THE BEST HEALTH “TIPS”

Way to beat male infertility found

2012-01-08T02:43:00.001-08:00

Way to beat male infertility found

Scientists have for the first time grown mouse sperm in a laboratory, a major breakthrough they claim may soon pave the way for production of artificial human semen that could help infertile men father their own children.
    An international team, led by professor Stefan Schlatt at Muenster University in Germany, claims to have grown mouse sperm by using few germ cells in a laboratory dish. These are the cells in testicles responsible for semen production.
    In fact, the scientists grew the sperm by surrounding the germ cells in a special compound called agar jelly to create an environment similar to that found in testicles. Mahmoud Huleihel, a team member from Israel’s Ben Gurion University in Beersheba, said: “We were able to produce viable sperm that could have been used to create baby mice. The sperm appeared healthy and were not genetically damaged. I believe it will eventually be possible to routinely grow human male sperm to order by extracting tissue containing germ cells from a man’s testicle and stimulating sperm production in the laboratory.”
    Now, the scientists, whose findings are published in the latest edition of the ‘Asian Journal of Andrology’, have begun experiments that they claim would hopefully lead to the “Holy Grail” — human sperm grown outside a man’s body. “We have already applied the same tests as we did with mice in the laboratory, using human cells, but as yet have not had success. We are confident that if it can be done in a mammal such as a mouse it can be done in humans.
    “We are experimenting with a number of different compounds to get the germ cells to grow into sperm. And we believe it will be possible, hopefully soon,” prof Huleihel said. Stephen Gordon, a leading male infertility consultant said, “This is an amazing development. It can revolutionize fertility treatment and allow every man to be a natural father.”

How to check obesity? Give extra marks to children who are slim

2012-01-08T02:41:00.001-08:00

How to check obesity? Give extra marks to children who are slim

Paris: Pierre Dukan, the nutritionist behind the popular but controversial Dukan diet, has suggested that France tackle child obesity by giving extra exam marks for slimness. Dukan, who has sold 8 million copies of his diet book worldwide, made the proposal in a 250-page book called ‘An Open Letter to the Future President’, which he sent out Tuesday to 16 candidates for France’s presidential election.
    The plan calls for high school students to be allowed to take a socalled “ideal weight” option in their final year exams, the “baccalaureat”, under which they would earn extra points if they kept a body mass index of between 18 and 25.
    Those already overweight at the start of the two-year course would score double points if they managed to slim down over a period of two years. “It’s a fantastic motivator,” Dukan said.
    “The baccalaureat is really important in France. Kids want to get it, their parents want them to even more, so why not get them to work together on nutrition?”
    Weight gain is becoming an increasing problem in France and experts say sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition are to blame.
    “There’s a real problem. Since the 1960s the number of overweight people in France has risen from 500,000 to 22 million and it’s going up every year,” Dukan said. “When you reach those levels, it’s no longer a health problem, it becomes a political problem, and leaders of the nation need to worry about it.”

Don’t eat more than you can burn

2012-01-08T02:28:00.001-08:00

Don’t eat more than you can burn

Anew study suggests that when people consistently eat more calories than their bodies can burn each day, it appears they gain body fat and lose lean muscle if their diet is low in protein. Experts say this means in tackling obesity, one needs to focus on overall fatness and not just body mass index or body weight.
Researchers recruited 25 healthy individuals who agreed to spend time in a controlled setting and be randomised to over consume diets containing different levels of protein. They found that participants on a low-protein diet gained less weight compared to counterparts on the normal and high-protein diets. They also discovered that calories alone, and not protein, appeared to account for an increase in body fat.

Does trauma make you more resilient?

2011-12-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Does trauma make you more resilient?

    It is said what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Scientists suggest that dealing with major traumatic experiences like losing a loved one, facing a natural calamity or some sort of abuse in childhood can be psychologically damaging but small amounts of trauma may actually make you more resilient. In a study, it was discovered that people who went through major traumatic situations rarely are more distressed as compared to people who faced daily crisis.
EXPERT SPEAK There is no one who is so strong emotionally that he/she will not breakdown if they have to face something as traumatic as the loss of a loved one. Everyday problems and crisis are obviously more easier to deal with and in a way, prepare a person to handle bigger problems. But, on the other hand it depends from person to person and their definition of trauma. To give a common example work pressures can be traumatic sometimes. However, how one copes with crisis depends on how his/her family handles such situations as a unit or as individuals. The attitude a family should adopt is that life goes on.
    –Anjali Chhabria,
    Psychotherapist It all depends on the personality of a person. I will not agree completely with this study because there are some people who are strong from the core and can snap out of a traumatic experience in a decent amount of time. But then, I have had patients who have become weaker when they go through something really big. Moreover, it also depends on your support system—who all have been there with the person? Did they have someone to talk and share their feelings? Such people tend to isolate themselves completely and end up having phobias relating to a crowd of people. They also start questioning their abilities and in some cases suffer from low self-esteem.
    –Dr Seema Hingorrany, Trauma Therapist A person who goes through a major trauma sometimes ends up suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which results in them becoming extremely sensitive. It affects their mind, body and soul. On the other hand, a person who goes through small amounts of trauma learns to cope with life in a much better manner. These experiences empower the person to deal with any situation in a mature way.

When let down,girls feel more upset

2011-12-29T00:03:00.001-08:00

When let down,girls feel more upset

    Girls are just as likely to feel offended or sad as boys, especially when let down by friends. In a study by an international university, researchers found that pre-teen girls may not be any better at friendships than boys, despite previous research suggesting otherwise. The study was co-authored by Julie Paquette MacEvoy assistant professor and Steven Asher, professor of psychology and neuroscience. The findings suggest that when more serious violations of a friendship occur, girls struggle just as much and, in some ways, even more than boys.
    The girls were as likely as boys to verbally attack the friend who told one of their secrets to other children. The girls also reported being more bothered by the transgressions, felt more anger and sadness, and were more likely to think the offense meant their friend did not care about them or was trying to control them.
    MacEvoy and Asher showed 267 fourth and fifth-grade children 16 hypothetical stories in which they were asked to imagine that a friend violated a core expectation of friendship. For each story, the nine to 11-year-olds were asked how they would feel if the incident really happened.
    “Our finding that girls would be just as vengeful and aggressive toward their friends as the boys is particularly interesting because past research has consistently shown boys to react more negatively following minor conflicts with friends,” Asher said. The study found that anger and sadness played significant roles in how boys and girls reacted to offending friends.

You are more prone to a heart attack during winter

2011-12-28T23:58:00.000-08:00

why you are more prone to a heart attack during winter and what you can do to prevent it

Winter doubles your chances of getting a heart attack. This is especially true for people with one or more risk factors — high BP, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity and a family history of heart disease.
Winter predisposes you to heart ailments:
• The cold leads to constriction of blood vessels. This reduces blood supply to the heart and can precipitate blockage in the arteries leading to an attack.

•The oxygen demand of the heart increases because the heart has to work harder to keep the body warm.

•Early morning surge in BP is an important reason for heart attacks being more common at this time of the day.

•Because of fewer daylight hours in winter, people try and finish all outdoor work during the day. The shift of activities to morning hours also leads to a change in the circadian rhythm or body clock, leading to an increase in heart rate, BP, and cortisol levels. The combination puts pressure on your heart and increases risk of a heart attack.
Awareness helps: It is, therefore, important to use preventive strategies during this period. If you are at risk and want to get on to a healthy heart exercise regimen, start slow. The cardiovascular system can adapt to slow, progressive changes, but has a difficult time adapting to sudden changes. When you exercise, do it for just 15 minutes at a stretch and let the body recover. But don't go inside and have a cup of coffee or smoke a cigarette because caffeine and nicotine just put that much more burden on the heart. Restart after 15 minutes. Don't overdo and get an evaluation done by a doctor before starting an exercise regimen.
The golden rule to avoid heart attacks:
•Keep your BP less than 140/ 90 mms Hg.

•Your fasting sugar should be less than 100 mg/dl.

•Keep your blood cholesterol less than 150 mg/dl.

•Avoid tobacco in any form.

•Check your weight .

•Avoid getting stressed out.

Breastfeeding cuts blood pressure risk in women

2011-12-26T22:50:00.001-08:00

Breastfeeding cuts blood pressure risk in women

To-be-moms please take note: Mothers who exclusively breastfeed their babies for at leat six months can lower their risk of developing high blood pressure later in life by a quarter, a new study has claimed.
    Researchers at the University of North Carolina in the US found that women who gave their babies formula or breastfed for less than three months were almost a quarter more likely to develop blood pressure problems.
    The study involving nearly 56,000 women with at least one child concluded that mothers who breastfed for at least six months were less likely to develop hypertension over a 14 year period than those who bottle fed.
    The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, estimated that up to 12% of high blood pressure cases among women with children could be linked to “suboptimal” breastfeeding.
    While the findings do not prove breastfeeding was behind healthier blood pressure, the researchers said it added to evidence that it was good for both mothers and babies.

Mood swings that time of the month may be treatable

2011-12-26T04:40:00.000-08:00

Mood swings that time of the month may be treatable

Ladies, here’s some good news! Your monthly mood swings could soon be treatable, claim scientists.
    A team at Umea University in Sweden says that women who suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and mood swings once a month may soon be able to reduce the symptoms as it may be easily treatable.
    Their research in to premenstrual syndrome showed the affliction was due to a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. But women suffer the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS depending on sensitivity to the allopregnanolone hormone. The hormone is released in the body after ovulation and during pregnancy, and when changes occur in the course of the menstrual cycle. Most women are more sensitive to the hormone immediately after menstruation, and less sensitive before.
    However women who suffer severe symptoms of PMS experience the opposite — a high sensitivity before their period — that may mean they’ve less ability to adapt to hormonal variations. So, a high sensitivity to allopregnanolone before menstruation results in mood swings and heightened emotions before menstruation.
    “Greater knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of pronounced PMS can ultimately provide clues for new methods of treatment.”

Parents beware: Noisy toys may harm kids ears

2011-12-20T03:35:00.000-08:00

Parents beware: Noisy toys may harm kids ears

Parents,give a second thought the next time you pamper your children by giving them noisy toys.
A new study by the University of California says that the noise of some of the most popular Christmas toys can be as loud as a chainsaw and risk permanently damaging toddlers hearing,the Daily Telegraph reported.
For their study,researchers from the University of California,Irvine tested the levels of two dozen separate toys and took 10 of the loudest to a specialist soundproof laboratory.All of the 10 exceeded 90 decibels and several reached 100 or more,which is equivalent to the noise of a chainsaw or an underground train.
Among the toys tested were the Tonka Mighty Motorised Fire Truck,Marvel Super Shield Captain America,WhacAMole game,Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo and Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Cosmic Blaster.
Hamid Djalilian,who led the study,said problems could arise if a noisy toy was held too close to a childs ears.
Children are very sensitive to loud and high-pitched sounds.Unfortunately,hearing loss from noise damage is permanent and not currently curable, he said.
Djalilian said that someone buying a noisy toy for a child should hold the toy as a youngster would and listen to its sound.If it hurts your ears then its probably too loud for a child, he said

Want to cut flab Try strict diet for just 2 days/week

2011-12-11T02:15:00.000-08:00

Want to cut flab Try strict diet for just 2 days/week

London: Want to shed the flab Opting for a strict diet for just days of the week is better than trying to calorie count all the time,says a study.Researchers at the University Hospital in South Manchester in Britain put 115 women volunteers on one of three diets for the study.
The first involved sticking to just 650 calories a day for two days of the week,including cutting out carbohydrates such as pasta,bread and potatoes and all fatty foods.For the other five days they could eat as much as they liked,although they were encouraged to stick to healthy foods.
Women on the second diet were also banned from carbohydrates for two days of the week but they did not have a specific calorie limit.They could also eat as much as they wanted the rest of the week.
The third group followed a standard weight-loss diet which involved sticking to about 1,500 calories every day and avoiding high-fat foods and alcohol,Daily Mail reported.They found that women who stuck to fruit,vegetables and lean meat for two days a week while being allowed to eat as much as they liked on other days lost nearly twice as much weight than those on the full-time diet.

Lose with booze

2011-12-11T02:06:00.001-08:00

Lose with booze

The new Champagne Diet recommends that you sip a daily flute or two as part of your weight loss plan!

With the holiday season just around,everyone wants to look their best.However,its hard to do so with so many events to attend,and all those sweet treats and alcohol binges to indulge in.Enter the Champagne Diet,a dream come true for those who love their drink!

HOW IT WORKS

The Champagne Diet allows you to consume alcohol and recommends a daily flute or two as part of the weight-loss plan.According to US resident Cara Alwill Leyba,31,who came up with the regime,the Champagne Diet is two parts healthy living,one part fun.There are no forbidden foods and the focus is on eating high-quality,nutrient-dense and tasty things (totalling around 1,200-1,400 calories a day).I encourage glamourising your meals, she says.Dont order the fatty cheeseburger with fries and cola.Instead,get a smoked salmon bagel with a mixed greens salad and a glass of champagne. Caras theory eating classy foods makes you value your body more and you are less likely to overeat.

THE PROS AND CONS

Dr Pallavi Srivastava,a nutritionist,says,This diet focuses on about 1,200 kcal per day,which is a healthy way to lose weight.It emphasises eating a nutrient rich diet that includes greens,having food that is smoked or grilled,which is encouraged in a balanced weight loss diet plan and is a healthy way to achieve weight loss.
For people who are habituated to alcohol,the diet happily allows you to drink a glass or two a day of champagne.Findings have shown that champagne can help protect the brain against neurological injuries during a stroke.It also protects the brain from the degenerative effects of Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.Consuming champagne is a health benefit because of the high level of polyphenols found in it.These antioxidants assist in avoiding cell death when there is oxidative stress.
But,champagne is known to be more intoxicating than other alcoholic beverages.Drinking too much of it will increase the risk of long-term damage to your health,including coronary heart disease and stroke.
A healthy way to achieve weight loss is through a combination of a nutrient rich diet with proper carbohydrates,proteins,fat,vitamins,minerals,fibre and water and regular exercise with a consumption of safe limit of alcohol.

THE CHAMPAGNE DIET CHART

BREAKFAST

: Wholegrain bagel with olive oil-based spreadable butter

SNACK:

A banana

LUNCH:

Flatbread pizza with goats cheese,roasted red peppers and mushrooms

DINNER:

Tilapia (which is a type of fish) with mixed vegetables

SNACK:

One or two glasses of champagne

THE BEST EXERCISE IS TO SWIM

2011-12-11T02:04:00.000-08:00

THE BEST EXERCISE IS TO SWIM

... Says actor Tannishtha Chatterjee,who swims her way to a fit body

MY EXERCISE REGIME

I go for a swim for about 40 minutes and then do a bit of weight training.Swimming is the best exercise and a full body tone up as well.It is fun and has the least impact and injury.Every now and then I do a bit of breathing and stretching yoga.I love dancing,so sometimes I also join dance classes.

MY PROBLEM AREAS

Hips and thighs.But I tend to take care of that with my swimming.

MY STRENGTHS

I am blessed with good metabolism,so I dont put on too much.

MY DIET

When shooting,I cant avoid food served on the sets a lot of times.But I have lots of fruits,vegetables and bean sprouts.The body needs natural sources of vitamins,proteins and minerals.I eat all kinds of food,so that there is a balanced diet.If we pick and choose too much,the body sometimes get deficient of things we are unknowingly avoiding.Since I do a lot of international films,the food on set in that case is also light and healthy.

HER FITNESS ROLE MODEL

Akshay Kumar for his tremendous will power to keep himself fit at every age.He has got a good toned-up body right from the beginning and has maintained himself really well.

HER IDEAL CELEB BODY

Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty.Both these people have toned bodies which are not too beefed up.They look fit,yet natural.I love that look.And they are looking better and better every day as they age.

Eat an egg a day to keep that extra weight away

2011-12-11T01:55:00.000-08:00

Eat an egg a day to keep that extra weight away

London: Want to shed the flab Go to work on an egg it's the best way to start the day,a new study has claimed.For decades,it was feared eggs caused high blood pressure and raised cholesterol.Now,researchers at Surrey University have found that eating eggs for breakfast can help slash the calories eaten at lunch and dinner.Eggs keep one fuller for longer compared with other common breakfast foods,and are also better for people who want to resist afternoon snacks on biscuits,cake or chocolate,according to the researchers.
Prof Bruce Griffin,who led the study,said: This study provides yet more evidence that eating eggs at breakfast can help keep us feeling fuller for longer and may help people to eat less at subsequent meals,thus helping with weight loss.
Researchers found volunteers felt fuller for longer and had a lower desire to eat after an egg breakfast compared with breakfasts of cornflakes with milk and toast,or croissant and orange juice.

Body odour is the key: Sniff around to know someone better

2011-12-06T02:20:00.000-08:00

Body odour is the key: Sniff around to know someone better

Want to know someone better? Just take a whiff of the person’s clothes, as it could help detect his or her personality traits, a new study has suggested. In the Polish study, published in the European Journal of Personality, participants were asked to assess how outgoing, anxious or dominant people were by just taking a whiff of their clothes.
    While the match-up between responses by the judges and the judged were not perfect, they suggest that, when forming a first impression, we take into account a person’s smell, as well as visual and audible cues to their personality traits, the researchers said. We not only express ourselves through our looks, “we also express ourselves with how we smell”, study author Agnieszka Sorokowska of University of Wroclaw was quoted as saying by LiveScience.
    For their study the researchers asked 30 men and 30 women to don white cotton t-shirts for three consecutive nights. They were also asked not to use fragrances, deodorants or soaps, and not smoke or drink or eat odorous foods during the study.
    Shirts from the “odour donors” were collected and rated by 100 men and 100 women. Raters were asked to smell the shirts and evaluate five personality traits of the donors, on a scale of one to 10. Each rater assessed six shirts, and each shirt was assessed by 20 raters.
    The judges’ ratings matched up with the self-assessments of the donors for three personality traits: extroversion, neuroticism and dominance. The matches were far from perfect. But the predictionsof extroversion and neuroticism through smell were almost matched to those found in a different study on them based on a video depicting a person’s behaviour,

Long hours at desk may make your bum bigger

2011-12-06T02:09:00.000-08:00

Long hours at desk may make your bum bigger

Here’s the perfect excuse to take a break in office — sitting around for long can make your bum bigger, a new study has claimed. Researchers have carried out the study and found that the pressure put on areas of the body used for sitting produces up to 50% more fat in those parts — and thus it can give one a big backside.
    This can explain why couch potatoes and other sedentary behaviour makes you fat when combined with a lack of exercise. But even those with healthy diet and exercise habits will be affected if they spend long periods sat behind a desk, say the researchers.
    They found that preadipocyte cells — the precursors to fat cells — turn into fat cells and produce even more fat when subject to prolonged periods of “mechanical stretching loads” — the kind of weight we put on our body tissues when people sit or lie down. By studying MRI images of the muscle tissue of patients paralysed by spinal cord injuries, they noticed that, over time, lines of fat cells were invading major muscles in the body, ‘The Daily Telegraph’ reported.
    This spurred an investigation into how mechanical load — the amount of force placed on a particular area occupied by cells — could be encouraging fat tissue to expand.

manage to keep your calorie intake on track

2011-12-04T05:25:00.001-08:00

With a little handy info you can enjoy a drink or two and still manage to keep your calorie intake on track

    Never thought it was possible to drink and watch your weight at the same time? Well, it’s time to get smart about it. The truth is that no one can really ignore the empty calories and additional sugar that alcohol and its mixers bring into your body, but there are a few tricks to enjoying an occasional drink and keeping the love handles at bay. Here are a few diet-friendly drinking tips that can come in handy, especially as the festive season comes calling.
CHOOSE WISELY There are a few diet-friendly alcohols that pack in fewer empty calories and weight clinchers than others. If you are watching your weight and counting calories, you don’t have to sit sipping juices at parties. Don’t forget portion control in addition to selecting the right drink. A few good choices (less than 100 calories) are – a shot (25ml) of gin with diet tonic, a shot of white rum with a soda, a small glass of wine or champagne, or a single measure of whisky or brandy. You can also opt for light beer. Keep away from cream liqueurs or sangrias since they ride heavy on the calorie count.
PACE YOURSELF Alternate alcoholic drinks with mineral water or diet soft drinks. Make a glass of wine last longer by turning it into a spritzer by adding sparkling water or lemonade. Not only does this reduce your chances of getting tipsy, it also hydrates the body and reigns in far fewer calories than the other heavy weights.
BE PREPARED Avoid alcohol induced binges and cut down on calorie intake overall by being prepared.
    Fortify yourself with a healthy breakfast and lunch based on starchy carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta, potatoes or cereal) along with a little protein (lean meat, fish or soya bean). If you think you won’t be able to eat while you drink, have a pre-drink meal or light snack, ideally with some fat, to line the stomach and slow down the alcohol absorption into your system. A hearty sandwich or a bowl of porridge or yogurt is ideal.
STEER CLEAR A handful of peanuts have around 150 calories and a bag of chips has a deadly 183 calories. If it’s a pre-meal lunch or dinner drink you’re having, avoid these snacks altogether. Try waiting for your starters to arrive before you start drinking. If nibbles are necessary, breadsticks are a good option.
ONE AT A TIME Don’t let others top up your glass. Finish a whole glass of your drink before you get another. This will ensure you know exactly how much you are consuming during the course of your session.
MORNING AFTER
If the next morning, you feel like you grossly overshot your limit and are nursing a headache, there is a healthier option for a fry-up that doesn’t call for oodles of calories.
    Try a lighter option of poached or scrambled eggs on a whole wheat bread. Eggs contain cysteine, which breaks down the destructive chemicals that build up in the liver after a night of drinking. Milk, yogurt with fresh fruits, and poha are also simpler, healthier alternatives that will help ease your discomfort without much drama.

