The Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on the US 2020 Presidential Election

Picture of the American Flag on a flag pole in front of a house
Photo: unsplash.com

As we all have been watching the catastrophic results of this pandemic, many of us have also been attentive to the countries that got hit the worst. In the beginning, it was China, then Italy and now the United States, although some might argue that the numbers of those affected here is in direct relation to the amount of testing that was done since the US has done far more testing per capita than any other country.

Regardless of how the numbers were obtained, the result is that, as of the writing of this blog,  there are 2,760,664 confirmed cases of the virus and 128,951 deaths. But the beginning of the year was in a happier tone and the future looked bright. The economy was doing well. And then – COVID-19 and with it, not only did the situation in the country flip upside down, but the certainty regarding the US Presidential Elections 2020 seems to have blurred.

While President Donald Trump isn’t ready to postpone the Presidential Elections for 2020, his supporters are skeptical about how the elections will proceed as per the plan. The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect hundreds and thousands of Americans every day and one can assume that the fear and panic will stay with people all the way up to the elections.

At present, everyone in the US has the same question – will the Presidential Elections 2020 proceed as per the plan? If yes, how?

From the candidates to the voters, nobody has a clue of how to cope up with the impact, as we have hit unexplored territory. Let’s see if you can find answers to some of your questions. 

How COVID-19 is Impacting the US Presidential Elections

The 46th US Presidential Election is set to take place on November 3rd, 2020. Americans have two options; either to re-elect Donald Trump as their president or give former Vice President Joe Biden a chance at running the country.

However, it is not clear about how voters will exercise their right to vote while we struggle with the ongoing pandemic. Citizens are looking to the government to devise a fair, free, secure, accessible and above all, a safe method that can enable them to cast their votes.

People are reluctant to step out and join a crowd that will be gathered on Election Day. Since the WHO keeps stressing the importance of social distancing, the idea of conducting elections doesn’t seem to be the right idea. The question is – if people can’t vote in the traditional way (ballot voting), then what?

The COVID-19 outbreak has left little room for the regular assembly-driven, interactive process of election campaigns, primaries and party conventions. The elections in the US are decentralized and therefore, every state has to make their call whether they want to continue with the current schedule of moving the elections forward. 

What Voting Options are Available?

While moving ahead with the traditional voting method doesn’t seem to be the best option right now, different voting methods are being considered.

More Polling Stations in Every District

Photo of a polling station

The first option is to increase the number of polling stations in every district to prevent overcrowding. With a fewer number of voters at each polling station, it’ll be a lot easier for the authorities to follow the standard COVID-19 SOPs, (Standard Operating Procedures), which include maintaining a distance of at least six feet and wearing masks. However, despite being a highly possible option, it is quite costly.

It’ll require the government to hire more staff, train them, provide them with all the needed protective equipment and arrange additional voting machines for the new polling stations. There is also an option to increase the number of days for which voting stays open. However, that too will require additional staff. 

Mail-In Voting

Illustration of a voting ballot

This is a contentious issue. An option that is very political and controversial due to the fear of fraudulent ballots being sent, but five states have already elected to do so during their primaries.

Besides the argument of fraud, mail-in voting is extremely time-consuming and costly. It is very expensive and comes with a lot of complications. It’ll require the government to print mail-in ballots, which aren’t the same as the ballots used for-person voting. Moreover, the authorities have to arrange for pre-paid return postage to make sure that the poorer communities can participate as well. Lastly, the processing of the ballots won’t be straightforward. It’ll require specialized machines and equipment and the training of all the workers involved. 

All of it revolves around the assumption that the states have mail details of every eligible voter of the country, which is not the case in reality. While the state can have eligible voters to register online, not everyone will abide by it. 

If everything does work out as an ideal situation, the state will have to ensure that the public is aware of how a vote-by-mail system works and what their role will be. 

Postponing the Election?

Postponing the US Presidential Elections is possible but not a very likely scenario. The President, even if he is willing, can’t postpone the elections unilaterally. The US Congress will have to enact legislation for the postponement of the elections. Since, according to the US constitution, the new President has to take charge on January 20, 2021, there isn’t much flexibility when it comes to this situation.

Therefore, the only option that the state has is to conduct elections while ensuring that all SOPs are being followed and the social distancing is maintained. 

Closing Word

No one could have guessed that there’ll be so much uncertainty to the US presidential elections this year. The election campaigns are struggling with the pandemic and the situation doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon. All thanks to this outbreak that is currently in its sixth month with no solution in sight. It will be very interesting how this situation turns out and definitely one for the history books! 

The Different Kinds of Responses Proposed for COVID-19 by Countries

Mask and gloves

COVID-19 has affected 8,281,451 people up till now, out of which, 446,461 people lost their lives fighting the battle. The disease starts with symptoms like mild flu, dry cough, fever and chills. People don’t really do much about it, thinking it will go away. However, it’s not long before their symptoms worsen, the fever gets high, they feel chills and eventually find it difficult to breathe normally.   

How is COVID-19 Infection Different from Normal Flu? 

It is a highly contagious infection that is transmitted through the respiratory droplets of the affected person. The COVID-19 virus is not airborne. It is when a COVID-19 patient coughs or sneezes that their respiratory droplets are fired into the air, towards the people near them. When a person inhales these droplets or touches a surface that is contaminated with the respiratory droplets of an infected person and touches their face, they can get infected. What makes the COVID-19 infection different from ordinary flu is that there is no known treatment. No vaccine can keep one from getting infected or a drug that can treat the patients. Moreover, unlike the flu, the COVID-19 virus spreads throughout the lungs and affects the breathing capability of an individual. 

As a result, they’re put on artificial breathing support (ventilator). Some get recovered while those with pre-existing medical conditions have more of a struggle because they are already compromised.

What Can Be Done?

Since the treatment of the coronavirus infection doesn’t exist, all the doctors try to do is manage the symptoms. However, the only way to keep oneself protected from initially getting infected is to maintain social distance and wear a mask when outdoors. WHO recommends keeping a distance of at least six feet from other people. The farthest the virus can travel when a person coughs or sneezes is less than six feet. Moreover, when you’re wearing a mask, you are limiting the chances of others getting infected by you.   

