All posts by Sumana Rao

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Cervical cancer Teal Wand

Cervical Cancer Screening Can Be Done At Home Using FDA Approved Teal Wand Device

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Teal Wand™, the first at-home cervical cancer screening device in the United States. Developed by Teal Health, this innovative tool enables women to self-collect vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing—a primary cause of cervical cancer—without the need for a traditional pelvic exam.

Key features of the teal wand:

User-friendly design: Resembling a tampon, the Teal Wand allows for comfortable self-collection of vaginal samples at home, eliminating the discomfort associated with speculum-based Pap smears.

Clinical accuracy: In the SELF-CERV study, involving over 600 participants, the Teal Wand demonstrated a 96% accuracy rate in detecting cervical precancers, comparable to clinician-collected samples.

High user preference: The study revealed that 94% of participants preferred self-collection at home, and 86% indicated they would be more likely to stay current with screenings if they could do them at home.

Availability and access:

Prescription based: The Teal Wand is available by prescription, which can be obtained through Teal Health’s telehealth platform.

Initial Launch: The product will first be available in California starting June 2025, with plans for nationwide expansion later in the year.

Insurance coverage in US: Teal Health is collaborating with major insurance providers to ensure coverage and is working on flexible payment options to make the test accessible to a broader population.

Implications for public health: The introduction of the Teal Wand addresses several barriers to cervical cancer screening, such as discomfort with pelvic exams, limited access to healthcare facilities, and cultural or personal reservations. By facilitating at-home testing, it aims to increase screening rates, particularly among underserved populations, and contribute to the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.

While the Teal Wand offers a convenient alternative for HPV testing, it does not replace the need for comprehensive gynecological care. Positive test results should be followed up with in-person consultations for further evaluation and treatment.

Teal Health recommends cervical screening for Women between the screening ages of 25-65 years and with a cervix and has not had a full hysterectomy.

Types of cervical cancer screening devices and tools commonly used:

A cervical cancer screening device is a medical tool or technology used to detect early signs of cervical cancer, often before symptoms appear. The goal is to find abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could develop into cancer if not treated.

Pap smear tools:

-A speculum is inserted into the vagina to open it.

-A brush or spatula is used to collect cells from the cervix.

-These cells are examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities (this is called a Pap test or Pap smear).

HPV test devices:

-These devices collect cervical or vaginal cells to test for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer.

-Self-collection devices, like the newly FDA-approved Teal Wand (just approved), allow women to collect a sample at home.

Colposcopes:

If a screening test finds abnormal cells, a colposcope (a type of microscope) may be used in a clinic to visually inspect the cervix in more detail.

Why do screening devices matter?

  • Early detection: They help catch precancerous changes early.
  • Prevention: Treating abnormal cells can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
  • Accessibility: New devices like the Teal Wand aim to make screening more comfortable and accessible, especially for women who avoid in-clinic exams.

References:

  1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/fda-approves-teal-healths-hpv-screening-test-home-alternative-pap-smear
  2. https://www.thecut.com/
  3. https://www.foxnews.com/health/first-at-home-hpv-test-approved-fda-could-replace-pap-smear
  4. https://www.self.com/story/teal-health-cervical-cancer-screening-fda-approved
  5. www.npr.org
  6. Image credit: https://www.getteal.com/teal-wand
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 13, 2025
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Waking up from right side

Reasons To Get Up From Right Side Of The Bed Or Yoga Mat

While practicing yoga, you might hear instructor often tell you to get up on the right side of the mat after Shavasana – corpse pose. It is a common practice in yoga traditions to get up from the right side as it holds symbolic, energetic, and physiological significance. It is also practice getting up from the right side of the bed in the morning.

Why is it important to get up from the right side of the bed or after yoga practice? Ayurveda strongly recommends getting up from the right side of the bed daily.

1. Energetic and symbolic reasons

  • Tradition and subtle body practices: In yogic philosophy, the right side is associated with the Pingala nadi, which represents solar energy, activity, and outward motion. Rolling to the right is thought to gently activate this energy after the deep rest of Shavasana, helping you transition from rest to wakefulness.
  • Protection of the heart: Lying on the left side compresses the heart slightly. Rolling to the right helps avoid this and is seen as a gentler transition.

2. Physiological reasons

  • Digestive comfort: Rolling to the right may support better digestion by keeping the stomach below the esophagus, reducing the chance of acid reflux. Ayurveda says that Surya Nadi that is present on the right side, activates and boosts metabolism. process.
  • Gentle reawakening: Rolling on the right side and pausing before sitting up gives the body a moment to adjust to movement and avoid dizziness or a blood pressure drop.
  • Brain and heart health: It is important to start the day in a good mood. Turning right and getting up helps the heart and brain to function properly. This reduces any morning anxiety and keeps the system calm.

