#Respiratory Disorders

[maruthahomeo]

Best Treatment for Respiratory Disorders in BTM Layout, Bangalore: Marutha Homeo

Respiratory disorders can significantly impact one’s quality of life, making it essential to seek effective treatment that not only addresses the symptoms but also tackles the root cause of the condition. For residents of BTM Layout, Bangalore, Marutha Homeo offers exceptional homeopathic care for respiratory disorders. This blog explores why Marutha Homeo is a top choice for individuals seeking relief from respiratory conditions and how their holistic approach can lead to lasting health improvements.

Understanding Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the lungs and airways, making breathing difficult. Some of the most common respiratory disorders include:

Asthma: A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

Allergic Rhinitis: Also known as hay fever, this condition is caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses, often due to infection, that can lead to congestion, headaches, and difficulty breathing.

Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs, leading to coughing, mucus production, and chest discomfort.

These conditions can be triggered or exacerbated by factors such as pollution, allergens, smoking, and infections. Traditional treatments often involve the use of medications that may only provide temporary relief. However, homeopathy offers a more holistic and long-term approach to managing these disorders.

Why Choose Marutha Homeo for Respiratory Disorders?

Marutha Homeo, located in BTM Layout, Bangalore, is renowned for its effective homeopathic treatments for respiratory disorders. Here’s why Marutha Homeo is a trusted name in the community:

Holistic Approach: Homeopathy focuses on treating the individual as a whole, rather than just addressing the symptoms of a disease. At Marutha Homeo, the treatment of respiratory disorders is personalized, taking into account the patient’s physical, emotional, and psychological health. This holistic approach aims to strengthen the body’s natural defenses, leading to long-term relief and prevention of recurrences.

Customized Treatment Plans: The team at Marutha Homeo understands that every patient is unique, and so are their health needs. After a thorough consultation and assessment, a customized treatment plan is developed for each patient. This plan includes carefully selected homeopathic remedies that target the underlying cause of the respiratory disorder while also alleviating symptoms.

Natural and Safe Remedies: Homeopathic remedies used at Marutha Homeo are derived from natural sources and are known for their safety and lack of side effects. These remedies work gently yet effectively to stimulate the body’s healing processes, making them suitable for patients of all ages, including children and the elderly.

Expertise and Experience: Marutha Homeo is led by a team of experienced homeopathic practitioners who specialize in treating respiratory disorders. Their expertise ensures that patients receive the highest quality care and effective treatment solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Preventive Care: In addition to treating existing respiratory disorders, Marutha Homeo places a strong emphasis on preventive care. Patients are provided with guidance on lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and other preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of future respiratory issues.

Success Stories from Satisfied Patients

Marutha Homeo has garnered numerous positive testimonials from patients who have experienced significant improvements in their respiratory health. Many patients have reported long-term relief from chronic conditions like asthma and sinusitis, with fewer flare-ups and a reduced dependence on conventional medications. These success stories highlight the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment at Marutha Homeo and the positive impact it has had on the lives of many individuals.

Convenient Location and Welcoming Environment

Located in the heart of BTM Layout, Bangalore, Marutha Homeo is easily accessible for residents in the area. The clinic offers a welcoming and comfortable environment, where patients can feel at ease during their visits. The friendly staff and practitioners are dedicated to providing a positive and supportive experience for every patient.

Conclusion

For those in BTM Layout, Bangalore, seeking effective and natural treatment for respiratory disorders, Marutha Homeo is an excellent choice. With its holistic approach, customized treatment plans, and experienced practitioners, Marutha Homeo offers a path to better respiratory health and overall well-being. Whether you are dealing with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, the compassionate care at Marutha Homeo can help you breathe easier and live healthier.

[ricisidro]

#RespiratoryIllnesses such as #asthma, #bronchiectasis, #COPD, #ILD, #PVD and #lungcancer among patients who survived for 30 days after the #COVID19 diagnosis rise consistently together with those who had #covid reinfections, new study published in the clinical journal eClinicalMedicine.

#SARSCoV2 #RespiratorySystem

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537024000798

[pathologylab]

Next-generation sequencing is a field that revolutionized the study of human diseases and further helps to understand the cause and solution. At Genes2Me, you will get a range of NGS panels dedicated to providing the most accurate predictive solution for both prevention and treatment. Various conditions, such as neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders, can be detected through NGS panel testing.