In case someone in your family gets tested positive for COVID-19 and their condition isn’t so bad that they need to be hospitalized, the best thing to do is isolate them. Keeping them in a separate room and maintaining no physical contact with them will ensure that the rest of the family stays safe. Additionally, you should disinfect your house or apartment. Common household disinfectants are recommended such as Lysol or other cleaners that contain disinfectant ingredients. All common areas should be cleaned including bathrooms. You might want to consider a professional to do it for you if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself. 

This is the primary safety protocol that has been put forward by health authorities all over the world. Different countries took different steps to keep the spread of the virus in control and contain the numbers of affected persons to a minimum. Many countries moved towards nationwide lockdown. Let’s have a look at how countries responded to the coronavirus disease.   

Australia

Australia is one of the countries that flattened the curve the fastest. The country closed its borders as soon as the pandemic hit Australia and cases started surfacing. The government declared strict rules to maintain social distancing in public places and community centers, churches, schools, clubs, entertainment venues and beaches were closed. 

New South Wales, Australia entered alert level four 15 days after the 100th case was reported. However, in just eight days after this, it had controlled the spread significantly and entered into alert level three.  Australia surely responded to the pandemic at the right time and took all the right steps that kept the COVID-19 spread well under control.

Italy

We all know how badly the outbreak hit Italy. With thousands of new cases every day, it seemed like there was no stopping to the pandemic in Italy. Italy underestimated the gravity of the situation and responded pretty late. However, when it finally responded, it managed the outbreak very effectively. The country took strict measures. Apart from closing down all public places, they declared a country-wide lockdown and even closed all their essential businesses. The delay caused Italy about 27,000 deaths. However, with strict social distancing protocols and lockdown, they managed to reduce its spread rate significantly.  

New York

The COVID-19 pandemic sucked the life out of the city that never sleeps. The virus spread rapidly and ended up overwhelming the healthcare system. New York City, like Italy, had undermined the virus and it declared a lockdown only after the number of COVID-19 cases peaked, then a complete lockdown followed. From a staggeringly high rate of more than 6,000 cases every day in April, New York managed to bring the number down to less than 1,000 cases a day in June.  

Singapore

Singapore has been one of the most successful countries to have managed the COVID-19 outbreak. It took the right measures early on and controlled the situation without having to move towards a complete lockdown. Singapore ran COVID-19 tests extensively. They ensured strict quarantining and created a highly efficient contact tracing system. It quickly entered alert level three from alert level four. However, the only mistake they did was get overconfident about the fact that they had combated the pandemic. As a result, a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country that took it back to alert level four.

China

This discussion can’t come to an end without the mention of China. It all started in China, but today, it is one of the few countries that have lifted the lockdown and returned to a normal routine. While the virus spread rapidly, China managed to contain it and bring the number of daily cases to zero. The question is – how did they do that?

China tested the people for COVID-19 for free. They built hospitals in a matter of days so that they could cater to the medical needs of the maximum number of people. Not only this, they literally walled off wards in existing hospitals to contain the spread. They also prioritized COVID-19 patients, as patients with other complaints weren’t entertained at the hospitals. Wuhan, the epicenter of the disease, was completely cut off from the rest of the country. The trains didn’t stop at Wuhan station and the flight operations were suspended. China made an excellent contact tracing system that aims to track every individual affected by the virus. Their contact tracing was efficient and their lockdown was strict.

All in all, China responded promptly and aggressively, which is why it is in a better position than the rest of the countries across the world today!

Closing Word

Countries around the globe responded differently. Some responded on time while some delayed responding. Some have been successful at containing the COVID-19 virus while others are still struggling. The only way to combat the virus successfully is – respond promptly and keep trying. The coronavirus pandemic isn’t something you can stay relaxed about and even though there are signs of the virus diminishing in certain areas, we need to still stay vigilant so that it doesn’t return or at least not in the ferocious way it did before. 

Economic Recovery after COVID-19

Illustration novel COVID-19 virus
Microscopic View of the Novel COVID-19 Virus (Photo Unsplash.com)
The economies of countries all around the world have been impacted drastically by this pandemic. A substantial part of the economy has been shut down in an attempt to reduce social interactions, which is the only way (as of now) to keep the spread of COVID-19 in control. The world economy has experienced a sharp decline in the GDP, along with a rapid surge in unemployment. It is hard to tell just yet how massive the overall impact will be, and more importantly, how long it will last.

According to the IMF, the world economy was expected to grow by 3.3% in 2020, but it will actually shrink by 4.9%. They predict that if the countermeasures to the pandemic are successful, the world economy is expected to recover to achieve significant growth of 5.8% in 2021.

With that said, many countries have already started to open up. Although diminishing, COVID-19 is still with us, but it is just not possible to keep the economies hibernated for unknown periods of time. It is something even the strongest economies can’t sustain, let alone the countries that were already struggling to keep their heads above water before the pandemic hit.

Let’s see how soon complete economic recovery is possible and how different countries are working towards achieving it.

China

It all started in China. On 31st December 2019, China told the WHO about the outbreak of a pneumonia-like disease in many people in Wuhan. Back then, nobody knew what was causing the infection. On 12th January 2020, China publicly shared that the infections were being caused by a new virus, COVID-19, although controversy still looms over how long China waited before that made it public to the world and if things could have been different if that notified everyone earlier. However, we can’t change the past and so things began to escalate by March 11, 2020, WHO had declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic.

It took China three months to declare itself coronavirus-free. Although, after going 56 days with no new COVID-19 cases, a new case was reported on 11th June 2020.

China imposed strict lockdown and social distancing protocols in Wuhan in an attempt to contain the pandemic. During this time, the economy of China shrunk by 6.8% for the first time in 40 years. There was a noticeable decline in exports and the sales of consumer goods. However, China was soon on the road to economic recovery. 

In March, the economy of China started to get better, as essential businesses were opened.  In early April, China lifted the strict lockdown in the Wuhan city, which is considered the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. It looks like China is working towards economic recovery slowly, but it remains to see what the world is going to do about this and if they will hold China responsible. Indeed, President Trump has already said that there will be consequences for China’s “mishandling” of the virus and the delay in which they let the world know.

Italy

The COVID-19 outbreak in Italy was worse than many other countries, including China. The death toll stands at the second-highest spot. Italy’s economy was already struggling with the after-effects of the oil crisis that hit the country in the 1980s. To try to control the COVID-19 outbreak from worsening any further, it imposed a strict lockdown. 