3. Consistency and ritual:

  • Many yoga traditions use it to create ritual and mindfulness. It offers a structured, respectful closing to the practice, grounding the experience.

4. Other reasons:

  • Scientific reason – Research says that our body has two magnetic fields – one runs from head to feet and second one from feet to head. Waking up the right side increases the flow of energy in the second magnetic field.
  • As per Ayurveda – right side of the brain involves in creativity. Waking up from right side helps brain to be stress free and energy becomes active thus preparing us for the day.
  • The right side of the body is more stable than the left side and you can notice that you feel connected to the world. Getting up by turning left might make you feel disconnected, irritable, unhappy, and lethargic.

If you are not getting up by turning right side of the mat or bed – start practicing today! It might help you feel better, and you may even notice that your stress level is low, and the day is cheerful!!

Image credit: Image by Claudio Scot from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 9, 2025
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Asthma

Home Remedies For Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and narrowed. The common symptoms you see when someone has asthma – Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, especially at night or early in the morning
Some of the key features of asthma are;
Triggers: Symptoms can be triggered by allergens (like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander), cold air, exercise, respiratory infections, smoke, or stress.
Reversible: Unlike some other lung diseases, the narrowing of airways in asthma is usually reversible—either on its own or with treatment.
Variable: Asthma symptoms can come and go, and their severity can range from mild to life-threatening.

In our ancient methods, our ancestors were focusing on bringing back strength by clearing the lung system. Grandma recommends some of those ancient home remedies for asthma to boost immune system using lehyam and other methods.

When someone has asthma it is important to bring their strength and immunity system back. The weaker the body bringing back to normalcy from asthma attack becomes tedious. In our ancient methods our ancestors were focusing on bringing back strength by clearing the lung system and reducing wheezing.

1. Pink salt, ginger, pepper and Tulsi: To 250 ml of water add 1/4 ginger powder, about 6 crushed black pepper, 1/4 tsp saindhava lavana (pink salt), and 5 holy tulsi leaves and boil. Continue boiling and let the water reduce to 1/4 th of original volume. Drink this twice a day.

2. Boil fresh ginger in water (1 inch grated ginger in 150 ml water) and drink daily.

3. For 1 tsp of honey and ginger powder and pepper powder and mix well. Have this mix twice daily – morning and night (after dinner). This reduces wheezing.

4. Put few drops of eucalyptus oil, patouchili oil in hot water and inhale the steam.

5. Boil pepper powder, coriander powder and little hing with turmeric powder. Inhale the steam by covering head to relieve any asthma irritation.

6. Pipli lehyam: Prepare lehyam using 4-5 Piper longum (Indian long pipli) -prepare powder of pipli and add honey (3 Tbs), dates (few) and raisins with little ghee. Mix well on low flame and transfer to a air tight container. Consume a tsp of this every night with warm milk.

7. Ginger lehyam: Soak ajwan, jeera and coriander seeds for about 2 hours and grind with 2 inches of fresh ginger to fine paste. Cook this on low flame. Add jaggery and ghee and continue cooking while stirring constantly for another 5-10 minutes on low flame. Consume this once a day during night with half a glass of warm milk.

8. Turmeric, pepper and honey: Mix a tsp of honey and turmeric powder with 1/4 tsp of pepper powder. Have this mix once or twice a day during winter time to come out of difficulty breathing.

9. Clove: Take 5-6 cloves and boil them in half a glass of water, followed by adding a spoon of honey. Drink warm milk or water after consuming this mix.

10. Mustard Oil and camphor: Take some mustard oil and mix camphor powder in it. Massage with it all over the chest, till you get relief from the asthma. To have an immediate effect warm mustard oil and camphor.

11. Onion juice and honey: Prepare a few drops of onion by crushing and squeezing onion and add a tsp of honey and have this mix to reduce lung inflammation and irritation.

12. Fenugreek and ginger: Take fenugreek seeds powder- 2 tbsp, Ginger paste – 2 tsp, Honey- 1 tsp in 1 liter of water. Boil fenugreek powder and ginger. After 10 minutes strain the mix and add honey and drink.

13. Moringa leaves (drumstick) soup: Boil drumstick leaves and add pepper and ghee have it. This boosts immune system and the alkaloids present in these leaves helps in relaxation of bronchioles.

14. Daily twice practice pranayama. Focus on breathing. Let both inhale and exhale be at same length. This helps in strengthening lungs.

15. Every day early morning walk during summer helps to get good and clean air. Sit in the glowing sun for an hour to clear the system.

