Doctor Uncle...

change your mood with Food

2011-09-05T04:30:00.000-07:00

Foods that Beat Depression

1. Tuna
One of the factor which many depressed people is having lack of B6. Consumption of Tune gives approxymetly 70% of B6.

2. Cabbage
It helps reduce Heart related diseases, Stress and many types of cancers. Cabbage contains vitamin C and folic acid. It is also a good source of blood-sugar-stabilizing fiber. For stomach ulcers Cabbage juice is great remedy.

3. Walnuts
Omega-3s helps brain cells and mood-lifting neurotransmitters and Walnuts is great source of Omega-3. Small amount of Walnuts in a Tea is the great idea.

4. Brown Rice
Brown Rice helps preventing sugar lows and mood swings. Brown Rice contains vitamins B1 and B3 & folic acid. It is a high-fiber food that can keep the digestive system healthy and lower cholesterol.

5. Dark chocolate
Umm.....Waterring your mouth? Yea me too...

It releases pleasure enhancing endorphins into the brain and contains phenyl ethylamine, a stimulant associated with love.
But dont eat too much..It is having side effects as well that I will cover in my next post. So, keep this site.

6. Whole-grain oats
Whole-grain oats contain folic acid, pantothenic acid and vitamins B6 and B1. It help lower cholesterol and we know what happens if cholesterol increases.

7. Hummus
hummus helps avoid blood sugar fluctuations to sustained release of glucose into the blood stream. It contains high protein and fibre.

Foods that soothe rage

1. Watermelon
This juicy fruit contains citrulline and arginine that trigger production of nitric oxide,that relaxes our body's blood vessels. It is also a great source of Viagra.

2. Salmon
Salmon is good for our skin because it contains omega-3 fatty acid.Study shows that people who consumes Salmon regularly have a much lower incidence of depression, aggressiveness and hostility.

Foods for Fire Sex

1. Almonds
Almond contains essential fats that is required for the production of sex hormones.

2. Chilli
Chilli's content gets the heart pumping which is triggering reactions as sweaty and similar to when you're having sex.

3. Bananas
Banana contain vitamin B6 that ups serotonin levels.

4. Vanilla
Vanilla boosts penile blood flow.

Foods for Happy Good Morning

1. Apples
Apples are great source of iron and fructose. They are almost as effective as caffeine. Apples protect the brain from memory loss and senility due to their quercetin content.

2. Orange
Just 1 suggestion : Try eating 1 instead of drinking the juice to keep calories at bay.
Oranges contain vitamin C that beats fatigue to keep us active throughout the day.

3. Broccoli

It maintains healthy bone and blood-sugar levels. They are also responsible for hand-eye co-ordination, attention and short-term memory.

4. Lemons
Lemons are instant refreshers.

5. Tea
I think everybody knows that why we are taking Tea in the morninig and evening. No need to explain, right?

Running-Jogging - Exclusive tips

2010-04-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Believe me, each time I meet my friend - Param, who is a fitness freak, I gaze longingly and enviously at his trim and muscular physique. But when I hear about the hours he spends in the gym working out that lean mean muscle machine body of his, lifting weights and trudging away on the treadmill, I decide to give up the idea.
It is common that many young gym hitting people spend up to two hours working out, leading others to believe that anything less will be of no benefit. Experts also tell us that exercising for less than half an hour won't liberate us from that extra flab on the waist.
However, a fast- growing body indicates that intensity, not duration, is really the missing piece in our fitness puzzle.
So if you can mix the 15 minutes of jogging with one minute of sprint, the benefits are similar to those obtained from a long jog.

Running with Longer Sessions burn more fats

It is generally believed that the body burns a greater amount of fat doing lower- intensity aerobic exercise than it does at higher intensities.
The human body can burn calories either from carbohydrates or fat depending on the intensity of the exercise. You burn more calories with sprinting than jogging, but most of it is carbs. Jogging also burns the carbs first, but after 30 minutes your body dips into the fat storage.
This concept also holds for those involved in weight training. The recommendation is that two body parts are exercised every day. This means at least eight exercises with three sets each which equals at least one hour with the weights. For the first 20 minutes, only the carbs are burned.
However, the latest research done by the Singapore College of Sports Medicine shows that a single set of 12 repetitions with the proper amount of weight can build muscle just as efficiently as can three sets of the same exercise. Proper weight is the one that's heavy enough to tire your muscles, and should push your body to the extent that you are barely able to finish the last repetition. This approach can drastically reduce the time you spend with weights.

workouts should be Short

Short high intensity workouts are a good bet if your goal is to remain fit and condition your body in a short span of time. While you may lose some weight during these, they are not intended specifically for weight loss. Researchers at the Singapore University have found that just six minutes of intense exercise like sprinting in a week may be as effective as an hour of daily moderate activity. Since a short, intense regimen boosts the body's metabolism sharply, it also helps to prevent weight gain and diabetes.
An important consideration to keep in mind is that this may not be good for everyone, and you need to be in optimal health to opt for high intensity exercises since they put extreme stress on the body, leading to injuries.
An anaerobic workout does not require much oxygen and hence the heart and lungs are not exercised. For overall fitness you need to build your endurance levels too," explains Tony Hoe, Jandel master trainer.

Best of both

Fitness experts recommend circuit training to help attain the maximum fitness in the shortest possible time. Circuit training involves performing varied exercises using weights, treadmill and your own body weight with or without breaks. So you move from jogging to lifting dumbbells, and then lie down for sit ups. This circuit can target fat loss, muscle building as well as heart- lung fitness in one go. " It just takes 12-15 minutes to complete a circuit. The time increases depending upon the number of exercises you are doing," says Shivdarshan Gawande, fitness trainer, Sherilnancy Gym.
The heart rate is kept up throughout the workout, providing the same benefits as the guy who mindlessly logs all those miles on the treadmill.
Fewer rest periods lead to an increase in the amount of testosterone you release, which serves to help your muscles grow. Flexibility in routine is another reason for the popularity of circuit training. Mixing yoga, kickboxing and pilates with traditional cardio and strength training throws up interesting combinations.
'You can blend cardio and strength exercises one day while the next day you can go for balance exercises with stretches. It pushes your body like intense workouts but does not compromise on other aspects of fitness,' says Hoe.

Interval training

Interval training is another good option especially for those who want to build up their endurance levels and lose weight too. This kind of training involves high intensity punctuated by periods of low activity. For instance, you can start with a five- minute slow jog, go for a one minute sprint and then again do a five- minute slow jog.
Research done at the University of Singapore found that just two weeks of interval training boosts women's ability to burn fat during exercise by 34 per cent. Anyone in good health might consider doing interval training once or twice a week.
Joggers can alternate walking and sprints while swimmers can complete a couple of fast laps, then four more slowly.
But since this can strain the cardiovascular system, you need to be in optimal health to perform interval training.

Rude health

Women who enjoy a few glasses of red wine with meals have higher sex drives and stronger orgasms, says Canadian research. Eating boosts endorphins, the feel good hormones, while antioxidants in red wine widen blood vessels, increasing flow to key areas.

2010-03-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Losing weight, staying in shape, and eating right can be good for your Health. Dr. Pooja Triwedi eases your task and finds out what's right for you at your age.

Age 20s: Kick-start fitness

Step off the treadmill and opt for a fitness regimen that focuses on speed, agility and reflexes, and also addresses weight loss. You should kickboxing, which is punishing, but a super-fun form of exercise. Digvijay Chintawar,a Pune-based fitness trainer, says that when combined with a sensible diet, kickboxing is a good option if you are looking to see results in just a few weeks. However, experts advise that ideally you should be a regular(at least six months)at the gym doing both cardio and weight training before you begin kickboxing. Do not begin this exercise if you are very overweight, since it requires a lot of lower body power. Instead, first work towards weight loss through a diet and a combination of weight training and cardio, and then try a class.

Diet tip: When you are on an intense workout regime like kickboxing, fueling your body with the right kind of food is very important. Make sure that you get lots of proteins and complex carbs, especially for breakfast (egg white omelettes, or even a poached egg) and lunch(grilled chicken and salad). Go light with your dinner meal with a soup and salad if you are looking at knocking off those extra kilos. Load up on plenty of green vegetables, proteins and complex carbs(multi-grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice). The veggies come enriched with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, while proteins and complex carbs help with faster muscle recovery(post working out)and fuel your body with energy to

exercise with greater power and stamina.

Age 30s: Get on the track
Perfect for those who find it impossible to schedule a fixed time for exercise. Running outdoors can be done anywhere and anytime. One of the most effective ways to lose inches and keep them off, running is fantastic for both body and mind. Just a half-hour of running can burn up to 500 calories and can turn your body into a lean, gorgeous, toned machine with great stamina and core strength(think the svelte shape of Deepika Padukone). Start with a short distance(maybe three kilometers)which you can cover with a combination of jogging and speed walking, then gradually build up the distance covered.

Diet tip: Your metabolic rate begins to slow down at this point, so get smart about what you eat. Try the Mediterranean diet that includes lots of grilled chicken and fish drizzled with olive oil, delicious salads doused with lemon juice, and wholesome soups. This is the ideal'diet'food that fills you up, tastes great, and gives you the energy to burn those extra calories. Watch your sugar cravings, which can tend to spike during hunger attacks. Have at least one portion of fruit(strawberries, grapes, pears)every day to minimise this temptation. Save and savour the slice of your favourite chocolate cake for those days that you really deserve a treat!

Age 40s: Dance away your blues
This is just the age to reinvent yourself, so try something new and acquire new skills. One way is to put on your dancing shoes. Fitness consultant and ballroom dance teacher Radha Gujar from Pune explains that social dancing is one of the most"non-stressful forms of exercise"and is also proven to be an effective way to reduce stress and increase energy levels. Dancing also increases body strength and improves muscle tone and coordination. Radha says that dancing allows you to"rediscover yourself and reconnect with people", which generally makes you feel more alive and good about yourself.

Diet tip: At this age, the body becomes slightly resistant to weightloss. But discipline and smart diet choices should help you through. Minimise eating out and switch to simple, homemade foods which are light and easy to digest. Have a bowl of fresh salad or soup with every meal to fill yourself with the right kind of food. In fact, the days you are going out for dinner or lunch, have some salad or soup at home before you leave, to prevent bingeing on food that you should avoid. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and include proteins(chicken or soya/tofu if you are vegetarian)and good carbs(whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, multigrain bread)in your diet. Ensure that you are getting regular servings of yoghurt(it contains healthy bacteria that promote digestion and fight diseases)in your diet. Pay attention to your calcium intake. Consult a doctor for supplements.

Age 50+: Return to your roots
While yoga is a great way for women across all age groups to stay in shape, it's especially good for maintaining health and fitness after the age of 50s. Practiced regularly, it's gentle, yet challenging. It improves circulation, which results in glowing, youthful skin, and the metabolic rate, which naturally slows down in the 30s. Face Yoga, the new buzzword in ladies. Uses yogic facial exercises that work to firm the skin on the neck and around the eyes and cheeks-the perfect solution for those seeking a natural face lift. It is said that the age a woman starts her yoga practice is the age she appears to remain for the rest of her years. If that's not reason enough to start, then what is?

Diet tip: Keep meals small, but make sure that you eat every three hours so there is no dip in energy levels. Ensure that you get breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, an early-evening snack, and dinner every single day. Looking for some tasty but healthy snacks? A handful of mixed nuts-almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and hazelnuts-are a great option. Another good midmorning mini-meal which fills you up without upsetting your weighing scales is a bowl of cold, sliced apples-a great source of fibre which aids digestion.

Women have more Powerful Immune System

2010-01-16T04:38:00.001-08:00

Women have more Powerful Immune System than Men According To A New Study.
Men and women are not equal before biology: the latest study by Dr. Maya Saleh, of the Research Institute of the University Health Center McGill and the McGill University (Canada), shows that women have a more powerful immune systems than men. Indeed, the production of estrogen in females would have a positive effect on the innate inflammatory response against bacterial pathogens. These surprising results were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences today.

More specifically, estrogen produced naturally by women could block the secretion of the enzyme Caspase-12 that blocks the inflammatory process. Thus the presence of estrogen would have a positive effect on innate immunity, which represents the body's first defense against pathogens.

"These results demonstrate that the inflammatory response in women is more powerful than men,"
According to Dr. Saleh.

This study was conducted on mice with the gene for caspase-12 was inactivated, ie mice highly resistant to infection. The human gene for caspase-12 has been implanted in some of them, male and female .... or only males have become more susceptible to infections.

"We were very surprised by this result, and we determined that the estrogen produced by female mice blocked the actions of the human gene for caspase-12 gene",

says Dr. Saleh.

"We could also show which part of the gene binds estrogen to block, which calls for direct action."

Since these experiments were made with a human gene, researchers believe that these results are also applicable to men. This characteristic of female innate immune system could have developed during evolution to better protect individuals which breed.

The positive effect of estrogen on our natural resistance to infection is also with synthetic hormones such as 17-beta estradiol. This finding may open the door to new therapeutic applications for enhancing the immune system. A question remains: men will accept they take an exclusively female hormone to treat?

Too Much Sugar Promotes The Risk Of Breast Cancer

2010-01-16T04:36:00.001-08:00

A diet too rich in sugar promote the risk of developing breast cancer according to a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in December 2008.

This major study, was conducted among 93,000 women specifically establishes a link between high levels of insulin, a hormone secreted to regulate blood sugar and risk of breast cancer.

According to scientists, this discovery explains why postmenopausal women with obesity are more likely to have breast cancer. Insulin levels and higher estrogen nurtures the disease (at least for women with a BMI above 30).

To Dr. Servan Schreiber for this study, this confirms "the role of food too sweet in the occurrence of certain cancers."

It is important "to communicate with patients already diagnosed with cancer about the importance of adopting a diet low glycemic index for reduced insulin secretion and its negative influence on the growth of cancer cells."

In prevention, we must eat healthy and why not adopt a Mediterranean-style diet. ? This diet low glycemic index helps prevent many diseases like cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory diseases. A good resolution for 2009?

The signs of pregnancy

2010-01-16T04:32:00.001-08:00

The signs of pregnancy, the beginning of your adventure

Signs of pregnancy must be clearly defined because it is impossible for a woman trying to conceive to wait patiently to discover whether she is pregnant or not. She wants to know as soon as possible. It is therefore very important to carefully monitor your body and identify even the smallest changes occurring there. Although no pregnancy is like any other, some women may experience early signs and symptoms of pregnancy since the early days of conception. Others do not notice any change before the first weeks.

Signs of Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes many physical changes, both internal and external. Some of these changes:

Nausea: The morning sickness and vomiting are frequent harbinger of pregnancy. Most women misinterpret and believe food poisoning or a stomach problem.

Exacerbation of smell and taste: Many women become very sensitive to taste and smell of some foods more common. These foods can cause nausea, while others give rise to unusual cravings. This is a classic sign of pregnancy.

Dizziness and loss of consciousness: Some women avoid eating and skipping meals because of nausea triggered by smells and tastes exacerbated. It follows then their blood sugar too low, and dizziness or fainting.

Constipation: Problems with constipation may occur during pregnancy because of poor nutrition and metabolism idling.

Frequent desire to urinate: You may experience frequent urges to urinate during the first week. It is a sign of pregnancy does not disappoint. The uterus is expanding, it exerts pressure on the bladder and causes frequent urination.

Large breasts and nipples painful: Since the body is already preparing for breastfeeding, the breasts grow and the breasts swell and become painful to touch. This sign of pregnancy can be felt from the first week.

Loss of blood and secretions: Some women may notice slight bleeding 8 to 10 days after ovulation, the time normally corresponding to their next period. This sign of pregnancy is the implantation of the embryo in the uterine lining.

Lack of rules: It is the early sign of pregnancy as classical. Some women experience cramping or pain in the lower back similar to those of the imminent arrival of their rules, but to bleed as much.

Other signs of pregnancy to monitor the early stages of design are the following: irritability, fatigue, cramps, backaches, sallow complexion and weight loss.

A pregnancy test performed at home and a visit to the doctor quickly confirm the pregnancy. The doctor then will schedule a series of prenatal visits weekly, calculate your due date and will ensure your well-being and that of your baby throughout the nine months of pregnancy. Adopt a balanced diet and physical activity at the first signs of pregnancy to have a healthy baby.

THE LENS AND PREGNANCY

2010-01-16T04:30:00.001-08:00

What are the ocular changes during pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes changes throughout the body, including eyes. Wearing contact lenses is not against in pregnancy, but the changes may alter ocular comfort.