On 4th May 2020, Italy lifted the longest-ever lockdown that any country of Europe had seen. Because let’s face it – no country can have their economies shut down forever. With the lifting of lockdown, the basic economic activity was restored, and it seemed like the normal routine was returning. Construction and manufacturing plants were opened, followed by the opening of restaurants, cafes, libraries and museums. Soon, restrictions on domestic travel was also lifted and the borders with EU countries were also re-opened. It took Italy two months to reach a point where they could consider restoring their economic activities. While a complete economic recovery may take years, they do appear to be on the road to complete recovery.

Australia

Australia has been one of the few countries that managed to contain the COVID-19 outbreak early on. It imposed a strict lockdown soon after the number of COVID-19 positive cases started to rise. Like many other countries, the economy of Australia was impacted badly. The sales of consumer products declined drastically, unemployment surged, flight operations were suspended, the real estate market froze and tourism seemed to have come to a halt. However, Australia has finally started its journey to the road of economic recovery.

The government plans to either cut down its spending or increase the taxes to cover up for the losses due to COVID-19. The country has no plans whatsoever to restore international flight operations for the rest of the year, but it hopes that it will boost domestic travel. As a result of increased domestic travel, the economy will experience a significant boost. The government is also planning reforms that will aid in speedy economic recovery.

According to experts, the GDP is expected to shrink by 10 to 15% by the mid of the year. As the workplaces and economic activities begin to come back to normal, the economic recovery will pick up the pace. Experts predict that the economy will get better during the second half of the year. It might take the country about 18 months to reach its economic highs again. However, it may not be until the end of 2021 that the Australian economy recovers from the impact of COVID-19 completely.

New Zealand

The world is praising how New Zealand managed to combat COVID-19 like champions! However, the battle against COVID-19 didn’t come easy for them. The country’s economy was struck quite hard and it seems like it will take quite a while for it to come back to where it was before COVID-19 hit. The worst the economy of New Zealand had ever shrunk was to 1.7%, but it is at 4.6% at present. The tax collection up to June remained below the target, which has left with less money to spend. Unemployment rates have surged from 4% to 8.3%. Worst of all, New Zealand is facing revenue deficits for the first time in many years. However, with the lifting of the lockdown and the restoration of economic activity, it may take at least 10 months for the country to achieve a complete economic recovery.

Closing Word 

It looks like the world is learning to live with COVID-19. Countries all around the world are slowly opening up their economies. There is uncertainty surrounding complete economic recovery right now, but as they say – slow and steady wins the race. With smart strategies and gradual lifting of lockdowns, countries can successfully restore their normal routines and economic activities, without provoking the COVID-19 outbreak to get worse, which is a slippery slope but one that can be managed if done smartly and wisely. 

How to Get a Physician License in New York

doctor holding red stethoscope

It’s no secret that the medical profession involves a complex series of training and exams before a doctor can enter the medical field. However, getting a physician license in the Big Apple tends to present a whole new set of challenges on its own.  

The process requires you to pass multiple Medical Licensure Examinations, complete a residency program, collect certain certificates and meet other eligibility criteria before you can even apply. It goes without saying, there’s a hefty amount of paperwork involved too.  

The following article covers the basics of what you generally need to know.

Regulation of MDs in the State

The New York State Board of Medicine governs the rules and regulations for licensing and practicing medicine in the region.  

However, the Office of the Professions, a part of the New York State Education Department also plays an important role. In fact, it is the main body that maintains the records and licensing information, in addition to issuing the permit itself.

The application and fees for the license need to be submitted to the Office of the Professions.

General Requirements

According to the State’s Board of Medicine, anyone interested in working as a physician in New York must:

  • Be aged 21 or above
  • Have a good moral character
  • Fulfill the academic, examination, and experience criteria (discussed in detail later)
  • File an application along with the specified fee in full 

Licensing Fee

Currently, the application fee for obtaining a physician license in New York is $735. 

Note that this is separate from all the test registration fees which ought to be submitted at the time of appearing for the respective exam. 

The licensing fee is subject to change, so make sure to check if it has been revised at the time you apply. 

Applicants can pay the fees via money order or a personal check. Cash is not acceptable. 

The check/ money order, along with the application form needs to be mailed to:

New York State Education Dept
Office of the Professions
P.O. Box 22063
Albany, NY 12201

If you are a foreign practitioner applying from outside the U.S., make sure that you make the payment on a U.S. bank and in U.S. currency.

Education and Experience Requirements

Based on the education and experience required, the eligibility criteria for becoming a licensed physician in New York can be divided into four main parts:

  1. Get an ECFMG certificate (for foreign candidates only)
  2. Register with FCVS
  3. Complete a residency program
  4. Pass USMLE Step 3 Exam

Completing each of these steps is a long and hard journey and can constitute a lengthy guide of its own. Here, we have highlighted the major aspects of each article that can provide you with a good idea of what’s involved.

Get an ECFMG Certificate

If you have received your degree from a medical school located outside the U.S., you will need an ECFMG certificate.

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is a governing body that helps international candidates find and pursue a career in medicine in the U.S.

In order to get certified by the ECFMG, you will need to submit an identification form along with your final medical school transcript.

You can submit your documents in hardcopy although they have an online portal to make things more convenient. 

You will also need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 exams. The total fees for each of these exams is $790. The Step 2 exam has a second module that costs an additional $1,375.

Register with FCVS

The Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) provides a standard for the relevant authorities in all states to view and verify the medical credentials of any physician practicing in the country. 

You can register online or send your application by mail. The documents required for this step include photocopies of your:

  • Medical degree
  • Clinical clerkship
  • Training certificate
  • ECFMG certificate
  • Proof of identification 

The charges for this step range upwards of $325.

Complete a Residency Program

Once you have created a profile at FCVS, you need to find a residency program, sometimes also called a fellowship program. These medical training programs must be endorsed by the Accrediting Council on Graduate Medical Education. 

Generally, residency programs take 3 to 7 years to complete. But in some cases, you can apply for the next step while still serving as a resident.

Pass USMLE Step 3

The last requirement for receiving a physician license in New York is to clear the USMLE Step 3 exam.

To save time, you can fill out the application form before appearing for this module. However, the license will not be issued until you have submitted proof of passing this exam.