Almost everyone wants beautiful hair

2011-12-04T05:21:00.001-08:00

Almost everyone wants beautiful hair and losing your hair can be a mentally and emotionally disturbing experience, especially when you are young. The sight of hair coming out in clumps, clogging bathroom sinks, leaving endless trails on the floors, pillows and hair accessories is indeed worrying. However, we must understand that hair loss occurs as a result of various physical conditions and fashion hazards. Dr Apoorva Shah, a trichologist and one of the pioneers of this science in India, is here to answer your queries...
What are the reasons for hair loss? More often than not hair loss is nothing but a signal of internal imbalance. It can arise out of poor health, lack of proteins and minerals in our diet and stressful lifestyles.
What are the various types of hair loss? Hair loss that happens all over the scalp is called Diffuse Hair Loss. Common causes of this are poor scalp conditions, dandruff, mineral deficiency, keratin deficiency, hormonal imbalances, most commonly seen after pregnancy, during menopause, thyroid disorders, stress, acute illness and medication.
When should one consult a trichologist? Hair loss is a delayed reaction because the cause of loss generally occurs three months before the actual hair loss begins. Some internal imbalance pushes the growing hair, which is in the anagen phase prematurely into the catogen and telogen phase. The hair thus enters the telogen phase before their time. They rest in the telogen phase for about three months and then fall out. We then start to worry three months after the actual cause has occurred. So, when you are losing hair, you need to look back three months to determine the cause of that loss. More often than not, once the imbalance in the body is rectified, the hair loss will automatically stop. However, if your hair loss persists beyond three to four months, you have a serious problem on your hands and it is time to see a trichologist as soon as possible.
What does one need to include in their diet for good hair? Calcium, rich foods like dairy products, yeast, nuts, tofu, beans and green vegetables, paneer, milk, almonds, soya, etc are considered as hair foods. Include items like grains and beans as they have copper.
Can you share tips for children’s hair care? Children need to be put on a diet that is full of protein, zinc and minerals, all of which are known ingredients of hair. Ensure that hair remains clean at all times. Wash and oil small children’s hair regularly. Make them have sufficient liquids and water. Avoid playing around with your child’s hair in terms of style. Let the hair in easy styles and avoid accessories that are tight and pull at your child’s hair. Tight ponytails, pins etc causes Traction Alopecia, which is common in children. Hence, we should avoid all these.

Are you losing peace and your hair?

2011-12-04T05:20:00.001-08:00

Are you losing peace and your hair?

Frontal hair loss is probably one of the toughest hair loss problems a man or a woman has to deal with. It usually comes before crown hair loss or vertex hair loss, and it is right out there for everyone to see.
This can not only affect your image, but also your confidence in terms of your looks and appeal.
“An attractive frontal hairline like that of Salman Khan is the desire of every man, says Dr Charu Sharma, plastic surgeon, director of Gorzeous Looks Cosmetic Surgery Clinic.
“If you have a receding frontal hairline that makes you look older than your age then hair transplant for your frontal hair line is suggested. The recent advancement in frontal hairline technique can give you a dense hairline, frontal tuft and a good, dense and bouncy look from front which one always dreams of. It also helps anyone and everyone appear younger. This technique can be combined with transplant in other bald areas of head to give total coverage for baldness,” adds Dr Charu.

Keep your bones strong for longer to avoid osteoarthritis

2011-12-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

Keep your bones strong for longer to avoid osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is a bone disorder in which ligaments (joints of pads between bones) become abnormal or are eroded due to rough use. Ligaments generally prevent the bones at the joints from rubbing with each other. When this preventive pad is gone, the bones start corroding due to their rugged rubbing.
    OA is a curable ailment. Anybody can be afflicted by it. In India, the disease is prevalent in the age group of 25-35. It generally attacks the joints that wear heavy weights on or around them. This explains why hips, knees, spine and shoulders are the prime targets. With OA it gets very painful for the patient to perform daily tasks and even resting becomes a matter of concern as joints pain even in idle situation.
Causes: As much as 60 per cent of the cases of OA are heredity. However, other factors like rising obesity, sedentary lifestyle, incorrect sitting postures and poor dietary habits are responsible for its high incidence. People with diabetes are also prone to OA. Sometimes, abnormal anatomy such as unequal limbs by birth or later in life can also develop OA.
Prevention: Avoid junk food and maintain a healthy eating and exercise regime. The joints should not be subjected to sudden jerks and physical overload. Incorrect exercises can even be worse. Care must be taken in subjecting the bones to stress. People with low bone density and those suffering from osteoporosis must be extra cautious as they have higher risks of a joint damage. Sportspersons must wear proper joint guards even during the practice. Knee pads and other joint protections must be worn by players who have to jump more often. People with OA history in their family must take extra care of their joints.
    Yoga can be of great help for those who do not want to go in for hardcore gymnasium- based exercises. Dos: Eat more of citrus fruits such as oranges. Vitamin C plays an important role in development of cartilages. Adequate calcium intake, as recommended for age and gender, can help strengthen the bone density. When there's pain, hot soaks and warm wax (paraffin) should be applied. Special care must be taken during the winter season. Contact the physician as soon as the pain is out of control. The patient must not pop pain-relieving pills without the knowledge of the doctor.This can affect other organs adversely. He should not exercise the injured joint.This can further the inflammatory sensation. Push the pain to its limits. As the pain persists, one must take to orthoses (assistive devices to prevent affected joints from moving) and wheelchair (if available).
Don’ts: Don’t eat fat-rich food and food cooked in oily food. Any fat for the patient is an extra burden for his joints to bear.

Laughing is the best way to keep the doctor away,

2011-11-28T23:54:00.000-08:00

Laughing is the best way to keep the doctor away,

Doctors say about 90% of diseases are related to stress and a hectic lifestyle. Fascinating research endorses the healing powers of laughter. Ancient Indian scriptures have long advocated the benefits of laughter therapy known as Hasyayog. Laughter is agood aerobic exercise. When you have a good laugh, you are actually deeply inhaling air, retaining it in your lungs and exhaling with force. Laughter can provide relaxation and has many health benefits.
High blood pressure and heart disease:Laughter acts as a therapeutic remedy in the treatment of these diseases. New research shows that laughter can be a powerful medicine, particularly when it comes to your heart. It helps control BP by reducing the release of stressrelated hormones. Some experiments have confirmed that people with high BP showed drastic improvement after they participated in a laughter session. High BP may not be completely cured by it, but it can help in reducing medicine dosage.
Asthma and bronchitis: Laughter therapy is good for the lungs. It improves lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood. Doctors recommend chest physiotherapy to bring out mucous (phlegm) from the respiratory passages. Blowing forcefully into an instrument or balloons is one of the common exercises given to asthma patients. Laughter therapy performs the same job, effortlessly. But laughter therapy causes discomfort for patients suffering from bronchospasm. A few asthma patients may experience irritation by performing any kind of workout. They should consult a doctor before practising laughter therapy. Infection is a common cause of frequent asthma attacks. Laughter therapy increases levels of antibodies in the mucous membrane of the respiratory passages, reducing frequency of chest infections.
Laughter and other diseases: Laughter has become the medicine or alternative treatment to fight ailments like diabetes, arthritis, slip disc, insomnia, allergies, spondylitis, depression, Parkinson’s and many more.
Who should avoid laughter sessions: Heart patients who experience pain during activity, pregnant women with any complication, if you have viral cold with fever and chest infection, glaucoma, prolapse, hernia and advanced piles.

Probiotics save you from side effects of antibiotics

2011-11-28T23:51:00.000-08:00

Probiotics save you from side effects of antibiotics

They protect the good bacteria in your gut and can save you the loosies that a course of antibiotics tends to induce in many people

Famounts rom the dahi of home remedies to the Yakult of OTC range, probiotics (PBs) have come a long way. Defined as microorganisms PBs, when administered orally in adequate , confer a health benefit on the host.
    Let us understand normal physiology. The human gastrointestinal tract is home to more than 400 diverse species of bacteria and organisms that colonize the gut, soon after our birth, and thereafter live there in harmony with man. These bugs are useful, producing essential vitamins and nutrients mandatory for normal life. In fact, the entire kitchen of activity emanating from the large intestine equals the functioning of the liver. The most apparent reason why PBs have come to occupy centre stage is their ability to reduce the incidence and severity of “gastro” disturbances associated with antibiotic (AB) therapy.
    Today, patients demand and physicians prescribe ABs far too loosely than before. Patients don’t want to wait on the mild sore throat and are worried about losing man hours, so the hurry to “get well”. Doctors, by the same token, want to be seen fixing the illness double-quick and so oblige.
    When AB enters the system, it starts destroying all living microorganisms. The drug cannot decipher the “good” (useful ones living in the colon) from the “bad” (those bacteria causing infections), and often the result is “ugly”. The primary infection improves but diarrhoea sets in.
    Not all patients have florid loose motions – some have “gas”, others have frequency and still others just complain of “tummy upset”. This often is like robbing Peter to pay Paul, whereby the gut floral population perishes in the AB onslaught. Had these very patients been pre-emptively co-treated with PBs (lactobacillus, bifidobacter, saccharomyces boulardi etc), the problem could have been prevented.
    This may seem as a time-bound episodic consequence, but frequent and long courses of ABs can result in vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, blunted immunological responses and even hormonal dysfunction. In fact, the helpful bacteria are known to metabolize indigestible products, protect from opportunistic infections and some even produce antibacterial compounds.
    Most doctors treating infective diarrhoea, especially paediatricians, always include a healthy dose of PBs and some only give PBs, which help to shorten the duration of therapy. Even when dealing with gastric infections like the stubborn H Pylori, PBs have a positive role to play.
    Research has shown how PBs downregulate over-expressed immune responses in susceptible patients (inflammatory bowel disease, IBS, asthma, allergic rhinitis and dermatitis) and help enhance immunity. Its role as an immune modulator may give an edge in providing tools for vaccination, especially in vulnerable patients (elderly, children etc) and in the immuno-compromised.
    There are so many “pros” emerging for PBs (anti-cancer, anti-lipid, etc) that fermented milk, yogurt or medicinally manufactured PBs are becoming a way of life. Every time you are given an AB, ask for a PB and reap the benefit of hum saath saath hai treatment. There are abundant commercially available preparations providing a healthy dose of bug strains.
    In reality, we need to optimize this symbiotic relationship, by utilizing pharma and nutritional intervention at the intestinal level to pack a punch from the PB. So, when you consume the next AB, have your guts full of “Tin Tin”, “Jack n Jill”, “Desi Boyz” and all other “Rockstar” friends lest you burst your “Dam 999” times.

Moderate intake of beer lowers risk of heart disease

2011-11-24T00:18:00.000-08:00

Moderate intake of beer lowers risk of heart disease

Beer drinkers have something to cheer about if a recent report is to be believed, which says, the consumption of beer in moderate quantities (that means one to two glasses only!) could reduce the risk of heart disease. The findings are based on a metaanalysis of several different studies conducted worldwide from over 200,000 people’s drinking habits, conducted by Italy’s Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura. It showed that moderate consumption of beer decreases drinkers’ risk of heart disease by 31%, just as much as moderate consumption of wine.
WHY BEER IS GOOD Cardiologist Dr Hasmukh Ravat says, “Beers are virtually fat and fibre free,and contain some protein. Most provide some carbohydrate, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins – including folic acid – which can lower homocysteine in the blood. High homocysteine levels are a possible risk factor for heart disease.”
A series of scientific studies suggests that the polyphenolic compounds in red wine or beer, such as flavonoids and resveratrol, may play an active role in limiting the start and progression of the hardening of arteries. One of the most important alterations caused by regular alcohol consumption is an increase in levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or ‘good cholesterol’. One to two drinks per day of any alcohol type have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol by about 12%.
EXERCISE CAUTION Excessive alcohol use can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancers, pancreatitis, neurological disorders, motor vehicle accidents, and addiction. Naturally, increasing alcohol consumption for the purposes of cardio protection is not justified.

4 cups coffee a day may keep womb cancer at bay

2011-11-23T23:02:00.000-08:00

4 cups coffee a day may keep womb cancer at bay

Women, please note — drinking four cups of coffee a day could help you keep womb cancer at bay, a new study has claimed.
    Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health have found a link between regular consumption of coffee and lower risk of developing endometrial cancer, the most common form of the disease.
    Women who drank four or more cups a day over many years were 25% less likely to develop the disease than those who limited themselves to less than a cup daily, the 26-year study of 70,000 women found.
    Both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties seemed to help ward off the disease, although tea had no effect-They said, “Increasing exercise and maintaining normal body weight are the most important ways to prevent endometrial cancer. Additional strategies are needed and dietary habits such as coffee drinking could provide one option.” However, they cautioned that adding cream and sugar may cancel out the effects, as may smoking, the Daily Mail reported.

“Mushroom aglio olio.”

2011-11-20T01:33:00.000-08:00

“Mushroom aglio olio.”
Ingredients I Fettuccine: 120 gm

I Garlic slivers: 15 gm

I Oil extra virgin: 20ml

I Button mushrooms : 60 gm

I Porcini mushrooms: 15 gm

I Shitake mushrooms : 10 gm

I Parsley chopped: 10 gm

I Salt: 10 gm

I Parmesan cheese shavings: 20 gm
Method In a non-stick pan, heat the olive oil. Boil the fettuccine pasta till al dente, drain and keep aside to cool. Sauté garlic slivers, add in the fresh sliced button mushrooms and sauté. Now add in the soaked juliennes of porcini and shitake mushrooms. Blanch the cooked fettuccine pasta in hot water, and add to the pan. Toss the pasta along with the mushrooms, season and serve in a pasta bowl. Garnish with parmesan shavings, serve hot.

It’s natural to want a bigger bust size,

2011-11-19T03:58:00.001-08:00

It’s natural to want a bigger bust size, but breast enhancement surgery is better then creams, pills and other quick-fix options, say the experts. However, be careful and choose only the best

For almost two years, 28-year-old Priya Rai failed to see any results, despite trying a variety of breast enhancement creams, pills and massage techniques to enhance her breast size. After putting in a lot of effort to achieve good body proportions and spending a lot of money on these products, she saw no noticeable change in her breast size. Disappointed, she realized that the claims made by these products were mostly far from true.
According to Dr Charu Sharma, consultant plastic surgeon at Fortis Hospital and head of Gorzeous Looks Clinic, Delhi, there are many women who use these products with high expectations, but end up disappointed, also often suffering from unwanted side effects. She suggests a more reliable option.
BREAST ENHANCEMENT
OPTIONS External options like bras can make a woman’s breasts appear fuller temporarily, whereas external options like creams, pills, massages and injections usually have little or no effect. Breast augmentation using implants is the only guaranteed and long-lasting option to enhance breast size. Breast implants are one of the most studied medical devices in the world and have proven to be safe and effective.
ALL ABOUT BREAST AUGMENTATION Breast augmentation is a simple and uncomplicated surgery that is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The surgeon places an implant under the breast tissue to make the breast appear fuller. The size of the implant is the woman’s personal choice, since implants come in various sizes and can enable a woman to go from a size A to B, C or even D. To achieve best results, it is important to choose an experienced surgeon along with high quality US FDA approved implants.
WHAT ABOUT RECOVERY? Generally, the first few days are a little uncomfortable, but most women are able to return to work in a few days. Complete recovery takes about four-six weeks. It’s important to follow post-operative care and take the surgeon’s advice to ensure a speedy recovery.

Stop the pills, boys... or it may lead to erectile dysfunction, says a new study

2011-11-19T03:56:00.000-08:00

Stop the pills, boys... or it may lead to erectile dysfunction, says a new study

    The habit of popping several pills daily, be it antidepressants or antipsycotic drugs, could hit your bedroom performance and send it plummeting to zero, a new research has found. The study which was done by a department at the California Men’s Health Study, surveyed 37,712 men who popped pills everyday, and found that this habit could result in severe erectile dysfunction (ED).
    The research investigated men who took more than three medications, and found that 29% were reported to have moderate or severe ED. The study included multi-ethnic men aged between 46 and 69 years. Besides the number of medications, ED was associated
with older age, higher body mass index, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, depression and being a current or past smoker, the report found.
    “Clinically, the findings suggest that a crucial step in the evaluation of ED would be to review the current medications the patient is taking and their potential side effects,” said Diana C Londono, lead author and uroglogist at the centre.
    The most common medications associated with ED include certain antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs and any medication which can interfere with testosterone pathways. Researchers found that 57% of men took more than three medications. In this, the use of multiple medications was the greatest among older age groups, with 53% of men aged 50 to 59 years and 66% men aged 60 to 70 years taking at least three medications.
    Erectile dysfunction is a problem that affects a significant number of men worldwide, and previous studies have shown that 35% of men over the age of 60 suffer from ED.

Avoid self-medication

2011-11-19T03:46:00.001-08:00

Avoid self-medication

    Self-medication is common for gastrointestinal ailments like heartburn, heaviness of the stomach, indigestion, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. People don’t think twice before popping antacids or antibiotics for these ailments. Some even try stronger antidiarrhoeal drugs for these symptoms without consulting a doctor. In emergency conditions, occasional use of antacids is okay, but regular use without consulting a medical practitioner is not advisable.
    Diarrhoea may be a result of a viral or bacterial infection, or of intestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, parasitic infestation, food intolerance and reaction to different medicines. Different treatment strategies are required for different causes of diarrhoea.
    Diarrhoea caused by viral infection does not need medicine, but only fluids as it goes away in afew days. However, diarrhoea caused by bacterial infections may require antibiotics. To treat diarrhoea by self-medication, a person must be able to differentiate various causes of diarrhoea on the basis of symptoms, and this is usually not possible for someone without a medical background. Let the infection out:Some drugs reduce diarrhoeal frequency by reducing the speed and frequency of gut contraction, but if the diarrhoea is caused by an infection, then it may aggravate and also lead to complications as the infectious agent remains inside the intestines as the stools are suppressed by medication.
    Hence, the infection keeps multiplying inside the gut and may even penetrate the gut wall to reach other areas, leading to serious infections. Generally, people do an antibiotic course for any type of diarrhoea, but these should be taken only if diarrhoea is caused by bacterial infections. Dosage and duration is important, so let the doctor decide this according to symptoms. Self-medication may even lead to resistance. Beware of antacids:Antacids are also used carelessly for treatment of heartburn, heaviness and indigestion. Some of these medicines neutralize the acid produced in the gut, while others decrease acid production. These may temporarily control the primary disease, but sometimes, the primary disease might be serious — such as oesophageal cancer.
    Antacids may decrease the abdominal pain, but won’t cure it completely. So a thorough investigation of these should be done by a doctor to know the exact cause of the diarrhea so that the right treatment is give.