[healthcaretechnologynews]

Navigating the European Sleep Apnea Landscape: Challenges and Innovations

Sleep apnea (SA) is one of the most common respiratory disorder, with 49% of middle-aged men reportedly having clinically significant SA in Europe.

The symptoms are loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person, abrupt awakenings, insomnia, morning headache, daytime hypersomnia, tiredness, irritability, mood swings and attention problems.

These symptoms are likely to manifest in obese patients, patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and asthma.

Read Full Blog Here:https://www.grgonline.com/post/sleep-apnea-european-landscape

Improvements of PG systems, inclusion of more parameters (such as ECG), introduction of portable and wireless devices seem to be the most prominent trends around SAS screening/diagnosis and ECG/ Polygraphy systems.

Sleep apnea (SA) is one of the most common respiratory disorders, with 49% of middle-aged men reportedly having clinically significant SA in Europe. The prevalence of SA with associated excessive daytime somnolence is ~3% to 7% in adult men & 2% to 5% in adult women. Sleep tests are usually prescribed by sleep specialists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, or neurologists. Choice of which test to use is up to the prescribing physician.

SA screening tests are usually prescribed based on the presence of typical symptoms such as loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person, abrupt awakenings, insomnia, morning headache, daytime hypersomnia, tiredness, irritability, mood swings and attention problems. These symptoms are likely to manifest in obese patients, patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and asthma. Improvements of PG systems, inclusion of more parameters (such as ECG), introduction of portable and wireless devices seem to be the most prominent trends around SAS screening/diagnosis and ECG/ Polygraphy systems.

There is also an increasing demand for home sleep studies and therefore a need for more patient-friendly devices which could improve compliance. Wearable devices and smartphone based technologies are perceived to be the next trend in SA diagnostics. Philips is the top most supplier providing the polygraphs. There are numerous unmet needs around SAS screening/ diagnostics. As previously mentioned, most important ones pertain to too few parameters monitored by PG, resulting in less comprehensive assessment of sleep structure.

Therefore, there is a need for more advanced PG devices and in general for more quick, easy to use and reliable diagnostic methods. Current price of home PG devices and tests itself are perceived by some physicians as too high, so any price reduction would be positive.

Visit our website now:https://www.grgonline.com/

[txhospitals123]

Pulmonology Services at TX Hospitals - Comprehensive Care for Respiratory Disorders

Our pulmonary specialists provide tailored diagnosis and treatment services for acute and chronic respiratory disorders, including early detection of lung cancer, using modern technology and equipment at TX Hospitals.

[extantformoflife]

NOW YOU KNOW!!! NOW YOU KNOW!!!!! WHAT IT IS LIKE TO LIVE IN MY BODY!!!!!!

[sistrly]

🫁 、 UNSPECiFIED RESPiRATORY DiSORDER LESBiAN ── A flag for lesbians with an unspecified respiratory disorder ｡

[harmoniousworld]

Even though I say I’m having “difficulty breathing”, it doesn’t mean that I’m going to appear the same way as if someone were having a heart attack.