Corneal changes (or transparent part of the eye) which is placed on the lens
1. The corneal curvature increases, ie the eye is flatter. The lenses can become too tight during pregnancy. This phenomenon is even more significant for carriers that rigid lenses for patients fitted with soft lenses. A flattening of the curvature of the lenses makes it possible to find a good comfort.

2. The sensitivity of the cornea decreases during pregnancy. The pain, in case of complications, may be less intense. More attention must be paid to other signs of intolerance (redness, blurred vision, unusual secretions). You must be especially careful that the decrease in immune defenses during pregnancy may promote the emergence of infections in the lenses.

Changes in tears
Changes in the composition of tears, during pregnancy, partly explain the discomfort that may be encountered carriers lenses.

Changes of refraction
Pregnancy may be accompanied by a slight myopisation (difficulties in seeing far net).

What if we no longer supports the lenses during pregnancy?
First wear less time in the day and alternate with a correction glasses adjusted. If discomfort remains important, it must consult with his ophthalmologist. By changing the lens parameters (material, curvature, correction), to adapt them to new settings of your eyes, it will attempt to restore a comfortable daily wear.

Obviously, do not forget to remove your lenses before delivery. Since, they can undergo anesthesia and the unexpected lens wear is against inappropriate in this case.

The Encyclopedia of Life

2010-01-16T04:27:00.001-08:00

"Encyclopedia of Life" (the encyclopedia of life) is a mammoth project which proposes to archive some 1.8 million species of animals and plants known to date. 10 years of work will be required to complete this project amounts to 100 million dollars.

This project aims to create a resource bank and an online database that will be the reference for researchers, teachers, students or the general public. Each case will have a top-conducted by experts proposant videos, photos, sounds, notes and maps. "This will have a term of information high quality well organized and available at a level unprecedented" said Dr James Edwards who heads the project.

The first stage of the project will focus on animals, plants, followed by fungi and microbes.

This catalog is only possible with technology today, scientists believe that this catalog may include forward a hundred million species.

Sex is good for improving fitness

2010-01-16T04:25:00.000-08:00

Sex is a gift given by God for living organisms in the world. As the blessing of God, why not use it keep you healthy and fit. Nobody can imagine a life without sex. Many people believe that sex as a means of reproduction for the birth of a new life and retain their growing family. Yes, it is true, but we must never forget that sex plays a very important role in our lives. The sex is cited as a better technique to improve your health. Sex improves physical and mental health among men and women.

Sex performed for 15 minutes burns calories similar to the calories burned by running for an hour. It keeps the amount of calories the body control and keeps us safe from heart disease caused by an excess of calories. The latest study to determine the benefits of sex has concluded that implementation of sex three or four times a week reduces the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Thus, it is said that making more sex and keep your heart healthy.

Sex improves the sense of smell. When you perform the sex, the production of the hormone prolactin is promoted, which causes stem cells in the brain to develop new neurons in the olfactory bulb, the center of smell in the brain. Sex improves growth hormones that cleans harmful toxins in the human body. Just before orgasm, sex increases the levels of the hormone oxytoxin five times the normal level. In turn oxytoxin releases endorphins, which give relief of pain or inflammation.

In women, sex encourages the production of estrogen, which reduces the pain of premenstrual syndrome. Sex stimulates the immune system in men and women who do sex several times. Sex increases the production of antibodies called immunoglobulin A, which makes men and women more strength and free from infectious diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis. The resistance of cold and flu is to be more among couples who have sex more often than usual. It reduces the chances of suffering from skin rashes, dermatitis, and stains. The sweat produced during sexual activity cleans the pores and make your skin glow.

Sex sometimes free from pressure by relaxing blood vessels in the brain. The sex is considered natural antihistamine. Sex unblock your stuffy nose by increasing air flow in your body. In women, the sex hormone estrogen releases that stops hair loss and helps makes hair healthy and shiny. Women who love sex three or four times a week, see 10 to 12 years younger when compared to other women their age.

Sex is like exercise, which keeps the excessive weight gain control. Sex reduces chances of obesity. During intercourse, the muscles of the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck, thorax and work and, in turn, the body remains in good shape. Sex reduces depression among men and women. Sex enhances self esteem and confidence between men and women and supporting their mental health. The sex, you're away from dangerous diseases such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis. Sex also improves blood flow in the body and thus the greater the amount of blood is produced in the human body. Ordinary sex gives the best control of the bladder.

Pregnancy and Myopia

2010-01-16T04:17:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy and myopia: A Difficult
Expectant mothers who suffer from myopia will have several inconveniences related to this lack of vision. First, if they wear contact lenses, they may be surprised to no longer support them. A change of the cornea, tears and refraction can cause discomfort or less which leads them to reduce or remove the lens wear.

At birth, the wearing of lenses is not recommended. Myopia can also increase the risk of retinal detachment. It is better to talk to an ophthalmologist who can perform laser correction.

But that's not all. Myopia may increase during pregnancy. That is why an appointment with the ophthalmologist should be scheduled about two months after giving birth (to leave a little time to recover the body, fatigue can skew the medical examination).

22 Tips For Girls To Remain Slim

2009-11-18T07:35:00.003-08:00

1. First of all we must be determined to remain slim and work towards it. Develop a mind set towards it.

2. Set realistic goals.

3. Make lifestyle changes like giving up alcohol, smoking, avoiding fatty food, refined food.

4. Include fresh foods as far as possible as processed foods tend to contain high level of salt and sugar.

5. Do not expect immediate results.

6. Never go for crash diets instead reduce weight gradually and slowly.

7. Never skip meals as you tend to eat more, the next meal. Do not skip breakfast in particular.

8. Include lot of fiber in your diet as it gives a feeling of fullness, thereby preventing you from gorging spicy and fatty food.

9. Nuts contain lot of fiber .They are satisfying and cause people to eat less at meal time.

10. Take warm lime juice mixed with honey the first thing in the morning.

11. Go for skimmed milk.

12. As far as possible avoid weight loss supplements.

13. When you have cravings for sweets, take a fruit instead.

14. When you have cravings for certain type of food like chocolates or ice cream, once in a while, you can take in small quantities.

15. Take fruits and vegetables which have lot of water content like watermelons, cucumbers and white pumpkin.

16. Keep yourself engaged as boredom leads to overeating.

17. Drink lot of water, at least 8 glasses per day.

18. Use the stairs instead of lift. Park the car a little far away and walk to your office. Use every opportunity to be physically active.

19. Walk, Walk and Walk as much as possible .Even if you are busy, go for walk at least 5 days a week.

20. Aerobic exercise like jogging, swimming, cycling, running accelerates weight loss. Consult a physician before starting any weight loss program.. Aerobic exercise combined with healthy eating will certainly help in weight reduction.

21. Make your exercise session enjoyable.

22. Keep yourself free from stress.

Finally, weight loss is a slow process, so do not get disappointed and give up.....!

Cancer : Mother - > Baby

2009-11-18T07:35:00.001-08:00

A Mother can send Cancer to her baby during pregnancy.
India - A mother of 26 years, died of leukemia, a cancer cell transmitted to her daughter, while it was still in her uterus.

This event is rare and researchers proves that cancer can be passed from mother to child. Seventeen cases were identified earlier when the mother and baby share the same cancer often leukemia or melanoma. However, scientists now have evidence of genetic transmission of cancer.

Normally, the immune system of a baby recognizes and destroys any cancer cell from the mother. But this time, the leukemic cells have avoided the baby's natural defenses.

The scientists began their research in 2005 when an Indian father brought his baby to 11 months in the hospital in Mumbai. He then explained that the mother had died three months ago. Samples taken from the infant compared to those of the mother showed that they contained the same cancer cells. These cases are still extremely rare according to scientists.

BREASTFEEDING MAY PROTECT WOMEN FROM BREAST CANCER!

2009-11-18T07:34:00.009-08:00

A new medical study for breastfeeding!
During the Global Week of breastfeeding, the WHO pointed out that it should be exclusive up to the age of 6 months and ideally persist until the age of 2 years Parallel diversification of food.

This time, researchers looked at mothers.

The authors of this new study analyzed data from more than 60,000 women participating in the study Nurses' Health Study II between 1997 and 2005. About 608 cases of cancer pre-menopause were detected.

Women with a family history of breast cancer have generally also a higher risk of developing one themselves. The data from this study are interesting because they show that among these women at risk, the likelihood of developing breast cancer fall by almost 60% if they have already breastfed in their lives, regardless of duration.

The study were quite numerous, breastfeeding of the mother would allow a reduction in the rate of cancer of the ovaries, vagina and breast. Breastfeeding helps the mother lose weight after pregnancy and prevent obesityas we know from other studies that obesity promotes the development of breast cancer.

According to researchers, this phenomenon come from the process by which the tissues return to their natural state before pregnancy. Some congestion may cause inflammation at the origin of cancers. But study reveals that breastfeeding limit such inflammation.

Eat 1 Apple a day to stay away from Doctors

2009-11-18T07:34:00.007-08:00

“Eat 1 Apple a day to stay away from Doctors”? But why? Do you really know what makes an apple so special? Why is it that we never hear an orange or a banana a day keeps the doctor away?

Apples have properties that no other fruits have and its benefits have been proven overtime. You will be able to get the benefits of these properties individually with other fruits, but an apple combines everything and makes it simpler. It has been shown over and over that if it’s not simple, easy and fast, people won’t take care of their health.

1. Apple contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps greatly your immune system. A lot of people who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing, bruise easily and have bleeding gums.

2. Prevent Heart Diseases. The reason it can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease is because apples are rich in flavonoid. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects.

3. Low in calories. A regular size apple has between 70-100 calories. Eating an apple when craving for candy or chocolate can make the desire disappear since apple in it contains sugar, but gives you only? Of the calories.

4. Prevent Cancers. Notice the plural. We all know that cancer comes in several forms and in different places. Apples target multiple cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.

5-Apples contain phenols, which have a double effect on cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. They prevent LDL cholesterol from turning into oxidized LDL, a very dangerous form of bad cholesterol which can be deadly.

6. Prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth, which is caused primarily because of bacteria. The juice of the apples has properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria. So there you have it, an apple a day also keeps the dentist away!

7. Protects your brain from brain disease. This is something many people don’t know, and when you consider that your brain makes the person you are, it gives a whole new perspective. Apple has substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism.

8. Healthier Lungs. A research at the University of Nottingham Research shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week has lower respiratory problems, including asthma.

9. They taste great! And not only that, they also come in many flavors and colors. Not in a mood for a green apple? Why not get a red one, or a Macintosh! Their taste can vary greatly, but still give you all the apple benefits. Variety is an important element to maintaining your health.

On average, Americans consume around 20 pounds of apples a year, which comes to around 1 apple a week. Unfortunately, while an apple a week is better than nothing, it is nowhere close to being able to extract all the advantages apples have to offer. Eating apples is part of balanced and healthy diet than will increase your longevity, so why limit yourself to only 1 per week?

Black Tea May Fight Diabetes

2009-11-18T07:34:00.003-08:00

Black tea was hitherto known for its antioxidant properties, stimulating the immune system or more recently as an anti-hypertensive, another property may well be added to the list. Black tea for use in the management of diabetes in a Chinese study published in the Journal of Food Science (reference below).

After water tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Researchers at the Chinese Tianjin Key Laboratory have analyzed the level of polysaccharides in green tea, oolong and black to determine if they could be used to treat diabetes. Polysaccharides are carbohydrates including starch and cellulose that could help diabetics because it delays the absorption of glucose.

Researchers found that among the three types of tea, the polysaccharide content in black tea had the inhibitory properties of glucose strongest. The researchers also found that the polysaccharide content in black tea had the highest property capital of free radicals, these compounds play a role in the development of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers.

"Great efforts are made to the search for effective inhibitors of glucose derived from natural products,

Haixia Chen explained, the researcher who led the study.

"There is a possibility of using polysaccharides of black tea in the management of diabetes.

Cure Diabetes : Hope To Transplant Pancreatic Cells

2009-11-18T07:34:00.001-08:00

U.S. researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have developed a technique for transplanting pancreatic cells secreting insulin, which causes only a very moderate response of the immune system. This discovery could have important repercussions on how to treat type 1 diabetes. This work was published in the online version of the journal Gene Therapy.

The type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease incurable. In patients suffering from this disease, the immune system attacks the beta cells producing insulin in the pancreas. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose (sugar) in blood. People with type 1 diabetes must constantly monitor their blood sugar and need daily injections of insulin.

Transplantation of pancreatic cells represents a promising alternative. Cells taken from deceased donors are injected into the patient. These new cells replace destroyed cells. The disadvantage of this method is that patients must take powerful immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. Most transplant patients still end up rejecting the transplanted cells.

In this study the researchers have successfully transplanted cells make invisible recipient's immune system and protecting the rejection. They managed this by using the natural usability of a virus (adenovirus) to escape the immune system. Pancreatic cells producing insulin were transfect with three genes of adenovirus.

These modified cells were then transplanted to diabetic mice. These transplanted mice were able to maintain glucose levels in normal blood until three months after transplantation. In normal cells grafted restore normal blood sugar levels but only for a few days.

Professor Harris Goldstein, who is the principal investigator of the study, acknowledges that the concept is valid but admits he must improve technology in achieving a combination of all genes that prevent rejection.

Eat less to live longer

2009-11-18T07:33:00.011-08:00

Drastically reducing the consumption of calories will increases the life span. This phenomenon, observed in many animal species, is known by the scientific community since the 1930s, because of laboratory animals subjected to calorie restriction live longer than their counterparts subjected to a normal diet.

This observation was so far remained unexplained. A U.S. study (Salk Institute) have identified a gene that plays a key role in increasing life expectancy when you eat less.

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)
Studies have been done in Caenorhabditis elegans, the nematode, a choice model in biology. Researchers have established a link between the two genes (called DAF-16 and SMK-1) and longevity.

Studies with mutants showed that the gene DAF-16 functions together with a gene involved in the development of the digestive system, PHA-4. PHA-4 is crucial for the longevity of the nematodes when they are subjected to nutrient restriction. Its deletion abolishes the ability of nematodes live longer when subjected to a hypocaloric diet.

The PHA-4 gene has a counterpart in mammals, Foxa. The manipulation of this gene could extend longevity in mammals and delay the onset of diseases associated with aging.

Sex daily to 'Improve Sperm Quality

2009-11-18T07:33:00.009-08:00

Daily Sex "Helps Improve Sperm Quality"
Australian study - Having sex daily increase sperm quality and thus assist men who have fertility problems.

The study was conducted on 118 Australians whose semen showed alterations, the researchers found that daily ejaculation for a week increased significantly reduce the number of DNA damage sperm of patients.

Dr David Greening and colleagues at the private clinic Sydney IVF (Australia), specializes in fertility problems, participants were asked to have sex every day for a week. After seven days, doctors have observed in 81% of subjects a decrease of 12% of the amount of damaged sperm. Sperm quality can also be improved if men do not smoke, do not abuse alcohol, do exercise and ingest more antioxidants.

Although the sperm count has dropped to 180 million per ml to 70 million per ml, men were still in the "range of fertility."

Since he led the study, Dr Greening said now recommend to all couples seeking advice to improve their fertility to begin to love more. One suggestion that seems to contradict the older men but delight the youngest, said the doctor.

Sex frequent help to improve sperm quality by preventing it from staying too long in the body. The sperm DNA was indeed more likely to be damaged when staying long in the body. Also heat can also make sperm less mobile.

Some experts welcomed the study but added that it does not prove that sex daily allows men with fertility problems to have a better chance of producing babies. Dr Greening and colleagues are still analyzing the results of the study to determine how many companions of participants became pregnant.

If confirmed, the discovery could have implications for in vitro fertilization (IVF) as was previously recommended for couples to abstain for two days just to increase sperm count.

"Studying the DNA of sperm is only part of the puzzle" said his side Bill Ledger, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Sheffield, Great Britain, who has not participated in the study.

"This may improve pregnancy rates, but we still need to study further" Mr. Ledger also believes that apply to couples with fertility problems to have greater love could harm their relationship.

"This could add to the anxiety and do more harm than good." Couples should not feel obliged to change their sexual life to have a baby, he said.

Hope In The Fight Against HIV

2009-11-18T07:33:00.007-08:00

Genetics HIV, disease or human immunodeficiency, will be about a watershed: Two cases of patients infected with HIV excitement among scientists, genetics and there would be no stranger.