Wonder drug’ to wipe out cancer is here

2011-11-15T01:03:00.000-08:00

Wonder drug’ to wipe out cancer is here

Scientists claim to have achieved a major breakthrough by creating a “wonder drug” which kills off cancer — in fact, it could wipe out some of the most deadly forms of the disease.
    An international team, led by University of California, says that the KG5 drug works by making cancer cells “commit suicide”; it stops tumorous cells multiplying and they then shut themselves down, the ‘Nature Medicine’ journal reported.
    The radical drug will bring fresh hope to patients with aggressive and deadly tumours and could be available in as little as five years, say the scientists, who hope to deliver the it in pill form, which has very few side-effects.
    Lead scientist prof David Cheresh said the drug “blocks the function of proliferation” and the malignant cells commit suicide when they can’t multiply. Proved effective in tests against pancreatic, breast and kidney cancers, it could well have a positive effect on a broad range of other tumours.
    KG5 works in a totally different way to traditional therapies by altering the structure of a cancer growth protein, an enzyme known as RAF.
    The protein has been longstudied, but its role in cell division — critical to cell proliferation and tumour growth — is a surprise. Existing treatments block RAF’s activity. However, KG5 changes the entire shape of the protein, which neutralizes it without leading to unwanted side-effects. To date, KG5 has been tested in animals and tissue samples taken from patients.
    The team has since developed variants of KG5 that are 100-fold more powerful than the original drug. They hope these powerful compounds will enter clinical trials on humans at Moores Cancer Center in San Diego within 18 months. “Before this drug was designed, we had no idea RAF could promote tumour cell cycle progression. This may be only one example of how, by designing drugs that avoid the active site of an enzyme, we can identify new ways to disrupt growth of tumours.

Yoga offers a full body and mind health

2011-11-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yoga offers a full body and mind health treatment that keeps you healthy, happy and free of stress.

    Revered as an ancient health system, yoga promotes acomprehensive approach to life. It provides a rejuvenating answer to the pitfalls of modern life, especially against stress and strain that lead to deterioration of physical and mental health. It is a useful tool for living wholesomely in a rapidly changing world. Yoga is the practice of inner discipline developed through systematic physical exercises combined with meditation and breathing.
Good start to your day
    Despite its intrinsic value, people are drawn to yoga primarily because of physical fitness. Yet others do yoga for weight reduction or as an alternate therapy for a range of health issues. Whatever the case, to get best results from yoga, it is essential that you be regular and systematic with your practise and follow a yogic diet.
    Yoga can help you maintain a good body-mind relationship. The pranayama or breathing technique, when combined with asana or physical posture and meditation works well for people with mental stress. Practising these three together creates a positive energy field in the person. It helps to develop mental faculties such as steadiness, alertness and concentration. A yoga practise in the morning bestows tremendous energy for the whole day – it is like a watch winded once in the morning that works efficiently until the next day.
Learn from a master
    Since there are several versions of yogic practices, branded under different names, it is difficult for the common man to choose one best suited to him. It is, therefore, essential that one learns yoga from a master who can recommend a specific yoga practice depending upon your body condition, structure and agility. Individual attention is a must while learning yoga so that mental stress and strain can be addressed too.
    Plenty of good books are available on yoga, but they can never be a substitute for training under a competent yoga exponent. This is because yoga practice is a kind of training in which technical information needs to be imparted along with the gradual disciplining of the bodymind mechanism.
    In yoga, anything that is practised for the body, is good for the mind too, and vice-versa; hence, a comprehensive approach, is recommended for removing stress and strain from your daily life.

Vitamin B helps reduce work-related stress

2011-11-13T23:52:00.000-08:00

Vitamin B helps reduce work-related stress

Taking more Vitamin B, found in meat, beans and wholegrains, seems to significantly lower work-related stress. These were the findings of a three-month trial, conducted by Con Stough, professor at Swimburne University of Technology, where participants were given a course of either high dose vitamin B supplements or a placebo.
“By lowering stress, we also lower the risk of health problems like cardiovascular diseases, depression and anxiety,” said Stough. Researchers assessed 60 participants against factors such as personality, work demands, mood, anxiety, strain and then re-evaluated them at 30 and 90 days. “At the end of the three-month period, those in the Vitamin B group reported much lower levels of work stress than they did at the beginning of the trial. However, those in the placebo group showed no significant change. Vitamin B, which is found in whole unprocessed foods such as meat, beans and wholegrains, is integral to the synthesis of neurotransmitters critical to psychological wellbeing,” he said.

Diabetes and Pregnancy

2011-11-13T23:50:00.001-08:00

Diabetes and Pregnancy

    For women with diabetes mellitus, pregnancy poses challenges for both the mother and the baby. Diabetes in pregnancy falls into two main categories: those who are known to be diabetic before conception (pre-gestational diabetes) and those in whom diabetes is discovered during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Women with established diabetes may have menstrual problems and difficulty in conceiving. Dr Anand Gokani, consultant diabetologist, explains, "While planning a pregnancy it is important for a diabetic woman to have very good blood sugar readings for at least one month prior to conception (glycosylated Hb (HbA1c) <7.5%). In fact if the husband is diabetic and the mother is not, the blood sugar in the husband should be similarly controlled for at least a month prior to conception. Conception at the time of good control is conducive to a healthy and normal child."
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) becomes clinically apparent only during diabetes and can happen at any stage of the pregnancy. Dr Prema Kania, consultant gynaecologist, says, "The increasing incidence of diabetes in pregnancy maybe due to increasing obesity, lower levels of physical activity and probably exposure to diabetes in utero." Dr Gokani explains, "During pregnancy there are certain factors that are operational like stress, hormones like estrogens, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin, thyroxin, growth hormone, all of which tend to increase the blood sugar levels."
    Dr Kania says, "During pregnancy the nutritional demands change as does the metabolism. The basal glucose production increases and insulin sensitivity decreases (due to the pregnancy hormones) raising the chances of diabetes." Modern living, family history of diabetes, increasing dependence on sugar, refined foods, aerated drinks, canned, preserved and fried foods, stressful lifestyles, lack of rest, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol and tobacco abuse are all possible triggers to developing diabetes during pregnancy.
    Dr Gokani stresses, "Every pregnancy should be screened for GDM without compromise. The blood sugar, fasting and 2 hours post meal, should be checked immediately on detecting the pregnancy, at 20 weeks, 30 weeks and 40 weeks. If the blood sugars are above the normal values, all measures to treat diabetes should be instituted."
    Dr Gokani says, "The first three months after conception are the months when the organs are forming. If at that time the maternal blood sugar levels are high, there is a serious risk of malformation in the foetus. The second and third 3 months of the pregnancy are for growth, uncontrolled diabetes in these six months will not cause organ damage but will cause the foetus to grow large (macrosomia), which can hamper normal delivery".
    "Diabetes, if not properly controlled during pregnancy, can also lead to an increased risk of pre-eclamsia, renal problems, retinopathy, skin infections and extremely low or high sugar levels which can in turn cause ketoacidosis in the mother. Risks for the baby include higher rate of first trimester abortions, foetal growth restriction in the uterus (small baby), large baby, premature delivery, greater tendency to develop hypoglycaemia, low calcium levels, high bilirubin levels and polycythemia, still birth due to sudden intrauterine death due to placental insufficiency and a high level of morbidity and mortality," cautions Dr Kania.
    Treatment: Treatment measures would include diet control, regular exercise and if blood sugars are not normal then insulin is the best and only option. Dr Gokani says, "Oral medications are absolutely contra-indicated during pregnancy and while the mother is breastfeeding. Even though some research has suggested that metformin, glibenclamide, glimepiride, glipizide maybe safe in pregnancy, it is wise to stay away from these medications as even the slightest risk of teratogenecity is avoidable. The other oral diabetic medications are unsafe in pregnancy."
    He adds, "Conventional insulin has been proven to be both efficacious and safe. It would be by far the medication of choice for the control of diabetes. The insulin analogues have so far been safe but need to be watched for a while more to prove their safety unequivocally."
    Dr Gokani explains, "The availability of pen devices have made insulin injections simple and relatively 'pain free'. In high risk pregnancies and in those who are highly motivated, the insulin pump could be used to facilitate 'near normal' blood sugar control."In pregnancy, all types of diabetes are a concern. The key to a healthy pregnancy remains good glucose control, a healthy diet, exercise, and medications, if needed.

A study shows that people know how to stay fit, but lack control

2011-11-11T23:55:00.001-08:00

A study shows that people know how to stay fit, but lack control

    Most people know the rules of good eating, but often have a hard time applying them, a recent research study has found. Robert Fisher of the University of Alberta, noted that while people know the rules surrounding good eating and proper nutrition, they seem to lack one common component that often costs them the battle of the bulge – willpower.
Breakfast’s really vital; don’t snack before supper; avoid too many oily snacks – these dietary pearls of wisdom have been dropped on people since they were kids, and that too since decades, but people lack the willpower to follow. The focus of Fisher’s study, developed with Laurette Dube from McGill University, defined the lay beliefs with regards to rules about eating. Responses such as not snacking, always eating breakfast and not wasting food were the common responses.
    Through a series of studies, Fisher was able to synthesise his findings into scales wherein these rules were weighed against factors such as eating behaviours, body satisfaction and social desirability. The researcher was surprised to find that people with higher Body Mass Indexes (BMI) had stronger beliefs than people with lower BMIs. He also noted that there are plenty of examples of people knowing what to do, but acting in a contradictory manner.
    Fisher noted that people with higher BMIs actually had stronger beliefs in the normative rules related to eating. The missing element, he said, was not following their individual belief structures.
    “What we found is that if people undertake these behaviours, which are related to the norms, they tend to have a lower BMI. Having the beliefs alone is just not sufficient,” said Fisher.

Gastric pacemaker’ that fools the brain can help fight flab

2011-11-08T02:15:00.000-08:00

Gastric pacemaker’ that fools the brain can help fight flab

: Now, a “gastric pacemaker” that warns your brain when you are full.
    Scientists have developed the stomach implant which they claim could be the latest hi-tech weapon in the battle of the bulge — it can train obese people to eat normalsized meals without the need for surgery that changes stomach size.
    The credit card-sized implant, called ‘Abiliti’, detects when food has been eaten and sends signals to brain to create the impression of fullness, regardless of the portion’s size, say scientists.
    It is hoped the device, which is implanted via keyhole surgery, will provide an alternative to radical procedures such as a gastric bypass, in which the stomach is made smaller and digestive tract replumbed, the Daily Mail reported.
    Initially, operations will be carried out on the obese — people with a body mass index of 30 or above.
    However, the scientists who have trialled the £10,000 device say it may one day be offered to those who are merely overweight to stop them from becoming fatter.
    The ‘Abiliti’, made by US firm IntraPace, is attached to a lead, a food sensor and an electrode. When someone with the implant eats, its sensor is tripped and sends a signal to the device, which then sends a series of gentle electrical pulses to the electrode. This excites the nearby vagus nerve, and triggers hormonal changes that trick the brain into thinking that the stomach is full. In European trials, people fitted with the device ate 45% less at each meal. One German recipient has gone from 25 stone to just over 12, and has even started competing in triathlons.

A promising tool in cancer fight: Light

2011-11-08T02:14:00.000-08:00

A promising tool in cancer fight: Light

Scientists claim to have discovered a “promising” tool in the fight against cancer — light, which could lead to a highly targeted treatment without damaging the surrounding tissues.
    Researchers at the national cancer institute in Maryland showed how a drug could be created which sticks to tumours, but is only activated when hit by specific waves of light.
    Currently, treatments for cancer can be separated into three categories: blasting it with radiation, surgically removing a tumour or using drugs to kill the cancerous cells. All have side effects and scientists are trying to come up with more precise therapies. In this study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, the researchers used an antibody which targets proteins on the surface of cancerous cells.
    They then attached a chemical, IR700, to the antibody. IR700 is activated when it is hit by near infrared light. This wave of light can penetrate several centimetres into the skin.
    To test the antibody-chemical combination, researchers implanted tumours, squamous cell carinoma, into the backs of mice. They were given the drug and exposed to near infrared light, the BBC reported.
    “Tumour volume was significantly reduced... compared to untreated control mice and survival was significantly prolonged. This selective killing minimizes damage to normal cells,” the authors said.
    They said the combination was “a promising therapeutic and diagnostic agent for the treatment of cancer”. “Although we observed no toxicity in our experiments, clinical translation of this method will require formal toxicity studies,” they added. Dr Laura McCallum, science communications officer at Cancer Research UK, said the research was promising. PTI
PIO finds new way to kill tumours An Indian-origin scientist-led team claims to have discovered a radical way of knocking out cancer cells and leaving healthy ones unharmed, which could pave the way for new treatments for the most aggressive forms of cancer. Dr Srinivasan Madhusudan and colleagues at University of Nottingham have found that blocking an enzyme, which repairs genetic material in cells, enabled them to kill cancer cells containing faulty genes.

Lifelong shield against all flu strains

2011-11-07T00:19:00.001-08:00

Lifelong shield against all flu strains

Scientists have developed what they claim is a universal flu vaccine which offers lifelong protection against all strains of the virus. Flu viruses are highly changeable so elderly people and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to the illness, are currently given new vaccinations each year to ensure they are protected.
    But, the scientists say that the new flu vaccine, Flu-v vaccine, which needs to be administered only once, has been found to be effective against a number of different types of influenza virus, including the avian flu and pandemic swine flu strains in a clinical trial.
    They are now planning to conduct a large-scale clinical trial and hope to have a vaccine available for widespread use in three to five years’ time.
    “This vaccine clearly has a biological effect worthy of further investigation, particularly with respect to the broadness of the response. In the 2009 swine flu pandemic, it was several months before a vaccine was available.
    “A universal vaccine could end that wait and also reduce the need for people to have vaccines each year against seasonal flu,” Prof John Oxford, a virologist at St Barts and Royal London Hospital and scientific director of Retroscreen Virology, who conducted the clinical trial, said.
    Vaccinations work by training the immune system to recognize viruses and put a defence against them, but the flu virus constantly changes its outer “coat”, meaning it can evade detection. With the new universal vaccine, however, the scientists were able to identify a crucial part deep inside the influenza virus that does not change and is found in all strains, the Daily Telegraph has reported.
    By training the body’s immune system to recognize this part, infections from any strain of flu virus can be detected and combated by the immune system.
    In fact, the results from the clinical trial showed that the Flu-v vaccine reveal that healthy volunteers given the jab showed less symptoms and had less virus in their blood streams when exposed to a mild strain of flu than those who had not been vaccinated.
    Gregory Stoloff, chief executive office of SEEK, said, “The trials we have undertaken suggest that we only need one shot of vaccine. We are going to explore dose levels and if a second dose will be more effective in future trials.”

Exercising with osteoporosis

2011-10-29T04:23:00.001-07:00

It’s a myth that exercising will cause your already brittle bones to break if you have osteoporosis. Using your muscles, in fact, strengthens bones,

Osteoporosis is a common disease among the elderly particularly among postmenopausal women. If you have osteoporosis, the big question is how to protect yourself from fractures and spinal problems that can result in loss of mobility and independence. The answer is simple— exercise, but do consult your doctor about the exercise regimen you must follow. Also, get a bone-density test done. For starters, pick an activity you enjoy and one that you're likely to stick with over time. Start with exercising three days a week for 25 to 30 minutes. It will increase your muscle strength, improve overall balance and help you avoid falls; it will keep your bones from getting weaker. Try these exercises:

• Strength training exercises, especially for the back, are good. Use free weights, weight machines, resistance bands to strengthen muscles and bones of arms and the upper spine.

• Weight-bearing aerobic activities like walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, stair climbing and gardening.

• Improve your flexibility. These exercises move your joints through their full range of motion to maintain good balance and prevent muscle injury.

• Stability and balance exercises are simple exercises such as standing on one leg or movement-based exercises such as Tai Chi. These improve stability and balance. The least effective exercises for bones are swimming or water aerobics, cycling, and minimal weight-bearing exercises. Exercises to avoid: High-impact exercises such as jumping, running, and jogging should be avoided. Exercises in which you bend forward and twist your waist, like touching your toes or doing sit-ups are a no-no too. They put pressure on the bones of your spine, increasing risk of compression fractures. To prevent osteoporotic fractures, follow these simple tips:

• Preferably ensure your home has non-skid floors

• Use non-slip mats in your bathtub or shower

• Store clothing, dishes, food and other necessities within easy reach

• Light up your living space

• Use assistive devices like hand rails on both sides of stairways. Use a raised toilet seat or one with armrests, and install grab bars for the shower or tub

• Wear sensible shoes that are fitted with non-skid soles

• Keep an alarm near your bed to call for help

Here are the symptoms of being a compulsive eater or a food addict...

2011-10-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

Here are the symptoms of being a compulsive eater or a food addict...

    Food addiction, although controversial, has recently gained attention in scientific literature, as it comes under the realm of atypical eating disorders. We all over-eat occasionally. However, a food addict eats too much food and mostly indulges in the wrong kind of food all the time. It may be associated with an obsessive and compulsive relationship with food – where an individual indulges in frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating, else experiences anxiety if he is unable to do so. However, this may have serious health implications in due course.
    Nutritionist and obesity consultant Naini Setalvad says, “Food addiction basically means a person eats uncontrollably, for reasons besides hunger. One reason for this is the neurobiological imbalances in the levels of the chemical, serotonin. Once its levels drop in the body, a person feels low and needs to eat again. This leads to overeating, which in turn leads to feelings of guilt, depression, mood swings, weight gain and a reinforcement of low self-esteem. Because of this, a person looks to food for comfort and the vicious cycle continues.”
    How can one overcome it? “One way is by breaking the cycle. If it is a severe case, then psychological treatment must be accompanied with a healthy food plan. Replace addictive foods with healthy ones, which also boost the mood and serotonin levels. Stick to whole grains, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds and make vegetables a habit. Also, drink lots of water. These foods not only comfort a person, but also take away the ‘guilt’ factor. You can eat three mangoes and not worry about the amount of fat you have eaten, since there is none. However, the natural sugar in mangoes perks a person and makes him feel better,” says Setalvad. If you are addicted to food, it’s time to take an honest look at your life and make a commitment to loving yourself.
Control food addiction Identify whether craving is physiological or psychological. Distract yourself from the problem situation for 45 minutes to an hour or until the compulsion to eat passes. If the craving persists, eat very small amounts. Opt for healthy substitutes. Try gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash – the ‘wanting to eat’ may just fade away. Exercise. Relax with deep breathing exercises and meditation.

Treatment If you have an atypical eating disorder, then the type of help you get will depend on whether your problems are mostly like anorexia or bulimia. If you are over 18, then you may be offered a special type of cognitive behavioural therapy, which is aimed at people with binge eating problems. Or you may be offered other types of therapies, such as inter-personal therapy or modified dialectical behavioural therapy. If you are under 18, you may also be offered these therapies, but the person helping you needs to make sure that they are suitable for your age.

