regularities of cycling which leans more towards a fitness-minded lifestyle. Like many hobbies, communities are effective to spur like-minded individuals onward to hone their craft.
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How Does Cycling Keep You Fit?
Cardio
This is definitely the most obvious benefit to cycling and for good reason. Doing cardio, regardless of the sport, cardio tends to be the best solution for weight loss (other than dieting) and that is enough to get many motivated. Aside from that, cardio ticks many boxes in the health and wellness department; aiding to boost the immune system, strengthening the heart, reducing risks of certain diseases, expanding lung capacity as well as improving sleep. Keeping fit through this form of exercise does a lot of things right, and cycling is one of the more engaging activities that make cardio enjoyable.
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Improves Bone Health
The perk that cycling has over running is the ability to avoid putting your body weight on joints. This is massive as overweight individuals or those with pre-existing bone conditions face a tremendous risk of knee damage when going for runs and even slow jogs. With cycling, the pressure on joints becomes less of an issue and can even be seen as a palatable entry point for those who want to get fit but have the aforementioned obstacles to deal with.
Improves Mental Wellness
Mental health is just as important as physical health and cycling, being a form of cardio helps with this significantly. Like many cardio activities, cycling helps release endorphins that boosts the mood. This is a prime motivator that can help to successfully help casual hobbyists find satisfaction when allocating time off work or school. Issues like anxiety and depression will be slowed considerably. Together with mood enhancement comes an improvement of sleep as well - certainly a rewarding addition when picking up the hobby.
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Improves The Immune System
More for the outdoors aspect of this activity, cycling does wonders to enhance the body’s immune system as a whole. By riding your bicycle regularly and operating some mode of transport, you will be exposing your body to vitamins via sunlight as well as honing your hand-eye coordination skills as you start to master the nuances of your bicycle.
Additionally, eye health is also improved as your vision will be alternating between long and short distances. An added bonus is that you’ll be setting time aside away from screens, which are inherently bad for the eyes when overexposed.
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Indoor VS Outdoor Cycling
When it comes down to the meat and bones of cycling and its benefits for the body, indoor and outdoor cycling don’t vary as much as one might assume. Both have access to resistant-based options to build lower-body strength if needed and both force you to put up a sweat.
One of the biggest differences is the temperature of your atmosphere and how that impacts your cycling experience. Generally, more heat equates to more sweat, which means that going out during a sunny day or heating up a room slightly above room temperature are ways to work towards getting the maximum amount of sweat out. The danger of this is running the risk of overheating and the risks that come from dehydration. Overall, it is a matter of preference, but an important factor to consider nonetheless.
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Posture is also worth noting. The posture for indoor cycling is completely different from using an actual bicycle and having a static machine eliminates shifts in your center of gravity when moving, as the force your weight provides fluctuates when elevated from the seat during a long-distance cycle.
Static cycling puts a halt to this momentum altogether and can be seen as a limiting more rigid alternative, but can do wonders for the body’s posture as well. If you are looking to target specific muscle groups, indoor cycling may be the way to go.
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Outdoor cycling is a better option for a more universal experience that puts emphasis on working for many muscle groups with more intricate techniques to master.
Benefits of Cycling during Pandemic
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation, immunity is the best shield of human kinds. Regular indoor cycling can help you in maintaining health and fitness without stepping outdoor. Besides enhancing your immunity, cycling can keep you active both physically and emotionaaly.
And, outdoor cycling can be a safer mode compared with public transport when you need to step outside home to carry out essential activities.
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How to strengthen your immune system to prevent COVID-19 infections?
With the recent surge of coronavirus infections, conscious people are seeking all the possible ways to boost immunity. Although vaccines are available, the whole world wouldn't be vaccinated overnight. It will take years to vaccinate the seven billion people. And for third-world countries, vaccination could be a rare thing. Hence, defending COVID-19 with our body's immune system will be the only way to survive. Strengthening your immune to prevent COVID-19 is collective and long-term work. One cannot simply gain the immune right away. However, you can gradually achieve the proper immune system through a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.