In Germany, a man with HIV has undergone a bone marrow transplant, and since doctors found no trace of infection. An American, reached by HIV for 10 years, has undergone a bone marrow transplant with strains deemed resistant to HIV treatment for his leukemia, and also among doctors observed a disappearance of the infection, and this for two years and a cure for his leukemia.

The gene is the cause of these disappearances "miracle" of infection: the mutant gene CCR-5 was identified as resistant to HIV, the donor bone marrow carries this gene.

New Therapies Against HIV-AIDS

2009-11-18T07:33:00.005-08:00

The discovery opens the way for new therapies against HIV-AIDS. Now, it might be possible to treat HIV / AIDS adding chemotherapy targeted to current treatment called HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral). This new solution would destroy all the viruses circulating in the body than those hidden in immune cells.

The work was led by Dr. Sekaly of the University of Montreal (Canada) and were published in the journal Nature Medicine.

So far the treatment against AIDS is still hampered by the elimination of "reservoirs of HIV" of immune system cells where the virus is hiding and where the current HAART regimens can not achieve. The researchers were able to identify cells where HIV hides and mechanisms that allow the virus to evade current treatments. They thus paved the way for new therapies completely different from what is currently used.

"Our results support a strategy similar to that used against leukemia: chemotherapy, combined with targeted immune therapy,"

said Dr. Sekaly, professor at the University of Montreal, a researcher at the Research Center of Hospital of the University of Montreal, Director INSERM 743 and Scientific Director of the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute in Florida.

"This would destroy the cells containing a virus, while giving the immune system time to regenerate itself with healthy cells."

"For the first time, this study shows that the reservoirs of HIV are not due to insufficient power antiretrovirals but the persistence of the virus in two types of immune CD4 cells for life long memories"

said Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy, hematologist at the MUHC researcher Infection and Immunity Research Institute of the MUHC, and Professor of Hematology at McGill University.

"There are so many types of reservoirs of HIV, each requiring different treatment to be eliminated. "

Indeed, once the virus is hidden in these reservoir cells it becomes dependent: if the cell lives, but the virus lives when the cell dies, the virus dies too. Destroying these immune cells is therefore to eliminate the party best hidden virus. The current HAART regimens effectively destroy viruses circulating in the body but can not reach those hidden in the cell reservoir.

"We now have all new options to explore in the coming years to combat HIV,"

concludes Nicolas Chomont, post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Montreal and one of the co-authors of this study.

"The combination of basic and clinical approaches has led to surprising results that allow us to solve another of the mysteries of this virus with a thousand faces."

These new therapeutic options require many years of research before being validated and to become a reality for patients. However, this study represents an invaluable work plan that will guide many laboratories around the world.

Treatment Against Skin Cancer

2009-11-18T07:33:00.001-08:00

United States - Laboratory Genentech, a subsidiary of Swiss pharmaceutical group Roche has published results of a clinical trial of a new experimental treatment against cancer of the skin. This would reduce significantly the advanced tumors.

The drug GDC-0449 blocks the protein hedgehog which promotes the growth of cancer cells. It was obtained through genetic modification on the CYCLOPAMINE contained in the plant Veratrum californicum. The CYCLOPAMINE inhibits and blocks the ability of renewing cancer stem cells.

The trial focused on thirty-three patients suffering from skin cancer. After taking the oral treatment, eighteen patients showed tumor shrinkage or improvement of symptoms and eleven had their condition stabilized. On a patient suffering from brain cancer, treatment has also enabled the reduction of the tumor.

Doctors Genentech show no side effects were observed and highlight the advances made this treatment. Dr. Von Hoff Institute of Clinical Research of Scottsdale said: "There was previously no treatment that can effectively slow tumor growth in patients suffering from advanced cancer of the skin. With the 'use of a specific cancer and targeted to a particular type of cancer, this study offers an enormous potential to combat medulloblastoma and other cancers. "

Breast Feeding : Facts & Figures

2009-11-18T07:32:00.001-08:00

The benefits of Breast Feeding:

The literature study demonstrate the benefits of breastfeeding on the health of mothers and also the health, growth and development of children, including premature. Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of several diseases or diminish their severity. Breastfeeding provides nutrients that strengthen the immune system of children which protects infants of different infectious and respiratory diseases. It would also have a protective effect against the syndrome of sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes, insulin, Chrohn's disease and Hodgkin's disease.

A recent study suggests that breastfeeding provides children with inadequate weight to have a faster growth and catch up more quickly than their normal weight when compare to children fed with commercial preparations, as well as, faster brain growth at a critical time of development (Lucas et al, 1997)

WHO recommendations:
The breast is irreplaceable. Breast milk is the best milk. Until August 7, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding organizes the Global Week of breastfeeding. 120 countries participated under the auspices of World Health Organization (WHO).

Colostrum, says WHO, secretion and thick yellowish milk produced in late pregnancy, is the perfect food for the newborn who needs to start feeding from the first hour after birth.

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months. According to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding, all women can breastfeed. This is the most effective way to preserve health and ensure the survival of the child.

Globally, less than 40% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed.

Benefits for Mother's:
Breastfeeding also has health benefits for mothers. In the short term, it stimulates the secretion of oxytocin, which in turn promotes uterine contraction and decreases the risk of bleeding after childbirth.

Breastfeeding a contraceptive effect in the first 6 months after birth when it is exclusive, it is performed on demand and that the mother is not menstruating, it inhibits the ovulatory function and reduces the risk of a new pregnancy to less than 2%. (EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT A METHOD CONTRACEPTRICE!)

Breastfeeding also has several advantages, since this reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer later in life, which helps women find their faster weight before pregnancy and helps fight against obesity. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture during post menopause. It could also reduce the woman's hormone levels secreted in response to stress, such as cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Psychological benefits of breastfeeding is to facilitate the strength of attachment between mother and child.

The against-indications to breastfeeding are rare. In fact, breastfeeding is not recommended against in the case of infants with congenital galactosemia and mothers living with HIV in the country industrialized. And for mothers who consume illegal drugs or are alcohol abuse, should conduct an individual assessment to determine whether they can breastfeed.

"If the mothers and families were encouraged to breastfeed, many lives could be saved," says WHO, especially in developing countries where drinking water is scarce. A bottle made with non-potable water may be the transmitter of waterborne diseases and be very harmful even deadly for an infant.

Breastfeeding and work:
WHO recommends that any mother who has just given birth at least 16 weeks of maternity leave so that she can rest and nurse her child. Many mothers who return to work abandon exclusive breastfeeding before the elapsed period of six months recommended because they do not have enough time or a place to breastfeed or take and keep the milk on their workplace. Mothers should have access, at their workplace or nearby to a clean and intimate to continue to breastfeed.

Introduction of new foods:
When the child reaches the age of six months, in order to meet their needs, introduce new foods.
1. WHO recommends: not to reduce the number of feedings
2. Food with spoon or cup and also advice not for bottle-feeding,
3. Foods which have every guarantee of hygiene and that can be obtained locally,
4. Allow sufficient time for children to learn to eat solid foods.

20 Beauty Myths : Must Read

2009-11-06T23:59:00.001-08:00

We have 20 myths for you, and bring you simple solutions that help you look and feel your best.

* Shampoo hair, all over

Healthy hair is as important as healthy skin. Experts insist on applying Shampoo at the roots because this is where oil concentrates. To de-stress while taking a shower, press the pads of your fingertips on your scalp and move it in circular up and down motion along the hairline and the ears. This will help remove oil at the roots and will relax you. Apply good conditioner from the midshaft to the ends – near the roots, your hair is young and doesn’t need extra conditioning. An ideal way is to imagine a line from ear to ear and apply conditioner in the lower half. After applying the conditioner let it stay for 3-5 minutes before washing off. Wrap your hair in an absorbent towel, but don’t rub your hair roughly lest you damage it.

* Don't moisturise till your skin fully dry:

If you want your skin to remain hydrated, seal in the moisture by applying lotion to damp skin. Lightly pat dry with a towel, and apply moisturiser. This will help your skin stay smooth and supple. Also, rather than slathering on a cold lotion, warm some on the palm of your hand with your hair-dryer (to avoid causing a mess, set your dryer on low and aim it down toward your palm, at least three inches away) and then apply-ensures soft-as-silk skin!

* Wash away pimples

Washing your face excessively will not help you get rid of acne. Repeated washing just provides a temporary feeling of freshness and only makes the skin alkaline. This may cause your skin to produce more oil in a “panic” reaction to the feeling of dryness – leading to more acne. Most times, acne is a hormone problem and not a hygiene issue. Instead of attempting to scrub your pimpleprone skin into submission, wash it gently with a foaming face wash that is designed to lift off dirt without irritating skin. Wiping and toning with a rosebased skin tonic will complete the cleansing process. And if you do feel compelled to use a scrub, use it no more than once a week, choose a product that has evensized, round beads, not rough particles that irritate the skin making it over produce oil or sebum!

* Applying SPF once

enough for the day This is a common mistake that most people make. Another belief is that you do not need a sunscreen at all in the winter. Regular sunscreen use is even more important if you are treating your face with Retin-A or alpha-or beta-hydroxy acids, and opting for peels or micro dermabrasion – as all these can leave skin more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Use sunscreen several times a day and through the winter, even if you are indoors – UV rays penetrate walls and windows. Also, apply a sunscreen only after your serums and lotions so that it forms a protective barrier, and lets the serum or the lotion get absorbed by the skin. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen in the winter. The dry winter weather makes the skin more susceptible to damage by UV rays.

* What suits my friend, suits me

You may give in to the temptation of trying out new products but be careful, read the labels, check the ingredients that go into the product. What has worked a miracle for your friend need not have the same effect on you. Check with a dermatologist to figure out what is your skin-type and compositions that are likely to suit you. Give time for your skin to react to the product. That means observe your skin, pay attention to how it feels, how it looks over a period of time – maybe about three weeks or so.

* Be generous with night cream - even on oily skin

Oily skin should not be massaged with normal nourishing creams or night creams – a water or gel-based lotion is enough. If you must, use a mild cream (check options). A rich night cream will only activate the oil glands further and make the routine for oily skin should be cleansing and rinsing with plenty of plain water. For an anti-ageing ritual for oily or combination skin try Clinique Anti-Aging Repairwear Lift Firming Night Cream, Neutrogena Light Night Cream or Avon Ageless Renewal Cream.

* Leaving on eye cream at night

Most women think this will help prevent wrinkles. The area around the eyes is very delicate and thinner than the other parts of the face. So apply a light textured cream, which has been specially formulated for the area around eyes. A Vitamin-E based cream is a good option – try Garnier Light Eye Roll On, Vichy Aqualia Thermal Eye Roll On, or Himalaya Under Eye Cream. Wipe off gently with moist cotton wool after 15 minutes. Cream left on all night around the eyes may also lead to puffy eyes.

* Blackheads are skin impurities

Most people tend to pinch them with skin more oily; it can also clog the pores and lead to pimples. A night the nails, or wash the face several times a day. This is the worst skincare offence of all – pinching can cause skin infections, eruptions and may leave you with scars. Blackheads are caused by the clogging of the pores with hardened oil. The tip, which is exposed, becomes oxidised and turns black. Hence the term, “blackheads”. Experts suggest the use of scrubs to dislodge and discourage blackheads. But be gentle with scrubs so that you don’t injure your skin. Steaming the skin for five minutes every week may also help.Stubborn blackheads may be extracted at a skincare clinic by a salon expert.

* You don’t need gloves for housework

The first signs of ageing are evident on hands. Wear protective gloves when you put them in a cleansing solution. This will also prevent swelling and splitting of nails. Using chemicals may cause dry skin. Wash the hands with antibacterial, mild soap to prevent your hands from becoming dry. Moisturise a couple of times during the day to keep the delicate skin soft.

* File nails well, even the corners

Filing the corners of your nails weakens them and they may break off easily. It would be a good idea to use a cream polish remover and give your nails a breather without applying polish for a while. Never use metal implements for a manicure. Take care of your cuticles. Do not damage them by constantly pushing them back or cutting them. This will lead to scar-like tissues. Use an AHA cuticle remover to exfoliate the dead tissue (try cuticle-care products from Lakmé’s Nail spa range, or Sally Hansen). Regular maintenance of nails and cuticles will prevent dry skin build-up and hydrate skin to keep it taut, clean and healthy.

* A hundred brush strokes a day keep hair healthy!

Brushing hair excessively may damage it. In fact, if your hair is oily, too much brushing can make it more so. And, if it is dry, it can lead to too much static and “flyaways”. It is best to use a wide toothed comb, especially if there is hair loss. A natural bristle brush may also be used.

* Trimming hair speeds up growth

Shorter hair often looks and feels thicker but cutting your hair won’t alter its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture. Thin, limp or fine hair will not grow thicker in response to a haircut. Plump up your hair by using volume enhancing hair care products; experiment with a blunt cut for a more voluminous look or get a texturising perm or colour treatment, only at a salon!

* An oil massage

Hair loss is caused either due to hereditary problems or hormonal imbalance. A daily vigorous head massage may aggravate the situation. Your hair should be treated gently. Avoid rubbing and hard massages. If there is hair loss, the roots may be weak and this can cause more hair to fall. Use only the fingertips in a circular motion to stimulate the follicles.

* Shampooing daily can harm hair

We wash our faces several times a day so why can’t we wash our hair daily? The hair also attracts dirt and pollutants along with stale oil and sweat that tends to cling on. Washing every day is hygienic in the urban conditions we live in. Use a mild, preferably herbal shampoo. Apply less shampoo and rinse well with water. Wash the hair more frequently in hot and humid weather and also if the hair and scalp are oily. Most shampoo bottles suggest shampooing again after rinsing. This may not be necessary if you shampoo your hair more frequently.

* No need to change footwear often

Using flip flops or flat-sandals regularly for a long period of time could make your feet dry and rough. Change your footwear often and switch to covered shoes or sandals that will protect your feet from harsh weather. Also apply a cream specially suited for your feet – try products with shea butter (the Body Shop, Lush ranges, for instance). Every night before going to bed, wash your feet in lukewarm water and slather on moisturiser. You can try wearing socks to allow the moisture to soak in better. Dr Scholl’s Odour Control Foot Spray (priced at Rs 200 for 150ml) deodorises and freshens feet after a tiring day.

* Waxing doesn’t make skin sensitive

Be very careful about sun exposure after you shave, wax or undergo a laser hair removal process. Hair is a protective barrier that nature gives the body. The skin being extra-sensitive will develop a rash if it’s exposed to the sun just after hair-removal. So post waxing, remain in the shade for a few hours at least. If you are tweezing out hair, make sure you do it right after a shower, or put a damp cloth where you want the hair to be tweezed, before you tweeze.

* Slather on moisturiser just before your makeup

A common mistake is to apply foundation without giving your moisturiser the time to dry. The creaminess of a moisturiser can cause makeup to thin out if it hasn’t had enough time to soak into the skin. This can result in blotchiness and limit the amount of coverage your foundation. A better way: Wait a minute, until the moisturiser is absorbed. If short on time, blot your face with a tissue after moisturising. Then apply foundation.

* Removing makeup

Never sleep with any kind of makeup on. Cleansing the skin at night, before bedtime, is all-important, not only to remove make-up but also dirt, pollutants, sweat deposits and other impurities. At night, the pores should be left free to breathe. The skin must not be smothered with heavy cream through the night as the body’s repair and restoration work takes place at that time. This includes the renewal of skin cells, a vital process that helps to considerably delay ageing.

* Chemical treatments don’t harm

Last but not the least when it comes to your beauty regime, be very careful with the kind of chemical treatments that you use for your hair or skin. Make sure you do it under expert guidance. A wrong move could leave you with scars, blemishes and long-term damage. So opt for chemical treatments if you must, but take care – they are not natural and do more harm than good.