Ladies, kick the butt or risk early menopause

2011-10-19T03:04:00.001-07:00

Ladies, kick the butt or risk early menopause

Premature Onset Raises Death Risk, Says Study

    Women who smoke may hit menopause about a year earlier than those who don’t light up, according to a study that also notes an earlier menopause may influence the risk of getting bone and heart diseases.
    The study, which was carried in the journal Menopause, pooled data from several previous studies that included about 6,000 women in the US, Poland, Turkey and Iran.
    Non-smokers hit menopause between age 46 and 51, on average. But in all but two of the studies, smokers were younger when they hit menopause, between 43 and 50 overall. During menopause, a ovaries stop producing eggs and a woman can no longer get pregnant.
    “Our results give further evidence that smoking is significantly associated with earlier (age at menopause) and provide yet another justification for women to avoid this habit,” said study author Volodymyr Dvornyk, from the University of Hong Kong.
    Dvornyk and his colleagues also analysed five other studies that used a cut-off age of 50 or 51 to group women into “early” and “late” menopause. Out of more than 43,000 women in that analysis, women who smoked were 43% more likely than non-smokers to have early menopause.
    Both early and late menopause have been linked to health risks. Women who hit menopause late are thoughtto be at higher risk of breast cancer because one risk factor for the disease is more time exposed to estrogen.
    “General consensus is that earlier menopause is likely to be associated with the larger number and higher risk of postmenopausal health problems, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and others,” Dvornyk said. Overall, early menopause is also thought to slightly raise a woman's risk of death in the years following.

Fish pedicures could make you sick

2011-10-19T02:59:00.001-07:00

Fish pedicures could make you sick

Beauty buffs, beware! Give a second thought the next time you go for a trendy fish pedicure at the spa, for experts have warned that the foot-nibbling treatment could give you an infection.
    According to the UK’s health protection agency, though risks from fish pedicure are “low but could not be completely excluded”, the Daily Telegraph reported.
    And, the agency said that those with diabetes, psoriasis or with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable and should never undergo the pampering craze.
    In fact, blood-borne viruses could be transmitted if infected clients bleed in spa water that is used again.
    Dr Hilary Kirkbride of the agency said, “Provided that good standards of hygiene are followed by salons, members of the public are unlikely to get an infection from a fish spa pedicure, however the risk will be higher for certain people.
    “This is why we feel it’s important for salons to ensure the client has no underlying health conditions that could put them at risk and that a thorough foot examination is performed to make sure there are no cuts, grazes or existing skin conditions that could spread infection.”
    The warning came after a panel found fish tank water contained a number of microorganisms and that infections could be transmitted either from fish to person, water to person, or person to person.
    Dr Paul Cosford, Director of health protection services at the agency, said the risk posed by the fish tanks could be kept to a minimum if spas followed “strict standards of cleanliness”.

Cure on the way? Genes that up risk of dengue infection found

2011-10-19T02:58:00.001-07:00

Cure on the way? Genes that up risk of dengue infection found

Scientists have identified two genes which they claim increase a person’s risk of getting dengue, with nearly 100 million infections occurring annually worldwide.
    An international team has found changes in the DNA code located in two genes — MICB on chromosome 6 and PLCE1 on chromosome 10 — which increases a person’s susceptibility to dengue shock syndrome, ofering vital clues to how the body responds to the infection.
    MICB plays a role in the body’s immune system and the team believes that a variant of this gene may affect the activation of natural killer cells or CD8 T-cells, two types
of cells that combat viral infection. If these cells malfunction, their ability to eliminate the dengue virus is impaired. This hypothesis is consistent with evidence that increased viral loads occur in tissues of patients with severe dengue.
    Mutations in PLCE1 have previously been linked to nephrotic syndrome, a childhood disease characterized by impairment of kidney cells.
    The scientists believe that PLCE1 may also contribute to the normal functioning of the vascular endothelium, the thin layer of cells that lines interior surface of blood vessels, with some variants of PLCE1 predisposing an individual to leakage from the blood vessels.

Bipolar disorders can affect every aspect of our lives

2011-10-17T05:19:00.001-07:00

Bipolar disorders can affect every aspect of our lives

Abipolar disorder is a common condition, in which an individual experiences both low and high mood states. It affects men and women equally.
Causes It is caused due to imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters — serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine — in the brain. Conditions within the environment can be a trigger for an episode, but do not cause the disorder on their own. Stressful life events can also follow from the illness.
Symptoms Low and high mood swings. There is a lack of interest in activities, avoidance of people and situations, tiredness, difficulty in concentration, changes in sleep and appetite, lack of confidence, reduced self-esteem.
At the other end of the spectrum are the high or elevated moods. These can be either hypomanic or manic. In mania, one has an elevated or irritable mood, accompanied by reduced sleep and appetite. In hypomania, the individual experiences similar symptoms as in a mania, though the intensity and severity of the symptoms are lesser.
Diagnosis Diagnosis can be made by carefully exploring the presence of both depressive and manic or hypomanic states.
Treatment Pharmacotherapy helps stabilise the mood states and reduce the levels of irritability and excitability. Restoring sleep is of crucial importance. Avoid the use of substances. Psychotherapy for the individual and family.

We share some skin facts that will dispense hope to men and women of all ages

2011-10-17T05:11:00.001-07:00

We share some skin facts that will dispense hope to men and women of all ages

    Skin care is a tricky area. Your skin needs nourishment and care if you want it to look radiant and healthy. And with advances in medical science, you can greatly delay the signs of ageing. Here are some skin facts and myths that you should be aware of...
    Teens wanting blemish-free skin and fairness with over-the-counter (OTC) products advertised by film stars must identify the need for using these products. Radiant and lustrous hair cannot be achieved using OTC products. Consult a dermatologist – use the products they give instead of fancy OTC products whose unsupervised, prolonged usage can lead to hyper-pigmentation.
    The young woman just out of her teens blessed with good hair and healthy skin needs to pay attention to what she eats, make sure she gets adequate sleep (seven to eight hours), exercise regularly and avoid taking stress. She must cleanse, moisturise and use a sunscreen.
    What you put in your mouth is more important than what you put on your skin! If your core is healthy, it will show on your face. Have a diet rich with Vitamin A and antioxidants, lots of coloured fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise improves circulation and blood supply, and flushes out toxins.
    Bad hair days exist. The weather can wreak havoc on hair. Dry weather can make your hair frizzy, humidity can make it limp, stress can turn it oily. Products and treatments that don’t agree with you will also give you bad hair.
    Stress increases cortisol levels and this over-activity of the oil gland will make one prone to breakouts. Psychological problems can lead to acne.
    Most skin problems if identified and treated early can be reversible.
    The ageing process depends on the genes, but in a woman, it is any time between the mid 20s to late 30s.
    If you get adequate sleep (the skin repairs and rejuvenates itself when we’re asleep), eat the right diet, stay active and keep yourself hydrated, you won’t regret it. Water retains moisture in the skin making it glow. Decrease stress levels and know your skin type (oily, dry, a combination, sensitive or mature skin) and use products accordingly. Sunscreen will avoid blotchiness and dullness. Exfoliate your skin at least one a week. This will remove dead skin and help the moisturiser absorb better.
    Men shouldn’t shy away from approaching dermatologists for skin problems. Men have an added skin advantage – because shaving daily is an excellent exfoliating process.
    All commercially sold beauty products are not harmful. If made well and prescribed for a valid reason by an expert, they are beneficial; but certainly not when self-prescribed.
    Continuous and long-term use of makeup does not damage the natural oils and texture of the skin as long as the makeup is of good quality, applied correctly, suitable for your skin type and removed properly.
    Botox, fillers, wrinkle erasers, skin tightening machines, laser and mild noninvasive treatments are a boon.
    Women in their 20s want fairer skin. A woman in her 30s fears blotchy and dehydrated skin, pigmentation etc. By the time she is 40, she fears lines, crow’s feet, creases, deeper folds, wrinkles and sagging skin. Women in their 20s and 30s can start with microdermabrasion nonchemical peels, which remove dead, outer skin layers and delay the ageing process. As a woman ages, her dermatologist can tell her what she needs and doesn’t. A woman in her 40s may need to get rid of wrinkles and folds near her nose and mouth and can opt for fillers and skin tightening. A woman in her 50s can go in for laser rejuvenation. This can erase 10 years off her face.
    Dermatology and cosmetology are not the same. A dermatologist has done an in-depth study of skin, skin care and its problems. A cosmetologist is an expert on cosmetic procedures. A dermatologist can treat external as well as internal skin problems – something that a cosmetologist can’t do. The skin is a mirror of one’s internal system. It can indicate more problems than just advancing age.
    Botox does not harm the body. What is injected is a purified toxin. It relaxes the muscle where it is injected and is an excellent treatment for lines, creases, wrinkles, crow’s feet etc.
    It is never too late to salvage your skin. There are several non-invasive treatments like chemical peels and hydra dermabrasion which rejuvenate the skin. Non-abrasive skin tightening machines can also help a great deal.
    The world has become a smaller place, and is constantly brimming with great advances in medical science. Indian dermatologists update themselves by attending international conferences and undergoing constant training. The same treatments available in New York can be availed at a clinic in India. Increasingly, people are starting to prefer undergoing these treatments here in India instead of going abroad.

Fruit Extract Benefits Heart, Lowers BP, Fights Cancer, Cures Sex Problem

2011-10-17T05:01:00.000-07:00

Fruit Extract Benefits Heart, Lowers BP, Fights Cancer, Cures Sex Problem

Scientists have hailed an extract from the humble pomegranate as the ‘biggest breakthrough’ in natural medicine since aspirin was discovered in willow trees in 1829.
    They have described it as the “Swiss Army Knife” of natural pharmaceuticals as it can do so many things — from improving heart health, lowering blood pressure, treating inflammation and reducing the risk of cancers to tackling sexual dysfunction, the Sunday Express reported.
    In fact, this is for the the first time that they have been able to unlock the precious new extract from seeds, skin and pith of the fruit. It contains concentrated punicalagins, a plant nutrient that is virtually unique to pomegranates. Punicalagins are mostly found in the fruit’s inedible husk, rind, seeds and inner yellow membranes, which till now we tended to throw away.
    Dr Sergio Streitenberger, head of research at Probelte-Bio which made the breakthrough, said, “We’ve been throwing away the seeds, skin and the pith of pomegranates for years because they are inedible an we haven’t had the science to enable us to release the benefits.”
    Dr Emad Al-Dujaili at Queen Margaret University, UK claims, “The pomegranate continues to offer remarkable health benefits. “This new extract and the research that supports it suggests the fruit may be a beneficial natural supplement for the prevention of risk in serious diseases.”

Ayurveda for good health

2011-10-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda for good health

    Ayurveda is as applicable now as it was centuries ago. It looks upon health in its totality and defines the physical, emotional and intellectual well-being of a person as a harmonious state. Serious health issues impact all three realms.
    Ayurvedic medicines are given as powders, decoctions and pills, depending on the disease, constitution, body type, etc. There is no system of prescribing a particular medicine for a particular disease, as even a single medicine has a wide range of applicability in various disease conditions. The physician prescribes treatment after talking to the patient individually. Herbal medicines are safe if authentically prepared and used. The range of medicinal formulations available is immense.
    Ayurveda applies both external and internal therapies for treatment, which focus on the location of the disease as well as on the entire body. The aim is to restore the total health of the patient, who also develops good immunity after treatment. P a n c h a k a r m a is a central part of the therapy and is a detoxification or internal cleansing process. Most cases are treated with p a n c h a k a r m a and that usually turns out to be the best alternative even in surgical cases. Body toxins are eliminated through external orifices like the mouth, anus, nostrils and skin.
    Ayurveda has its own methods of diagnosing disease, and a skilled Ayurvedacharya relies on his skills of diagnosis for treatment. Prescribing Ayurvedic medication on the basis of modern diagnosis is usually not accurate, especially for chronic diseases. P a n c h k a r m a in such cases is far more helpful. The procedure prescribes complete rest as well as strict adherence to physical and mental discipline. Combined with pre and post p a n c h a k a r m a treatments, the course includes therapies, medication, diet, routines and regimens and varies for different patients. P a n c h a k a r m a is effective in curing psychological imbalance and emotional disturbances too.
    Ayurveda believes the human body is akin to nature and treatment lies in attuning a diseased body to match nature’s rhythm.

DARK SECRETS OF HEALTHY LIVING

2011-10-12T01:43:00.001-07:00

DARK SECRETS OF HEALTHY LIVING
Chocolate cuts risk of stroke

Tempted by a chocolate bar Maybe indulging every so often is not a bad thing especially if its dark chocolate.According to a Swedish study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology that looked at more than 33,000 women,the more chocolate the women said they ate,the lower their risk of stroke.
The results add to a growing body of evidence linking cocoa consumption to heart health,but they arent a free pass to gorge on chocolate.Given the observational design of study,findings of this study cannot prove that its chocolate that lowers the risk of stroke, said Susanna Larsson from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm.
While she believes chocolate has health benefits,she also warned that eating too much of it could be counterproductive.Chocolate should be consumed in moderation as it is high in calories,fat and sugar.As dark chocolate contains more cocoa and less sugar than milk chocolate,consumption of dark chocolate would be more beneficial.
Larsson and her colleagues tapped into data from a mammography study that included self-reports of how much chocolate women ate in 1997.The women ranged in age from 49 to 83 years.Over the next decade,there were 1,549 strokes among the group.The more chocolate women ate,the lower their risk.

Vitamin pills not good for health

2011-10-12T01:41:00.001-07:00

Vitamin pills not good for health

People On Dietary Supplements Have Higher Death Rates,Says Study

Women taking multivitamins dont live longer than those who get their nutrients from food alone,according to a US study that found they in fact appear to have slightly higher death rates.
About half of adult US residents take dietary supplements,and the industry now boasts of annual sales as high as $20 billion.Yet research suggests that some of the largely unregulated substances,such as vitamins A and E,could be harmful in high doses.There is very little evidence showing that common dietary supplements would be beneficial in prevention of major diseases, said Jaakko Mursu of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.Unless you are deficient,there is no reason to take them, he said.
Mursu and his colleagues used data from nearly 39,000 older women who participated in the Iowa Womens Health Study and filled out questionnaires starting in 1986.The survey asked about use of multivitamins,vitamins A,C,D and E as well as beta-carotene,B vitamins and minerals such as calcium,copper,magnesium,selenium and zinc.
During the study,supplements became increasingly popular.Between 1986 and 2004,the proportion of women who said they took one or more jumped from 63% to 85%.Only calcium supplements were linked to a lower risk of death over 19 years of follow-up.That link held up even after considering that women taking supplements had a healthier lifestyle than the rest.By contrast,women taking other supplements did not live longer.

An apple a day brings dentist closer?

2011-10-10T04:20:00.001-07:00

An apple a day brings dentist closer?

: It’s said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but researchers now say eating the fruit may damage your teeth and force you to visit a dentist. Researchers at King’s College London Dental Institute found that eating apples regularly can be up to four times more damaging to teeth than carbonated drinks.
    Wine and lager also increase the risk of dental damage but pickled onions and grapefruit, which are consumed less frequently, do not, they found.
    “It is not only about what we eat, but how we eat it,” said Dr David Bartlett, head of prosthodontics at the institute who led the study.
    “Doctors quite rightly say that eating apples is good, but if you eat them slowly the high acidity levels can damage your teeth,” he said. “The drinks most often associated with dietary erosion, like cola, showed no increased risk.”
    In the new study, the researchers looked for damage to the 2mm surface enamel of their teeth, and at the dentine, the main supporting structure of the tooth beneath the enamel, and compared it with diet. People who ate apples were 3.7 times more likely to have dentine damage.
    Fruit juice increased the likelihood of damage to the enamel fourfold, while lager raised the chances of dentine damage threefold.

Ways to reduce high BP

2011-10-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

Ways to reduce high BP

High blood pressure kills silently as it presents no symptoms. It is only after an organ is irritated or damaged that the consequences of high BP are realized. A blood pressure reading of 120/80mm of Hg is considered normal. High BP is a risk factor for diseases of the heart, stroke, kidney and blindness. Hypertension requires lifelong attention and control. Diet, exercise, quitting smoking and medication are prescribed. Exercise: Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week. Housework, gardening, washing windows, using stairs, etc benefit the heart. Swimming for 30 minutes lowers your pulse rate and BP. Resistance exercise training helps reduce body fat, increases muscle mass, and boosts your metabolic rate. Losing even 4kg can reduce or help prevent high BP. Moderate aerobic activity such as brisk walking 30 minutes a day may be enough to keep you off medication or make medicines more effective. Exercise can reduce your BP reading by as much as 5-15mm. Work out before or after work, or during your lunch break. If not exercising outdoors, get a stationary bike or treadmill. Or fit in 10-minute mini workouts thrice a day. Jog in place or actively vacuum your house for 10 minutes. Warm up, cool down: Do stretching exercises for warming up and cooling down before and after exercise. These let your heart rate increase and decrease gradually and benefit people with high BP. If you feel dizzy or have discomfort in your chest, arms, or throat while exercising, stop. Go slow or exercise indoors on hot and humid days or on excessively cold days. Switch to the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat. This can reduce systolic BP by 8-14mm. Limit salt to one teaspoon a day. With a sodium-restricted diet, your BP drops 2 to 8mm. Alcohol intake: Restrict to no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. A drink is 350ml beer, 150ml wine, or 45ml of 80-proof liquor.

A broccoli that protects heart,prevents cancers

2011-10-09T04:25:00.001-07:00

A broccoli that protects heart,prevents cancers

British scientists have developed what they claim is a super broccoli which can protect people against heart disease and cancers.
A team at the Institute of Food Research and John Innes Centre in Norwich says the new strain called Beneforte looks like normal broccoli,but it contains three times as much of a health-boosting nutrient called glucoraphanin.
Research has shown that glucoraphanin can help protect against heart disease and cancers which include those of the bowel and prostate.The nutrient is converted into a compound,sulphoraphane.
That apparently reduces inflammation which can cause heart attacks,stops uncontrolled cell division associated with early stage cancer and boosts disease-fighting anti- oxidants,say the scientists.The super broccoli raises sulphoraphane levels to two to four times that of normal broccoli,and not by genetic engineering.
Our research has given new insights into the role of such vegetables for health and can lead to potentially more nutritious varieties of our familiar vegetables, Richard Mithen,who led the team,said.
The vegetable has gone on sale in Britain at Marks & Spencer and costs less than two pounds a pack.

Fast eater Youre at higher diabetes risk

2011-10-09T04:16:00.001-07:00

Fast eater Youre at higher diabetes risk

If you want to reduce your risk of developing diabetes in later life,eat slowly,for a new study says that fast eaters have a higher chance of getting the most common form of the disease.
Researchers in Japan have carried out the study and found that people people who eat food quickly are twice as likely to develop impaired glucose tolerance,known as prediabetes,the Daily Mail reported.However,the increase was not seen in people with other eating patterns,including snacking and late-night eating,say the researchers.
In those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT),blood glucose levels are higher than usual,but not high enough to cause diabetes.It can actually progress to type 2 diabetes if preventative steps are not taken.Some 40 to 50% of people with IGT will develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years.
In the study after taking into account weight,sex,age,family history of diabetes,smoking and alcohol intake,blood pressure and cholesterol fast eating was the only pattern that significantly increased the risk for development of IGT

Male menopause is for real,cure is on the way

2011-10-09T04:14:00.000-07:00

Male menopause is for real,cure is on the way

H ope for millions of men as scientists show no link between testosterone treatment and prostate cancer.The male menopause has been ridiculed as an excuse for men behaving badly in middle age,but the condition is a real one.
Now more than two million sufferers have been given hope of a safe cure.For years,testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) the most effective known medication for what is officially the andropause had been linked to prostate cancer.
But today clinicians will announce that research has found no link,meaning that for the first time doctors will be able to recommend the treatment without fear.The 15-year study of 1,500 patients by the Institute of Urology at University College Hospital,London,disproved the link and found that raising testosterone levels could in fact be beneficial to the prostate.
The condition,also known as testosterone deficiency syndrome,causes sufferers predominantly men aged 50 or over to experience extreme tiredness,depression,weight gain,brain fog,memory loss,sleep disturbance or lower sex drive.Erectile dysfunction can also be a symptom,although for many the only obvious symptom is fatigue.
Although it affects millions of men,including untold numbers in their thirties and forties,just 1% of those suffering from the male menopause are diagnosed.
The new research removes a major obstacle to treating what doctors say is the most common hormonal disturbance among men.
Testosterone treatment is available on the NHS,but it is very scarcely used and cannot be prescribed by GPs,partly because of the fears about cancer.