According to the USMLE board, it’s best to take Step 3 after competing (or when you are close to completing) the first year of your postgraduate training in a U.S.-accredited medical education program.

End Note

We hope this gives you a general idea of what’s involved regarding acquiring a physician’s license. We suggest you follow up with researching the processes and exams mentioned. If we were to provide all the information here, it would probably extend to over 100 web pages. 

With that said, here is a general summary. There is a required completion of a residency program of a minimum of three years (in any state) as well as passing Step 1 to 3 of the USMLE test. Your eligibility for becoming a licensed physician is also subject to various additions certifications but all in all, it is well worth it. According to the data collected by Indeed, physicians in New York have an average annual income of at least $230,000 – which is a whopping 15% above the national average!

How to Deal with Indigestion

Illustration of bacteria under a magnifying glass in the bowels

Indigestion is a feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen and chest. You also may feel bloated. There can be many factors associated with this discomfort.

Ulcers and gallbladder diseases can cause it or on a lighter note, it could have been something that you ate and didn’t agree with you. Food allergies are another possibility. Whatever the cause, indigestion can be uncomfortable and painful and can compromise a person’s otherwise normal lifestyle.

Frequent indigestion can also be a sign of a weak gut. People with a weak gut may suffer from frequently because their body struggles to digest complex foods. Since indigestion is not a long-term condition, it flares up occasionally or in some cases, more often and then dies down. Unfortunately, there is no continuous treatment for it. However, by eating healthy and avoiding unhealthy food choices, a person can mitigate the risk of getting indigestion.

What exactly is indigestion, and how can a person manage it are some of the most common questions that are asked about the condition. If you are also looking for answers, then continue reading.

Understanding Indigestion

Indigestion or dyspepsia can occur due to a bunch of reasons, but when it happens it can present itself through the following signs

      • Discomfort in the stomach
      • Abdominal Pain
      • Bloating
      • Nausea
      • Heartburn
      • Vomiting

Some other less common symptoms of indigestion are

      • Gas or belching in the abdomen
      • Gnawing sensation in the stomach
      • Burning sensation in the stomach
      • Feeling unnaturally full after eating a medium-sized meal
      • Feeling dull
      • Having difficulty finishing a meal

In the case of a severe episode of indigestion, a person may feel

      • Continuous vomiting
      • Vomiting with blood
      • Black stool
      • Trouble swallowing food

If you experience severe symptoms of indigestion, then visit your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.

Causes of Indigestion

Fast Food Hamburger
Photo by Rajesh TP from Pexels

In everyday life, in the absence of an underlying cause, indigestion can occur due to overeating or eating too fast. Some people may face indigestion after consuming some specific types of food, such as spicy, greasy, or fatty food. Sometimes, lying down immediately after having food can also increase the chances of indigestion as the posture makes digestion harder for the body.

Some common causes of indigestion are

      • Smoking
      • Drinking too much alcohol
      • Exposure of the gut to complex foods (that are hard to digest like highly processed foods)

Sometimes. Some medicines can also cause indigestion. You must read the side effects of drugs before consuming them. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are notorious for having side effects in some patients.

When a person has an underlying gut problem, they can experience indigestion quite frequently. Some frequent indigestion causing gastrointestinal conditions are

      • Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)
      • Gastric Cancer
      • Pancreatic or bile duct abnormalities
      • Peptic ulcers

Ulcers cause blisters and sores over the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, which can lead to frequent indigestion.

Even though rare, but it’s possible that sometimes a person may experience indigestion without a known cause. That form of indigestion is known as functional dyspepsia. Functional dyspepsia or FD may come about due to the abnormal muscle movement of the gut. When the gastrointestinal lining in the body squeezes too tight while digesting food, a person can experience indigestion. And since, in such a case, there is no identifiable cause, a patient cannot take any measures to avoid abnormal muscle movement in the gut.

How can Indigestion be Diagnosed?

When you start experiencing frequent symptoms indicating dysfunction in your GI system, make an appointment with your doctor. The doctor will ask you detailed questions about your diet habits. They will also run some blood tests and get scans of your stomach to rule out any underlying conditions.

In some cases, the doctor may ask you to take a stool test to check the percentage of bacteria in your stool to rule out peptic ulcers.

If all the tests come out clean, then the doctor may suggest an endoscopy. During an endoscopy, the doctor inserts a tube with a camera inside your body to check the inner lining of your gut. An endoscopy helps to spot blisters and other telltale signs of a damaged lining. Using the procedure, the doctor can diagnose the following conditions (which is why a person may experience frequent indigestion)

      • Infection Cancer
      • Inflammatory diseases
      • Ulcers
      • Reflux esophagitis

Once the doctor figures out the underlying cause of indigestion in a patient, they can give them a line of action to manage the condition effectively

How to Treat Indigestion?

Specific medicines can help ease the symptoms of indigestion. However, they may have some other side effects occasionally. The most commonly prescribed drugs to treat indigestion are

Prokinetics

Prokinetics are prescription medications like Motilium and Reglan that control the muscle movement in the gut and control motility. Motility is the uncontrolled movement of the muscles using metabolic energy. Some come side effects of prokinetic medicines are

      • Tiredness or Fatigue
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Involuntary spasms or muscle movements

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs reduced acid in the stomach that can considerably ease the symptoms during an episode of indigestion. However, like other medicines, PPIs can have other side effects on the body. Those side effects may include

      • Backache
      • Dizziness or grogginess
      • Abdominal pain
      • Cough
      • Constipation
      • Nausea and vomiting
      • Light-headedness or headache

H2 Receptor Antagonists

H2 receptor medicines like Zantac and Pepcid can significantly reduce stomach acid and hence, be useful in easing the symptoms of indigestion. Some common side effects of H2 receptor antagonists are

      • Rash with or without itching
      • Constipation
      • Bruising or bleeding
      • Headache
      • Diarrhea
      • Nausea or vomiting

Even though the chances of having an adverse reaction to consuming the mentioned medicines are slim to none, they are still a possibility.

Home Remedies

Some natural food items can help subside symptoms of indigestion substantially. The most common organic food choices for indigestion are

      • Chamomile tea
      • Peppermint tea
      • Apple cider vinegar
      • Ginger
      • Fennel Seeds
      • Lemon water

Incorporating these food items in your daily routine can bring down the frequency of indigestion in people.  

