A Literature Review on Holistic Well-Being and Dopamine Fasting: An Integrated Approach.

Popularly known as dopaminergic detox or dopamine fasting, it is a concept that aims at reducing dependence on instant satisfaction gratification and overstimulation to attain mental clarity, lessen anxiety, and be able to enjoy everyday events again. Digital detox has been a part of the dopamine fasting concept for several years now. However, some critics argue that this notion has no scientific proof behind it and may fail to deal with the problem of dopamine dysregulation. Some intense types of dopamine fasting which include extreme isolation or strict dieting can result in damage to mental health as well as physical fitness. The objective of the article is to understand what dopamine fasting means and see the literature and evidence available on the topic. Indexes like PubMed, Scopus, OVID, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched using the keywords to understand the existing knowledge about dopamine fasting. The literature review was then written to incorporate the understanding in a way that can be implemented practically. Recent studies have shown that individuals who engage in dopamine-fasting-like ideologies may experience reduced impulsive behaviors, increased focus on tasks, and reduced overwhelm. However, extreme forms of dopamine fasting can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and malnutrition, which can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health. Hence, the effects of dopamine fasting can vary greatly among individuals, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is essential to consider individual needs and preferences when incorporating dopamine fasting into one's lifestyle and explore alternative practices that align with the principles of dopamine fasting. Understanding and respecting these differences is crucial in determining the most suitable strategies for maintaining a balanced dopamine response and overall psychological health. The benefits of dopamine fasting can be tremendous if done correctly but it depends on every individual to find the correct way and in the modern day, the practices can become tough to implement.

Indian Academy of Pediatrics Consensus Guidelines on Preconception Care.

JUSTIFICATION: The preconception period is the earliest window of opportunity to ensure optimal human development.  Pregnancy and childbirth outcomes can be improved by interventions offered to support the health and well-being of women and couples prior to conception. Thus, preconception care is essential in preparing for the first thousand days of life. Adolescence, the stage of life that typically comes before the preconception stage, is characterized by various high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, sexual experimentation, injuries, obesity, and mental health issues which can adversely affect their health in adult life. Thus, a Consensus Guideline for pediatricians on providing preconception care to adolescents and young adults can go a long way in making the generations to come, healthier and more productive. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of these recommendations is to formulate an evidence-based Consensus Statement that can serve as a guidance for medical professionals to provide preconception care for young adults and adolescents. INTENDED USERS: All obstetric, pediatric, and adolescent health care providers. TARGET POPULATION: Adolescents and young adults. PROCESS: A large proportion of adolescents seek care from pediatricians and there is a lack of Consensus Guidelines on preconception care. Therefore, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics called an online National Consultative Meeting on April 03, 2023, under the chairmanship of Dr MKC Nair and the National Convenor Dr Himabindu Singh. A group of pediatricians with wide experience and expertise in adolescent health care were assigned the task of formulating evidence-based guidelines on preconception care. The group conducted a comprehensive review of existing evidence by searching resources including PubMed and Cochrane databases. Subsequently, a physical meeting was held at Amritsar on October 07, 2023 during which the consensus was reached through discussions and voting. The level of evidence (LoE) of each recommendation was graded as per the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2011. RECOMMENDATIONS: Every woman planning a pregnancy needs to attain and maintain a eumetabolic state. Prospective couples need to be counselled on the importance of a healthy lifestyle including a nutritious diet, avoidance of substance abuse, and timely screening for genetic disorders. Screening for and management of sexually transmitted diseases in males and females, appropriate vaccination and addressing mental health concerns are also recommended.

Trends of various anthropometric measurements of children born in a tertiary care center.

Background: One of the most important marker of general health of children is attained growth. Growth of a child is depend on various factors like socioeconomics and geography. Aims & Objective: To study trends of various anthropometric measurements of children born in a tertiary care center. Material and Methods: 120 full term infants were followed up monthly for 12 months. Physical growth was measured in the form of weight, crown heel length, chest circumference and cranial circumference by standard methods. Developmental screening test was done in various subdivision like Gross motor, Fine motor and vision, Hearing and speech and Social behaviour by standard methods. Passive tone was evaluated by measuring popliteal angle with the help of goniometer. Results: It was observed that total weight gain in male baby was 5.52 kg while that in female baby was 5.26kg during 12 months duration after birth. Maximum weight gain was observed in first three months after birth. Mean length observed at birth in present study was 48.29 cm which increased to 72.47 cm at the end of 12 month. Maximum increment in length was recorded in first 6 months of life. Total increment in length was 24.42cm for male baby while increment for female baby was 23.91 cm. Maximum increment in length occurred in first three months after birth. Mean chest circumference in male baby observed in present study was 33.57 cm at birth, 44.49 cm at 12 month while in female baby the same was 32.34 cm and 43.47 cm at birth and at 12 month respectively. Total increment in popliteal angle during first year of life was 90.35 degree. Maximum increment in angle was observed during 6 months to 9 months period. Few growth parameters were better in higher socio-economical classes. Conclusion: Periodic assessment of growth parameters should be done in different geographical areas to understand the pattern which may help in policy decisions.