16. Stay away from – smoking, drinking, tobacco, soft drinks

17. Keep away perfume, essence, mosquito repellents – these will cause lung irritation and increases asthma.

18. Remove dust from surfaces and keep house clean. While dusting makes sure that, you don’t expose asthma patient to dust particles.

19. Cats and other pets hair can enhance asthma by increasing allergy. Stay away from pets.

20. Keep yourself warm during winter and wear warm cloths to protect your lungs and chest.

Disclaimer: These are home remedies. Do not mix these remedies with your doctor’s prescriptions of any types of drugs and medicines.

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Image credit: “Adult Using an Asthma Inhaler” by NIAID is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 8, 2025
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Prevent heart condition in kids

Prevent Heart Conditions In Children

Protecting kids’ heart health is crucial for their long-term health and for overall wellbeing. In kids obvious issues with the heart do not show as most of the time parents concentrate on other health issues. In case of congenital heart condition (CHD) during pregnancy or once the baby is born parents get know about it as it is a birth defect. In growing children, however, heart health issues go unnoticed as parents focus on other common illness like fever and cold. According to experts, most of the time when kids enter adulthood symptoms of heart disease will start showing up and this is a buildup condition due to poor diet and unhealthy habits.

Some of the common reasons for kids’ heart health issues are: obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, exposure to smoking, less or no physical activity, unhealth diet, obesity, build up of fat in arteries and high cholesterol.

To promote kids heart health at young age itself parents must focus on the diet and inculcate health habits in children.

Encourage healthy eating: Be patient especially with picky eaters. Encourage kids to eat. Provide a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products in kids above age two. Limit the intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and sugary drinks.

Promote regular physical activity: Encourage at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Activities can include playing sports, biking, swimming, dancing, or simply playing outside.

Limit screen time: Set reasonable limits on screen time for activities like watching TV, playing video games, or using smartphones. Excessive screen time is associated with sedentary behavior and can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.

Teach healthy habits: Teach kids the importance of maintaining healthy habits, such as proper handwashing, getting enough sleep, and practicing good oral hygiene. These habits contribute to overall health and well-being.

Maintain a healthy weight: Help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight, especially if carried into adulthood, can increase the risk of heart disease.

Model healthy behavior: Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits if they see their parents and caregivers practicing them. Be a positive role model by making healthy food choices, being physically active, and managing stress.

Encourage family meals: Eat meals together as a family whenever possible. Family meals provide an opportunity to model healthy eating habits, and they offer a chance for bonding and communication.

Promote hydration: Encourage kids to drink water instead of sugary beverages. Staying properly hydrated is essential for overall health.

Be mindful of salt intake: Limit the intake of processed and salty foods. Teach kids to enjoy the natural flavors of foods without excessive use of salt.

Regular health checkups: Schedule regular checkups with a pediatrician to monitor the child’s growth, development, and overall health. This includes blood pressure and cholesterol level checks if deemed necessary.

Teach stress management: Help children develop healthy ways to cope with stress, such as through relaxation techniques, hobbies, or spending time in nature.

Educate about smoking: Teach children about the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke. Ensure a smoke-free environment at home and while traveling or going out.

Encourage active play: Encourage unstructured, active play. Activities like tag, hide and seek, and playing on playgrounds help kids stay physically active and enjoy the benefits of play.

Incorporating these habits into a child’s routine can significantly contribute to their heart health and set the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice based on a child’s specific health needs.

References:

https://www.heart.org/

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/

Image credit: Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Tomato tambuli recipe

Tomato Tambuli Recipe

A very simple recipe for hot summer to keep your system not heavy – Tomato Tambuli. You can mix this with rice or have as a side dish with rice mix.

What is Tambuli?  Tambuli is a dish prepared using cumin, pepper or green chilis with buttermilk or curd. To tambuli instead of tomato one can use green leaves, fenugreek seeds, ginger, onion, amla etc. Tambuli helps in digestion and keeps body light for hot summer.

Ingredients:

  1. Tomato – 1 Medium size
  2. Cumin – 1 tsp
  3. Pepper – 1 tsp
  4. Grated coconut -1/4 cup
  5. Buttermilk or curd -1 cup
  6. Salt- as per taste
  7. Asafetida – pinch
  8. Mustard- ½ tsp
  9. Curry leaves – few
  10. Red chili – 1
  11. Oil – for seasoning

Preparation:

  1. Wash and cut tomato into small pieces
  2. Place a frying pan on medium heat and add oil. To heated oil, add cumin and pepper and fry till both release aroma.
  3. Add cut tomatoes and continue frying for couple of more minutes. Before turning off the heat add grated coconut and fry for few seconds. Allow contents to cool.
  4.  Transfer fried ingredients to a mixer, add little water and grind to paste.
  5. Transfer the grinded content to a vessel. Now add salt, butter milk or curd. If you want thin consistency, then add some water.
  6. Give seasoning Tomato tambuli using mustard, asafetida, curry leaves and red chili.
  7. Serve Tomato tambuli with plain rice or mixed rice dishes like pulavo, vegetable rice, fried rice etc.