If you frequently face the problem of indigestion, then avoid greasy and spicy foods as much as possible and get yourself checked to rule out underlying medical conditions that can cause indigestion.

COVID-19 Updates: How Are Things Looking in the US?

A public notice placed on the window of a general store saying Store Closed due to COVID-19

After closing in on over 1.9 million nationwide confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, the US appears to be reaching a plateau at last. Continue reading for more COVID-19 updates.

The coronavirus outbreak has rattled the global economy and brought numerous businesses to a screeching halt. However, while the pandemic has gripped the entire world in its deadly grasp and spread to big and small countries alike, the US is one of those countries that have been the most severely hit. 

Since the first local case was reported on January 21, the numbers have grown exponentially, with the total count of the confirmed COVID-19 patients in the country now nearing 2 million. That’s more than a quarter of all COVID-19 cases reported worldwide!

According to the data collected by Johns Hopkins University, more than 110,000 people in the US have lost their lives in the battle against this virus. With the global tally for confirmed deaths slightly over 403,000, the virus has clearly killed more people in the US than in any other part of the world.

However, on a brighter side, there are signs that the rate of growth of coronavirus is reaching a plateau. Business operations and life in the US, in general, may soon be returning to normal as the new case and death counts are leveling off in various states. Restaurants, while still on lockdown are placing tables outside and catering to customers outside when they weren’t before. We should note that they still are keeping the 6’ distancing practice and advising costumers to wear masks. 

Some Major States Opening Up

New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and California are some of the states that are lessening the restrictions on lockdown after being hit the hardest by COVID-19. 

Since viruses generally spread more quickly in densely populated areas, it shouldn’t be too surprising why these states were dealt a massive blow; but nonetheless, after weeks of adhering to the shelter-in-place advisory, the outlook is improving. 

In fact, in regions such as California and Washington, things have improved so much that the local governments are returning the military-borrowed medical equipment and taking down the makeshift hospitals that were set up in preparation for a surge in cases. 

This is a huge improvement considering the fact that not only were the biggest clusters of cases observed in these regions, but states like New York, New Jersey and California together accounted for over 50% of all the cases in the country – along with nearly 60% of all deaths nationwide. In fact, there was a time in April when New York alone saw an average of about 8,000 – 10,000 new cases every day!

Crisis in the Midst of a Crisis

While the effects of this infectious disease seems to be cooling off in some parts of the country, the pattern isn’t consistent. 

As previous hotspots subside, new ones seem to be emerging. As thousands of Americans get together to raise their voice for racial equality, there is a growing fear among health experts regarding a sudden spike in new infections. Experts say that this new increase is mainly attributed to the Black Lives Matter protests after George Floyd’s ruthless killing in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. 

Authorities are warning demonstrators to follow proper safety protocols to protect themselves and others from contracting coronavirus. This is because social distancing – our most powerful defense technique so far for controlling the spread of the virus – is not being practiced at all of these rallies. 

In the wake of these mass demonstrations throughout the US, several states and cities are setting up free testing sites to keep a close check on the contagion and decide the best course of action from thereon.

For instance, in San Francisco, multiple mobile testing sites continue to pop up, offering free coronavirus tests for people who are concerned about exposure. 

Similarly, the state government in Illinois announced that locals no longer need health insurance or a doctor’s prescription to get themselves tested for COVID-19. 

Business Restrictions in Major States and Territories

Although restrictions are loosening up in the initial hot spots like New York and California, there is still a strict code of conduct that must be followed when resuming business activities.

Plus, only particular businesses have been allowed to recommence operations for the time being.  

For example, in California, low-risk businesses such as flower shops, bookshops, clothing stores, are allowed to reopen. Personal-care businesses including salons and barbershops are also open now in multiple jurisdictions, except the ones hardest-hit, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

In New York, certain outdoor recreational businesses like drive-in movie theaters have been granted permission for resuming operations. State beaches and public parks have also been opened in some parts of the country.

The NY governor, Andrew Cuomo recently announced that five regions, including Central NY have entered the second phase of reopening. This means that nonessential retail businesses cannot only welcome customers but also seat up to 50% of their normal capacity as long as they adhere to the issued guidelines.

Dental clinics have also resumed normal operations and are catering to patients of elective surgeries as well. 

Bottom Line

After weeks of implementing shelter-in-place and suffering through a health crisis cum economic disaster that has affected more than 300 million Americans, a degree of normalcy can now be seen in several parts of the country.

However, health experts warn that with increased activity, there is a risk of new infections too. This is especially alarming when you consider the trends in the earlier epidemics like the Spanish Flu where the second and third waves wreaked more havoc than the first one. 

Therefore, be it opening up the doors of your office, heading out for grocery shopping or anything else in between, make sure to follow all safety precautions and play your part in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

The Impact of Coronavirus on the Economy and Businesses

Every news channel and social media platform is buzzing with updates on the recent global pandemic that has hit the world.

The coronavirus outbreak was first detected in China and began to spread rapidly in all other parts of the world, killing thousands of people in its wake.

Although the latest statistics show that the pandemic is slowing down, the outbreak is still with us, most importantly on businesses and the world’s economy. May countries remain in full-lockdown mode and work is still stagnant in some places since people are being fired, laid off and furloughed. 

Effect on Global Shares 

Although recovery seems to be in sight,  shares have suffered a massive hit, followed by major shifts in the stock markets. Most of these markets have experienced some of the biggest downfalls ever since the pandemic began on 31st December 2019.

London’s FTSE and The Dow Jones Industrial Average, for instance, have witnessed their biggest quarterly drops since 1987.

In an effort to slow down the growth of the virus, most of the activities have come to a halt, which is the main factor that has caused such huge drops in the global shares.

According to economists, the global economy will suffer bigger hits in the upcoming days at the hands of coronavirus.

Industries Impacted by Coronavirus 

When you talk about the economic impact of a global pandemic, it is essential to consider its effects on the industries of the world.

It has been found out that two of the biggest industries to have been impacted by this outbreak are the hotel and travel industries. This is due to hundreds of travel cancellations, low consumer demand, closure of many bars and restaurants, and low consumer confidence, to name a few.

Hotels in the United States, for instance, are facing unprecedented booking cancellations as a result of which millions of hotel employees can end up losing their jobs in the upcoming weeks.