I wanted to make this blog post because there seems to be a lack of awareness on this topic.  The other day, I saw a new doctor on Telehealth. I told her I was having issues breathing and that I preferred to write in the chat log (if there was one).  She said there was no chat log, and I said that I will hang on as long as I can speak.  She did urge me to call 911 if I needed to, but she was pretty hasty, rolling her eyes pretty much the entire time, with an attitude (before I even told her I was having difficulty breathing).   I won’t be seeing her again.  In her notes, she didn’t dismiss that I was ill, but she did write down that I claimed to be having some breathing distress but that I was “talking fine, talking in full sentences / paragraphs, and not in any breathing distress”.  She put something like, “patient claims she’s breathless and can’t talk, yet she continues to talk very fast and is not actually having any issues breathing.” I wanted to put this out here, loud and clear!!  Just because someone is feeling distress upon breathing and while verbally speaking does NOT necessarily mean this person can’t talk “at all”, and it doesn’t mean that this person isn’t suffering to the max when he/she speaks.  There are MULTIPLE manifestations / types of “breathlessness”.  That is an ambiguous word.  That is why I used the phrase “difficulty breathing” earlier on. No matter the semantics you choose to use, the universal message should be clear: that if we tell you we are in distress verbally speaking, WE ARE.   NOT all shortness of breath presents the same.  Of course I was not having a heart attack.  I know what THAT type of “short of breath” is like.  That is a breathing for me that was very fast, with frequent deep gasps, with the worst distress and inability to catch my breath whatsoever.   For my usual daily symptoms, though, my “difficulty breathing” is much different than that!!  I guess even doctors aren’t familiar with “this type” of “difficulty breathing”.  Again, having “difficulty breathing” could mean a variety of things!!   Well, she did technically tell me she was not a doctor but rather a nurse practitioner.  (I even had a NP who didn’t know what dysautonomia was recently, so I can’t hold them too accountable here. But, they should open their minds a little.) Even when I’m not speaking, I have labored breathing.  It’s not the same type as when you have to labor your breathing when you’re in an SVT attack; I get that way too.  That’s much different. When I have labored breathing, I have to manually focus on each breath.  My chest is also VERY tight, and my airways are not that elastic to begin with.  My lungs are always tight and compressed.  I also have apnea both while awake and asleep... and not the obstructive type but the central type where the brain doesn’t even send the message to breathe.  I don’t have apnea all day long.  That part does come in waves.  Some days it’s very severe and breathing isn’t automatic.  At that point I have to focus very hard, and when I speak and my brain is going fast, it becomes almost impossible for me to breathe enough.  I will talk until I get faint and then it jolts me to breath.  But on the moments/days that the apnea is not severe, I still have many other respiratory issues that are exacerbated while speaking verbally. There are moments I can’t speak at all, and there are moments I can speak with just a little distress (which always worsens as I go).  My FEV1 is EXTREMELY low, which is the forced air output. My lungs are also hyperinflated, as seen on chest x-rays. I was also diagnosed with COPD on top of astham and the low FEV1.   When I speak, I am VERY lightheaded / faint.  I get more and more near-syncope as I speak.  My airways get tighter because of their lack of elasticity. I did have nodules on my vocal cords years ago.  I also felt a pop in my airway back in 2010 when this all started with my airways. I did have breathing difficulty since I was a child with exertion.  I see phosphenes (stars) when I speak.  I start to gasp for air.  I take breaks at certain times. I may talk for 4 minutes straight and then suddenly stop talking fully. I may start doing very deep breathing which can sound like I’m sighing... I assure you I never sigh.  It is me deep breathing.  And people don’t even notice the deep breathing.  If you see me in a video, though, you’d see how much distress I’m actually in if I were to highlight the exact moments that I’m holding my chest, breathing oddly, etc.  I start to sum up my answers, EVEN IF I am still talking “a lot”!  This is because I know the convo could go on for a while and I want to answer as much as possible even if I have to sum things up here and there.  For anyone who knows me, they will know I’m an EXTREMELY DESCRIPTIVE person.  That’s just the way I am.  I’m not a person of a few words; I’m a person of many words.  I love to talk.  I was always extremely talkative.   Talking on the phone / video urges me to speak louder, and any time I speak loud, it makes me more breathless.  I also used to be a singer and now I cannot sing much.  That should be full proof right there.  I went from being able to belt out a tune, even though I was always lightheaded to some degree doing so, to being able to hardly finish one stanza while only sitting down.  Now my FEV1 is so low that I can hardly get a few lines of singing out at one time... and I can’t sign with much force for long.  I can maybe sing with significant force for ~2 seconds max. I also can still scream / yell, but only for 2 seconds, and then i’m left suffering greatly afterwards.  After every vocal interaction, I’m suffering SO much.  It actually makes me worse because then I can’t go and exert after speaking.  After talking to someone, it usually takes about 45 min for me to reset and then I can go into a wheelchair or use the bathroom, etc.  People have NO idea how distressing this is.  I would love nothing more than to use sign language or another method, but people do NOT see this as a “real problem” because it’s so rare.  If I were deaf, yeah, sure people will use sign language.  Funny thing is I can hardly hear... I lip read mostly now... and when people turn their backs and I can’t hear them, I have to ask “what” repeatedly.  And it’s not even an issue with volume... I can hear volume fine, so hearing aides won’t help.  It’s a problem hearing clarity, as I have extremely loud tinnitus going on at all times, involving knocking sounds, rumbling, and 8+ pitches of tones, some pulsing.  I also have tensor tempani and tons of ear pressure.  So believe me, I would love to use sign language, but because I’m not “deaf” no one would accommodate that.  And here I will sit, suffering, for the rest of my life!!!!  I also would like to write things down.  Sometimes I do. Some people will not entertain that, because they can see I can still speak. But what they don’t see is how much worse it makes me, how bad I feel during it and after it, and how I can’t do anything for so long after speaking.  It would give me so much freedom to be able to use sign language or write things down.   Just because I can verbally speak does not mean it’s not torturing me.  MY LUNGS FEEL LIKE BRICKS to lift with each breath, and when I speak, I have to lift so much more.  It feels like 100 pounds.  And it exhausts me.  My heart rate goes up.  My heart also becomes inadequate and doesn’t beat right after talking for several minutes or even after exerting at all.  I burn so many calories from just TRYING to speak, due to my heart rate going up.  I get so exhausted just talking a little bit.  I can’t afford to speak but I do it anyway because I’m stuck in a world that only caters to visible disabilities.  If you have an invisible disability, forget it.  You’ll always be seen as meek, weak, and a wuss to outsiders.  I’m so spent and wrung out from all this explaining.  I don’t owe anyone an explanation, but here I am making myself all stressed out because an uninformed, narrow-minded nurse would rather assume than look at my past history or ask me in writing on a message. 

