Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia on October 22-23 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, which will be held in Kazan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that this summit is under Russia’s chairmanship.

While in Kazan, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral discussions with leaders from BRICS countries and other invited officials. The MEA stated, “The Summit, themed ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,’ will provide a significant platform for leaders to address crucial global matters.”

The summit will also allow leaders to evaluate the progress of various initiatives initiated by BRICS and explore potential areas for future cooperation.

The BRIC nations—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—first convened in St. Petersburg in 2006. Following numerous high-level discussions, the inaugural BRIC summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. The group was later expanded to BRICS with South Africa’s inclusion as a full member at a meeting of foreign ministers in New York in September 2010.

Today, BRICS serves as a pivotal alliance of major emerging economies, representing 41% of the global population, accounting for 24% of the world’s GDP, and over 16% of international trade.

In September, President Putin invited PM Modi to a bilateral meeting on October 22 during the BRICS Summit. This invitation was extended during a discussion with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg. Putin referred to Modi as a “good friend” and expressed eagerness for their meeting in Kazan.

In a Kremlin statement, Putin mentioned, “We will be expecting Mr. Modi in Kazan. I also suggest holding a bilateral meeting there on October 22 to finalize our collaborative efforts and outline future prospects.” He also conveyed his warm regards to PM Modi.

This upcoming visit will mark PM Modi’s second trip to Russia in 2024, following his attendance at the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July, where he held discussions with President Putin and received the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Russia’s highest civilian honor. During that visit, the two leaders also toured the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre.

The post PM Modi to Attend 16th BRICS Summit in Russia first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Yoga, an ancient Hindu practice that originated in India thousands of years ago, has gained immense popularity worldwide as a means to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While yoga is well-known for its stress-relief and flexibility-enhancing benefits, its role in supporting heart health is often underestimated.

In recent years, research has shed light on the positive impact of yoga on heart patients and individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases, offering a holistic approach to cardiovascular health.

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term encompassing conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, and arrhythmias. It is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for millions of lives lost annually. Several risk factors contribute to the development of CVD, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Yoga as a Complementary Therapy

While conventional medical treatments such as medications, surgeries, and lifestyle modifications play a pivotal role in managing heart diseases, yoga can complement these approaches by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of heart health.

Stress Reduction

Stress is a significant contributor to heart disease. Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, inflammation, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Yoga, with its emphasis on deep breathing and relaxation techniques, helps reduce stress levels by activating the body’s relaxation response. Regular practice of yoga has been shown to lower cortisol levels, decrease blood pressure, and promote overall relaxation, thereby reducing the strain on the heart.

Improved physical fitness

Yoga is not only a mental and emotional practice but also a physical one. Many yoga poses and sequences involve strengthening and stretching exercises that can improve cardiovascular fitness. Regular yoga practice can enhance heart health by increasing muscle strength, enhancing circulation, and promoting better oxygenation of tissues, all of which are vital for a healthy heart.

Lowered blood pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease. Yoga has been shown to have a modest but significant impact on reducing blood pressure. The combination of physical postures, deep breathing exercises, and meditation can help relax blood vessels and reduce hypertension, ultimately lessening the strain on the heart.

Improved Cholesterol Profiles

High cholesterol levels, particularly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Yoga has been found to improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good cholesterol.” These changes can contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system.

Weight Management

Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Yoga can aid in weight management through increased physical activity, improved awareness of dietary choices, and reduced stress-induced eating. Regular yoga practice can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reducing their risk of heart-related complications.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Function

Yoga’s focus on deep, controlled breathing can enhance lung capacity and oxygen utilization, improving overall cardiovascular function. As the body becomes more efficient at delivering oxygen to the tissues, the heart has to work less strenuously to meet the body’s demands, reducing the risk of heart strain and potential complications.

Better sleep quality

Quality sleep is essential for heart health. Poor sleep patterns have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Yoga and relaxation techniques can help improve sleep quality by reducing insomnia, stress-related sleep disturbances, and anxiety, ultimately benefiting the heart.

Psychological Well-being

Heart patients often experience anxiety and depression, which can worsen the prognosis and hinder recovery. Yoga’s mindfulness and meditation components can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing emotional support to individuals dealing with heart conditions.

Lifestyle Modification

Yoga encourages a holistic approach to health that extends beyond physical postures. It promotes mindful eating, reduced tobacco and alcohol use, and other positive lifestyle changes that can significantly benefit heart patients and individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Practical Application

To harness the benefits of yoga for heart health, individuals should consider the following:

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have a heart condition, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure yoga is safe for you.
• Choose an Appropriate Yoga Style: There are various styles of yoga, from gentle Hatha yoga to more vigorous Vinyasa and Power yoga. Individuals with heart conditions should opt for gentler styles and avoid strenuous practices.
• Attend Experienced Instructors: Seek out qualified yoga instructors with experience working with individuals with heart conditions. They can provide modified poses and guidance tailored to your specific needs.
• Listen to your body: Pay close attention to your body’s signals during yoga practice. If you experience any discomfort, pain, or shortness of breath, stop immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
• Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness meditation into your yoga routine to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
• Consistency Matters: Consistent practice is key to reaping the long-term benefits of yoga. Aim for regular sessions, even if they are short, to maintain and enhance your heart health.

Yoga is a versatile and accessible tool that can play a crucial role in the prevention and management of heart disease. Its multifaceted approach addresses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of heart health, making it a valuable complementary therapy for heart patients and those at risk of cardiovascular diseases. When practiced mindfully, under the guidance of a qualified instructor, yoga can promote relaxation, improve physical fitness, lower blood pressure, and enhance overall well-being, contributing to a healthier heart and a higher quality of life.

The post How Yoga Helps Heart Patients: A Holistic Approach to Cardiovascular Health first appeared on Global Indian News Network.