On top of that, the virus has literally slammed the US travel industry, where experts are predicting that it can possibly wipe out more than $10 billion that would typically come from Chinese visitors. 

Closure of Factories in China 

The coronavirus first emerged in China, where the sales and investment, along with industrial production, fell the most during the first three months of this year.

Although the US government is looking to make some fundamental changes regarding global trade, one simply can’t ignore that China is currently among the world’s largest exporter of numerous goods, and it makes up almost a third of global manufacturing. This suggests that the consequences of the decline in industries and closure of factories in China isn’t just restricted to that country, but have impacted industries, exports, and imports of all other countries of the world as well.

The supply chain of large companies has also experienced a great hit, such as carmaker Nissan. This has led to a massive drop in Chinese car sales in March by almost 48 percent.

Assessing the Impact of Coronavirus Outbreak on Your Business 

When a global situation such as this one hits the entire world, someone running a business or an organization needs to assess the impact and effects on their business model not just in the current times, but also in the long run. You need to be able to identify the different kinds of risks and opportunities, if any, being presented by the crisis at hand.

There are four major things that you need to consider first:

    • Customers of your business
    • Business capabilities
    • Value demonstrations 
    • Value propositions 

These are the core dimensions of any model if you are to recover from such difficult consequences at all in the future.

The next thing to do is align these four elements and figure out where you stand. Think about how changes across one dimension can be aligned with the other three.

For instance, if you own a restaurant, you probably lose a lot of customers because of the lockdown. But if you know that people love eating your food, wouldn’t you want to transition your business in a way that you can still cater to them and bring your customers back?

In this particular example, the transition would be to start offering deliveries and takeaways, as so many restaurants have already been doing. 

It is important to understand that the crises is surely challenging and complex, but it’s not just all about risks and difficulties. It also has to do with numerous opportunities being created along the way.

At the end of the day, if circumstances continue to persist the way they are right now, businesses will have to find a way to make adjustments and resume to normalcy. 

What’s Next?

Considering the way that the virus continues to escalate, it’s really hard to predict the future for economies and businesses all around the world. However, one can assume that digital transformations will be at the forefront, and the use of technology will be used more now than ever. 

The changes in the post-pandemic world will obviously be both negative and positive, and there will be some business fall out, but slowly and gradually, things, people and processes will pick up the pace in the near future.

Taking Back Power from Intrusive Thoughts in OCD

A girl covering her face with her hand

All of us get irrational thoughts that run through our minds but are quickly forgotten, but for some, these thoughts don’t go away and continue to haunt the person. And once these unrealistic scenarios take hold, your stress levels can increase, resulting in other negative events attributed to this obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). And subsequently, if not treated, you can end up in a full blown panic.

Under normal circumstances, a bad thought may be from an event, but as time goes by, the person calms down and tries to manage it in a logical manner; however, there are people who remain obsessed for a longer period of time and feel hopeless even if there may be a resolution down the road. This irrational behavior is usually associated with abnormalities in the brain that exacerbates the situation; subsequently, prolonging worry and resulting in a hyper-emotional state of concern. 

If these episodes are continuous, a doctor’s care would be required and appropriate mediation considered. Such is the case with bi-polar people where continuous negative thoughts overwhelm their rational state of mind, making them unable to think clearly.

As their OCD continues, the obsessive worry amplifies to the point where they can exhibit loud, aggressive and irrational outbursts (mania); sometimes in the form of violence. But it may not stop there. The obsession can lead to high energy moods and can result in unrelated actions not associated with their initial triggered event; such as excessive spending, inordinate continous cleaning or other forms of obsessive behavior.

What starts as a regular morning can quickly devolve into harrowing dawn where a person begins ruminating over things that may not even be real. If you are a formally diagnosed OC person, then you must already know how the thought pattern works in OCD. But if you aren’t diagnosed yet, then you might not even realize that what you have is not normal and needs to be dealt with as early as possible.

In obsessive thinking, a person could be sitting idle or watching something, and out of nowhere, a negative thought such as ‘what if I killed my mom?’ would rear its head and take over the person’s mind. They would not be able to break free from the negative thought cycle and would start believing that they are capable of hurting their mom. From outside the OCD realm, a healthy minded person would think that intrusive thoughts are not real; they are only a creation of the mind, so why can’t a person just stop thinking about them?

Well, that’s precisely the pervasive nature of intrusive/obsessive thinking. The mind of a person with OCD fails to pick up on the invalidity of negative thought and ends up replaying it again and again. However, sometimes a person might be able to realize that an idea is entirely out of the realm of possibility, but they are still harassed by it. It happens because the prefix of ‘what if’ is too powerful for people who get intrusive thoughts, and as a result, they fail to dismiss even the most far-fetched ideas.  

Even though the hold of intrusive thoughts over a person’s life seems unrelenting, by following a few strategies, a person can develop the ability to counsel themselves when there is an onslaught of intrusive thoughts.

Here are a few strategies that an OC person can employ to take back control from obsessive thinking.

Record and Identify a Pattern

On the surface, an obsessive thought seems to show up without a trigger, but typically there is an underlying anxiety or fear that fuels it. That is, you may not realize that you have a deep-rooted fear or concern regarding an aspect of your life that can trigger your thoughts. Let’s consider an example to understand the pattern of obsessive thoughts better.

You are sitting one day, and it seems like a regular day, but then you are hit with a terrible thought that you may hurt your best friend. Now there is no apparent reason for you to think this way, but once the idea appears, that’s all you can think about. Instead of thinking about the intrusive thought, try to dig a little deeper and figure out what rational or irrational fear do you have that could possibly be fueling this thought. Many times when a person fears hurting their loved ones, it’s because they are afraid of losing them. You might find this concept hard to believe, but if you break down the thought pattern related to the idea of hurting a loved one, you’ll find the correlation between the thought and the fear of losing someone close to you.

The fear of losing a friend or family member can manifest as a negative thought, such as ‘what if I hurt my friend?’ When you are afraid of losing some you love, the worst-case scenario would be that you actually lose them. In OCD, a patient’s mind can trick them into thinking about their fears indirectly while making the thought even more dreadful than the actual concern.

Accept your Thoughts

The idea of accepting intrusive thoughts may seem counterintuitive, but it can help a person relax to a considerable extent. As Deepak Chopra says, ‘Thoughts are just fleeting mental images, they have no real consequences until you make them important.’

