International Journal of Medical Science

Abstract

The study dealt with the hypertensive patients' treatment compliance in the
selected municipalities in the First District of Ilocos Sur for the Calendar Year 2020. It
described the respondents’ treatment compliance on hypertensive medication, follow-up
check-up, and lifestyle modification. It also identified the perceived barriers in taking the
medication. Lastly, it looked into the significant relationship between the respondents'
treatment compliance and their profile, perceived causes, and knowledge of hypertension.
The study used the descriptive-correlational method. All the 209 hypertensive patients who
sought consultation at the Municipal Health Offies (MHOs) of Caoayan, Vigan , and Sto.
Domingo for July and August 2020 served as the respondents. The data were collected
using a questionnaire-checklist formulated by the researchers and content validated by a
pool of experts. Data were treated through frequency and percentage, mean, and simple
linear correlation analysis.

A great majority of the respondents are married and with a family history of hypertension.
The majority are females and have no family history of cardiovascular disease. A
significant percentage are 55-59 years old, high school graduates, unskilled workers, earn
monthly of Php 5,000 and below, and have Stage 2 hypertension. Eating of high
cholesterol foods was perceived as the number one cause of hypertension. Almost all of the
respondents know that hypertension is preventable, curable, fatal, and can lead to a heart
attack or stroke complications that are preventable. A person on treatment cannot stop
medication after normalizing blood pressure. The respondents’ overall treatment
compliance is “Very High,” and they “Moderately Agree” on the cost, symptom
experience, work-related, availability/ accessibility, family-related, and personal-related
matters as barriers in taking the hypertensive medications. The family monthly income,
cardiovascular disease presence, perceived causes, and knowledge of hypertension are
significantly related to treatment compliance.

Abstract

This study explores the pivotal role of Vata dosha in the process of digestion within the framework of Ayurveda, an ancient holistic system of medicine originating from India. Vata dosha, composed primarily of air and ether, governs various aspects of digestion, including the initiation of the digestive process, food movement through the digestive tract, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste. The balanced functioning of Vata ensures efficient digestion and contributes to overall well-being. This paper delves into the multifaceted functions of Vata dosha in digestion, highlighting its influence on peristalsis, nutrient absorption, and the coordination of the nervous system. The impact of Vata imbalance on digestion is also discussed, with insights into potential digestive disorders arising from excessive or deficient Vata. Ayurvedic principles guide the maintenance of balanced Vata and optimal digestion through lifestyle practices, dietary choices, and herbs and spices. The significance of regular, warm, and cooked meals, along with herbal remedies such as ginger, cumin, and fennel, is emphasized for supporting balanced Vata and digestive harmony. Recognizing individual constitution (Prakriti) and imbalances (Vikriti) is integral to Ayurvedic practice, and personalized recommendations are vital for effectively addressing digestive concerns. Consulting experienced Ayurvedic practitioners can provide tailored insights to restore and maintain Vata equilibrium, promoting robust digestion and holistic well-being.

Abstract

Winter bites are really hard in some parts of our country. Sometimes that very cold sensation makes us numb especially in chest region even when we are clothed properly. Cold environment may have several health benefits, however, it may be stressful to the body and can raise several health risks like, numbness, possibilities of slips, slower metabolism, heart attack, common colds, flu, sore throat, asthma, lack of coordination and many other risks depending on the cold responses and cold tolerance of the body. A sense of cold feeling may occur for other reasons also. It can be produced either by external stimulus, or due to some undesirable conditions in the body itself. Body has its own internal system of thermoregulation in response to the temperature variations to maintain the temperature homeostasis or the core body temperature neutral. However, it is observed that the human body's heat retention capacity is much less efficient than its ability to dissipate heat in cold circumstances. Yoga techniques may give additional support to the functioning of the thermoregulatory system of the body. This article is aimed to describe briefly the causes of cold perception, the internal defense mechanism of body in response to cold and some yogic practices to get relief from the same. Methods: Relevant literatures and research papers have been searched to study and find the information on the above-mentioned subject and the relevant yogic practices to manage it. This article is written based on the information obtained from them. Conclusion: Cold may cause stressful conditions to the body. Body is constantly working towards maintaining the core body temperature steady. However, we may explore to find the possible supports from yoga techniques to relief the load of the thermoregulatory system. Yoga offers a range of methods to defend the cold sensation. Though a number of studies have been done on different yogic techniques and established their positive effects on human body and mind for various physical and mental causes, but not many studies have been done on yogic management of cold sensation in the body. There are several yogic techniques which can be studied for better understanding of their functioning and effectiveness on human body to manage the cold.