* Spritz on perfume after dressing

Perfumes can stain fabric, and fabric fibres can make perfume smell unpleasant. Fragrance is formulated to be applied to the skin, where it interacts with the heat of the body. Lightly dab or spray onto skin at one or two of the “pulse points” – knees, wrists, base of the throat, and behind the earlobes. And don’t rub your wrists together. This breaks down a perfume’s molecular structure.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

2009-10-22T04:45:00.000-07:00

Introduction
A sexually transmitted disease (STD), also known as sexually transmitted infection (STI) or venereal disease (VD), is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission between humans or animals by means of sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. While in the past, these illnesses have mostly been referred to as STDs or VD, in recent years the term sexually transmitted disease (STD) has been preferred, as it has a broader range of meaning; a person may be infected, and may potentially infect others, without showing signs of disease. Some STDs can also be transmitted via use of an IV drug needle after its use by an infected person, as well as through childbirth or breastfeeding.
Most Common STDs:
* HIV/AIDS is viral infection that can be transmitted sexually, from mother to baby during birth or through infected blood. There are presently no cures for these diseases but they can be managed with antivirals and other medicines. HIV/AIDS can destroy a person's natural disease resistance system leaving him or her vulnerable to a number of different conditions.
HIV/AIDS can cause many non-specific symptoms like fatigue and abdominal discomfort.
* Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease. Vaccine is available to prevent contracting Hepatitis B, which can also be transmitted via infected blood.
Hepatitis B can cause many non-specific symptoms like fatigue and abdominal discomfort.
* Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Caused by bacteria, it results in a genital infection and must be treated with antibiotics. It can lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility if not treated with antibiotics because it can spread to other pelvic organs. Your sexual partner will need to be treated also.
Chlamydia can cause vaginal discharge, painful urination, or pelvic pain. Or they can have no symptoms at all.
* Herpes genitalis is another common STD. It is a viral infection and doesn't lead to chronic pelvic pain or infertility, but it can cause a very painful and disturbing genital blisters. Antiviral medications can be prescribed that will reduce pain and discomfort. There is no cure for the infection itself, although it may be dormant indefinitely.
Herpes usually causes painful, tender blisters on the vaginal or perineal skin. Often the woman with herpes also will experience flu-like feelings or a headache, or swollen glands.
* Venereal or genital warts (or condyloma accuminata) are caused by a virus. They also can cause abnormal pap smears. Creams and some other medicines can cause the warty tissue to disappear but the warts may recur.
Genital warts often cause itchy or non-itchy bumps on the vaginal or perineal skin. The woman may feel the warts while bathing.
* Gonorrhea is another common STD. It is caused by bacteria and can be treated with an antibiotic. The woman and her partner both need to be treated. Women often don't have symptoms but a vaginal discharge or painful urination may occur. Men are more likely to have discharge and painful urination. Untreated, gonorrhea can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications.
gonorrhea can cause vaginal discharge, painful urination, or pelvic pain. Or they can have no symptoms at all.
* Trichomonas may cause a woman to experience foul discharge and extreme itching. It can be treated with antibiotic. Partners need to be treated too.
Trichomonas usually causes an itchy, foul discharge.
* Syphilis is not as common as the above diseases but can have very serious consequences for women and their babies. It is caused by bacteria and can be treated by antibiotics. The woman and her partner need to be treated.
Syphilis can cause a painless ulcer, but often there will be no obvious symptoms.

Common signs/symptoms of STDs

* Itching around the vagina and/or discharge from the vagina for women

* Discharge from the penis for men

* Pain during sex or when urinating

* Pain in the pelvic area

* Sore throats in people who have oral sex

* Pain in or around the anus for people who have anal sex

* Chancre sores (painless red sores) on the genital area, anus, tongue and/or throat

* A scaly rash on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet

* Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow eyes and skin

* Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area

* Swollen glands, fever and body aches

* Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night sweats and weight loss

* Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genital area

Should I be checked for STDs?
Go to your doctor if you're at risk for having an STD, if you have any of the symptoms listed above, or if you have concerns about whether you have one. STDs can cause problems if left untreated.
For example, chlamydia can lead to problems that can cause women not to be able to have children. HPV can lead to cancer of the cervix or penis, and syphilis can lead to paralysis, mental problems, heart damage, blindness and death.
How are STDs diagnosed?
Most STDs can be diagnosed through an exam by the doctors, a culture of the secretions from your vagina or penis, or through a blood test.
Can STDs be prevented?
The only sure way to prevent STDs is by not having sex. If you have sex, you can lower your risk of getting an STD by only having sex with someone who isn't having sex with anyone else and who doesn't have an STD.
You should always use condoms when having sex, including oral and anal sex.
What else should I do to prevent STDs?
Limit the number of sex partners you have. Ask your partner if he or she has, or has had, an STD and tell your partner if you have had one. Talk about whether you've both been tested for STDs and whether you should be tested.
Look for signs of an STD in your sex partner. But remember that STDs don't always cause symptoms. Don't have sex if you or your partner are being treated for an STD.
Wash your genitals with soap and water and urinate soon after you have sex. This may help clean away some germs before they have a chance to infect you.
Do condoms prevent STDs?
Male condoms can reduce your risk of getting an STD if used correctly (see the box below). Be sure to use them every time you have sex. Female condoms aren't as effective as male condoms, but should be used when a man won't use a male condom.
Remember, though, that condoms aren't 100% safe and can't protect you from coming in contact with some sores, such as those that can occur with herpes, or warts, which can be caused by HPV infection.
Use new Condom each time you are having a sex. Do not reuse Condom.
Should I use a spermicide to help prevent STDs?
No. It was once thought that spermicides with nonoxynol-9 could help prevent STDs much like they help prevent pregnancy--by damaging the organisms that cause the diseases. New research has shown that nonoxynol-9 can irritate a woman’s vagina and cervix, actually increasing the risk of STD infection.
Be sure to check the ingredients of any other sex-related products you own, such as lubricants and condoms. Some brands of these products may have nonoxynol-9 added to them. If you are unsure if your spermicide or any other product contains nonoxynol-9, ask your doctor before using it.

Fire Burns. What to do?

2009-10-20T04:15:00.000-07:00

Burns from fire
If your clothes or your friend's clothes catch fire:
1. Stay absolutely still. Do not try to run.
2. Fall to the ground.
3. Flames need oxygen to keep them burning. Rolling on the ground will stop them from getting any oxygen and help put the flames out.
4. something like a woollen blanket, floor rug or clothing around the person to smother the flames as they roll on the floor.
5. cool the burnt skin with cold water (a shower is good if there is one), and keep it under the water until help arrives.
6. Call for help.
Get help from the nearest, trusted adult.
Call emergency services like Police or Fire Brigade.

First aid for all burns
First Aid is what you do while you are waiting for help to come - that is why it is called first aid - because it is what you do first and - what you do first can be very important.
1. Make sure that both the person hurt and you are safe (for example, well away from the fire, or chemicals or power source).
2. Call for help.
3. Take off any clothes or jewellery around the burned part of the body.
4. Use cold running water to cool the burn for 20 minutes - (under the shower is good.)
5. DO NOT USE ICE
6. Do not break blisters
7. Putting cool wet cloths on is okay if there is no tap but they have to be kept wet and cool!
8. Keep the person warm with extra clothes or a blanket on the unburnt parts of the body.
9. See a doctor or health professional if the burn is bigger than a large coin.
It is important to cool the burn for at least 20 minutes to stop damage to the tissue under the skin.

Other types of burns
* Chemical burns (like the stuff that’s used to clean ovens or drains,)
1 Use a cloth or brush to brush off any chemicals on the skin.
(Do not use your bare hands).
2 Wash the burned area with cold water.
3 Get help.

* Electrical burns
1 Do not touch the person until you know the power is off.
2 Turn off the power using a wooden spoon or broom handle. If your house has a special safety switch then it will have already switched off the power, but still use a wooden spoon to turn the power off at the plug.
3 Wash the burned area with cold water.
4 Get help.

* Sunburn
If a large area of your skin is sun burnt, cool it down with a wet cool cloth.
Ask your parents to get some special cream from the chemist to put on the burnt area.
If you have a lot of pain, or you feel sick because of the sunburn, you will need to go to the doctor for help.

What can you do to make sure that your home is safe from fire?
check List
1. Does your house have smoke alarms? (kitchen, lounge and bedrooms are good places) Do you check the batteries?
2. Does your house have an electrical safety switch? (That switches all power off if there's a problem)
3. Is there a shady area to play outside? (So you don't get sunburnt)
4. Are there electrical cords across walkways? (People could trip over)
5. Are there electrical cords that are frayed or pulling out of plug? (Could get an electric shock)
6. Are cords in reach of young children? (eg. they could pull an electric kettle over)
7. Is there a pan-guard round cooking top? (To stop pans tipping or being pulled over by young children.)
8. Are pan handles facing away from front of cooker? (So people can't knock into them and be scalded.)
9. Are there safety guards round heaters and fires?
10. Are there safety guards round fans?
11. Fire extinguisher? What kind? (Some are for electrical fires and others are not.)
12. Is there a fire blanket or something else you could use to smother the flames?
13. Are matches and candles out of reach of small children?
14. No electric appliances in bathroom, eg, radio, hair drier
15. Is there more than one thing plugged into a power-point?
16. Are chemical cleaners out of reach of small children?
17. Do you have a family emergency plan?
18. Do you have a family fire drill?
19. Are emergency numbers listed by the phone?

Migrane

2009-10-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

Some people suffer from headaches on a regular basis. They have these aches and pains, sometimes pounding headaches that are caused by all kinds of things, from the weather to stress to hormones that are naturally in the body. But there is a type of headache that is much worse than the others put together and is enough to bring even the strongest of us to our knees. This is what is commonly known as a migraine headache, and if the problem persists it can actually become chronic.
Migraines are typically broken down into two distinct types, some that come with an accompanying set of symptoms and another that does not have those symptoms. They include the following that may or may not accompany the headache, and usually occur before the headache begins. Light flashes and zigzag lines could be within your vision, and you may experience a hole in your line of sight, as if you can not see things when looking directly at them.
I know that my wife, when she has these signs can overcome the migraine by working on it at that point. The headache will then progress to perhaps a pain that is on one or both sides of the head, perhaps with pulsating or pounding sensations, nausea and an inability to function because of the pain. Some of the things that can cause a migrane headache are what are known as common triggers. They include hormonal changes in the body, different types of food, drinks, caffeine, nicotine, changes in the way that we sleep and in our environment and some medications that we may be taking.

Different Types Of Migrane

Do you struggle with frequent, intense headaches? They might be a symptom of a serious disease – migraine. But if you want to seek lasting pain relief you will need to understand your pain. Here’s a guide to the different types of migrane headaches.

First of all, a headache may be a symptom of a migraine, but it also can just be a tension headache. If it is not related to migraine, it is actually caused by other things and remedies may include over-the-counter pills or a glass of water. Stress, allergies, and a bunch of other factors can cause a person to feel pain in their head, but only in certain cases is there a true neurological disorder and disease going on. In this case, special therapies and treatments are in order. There are several different types of headaches, but not as many different types of migrane headaches, as they are symptoms of an actual disease and not based on a variety of environmental factors.
There are really only two kinds of migraine: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. The latter is much more common; only 30% of migraine sufferers have aura. But these different types of migraine are not all that different. Each kind can entail severe, throbbing headaches that render an individual sensitive to light and sound. Nausea may even occur.
For migraine with aura, an aura will precede the actual headache. People experience auras differently. So even within the different types of migraine, there are varying levels of pain and sensations. Often, they will see flashing lights, jagged lines, and have trouble focusing their eyes and may even encounter temporary blindness (though that is rare). A person suffering from migraine with aura will also encounter numbness and tingling in the face, hands, and lips on one or both sides of their body. They can also feel weakness in their arms or legs, but that usually only happens on one side of the body. Aura also can confuse an individual – he or she may not be able to comprehend words or speak properly. All of this can last for an hour.
Migraines, especially migraines with aura, can be excruciating. But if you keep your doctor informed about your symptoms, you can be properly diagnosed and receive medications and/or treatments that make your pain tolerable and possibly even nonexistent in some cases.
So, hopefully you are now more educated about the different types of migraines out there.

Pregnancy : Helpful Tips

2009-10-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

Nausea and vomiting can be one of the first signs of pregnancy and usually begins around the 6th week of pregnancy. It can occur at any time of the day, and for most women it seems to stop around the 12th week of pregnancy.

Morning sickness is not harmful to you or your baby, but if you experience excessive vomiting and cannot keep your food down, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis gravidarum can be harmful to you and your baby if severe and left untreated, due to the possible lack of nutrients and electrolyte imbalance. The most important thing is to inform your health care provider when these symptoms appear and discuss possible options for treatment.

Morning Sickness:
More than half of all pregnant women experience morning sickness. Morning sickness is the nauseated feeling you get during pregnancy. Morning sickness can be, but is not always, accompanied with vomiting. The nausea is often a result of the increased hormones in your body. Many health care providers think morning sickness is a good sign because it means the placenta is developing well.

Symptoms of pregnancy:
1. Tender, swollen breasts
Tender swollen breasts are another early symptom. While tender breasts presage an impending menstrual cycle, enlarged breasts are not. Sore and swollen breasts with a tingling sensation can be an early indicator of pregnancy. This may lead to an increase in your breast size and you may have to change your bra or cup size. (A tight-fitting bra can irritate the skin.)
2. Greater urinary frequency
As the uterus gets larger, it causes pressure on the bladder, and an increase in trips to the loo. As long as this isn’t accompanied with the sensation of urgency (inability to hold), it’s acceptable. (Urgency suggests the possibility of a urinary infection, which anyways also has a higher incidence rate during pregnancy.)
3. Fatigue
Fatigue also ranks high among early symptoms of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar. In high enough doses, progesterone can put you to sleep. At the same time, lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and increased blood production may team up to sap your energy.
4. Slight bleeding or cramping
Sometimes a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus — about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier and lighter in color than a normal period and doesn't last as long.
Some women also experience abdominal cramping early in pregnancy. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps.
5. Nausea with or without vomiting
Morning sickness, which can strike at any time of the day or night, is one of the classic symptoms of pregnancy. For some women, the queasiness begins as early as two weeks after conception.
Nausea seems to stem at least in part from rapidly rising levels of estrogen, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly. Pregnant women also have a heightened sense of smell, so various odors — such as foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke — may cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy.
6. Food aversions or cravings
When you're pregnant, you might find yourself turning up your nose at certain foods, such as coffee or fried foods. Food cravings are common, too. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences can be chalked up to hormonal changes — especially in the first trimester, when hormonal changes are the most dramatic.
7. Headaches
Early in pregnancy, increased blood circulation caused by hormonal changes may trigger frequent, mild headaches.
8. Constipation
Pregnancy is a "go slow" state in the body. Progesterone relaxes all the smooth muscles in the body including the intestines. So you’re always a bit bloated and constipated as a result. A mild laxative on a regular basis is quite helpful. Isabgol husk, milk of Magnesia, cremaffin, and lactulose are safe. Eating a fi bre-rich diet helps. Headaches If you’re susceptible to migraine, you’ll have an increased severity and frequency of headaches. This is because of increased water retention in pregnancy. In late pregnancy, a headache could also be a symptom of severe pre-eclampsia.
9. Depression
You can get extreme mood swings – from a feeling of uselessness to very aggressive behaviour. Blame this on progesterone once again. Pregnancy "blues" as they’re called, are common in the first trimester and postpartum. Very severe illness may require a consultation with a psychiatrist and medication.
10. Faintness and dizziness
As your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy. Early in pregnancy, faintness also may be triggered by low blood sugar.
11. Raised basal body temperature
Your basal body temperature is your oral temperature when you first wake up in the morning. This temperature increases slightly soon after ovulation and remains at that level until your next period. If you've been charting your basal body temperature to determine when you ovulate, its continued elevation for more than two weeks may mean that you're pregnant.

Helpful Do's and Don'ts:
Do:
* Eat small meals often
* Drink fluids 1/2 hour before or after a meal, but not with meals
* Drink small amounts of fluids during the day to avoid dehydration
* Eat soda crackers 15 minutes before getting up in the morning
* Avoid foods and smells that increase nausea
* Get plenty of rest and nap during the day
* Avoid warm places (feeling hot adds to nausea)
* Sniff lemons or ginger, drink lemonade, or eat watermelon to relieve nausea
* Eat salty potato chips (they have been found to settle stomachs enough to eat a meal)
* Exercise

Don'ts:
* Do not cook or eat spicy food
* Do not skip meals
* Do not lie down after eating

Related Topics:
Pregnancy: Healthy Diet
Pregnancy: Safe Exercise
Pregnancy: Helpful Tips
Pregnancy: Hyperemesis gravidarum

Stress Management Plan

2009-10-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to change your life to manage your stress more successfully, you'll need to first assess the most stressful situations in your life, and then, develop a plan to use on a daily basis.

Remember: If it is to be, it is up to me!

1. Describe the most stressful experience that you had in the past month.

2. How did that experience affect you physically?

3. How did that experience affect you emotionally/mentally?

4. What could you do to change your life to alter the source of your stress?5. What could you do to avoid the source of this stress?

