Health Facts by Dr Pasindu

How to Help Someone with Depression: A Step-by-Step Guide for Loved Ones  Image by  Keila Maria Designs  from  Pixabay Understanding Depression: More Than Just Sadness Depression is a common mental health condition affecting 1 in 8 people globally.  It’s not a sign of weakness but a medical illness linked to chemical imbalances in the brain.  Left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences, including self-harm or suicide.  Recognising the signs early and offering support can save lives.   Key Causes of Depression Depression often arises from a mix of factors:   - Genetic predisposition : Family history increases risk.   - Traumatic life events : Loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or abuse.   - Chronic stress : Workplace pressure, caregiving responsibilities, or academic stress.   - Substance abuse : Alcohol or drug dependency worsens symptoms.   - Social isolation : Lack of supportive relationships.   Recog...

Mindfulness Meditation: Science-Backed Benefits and How to Start Practicing Today Image by  Raul Cardenas  from  Pixabay What Is Mindfulness Meditation? Mindfulness meditation is a practice rooted in ancient Buddhist teachings, now widely embraced in modern psychology.  It involves cultivating moment-to-moment awareness of your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and surroundings without judgment.  This practice, known as Vipassana in Buddhism, helps individuals break free from overwhelming stress, anxiety, and distractions by grounding them in the present.   The Buddhist Foundations of Mindfulness Central to mindfulness are three core principles from Buddhist philosophy:   1. Anicca (Impermanence) : Everything in life—thoughts, emotions, and physical forms—is temporary.   2. Dukkha (Suffering) : Attachment to fleeting experiences leads to dissatisfaction.   3. Anatta (Non-Self) : No permanent "self" exists; experiences arise independentl...

Dandruff Prevention: 6 Proven Ways to Keep Your Scalp Healthy and Flake-Free  Image by  Social Butterfly  from  Pixabay Understanding Dandruff and Its Causes Dandruff is a common scalp condition marked by flaky, itchy skin.  It occurs when the scalp’s sebaceous glands produce too little sebum (natural oil), leading to dryness and accelerated shedding of dead skin cells.  Key triggers include:   - Fungal overgrowth (Malassezia yeast)   - Dry or sensitive skin - Poor hygiene or infrequent washing - Nutritional deficiencies (zinc, B vitamins, omega-3s )   - Stress, cold weather, or harsh hair products While dandruff can’t be fully cured, these science-backed strategies can reduce flakes and keep your scalp healthy.   6 Effective Ways to Prevent and Manage Dandruff 1. Use Targeted Anti-Dandruff Shampoos Key Ingredients to Look For: - Zinc Pyrithione : Reduces fungal growth (e.g., Head & Shoulders)   - Ketoconazole (1-2%) : Strong an...

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Acne Medication for Clear, Healthy Skin Image by  u_19g0ihl6c7  from  Pixabay Acne is a common skin condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by clogged hair follicles, excess oil, and bacterial growth.  Whether you’re a teenager navigating puberty or an adult dealing with hormonal changes, understanding how to select the best acne treatment is crucial for achieving clear, radiant skin.  This guide breaks down the principles of choosing effective acne medication while optimizing your skincare routine.   Understanding Acne: Causes and Symptoms Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked by oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, creating an environment where bacteria thrive.  Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased androgens during puberty, trigger excess sebum production. Common areas affected include the face, chest, back, and shoulders—regions with the highest concentration of oil glands.   Sy...

Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: Causes, Prevention & Effective Treatments Image by  Saranya7  from  Pixabay Understanding Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) Stress urinary incontinence occurs when physical activities like coughing, sneezing, jumping, or lifting heavy objects put pressure on the bladder, causing unintentional urine leakage.  This common condition affects millions of women worldwide, often leading to embarrassment and reduced quality of life.  Understanding its causes and prevention strategies can help manage symptoms effectively.   Why Women Are More Prone to SUI Women experience SUI more frequently than men due to:   - Shorter urethra length (easier for urine to escape)   - Weakened pelvic floor muscles from childbirth, aging, or surgery   - Hormonal changes during menopause reducing tissue elasticity   - Chronic conditions like obesity or persistent cough   5 Proven Ways to Prevent & Manage SUI 1. Pelv...

The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Lubricants: Types, Benefits & How to Choose the Best One Image by  Sasin Tipchai  from  Pixabay Why Lubricants Matter for Sexual Pleasure Sexual lubricants enhance comfort, reduce friction, and intensify pleasure during intimacy.  While natural lubrication occurs when aroused, factors like stress, medications, menopause, or dehydration can decrease moisture.  Using the right lubricant prevents discomfort, protects sensitive tissues, and elevates the overall experience for all genders and sexual preferences.   3 Main Types of Lubricants – Pros & Cons 1. Water-Based Lubricants Best for: Everyday use, condom compatibility, easy cleanup   Pros: - Safe with latex condoms and sex toys   - Light texture, non-staining   - Gentle on sensitive skin   Cons: - Dries faster (may require reapplication, may not be the ideal choice for anal sex) - Some contain glycerin (can cause yeast infections)   2. Silicone-...

Birth Control Methods: A Complete Guide to Choosing What's Right for You Image by  👀 Mabel Amber, who will one day from  Pixabay Understanding Birth Control Options Birth control, also known as contraception, allows individuals and couples to plan pregnancies according to their personal, financial, and health circumstances.  With numerous options available today, selecting the right method depends on effectiveness, convenience, health factors, and future family plans.   Types of Birth Control Methods 1. Reversible Methods Temporary options that allow pregnancy when discontinued Barrier Methods - Male & female condoms : Block sperm from reaching eggs (85-98% effective)   - Diaphragms/cervical caps : Physical barriers placed before intercourse   Hormonal Methods - Pills : Daily oral contraceptives preventing ovulation (91-99% effective)   - Patches/rings : Weekly or monthly hormone-releasing options   - Injectables : Progestin shots lasting 3 m...