[pharmaceutical-company-in-india]

Innovations in Respiratory Health Treatments: What Companies Are Doing to Combat Chronic Conditions

Innovations in Respiratory Health Treatments: What Companies Are Doing to Combat Chronic Conditions

Respiratory health remains a significant concern worldwide, with chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory diseases affecting millions. In response, pharmaceutical companies are developing innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes. Among the biggest pharmaceutical companies dedicated to respiratory care is Zuventus Healthcare, one of the best pharma companies in India, which has made significant advancements in respiratory medicine.

About Zuventus Healthcare

Zuventus Healthcare, recognized as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in India, has been at the forefront of the healthcare industry, offering high-quality treatments across various therapeutic areas. The company's commitment to respiratory medicine is evident through its comprehensive product portfolio designed to address chronic respiratory disorders. Zuventus has introduced innovative medication formulations and combination therapies that aim to improve patient adherence, minimize side effects, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with respiratory diseases.

Innovations in Respiratory Treatments

The pharmaceutical industry has seen various breakthroughs in recent years, with novel drug formulations, combination therapies, and personalized treatment approaches offering new hope to patients. Companies like Zuventus Healthcare are implementing these advancements to meet the growing demand for effective respiratory care solutions.

1. Combination Therapies

Combination therapies have become a cornerstone in managing chronic respiratory conditions. Zuventus is helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively by developing medications that combine different active ingredients. This approach reduces the number of medications patients need to take, simplifying their treatment regimen. For instance, combining a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory agent in one medication helps control airway inflammation and relax the muscles around the airways, providing comprehensive relief for individuals with COPD.

2. Innovative Drug Formulations

Pharmaceutical companies in India are increasingly focusing on developing unique drug formulations that offer greater stability and efficacy. Zuventus has taken steps in this direction by producing oral, inhalable, and injectable medications that have a longer duration of action and better absorption properties. These formulations help patients maintain symptom control for extended periods, making respiratory care more convenient.

3. Focus on Patient-Centric Treatment Approaches

The emphasis on patient-centricity has driven companies to go beyond providing medication alone. Zuventus is utilizing educational programs and support services to empower patients with respiratory diseases to manage their conditions proactively. This approach enhances the effectiveness of treatment by ensuring that patients receive comprehensive support, from medication management to lifestyle advice.

Combatting Chronic Respiratory Disorders: Case Studies from Zuventus

Zuventus' Initiatives in COPD Management

COPD is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Zuventus has developed several initiatives to improve the quality of life for COPD patients by combining effective pharmacological treatments with patient education and lifestyle management advice. These programs focus on optimizing medication use, symptom monitoring, and avoiding triggers to help patients better manage their condition.

Addressing Asthma with Modern Treatments

Asthma management has also seen significant advancements with Zuventus' range of products aimed at both acute symptom relief and long-term control. The company's approach includes medications that target inflammation and bronchospasm, ensuring comprehensive asthma management. By addressing the underlying causes of asthma, Zuventus aims to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

The Role of Indian Pharma Companies in Respiratory Health

The landscape of respiratory care has seen a substantial shift due to the contributions of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in India. Companies like Zuventus Healthcare are pivotal in driving innovation by providing high-quality, affordable medications tailored to chronic respiratory disorders, thus improving public health.

What Lies Ahead in Respiratory Medicine?