6. What could you do to accept your stressful environment by building your resistance through better:

physical health?

social health?

emotional/mental health?

spiritual health?

7. How can you change your unrealistic expectations? Irrational beliefs? Negative self-talk?

8. What strategy is most useful to you to better control your anger?

9. List one strategy for you to manage stress more effectively?

List a strategy to reduce the negativeimpact of out-of-control anger?

2009-10-16T03:03:00.000-07:00

1. Run away from it
One of the most effective way to defuse stress is to run away from it. In a 1993 study that asked 40 men and 37 women to keep diaries of activity, mood, and stress, volunteers felt less anxious on days when they were physically active than days when they didn't exercise. Even when stressful events occurred, people in the study said they felt less troubled on their physically active days.
Why Exercise acts as an antidote to life's pressures in several ways? First, it is a simple distraction from problems. Second, it may change the chemistry of stress, blunting the effect of hormones like cortisol. Exercise has also been shown to ease the symptoms of moderate depression. Physical activity makes it easier not only to lose weight but to keep calories in balance once you go off your diet, and that's enough to make anyone feel good.
Virtually any kind of physical activity seems to relieve the effects of stress, although some researchers think that activities that involve repetitive movements like walking, running, cycling, or swimming may offer the best defense. Many people consider swimming to be one of the most relaxing of all forms of exercise, a soothing way to literally go with the flow. Repeating a physical movement over and over again somehow seems to ease mind and body.
A few tips to make your workout even more relaxing. If you're a walker, be aware of the way your arms swing from front to back and the rhythm of your gait. Repeat a soothing word or phrase each time you exhale. If you work out on an exercise cycle or stair machine at a fitness club, you probably find yourself parked in front of a bank of television sets. Watching a TV can prevent you from getting into the soothing rhythm of your workout. Studies show that watching television makes people more jittery, not less. So ignore the screen, concentrate on your breathing and the repetitive movement of your arms and legs. If the gym plays music that gets on your nerves, bring a personal stereo with earphones and your own favorite music or use noise-blocking earplugs and enjoy a quiet interlude.

2. Do one thing at a time
If you're constantly being interrupted with phone calls while you're trying to work on something, let the answering machine take messages. Call people back when the time is right for you. Do one thing at a time and you may feel your stress meter reading begin to fall.

3. Put out the fire
Anger can be stressful, especially the "hotheaded" kind that lashes out and does not solve the problem that ignited it. But never expressing your anger can be harmful as well. If you feel your temper about to flare, stop, take a deep breath, and ask yourself three quick questions:
* Is this really important to me? If the answer is 'No', leave what sparked your anger behind. If the answer is 'yes', then ask yourself:
* Am I justified in being angry in this situation? Argue the pros and cons, as if you had to make your case in court. If your answer is, 'No', I don't really have much to gripe about," you're likely to feel your anger and stress dissolve. Of course, the answer may be, "'Yes', damn right, that guy nearly ran me off the road, and he's so busy talking on his cell phone he didn't even notice it!" Then ask yourself just one more question:
* Is there anything I can really do about it? Honking like crazy isn't going to change anything. It's only likely to make you feel even angrier. Here's a case where the best response is to let it go, take a deep breath, and keep out of the guy's way.

4. Call a friend
Even just calling someone to say a quick hello -- does more than take your mind off your troubles. It can be powerful medicine. German researchers recently reported that people with a strong sense of social connection to other people were almost one-third less likely to die after they'd had a heart attack than those who were socially isolated. Part of the reason may be the stress-easing effect of close relationships. If you don't have a circle of friends to turn to, consider beginning to build one by volunteering for a local community charity, joining a club or a church group, or signing up for an exercise class.

Next >>

Stress-busting Techniques

2009-10-12T05:37:00.000-07:00

What is Stress?
No need to tell you, "What is stress". You already know it.
Effects of high stress is your body's internal alarm. It alerts you to immediate danger & stimulates the fight-or-flight reflex, a primitive survival mechanism that triggers a chemical surgethat makes your muscles tense and your heart race. Your brain releases 1. cortisol - which raises your blood pressure slowly and steadily. 2. Adrenaline - which raises your blood pressure in a more violent fashion. These increase your blood pressure, metabolism, heart rate, breathing rate and muscletension. Certain other stress hormones may increase stomach acidity and the risk of an ulcer. These reactions can impair your cardiovascular, respiratory or immune system or your gastro-intestinal tract. Heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes can also be related to your stress levels and responses.
Symptoms of stress overload are
1. Headaches
2. Heartburn or indigestion
3. nausea
4. high anxiety
5. sleeplessness-the inability to go to sleep, or awakening after a few hours and being unable to go back to sleep
6. low back pain
7. inability to control anger
8. being unassertive and unwilling to say no
9. feeling listless and lost when your values are not in congruence with your lifestyle.
There is also evidence that chronic stress can lead to, or worsen, certain illnesses.

Stress Relief relaxes your mind and body to release your stress, improve and calm breathing, strengthens your internal organs and can help to lower your blood pressure. Evidence suggests that reducing your blood pressure by just 5-6 points can:
1) Decrease the risk of stroke by 40%,
2) Decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by 15-20%, and
3) Reduce the likelihood of dementia, heart failure, and mortality from vascular disease.

Stress-busting Techniques
1. relaxation of Muscles: Relax all the major muscle groups – from shoulders to toes. Muscle relaxation is especially useful if you tend to carry a lot of tension in your forehead or shoulders. This technique can stop muscle tension before it grows into a fullscale headache or other problem.
2. Meditation: Spend 10 to 20 minutes of time in a comfortable position, repeating a word (relax, love, Om, Cool etc.) You focus only on the one word and try to keep all thoughts out of your mind. When you're in a deeply relaxed meditative state, your blood pressure and heart rate drop and your brain produces more slow alpha waves, which are associated with enhanced well-being.
3. Yoga: The Yoga practice combines full, deep breathing with muscle stretching and focusedrelaxation exercises. The process helps you recognize the stress signals your body produces andthen work on getting rid of them.
4. Massage: This brings a new flush of blood and oxygen to your body, which allows for better disposal of metabolic waste. It counteracts the tensing of muscles that occurs during stressful situations.
5. The quieting response: Whenever you're in a stressful situation, you can do this four-stepexercise:
a. Say to yourself, "Isn't this a silly thing I'm doing to my body?"
b. Take 4 or 5 deep breaths.
c. As you exhale, let your jaw fall comfortably slack.d. Say to yourself, "I am feeling relaxed and calm," as you exhale.
7. Worrying: Most of us worry over things that don't happen, or about things over which we have nocontrol. Whenever you start to worry about something, ask yourself, "Is there anything I can do tochange or prevent the situation?" If the answer is "yes", think about developing a plan. If "No", agree to set aside your worrying until worry time, a few minutes every day reserved for fretting. And, don't allow yourself to worry in between. Try to use your worry-energy in the most productive way possible.By practicing any of these techniques described here is guaranteed to make you feel better. Each success gives you courage to keep going.

Next >>

Importance of Vaccination for a child

2009-09-15T04:20:00.000-07:00

Since vaccination began in the late 18th century, there is a dispute over the morality, ethics, effectiveness, and safety of vaccination. The opponents have claimed that vaccines do not work, that they are/may be dangerous, that individuals should rely on personal hygiene instead, or that mandatory vaccinations violate individual rights or religious principles. and finally after all these disputes, it takes several years to regain public confidence in the vaccine.

Mass vaccination helped to eliminate smallpox, which once killed as many as every seventh child in Europe.Vaccination has almost eradicated polio.

Different vaccines work best when given at certain ages.For example, the measles vaccine is usually not given until the child is at least one year old.It may not work so well if it is given earlier than the recommended age.Some vaccines like *DTaP / IPV / Hib need to be given as a series of injections to work best.

1. Hameophilus Influenza type B (HiB)
2. Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DTaP)
3. Inactivated Polio (IPV)

What Happens If the Child Misses A Shot?
If your child did not get her shots on time, don't worry, it's not too late.If your child has gotten some of his/her shots and then fallen behind schedule, he/she can catch up without having to start the whole schedule again.

Combination Vaccines
Combination vaccines such as mumps, rubella (MMR),measles, are few vaccines given together in a single shot. Both doctors as well as parents like them because, it enables a person to receive several vaccines in one shot.

The recommended immunization schedule is as follows :

AGE	VACCINE
At Birth	BCG Hepatitis B - 1st dose
After 2 months	Hexa (It includes Hepatitis B, DTaP, HiB, IPV)
After 4 months	DTaP/IPV/Hib - 2nd dose
After 6 months	Hexa(1 year Hepatitis B for children born to Hep B carrier mothers only)
After 15 months	MMRVaricella (Chicken pox)
After 18 months	DTaP/IPV/Hib - 1st booster
After 6 - 7 years	DT - 2nd boosterOral Sabin - 2nd booster
After 11 - 12 years	DT - 3rd boosterOral Sabin - 3rd boosterMMR - 2nd dose
Note : From >6 years onwards, booster MMR can be given

Vaccination Checklist
Sometimes a child should not be given a particular vaccine or it should be given at a later date. Therefore tell your doctor if your child:
Diagram

Will Vaccines Always Work ?
Vaccinations work most of the time. According to research about 90-99% of the children will develop immunity to them. However, a child may not respond to vaccine. This is another reason why all childrens need to be vaccinated. A child who has not responded to a particular vaccine could be infected by a child who is not vaccinated, but not by one who is immune.

Is Vaccination Safe ?
Vaccination is generally a very safe procedure.Like other medications, occasionally they can cause reactions.Most of these are mild, such as a sore arm or mild fever. Serious reactions are rare but can occasionally happen.One can also develop a chicken pox-like rash after being vaccinated against chicken pox.If there are any serious reactions, go to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can discuss the risks before vaccinating your child. Note that getting the disease is generally much more serious than the side-effects of the vaccine.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

2009-08-09T07:00:00.002-07:00

So Indians, finally Swine Flue has come to meet you.....................

What it is Exactly?

Swine flu is an infection caused by a virus. It is named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by

1. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
3. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
5. Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

Treatments for swine flu

The swine flu in humans can be treated with the help of antiviral drugs. If such antiviral drugs are taken during the initial stage of the disorder, it can help to prevent further complications. However, proper medical treatments for getting relieved from the symptoms of the swine flu are also essential apart from taking antiviral drugs. Taking bed rest can prove beneficial to reduce stress and get relief from the symptoms of swine flu. Many experts recommend antiviral drugs like Relenza and Tamiflu to treat swine flu. However, it is necessary to take doctor?s advice for treating swine flu to avoid complications.

How to prevent swine flu?

First of all, avoid contacts with infected people and wear N-95 mask.

Swine flu can be prevented by taking proper cleanliness measures while dealing with pigs. Maintaining cleanliness in farms, using masks and gloves etc; can help to prevent transmission of swine flu virus through pigs. At the same time, it is also essential to vaccinate the pigs and take veterinarian's help to prevent swine flu in them. Preventing swine flu in pigs is a first step towards prevention of swine flu in humans. Further, maintaining proper cleanliness and approaching the physician after observing mild symptoms of swine flu can help to prevent swine flu.
The outbreak of swine flu is not only affecting the health of human beings but also their lifestyle. The recent outbreak of swine flu has affected the travel and tourisms of the countries in which swine flu is likely to spread. The reason behind this condition is that people are cancelling their trips to such countries with the fear of getting affected by swine flu. Therefore, we can say that the swine flue has indirectly affected the overall living of the human beings. Hence, it is necessary to have proper knowledge about such disorders to take preventive measures.

Stop Smoking because..

2009-07-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

Thirty percent of men and 19 percent of women around the world smoke. One hundred thousand children under the age of 15 start smoking every day. One of every ten deaths around the world is caused by a smoking-related disease. With statistics like this, it's hard to imagine why smoking continues to be so widespread.

Research says, there are over 4,000 chemicals in a single cigarette, some of which are highly poisonous like:

* Naphthalene - which is used in moth repellent.
* Acetone - the main component of nail polish remover.
* Butane - a constituent of lighter fluid.
* Formaldehyde - used in embalming.

Cigarettes also contain nicotine, a highly addictive stimulant that causes physical and psychological dependency.

The two most serious health effects of smoking are cancer and Emphysema. Smoking has been linked to 11 forms of cancer, including cancer of the esophagus, mouth, pancreas, bladder, and kidney. According to recent studies, smokers are 26 times more likely to die of lung cancer than non-smokers. Emphysema is a chronic disease that destroys parts of the lungs and results in shortness of breath, hyperventilation, and asthma-like attacks.

Another common health effect of smoking is coronary artery disease. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart, increases blood clotting and blood pressure, and decreases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol. Women taking oral contraceptives should not smoke, as the risk for stroke increases almost four times.

Other possible side effects of smoking include cataracts, reduced fertility, a higher risk of stroke, peptic ulcers, and back pain. Pregnant women who smoke are at risk for miscarriages, premature labor, and ectopic pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who smoke have a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and behavioral problems later in life.

Smoking has some unpleasant cosmetic effects too. Smokers often suffer from bad breath, yellowing teeth and nails, and early wrinkles around the mouth. Smoking causes changes in the coloring and texture of the skin, often resulting in an ashy complexion. A smoker is also three times more likely to lose teeth than a non-smoker.

Why is cigarette smoking bad for us?

Everyone knows that smoking can cause cancer when you get older, but did you know that it also has bad effects on your body right now? A cigarette contains about 4000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous. Some of the worst ones are:

* Nicotine - a deadly poison
* Formaldehyde - used to preserve body tissue
* Methane - a component of rocket fuel
* Cadmium - used in batteries
* Carbon Monoxide - part of car exhaust
* Ammonia - found in floor cleaner
* Arsenic - used in rat poison
* Hydrogen Cyanide - the poison used in gas chambers
* Butane - lighter fluid

Every time you inhale smoke from a cigarette, small amounts of these chemicals get into your blood through your lungs. They travel to all the parts of your body and cause harm.

Effect of these chemicals to my body?

As you might imagine, even small amounts of the poisonous chemicals in cigarettes can do bad things to your body. Here are some facts about what smoking cigarettes does to you:

* Smoking makes you smell bad, gives you wrinkles, stains your teeth, and gives you bad breath.
* Smokers get 3 times more cavities than non-smokers.
* Smoking lowers your hormone levels.
* When smokers catch a cold, they are more likely than non-smokers to have a cough that lasts a long time. They are also more likely than non-smokers to get bronchitis and pneumonia.
* Teen smokers have smaller lungs and a weaker heart than teen non-smokers. They also get sick more often than teens who don't smoke.

What happens to my lungs when I smoke?

Every time you inhale smoke from a cigarette, you kill some of the air sacks in your lungs, called alveoli. These air sacks are where the oxygen that you breathe in is transferred into your blood. Alveoli don't grow back, so when you destroy them, you have permanently destroyed part of your lungs. This means that you won't do as well in activities where breathing is important, like sports, dancing, or singing.

Smoking paralyzes the cilia that line your lungs. Cilia are little hairlike structures that move back and forth to sweep particles out of your lungs. When you smoke, the cilia can't move and can't do their job. So dust, pollen, and other things that you inhale sit in your lungs and build up. Also, there are a lot of particles in smoke that get into your lungs. Since your cilia are paralyzed because of the smoke and can't clean them out, the particles sit in your lungs and form tar.

But, I like to Smoke!

Many teens like the feeling that smoking gives them. This good feeling is from the nicotine in the cigarettes. Some teens think smoking will help them lose weight or stay thin. Many teens also feel like smoking gives them a sense of freedom and independence, and some smoke to feel more comfortable in social situations. If this sounds like you, you should stop and think about whether the things you like about smoking are really worth the risks.

* Nicotine can make you feel good, but is feeling good (a feeling you can also get from healthy activities like playing sports) really worth all the bad things cigarettes do to you? If you smoke, you'll get sick more often. You also have the chance of getting lung cancer or emphysema, which will make you really sick for a long time before you die. If you are very sick, that good feeling from nicotine won't seem so important anymore.
* Smoking doesn't really help people lose weight. If that were true, every smoker would be thin.
* Smoking lowers your hormone levels.

If I quit smoking, won't I gain weight?

