Stop Multiple Sclerosis
What must you do to nurture your brain? Feed it well with good thoughts, boost it by continuous learning. The difference between brain and mind has been a subject of debate since ancient times. It is said that the “Brain” is considered a physical manifestation of the “Mind”. The mind referred to as Chitta, Manas and Vijnana, is not so easy to control. Humanity was fortunate to have great minds who worked for the wellbeing of humankind. COVID pandemic has disturbed the lifestyles of people across the world. Prolonged restrictions and living with constraints of movement and missing social interactions would have a long-term impact, especially on the brain’s health. Only time would tell what the magnitude of the problem is and its impact.
Happy World Brain Day!
If you can read the greetings, feel, and resonate, consider yourself lucky. Millions across the world cannot!
In 2014, the World Federation of Neurology proposed 22 July to be celebrated as “World Brain Day”. The day was chosen as it was the foundation day of the federation. The main objective behind the celebration of this day is to increase public awareness and promote advocacy related to brain health
Every five minutes, someone receives the life-altering diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. This neurological disease affects more than 2.8 million people of all ages worldwide. World Brain Day this year is dedicated to raising awareness for “Multiple Sclerosis”. It is being observed in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF). Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The immune system attacks the myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibres and causes Inflammation and lesions. This makes it difficult for the brain to send signals to the rest of the body. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis include fatigue, pain, vision issues, coordination and mobility problems, and cognitive and emotional issues. The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. It is not clear why multiple sclerosis develops in some people and not others. A combination of genetics and environmental factors appears to be responsible. Disease-modifying treatments slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. Yet, access to these medications is unavailable in many parts of the world. Focus on early diagnosis, providing access to treatments, and improved quality of life for both those living with multiple sclerosis and their caregivers. In India, it is rare (<10 lakh cases per year in India). It is also possible that the documentation could be a problem in getting to know the exact numbers.
The brain is the most unique and complex organ in the human body. The human brain is the largest brain organ of all living organisms relative to body mass/size. The human brain has approximately 86 billion neurons connected by something like 850,000 km of axons and dendrites. The connections between these neurons help us read, write, watch, learn, plan, think, feel, move, and solve daily problems.
What must you do to nurture your brain? Feed it well with good thoughts, boost it by continuous learning. Like any other organ, the brain, too, needs nutrients. Long-chain omega fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, fibre, and vitamins such as – B1, B9, D & E, are essential nutrients for the brain’s healthy functioning. Healthy eating, avoidance of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, and exercising the brain by reading and problem solving promotes strength of the brain. The difference between brain and mind has been a subject of debate since ancient times. It is said that the “Brain” is considered a physical manifestation of the “Mind”. The mind referred to as Chitta, Manas and Vijnana, is not so easy to control.
Sage Patanjali suggests:
योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचां ।
I bow down with folded hands purifying the impurities of the mind
Yogena Cittasya Padena Vaacaam |
(by removing the Chitta Vrittis) by Yoga
Humanity was fortunate to have great minds who worked for the wellbeing of humankind. The human brain is so fascinating and is so closely linked to the health of human beings. Need to promote to have a healthy brain. With the increase in the number of nuclear families, the younger generation finding greener pastures in far off destinations and life expectancy increasing, there is a need to establish mechanisms for elderly care.
COVID pandemic has disturbed the lifestyles of people across the world. Prolonged restrictions and living with constraints of movement and missing social interactions would have a long-term impact, especially on the brain’s health. Only time would tell what the magnitude of the problem is and its impact.
Need to take care of both your body and mind (or should it be Brain)!
Toons: Reema Jaiswal
Logs: Sai Baba
*Access the ToonLogs written on the topic in 2020