The future of respiratory health treatments is likely to see a greater focus on personalized medicine, where therapies are tailored to individual patient needs based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. As one of the best pharma companies in India, Zuventus is poised to continue leading this evolution by investing in research and development to introduce more advanced respiratory care solutions.

Conclusion

Zuventus Healthcare's commitment to respiratory medicine showcases how innovative approaches to drug formulation and combination therapies can revolutionize the treatment of chronic respiratory disorders. As one of the largest pharmaceutical companies, Zuventus continues to play a critical role in improving respiratory care and offering hope to millions living with respiratory diseases.

For more information about Zuventus Healthcare, please visit https://www.zuventus.com/.

[emsleyanbluejay]

*through gritted teeth* i will not be that one asshole in the youtube comments it’s not worth it, even if they’re wrong

[ivflondon]

Anand Saggar | Expert Consultant in Clinical Genetics | IVF London

Discover expert genetic testing and treatment options with Consultant Clinical Geneticist Anand Saggar. Trust IVF London, the leading fertility clinic, for top-notch IVF treatments and personalized care.

[drforambhuta]

I. Polycythemia Diagnosis:

A. Clinical Assessment:

• The diagnostic process for polycythemia commences with a thorough examination of medical history and physical condition to detect signs indicative of erythrocytosis, assess potential risk factors (e.g., smoking habits, family history of thrombosis), and uncover underlying causes.

• Special attention should be given to symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome (e.g., headaches, dizziness), skin manifestations (e.g., erythromelalgia), and signs of organ enlargement (e.g., splenomegaly, hepatomegaly).

B. Laboratory Tests:

• Laboratory investigations are crucial for diagnosing polycythemia and understanding its underlying mechanisms. Essential tests include a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, examination of peripheral blood smear, and measurement of serum erythropoietin levels.

• Additional tests, such as JAK2 mutation analysis, bone marrow biopsy, and molecular testing for other mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (e.g., CALR, MPL), may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of PV and rule out alternative causes.

C. Imaging Techniques:

• Imaging methods like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate organ enlargement (e.g., splenomegaly, hepatomegaly) and identify potential underlying factors for secondary polycythemia (e.g., renal tumors).

II. Polycythemia Treatment:

Management of polycythemia aims to alleviate symptoms, lower the risk of thrombotic complications, and prevent disease progression. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity, often involving a combination of strategies:

A. Phlebotomy (Venesection):

• Phlebotomy is the primary treatment for PV, involving the removal of excess blood to achieve target hematocrit levels (<45% in men, <42% in women).

• Regular phlebotomy sessions usually start at diagnosis and are adjusted based on individual response and disease activity.

B. Cytoreductive Therapy:

• Drugs like hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, and ruxolitinib may be used in PV patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate phlebotomy.

• These drugs work by suppressing abnormal hematopoietic proliferation and reducing the risk of blood clotting, with hydroxyurea being the most commonly used and studied cytoreductive drug in PV.

C. Antiplatelet Therapy:

• Aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs are often prescribed to PV patients with a history of blood clots or other high-risk factors to lower the risk of arterial thrombosis.

• Aspirin is usually started at low doses (e.g., 81 mg daily) and may be combined with cytoreductive therapy for better thromboprophylaxis.

D. Treating Underlying Conditions:

• Management of secondary polycythemia focuses on addressing the root cause to relieve hypoxia-induced erythropoiesis and prevent disease progression.

• Interventions may include oxygen therapy for patients with chronic respiratory problems, correction of hemoglobin disorders or other genetic issues, and surgical removal of erythropoietin-secreting tumors.

E. Lifestyle Changes:

• Lifestyle adjustments such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and proper hydration are vital for improving clinical outcomes and reducing cardiovascular risks in polycythemia patients.

Doctors suggest undergoing regular health checkups for the early diagnosis and treatment of polycythemia. You can choose to undergo a regular full body health checkup at Jaslok Hospital Mumbai, which is one of India's best hospitals for the early detection and management of blood disorders.

[extantformoflife]

sometimes being disabled is just like "hey why do I feel so trash?? :/ it is but a mystery...." <- can't breathe

[reasonsforhope]

Pictured: Luis Cassiano is the founder of Teto Verde Favela, a nonprofit that teaches favela residents in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, how to build their own green roofs as a way to beat the heat. He's photographed at his house, which has a green roof.