*Since this tambuli has coconut as one of the ingredients, you cannot store it for long time. If you prepare for lunch then any leftover should be refrigerated.

Image credit: Image by -Rita-👩‍🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Pregnancy and alcohol

Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy Poses Serious Threat To Fetus Health

Are you trying to conceive or pregnant? Then you should know -drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus at any stage, even before a woman knows she is pregnant. Alcohol passes through the placenta and can interfere with normal development, especially of the brain and central nervous system. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can result in FASD -Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

How does drinking alcohol impact fetus?

1. Brain development: Alcohol is a teratogen, meaning it can cause birth defects. It disrupts the development of neurons and the structure of the brain. This can result in lifelong cognitive and behavioral issues, including:

  • Poor memory
  • Learning disabilities
  • ADHD
  • Emotional and social problems

2. Physical growth: Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb may be-

  • Born smaller than average.
  • Experience slow growth after birth.
  • Have facial abnormalities (in cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)

3. Organ development: Can affect the heart, kidneys, bones, and hearing. It also increases risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.

4. Long term effects: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs): A range of lifelong disabilities including:

  • Intellectual disability
  • Behavioral issues
  • Difficulty with daily functioning

Is any amount of alcohol safe? NO! There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Even small amounts may pose a risk. The safest choice is no alcohol at all while trying to conceive and, during pregnancy. FAS is 100% preventable—the only sure way to avoid it is to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. No amount of alcohol is considered safe at any stage of pregnancy.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 1, 2025
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House cooling hacks

No Air Conditioner? Follow These DIY Cooling Hacks

Staying cool without an air conditioner can be a total lifesaver in summer because not all houses or rooms will have AC. If you do not have AC, then here are some useful tips to keep you cool this summer.

1. Block the Sun:

  • Close blinds and curtains during the day, especially on windows facing the sun. Blackout curtains work best!
  • Reflect sunlight with foil-lined cardboard or thermal curtains if you can.

2. Strategic ventilation:

  • Open windows at night when it is cooler to let air flow through.
  • Create a cross-breeze: open windows across from each other and place a fan to push the air out one side.

3. DIY cooling tricks:

  • Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan blows cooler air.
  • Dampen a sheet or towel and hang it in front of an open window. As air passes through, it cools down.

4. Adjust your body temperature:

  • Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothing.
  • Cool your pulse points (wrists, neck, elbows, ankles) with a cold cloth.
  • Cold showers or even just soaking your feet in cold water  and you will feel refreshed.
  • Practice Nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) which helps to keep the body cool.

5. Smart cooking:

  • Avoid turning on the oven or stove.
  • Go for no-cooked meals like salads, sandwiches, buttermilk, lassi, smoothies.

6. Floor camping:

  • Sleep on the floor if possible because hot air rises, cooler air is near the ground.
  • Use lightweight cotton sheets and sleep with minimal covers.

7. Natural cooling aids:

  • Houseplants like ferns, aloe vera, and areca palms naturally cool the air a little.
  • Spray bottle with water mist over your skin.

8. Turn off the heat:

  • Unplug devices when not in use. Electronics radiate heat even on standby.

Simple DIY “air conditioner” hacks you can try — super low effort, but they help:

1. Fan and Ice combo – This is a classic hack!

What you need: A fan, A shallow pan or bowl, Ice cubes (or frozen water bottles)

How to: Place the bowl of ice directly in front of the fan. The fan blows air over the ice, sending a chillier breeze toward you. Freeze water in large bottles like 2-liter soda bottles -they melt slower than loose ice.

2. Frozen towel trick

What you need: A clean towel, Water, Freezer

How to: Dampen the towel (do not soak). Fold and place it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. Drape it over your shoulders, around your neck, or even hang it in front of a fan for a cooling curtain.

3. Wet sheet on the floor

What you need: Water, cotton bed sheets and a fan

How to: If you are sleeping on a cot this works well. And best is on cement flooring. Soak the bed sheets well and throw them on the floor. Run the ceiling fan. Water starts evaporating from the bedsheet creating cooling effect, you will sleep well.

4. Wet Sheet by the window

What you need: A bed sheet, Water, Open window

How to: Soak the sheet and wring it out a little so it is damp, not dripping. Hang it across an open window. As air passes through, it evaporates moisture and cools the room naturally.

Image credit: Image by Raad from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: April 30, 2025
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