Many people are afraid to quit smoking because they think they will gain weight. In reality, many do gain a little but not enough to change how they look. People don't gain weight because they stop smoking. They gain weight because they start eating more. Often, people confuse the feeling of craving nicotine with hunger and eat to try to make this uncomfortable feeling go away. Smokers are also used to having something in their hands and in their mouth, so they may pick up food to replace holding a cigarette. To keep from gaining weight, try these things:

* Eat carrot or celery sticks or other healthy, low calorie foods.
* Drink sips of water instead of eating when you feel uncomfortable.
* Exercise daily. This will also help take your mind off smoking and make you healthier.
* Keep busy schedule.

Why should I stop smoking ?

Many people don't realize they are addicted to smoking. They think they can easily quit any time they want. But when they try, they forget it is extremely difficult. Unfortunately, it is very easy to get addicted. Cigarettes are just as addictive as cocaine or heroin. Even if you only smoke one or two cigarettes a day and even if you've never bought a pack of cigarettes yourself, you are at risk. Stressful situations or hanging out with friends who smoke might cause you to smoke more and become addicted. Try going a whole week without smoking at all. If you find this difficult, you are probably addicted to cigarettes.

Wanna Quit Smoking ?

The good news for people who don't smoke or who want to quit is that studies show that the number of teens who smoke has dropped dramatically. Today, about 23% of high school students smoke.
If you do smoke and want to quit, you have lots of information and support available. Different approaches to quitting work for different people. For some, quitting cold turkey is best. Others find that a slower approach is the way to go. Some people find that it helps to go to a support group especially for teens. These are sometimes sponsored by local hospitals or organizations like the American Cancer Society. The Internet offers a number of good resources to help people quit smoking.
When quitting, it can be helpful to realize that the first few days are the hardest. So don’t give up. Some people find they have a few relapses before they manage to quit for good.
Staying smoke free will give you a whole lot more of everything — more energy, better performance, better looks, more money in your pocket, and, in the long run, more life to live!

Bigger arms in 1 day

2009-07-06T04:28:00.000-07:00

Just show me a man who will say "I don't care about my biceps size". If you'll find one - he is not a bodybuilder for sure because if he is a bodybuilder he'll never say this way. Are you a bodybuilder? Yeah? So let me tell you something. The method I wanna tell you about had been used by some great bodybuilders including Arnold Schwarzenegger who had applied it exactly before the contest. The method he used is to pump the biceps all the day making a set or a couple of sets each hour during the day. As he revealed later it had made his biceps looking much bigger on the stage.

Combination 1

Exercise Hammer curls
Just 1 second to raise and 4 seconds to lower the weights.
You might experience weakness in the wrist with standard dumbbells curls on the last few reps of a set.
As hammer curls have a neutral wrist position, this is largely eliminated.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand (as shown in the picture) with your palms facing in.
Just curl the weights up one at a time until they reach your shoulders. Contract your biceps, then slowly reverse the motion.

Lying triceps extensions
2 seconds to raise and 2 seconds to lower the weights.
Lie face-up on a bench or on the floor with your feet flat (as shown in picture). Hold a dumbbell in each hand above your chest.
While keeping your upper arms perpendicular to the bench, lower the weights so they end up next to your ears.
Pause, then straighten your elbows to return the weights to the start.

Combination 2

Bench dips
4 seconds to lower yourself, explode upwards as fast as you can.
Take a bench and grasp it’s sides with your arms fully extended. Step forward until your legs are extended. Your arms should remain straight, supporting your weight.
Bend your elbows to lower your glutes towards the floor. Straighten your arms to press yourself back up to the starting position. Feel free to collapse back onto the bench once you’ve completed your reps.

Overhand curls
1 second to raise the weights and 4 seconds to lower them.
This will really emphasize your forearm muscles, which will stop you looking like a pair of biceps on legs. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand.
Rotate your arms so that your palms face behind you. Curl the weights up until they reach your shoulders. Contract your biceps, then reverse the motion and slowly return to the original position.

DIET

I have organized the eating and working out into specific times to make it easier to follow.

Breakfast - 7:45am
4 Hard boiled Eggs
6oz. cottage cheese
4oz. brown rice
3oz. hash browns
10oz. skim milk
some kiwi or pineapple
4oz. ground beef
3 digestive enzyme tabs
5 free-form amino acid tabs

Snack - 10:15am
make a shake with:
pineapple juice
banana
1 egg
strawberries
ice
2 scoops carb powder
2 scoops protein powder

Lunch - 12:40pm
make a shake with:
2 scoops protein powder
10oz. water
any type of berries

Snack - 3:10pm
same as previous snack
plus 5 free form amino acid tabs

Dinner - 6:00pm
6oz. steak
1 baked potato
4oz. brown rice
small salad of your preference
some kiwi or pineapple
10oz. skim milk
3 digestive enzyme tabs
5 free form amino acid tabs

Snack - 9:00pm
2 hardboiled eggs
4oz. cottage cheese
some kiwi or pineapple
10.oz skim milk with 2 scoops protein powder
3oz. brown rice

ADVERTISE WITH US

2009-06-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

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CONTACT US

2009-06-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

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Thank you for that you are giving very good feedback to us. Your comments are always required us to improve our site and again if you like to know about anythink releted to our site, you are most welcome.

http://www.doctoruncle.blogspot.com
Dhiraj Sonavane
Pune, Maharashtra ( India )

Founder and Editor of http://www.doctoruncle.blogspot.com

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ABOUT US

2009-06-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

__________________________________________________

Welcome to doctoruncle.blogspot.Com, founded on May 20, 2009, is a Web Site dedicated to Health related Articles. doctoruncle.blogspot.Com is created by Dhiraj Sonavane.

If you would like to contact doctoruncle.blogspot.Com with suggestions, comments, corrections, errors, or new company announcements, please email us on dhiraj.sonavane@gmail.com

Dhiraj Sonavane (Founder, Editor)

I grew up in Raigad, India. I started college at Janta Vidyalay, and then I transferred to the Dr. BATU, Lonere for my B.Tech In (Information Technology) and graduated in 2007.
I spent a few years as a Software Engineer at Softlink International, working exclusively with Software companies.
I always wanted to do something different and still want and I am doing that, One day I read about Online business and I was hooked and immediately started on my journey as an online entrepreneur on May 20, 2009!

I went through many struggles.. ups and downs… with this journey, but the lessons I have learned are invaluable and have been the stepping stones to bigger and better things and were essential to today being able to have a 6+ figure a year online business.

What is DoctorUncle.blogspot.com All About?

If you are new to these pastures and are interested in getting Health related information and want to stay Fit & Healthy … then you came to the right place. DoctorUncle.blogspot.com is all about Health. Do yourself a favor and stroll around this website and see for yourself the top notch quality of content.
I started the DoctorUncle.blogspot.com for sharing the information about Health. If you have really good knowledge about it and you want it to share with our readers you can write to us on dhiraj.sonavane@gmail.com and we will publish it on DoctorUncle.blogspot.com.

What is Cardiac Arrest

2009-06-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

Introduction

A cardiac arrest is the abrupt cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively during systole.

Cardiac arrest is the sudden, abrupt loss of heart function. The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease.Sudden death (also called sudden cardiac death) occurs within minutes after symptoms appear. A cardiac arrest also known as cardiopulmonary arrest or circulatory arrest.

'King of Pop' Michael Jackson on Friday died of a cardiac arrest on 26 June 2009 at at 2:26 pm (0256 IST) local time.

Causes of cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is synonymous with clinical death.The most common underlying reason for patients to die suddenly from cardiac arrest is coronary heart disease. Most cardiac arrests that lead to sudden death occur when the electrical impulses in the diseased heart become rapid (ventricular tachycardia) or chaotic (ventricular fibrillation) or both. This irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) causes the heart to suddenly stop beating.
Some cardiac arrests are due to extreme slowing of the heart. This is called Bradycardia.
Other factors besides heart disease and heart attack can cause cardiac arrest. They include respiratory arrest, electrocution, drowning, choking and trauma, infections, overdoses, trauma and cancer. Cardiac arrest can also occur without any known cause.

How many people survive cardiac arrest?

No data is available for the exact number of cardiac arrests that occur each year. It is estimated that more than 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. In cities where defibrillation is provided within 5 to 7 minutes, the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest is as high as 30–45 percent.

What can be done to increase the survival rate?

Early CPR and rapid defibrillation combined with early advanced care can result in high long-term survival rates for witnessed cardiac arrest.
If bystander CPR was initiated more consistently, if AEDs were more widely available, and if every community could achieve a 20 percent cardiac arrest survival rate, an estimated 40,000 more lives could be saved each year. Death from sudden cardiac arrest is not inevitable. If more people react quickly by calling 9-1-1 and performing CPR, more lives can be saved.

Prevention for Cardiac Arrest

Prevention of cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death is aimed at controlling underlying heart disease. Experts generally recommend that people make lifestyle changes to prevent the conditions that could trigger cardiac arrest, including atherosclerosis, which is the leading cause of coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes may include losing weight, reducing LDL cholesterol levels, eating a heart-healthy diet and getting adequate exercise. When warranted, experts also recommend medical treatment of any underlying conditions, which may involve taking medications and/or having surgery (e.g., placing an implantable defibrillator into the patient’s chest).

Note 1 : A heart attack happens every 29 seconds and is usually due to coronary artery disease (CAD).
Note 2 : The heart and lungs work together to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body (circulation).

Pregnancy: Healthy Diet

2009-06-25T01:34:00.000-07:00

* It is crucial that your body has the necessary chemical elements, strength and stamina to make it through pregnancy with good health. Poor diet during pregnancy can have lifelong consequences on the physical and mental health of your child.

* The ideal diet is a balanced whole foods one which gives the crucial inputs required during pregnancy.

* Growing a baby requires a lot more energy especially in the earlier months when cell division is most intense. Vegetarians can source these from pulses and legumes (peas, lentils, beans, nuts, soy products) eaten in combination with whole grains such as rice, wheat ,oats, barley, rye, corn, buckwheat etc.

* Try to eat high protein foods for lunch when you will be able to process them more efficiently than at night.

* In the last months, calcium is released from the maternal bones to provide for the baby, so increased dairy, soy, greens and seaweed are useful. Raspberry leaf tea is especially useful in the last months as it softens up the cervix in preparation for birth as well as stimulates milk production.

Healthy Weight Gain

Many women are concerned about weight gain during pregnancy. Some women fear gaining too much weight, wondering if they will ever get back to their pre-pregnancy size. Others feel they may not be gaining enough weight.

A woman gains more weight than just the weight of the baby. In order to produce a healthy baby, your body requires extra fluids-extra water, blood, and amniotic fluid. During pregnancy you gain about 15 to 20 pounds in water alone. You can discuss with your doctor, the appropriate amount of weight for you to gain during your pregnancy.

The chart below provides some general recommendations.

Recommended Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Your Body's Nutritional Needs

During pregnancy your body has increased nutritional needs. you do require more macronutrients (for example, calories, protein, and fluids) and micronutrients (for example, calcium, folate, and iron).

In general, most women can meet these increased nutritional needs by choosing a diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods, including 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, and by taking a prenatal vitamin prescribed by their health care provider. A simple way to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients that you and your baby need is by eating a variety of foods from each of the food groups every day.

Each food group has something to offer your body. Grains like cereal and pasta, for example, are good sources of energy. Fruits and vegetables are packed with water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as antioxidants and fiber. The food group that includes meats, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, and beans offers your body protein, B vitamins, folate, and iron. Dairy products are the best source of calcium and vitamin D.

Nowadays, nutrition experts recommend “chemically prepared” dietary supplements taking for granted an assumed deficiency in the diet to meet the special pregnancy requirements. However, a balanced whole foods diet can more than make up for these “deficiencies”.Moreover, we believe, supplements can have undesired or harmful effects.

Let us Examine these Special Requirements.

* Iron
Iron is best sourced from nature’s own balance. Unless you require Syntocinon for expedient delivery of the placenta, being ‘tanked up” on iron supplements is just not necessary. In fact iron is a highly toxic material which can damage the liver if over consumed. You can source iron from leafy greens, seaweed, dried fruits, pulses, wheat germ, bran, yeast, nuts, seeds, parsley, molasses, Jaggery.

* Calcium
Evidence of low calcium is muscular cramping especially in the lower legs and most commonly experienced in the last trimester when the baby’s bones are becoming rapidly denser.

Natural food sources of calcium are dairy products, soy products, nuts, seaweed and kelp products, wheat germ and wheat bran.

Include these in your daily diet and you will be on your way to a more natural and chemical free childbirth.

* Folic acid (Foliate)
Folic acid aids cell division in early pregnancy and damage to the fetus from low folic acid can occur even before pregnancy is confirmed. Folic acid is well sourced from yeast, wholegrains, pulses, nuts, dairy products, Jaggery – again no need for supplements- just a whole foods balanced diet.

* Vitamin B

Vitamin B Can be sourced from yeast, seeds, beans, nuts, dairy foods, wheat germ, whole grains. All good staples for the whole foods vegetarian. Vitamin B supplements cause urine to turn dark yellow. This can cause urine tests to show high protein which can lead to pre-eclampsia! Taking supplements removes this vital sign whether we are taking enough fluids!!

Pregnancy: Safe Exercise

2009-06-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

If you’re pregnant, you should spend nine months on the couch, resting comfortably or you should get up and get moving?.
Here we bring you advice on how to exercise safely, and what to watch out for.

Most of the doctors feared that aerobics or running could damage the foetus, and prescribed complete rest. Exercising eases common ailments, such as lower back pain and fatigue.

If you have been following a regular exercise program prior to your pregnancy, you should be able to maintain that program to some degree throughout your pregnancy.

Guidelines for Exercise :

1. Start slowly for First trimester
If you are just starting an exercise program as a way of improving your health during your pregnancy, you should start very slowly and be careful not to over exert yourself.

2 Don't overdo
Listen to your body. Your body will naturally give you signals that it is time to reduce the level of exercise you are performing.It Monitors your heart rate (should be less than 140 beats/minute) and breathing. If your heart's racing, your baby's is too. If you feel breathless (common in the first trimester), slow down.

3. Avoid exercise in extremely hot weather
Avoid exercising at high altitudes or in heat and humidity.

4. Drink lots of water
Take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of fluids during exercise.

5. Reduce the intensity level as the pregnancy progresses.
During the second and third trimesters, avoid exercise that involves lying flat on your back as this decreases blood flow to your womb.

6. Wear comfort cloths and Footwares
Dress for comfort Wear loose clothing, non-skid shoes and a sports bra. If you're large breasted, wear a maternity bra under the sports bra. Wear comfortable exercise footwear that gives strong ankle and arch support.

7. Watch your balance
Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground when running or cycling. Your joints are more lax in pregnancy, and ankle sprains and other injuries may occur as 'prevention is the best protection'.

8. Stay off your back
After the fourth month, your uterus has grown out of your pelvis and when you're on your back, this reduces blood flow and therefore oxygen, to your baby. Most women get dizzy or light-headed if they lie on their backs.

9. Don't over-stretch
Women tend to strain muscles and ligaments easily during pregnancy.

10. Do Kegel exercises religiously

11. Avoid jumping or running
Most women can't keep the same pace that they did before the pregnancy. There are several exercises that you can do while pregnant. These would include walking, swimming, yoga and specialized pregnancy aerobics.

Pregnant women can exercise 30 minutes a day. In the first trimester, you can do almost any form of exercise. After that, running and cycling get uncomfortable. Postpartum recovery is much easier for women who've exercised.

You can start exercising about four to six weeks postpartum for a vaginal birth and six to eight weeks for a surgical birth. Talk to your doctor. Kegels can be done immediately after birth.

The benefits of exercise include :
1. Reduced weight gain during your pregnancy
2. Less physical complaints
3. Shortened period of being in labor
4. Less labor complications
5. Faster postpartum recovery
6. Faster postpartum weight loss

You might need special attention if you have :
1. Asthma or chronic lung or breathing problems
2. Heart related problems
3. High BP (blood pressure)
4. Extreme weight problems (underweight or overweight)
5. Muscle or joint problems
6. Multiple pregnancy
7. A history of miscarriages
8 History of incompetent cervix
9. Persistent bleeding
10. Placental problems (such as a condition known as previa)

You have to Stop the exercise if you experience :
1. Faint spells
2. Headaches
3. Dizziness
4. Breathing problems / Asthma
5. Uterine contractions
6. Any vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking out
7. Heart palpitations

Related Topics:
Pregnancy: Healthy Diet
Pregnancy: Safe Exercise
Pregnancy: Helpful Tips
Pregnancy: Hyperemesis gravidarum

Body Massage...

2009-06-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

What is Massage?