2011-10-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes.

Aedes aegypti or yellow fever mosquito is the primary transmission agent,and is usually found in the tropical and Asian countries.The Aedes albopictus is also a carrier.Initial symptoms of chikungunya are similar to that of dengue.It is usually not life threatening,but joints may hurt for months in certain cases.Patients usually get immunity from infection,so reinfection is rare.Presence of stagnant water around human habitation is the main cause of increased Aedes aegypti population.Infected persons cannot spread infection directly to others,so it is not contagious.The mosquito may feed at any time,but the peak biting time is usually few hours after dawn,late afternoon and a few hours after dark.The mosquito incubation period is two to five days.

Symptoms:

There may be no fever,but persistent joint pains or fever of 104F.Patients develop small red rashes on their body,hands and feet.Severe joint pain is the major symptom or reactive arthritis affecting multiple joints.Headache,conjunctival infection,photophobia,sleeplessness and loss of taste may occur.The fever lasts for two days and ends abruptly,but joint pain,headache,sleeplessness and exhaustion last up to seven days.Many may complain of joint pain for up to two years,depending on age.Lab tests for chikungunya include RT-PCR,virus isolation,and serological test.

Treatment:

Chikungunya is usually cured by the immune system.Take sufficient rest and fluids.Younger patients recover within 5 to 15 days;middle-aged patients take one to two-and-half months and elderly patients take even longer.Prevent mosquito bites by wearing full-sleeved clothes and by using mosquito repellants.Drain away stagnant water.Homoeopathic medicines are effective in both curing and preventing chikungunya.Start treatment quickly.Medicines like Belladonna,Cinchona officinalis,Rhus toxicodendron,Eupatorium perforliatum,Aconitum napelleus and Arsenicum album are very effective in checking fever and for early recovery from joint pains.Take all medication under the guidance of a homoeopathy practitioner.

Get naughty to live longer

2011-10-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

Get naughty to live longer

Heres how to add some more years to your life...

Sex feels fabulous at any age.But whats not as well known is that a regular roll in the hay can also add up to eight years to your life expectancy.Yes! You heard right.By burning some calories in the bedroom,you can add some more years to live.
Studies show that having sexual intercourse regularly improves hormone levels,heart health and brain power and revs up your immune system,so you can hold on to your youth while you enjoy yourself.Research shows that the more orgasms you have,the longer you can expect to live.Being bad was never so good,right

a AIM FOR ORGASM

Its not just the amount of sex youre having that counts when it comes to adding years to your life it is the quality,too.A study discovered that a powerful orgasm is equivalent to a shot of Valium,a drug that relieves bodily stress,and works as a good relaxant.Added to that,it can also increase the bodys infection-fighting cells by up to 20%
Several studies have shown that happily married couples are likely to live longer than singles or those who are in negative relationships.Even more impressive is the fact that having regular orgasms make men twice as likely to live into old age as those who dont have sex,and women to live up to eight years longer.
Also women who have two orgasms a week are up to 30% less likely to develop heart diseases.So,make the most of it and boost your orgasm potential by investing in a good sexual intercourse.

Years added +08

b TIME TO CUDDLE UP

Cuddling up to your partner isnt just an enjoyable aspect of good sex it also helps to release the bonding hormone Oxytocin,which has been linked to life expectancy.
Research has found that Oxytocin can dramatically boost longevity.So,people who are in good relationships are less vulnerable to chronic diseases and even depression.
So,make the most of it by cuddling up with your lover after sex.This will also add intimacy to your relationship.A sensual massage,lots of stroking and intimate touches will help you go a long way in keeping your relationship alive.Also,studies show that Oxytocin is produced in greater quantities with a familiar partner.

Years added +07

c COOK UP A STORM

To enjoy good sex,it helps if youre in the mood which is why brain chemicals are so important.A lack of desire is the result of a reduction in one of the four brain chemicals Dopamine,Acetylcholine,GABA and Serotonin.To get them up to speed again,certain herbs and spices can also help.
For Dopamine,which enhances mood and confidence,try basil,black pepper,chillies,cumin,garlic,ginger and turmeric.Acetylcholine helps improve alertness and focus so try all-spice,basil,peppermint,sage and thyme.GABA,a natural anti-depressant,is found in alcohol,so just one or two glasses of red wine will do the trick.Serotonin boosts happiness and relaxation,so try turkey,bananas and chocolate.
So,make the most of it by cooking up a light vegetable curry served with saffron rice to get you in the mood.

Years added +10

d WORK UP A SWEAT

Exercise helps keep you fit.It also improves circulation and muscle tone and staves off the ageing process.Good news is that sex provides almost all the same benefits as regular exercise,without having to hit the treadmill.It increases circulation and metabolism and burns about 30 calories for 20 minutes of reasonably active sex.That means in an hour youve burnt off a glass of wine or a couple of biscuits.
Middle-aged women who have weekly sex have been found to have twice the bone-protecting Oestrogen levels of those who dont.
So,make the most of it by keeping sex fun by trying new positions.If you always do it in missionary,speed up your heart rate by going on top for a change.

Years added +10

e MORE,MORE,MORE!

It really is a case of use it or lose it.And having sex at least once a week will keep your hormones,heart and brain in top condition.And the more you have,the better the benefits.Men who have sex three or more times a week reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke by 50%.Its largely a myth that sex can trigger heart attacks,but if youre worried,dont overdo the aerobics and youll still get the benefit of powerful relaxation hormones.Regular sex releases feel good Endorphins at any age,as well as easing stress.

Years
added +2

HEALTH HEART

2011-09-29T00:34:00.001-07:00

HEALTH HEART

    The job of human heart is to pump nutrient-rich blood throughout the body. If you smoke, take drugs or drink alcohol excessively, you are giving your heart extra work to do. How do you feel when you have too much work to do? Your heart cannot handle too much extra work over a long period of time and the health of your heart suffers with the passage of time. It is a proven fact that smoking doubles your risk of having a heart attack and highly inc re a s e s your risk of sudden card i a c d e at h ( S C D ) . Each year, over 300,000 Americans die of s m o k i n g - re l at e d heart disease. So, don't smoke. If you do, quit. The sooner you quit, the sooner your risk will start to decline. There is hope. Former smokers can completely lower their risk of sudden cardiac death within ten years of quitting.
    Any drug can affect your heart as they are foreign substances. Even prescribed medications can. However, since prescribed medications are legal, doctors are able to control the effect a drug will have on your heart by controlling the dosage. With illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, marijuana, amphetamines, etc.), you cannot control the effect on your heart. Even a small amount of a drug can be potentially fatal. So, don't use illegal drugs.
    Drinking alcohol in moderation may not pose a risk but drinking excessively does pose a serious hazard to your heart. While alcohol flows in your blood stream, the nutrient-rich blood is less able to nourish the heart. If the alcohol content is excessive, your heart will be in danger. So, don't drink alcohol excessively.
HEART HEALTH TIPS: Make your everyday routine an exercise program for your life. Take advantage of any opportunity for exercise.

• Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator at office or the mall. Just start with one flight. Soon, you'll be ready for two.

• Park your car at the far end of the parking lot. The short walk to and from the office helps your heart.

• If you ride a bus or subway, get off a stop before your destination. Walk the rest of the way.

• If you can, spend a few minutes of your lunch break taking a stroll around the campus. It should help you stay awake after lunch.

• Mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, and raking leaves are chores that can be done by you as a chance to exercise.

• If you have a d o g , think of the dog as an e xe r - cise mach i n e with fur. A brisk walk with the dog is good for both of you. Make it a part of your daily routine.

• As a family, schedule an after dinner walk.
    HEALTHY DIET: If you want to
    have a healthy heart, you have to learn how to eat a healthy heart diet. Learn which foods are good for heart and try to include them as a regular part of your diet.
THE FOOD PYRAMID
• Build the foundation of your daily eating plan with 6 to 11 servings from the Bread, Cereal, Rice & Pasta Group.

• Choose an item from the Vegetable group at least 3 to 5 times each day.

• It's a treat to enjoy 2 to 4 servings from the Fruit Group as part of your daily diet.

• Limit your selection of Milk, Yogurt & Cheese to just 2 to 3 items per day.

• Get protein from the Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs and Nuts through 2 to 3 servings every day.

• Top off your daily eating plan with Fats, Oils & Sweets, but in small quantities.
HEART DIET HINTS:
• Eat no more than 6 ounces (cooked) per day of lean meat, fish, and skinless poultry.

• Try main dishes featuring pasta, brown rice, beans, and/or vegetables. Or create "low meat" dishes by mixing these foods with small amounts of lean meat, poultry, or fish.

• Approximately 5 to 8 teaspoon servings of fats and oils per day may be used for cooking and baking, and in salad dressings and spreads.

• Use cooking methods that require little or no fat: boil, broil, bake, roast, poach, steam, saute, stir-fry, or microwave.

• Trim off the fat you can see before cooking meat and poultry. Drain off all fat after browning. Chill soups and stews after cooking so you can remove the hardened fat from the top.

• The 3 to 4 egg yolks per week included in your eating plan may be used alone or in cooking and baking (including storebought products).

• Limit your use of organ meats such as liver, brains, chitterlings, kidneys, heart, gizzard, sweetbreads, and pork maws.

• Choose skim or 1% fat milk and nonfat or lowfat yogurt and cheeses.
To round out the rest of your eating plan:

• Eat 5 or more servings of fruits or vegetables per day.

• Eat 6 or more servings of breads, cereals, or grains per day.

Weaker sex? Women are genetically tougher

2011-09-29T00:31:00.000-07:00

Weaker sex? Women are genetically tougher

London: They have been called the weaker sex for centuries, but a new study has found that women are stronger than their male counterparts when it comes to fighting diseases as well as infections.
    Researchers at the Ghent University in Belgium found that the fairer sex is genetically programmed to better resist infections and cancer, and also has a back-up system to fight disease.
    The discovery, they said, also suggested that men who regularly complain of ‘man-flu’ may not be exaggerating after all, the Daily Mail reported.
    The secret to women’s stronger immunity, according to the researchers, lies in a key biological difference between the sexes. Women have an extra copy of the female X-chromosome, while men have only one and a much smaller Y-chromosome.
    This means women have greater access to molecules called microRNAs, which are encoded on the X-chromosome. These tiny strains of ribonucleic acid are regarded as major regulators of the immune system, the researchers said.
    Dr Claude Libert, who led the research, said, “Statistics show that in humans, as with other mammals, females live longer than males and are more able to fight off shock episodes from sepsis, infection or trauma.
    “We believe this is due to the Xchromosome, which in humans contains 10% of all microRNAs detected so far in the genetic code.”
    Several of them are thought to have “important functions in immunity and cancer”, he said.
    Dr Eleanor Fish, a professor of immunobiology at the University of Toronto, said of the findings in the Bio-Essays journal, “The advantages of having two X-chromosomes as opposed to an X- and a Y-chromosome are huge. “MicroRNAs are very important for regulating proteins that would influence cell growth and cancer, and the immune response. They can suppress proteins that promote cancer and boost proteins that do the opposite,” she said.
    However, there is a downside to a woman’s super immunity, said Dr Fish, “It favours resistance to infection with a more robust immune response but once you have got infection then it can result in a more severe inflammatory response.
    “This means women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases and they may suffer flu more badly than men.”

Take charge to prevent cardio diseases

2011-09-29T00:25:00.001-07:00

Take charge to prevent cardio diseases

    Today is the 12th edition of the World Heart Day and this year's theme is One World, One Home, One Heart. Observance of World Heart Day began in the year 2000 to spread the word that deaths caused by heart diseases and stroke can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. From the year 2000 to the year 2010, World Heart Day was observed on the last Sunday of September. However, from this year a decision has been taken to observe this on September 29.
    Nearly 29 per cent of all deaths in the world each year are attributed to Cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This number makes CVD the world's number one killer ailment.
    Even in India this number has assumed alarming proportion and experts claim that by the year 2015 India will have close to 64 million cases of CVD. Of this number nearly 61 million would be Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) cases, and the remaining would include stroke, rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart diseases. In some of the countries where this epidemic got identified early, public health intervention programmes have contributed in showing positive results and led to a decline in the number of cases.
    In India, with the rise of middle classes across the country, economic prosperity and changing lifestyle, this killer disease is now making its presence felt in rural as well as urban areas. It is becoming clear that as we adopt a lifestyle which minimises physical activity, increases use of tobacco and alcohol and also alters food habits, CHD has started spreading its tentacles at an alarming pace and taking a shape of an epidemic.
    Epidemiological studies show that a sizeable burden of CHD in adult rural population is 3-5%, while in urban areas it is 7-10% of the population. In India about 50 per cent of CHD-related deaths occur in people younger than 70 years compared with only 22 per cent in the West. This increase in cardio vascular diseases is attributed to increase in the population size due to natural growth, ageing of the population which makes people more vulnerable to chronic diseases at older ages, and increased vulnerability due to lifestyle changes. This problem needs to be tackled at the government level as well as individual level. At the government level there has to be an urgent policy response for the disease's control. It is no longer the disease of the rich or the well educated. Strategies that have been successful in upper middle income countries are available and need to be implemented. Political and bureaucratic will and policies for improving human development index should be implemented and a national cardiovascular diseases control program initiated.
One World
    Every year cardio vascular diseases claim 17.1 million lives in the world. Nearly 82 per cent of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries. At individual level if only we adopt healthy eating habits and take up regular physical activity besides avoiding tobacco and alcohol, the majority of these deaths can easily be prevented. And for this to happen we do not have to depend on policy makers and world leaders. Each one of us individuals across the world has to be aware and each one of us has to start working towards reducing the CVD burden by taking up the above suggested steps.
One Home
    To reduce the CVD risk one has to start at home. Family has to become the focal point. We must begin at home to start taking care of our heart health. And this is the reason that this year the World Heart Federation and its members have decided to focus their efforts on the home front.
One Heart
    Only by adopting a few healthy habits - diet, exercise and by giving up tobacco and alcohol - at home, people, all over the world, can control heart diseases and stroke and in return be blessed with longer and healthy lives. From home this movement can spread and involve people even in their workplaces to establish hearthealthy behaviour. This will in return not only help individuals but also benefit by spreading the movement across communities.
    However, we must know that not all heart problems are preventable. Hence, one must know what action to take, should a heart attack or ischaemic stroke occur at home or in workplace. And for this to happen one must be aware and in a position to identify the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke and taking the right steps to prevent it. The World Heart Federation wants all of us to become proactive to help reduce heart disease and stroke across the globe. The federation's message is to individuals, employers, health care professionals and governments. Especially hospitals, nursing homes and various health experts and institutions must conduct community outreach programmes to reach out to the heart patients by bringing quality heart care services at their doorstep, creating awareness, training them to handle emergency and thus saving the precious life.
    All of them individually should be coming forward to launch programmes which must include free heart check up camps, information, education and communication campaigns, provide training on basic life support systems and emergency care and hold counselling and stress management workshops. As part of awareness campaign we must advocate four actions -- like banning smoking and consuming tobacco, giving healthy food options, to be active and go for frequent visits to healthcare centres for check up. By following these simple steps, we all can reduce the burden of CVD. If we all take these steps, we will not only make the World Health Organisation's theme One World, One Home, One Heart a success but also be able to combat the cardiovascular diseases at global level.
    "We know what works, we know what it costs and we know that all countries are at risk. We have an action plan to avert millions of premature deaths and help promote a better quality of life for millions more," says the World Health Organisation. Let's all join hands to save people from this fast spreading epidemic.

Kicking the butt boosts memory

2011-09-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

Kicking the butt boosts memory

Here is another reason why you should kick the butt –– people who smoke lose around one third of their everyday memory, a new British study has suggested.
    However, the Northumbria University study also found that giving up the habit can restore the ability to recollect information restored to almost the same level as nonsmokers.
    For the latest study, the researchers recruited more than 70 people aged between 18 and 25 years who were participated in a tour of the university's campus. Those who took part were asked to recall small details, such as music acts listed to play at the students’ union and tasks completed at various points ––known as real world memory test. Smokers performed badly, remembering just 59% of tasks. However, those who had given up smoking remembered 74%, while those who had never smoked recalled 81% of tasks.
    According Dr Tom Heffernan, head of the University’s Drug and Alcohol Research Group, the findings would be useful in anti-smoking campaigns. Given that there are millions of smokers in the world, it’s important to understand the effects smoking has on everyday cognitive function, of which prospective memory is an excellent example, he said. “This is the first time that a study has set out to examine whether giving up smoking has impact on memory.”
    “We already know that giving up smoking has huge health benefits for the body, but this study also shows how it can have knock-on benefits for cognitive functions too,”

Yoga is ideal for teens and youth

2011-09-19T04:14:00.001-07:00

Yoga is ideal for teens and youth

Watch children and you see their natural postures are yoga a s a n a s . Children sit in s u k h a s a n a ,and perform acrobatics and antics that come to them naturally. Even infants unconsciously form y o g a m u d r a s with hands. One is born with yoga, but the modern mind is preoccupied and we forget our natural inclinations. But youth today are rediscovering yoga, which is derived from the Sanskrit word y u j meaning union. Yoga has been on the decline with young people turning their attention to a competitive job market and relationships. They have to battle negative emotions and deal with rejection and failure. In such a scenario, yoga is all the more necessary as it helps improve physical health and regain composure. Benefits: Youngsters who practise yoga are strong and exude confidence and dynamism. They become more disciplined, think rationally, develop patience and smile more. A large number of participants at the camps of Art of Living are young adults. They learn the special Sri Sri Yoga, which helps them become flexible, both in mind and body. It helps them cope better with the stressful and competitive world we live in. Balance is the essence of Sri Sri Yoga. It is primarily Hatha yoga which the students learn. This is integrated with other paths of yoga for full realization of human potential. The routine best suited for young people is one that incorporates a s a n a s(Hatha yoga), p r a n a y a m a (Hatha yoga and Kundalini yoga) and meditation, a form of Raja yoga. Together with this, the routine taught combines knowledge that can be applied in day-to-day life or Jnana yoga, and s e v a which is Karma yoga. The last thing that is integrated into this programme is s a t s a n g or Bhakti yoga. Such a state of balance empowers the body to naturally energize and heal itself of problems, both physical and mental. Yoga also helps younger people lose weight and cureschronic diseases such as insomnia, asthma, diabetes, hypertension and migraine. But for the youth, this is often secondary. They are more concerned with the energy and the sense of wellbeing that yoga fills them with, giving them a swing in their step.

Here are some tips to stay motivated and work out regularly

2011-09-19T04:10:00.001-07:00

Here are some tips to stay motivated and work out regularly

All of us know that exercising regularly is a must in order to be healthy, but how many of us actually hit the gym to do so? If you are a novice to the concept of gymming, here are some things that you need to keep in mind. Firstly, when you begin to embark on working out regularly, or perhaps a new exercise routine, it might not be easy to stay motivated and meet your goals quickly. But this should not deter you as there are a number of reasons for you to stick to your exercise regime. Here are some tips to help you do so:

• Be organised and prepared for your workout. There is no point in planning to work out, and then not being able to find your training shoes, or realising that you don’t have the right gym clothes or a nice gym bag to carry your stuff in. Taking care of all these small things will help you avoid a reason to skip your workout.

• It’s a nice idea to reward yourself for adhering to your exercise regime. And by rewards, we don’t mean treating yourself to a pizza or burgers with extra cheese with a generous helping of fries and cola. Reward yourself with a massage, a new hair cut or a new gym kit, something that will further boost your motivation to exercise and look good.

• Find yourself an exercise buddy, be it your partner, a friend, family member or a even a colleague. Research shows that when individuals train along with others, they are less likely to drop out than those who do it alone.