Since thoughts are just virtual segments of once imagination, accepting them can make them less intense. That is, your acceptance or repudiation isn’t going to make your thoughts any more or less real. They are not going to become a reality, so if you accept them instead of getting worked up about them, you can relax the mind.

When you tell your mind that you believe it, it will stop torturing you with horrifying images and ideas. TO better understand this concept think about how you tease a friend but then stop doing so when they stop getting riled up. You only tease a friend till they give you a reaction, the moment they stop reacting you stop provoking them. Similarly, when the thoughts in your brain fail to elicit a response from you, they will lose their power.

Explore Meditation

Intrusive thoughts alone are unsettling, but combined with negative emotions that they generate, they become even more distressing. While you try to take control over your thought process by recording and accepting your thoughts, start meditating to manage the emotions which come with obsessive thoughts. Meditating is excellent at calming down the mind and keeping negative emotions at bay. With that said, you cannot expect miracles to happen with just one round of meditation. Make sure you make meditation a part of your daily life if you want to see results.

Every day make time for yourself, sit alone, and focus on your breathing while relaxing music plays in the background. You might require some time to get into the groove of meditation, but slowly you’ll get the hang of it. Just make sure that you remain consistent and practice meditation regularly.

The Takeaway

Obsessive thoughts can be debilitating. Professional guidance can be helpful, but a sufferer has to do most of the heavy lifting themselves, so they should start challenging their ideas on their own right away. The sooner a person starts tackling their thoughts, the faster they’ll be able to break the cycle of negative thoughts.

Spinal Cord Injuries – Types, Levels and Implications

Image of spine with all 33 vertebras
Human spine (Photo by Pixaby)

Spinal Cord Overview 

“Oh my aching back!”. A term uses so much by so many, it becomes almost status quo. But what causes one to feel this pain? Let’s take a look.

The spinal cord is the most integral neural pathway in the human body. It connects the brain with the nervous system which serves as a relay between the brain, spinal cord and rest of the body. 

Since it is the central neural pathway, the spinal cord is a collection of nerves. In fact, there are 31 pairs of nerves which originate from the spinal cord and travel to different parts of the body. Through these nerves, the brain sends commands to different muscles and organs and controls their movement. There is another set of nerves which travels from different organs and connect to the spinal cord. These nerves are responsible for bringing in information from the organs to the brain. Examples of such nerves include the nerves travelling from the hands and legs which bring in sensory information. 

The spinal cord is protected through a bony column called the spine. The spine is divided into 33 vertebrae which are individual pieces of bones locked together. The vertebrae are divided into five regions namely cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacrum (5), and coccyx (3-5). 

Spinal Cord Injuries 

The spinal cord is one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. This is because, once damaged, the spinal cord cannot repair itself. The spinal cord injury can result from a physical trauma such as an accident, fall or slip. It can also be a result of compression of the spinal cord due to the growth of tumor in the body. Another possibility which can result in a spinal cord injury is the loss of normal blood supply to the spinal cord. 

In the US, every year, approximately 1,200 new cases of spinal cord injury are reported every year. The condition is more common among young, white males.  

There are two types of spinal cord injuries.

    • Complete spinal cord injury 
    • Incomplete spinal cord injury 

 Let’s take a look at each one.  

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries 

In case of complete spinal cord injury, there is a complete or total loss of sensation and bodily functions in the area below the site of injury. This means that if there is a complete spinal cord injury in the lumbar region of the spine, all muscular functions below that region will be compromised including bowel movement and function of legs. Such a person will not have any sensation or control over his body below the site of injury.   

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

In case of an incomplete spinal cord injury, a person can feel some sensation and there is remaining function in and below the affected region. For example, if the thoracic region is injured, in case of incomplete spinal cord injury, the person will still feel the sensation of pain and pressure and there will be muscular function in the region below the thoracic cavity. 

Regardless of the type of spinal cord injury, both sides of the body are likely to get affected.   

Levels and Implications of Spinal Cord Injury

The implications of spinal cord injury significantly depend upon the type and level of spinal cord injury. As mentioned earlier, the spine is divided into five regions, and the level of spinal cord injury is determined by the region of the spine affected by the injury. Below you will find out about the implications of spinal cord injury depending upon the level. 

Cervical Spinal Cord Injury 

The cervical region includes the first 7 vertebrae in the neck region. Since it is closest to the brain, spinal cord injuries in the cervical region are most dangerous. 

Implications of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury 

This level of spinal cord injury is associated with complete or partial loss of sensory or muscular function in the body. Most often, in case of a cervical spinal cord injury, the patient experiences tetraplegia or quadriplegia. This means that all four limbs of the person can get affected to some extent in case of an 

The injury of the upper vertebrae of this section is often more dangerous and can result in permanent damage to all four limbs. In case of a more severe injury, this level of spinal cord injury can prove to be fatal. But as you go down the cervical vertebrae, the risk decreases and often the injury is incomplete. 

Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury 

The thoracic spine includes 12 vertebrae which are numbered as T-1 to T-12. This section of the spine is basically the upper, and middle part of the back. The main function of this section of the spine is to ensure that you stay upright and maintain the right posture while sitting and standing. The nerves passing through these vertebrae control the movement of muscles in the upper chest including the muscles of the rib cage and diaphragm. They also include abdominal muscles and muscles of the upper back. 

Implications of Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury 

Injuries in the thoracic section of the spinal cord generally affect the lower part of the body. In the case of a thoracic spinal cord injury, the lower limbs of the person get affected. The bowel and bladder control is also compromised but usually, the arms and hands continue to function normally. 

Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries 

The lumbar portion is the lowest and most important part of the spinal cord. It comprises five vertebrae. The vertebrae of this region are larger than the vertebrae of all other regions of the spine therefore this section carries the most weight of the spine. 

Implications of Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries  

In the case of lumbar spine injuries, a person may experience complete or partial loss of function in the hips, legs, bladder and bowel control. It can also affect functions such as bending of the knees and foot. 

Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries 

This section of the spine is right above the tailbone which is known as the coccyx. The nerves of this region affect the function of the hips, pelvic organs, and reproductive organs. 

Implications of Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries 

Injuries in this section of the spinal cord result in loss of function in the hips and organs of the pelvic region including bladder and reproductive organs. 

