• Published on: Apr 30, 2022
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is PET Scan ?

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A PET scan (positron emission tomography) is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to look for changes in the function of cells and tissues. A tracer is a substance that is introduced into the body to make it easier to see certain areas or organs. The radioactive tracer used in PET scans emits positrons, which are tiny particles that collide with electrons in the body. This creates gamma rays that can be detected by a scanner and used to create images of the inside of the body. PET scans are often used to diagnose cancer because tumor cells typically have higher levels of activity than normal cells. They can also be used to check for treatment response, measure tumor size, and identify new tumors.

PET Scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to look for disease in the body. A PET Scan can show how well organs and tissues are working. It can help find cancer, heart problems, and other diseases. A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a medical imaging test that helps physicians diagnose and treat diseases. PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to help physicians see how organs and tissues are functioning. The radioactive tracer is injected into the patient's body and travels to the organ or tissue being studied. Physicians can then see where the tracer collects on an image of the organ or tissue.

A PET scan is helpful in diagnosing cancer, heart disease, brain disorders, and other diseases. It can also help determine how well treatment is working. PET Scan is an acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. It's a type of medical imaging that uses a small amount of radioactive material to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. A PET scanner creates 3D images of the inside of the body. PET (positron emission tomography) scans use a small amount of radioactive material called a tracer to help doctors see certain areas of the body. The tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken as it moves through the body.

PET scans are often used to find cancer because tumors absorb more of the radioactive material than normal tissue does. PET scans can also be used to measure blood flow, check how well drugs work, and see how active the brain is. A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to look at the function and structure of organs and tissues in your body. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream and then scanned by a special camera. The camera creates pictures that show where the material has collected. This can help doctors see how well an organ is working or find tumors or other problems.

PET scan is short for positron emission tomography. It's a type of medical imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to look at organ function or tissue metabolism. The tracer is a small amount of radioactive material that's injected into the patient's bloodstream. It collects in organs and tissues, and a scanner detects the radiation emitted as it decays. This information is used to create cross-sectional images of the body that show how the organs and tissues are working. PET scans are most often used to detect cancer because tumors consume more energy than normal tissue and therefore have a higher metabolic rate. But they can also be used to evaluate other problems, such as heart disease, brain function, and joint damage.

PET scanning is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. A small amount of radioactive glucose (FDG) is injected into a vein and images are taken as the glucose moves through the body. Cancer cells use more energy than normal cells and therefore absorb more of the radioactive glucose. This allows tumors to be visualized on the scan. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. A PET scan is a medical imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to look at organs and tissues inside the body. The tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken as it moves through the body.

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Lack of sunlight and mental health link

Lack of Sunlight and Mental Health Link: What You Should Know

Do you ever feel gloomy, tired, or anxious during the rainy season or in winter when sunlight is low? You're not alone. There’s a growing body of research that shows a strong link between lack of sunlight and mental health problems—including depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

In this blog, we’ll break down this connection in simple terms and help you understand why stepping outside for just 20 minutes of sunshine could boost your mood naturally.

 

Why Is Sunlight So Important?

Sunlight does more than just brighten our days. It plays a critical role in our physical and mental well-being by:

  • Regulating sleep through the circadian rhythm
     

  • Boosting serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone
     

  • Helping the body produce vitamin D, which supports mood and immunity
     

  • Improving alertness and reducing fatigue
     

When we don’t get enough sunlight—whether due to indoor lifestyles, long winters, or pollution—our mental health may suffer.

 

The Science Behind the Mood-Sunlight Connection

Sunlight impacts the brain's chemistry, especially serotonin and melatonin levels.

  • Serotonin improves mood, helps you feel calm, and supports focus.
     

  • Melatonin controls sleep and is produced when it's dark.
     

When you lack sunlight, serotonin production drops, while melatonin levels rise earlier in the day. This imbalance can cause:

  • Low energy
     

  • Sadness or depression
     

  • Irritability
     

  • Oversleeping
     

  • Poor concentration
     

 

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year—usually in winter when sunlight is limited.

Common SAD symptoms:

  • Feeling hopeless or down most of the day
     

  • Sleeping more than usual
     

  • Craving carbs and gaining weight
     

  • Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
     

  • Low motivation and energy
     

SAD is real, and it affects millions worldwide—especially in places with long winters or low sunlight.

 

The Role of Vitamin D

Sunlight helps your skin make vitamin D, which is essential for your mood and immune function. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to:

  • Depression
     

  • Fatigue
     

  • Brain fog
     

  • Weak immunity
     

How do I know if I have low vitamin D?

You can take a Vitamin D blood test—available through platforms like SecondMedic.com with Thyrocare home collection.

 

Signs You May Be Affected by Low Sunlight

  • You feel sad or “off” during cloudy or winter days
     

  • You avoid going outdoors
     

  • You feel sleepy all day
     

  • You lose interest in daily tasks
     

  • You are deficient in vitamin D
     

If you check more than 2 of these, it’s time to focus on getting more light.

 

Simple Ways to Get More Sunlight and Boost Mental Health

1. Get Morning Sunlight

Spend 15–30 minutes in direct morning sunlight every day. This resets your internal clock and boosts serotonin.

2. Open Curtains and Use Natural Light Indoors

Let natural light into your home or workspace whenever possible.

3. Take a Walk Outside

Even a short daily walk can improve your mood.

4. Consider a Vitamin D Supplement

If your doctor confirms deficiency, a supplement may help restore mood balance.

5. Use Light Therapy

In areas with very little sunlight, light therapy lamps mimic natural light and can reduce SAD symptoms.

 

Related Lab Tests (Available on SecondMedic)

To understand how sunlight impacts your health, consider these lab tests:

Vitamin D Test

Check your vitamin D levels and confirm if sunlight deficiency is affecting your mood.

Thyroid Profile

Low sunlight can affect thyroid function, which is closely tied to mental health.

CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein)

To check if inflammation is contributing to fatigue or mood issues.

All of these are available for home sample collection through SecondMedic.com.

 

Conclusion

It’s easy to overlook how much sunlight affects our mind. But science clearly shows that regular exposure to natural light improves mood, energy, and mental clarity.

Whether you're feeling low or want to prevent future problems, just a few minutes of daily sunlight can make a big difference.

If you’re concerned about the lack of sunlight and mental health link, start by stepping outside—your brain will thank you.

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