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Boost your Immune through Practicing Healthy Lifestyle
Having a proper sleep, taking nutritious meals, and leading a stress-free lifestyle can definitively raise the functionality of your immune system.
Getting quality sleep is a significant health behavior to function the immune system properly, which also works on boosting physical and mental health as well as the quality of life. According to the experts and doctors getting more than seven hours of sleep is essential to make your adult body's metabolism work suitably. However, 11-14 hours of sleep for infants or toddlers, 10-13 hours for preschoolers, 9-12 hours for school-going kids, and 8-10 hours for the teens are necessary.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh breaks records with 7,213 daily cases, 66 deaths
With the surge of COVID-19, our stress level is also getting high accordingly. It is normal to get stress during this global pandemic. But, staying stress-free is highly essential to keep your body fit. For a stress-free lifestyle, you can take healthy meals, practice regular exercise, take self-care and maintain COVID-19 health protocols. Each of these behaviors is connected to our stress-free lifestyle.
Increase Immune System with physical activity and exercise
A mild, intense physical activity is connected with a better immune function. Hence you should continue regular physical activity to increase your immune system. However, physical activity can be in many forms, which you can practice for the wellbeing of your health.
The first thing you can do is keep your body moving. It can be any kind of intense aerobic physical activity. Experts recommend having moderate exercise at least 150-300 minutes per week. This can keep your body's metabolism on track.
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If you are unable to do aerobics activity, you can try indoor activities. It can be walking briskly in the house or even up and down the stairs every day for 10-15 minutes for 2 or 3 times. Besides, you may also dance with your favorite music, or exercise on home cardio machines, or even you can try jump rope.
If you can go outside of your home, you can also walk or run on the f roads. Though you cannot go outside of your house, working out at home should be okay. Outdoor activities are way more useful than indoor activities. Nevertheless, if you are going out, you should keep in mind that you will need to stay at least 6 feet away from others.
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Furthermore, regular physical exercise at home will also work. You can download a workout app on your smartphone and follow that to start your physical exercise at home.
Yoga is another way to keep your body moving. Deep breathing, along with mindfulness, works as a catalyst to reduce anxiety. Therefore, your stress level will definitely reduce through yoga. You try watching a yoga video with instructions to start yoga at home.
Take Food to Enhance the Immunity
All your exercise will not work if you don't take proper nutrition. Even though you don't exercise, you need nutrients to strengthen the body's immunity during the COVID-19. You can take the nutrients from natural resources such as fruits and vegetables.
Read Where to Buy Grocery Online in Dhaka during Quarantine?
Vitamin C is the ultimate shield against the coronavirus and any bacteria. You can get Vitamin C on green fruits and vegetables such as grapefruit, lemon, broccoli, bell peppers, green peppers, etc.
Vitamin D is also essential to fight off any infections. Besides, it can work on building strong bones. You can find Vitamin D on mushrooms, cereals, bread, and fortified milk. However, if you want to take Vitamin D via a natural source, you can stay under the sunlight for 5-10 minutes every day.
Vitamin A keeps your skin and tissue healthy which also works against infections and boosts the immune system. Sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots are the common sources of Vitamin A.
Also read: Safe Lifestyle in COVID-19 Lockdown: Do's, Don'ts, and Precautions
Vitamin E is another vital element for your body's immune system. It is an essential antioxidant that works in fighting against cell damages. Plant-based foods are a great source of Vitamin E. Commonly, nuts and peanut butter are usual sources to get Vitamin E.
Finally, Zinc is one of the essential antioxidants for COVID-19 patients as well as healthy persons. It increases the metabolism that also boosts the healing process. You can find Zinc on shellfish, beans, meat, and seeds/nuts.
Apart from these natural sources, you can also take supplements as we may not buy these foods always. Vitamin supplements are available over the counter, so you don't need prescriptions to buy those. But it is recommended to take advice from medical practitioners or doctors.