Conclusion 

A spinal cord injury is dangerous because it can disrupt the communication process between the brain and the rest of the body. Physical trauma, compression due to a tumor, or loss of blood supply to the spinal cord can all lead to spinal cord injuries. There can be complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries which are based on the extent to which motor and sensory reflexes of a person are affected. Regardless of the type, if you look at the general implications of spinal cord injury, you will notice some of the following effects. 

    • Loss or reduced mobility, 
    • Changes in sensation, 
    • Modified sexual function,
    • Loss of bladder or bowel control and or,  
    • Intensified reflex actions or increased frequency of spasms.

9 Surprising Benefits of Curry Leaves

Curry Leaves

So you think you’ve had heard enough of weight loss and ingredients that will boost your health! Well, fret no more, because here is another natural entity that is known to help you to lose weight and keep you healthy.

Whether it’s fried lentils or fish curry, the aromatic and flavorsome curry leaves are an essential ingredient of South Asian cuisine. The Indian and Thai curries are practically incomplete without the strong and pleasing aroma of this plant. But very few people know that this distinct flavor is packed with numerous health benefits. 

Curry leaves are considered to be a rich source of Vitamin A, B and C. They are rich in iron and calcium as well. Let’s take a look at what curry leaves can do for you.

Aids in Weight Loss 

Checking Waistline

Curry leaves aid in weight loss. Sounds surprising? This is the normal reaction when people find out that curry leaves is a special ingredient which can help you lose weight. The plant compound known as carbazole alkaloid helps in weight loss by burning stubborn fats stored in the body. Also, the antioxidants present in curry leaves help wash out the toxin stored in different parts of the body. Together, it is reflected through weight loss. 

In order to lose weight, you need to increase the consumption of curry leaves. Using them as a topping on salads or curries might not be enough to lose weight. Instead, it should be a regular part of your meal. You can simplify much on dried curry leaves or can add them lavishly to your meals. For better results, combine the use of curry leaves with regular exercise and a healthier diet.  

Stimulate Digestive Enzymes 

The Digestive System

The plant compounds present in curry leaves aid in digestion. They work by stimulating digestive enzymes which in turn improves metabolic activity and bowel movement. So if you are someone who gets constipation or diarrhea often, then curry leaves are your lifesaver. 

For best results, you can simply chew on fresh curry leaves on an empty stomach.  Other ways to consume curry leaves is to add dried leaves to buttermilk. Again, you need to use this mixture on an empty stomach. Drinking this mixture can help relieve numerous problems of the digestive system including diarrhea and constipation. 

Helps Relieve Nausea

Nausea is a common condition among pregnant women. Curry leaves are considered to be a natural relief from nausea and morning sickness associated with pregnancy. Since curry leaves enhance the functioning of digestive enzymes, it helps relieve nausea and morning sickness. 

Many people chew fresh curry leaves while others notice an improvement in their symptoms simply by the strong and refreshing aroma of curry leaves.  

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels 

Curry leaves are a natural way to control blood sugar levels. If consumed regularly, curry leaves have a dual mode of action when it comes to controlling blood sugar levels. Curry leaves stimulate the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Also, curry leaves prevent the pancreas from the damage caused by free radicals. 

Together, both these actions work favorably in controlling the blood sugar levels and delaying the onset of conditions such as diabetes. In case, you already have diabetes, regular use of curry leaves can help keep your blood sugar levels under control. 

Heals Wounds and Skin Infections 

Curry leaves are rich in antioxidants and possess antibacterial properties. This makes them an excellent topical antibiotic which is very effective for healing wounds and skin infections. 

In case of a wound which is not too deep, you can apply a paste made up of curry leaves. You can add a little water to get the right consistency. Apply the paste over the wound and leave it overnight. The plant compounds present in curry leaves enhances the skin restoration process. It also helps restore the hair growth in the affected area. Due to the antibacterial properties, the use of curry leaves paste is recommended for inflammation on the skin, skin boils and even first degree burns. 

Improves Hair Growth 

As mentioned earlier, curry leaves can improve hair growth. They are not only effective in repairing hair after skin damage skin but also stimulate the growth of normal hair. It works by stimulating the hair follicle which promotes the growth of healthy and strong hair. 

Curry leaves are equally effective against hair loss or early greying of hair. In case of some skin conditions, such as dandruff, use of curry leaves paste is recommended. But in case of some serious medical condition, it is best to consult a dermatologist. 

Protects Brain Health and Improves Memory

Brain Motor & Sensory Perception Illustrated

Regular consumption of curry leaves can significantly improve memory. Though there is limited evidence of this claim, research indicates the plant compounds present in curry leaves may help protect the health of your brain and other parts of the nervous system. 

A research was conducted to find out the effect of using curry leaves on Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disease. The results indicated that regular use of curry leaves reduces the amount of oxidative damage in the brain cells. Oxidative damage in the brain is associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s’ disease. 

Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases 

High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases including angina and heart attacks. Curry leaves may improve your heart health in multiple ways. Research indicates that the use of curry levels can help reduce cholesterol and the level of triglycerides. As a result, it protects your heart’s health. 

May Have Anti-Cancer Ingredients

While it might be too early to claim, there is undergoing research to find out the effect of curry leaves on different types of cancer. In an undergoing laboratory research curry leaves have been found to be effective against cells of breast and cervical cancer. There is ongoing research on how curry leaves respond to other types of cancers such as colon and lung cancer. Though the research is currently in its initial stages, researchers are positive about the antioxidants present in curry leaves and their effect on cancer. 

Conclusion

It might be surprising that a simple kitchen ingredient can be packed with beneficial plant compounds. Research indicates that the antioxidant compounds present in curry leaves can help reduce weight and inflammation and minimize the risk of cancer and other inflammation related diseases. It is also known to protect the neurological and gastrointestinal health of a person. There are numerous other health benefits associated with the use of curry leaves. It reduces the risk of heart diseases by reducing cholesterol and also possess anti-cancer properties. 

But the best part is these tiny leaves can significantly enhance the taste and aroma and make even the most ordinary dish special. Curry leaves are easy to add to cuisine. You can find dried curry leaves which you can sprinkle over savory dishes. You can also use the fresh leaves, sauté them in oil and add to top your curries. Regardless of how you use curry leaves, this flavorful ingredient will transform the taste of your dish.