Article

"Cassiano is the founder of Teto Verde Favela, a nonprofit that teaches favela residents how to build their own green roofs as a way to beat the heat without overloading electrical grids or spending money on fans and air conditioners. He came across the concept over a decade ago while researching how to make his own home bearable during a particularly scorching summer in Rio.

A method that's been around for thousands of years and that was perfected in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s, green roofs weren't uncommon in more affluent neighborhoods when Cassiano first heard about them. But in Rio's more than 1,000 low-income favelas, their high cost and heavy weight meant they weren't even considered a possibility.

That is, until Cassiano decided to team up with a civil engineer who was looking at green roofs as part of his doctoral thesis to figure out a way to make them both safe and affordable for favela residents. Over the next 10 years, his nonprofit was born and green roofs started popping up around the Parque Arará community, on everything from homes and day care centers, to bus stops and food trucks.

When Gomes da Silva heard the story of Teto Verde Favela, he decided then and there that he wanted his home to be the group's next project, not just to cool his own home, but to spread the word to his neighbors about how green roofs could benefit their community and others like it.

Pictured: Jessica Tapre repairs a green roof in a bus stop in Benfica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Relief for a heat island

Like many low-income urban communities, Parque Arará is considered a heat island, an area without greenery that is more likely to suffer from extreme heat. A 2015 study from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro showed a 36-degree difference in land surface temperatures between the city's warmest neighborhoods and nearby vegetated areas. It also found that land surface temperatures in Rio's heat islands had increased by 3 degrees over the previous decade.

That kind of extreme heat can weigh heavily on human health, causing increased rates of dehydration and heat stroke; exacerbating chronic health conditions, like respiratory disorders; impacting brain function; and, ultimately, leading to death.

But with green roofs, less heat is absorbed than with other low-cost roofing materials common in favelas, such as asbestos tiles and corrugated steel sheets, which conduct extreme heat. The sustainable infrastructure also allows for evapotranspiration, a process in which plant roots absorb water and release it as vapor through their leaves, cooling the air in a similar way as sweating does for humans.

The plant-covered roofs can also dampen noise pollution, improve building energy efficiency, prevent flooding by reducing storm water runoff and ease anxiety.

"Just being able to see the greenery is good for mental health," says Marcelo Kozmhinsky, an agronomic engineer in Recife who specializes in sustainable landscaping. "Green roofs have so many positive effects on overall well-being and can be built to so many different specifications. There really are endless possibilities.""

Pictured: Summer heat has been known to melt water tanks during the summer in Rio, which runs from December to March. Pictured is the water tank at Luis Cassiano's house. He covered the tank with bidim, a lightweight material conducive for plantings that will keep things cool.

A lightweight solution

But the several layers required for traditional green roofs — each with its own purpose, like insulation or drainage — can make them quite heavy.

For favelas like Parque Arará, that can be a problem.

"When the elite build, they plan," says Cassiano. "They already consider putting green roofs on new buildings, and old buildings are built to code. But not in the favela. Everything here is low-cost and goes up any way it can."

Without the oversight of engineers or architects, and made with everything from wood scraps and daub, to bricks and cinder blocks, construction in favelas can't necessarily bear the weight of all the layers of a conventional green roof.

That's where the bidim comes in. Lightweight and conducive to plant growth — the roofs are hydroponic, so no soil is needed — it was the perfect material to make green roofs possible in Parque Arará. (Cassiano reiterates that safety comes first with any green roof he helps build. An engineer or architect is always consulted before Teto Verde Favela starts a project.)

And it was cheap. Because of the bidim and the vinyl sheets used as waterproof screening (as opposed to the traditional asphalt blanket), Cassiano's green roofs cost just 5 Brazilian reais, or $1, per square foot. A conventional green roof can cost as much as 53 Brazilian reais, or $11, for the same amount of space.

"It's about making something that has such important health and social benefits possible for everyone," says Ananda Stroke, an environmental engineering student at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro who volunteers with Teto Verde Favela. "Everyone deserves to have access to green roofs, especially people who live in heat islands. They're the ones who need them the most." ...

It hasn't been long since Cassiano and the volunteers helped put the green roof on his house, but he can already feel the difference. It's similar, says Gomes da Silva, to the green roof-covered moto-taxi stand where he sometimes waits for a ride.

"It used to be unbearable when it was really hot out," he says. "But now it's cool enough that I can relax. Now I can breathe again."

-via NPR, January 25, 2025