• Analyse and improvise your goals regularly. Setting a goal for your workout on a daily basis will make your effort seems even more worthwhile. If you still haven’t been able to chart out your goals, time to get your thinking cap on and get cracking.

• Make it a point to bring out a slight variation in your workout regime daily. This provides a refreshing break from an impending sense of monotony.

Suffering from bad body odour? Blame it on genetic disorder

2011-09-19T04:07:00.000-07:00

Suffering from bad body odour? Blame it on genetic disorder

For some people with troublesome, unexplained body odour, an uncommon genetic disorder once known as “fish-odour syndrome” may be to blame, according to a study.
    The condition, known clinically as trimethylaminuria, is caused by emitting excessive amounts of the compound trimethylamine (TMA). TMA is produced when people digest foods rich in a substance called choline --including saltwater fish, eggs, liver and certain legumes, such as soy and kidney beans.
    “Individuals with the metabolic disorder trimethylaminuria may sporadically produce malodors despite good hygiene,” wrote study leader Paul Wise, at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, in the American Journal of Medicine. “The psychosocial impact of trimethylaminuria may be considerable. However, trimethylaminuria is difficult to diagnose without specialized tests.” Trimethylaminuria is caused by defects in a gene known as FMO3, which hinder the body’s ability to metabolize TMA and turn it into odor-free compounds.
    TMA itself has a strong fishy smell, but only about 10 to 15% of people with trimethylaminuria have that specific malodor, which may make it tougher to get a diagnosis. For someone to have the disorder, he or she must inherit a defective copy of FMO3 gene from both parents, who themselves would be unaffected “carriers”. Of course, if either of parents had the disorder, they would also pass it on.

Dark secret: Chocolate is as good as exercise

2011-09-19T04:05:00.001-07:00

Dark secret: Chocolate is as good as exercise

It is the news that chocoholics have been waiting for: Chocolate is as good as exercise, a new study has claimed. Scientists at Wayne State University in the US found that small amounts of dark chocolate may improve health in a similar way to exercise.
    The researchers who focused on the mitochondria — the tiny powerhouses in cells that generate energy — discovered that a plant compound found in chocolate, called epicatechin, appeared to stimulate the same muscle response as vigorous activity, the Daily Telegraph reported.
    “Mitochondria produce energy which is used by the cells in the body. More mitochondria mean more energy,” said Dr Moh Malek, who led the research on mice. “Aerobic exercise is known to increase the number of mitochondria in muscle cells,” Malek said.
    “Our study has found that epicatechin seems to bring about the same response.”
    For their study the researchers gave a specific type of epicatechin from cocoa to the laboratory mice twice a day for 15 days. At the same time, the animals underwent 30 minutes of treadmill training each day. It was found that mice only fed epicatechin had the same exercise performance as those running on the treadmill.
Warning for night owls: Want to be happy, slim and healthy? Become an early riser
    Early to bed, early to rise keeps a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” Benjamin Franklin famously said some 300 years ago. Now, scientists have confirmed it. Researchers at the Roehampton University in the UK found claimed that early risers are slimmer, happier and healthier than those who get up later in the day. Worst off are night owls, the researchers said, as late nights appear to be taking their toll on health and happiness, the Daily Mail reported. For their study, the researchers quizzed almost 1,100 men and women about their health and sleeping habits. Some 13% of those questioned were larks, getting up before 7am during the week and seeing no need for a lie-in at the weekend. Night owls, who fall out of bed just before 9am Monday to Friday and sleep in on Saturdays and Sundays, accounted for another 6 %. The remaining 81% fell somewhere in between. The analysis revealed the early risers to have fewest signs of depression and anxiety.

body and mind must be in harmony to enjoy sound sleep every night.

2011-09-19T04:01:00.001-07:00

body and mind must be in harmony to enjoy sound sleep every night.

Asound sleep helps our body remain physically and mentally fit. Any imbalance between the mind and body disturbs our sleep pattern. This usually happens in the following situations:
Tired body, active mind At night, when your body becomes tired, it needs rest. At the same time, if your mind is active, then sound sleep is not possible. We make our mind active by watching TV till late in the night and by engaging in conversation which stimulates our endocrine glands to release hormones which make our brain waves high. The combination of a tired body and a brain with high waves is not conducive to a good night’s sleep.
Tired mind, active body This condition is common with people who have a sedentary lifestyle. By night, the mind becomes tired, but the body doesn’t because you didn’t use it much during the day. We further make our body more active by having a late dinner. We retire to bed with a tired mind, but also with an active body which is still engaged in digesting food, hence not ready to slow down. Unconnected: Restless sleepers are usually people not connected with themselves. Being less connected simply means the person cannot recognise his body’s needs. Sleeplessness is a signal from your body that it requires your attention. Sleeping well is about bringing your body and mind to a point where both slow down after a hard day’s work.
Say good night:
• Stop mental activity which raises brain waves an hour before sleeping. Avoid stimulating conversations on work or family matters and switch off TV. Listen to light instrumental music instead.

• Follow a relaxed breathing pattern when you lie down. Inhale deep, hold your breath for a few seconds and then exhale. While exhaling, say “release” in your mind. Repeat ten times. You will start relaxing.

• Working with soil for a few minutes everyday helps in getting a sound sleep. The soil (earth) absorbs our negativity. Maintain a small garden or keep potted plants and tend to them.

• Imagine yourself walking through a garden or relaxing on the beach. Recall this mental image when you go to bed every night. Also, do up your bedroom in soothing colours.

Yellow eyelids signal heart risk

2011-09-19T03:46:00.001-07:00

Yellow eyelids signal heart risk

Want to know whether you are at risk of heart attack? Just check your eyelids, for a new study says that yellow markings in the skin around the eyes can be a sign of cardiovascular disease.
    Researchers in Denmark have carried out study of 13,000 people and found those with the patches, known as xanthelasmata, were more likely have a heart attack or die within 10 years, the ‘British Medical Journal’ reported.
    The spots are deposits of cholesterol which are soft and painless. They don’t interfere with vision and people often get them treated at a dermatologist, say the researchers. The research team at the Herlev Hospital in Denmark started following 12,745 people in the 1970s. At the start of the study, 4.4% of patients had xanthelasmata. Thirty three years later, 1,872 had had a heart attack, 3,699 had developed heart disease and 8,507 had died.
    Those with the markings were 48% more likely to have a heart attack, 39% more likely to have developed heart disease and 14% more likely to have died during the study. The heart disease link was most acute in men aged between 70 and 79. Those with xanthelasmata were 12% more at risk than others without the condition. The corresponding risk for women in this group was 8%.
    However, the raised yellow patches around the eyelids was a more reliable sign of heart disease in women because of their lower overall risk. Prof Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen, of the University of Copenhagen, said, “Presence of xanthelasmata was a slightly better predictor of hear attack and heart disease in women than in men, and in those aged under 55 years to those aged 55 and over.” PTI
Genes tied to BP may lead to new therapy
    Scientists have identified at least 16 new genes which are linked to blood pressure, a key breakthrough they claim could pave the way for new treatments for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. An international team, led by the University of Western Australia, says that out of the 16, 10 genes could provide new clues to how the blood is regulated, the ‘Nature’ journal reported in its latest edition.

Painkiller may double miscarriage risk: Study

2011-09-11T04:05:00.000-07:00

Painkiller may double miscarriage risk: Study

Taking painkillers such as ibuprofen during pregnancy may double a woman’s risk of miscarriage, a new study said.
Researchers at the University of Montreal who looked at a group of painkillers called Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) found that women who took them just before they conceived until the 20th week of pregnancy were 2.4 times more at the risk of miscarriage.
The NSAIDS drugs included over-the-counter naproxen. Aspirin is also in this category but it was notincluded in the study, while paracetamol is deemed safe, the Daily Telegraph reported. Researchers surveyed over 47,000 women aged 15 to 45 years. They were asked whether they had taken the painkillers at any time in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy

Exercising at work

2011-09-11T02:59:00.001-07:00

Exercising at work

Devoting time to physical activity at the workplace seems to lead to higher productivity. A study shows that it is possible to use work time for exercise or other health-promoting measures and still attain the same or even higher production levels.
The same production levels with fewer work hours means higher productivity, besides benefiting individuals healthwise as a result of physical activity, the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports. Stockholm University and Karolinska Institute conducted a study wherein two workplaces in dental care were asked to devote 2.5 hours per week to physical activity, distributed across two sessions. Another group had the same decrease in work hours but without obligatory exercise, and a third group maintained their usual work hours – 40 a week. Those who exercised saw improvements in selfassessed productivity – they got more done at work, had a greater work capacity and were sick less often.

Fitness, finances and friends key to long life

2011-09-04T00:51:00.001-07:00

Fitness, finances and friends key to long life

    Most of us believe that the secret of long life lies in our genes. However, not many realise that to live a happy life even in our old age, we require things like chit-chat with friends, a healthy diet and a regular exercise regime. But, now experts too support his theory.
    According to scientists, our genetic make-up is thought to contribute just 25% to how long we live. The real key involves simple measures such as regular exercise, indulging in pleasant natter with friends and eating healthy food, a newspaper has reported.
    Age UK, a charity, states that it’s never too early or too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle so as to improve one’s later life. Some of these changes include having enough good-quality sleep, engaging socially with other people and staying positive about ageing. These simple steps can make a world of a difference to how people age.
    It also suggests that people should engage in regular exercise, have a healthy and moderate diet, undergo regular medical check-ups and not smoke. One should also take care to protect one’s eyes from sun-damage.
    People are also encouraged, for both their physical and mental well-being, to keep an eye on their pensions and to seek expert financial advice whenever it becomes necessary to do so.
    Ian Philp, the professor who helped produce the information said, “We really can influence how we age. For example, it may seem obvious but regular health check-ups are really very important, especially when one starts hits their late 20s to early 30s.
    “Getting an early diagnosis of an illness, taking advantage of screening programmes and being up-todate with vaccines etc are all crucial. Other tips I must mention are engaging socially with others and staying positive about ageing.”
    This study is especially relevant to India as a very large percentage of our population comprises youth, and these tips will ensure their health as they age.

Good news for bald men, a treatment’s almost here

2011-09-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

Good news for bald men, a treatment’s almost here

It seems the cure for baldness is on the anvil, for scientists claim they have discovered the source of signals that trigger hair growth.
    A team at Yale University has identified stem cells within the skin’s fatty layer and showed that molecular signals from these cells were necessary to spur hair growth in mice, the ‘Cell’ journal reported.
    “If we can get these fat cells in the skin to talk to the dormant stem cells at the base of hair follicles, we might be able to get hair to grow again,” said Prof Valerie Horsley, who led the team.
    Men with male pattern baldness still have stem cells in follicle roots but these stem cells lose the ability to jump-start hair regeneration. Scientists have known that these follicle stem cells need signals from within the skin to grow hair, but the source of those signals has been unclear.
    The team observed that when hair dies, the layer of fat in the scalp that comprises most of the skin’s thickness shrinks. When hair growth begins, the fat layer expands in a process called adipogenesis.
    The scientists found that a type of stem cell involved in creation of new fat cells — adipose precursor cells — was required for hair regeneration in mice. They also found these cells produce molecules called PDGF (platelet derived growth factors), which are necessary to produce hair growth. Now, the team is trying to identify other signals produced by adipose precursor stem cells that may play a role in regulating hair growth

Baby at any cost

2011-09-04T00:46:00.000-07:00

Baby at any cost

    THESE poignant lines have been penned by a friend devastated by the recent death of her best friend, who at 39, and desperate to have her own baby, succumbed to complications arising out of a difficult pregnancy.
    From freezing eggs and dialling for donor eggs to renting a womb and cashing in sperms from the sperm bank, there’s an array of baby shopping choices that almost ensures that no woman has to ever go childless again. Unless, of course, the decision not to have one is solely hers.
    So if you think you’ve missed the baby bus because you couldn’t conceive naturally, or you let your biological clock merrily tick away, or maybe you’ve been on the shelf, and don’t feel motivated enough to go male hunting, or you’re simply unwilling to be in confinement for nine long months, worry not. Thanks to medical technology, a baby will still be delivered whenever you’re ready.
    But should a woman’s very maternal desire to have a child be allowed to override all other concerns, including the fact that her health and even life might be endangered if she were to proceed with it? And is being a mother the most abiding definition of womanhood?
    Eminent IVF specialist and fertility expert Dr Firuza Parikh says, “Being childless is still one of the biggest inadequacies that a couple may feel. The commonest phrase that I hear from women dealing with infertility is, ‘Doctor, I feel incomplete and worthless!’ There are very few couples who opt to be childless by
choice. If you probe their voluntary childlessness, there may be coercion on the part of one partner.” She continues, “I recall the sad state of a young girl who had to tell everybody that she detested children and hence did not want to conceive. The truth was that her husband was infertile. However, because of family circumstances they had to pretend to
not want children.”
    Prerna, an IT professional in her late 30s, went through endless IVF cycles and corrections to help her conceive a child only to be told by the doctors that they’d tried everything in their armoury, and it would be best if she went for adoption or opt for motherhood with donor eggs. Initially, this verdict broke her. But a year and several counselling sessions later, they opted for adoption, and today, both parents insist that it couldn’t have ended more beautifully than this.
    But examples like Prerna are few and far between. Most women will flit from one doctor to another when told that theirs might be a hopeless case, or that a pregnancy might be life-threatening. Unfortunately, and invariably, someone in the lure of money or a misplaced sense of confidence in their own competence will accept such cases. Says Dr Nayana Patel of Akanksha Fertility Clinic, Anand (Gujarat), who’s been featured on Oprah and CNN, “The instinct of procreating and motherhood is a very strong one. I’d like to give every woman a shot at motherhood, but in cases where I feel it endangers her life, or there’s risk of a major complication, I usually draw a line, though
someone else may quite willingly take up the case.”
    How does one convince women who fail to have their own biological offspring that they’re no less a woman for not being a biological mother, and that being a mother is certainly not the be-all and end-all of womanhood? “When a woman comes to the end of the road, it is very important to let her know that she has not failed, but it is the treatment that has failed. It is important that she feels loved and emotionally involved with her near and dear ones. Getting back to her job and hobbies is very important. Sometimes adoption, donor eggs or surrogacy can be tried to fill this void,” says Dr Firuza. However, as Dr Nayana says, “Some women refuse the surrogacy route because they want to be both biological as well as gestational mothers.”
Like 34-year-old Heena Sondhi, who refuses to consider surrogacy or adoption options despite having gone through three miscarriages, with the last being near-fatal. “I want to experience motherhood. No ‘weird’ alternatives like surrogacy for me.”
“Yearning for motherhood is very natural and normal, but there are times when a balance must be struck between one’s desires and ground realities,” advises Dr Nayana.
Because sometimes it’s a matter of life and death, not a happy birth.

Probiotic bugs to treat depression

2011-09-01T05:30:00.001-07:00

Probiotic bugs to treat depression

    Scientists have identified a type of gut bacteria that can directly influence the brain, a finding, they say, that could lead to new ways to control depression and other psychiatric disorders. Researchers have long suspected that the gut was somehow linked with the brain, since bowel disorders are linked with stress-related psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression in people. To learn more, a team at the University College Cork in Ireland fed laboratory mice with Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1, a bug that naturally lives in human gut.
    They found that the mice, which were given the bug-laced broth, displayed significantly less behaviour linked with stress, anxiety and depression than mice which were fed plain broth. Bacteria-fed mice also had significantly lower levels of the stress hormone corticosterone in response to stressful situations such as mazes, a journal reported.
    Since mice serve as good models for understanding the aspects of the human brain, the findings can be replicated in humans too, the researchers said.

Chew on this: Don’t eat fast if you want to stay thin

2011-09-01T05:24:00.001-07:00

Chew on this: Don’t eat fast if you want to stay thin

Ladies, please note — your eating speed is linked to your body weight, say researchers. A new study by the University of Otago has found that middle-aged women who eat slowly are much less likely to be overweight or obese than those who eat at a faster pace, the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reported.
    The researchers have analyzed the relationship between self-reported speed of eating and body mass index (BMI) in more than 1,500 New Zealand women aged between 40 and 50 to come to the conclusion.
    Lead researcher Dr Caroline Horwath said that after adjusting for other factors including age, ethnicity, smoking, and menopause status, the study found that the faster women reported their eating speed to be, the higher their BMI. “For every one-step increase in a five-step scale ranging from ‘very slow’ eating to ‘very fast’, the women’s BMI increased by 2.8%, which is equivalent to a 1.95 kg weight increase in a woman of average BMI,” she said.
    In the study, the researchers have been following up the women to see if faster eaters gain more weight over time.
    “The size of the association found in this initial research suggests that if there is a causal link, reduction in eating speed is a very promising way to prevent weight gain and may lead to decreases in BMI similar or greater than those sustained in weight management programmes,” she said.
    If analysis of the data confirms a causal relationship, Dr Horwath and her team will test interventions that include a focus on encouraging women to eat more slowly.
    “If such interventions prove effective, they could be used alongside non-dieting approaches we have trialled. These approaches prevented weight gain at risk women and even produced weight loss in some.”

15 minutes of daily exercise can extend your life by three whole years

2011-08-28T04:42:00.001-07:00

15 minutes of daily exercise can extend your life by three whole years

    As little as 15 minutes of exercise everyday can extend your life by around three years or more, a new research has discovered.
    Researchers in Taiwan examined more than 400,000 participants in a 12-year period, where patients reported their weekly exercise regimen and were then placed in one of five groups – inactive, low, medium, high or very high activity. The study found that people in the low-exercise group, who spent 15 minutes on fitness per day, reduced risks of dying from cancer by 10 per cent and had a longer life expectancy.
    “The 30-minute a day for five or more days a week regime has been the golden rule, but now we found even half that amount could be very beneficial,” said the lead author of the study.

Dieting is harder than you think.

2011-08-28T04:13:00.001-07:00

Dieting is harder than you think. If you cut out a chocolate bar each day you will lose only one-third of the weight that experts had thought. For decades, doctors have based their advice to those who want to lose weight on the assumption that cutting 500 calories a day will see the weight fall off at the rate of 1lb a week.
    “This is wrong,” Kevin Hill, of the National Institutes of Health in the United States, said. “It does not happen.” The error has arisen because the calculation did not take account of changes in metabolism as weight falls. The body adjusts to reductions in energy intake (calories eaten) by slowing its energy output (calories expended). The result is that forgoing that daily chocolate bar containing 250 calories will lead to about 25lb of weight loss if it is sustained for three years, much less than the 78lb predicted by the old dieting assumption.
    A more sophisticated measure of weight loss, which takes account of metabolic changes and of differences between fat and thin people, has been developed by Dr Hill and colleagues of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It shows that heavier people tend
to lose weight faster than lighter people on the same diet, though they will take longer to reach the target weight than those who weigh less to begin with.
    Most people on a diet achieve their maximum weight loss after six to eight months and it has been assumed this is a natural “plateauing” effect, resulting from slowed metabolism. But evidence shows that people find it hard to stick to a diet for longer than six months and that is why they stop losing weight. Body-weight plateauing occurs much later, after two to three years.
    There is nothing to choose between different diets that alter the fat, protein and carbohydrate balance, such as the Atkins diet that reduces carbohydrates, the researchers say. The body adapts rapidly to changes in these constituents with the result that all diets result in the same loss of body fat, at least in the short term. They said: “Little is known about the long-term effects.” It has been difficult to assess how closely people follow diets as research relies on self-reporting.
    The authors said: “Widespread past use of erroneous rules for estimation of human body-weight change have led to unrealistic expectations.”