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Limitations of Immune System Against COVID-19
It is essential to keep in mind that the strong immune system will not work to prevent you from getting COVID-19. It can just help you to recover quickly if you ever contract coronavirus. So, if you have a strong immune system, coronavirus may not damage your body parts.
Final Words
It is always good to maintain COVID-19 health safety protocols such as wearing a mask, keeping social distance, washing your hands frequently, maintaining good hygiene, and cough etiquette.
There is a saying that "prevention is better than cure," which everyone should follow during this coronavirus global pandemic. New variations of COVID-19 do not have a significantly proven cure yet. But we can prevent it or even fight it by strengthening our immune system.
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Safe Lifestyle in COVID-19 Lockdown: Do's, Don'ts, and Precautions
It seems coronavirus is not going away anytime soon from our life. And the second wave already hit Bangladesh. This time the new variations of COVID-19 are much more deadly than the last year. Hence Bangladeshi government was forced to call for another lockdown like the previous year. The government has issued new directives to implement during the lockdown period for the next seven days.
Staying at home without being accessible to the open air is not satisfying for some people, while it is enjoyable for some. But the ultimate truth is, 'lockdown is a necessity not a luxury.' Here we have explained a proper guideline to cope with the lockdown and stay home safely.
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Reliable Sources for COVID-19 Updates in Bangladesh
With the vast availability of smartphones along with the internet, access information circulates so quickly. Therefore, it becomes hard to tell which news is true. With the wrong or fake news, it is easy to get scared. But, getting the real news is highly essential.
Currently, government-issued circulations are the only trustworthy source to ger the real information about coronavirus in Bangladesh. You may visit corona.gov.bd to access the latest and reliable information. Besides, information from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is also counted as reliable. However, if you want to get updates on other parts of the world, you can check the World Health Organization.
Read How to Handle Your Coronavirus Anxiety during Home Quarantine?
COVID-19 Lockdown Do's and Dont's
Do’s:
Stay home! This is the ultimate goal of lockdown. There is no point in giving lockdown if you don't stay at home. However, you can go outside for emergency purposes or grocery shopping, or even if you need to go to the office. Since there is no proper guideline about attending the office and most of the offices are open, you may go to the office by maintaining proper COVID-19 safety protocol.
Wash your hands frequently. This is the easiest process to slow down the spread and restrict passing to others or having passed it to you. However, you need to follow the proper handwashing guideline, and you found it here.
Also Read: Coronavirus Home Quarantine: How to keep the Elderly people engaged
Practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette. Corona can easily spread through the affected person's coughing and sneezing. Whether you are affected or not, cough and sneeze on your elbow. In this way, your hands remain clean and eventually prevent from spreading germs. Practice proper social distancing. In other words, don't go out unnecessarily. Avoid going to any large gatherings. Nevertheless, if you go out in an emergency, maintain at least six feet distance from people.
Use the mask properly. We have a tendency not to use a mask. Even when we use a mask; we don't wear it properly. So, wear a mask properly as it can prevent the virus to a great extent. Use designated transport to commute to the office. According to the government-issued directives, government, non-government, courts, and private offices can provide transportation facilities to their employees. Those vehicles will maintain all the safety protocols, so you can use the official transportation to stay safe.
Read Essential Hygiene Practices to Prevent Coronavirus Contamination
Order food online. Since the restaurants are instructed to stay open for delivery or takeaway foods, you can order from home or even order and pick up from the restaurant quickly.
Don'ts:
Going out between 6 pm to 6 am is strictly prohibited unless there are any emergencies. However, it is suggested that you try to stay home regardless of the time. Even if you need to go out, you should not spend much time outside.
Avoid visiting the shopping malls. Although the shopping malls will remain close, shops can keep their wholesale part open. But it would be a good idea to avoid any kind of shops.
Avoid buying excessive suppliers. We have seen in last year that people tend to buy excessive supplies of foods, toiletries, etc., like there is no tomorrow. Avoid buying more supplies than you need and keep the items for others.
Read Pandemic Grocery List: Is Your Home Ready for Coronavirus Home Quarantine?