Massage is a "hands-on" therapy in which muscles and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated to improve health and well-being. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

Uses of massage

1. LACTIC-ACID REMOVAL

Lactic acid is one of the most misunderstood chemicals in our bodies. Is accused of being a metabolic poison that needs to be eliminated, and is blamed for the soreness we feel the day or two after intense exercise, (Actually, the soreness is caused by tearing of myofibrils.)

Proponents of massage often claim that it helps rid the muscles of lactic acid. In a study conducted at the B.A.T.U. University 22 men ran to exhaustion, then either

1) Recovered passively in a supine position

2) Rode a hike at a very low intensity or

3) Had their legs massaged h a certified massage therapist.

Researchers drew blood from the test subjects and determined their lactate (lactic acid) levels at three, five, nine, 15 and 20 minutes post exercise. Low-intensity cycling was found to be best for lowering blood lactate levels, and no difference existed between blood levels of subjects who recovered passively and had massage. This study doesn't suggest that massage is useless for athletes, but does show that its effects may have little to do with the removal of lactic acid. This makes sense if lactic acid doesn't cause muscle soreness.

2. DECREASING MUSCLE SORENESS

We all get sore, painful muscles, and a deep, thorough massage maybe your therapy of choice. But does it really diminish pain, or is it all in our heads? In a study from the University of Dr. B.A.T.U. University, 40 untrained female subjects performed negatives on biceps cods until they fatigued. In untrained subjects, this will definitely cause delayed-onset muscle soreness! Then they were "treated" in one of three ways upper-body exercise (arm cycling), massage or electrical stimulation immediately after exercise and 24 hours later, A control group wasn't treated. Researchers found that each of the four groups rated their soreness the same! Neither massage nor exercise decreased muscle soreness felt one day later.

In another study, a combination of warm-up, stretching and massage was found to decrease the soreness after eccentric exercise. Yet the effects arc hard to predict and often inconsistent. So does massage help or not? Well, with regard to a "measurable" difference in soreness, seemingly no.

3. IMPROVING BLOOD FLOW

The data are equivocal on this one. A recently published study from 1-auriet 1 University at Canada found that massage had no effect on limb blood flow According to Peter M. Tiitlos, PhD, "Light quadriceps contractions were more effective in improving blood flow than manual massage self."

What happens during a massage therapy session?

At your first massage therapy session, the practitioner will ask you about any symptoms you may have (like low back pain) and will also ask questions about your medical history. The practitioner may also initiate a discussion about what you expect to achieve from the massage session.

The therapist leaves the room while you undress and lie down on the massage table. A sheet is draped over your body during the session and moved only to expose the part of the body being worked on at any given time. Massage oil or lotion is often used to reduce friction between the practitioner's hands and your skin. The room is kept warm and free of distractions. The therapist may have soft music playing in the background and frequently asks whether they are applying too much or too little pressure.

The manner in which a practitioner massages your body depends on the problem being treated. A massage session can last from 15 - 90 minutes and may include a schedule of follow-up visits, depending on the severity of your situation.

Godness of Green Chilli

2009-06-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

What Green Chilli contains ?

Green chillies contain capsaicin, a colorless, pungent, crystalline compound that is the source of hotness in peppers.

This substance has been used to relieve pain, improve circulation and treat psoriasis topically.

Research shows that capsaicin can also stimulate the appetite and boost metabolism.

Chillies are a rich source of Vitamin C. A fresh, medium-sized green chilli pod, has as much Vitamin C as 6 oranges!

Chillies can help in releasing phlegm, increase sweating, and build up resistance to colds.

Pungent chillies are also an important gastro-intestinal detoxicant.

But avoid consuming them on an empty stomach, or if you suffer from hyperacidity, as they can irritate the stomach lining.

EAT IT IN

Chilli and egg salad

Ingredients:
1. 4 boiled eggs, quartered
2. 1/2 cup each of cauliflower florets, French beans cut into 1' lengths, shredded cabbage, steamed until tender, but crisp.

To retain color and texture, put the vegetables into icy water as soon as they are done. Strain after 2 minutes.

Dressing

1 small onion, 1 clove garlic and 3 sprigs parsley---finely chopped
2 tsp each of olive oil, lime juice
Salt to taste
A pinch of pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp vinegar
6 green chillies, sauted and chopped

Makes: 4 servings

Method:

1) Mix vegetables and eggs in a salad bowl.
2) Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl.
3) Stir it into the salad. Serve immediately.

Breast Cancer

2009-06-01T02:29:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is spreading at a phenomenal speed.

Every 6.5 minutes, a fresh case is reported somewhere in india. As the population continues to age and increase and more Indians adopt western lifestyles, numbers are expected to climb sharply.

More than 400000 women die every year globally from breast cancer-related causes—more than 75% of them are from countries like India. But that’s because we are way behind in detection.

With the right moves: a monthly self examination, an annual check-up by the physician and periodic mammograms you can conquer it.

What sets it off
Like other cancers, breast cancer arises from the abnormal growth of cells, which may progress into a malignancy. No one knows precisely what causes the disease. Surprisingly, about 4 out of 5 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the illness and many have no known risk factors. Still, women with certain characteristics are more prone to developing breast cancer.

Risk factors
Researchers have linked a number of factors to a higher risk of breast cancer. Yet most women who are diagnosed have none of them. What does that mean for you? It means you should be vigilant about getting mammograms done, regardless of whether you have known risk factors. Step up the vigilance as you get older, since the risk of breast cancer rises with age and is greatest after age 60.

Known risk factors include :
•Belonging to a family with a strong history of breast cancer. The more first-degree relatives, mother, sister or daughter, who have had the disease, particularly before age 50, the more you should watch out.

•Having an inherited mutation in the genes that normally regulates cell growth. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase your lifetime risk to between 40 and 80%.

•Beginning menstruation before the age of 12 or reaching menopause after the age of 55, which increase a woman?fs exposure to estrogen.

•Hormone replacement therapy (especially the estrogen-progesterone combination) after menopause may put women at greater risk.

•First pregnancy after age 35.

How to keep it away

Changes in your lifestyle can reduce risks. Studies blame obesity and physical inactivity. Weight gain in midlife significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI less than 25) throughout your life.

•Minimise/avoid alcohol. It is the bestestablished dietary risk factor for breast cancer.

•Consume fruits and vegetables, as much as you can. The superstars include all cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower); dark leafy greens (palak, methi); carrots and tomatoes.

•Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that habitual exercise provides powerful protection. Consistency and duration, not intensity, are the key!

•Cut out high glycemic-index (GI) foods like white flour, white rice, potatoes, sugar and products containing them. These foods trigger hormonal changes that promote cellular growth in breast tissue.

•Lifetime exposure to estrogen plays a fundamental role in the development of breast cancer. Minimise exposure to pharmacologic estrogen. Do not take prescription estrogen unless unavoidable.

What to check

A woman's breasts undergo regular changes in size or texture during the menstrual cycle. It is important to become familiar with what's normal for you.

This will spare you undue alarm and help you identify any change that may be suspicious. In the early stages, breast cancer usually doesn?ft cause pain. In fact, when breast cancer first develops, there may be no symptom at all.

As the cancer grows, it may cause changes that should be evident.

These include :

•A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm.
•A change in the size, shape or feel of the breast.
•Nipple discharge or tenderness, or an inverted nipple.
•Ridges or pitting of the breast, making the skin look like the skin of an orange.
•A change in the look or feel of the breast, areola or nipple such as warmth, swelling, redness or scaliness.

Screening and tests

Besides the monthly self-exam, screening tests women typically undergo on a routine basis are mammography and clinical breast examination, in which a healthcare provider systematically palpates the breasts to detect changes or irregularities.

Besides being a screening tool, mammography is used to further examine a lump or area of new concern. The technique uses low-dose X-rays to produce photographic images of breast tissue or mammograms. This method has proved to be the most effective means of detecting cancers early and is credited with a 20 to 30% reduction in the death rate from breast cancer.
An ultrasound may be used as a complementary study to diagnostic mammography to evaluate a suspicious mass.

Once a lump or lesion is confirmed through breast imaging and/or a clinical breast exam, women typically undergo a biopsy, in which tissue is obtained for analysis. This analysis will tell your doctor whether the sampled cells are cancerous or benign.

Women newly diagnosed with cancer and with a family history of the disease should consider meeting a genetic counsellor or geneticist to discuss obtaining a blood test to determine whether they carry the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation.

If you are considering testing, discuss the risks, benefits, and possible psychological impacts before a final decision.

Knowing that you have the altered gene may increase self-monitoring and help you guide family members, but it doesn’t tell you whether you will indeed develop breast or ovarian cancer.

Some women with a mutation choose to have their breasts removed prophylactically. Other options include close surveillance or reducing risk by taking tamoxifen.

Treatment by stage

Lesions (when they are non-invasive or pre-cancerous), are almost always treated successfully. Most women with pre-cancerous lobular carcinoma don’t undergo surgery, but tamoxifen or a similar hormonal treatment, known to reduce the likelihood of future cancers, may be prescribed.

Stage I: In early-stage invasive cancer, breast-conserving surgery such as lumpectomy, followed by radiation is done. Chemotherapy is often given prior to radiation.

Stage II: When a tumour is fairly large or a small tumour is accompanied by lymph-node involvement, lumpectomy with subsequent radiation may be appropriate, as may be simple mastectomy. Chemotherapy and hormonal treatment are also commonly prescribed.

Stage III: Often requires more extensive surgery and more aggressive ‘adjuvant therapies’, as the cancer has spread from the breast into the nearby lymph nodes or chest wall.

Stage IV: Cancers have metastasised to the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. Treatment of these advanced cancers is tough. The emphasis is on chemotherapy, and hormonal medication to slow the disease’s progression.

Fight Breast Cancer

2009-06-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is spreading at a phenomenal speed.
Every 6.5 minutes, a fresh case is reported somewhere in this country. As the population continues to age and increase and more Indians adopt western lifestyles, numbers are expected to climb sharply.

There are certain options to fight with Breast Cancer

Surgical Options

When the tumour alone is excised, the procedure is called lumpectomy. In other cases, the whole breast can be removed (mastectomy). Surgical removal of at least some of the lymph nodes from the underarm is also done to determine whether the cancer has spread to the nodes. In addition, some women choose to have reconstructive surgery to create a new breast form after mastectomy.

Radiation therapy

The standard method, known as external beam, delivers high-energy X-rays, gamma rays or particle beams to the site of the cancer. This painless procedure is generally given daily for five to seven weeks. The type of beam used depends on how large an area has to be radiated and how deep the treatment must penetrate.
Radiation therapy can produce side effects that build up over time. They include fatigue, skin irritation and darkening or shrinking of the breast. Less common side effects: rib fractures, lung inflammation and damage to the nerves and heart. Very rarely, radiation may foster an additional tumour.

Chemotherapy

Often used after surgery to kill cancer cells that may have spread outside the breast. The drug may be administered intravenously, in pill form, or using both. May also be recommended before surgery if the breast tumour is large (diameter greater than 5 cm), if the tumour is attached to the chest wall muscles, or if the patient has rapidly spreading inflammatory breast cancer. If the cancer responds well to chemotherapy before surgery, more of the breast may be conserved.

The patient receives chemicals that move through the bloodstream to all parts of the body, where they can destroy cells that have spread from the primary tumour. The course of this periodic treatment usually takes several months.

There are a large number of different chemotherapy drugs, and newer ones are under development. Sometimes, oncologists choose to give chemotherapy through a combination of drugs or ‘cocktails’ to subject cancer cells to a battery of attacks.

Though chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells, they can be toxic to normal cells. They harm cells that are rapidly dividing, damaging the cells of hair follicles, blood, the immune system, and the lining of the digestive tract, among others. Side effects vary in kind and severity. Depending on the drugs used, they can cause hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth sores, fatigue and a suppressed immune system.

Hormonal therapy

The female hormones estrogen and progesterone play a role in the growth of breast cells. To make use of these hormones, breast cells normally have special receptors that permit the hormones to connect to the cells. Breast cancer cells that also have such receptors are known as hormone-receptor positive. This therapy is aimed at reducing the hormones available to the cancer cells and may cause them to cease growing or die.

Tamoxifen is the most widely used hormonal treatment for breast cancer in both pre-menopausal and postmenopausal women. It blocks the ability of the hormones to attach to cancer cell receptors. Patients take a pill once a day for at least 5 years after their surgery. Side effects include night sweats and hot flashes, nausea, menstrual irregularity (when taken before menopause), vaginal discharge, and a dry, itchy vagina. It can also increase the risk of strokes, pulmonary embolism or a blood clot in the lung, and cancers of the uterus.

Living with cancer

The patient may need to adjust to effects which can be temporary— hair loss during chemotherapy—or permanent, such as the loss of a breast. This adjustment may include using a prosthesis to replace a missing breast; taking medication (hormonal treatments that have side effects); dealing with fears of a recurrence as well as changes in the emotional landscape surrounding physical intimacy and sexuality. Patients should opt for a lifestyle that cuts down risks of recurrence.

Follow-up exams

Most critical. The exact schedule will depend on individual circumstances. Routine care should involve visiting the doctor every 3 to 6 months for a physical examination and clinical breast exam, if the patient had a lumpectomy plus radiation, or an evaluation of the chest wall and unaffected breast (in case of mastectomy).

Regardless of the type of treatment, this schedule should continue for at least 5 years and yearly thereafter. Monthly breast self-examination is often suggested. Any change in breast tissue or nearby sites, as well as signs or symptoms that may suggest a recurrence should be reported immediately. Signs include new, persistent pain in the bones, chest, or abdomen; weight loss, and shortness of breath. If the patient is taking tamoxifen and have not had a hysterectomy, she will need a yearly pap test and pelvic examination because of the small risk of uterine cancer associated with this drug. If she has new symptoms, her doctor will recommend the necessary tests to determine whether they are associated with a metastatic recurrence.

Sexual intimacy after treatment

Many women fear that the physical changes caused by breast surgery, not to mention the toll taken by chemotherapy and radiation, will have an impact on their intimate relationship with their partner. It’s best for both partners to communicate their needs and their fears. During the months of chemotherapy, intimacy is possible, but at times a patient may be too physically exhausted to think about sex.

Hormonal treatment

Tamoxifen is usually prescribed for 5 years following cancer treatment. This drug blocks the ability of estrogen to attach to cells and promote their growth. It reduces the risk that women who have had a ‘receptor positive’ breast cancer—meaning their cancer cells have hormone receptors—will experience a recurrence of the original cancer or a new cancer.

Women who triumphed

The next time you reach out for that Fabindia kurta, think of Bim Bissell, the woman who joined her husband to make what Fabindia is today. Renu Prasad turned adversity on its head and brings hope to others diagnosed with cancer as secretary, Indian Cancer Society. These and many more women have gone out to prove that cancer is just a word. Not a sentence

Related Links :

Godness of Honey & Cinnamon
The stealth superfoods
Your eating guide for 2009
Buddhist meditation cures depression
Economic slump affects migraine sufferers
Depression ups risk of heart attacks
Effect of Recession

Honey & Cinnamon

2009-05-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

Honey and cinnamon individually are beneficial to health as we all know.

So when the two are combined, the goodness combines to create a potent health tonic which is beneficial for the body in totality. It can only do you a wealth of good.

Here’s how.....

Good for the heart
To keep your heart fit and healthy, indulge in a mixture of honey and cinnamon first thing in the morning after waking. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol, thereby preventing heart attacks and revitalizing the arteries and veins.

Soothes Skin
If you suffer from skin irritations, especially in summer when the sun is at its peak — apply honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts to help soothe the affected areas. This potion is a good balm for all kinds of skin issues.

Cures Colds
This is one great home remedy.
If you are sneezing throughout the day then take one tablespoon of lukewarm honey with 1/ 4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This will cure most chronic cough, cold and is great for clearing those clogged sinuses.

Outs bad breath
Instead of the usual peppermint and cloves, try the honey- cinnamon combo to keep your breath smelling fresh. Gargle with one teaspoon this mix in hot water first thing in the morning and enjoy the different fresh feeling.

Prevents hair fall
If you find yourself losing hair because of reasons like stress, bad water or heat applying a paste made out of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder may help arrest it. Apply before a shower and keep it for 15 minutes before washing it off.

Helps a toothache
A paste made of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey when applied on the aching tooth, thrice a day a day has been shown to reduce the pain within a matter of 15 minutes.

The stealth superfoods

2009-05-26T04:45:00.000-07:00

Realize the life-extending properties of Five unfashionable foods.