Yoga with your pooch is the best balm for mind, body & soul

2011-08-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

Yoga with your pooch is the best balm for mind, body & soul

When yoga goes to the dogs, they call it doga.
    And while doga may not measure up, fitness-wise, to a game of fetch or a run on the beach, experts say practicing yoga with your pet can soothe the not-so-savage breasts of both person and pooch.
    “I consider it partner yoga,” said Suzi Teitelman, a Floridabased instructor who has been teaching doga to man, woman and beast since 2002. “It’s my lifelong passion.”
    Teitelman stumbled upon doga because her dog liked to lie under her while she practiced.
    “When you feel good, they feel good,” she said. “They want to be around your goodness.”
    Classes, DVDs and a training manual followed. Teitelman said she’s trained more than 100 people around the world in doga, some from China and Japan too.
    Disco yoga, kid yoga, beach yoga, spin yoga and yogalites are but a few of the trendy hybrids saluting the sun at fitness centers these days, all takeoffs on the 5,0000-yearold practice that coordinates movement and breath.
    But Teitelman insists she teaches a traditional yoga class, even if the downward facing dog is flesh and blood.

Yoga for healthy mind and body

2011-08-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

Yoga for healthy mind and body

yoga is excellent both for the mind and body. It is also suitable for all ages, but beneficial only when done regularly

Yoga is very good for older people as it is mild and gentle. But with old age, come several limitations and by the time we are old, we have already developed ailments and caused damage to the body. Starting yoga, early, is therefore a good idea. It keeps you fit through life and even as you age, you are still flexible enough to continue intermediate and advance level of asanas. It is also good to start young as the younger generation is now prone to physical and mental diseases because of sedentary lifestyles. Yoga is not only asanas, but pranayama and meditation too. Yoga begins with physical action, but gradually, cognitive, mental, and reflective actions are integrated into yoga practice. Normal exercise deals with mostly isotonic muscle activity whereas yoga focuses more on isometric activity.
Yoga changes the brain: Yoga also brings neuroanatomical changes and balances irregularities of the brain’s neuron movements and of the endocrine system responsible for hormonal secretion. Yoga works on both mind and body, and gives importance to breathing with changes of posture in asanas. In yoga, results are a trifle slow, but this is because when you first start yoga, you first have to decondition the body and mind that might be wrongly conditioned for years. Muscle, bones, nerves and organs, therefore, take time to adapt to the new routine. Pranayama also increases ventilatory capacity of the lungs, and oxygen, then, reaches all parts of the body. Results, however, come only after regular practice of yoga. Dietary changes: Yoga helps in weight loss and cures many autoimmune and psychosomatic ailments, but diet change is a must. Without dietary changes, there is no way that yoga can help. Diet directly affects the mind and body. Yoga is more of a lifestyle than a therapy. It should form a part of your life, just as you do bathing and brushing daily as a preventive action. Many people think that yoga just twice or thrice a week is enough, but in reality, body conditioning (muscle stretching, massaging of organs, and breathing patterns) require continuous practice so that required levels of health and strength are maintained.

Trying to shed those extra kilos

2011-07-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

Trying to shed those extra kilos? Begin eating same food over and over again

Struggling to shed those extra kilos? Eat the same food every day, scientists say. Researchers at the University of Buffalo in the US found that eating the same food over and over again in successive meals can make people so uninterested in the meals that they start eating less.
    The study “provides a very interesting new piece to the obesity puzzle by suggesting that meal monotony may actually lead to reduced calorie consumption,” said Shelley McGuire, a spokesperson for the American Society for Nutrition. “The trick will be balancing this concept with the importance of variety to good nutrition,” McGuire was quoted as saying by LiveScience.
    For the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers recruited 32 women and engaged them in a computer task. They were given a serving of macaroni and cheese each time they completed their task. All of the women completed five of such sessions over the study’s course, but half of the women participated in one session every day for five consecutive days, while the other half participated once a week for five weeks. Women who ate macaroni and cheese every day for a week were found to be taking in 100 fewer calories each day than normal by the week’s end. Whereas the women whose sessions were spaced one week apart were eating about 30 more calories a day by the study’s end.
    The findings show that eating the same food daily makes us habituated to it, whereas eating it weekly does not, they said.

Morning-after pill: A medical nightmare?

2011-07-24T02:03:00.000-07:00

Morning-after pill: A medical nightmare?

Rampant Abuse Of Emergency Contraceptives By GenNext Has City Doctors Worried

The morningafter pill, once hailed as a revolution in birth control, is slowly trapping the city’s youth in a vicious cycle of passion, guilt and trauma.
    The brazen abuse of the over-the-counter (OTC) emergency drug is triggering severe side-effects, and sometimes even failing to prevent pregnancy, forcing girls to suffer the agony of successive abortions.
    Shockingly, the city’s abortion clinics have a steady inflow of school and college-going girls.
    “We get at least two cases of unwanted pregnancies on every OPD day. These girls have either failed to take the morningafter pill on time or it did not work. The failure rate is as high as 10 per cent. Youngsters are using emergency pills too often,” said Dr Anuradha Kapur, head of the department of obstetrics at Max Healthcare.
    It was touted as the ‘chill pill’ with tremendous benefits considering the time it takes to get a doctor’s appointment and obtain a prescription that pushes a woman past the 72-hour efficacy window. Pushed by the government and promoted by pharma firms, emergency contraception was advertised as an option for women since 2002 but made available over the counter since 2005.The next few years saw sales surge. But city gynaecologists are pointing to the disturbing trend of youngsters now misusing emergency pills. The GenNext feels the pill is the first and often the only choice of contraception, when it should be the last line of defence.
    Excessive dependence on these pills leaves women with severe hormonal problems and puts couples at the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including the deadly HIV.
    “Morning-after pills should be used to prevent pregnancy only if there has been a serious lapse like a condom break. But couples pop these pills as frequently as four to five times a month. They tend to forget that it can fail, too. Often the male partner does not bring the pills within the stipulated 72-hour period. And this puts women at more risk,” said Kapur.
    Dr Aasha Sharma, gynaecologist, Rockland Hospital, said, “Even school girls are coming to me with problems of irregular periods and unwanted pregnancies. If pregnancy is detected within a week, we give them medicines to induce an abortion. Or a suction evacuation is carried out,” she said.
    Many experts say only a ban on such pills will solve the problem. “The pills should never be used as routine contraceptives. They contain a higher dose of oestrogen and progesterone, which causes hormonal imbalance. These pills should be sold only on a doctor’s prescription,” said Dr Bir Singh, a professor in the community medicine department at AIIMS.
    Dr Suneeta Mittal, head of AIIMS gynaecology department, feels the abuse of the pill is a serious concern. “The issue will be discussed by experts on August 9 at a meeting with the Population Council, a global NGO working in the field of reproductive health,” she said.
    So, think twice before you pop that pill.

Protect your fertility

2011-07-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Protect your fertility

A rise in the male hormone in women can cause infertility

    Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in which there are multiple tiny cysts, which develop within the periphery of the ovary. This is associated with insulin insensitivity and excessive male hormone influence in women. PCOS may be seen in women from the age of 14 to 50 years and causes acne, excessive facial and body hair, weight gain and irregular periods.
    In women of child-bearing age, it can result in infertility due to anovulation (the egg does not come out of the ovary each month). In older women, it can cause diabetes and cancer of the uterus, if care is not taken.
Causes The exact cause of PCOS is not known, though it is probably genetic in nature and is often seen in mothers and daughters or two sisters with the same problem. Lifestyle also affects PCOS and weight gain may aggravate the condition.
Prevention As it is a genetic condition, one cannot prevent it, but can control it by a lifestyle change. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are extremely important. Early diagnosis and control are important, by doing a sonography and some hormone tests.
Weight loss brings out a significant improvement in symptoms like irregular periods and inability to become pregnant.
In young girls, where the main problems are cosmetic, low dose hormone pills given for three weeks every month bring about regular periods, reduce acne and facial hair.
    In patients who are trying to achieve pregnancy, tablets and injections to bring about ovulation are very effective.
Ensure regular menses every month by using hormone tablets. It prevents abnormal growth of the lining of the womb, which prevents the development of cancer of the uterus later. Anti-diabetic drugs, which improve insulin sensitivity, are known to improve the problems of PCOS and hence are prescribed to many patients. By laparoscopic ovarian drilling, keyhole surgery with a tiny needle, the cysts in the ovary are burnt.

Remedies for common cold

2011-07-21T04:23:00.000-07:00

Remedies for common cold

hot ginger tea, fruits full of vitamin C and steam inhalations as useful home remedies to treat the common cold

There is no cure for the common cold because there are more than 200 different viruses that can cause symptoms of a cold, even though most of them such as rhinoviruses seldom produce serious illnesses. You can get infected by cold viruses by either inhaling drops of mucus from the air or from hand-to-hand contact. However, fatigue, lack of sleep, stress, unhealthy food and habits like smoking can increase the risk and increase duration and severity of symptoms. Cold symptoms can last from two to 14 days, but generally people recover within 10 days. There are several myths related to the common cold. One such myth is that going out in the cold is responsible for the spread of this infection. On the contrary, this does not aid its spread as much as being in proximity with other people. For this reason, small children are more prone to colds. Children usually have two to six colds a year, while adults average one to three colds a year.
Home remedies The common cold can be treated at home and demands plenty of rest and fluid intake. Hot ginger tea and lukewarm lime water with honey are very effective in the treatment of colds and dry cough. Intake of fluids helps the immune system function properly. Chicken soup has always been among the best cures. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, papaya, apples and green leafy vegetables, should be consumed as they improve metabolism. Hot water baths and steam inhalation are helpful and can relieve chest and nasal congestion. Two doses of a powdered mixture of tulsi seeds and ginger every day also ensures quick healing. At the same time, taking up small preventive measures such as washing hands regularly, using hand sanitisers, not sharing cigarettes, using paper towels instead of cloth ones play an instrumental role in avoiding colds. Most of the time, colds and flu just run their course and disappear. In case, symptoms worsen or if there is an underlying medical condition, such as a heart disease that is aggravated by the illness, seek a doctor’s help. Antibiotics should not be used to treat the common cold as they may make it worse.

Feet need special care during the monsoon.

2011-07-19T03:42:00.001-07:00

Feet need special care during the monsoon. Diabetics must always protect their feet from trauma or infection as wounds take longer to heal in their condition.

With the monsoon comes humidity, sweating, stickiness and moisture, which encourage fungus and moulds. These lead to secondary bacterial infections which travel to deeper tissues leading to damage and decay of fascia and ligaments. Personal hygiene and sanitation is, therefore, important. Take special care of the feet, as fungal infections or Athlete’s foot can lead to serious infections, especially in diabetic patients.
Precautions for diabetics: More than 50 million people in India have diabetes, and every year, 40,000 amputations happen because of diabetes. Wounds take longer to heal in diabetics, so they must always protect their feet from trauma or infection. Many amputations are because of people’s casual attitude towards preventive diabetic foot care. Sixty per cent diabetics suffer numbness or neuropathy or complete loss of sensation in their feet. They have burning, tingling, numbness, or feel as if insects are crawling over their feet or as if they are walking on amattress because of weakness of nerves that carry sensations of pain, touch, temperature, position and vibration. These sensations are a result of irritation in such nerves. Foot care: Never walk barefoot and wash your feet with warm water and mild soap daily. Wash them with an antiseptic after walking in rain. Scrub feet daily to remove mud.

•Dry feet with a clean towel. Use moisturizer to prevent dryness, but not between the toes.

•Wash your flip-flops or chappals. Wear open shoes and flipflops during rain. Don’t wear the same shoes daily. Disinfect shoes in sunshine so the footwear is never damp.

•Purchase shoes in the afternoon when your feet are their largest size. The lifespan of a running shoe is 650km, so if you run 20km a week, change your shoe every 8-10 months.

•Wear clean, dry socks every day which draw moisture away from your feet. Cotton socks with acrylic blends are best.

•Trim toenails regularly.

•Examine feet for cuts, scrapes, bruises, calluses, or corns. Swelling or redness are signs of infection, possibly fungal infection. Consult a podiatrist, especially if feet itch or are dry and scaly.

•Your feet need both exercise for circulation and rest.

Want to eat less? Use a bigger fork

2011-07-17T04:22:00.001-07:00

Want to eat less? Use a bigger fork

    Researchers have found a new way to control the amount we eat: use a bigger fork.
    While numerous studies have focused on portion sizes and their influence on how much we eat, researchers Arul and Himanshu Mishra and Tamara Masters looked at how bite sizes affect quantities ingested. To do this, they conducted field research in a popular Italian restaurant in the southwestern US.
    Two sets of forks were used to tinker with bite size: a larger fork that held 20% more food than the fork usually used in the restaurant, and a smaller fork that held 20% less. Servers, including one of the study’s authors, took customers’ orders, and weighed the full plate of food that they had ordered before serving it to them. A small sticky note was attached to the underside of each plate, noting the weight and other information – just in case the fork and plate were separated when the table was cleared.
    At the end of the meal, the plate was brought back to the kitchen and weighed again, and the researchers found that diners who used the bigger fork ate less of their food than those who used the smaller one.
    But the big fork, less eaten theory only worked in a restaurant setting. A study conducted in the lab, which also used Italian food, found that people who used big forks actually consumed more.
    The researchers concluded that there are different motivations when we eat in a restaurant or a lab. Diners went to the restaurant with a “well-defined goal of satiating their hunger, and, because of this well-defined goal, they are willing to invest effort and resources to satiate their hunger.” In the lab, participants were told they were taking part in a study and did not have that same motivation.
    The restaurant diners felt that the small fork gave them “a feeling that they are not making much progress” towards their goal, and this resulted in them eating more of the food on their plate than the large-fork group, the researchers reasoned.
    “Given people’s busy lives and the trend of eating in restaurants, if we are not chewing longer, then consuming from a larger fork may actually be more helpful in controlling overconsumption,” they write.

Drive like crazy? It’s a disease & can be cured

2011-07-16T04:28:00.001-07:00

Drive like crazy? It’s a disease & can be cured

Hefei, (China): In China, where someone is killed in traffic every five minutes, one entrepreneurial doctor has an unusual approach for making roads safer: Treat bad driving like a disease you can diagnose before the driver even getting near a car.
    Dr Jin Huiqing has spent nearly three decades trying to figure out why some motorists seem more accident prone than others. He has translated his research into a lucrative business selling his road safety program to Chinese municipalities. At least one city using his methods reports a dip in traffic deaths.
    He has studied the records of thousands of Chinese bus, van and cab drivers, put dozens through neurological tests, examined hundreds of blood samples. Since last year, he has even been trying to find gene markers for bad drivers.
    “Cars can be fitted with the highest levels of equipment: safety belts, air bags, and so on. Roads can be more regulated. But people, how can you help them become better?” Jin said in an interview in the central city of Hefei, where he is based. “People still need to be controlled, they must face restrictions.”
    Jin tries to target the root cause of crashes by identifying the physical or psychological traits of poor drivers, such as risk-taking or poor response time under stress, and keeping them off the streets or ensuring they get adequate training.
    The cost of traffic casualties is so high that accidentprone people should at least be barred from driving commercially, he said.
    Similar studies have sparked debate among researchers, with many dismissing the findings as too uncertain. As for taking a genetic approach, the logical extreme could limit someone’s right to drive based on their DNA clearly a politically unfeasible notion.

Exercise to keep diseases at bay

2011-07-14T05:42:00.001-07:00

Exercise to keep diseases at bay

Most chronic diseases and associated risk factors are linked with physical inactivity. Regular exercise, in addition to diet change and medicine, can help relieve symptoms and improvethe well-being of individuals with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular heart disease, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Apart from diet modification, physical exercise greatly reduces the risk of almost all chronic diseases simultaneously. Studies have proven that chronic diseases are not so prevalent in societies where physical work is a regular part of life.
Daily aerobic exercise: Physical exercise and activity promotes health and wellbeing. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise, primarily aerobic, is recommended for healthy adults from 18 to 65 years of age. Exercising five days a week is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Steady and rhythmic exercise like walking, running, jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing are forms of aerobic exercise. Exercising daily: Increases oxygen uptake by increasing heart output and the ability of the muscles to use oxygen from the blood

•Tones up circulation, removes clots in blood vessels so that the heart functions more efficiently

•Improves insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control and reduces intra-abdominal fatty tissue in patients with type 2 diabetes, even without weight loss

•Reduces blood pressure by widening arteries, increasing circulation to muscles and skin. Exercise improves kidney function contributing to the body’s ability to remove excess fluids.

•Increases HDL or good cholesterol and reduces LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood, especially if you lose fat around the waist and abdomen

•Promotes weight loss and weight control

•Reduces incidence of cancer and improves the survival chances of cancer patients

•Helps to stimulate bone formation and retain calcium in load-bearing bones. It increases muscle strength, coordination and decreases chances of falls in the elderly, thus, improving quality of life in patients with osteoporosis. In arthritis patients, regular exercise can keep muscles around affected joints strong; it reduces bone loss and controls joint swelling

•Boosts the immune system and promotes relaxation.

Balancing alkaline and acidic foods

2011-07-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

Balancing alkaline and acidic foods

Disease begins from an imbalance of alkaline and acidic elements in our food. The human body is 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. Maintaining this ratio is the basis of health. Fruits (except plums and berries), lemons, oranges, leafy and other vegetables, coconut, fresh milk, sprouted food grains, dates, figs, and soaked dry fruits are alkaline. Meats, eggs, cheese, butter, cooked food, chapati, dry fruits, sweets, coffee, tea, chocolate, boiled milk, flour, salt, alcohol, soda, vanaspati ghee, fried and baked foods are acidic. People who balance their alkaline and acidic foods rarely encounter indigestion. Ayurveda says that wrong combinations of food are like poisons for the body. Food in the stomach is digested through different digestive juices. If both acidic and alkaline foods are eaten together, then their respective digestive juices will also be secreted together. These then mix and lead to problems. Protein, for instance, begins to rot. Starch ferments and so on, disturbing the digestive process. The lavish concept of a fourcourse meal with a variety of foods is, therefore, not a good idea. Eat only one kind of food at a time, as the more variety you eat, the more your digestive system will find it hard to digest food. You should begin with fruits, then have raw salads and vegetables. Finally, when this is digested, have whole grains.
Wrong combinations Never have the following together: banana or radish with milk or curd; milk with curd; honey with hot water (lukewarm is good); honey with radish; or khichdi with dessert. Avoid milk with melons or cucumber. Do not mix urad dal with radish; curd with jamun, melon or cheese. Give a gap between fruits and cooked vegetables, and never heat curd. Do not mix pulses with potato. Avoid pulses with chapati or rice – and if you must eat them together, add good helpings of raw vegetables. Avoid wheat chapati with milk or curd.
Good combinations Mango and cow’s milk, milk with dates, rice with coconut powder, pulses or bathua with curds, leafy vegetables with starch, dry fruits with sour fruits, vegetables and pulses, basmati with vegetables, fruits and dry fruits, vegetables with chapati.

Too much water may actually do more harm

2011-07-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

Too much water may actually do more harm

Scientists have for long advocated the need for drinking lots of water for good health. Yet, a new study claims that downing too much of the natural beverage could actually be harmful.
    The study, by Glasgowbased doctor Margaret McCartney, describes the danger of dehydration as a “myth”. She says the advice that people should drink six to eight glasses everyday is “not only nonsense, but thoroughly debunked nonsense”.
    She also claims there is no clear scientific evidence that people benefit from drinking extra amounts of water, and the benefits are often exaggerated by “organizations with vested interests”.
    McCartney has pointed out that research shows drinking when not thirsty can impair concentration, and evidence suggests chemicals used for disinfection found in bottled water could be bad for your health.
    Drinking excessively can also lead to loss of sleep as people have to wake up to go to the toilet. Other studies show it can even cause kidney damage. She also warns that it can lead to a potentially fatal condition called hyponatraemia, which makes body’s salt levels drop and can lead to swelling of the brain.

Acupuncture heals holistically

2011-07-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture heals holistically

Awidely acclaimed effect of acupuncture is relief from pain, or an analgesic effect, irrespective of its cause. Acupuncture provides analgesia for minor and major surgeries and women all over the world have been spared from labour pains by using acupuncture. The sensation of pain from any part of the body is carried to the thalamus, the area of the brain which perceives pain. The pain impulse travels somewhat slowly till it reaches a mechanism in the nervous system called ‘the Gate’. When the Gate is bombarded with impulses, it closes and prevents pain impulses from reaching the brain. Another theory is that when acupuncture is performed, morphine-like substances called endorphins and enkephalins present in the body increase and block the ability of the brain to perceive pain.