Don't panic. We may get panicked if our nearest or dearest ones get infected. In that case, you will need to stay calm and quiet. Besides, remember that COVID-19's severity depends on several factors. So, try to stay calm and take the necessary steps.
Read Where to Buy Grocery Online in Dhaka during Quarantine?
Tips to Stay Stress-Free During COVID-19 Lockdown
Getting stress during the lockdown is inevitable, even though you did everything to stay calm. You will need to keep yourself busy on something that you have an interest in. Besides, you can take some steps to make your lockdown stress-free.
Read How to Keep Your Children Occupied during Coronavirus
For health and nutrition
Adequate nutrition can certainly fight COVID-19. You may not get proper nutrition as you cannot go outside to shop according to your needs. Sometimes you may not get the proper supply in your nearest grocery store. Therefore, you can shop online and get your desired items.
However, it is mandatory to hygiene your online deliveries. For instance, you can wash your food before eating. Besides, you can clean and use disinfection spray to clean other stuff.
Read Masala Tea Health Benefits: How Can It Improve Your Immunity
For mental well-being
Taking care of your mental health is highly essential. For mental well-being, you can do yoga or meditation by maintaining a specific routine. Besides, being physically active is necessary, too, as it can reduce depression and can also reduce feelings of stress. Healthy eating is another way to boost mental well-being.
Read Coronavirus and Insomnia: How to Sleep Well during COVID19 Pandemic
For physical well-being
During the lockdown, we tend to sit idly, which invites some fats into our bodies. Therefore, physical activities are necessary to involve all of your muscles. Try to be active at home; you can do this by simply walking on the rooftop. You can do some home exercise too. If you are not sure which exercise you should do, there are plenty of apps for work out, and you can follow these to stay fit during the lockdown.
Read Online Pharmacy: Where to Buy Medicine in Dhaka during Coronavirus Home Quarantine
For self-development
Last year many people did online courses during the lockdown to develop themselves. You can do this too. You may search for the books that you are interested in and enrich yourself.
Besides, taking courses on different platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, Repto, etc. are the great way to develop skills.
Read Where to Find Online Courses during Coronavirus Home Quarantine
Final words
The Bangladesh government has imposed a seven-day lockdown so far. However, there is a great chance that it will be extended. So, the guidelines and the tips we have mentioned in the article will definitely help you to stay motivated during a long span of lockdown.
Read Rooftop Gardening: Way to Release Stress and Promote Health during Pandemic
Bodybuilding Vs Powerlifting: Similarities, Differences, Pros, Cons
When it comes to the world of fitness, bodybuilding and powerlifting often get confused with each other. From a typical first impression, it’s basically just big people lifting heavy things - which makes these misconceptions understandable. Even though these two sports may seem intimidating just by the amount of effort and time required for both, anyone who is looking to either gain strength or muscle mass can do both of these exercise styles without looking like the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. Differing in diet, training regime and results, let’s take a look at bodybuilders vs powerlifters and see which one is the best for you.
Bodybuilders Vs Powerlifters: Similarities
Both Require Heavy Lifting
Lifting heavy weights will be an inevitable part of both styles of exercise. No matter how opposing the results can be from one another, there is an element of strength that is absolutely necessary to progress. Strength cannot be achieved without at least focusing some attention on basic muscle building. In order to gain strength and the muscle mass necessary to take on heavier weights, a bulking phase is a must.
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Eating Loads Of Food (Some Seasons)
By bulking, trainers will have to go on a calorie surplus that requires more meal sessions. This is so that the body is conditioned to use more energy, protein and other nutrients as the workout intensity amps up. Ideally, the bulking phase is meant to be healthy, which requires a certain level of macronutrient count that consists of carbohydrates, protein and fat - amounts from largest to smallest respectively. When malnourished, the body does not have enough nutrients to build muscle nor the energy to exert force while lifting.
