NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Buch Willmore, who have spent about nine months in space, are finally ready to return to Earth. According to NASA’s schedule, he is expected to land by 6 pm on March 18. While his return is an important milestone, his prolonged migration in space has exposed him to many physical changes. Extending time in space takes a serious toll on the human body, and Williams and Wilmore will face many health challenges because they work again for life on earth.

From weak muscles and delicate bones to dizziness and even “baby legs”, their return will come up with a difficult recovery period. So, what happens to the body after a long time in space, and how do astronauts cross these challenges?

Do astronauts face after a long space mission?

1. ‘Baby ft’ syndrome

One of one of the low-bound but important post-space health challenges is known as ‘baby feet’. This phenomenon becomes extremely uncomfortable for astronauts when returning to Earth.

Why does this happen? In space, astronauts float instead of walking, meaning that their legs are not subject to normal pressure and friction that are experienced on earth. Over time, thick calluses on the soles of their feet, which protect them from daily wear and tear, begin to soften and peel. It results in sensitive and smooth soles, much like a child.

Dr. Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director and Joint Replacement of Orthopedics, Max Hospital Vaishli, explains, “In microgravity, astronauts do not run, so their soles do not develop thick skin, their legs become very delicate.”

Dr. Robert Hagan, a NASA-linked space medical expert, says, “Long-term space missions often struggle with walking and standing, which loses their skin’s skin, which is challenging again due to friction and absence of weight-and bear activities, which is challenging again.”

How long does recovery take? Recovery varies, but astronauts usually take a few months to a few months. Physical therapy, including running on various surfaces and rehabilitation exercises, helps accelerate the process.

Dr. “Regular weight-bearing activities and solid ground assistance in reconstruction of skin flexibility,” says Yadav, reduce discomfort. “

2. Bone density and muscle loss

One of the most important challenges of astronauts after prolonged space travel is bone density and loss of muscle mass due to the absence of gravity. According to NASA, astronauts may lose up to 1 percent of their bone density per month in space, making their bones weak and more brittle.

how does this work? In microgravity, the body stops production of bone tissue at its normal rate. Bone -breaking cells continue to function, while people responsible for slow reconstruction. Over time, this imbalance leads to symptoms such as osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fracture.

A former chief scientist of NASA’s Human Research Program, Dr. Jennifer Phogartha warns, “Long astronauts in space, it is equally difficult to fix their bones, in which they will have to go through the months of rehabilitation.”

Similarly, muscle atrophy is caused by low use of muscles in microgravity. Even with daily exercise, astronauts experience significant muscle loss and should follow an intensive rehabilitation program on their return.

3. Heart and brain health issues

Long -term space missions also affect the cardiovascular system and brain function. Without the gravity of the Earth, physiological fluids move towards the head, cranials increase pressure and affect vision and brain health. NASA has identified a disorder called Spaceflight Neuro-Ocular syndrome (SANS), which causes inflammation in the optic nerve, causing vision problems.

Dr. Hopkins’ University of Hopkins, a spaceflight physiology specialist Dr. Mark Shelhemar explains, “Astronauts returning from space often experience dizziness, vision loss and even cognitive laxity.

The heart changes. In space, it becomes more rounded, and long -term contact for microgravity weakens heart muscle. On returning to Earth, sudden change in blood volume can cause dizziness, nausea and fainting mantras.

Dr. Shellhmar says, “astronauts should be closely monitored for heart irregularities.

4. Radiation risk and long term health risk

In space, astronauts are exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation, which significantly increases the risk of cancer, degenerative diseases, and neurological disorders. Unlike the Earth, where the atmosphere acts as a protective shield, astronauts face direct contact for harmful radiation.

A radiation specialist at Nevada University, Dr. Francis cucinota says, “Radiation risk in space can damage DNA and increase the possibility of cancer and development of heart diseases.

How can astronauts recover faster?

While space agencies like NASA have developed a strategy to combat these challenges, astronauts should follow strict rehabilitation protocol post-mission. Some measures include:

• Crucial physical therapy: being attached to weight-bearing exercise and strength training to restore the density of muscles and bones.
• Vision Monitoring: Regular check-up to assess optic nerve changes and correct vision loss.
• Cardiovascular conditioning: Controlled physical activity to help the heart read for the gravity of the earth.
• Dietary adjustment: Consumption of foods rich in calcium, protein and antioxidants to help in repairing tissue and overall recovery.

As Sunita Williams and Buch prepare for Willmore land, medical experts will closely monitor their recovery, making sure that they get full health after their historic mission. Their journey highlights the incredible flexibility of astronauts and the complications of the effect of space travel on human physiology.

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