1 Prunes
You know them as... nature's wrinkly little pipe-cleaners.

Health credentials
Its appearance is not very attractive and its health-giving reputation has none of the luster of a more glamorous fruit like apple. The humble dried plum is in dire need of some positive sales pitch. So here it is: prunes are packed with neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, antioxidants particularly effective at combating the cell-damaging "superoxide anion radical".
How to eat it
As a starter: wrap a thin slice of chicken ham around each prune and secure it with a toothpick. Bake at 200 degree centigrade for 6 to 10 minutes until the meat has turned crispy. Tell guests they are "dried plum and chicken canapés", not ham and prune rolls.

2 Swiss chard
You know it as...Eh? Something not available in Indian bazaars?
Health credentials
The bitter vegetable isn't actually Swiss. It's native to the sunnier climes of the Mediterranean and is a favourite among people in eastern India, who call it 'pui'. It's packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds that protect your retina by absorbing shortwave light, Harvard University researchers found.
How to eat it
Swiss chard goes well with grilled chicken or as a base for fried fish. Wash and dry it, then chop the leaves and stems into 3cm pieces. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan and add two peeled, crushed garlic cloves and the vegetable. Fry for five minutes, until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender. Alternatively, cook it as saag and have it with rice.

3 Beetroot
You know it as...the pickled nemesis of white tablecloths, or a salad ingredient
Health credentials
Think of beetroot as a more colorful spin on spinach. Beetroot is one of your best sources of both folate and betaine. These nutrients work together to lower your levels of homocysteine-an amino acid produced by the body when digesting certain foods, particularly fish. This is very good news, since by damaging arteries and increasing heart disease risk, this inflammatory compound does about as much good for your health as a tall glass of liquid fat.
How to eat
Ideally, fresh and raw. If that doesn't exactly get your taste buds going, just remember that beetroot is naturally sweeter than any other vegetable and heating it up will only decrease its nutritional powers. For a simple salad, grate it on the widest blade of your grater. Toss with olive oil and fresh lemon juice and that's it.

The leaves and stems of beetroot are not to be sniffed at, packed as they are with a life affirming amount of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Stir-fry the stems in olive oil until tender, and add salt, pepper and lemon.

4 Guava
You know it as... the post-school snack sold on wheel cart with salt-andchilli garnished slices
Health credentials
Guava has the highest concentration of lycopene-kryptonite to prostrate cancer-according to US Department of Agriculture. And yes, that includes tomatoes, so you can put the Domino's menu down. Still not feeling fruity? As well as the lycopene factor, 100gm of this super fruit packs 300mg of muscle-building, sodium-neutralising potassium.
How to eat it
Just down the whole thing- rind, seeds and all. It's all edible and nutritious. The rind alone has more vitamin C than you'd find in the flesh of an orange.

5 Pomegranate juice
You know it as...the previously unidentified breakfast drink you were given the morning after you pulled a vegan yoga fanatic
Health credentials
Israeli scientists from Rambam Medical Center found that men who downed 60ml of the rubyred nectar every day for a year dropped their systolic blood pressure by 21 per cent and significantly improved blood flow to their hearts.
How to drink
You could try mixing vodka with pomegranate juice or, if you reside in the real world, try 100 per cent pomegranate juice without mixing anything.

Eating guide for 2010

2009-05-26T04:41:00.000-07:00

This may be the simplest diet ever. When it comes to eating for a healthy, lean body, everything else is just details.

SIX STEALTH HEALTH FOODS
The secret to eating better? Fill your diet with healthy fare that tastes good

1. Iceberg lettuce
Half a head of iceberg lettuce has significantly more alpha-carotene, a powerful disease-fighting antioxidant, than romaine lettuce and spinach.

2. Mushrooms
This fungi’s metabolites— by-products created when mushrooms are broken down during digestion —boost immunity and prevent cancer growth, report researchers in Holland.

3. Vinegar
Scientists in Sweden found that when people consumed two tablespoons of vinegar with a high-carb meal, their blood sugar was 23 per cent lower than when they skipped the antioxidant-loaded liquid. They also felt fuller.

4. Red-chilli flakes
Consuming a gram of red pepper flakes—about half a teaspoon—30 minutes prior to a meal reduced calorie intake by 16 per cent. Plus, its active ingredient, capsaicin, may help kill cancer cells.

5. Full-fat cheese
An excellent source of casein protein—a great muscle-building nutrient. What’s more, Danish researchers found that even when men ate 300gm of full-fat cheese daily for three weeks, their LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol didn’t budge.

6. Meat chops
Per gram of protein, meat chops contain almost twice the selenium—a mineral that’s linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer—of chicken. And a 200gm serving daily helped people preserve their muscle while losing weight.

What to do ?

1. Embrace fat
You won’t store it if you aren’t eating too many total calories. For example, research shows that diets containing upward of 50 per cent fat are just as effective for weight loss as those that are low in fat. “Fat is fi lling and it adds fl avour to your meals, so it helps you avoid feeling deprived,” says Shalini Pande, chief of clinical nutrition and dietics department. So go ahead: Enjoy the fat in meat, dairy, peanut or mustard oil and nuts. Pandey’s rule of thumb: Aim for a gram of fat for every kilo of your desired body weight daily.

2. Prepare your own meals (or help your girl or Mom as they do)
Think of it this way: as your number of homecooked meals increases, your fast-food visits decrease. Scientists have found that men eat 500 more calories on days they consume fast foods compared with days they don’t. Not sure where to start? Try our list of great recipes for 2010. You’ll fi nd that home-cooked meals or sometimes even cooking for yourself is your gateway to delicious meals made with healthy, fresh ingredients (there are other benefits too).

3. Eliminate added sugars
“This is the simplest way to clean up any diet,” says New Delhi-based nutritionist Dr Madhvi Kakar. The average Indian eats about 10 teaspoons of added sugar daily, or about 800 empty calories. The researchers report that 82 per cent of that added sugar can be attributed to soda, breakfast cereals, sweets and fruit drinks. What’s not on the list? Chicken, fi sh, vegetables, whole fruit, multigrain breads and eggs, along with unsweetened whole-grain and dairy products. Eat accordingly, says Dr Kakar.

Job loss : Effects

2009-05-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

Losing your job can make you ill, says a new study conducted in this age of pink slips.

If you do manage to find a new job quickly, you still face a heightened risk of developing hypertension, heart disease, heart attack, stroke or diabetes, stemming from the early job loss.

"In today's economy, job loss can happen to anybody".

"We need to be aware of the health consequences of losing our jobs and do what we can to alleviate the negative effects".

Workers in poor health have a 40 per cent increase in the odds of being laid off or fired, but findings go beyond sicker people being more likely to lose their jobs.

"Job churning", defined as high rates of job loss but low unemployment, has negative health consequences for workers who were not already sick.

For those who lost their job - white or blue collar - through no fault of their own, such as an establishment closure, the odds of reporting fair or poor health increased by 54 percent, and among respondents with no pre-existing health conditions, it increased the odds of a new health condition by 83 percent.

Even when workers became re-employed, those workers had an increased risk of new stress-related health conditions, said a Harvard release.

The study was based on data from US Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative survey from 1999, 2001 and 2003.

The study looked at establishment closures that included a range of occupations, including managerial or professional positions (30 percent displacement), sales, clerical and craft jobs, (33 per cent displacement), a machine operator jobs (20 per cent displacement), and service positions (13 per cent displacement).

Uses of Aspirin

2009-05-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

Aspirin has been known to benefit patients suffering heart attacks and near-heart attacks. But which of the different types of aspirin are likely to help the most ?

A group of researchers in India, gave three different types of aspirin to a group of volunteers - regular aspirin swallowed whole, regular aspirin chewed and swallowed, and chewable aspirin chewed and swallowed. Blood levels of aspirin were then measured, to see which route led to the highest aspirin levels in the body.

The chewable aspirin consistently showed greater and more rapid absorption than the regular aspirin, whether swallowed whole or chewed. This seemingly simple finding could lead to improvements in the care of heart attack patients, said an USD release.

Climate change is bad for us

2009-05-22T02:49:00.000-07:00

You are wrong if you think climate change is only an environmental issue. Scientists say climate change will have devastating consequences for human health over the next few decades.

Rising global temperature will alter patterns of infections and insect- borne diseases and lead to increased deaths due to heat waves.

Reduced water and food security will trigger malnutrition and diarrheal diseases.

An increase in the frequency and magnitude of natural disasters such as hurricanes, cyclones and storm surges will result in flooding and direct injury.

There is also a likelihood of large- scale population migration and consequent civil unrest.

“ The big message of this report is that climate change is a health issue affecting billions of people, not just an environmental issue about polar bears and deforestation".

During this century, the earth’s average surface temperature rise is likely to exceed the safe threshold of 2 degree Celsius above pre- industrial average temperature.

The trend is already visible.

The 12 warmest years in the last 150 years have been recorded during the past 13 years. Year 1998 was the warmest, followed by 2005, 2002, 2003, and 2004.

By 2100, northeast India and Australia can expect summer temperatures to peak over 50 degree Celsius, and the southwest, central west, and southern Europe over 40 degree Celsius.

Effects of climate change on health will affect most populations in the next decades and put the health of billions at increased risk, the report said. Malaria, encephalitis, and dengue fever will become increasingly widespread.

Half of the world’s population could face severe food shortage by the end of the century because the rising temperatures will take a toll on agriculture. Just a 1 degree Celsius change can make a difference of 17 per cent in yields.

Heat has a major effect on mortality. Heat waves in 2003 claimed 70,000 additional lives in Europe. While some people believe population in India and Africa may be more resistant to heat waves, there is little evidence and major heat waves could increase death rates in these populations more than in rich countries, the report said.

Guidelines : Healthy Life

2009-05-21T02:13:00.000-07:00

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up
every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We
publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and
serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been
found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the
following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy,
excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine
diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all
eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat
diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml
glasses of water.

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute.

3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink.
anything for 2 hours.

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at
the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it
to 4 glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others
can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to
cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)
2. Gastric (10 days)
3. Diabetes (30 days)
4. Constipation (10 days)
5. Cancer (180 days)
6. TB (90 days)
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days
in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of
treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work
in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold
water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow
down the digestion.

Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed
by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.
Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink
hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks:
• Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to
be the left arm hurting,
• Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
• You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a
heart attack.
• Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
• 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not
wake up.
• Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful
and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...

Buddhist meditation cures depression

2009-05-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

People suffering from recurrent depression can avoid using drugs now and can switch over to a group- based psychological treatment which utilizes many of the Buddhist meditation exercises. The method appears to be as effective as using anti- depressant drugs, according to a new study.

The therapy, involving a range of Buddhist meditation exercises, turned out to be as cost effective as prescription drugs.

The eight- week study included 123 people from urban and rural locations who had suffered chronic depression.

The patients were divided into two groups — half received the antidepressant drug treatment and the rest participated in the group- based psychological treatment course, called Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

After 15 months of the trial, 47 per cent of those given the MBCT therapy experienced a relapse in comparison to 60 per cent on normal drug treatment, the scientists said.

The group receiving MBCT therapy also reported a higher quality of life in terms of their overall enjoyment of daily living and physical well- being.

Unlike most other psychological therapies, MBCT can be taught in groups by a single therapist, and patients then continue to practice the skills at home by themselves. Thus, MBCT is less costly than individual treatments and is not dependent on a large number of trained therapists needed for one- to- one psychological treatments, they said.

Many of the exercises were based on Buddhist meditation techniques and helped the individual take time to focus on the present, rather than dwelling on past events, or planning for future tasks, scientists said. The exercises worked in a different way for each person, but many reported greater acceptance and more control over their negative thoughts and feelings, scientists said.

“ While anti- depressants reduce the symptoms of depression, most patients remain vulnerable to a relapse. MBCT takes a different approach — it teaches people skills for life”.

Economic slump affects migraine sufferers

2009-05-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

The economic slowdown has brought pain to India in more ways than one, with many headache victims suffering more attacks since the crisis began.

A survey of 505 regular headache sufferers found that 71 of them had seen an increased number of headaches since the stock market first plunged in September.

The affected sufferers reported an average of 16.5 headaches in the six months since the fall in stock prices compared to 12.2 in the six months before the fall.

Headaches worsened most sharply among people in the financial and real estate sectors followed by people in retail and catering and those in import-export businesses.

Most people surveyed in the study by the University of Hong Kong and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists blamed job-related worries including the threat of redundancy.

Researchers said tension-type headaches appeared to be the most common in the wealthy city of seven million which has a reputation for its workaholic lifestyles.

They warned that people suffering repeated headaches should seek help to avoid them leading to psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety.

India went into recession at the end of 2008 after recording two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. Share prices have fallen by 50 percent since the beginning of 2008.

Depression ups risk of heart attacks

2009-05-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

Heart patients diagnosed with depression face a greater risk of heart failure, a condition when the organ is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body, a new study has found.

This study, the first to investigate how depression in the wake of heart disease can increase the likelihood of heart failure, also found that anti-depressants did not appear to mitigate this risk.

"Our data suggests that depression is an important and emerging risk factor for heart failure among patients with coronary heart disease."

"Interestingly, when we stratified patients with depression by whether they received anti-depressant medication or not, the incidence of heart failure didn't change."

"This finding may indicate that anti-depressants may not be able to alter the physical or behavioral risks associated with depression and heart failure, despite a potential improvement in depressive symptoms."

There are a number of other risk factors associated with depression and heart failure, including smoking, hypertension, diabetes and being overweight.

Prior studies have reported that patients with depression are also less likely to practice good health habits or adhere to treatment regimens (e.g. taking medications properly, following a recommended exercise programme and keeping scheduled appointments).

Effect of Recession

2009-05-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Effect of Recession anxieties driving youngsters to psychiatrists, smoking

Nikil Raw, 5, had everything going for him. A high-paying job with a Software company and engaged to be married to his sweetheart. Then, suddenly, the pink slip thunderbolt struck.

Raw, who did his MBA in the London, lost not just his job but also his girlfriend, who opted to marry someone else - who had a steady job.

Depressed, Raw tried to hang himself.

Samir Tondon, working in a private firm in Pune, saw his colleagues one by one being told to leave. While he is happy he still has his job, his anxiety is of a different kind.

His working hours have been increased, like those of the remaining employees, to compensate for the numbers sacked. The long working hours and the fear of being the next to be axed have taken a toll on his mental health.

To get over his anxiety he has picked up the habit of smoking and drinking.

Raw and Tondon are just two examples of how the global meltdown has affected hundreds - people have either lost their jobs or their salaries have been slashed.

The resultant depression, anxiety, stress and sleeping disorders are sending many people to seek medical help.

Nikil Raw was taken to a psychiatrist by his father.

"He has slowly come out of his depression and has started looking for jobs. But it will take him some time to get back his self esteem because of the dual blow."

"We are every day seeing people whose lives have been turned topsy-turvy due to the recession. Youngsters are literally living in fear of being jobless."

Most of the people who seek medical help belong to the middle or upper middle class. "They have either taken a car loan or a home loan. Many find it difficult to sleep or could be suffering from psychosomatic problems like acidity, headache. Some even complain of psycho-sexual problems".

What is worrying is that youngsters facing this problem are taking to smoking and drinking to forget their job-related stress, he said.

According to Vijay Sharma, consultant in the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Max Healthcare, in the past few weeks there has been an increase in the number of people who have come to him to speak about the recession and its impact on them.

"It's not millions of dollars but a few hundred rupees that disturbs the equilibrium of their homes," he said.

"I see an escalating number of people coming to seek help for depressive and anxiety symptoms. They speak of a fearful helplessness, of apprehension and anguish over their current financial situation," the leading psychiatrist said.

"It's a phase seen universally and will pass with time. It's important for people to feel that they can change their situation, handle the crisis with their own efforts. This of course can be further supported by motivation, counselling and guidance".

A psychiatrist with the Paras Hospital in Gurgaon, is also seeing a surge in patients.

"Most suffer from insomnia, anxiety disorder and depression," he said.

"For some the worry is that their dream plans of acquiring bigger cars, bigger houses, have come crashing because of recession. Many who have lost their jobs or had their salaries slashed have started experimenting with alcohol to obliterate their anxiety," he said.

Rahul Seth is one such executive. The 6-year-old was told a month ago that from their team of 21 people, five would be sacked.

"Since that announcement a month ago, I find it difficult to eat and sleep properly. I have taken up smoking and drinking. I now have high blood pressure to top it all. This pressure is so intense that it is affecting my health," he added.