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Types Of Exercises
Deadlifts, squats, bench presses and military presses are staples for both styles of working out and are known as compound exercises. This term is used to describe routines with movements that concentrate on large muscle groups. Deltoids, trapezoids and lats are minor muscles that certainly have their uses, but serve a purpose that will be addressed later.
Compound exercises engage large muscle groups that improve strength, flexibility and heart rate. Additionally, activating such a large range of muscles per exercise also dwell in the cardio category (slightly) allowing lifters to even burn calories.
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Can I take painkillers before or after a COVID-19 vaccine?
Don’t take them before a shot to try to prevent symptoms, but if your doctor agrees, it’s OK to use them afterward if needed.
The concern about painkillers is that they might curb the very immune system response that a vaccine aims to spur. Vaccines work by tricking the body into thinking it has a virus and mounting a defense against it. That may cause temporary arm soreness, fever, muscle aches or other symptoms of inflammation — signs the vaccine is doing its job.
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Some research suggests that certain painkillers including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brands) might diminish the immune system’s response. A study on mice suggests these drugs might lower production of antibodies, which block the virus from infecting cells.
Other research has found that painkillers might dampen the response to some childhood vaccines, so many pediatricians recommend that parents avoid giving children the medicines before a shot and only if needed afterward, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidance to recommend against painkillers before a COVID-19 shot. It says they can be taken afterward for symptoms if you have no other medical conditions precluding their use, but to talk to your doctor.
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If you’re already taking one of those medications for a health condition, you should not stop before you get the vaccine — at least not without asking your doctor, said Jonathan Watanabe, a pharmacist at the University of California, Irvine.
If you’re looking to relieve symptoms after your shot, he added, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is better because it works in a different way than some other painkillers.
“If you have a reaction afterwards and need something, take some acetaminophen,” Schaffner agreed. He added that the immune response generated by the vaccines is strong enough that any dampening effect by painkillers is likely slight and won’t undermine the shots.
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The CDC offers other tips, such as holding a cool, wet washcloth over the area of the shot and exercising that arm. For fever, drink lots of fluids and dress lightly. Call your doctor if redness or tenderness in the arm increases after a day or if side effects don’t go away after a few days, the CDC says.
Curry Leaf Health Benefits and Uses
There are many plants to choose from when it comes to dieting. Greens like spinach, celery and cabbage have been popularised in the fitness and cooking industries for packing an optimal amount of nutrients to embark on the weight-loss journey; but curry leaves on the other hand hasn’t received the same amount of love and attention. Native to South Asia primarily, curry leaves are deceptively healthy despite its presence in some of the unhealthiest dishes out there. If done right, here is how the curry leaf can provide health benefits and have its uses.
Health Benefits and Uses of Curry Leaf
Abundant in Plant Compounds
First and foremost, curry leaves are stacked respectably against other greens in the nutrition department. Linalool, alpha-terpinene, mahanimbine and other compounds commonly found in plants can be found in curry leaves. Primarily, these compounds are suited as antioxidants to help the body detox and keep it immune from unwanted bacteria and viruses.
Granted, these chemicals are not elixirs by any means, but serve as an immunity benefit overall. In addition, curry leaf extract also can assist in protecting against oxidative damage on the heart, kidneys, brain and nervous system too.
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Reduces Risk of Heart Conditions
Curry leaves have a compound called mahanimbine that assists in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. As a result, this not only suppresses the rate of fat storage that could lead to obesity, but it also reduces the risk of heart failure.
Consuming this leaf semi-regularly is the key to allowing the body to decrease its cholesterol levels after a while, but a simple dish or two with some leaves alone, may not amount to much change. It is also worth noting that heart conditions that are less related to cholesterol may not see benefits from curry leaves.
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Reduces Risk of Diabetes
In addition to reducing cholesterol, curry leaves also reduce blood glucose levels significantly. More specifically, these leaves protect insulin-producing cells within the body that are responsible for damage prevention from external substances.
The pancreas is the main source of insulin production and benefits from copper, zinc and iron from the leaves directly. This makes curry leaves a serious candidate for plant-based diets that can mitigate long-term risks if consumed regularly.
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