Muscle recovery: Acupuncture is known to stimulate muscle recovery, particularly in patients of paralytic strokes and facial paralysis. Pressure or irritation of acupuncture points transmits repair messages to that part of the brain that monitors body repair. The most important effect of acupuncture is the Homoeostatic effect, which restores the body’s internal environment to its normal state. It normalizes breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate, etc. These functions are controlled by the brain through the secretion of various hormones. Treatment restores the body to its normal state. It treats hormonal imbalances and hypertension. It is known to have no side-effects.

Fights infections: Acupuncture improves immunity by increasing white blood cells, antibodies, and gamma globulins. In chronic infections like bronchitis and sinusitis, acupuncture is useful. In chronic sinusitis, when fibrosis around the sinus prevents antibiotics from penetrating into the sinus, acupuncture can clear infection, assist in sinus drainage and dissolve fibrosis.

Brain functioning: It is effective in anxiety, insomnia, addictions, and mental disorders.

A glass of milk contains cocktail of 20 chemicals

2011-07-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

A glass of milk contains cocktail of 20 chemicals

How safe is the glass of milk you drink daily? If a new study is to be believed, it may contain a cocktail of up to 20 chemicals used in various painkillers and antibiotics. Using a highly sensitive test, a team of Spanish and Moroccan scientists found traces of a host of chemicals in samples of cow, goat and human breast milk.
    Though the doses were far too small to have an effect on anyone drinking them, the researchers said their findings highlighted how man-made chemicals are now found throughout the food chain, the Daily Mail reported. The highest quantities of medicines were found in cow milk, and the researchers believe some of the drugs and growth promoters were given to the cattle, or got into milk through cattle feed or contamination on the farm.
    The team analyzed 20 samples of cow milk bought in Spain and Morocco, along with samples of goat and breast milk. Their breakdown, which is published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, revealed that cow milk contained traces of anti-inflammatory drugs niflumic acid, mefenamic acid and ketoprofen - commonly used as painkillers in animals and people. It also contained the hormone 17-beta-estradiol, a form of the sex hormone oestrogen. The hormone was detected at three millionths of a gram in every kilogramme of milk, while the highest dose of niflumic acid was less than one millionth of a gram per kilogram of milk.
    The scientists, however, said their technique could be used to check safety of other types of food. “We believe the methodology will help provide a more effective way of determining presence of these kinds of contaminants in milk or other products,” said researcher Evaristo Ballesteros from the University of Jaen in Spain. “Food quality control labs could use this tool to detect these drugs before they enter the food chain. This would raise consumers’ awareness and give them the knowledge that food is... harmless, pure, genuine, beneficial to health and free of toxic residues,”

Vit D deficiency: A disease of modern civilization

2011-07-11T04:41:00.000-07:00

Vit D deficiency: A disease of modern civilization

    Increased urbanization and migration have changed man’s relationship to the sun. From the era of abundant unfiltered sunlight, when outdoor ways of life abounded, we have evolved to working from dawn to dusk in air conditioned offices, only to emerge and plunge into indoor gyms. During the rare sunshine exposures, either the maze of smoggy clouds or sunscreens and protective clothing, starve the body of supply.
    Vitamin D has come a long way. From being merely the bone-associated, “sunshine” vitamin. Modern medicine has rechristened it a metabolic modulator almost akin to a hormone.
    Since its discovery and association with rickets (pot-bellied kids with wiry limbs who were D deprived), it is common knowledge that sunlight is the most important factor responsible for the production of Vit amin D. The rays of the sun strike the skin and stimulate the formulation of cholecalciferol, the precursor molecule. The type of sunlight is important — best in the early morning or late afternoon and not in the blazing sun.
    From busy executives to pushed students, definitely the mall-soliciting housewives and even “courting” lawyers and in-clinic doctors — no one sees the “light of the day” and Vitamin D deficiency is rampant. A level of over 50ng of 25Hydroxy Calciferol (standard Vit D blood test) is considered normal. It is common to find more than 50 to 100% of across the board patients to be deficient. Almost all their symptoms — body ache, muscle pains, weakness, joint pains, lassitude, and even fractures — translate from this deficiency.
    This accentuates osteoporosis among post-menopausal women and andropausal men but it is seen to precipitate the same condition prematurely amongst all. India has reported a high incidence of deficiency in pregnant women and even their newborns. But it is only the tip of the iceberg, for Vitamin D has a deeper and multifaceted role to play.
    Vitamin D stimulates insulin secretion and its deficiency has been associated with diabetes. Correction and maintenance of normal levels delays or prevents hyperglycemia. Hypertension and cardiovascular disease is another devil that stalks deficient patients. Increased blood pressure and the incidence of heart attacks is higher in winter (no sun) and amongst dark skinned people (excess melanin in the skin interferes with D formation). Longstanding D deficiency causes inflammation within the tiny arteries resulting in a higher incidence of strokes, heart failure and kidney diseases. For long, D deficiency has been implicated in reactivation of tuberculosis and chronic infections. Its role as a potent immunomodulator makes it mandatory to replenish levels when combating such problems. The last straw on the deficient’s back is cancer. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, ovary and lung.
    The solution is simple. If you cannot get under the sun for at least 20 minutes a day, eat foods rich in Vitamin D such as milk, cereal, yogurt, fish, cod liver oil, fruits and leafy vegetables, etc. See that you maintain adequate levels of Vitamin D. While more than 50ng is normal, closer to 75ng is desirable.
    Deficient patients need 2000 IUs (international units) a day, while maintaining that level requires 800 IUs daily. This is easily provided by inexpensive tablets or powders. Care should be taken to simultaneously consume at least 800 mg of calcium per day for the two work in tandem in the bone.
    In India, Vitamin D deficiency is poverty in the midst of plenty and is a treatable problem. Replenishing it is a wise investment with diverse benefits –so that “bhuddah koi nahi hoga.”

Managing gastroenteritis at home

2011-07-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

Managing gastroenteritis at home

precautions you should take to avoid stomach upsets during the monsoon, which include washing hands frequently and drinking safe water

Summers and monsoons bring problems related to the gastrointestinal system and liver. The heat and moisture promotes rapid growth of viruses and bacteria in improperly prepared and stored food. Gastroenteritis is usually acute at the onset, and lasts a week to 10 days, but is usually self-limiting. The infection is caused mostly by viruses. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps, pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, fever, heartburn and general weakness. Bloody diarrhoea comes with bacterial infections. It could lead to dehydration; recognise this as dryness of the mucus membrane of the mouth and tongue, reduced skin turgor, sunken eyeballs, and fast and low volume pulse. In such cases, the patient should be rushed to the hospital. Replace lost fluids: The treatment focuses on maintaining proper hydration levels, which can be done at home too by drinking oral fluids rich in electrolytes. If not available, drink simple fresh lime water with salt and sugar. Avoid sugary drinks and juices and milk, but you can take curd, yogurt and lassi and coconut water. In moderate and severe dehydration, patients need intravenous fluids. Mothers should breastfeed infants or continue formula feeds along with oral rehydration. Medicines like antiemetics stop vomiting, and antibiotics and antispasmodics can be taken on a doctor’s recommendation. Avoid selfmedication. Anti-motility medicines are used in severe cases, but don’t use them for mild or moderate cases, as they cause complications. The idea is not to stop diarrhoea immediately, but to take care of the hydration status, because not every case of acute gastroenteritis requires antibiotics. Prevention tips: Prevention is better than cure, so cultivate healthy eating habits. Eat fresh and properly cooked food and avoid stale food, even if stored in the fridge. Drink only water boiled for 15 minutes or bottled water; use proper water for cleaning utensils. Avoid raw salads and meats. Wash fruits and vegetables in clean running water. Finally, wash with water mixed with a few potassium permanganate crystals. Do not eat from roadside vendors and maintain personal hygiene. Frequent washing of hands with soap reduces chances of gastroenteritis.

Couch potatoes at risk of blood clots in lungs

2011-07-07T05:34:00.001-07:00

Couch potatoes at risk of blood clots in lungs

Lying around for long stretches outside of work doubles the risk of dangerous blood clots in the lungs, according to a study among women released on Tuesday. The study looked at the risk of pulmonary embolism - blood clots in the lungs that typically arise from a vein constriction in the legs - among 69,950 female nurses over an 18-year period. Previous research has highlighted a number of factors for this condition, including age, immobility on longhaul flights, obesity, smoking and hypertension.
The new research suggests that a sedentary lifestyle can be added to the list. Over the 18-year study period, there were 268 cases of pulmonary embolism.
The risk more than doubled in women who spent more than 41 hours a week sitting down outside the workplace compared to those who were seated for less than 10 hours per week. Results held even after age, weight and tobacco consumption were taken into account.

Set a fitness goal and fuel it up with the right breakfast

2011-07-07T05:31:00.001-07:00

Set a fitness goal and fuel it up with the right breakfast

Breakfast, quite literally, means breaking the fast. Thus, starting the day with a healthy breakfast is imperative. The most essential meal of the day ensures that your body has stored sufficient energy for the day’s activities. Skip breakfast and chances are that you will be binging the entire day and will end up over-eating. However, one must consume the right food depending on the fitness goal. Here are some healthy breakfast choices, which you could incorporate in your diet.
MUSCLE-BUILDERS If you are trying to build muscle, opt for high-protein breakfasts such as egg-white omelettes, or eat a bowl of boiled pulses. Avoid protein shakes unless you want to bulk up. Eat a high-protein breakfast combined with complex carbohydrates such as legumes, vegetables, bread (multigrain or whole wheat) and high fats such as muffins, butter croissants and biscuits. A combination of such a meal will help build muscles.
MARATHONER People who are running a marathon tend to eat less in the mornings. You have to build physical stamina and need sufficient reserves to sustain it. Eat food that release energy slowly to keep you going. You also need to supply your brain with energy for mental stamina. Aim for a 1,000 to 1,500 calorie breakfast and this is most easily achieved with a combination of wholemeal bread with butter and eggs. Oatmeal is a slow release food. Make porridge and eat it with a sweet fruit such as banana.
RECOVERY After the completion of a strenuous workout, you need to get your body back on track. You need carbohydrates to refuel your muscles, protein to help repair damaged muscles and potassium-heavy foods to replenish lost electrolytes. Fish and rice is an excellent option. Dried fruits such as raisins and dried apricots are high in potassium. Keeping your fluid level up is vital.
WEIGHT WATCHERS Many people think that they will lose weight faster by skipping breakfast, but the reverse is true. Eating less food will slow the body metabolism, which will make it harder for your body to burn fat. Go for a bowl of cereals with milk. Eat a vegetable omelette, poha, upma, idli, or dosa along with a fruit platter. When you are trying to lose weight, ensure that you eat most of your carbohydrates in the mornings.
WEIGHT WANTERS In order to gain weight, you obviously need to eat more calories than your body burns. Eating a heavy breakfast is essential. Oatmeal in the morning will do. Granola and muesli bars are great alternatives since they contain similar amount of calories. Make sure you buy ones without added sugars. Eat whole wheat bread with cheese.

Trying for a baby? Brush your teeth

2011-07-07T05:28:00.001-07:00

Trying for a baby? Brush your teeth

Want to be a mother? Then be sure that your oral hygiene is well maintained, as for the first time scientists have found that women with gum disease take an average of two months longer to conceive. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic infectious illness that occurs when the bacteria in one's mouth creates inflammation around a tooth and can spread into the circulatory system.
    Previous studies have linked gum disease with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, respiratory and kidney disease, and problems in pregnancy such as miscarriage and premature birth. This is the first time, researcher from the University of Western Australia have found that gum disease affects the time it takes women to become pregnant, LiveScience reported. For their study, the researchers monitored a group of 3,416 pregnant women and analysed their pregnancy planning and outcome information.
    The findings, presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, showed that women with gum disease took an average of just over seven months to become pregnant, which was two months longer than the average of five months it took women without gum disease to conceive. The researchers also found that non-Caucasian women with gum disease were more likely to take more than a year to become pregnant compared to those without gum disease.
    This may be because the non-Caucasian women appeared to have a higher level of inflammatory response to gum disease, said Roger Hart, who led the study. “Our data suggest that the presence of periodontal disease is a modifiable risk factor, which can increase a woman's time to conception, particularly for non-Caucasians. “It exerts a negative influence on fertility that is of the same order of magnitude as obesity.” The researchers recommend that women who are planning to becoming pregnant should consult with their dentist to make sure that they do not have any gum disease.

Eleven magical ways to wellness

2011-07-07T05:23:00.001-07:00

Eleven magical ways to wellness

Akey part of good health comes from food, through interaction with nature and p r a n a, and from maintaining a positive attitude. It is good to connect with nature and to live in the present moment. Dwelling on the past or paying excessive attention to your future brings nothing but unhappiness. Follow these 11 golden tips. They will change your life as nothing else can.
• Wake up feeling ‘alive’ and ‘powerful’. Wake up with thoughts of gratitude and be thankful for the abundance of nature around you.
• Sometimes you wake up foggy and confused, worrying over a niggling issue. Your angels are at work when they simply ‘show’ you the way to solve it.
• Spend time with nature. Take a walk outdoors or sit in the balcony or garden of your house breathing in the fresh air, watching the birds and the breeze blowing through the trees. Do some p r a n a y a m aand breathing exercises. Pay special attention to exhaling your breath. This eliminates toxins and makes you feel more energetic and alive.
• Positivity is a word that many wonder about; don’t just think about it but apply it to your daily interactions. It means you will find something good about everything you do.
• Kind words will bring on those miracles both in your personal as well as your professional life. So, get in touch with your better nature.
• Drink a glass of water every hour. This will replenish your energy levels, make sure you stay focused and drive out negative thoughts from your mind.
• One meal with your family will bring in validation and bonding. Then go out into the world as a wholesome being.
• You are your word. So keeping your word is big and beautiful and adds colour to your personality and naturally converts you to a winner in every sphere of your life.
• Money is an important part of life, but make sure your exchanges are honest and free. You will feel like a millionaire when you do that.
• Add a surprise a day for someone you love, and for someone you don’t even know. This will bring a sense of purpose to your life.
• Sleep with a smile and end the day with love in your heart!

REFRESHINGLY COOL

2011-07-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

REFRESHINGLY COOL

Summer, for most, means a reduction in calorie intake. During this season, it’s important to set a diet plan. Here are a few good summer diet options that will keep you healthy...

It’s a natural trend to eat light during summer, and you can easily do so without feeling deprived. It’s also natural for one to go in for a glass of cold fruit juice or ice cream instead of a hot soup. Interests shift from high calorie food of the winter to low calorie food. Although, for many, summer vacations mean family outings and picnics that are heavy on food. But, dietician Gunasekharan believes that summer is the season when it’s easiest to eat healthy.
DRINK WATER Youngsters usually consume more aerated drinks during the summer. But experts say that water is a smarter choice. Water keeps the body cool and prevents dehydration. It also helps one avoid putting on unnecessary calories. Fresh lime juice and coconut water are ideal as thirst-quencher.
HAVE A LOT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Summer is the best season for a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables;make the most of them.Include atleast two servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Fruit smoothies and milkshakes are easy to make. Just toss some fruits and milk into your blender and you have a healthy and filling snack.
CURD AND YOGURT ARE COOL OPTIONS Include some form of curd or yogurt in your meals. Buttermilk is another great cooler. Besides tasting delicious, it has several health benefits too. Having a glass of buttermilk or chaas just before stepping out into the sun, helps prevent dehydration.
GET IN YOUR PROTEIN Many people tend to reduce their protein intake during the warmer months of the year. However, you should not leave out proteins altogether. It is an important part of your diet. It also keeps your hair healthy, which can be tough in the summer months.
SALADS ARE FOR SMARTIES Eating a lot of fresh salads during the summer months is a great idea because salads are easy to prepare and are healthy for your body. However, when having a lot of salads, you need to make sure that your nutritional requirements are taken care of.
MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FOOD IS FRESH All the health benefits that you get from eating light summer food may be wasted if you fall sick because you’ve eaten food that is not fresh. During summer, food gets spoilt more quickly.
DON’T SKIP MEALS Many people drastically lose weight by cutting down on meals, but this is a very unhealthy practice. Skipping meals also slows down the metabolism which means the body burns fewer calories.

Food-package chemical turns men girl-like

2011-07-03T05:40:00.001-07:00

Food-package chemical turns men girl-like

Scientists have warned that a chemical, called bisphenol A, commonly found in food packaging may rob a man of his sex appeal. Bisphenol A, or BPA, which is used to harden plastics, is one of the world’s most widely manufactured chemicals found in dozens of daily items including baby bottles, CD cases and food and drink packaging.
    Because the chemical mimics oestrogen, it’s believed it interferes with the way hormones are processed by the body. Now, a new study by the University of Missouri in the US has found that male mice who were exposed to bisphenol A as babies became demasculanised and “behaved more like females”, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported.
    Lead author Prof Cheryl Rosenfeld said the chemical had suppressed the early production of testosterone, which the females could sense. “The BPA-exposed deer mice in our study look normal; there is nothing obviously wrong with them. Yet, they are clearly different. Females don’t want to mate with BPA-exposed male deer mice, and BPA-exposed males perform worse on spatial navigation tasks that assess their ability to find female partners in the wild,” she said.
    The research could have implications on how BPA affects human development and behaviour, say the scientists. “These findings presumably have broad implications to other species, including humans, where there are also innate differences between males and females in cognitive and behavioural patterns.

‘Eating for two’ harms your baby

2011-06-27T03:53:00.001-07:00

‘Eating for two’ harms your baby

Moms-to-be, please note — eating for two can harm your baby, for researchers have found that women who consume too much during pregnancy raises risk of low IQ, eating disorders and psychosis in their children.
    An international team has found that the risks were increased not just in the early years but also in adolescence, and in adulthood when the risk of disorders like schizophrenia was increased. The findings, published in the international journal Obesity Reviews, examined researches from across across the world on the impact of maternal weight on child development.
    One study found that every increased unit in the pregnant woman’s Body Mass Index (BMI) — calculated as her weight in kg divided by the square of her height in metres — was linked to a “significantly” reduced IQ in child. Overall, the average IQ of children of obese mothers was five points lower than those born to mothers of healthy weight, according to the study, one of 12 examined by the researchers at McMaster University, in Ontario, Canada.
    Another study from Sweden found children born of overweight mothers were more likely to suffer from attention deficit problems, while findings from Japan found every extra BMI point added in early pregnancy increased the offspring’s chance of developing schizophrenia in adulthood by 24%.
    A similar study of Australian teenagers suggested their chance of having an eating disorder increased by 11% for every extra BMI point gained by their mothers during the pregnancy.
    The researchers said the reasons for the extra risks were not clear, but might be linked to changes in the hormonal, cardiovascular and immune systems during pregnancy as a result of excess weight.
    Jane Munro, from the Royal College of Midwives, said more research was needed to establish whether the apparent risks highlighted in the latest study were a direct result of maternal obesity.

A new treatment for diabetes?

2011-06-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

A new treatment for diabetes?

Diabetic patients who consumed just 600 calories a day were able to live without their pills at the end of a two-month trial, say experts. Eleven men and women with type 2 diabetes were put on the diet for 8 weeks. After just a week, some blood sugar readings had returned to normal, An international newspaper reported quoting the journal Diabetologia. After two months, fat levels in the pancreas returned to normal and the organ was able to pump out insulin without any problem. Some patients no longer needed tablets to control high blood pressure, it said. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin. Diabetes is often controlled initially with a stringent diet and exercise plan. But many sufferers eventually need tablets or insulin injections. “We have shown that we can reverse it,” said Roy Taylor, the study’s lead author. Three months after the end of the diet, seven of the 11 men and women were still diabetes-free.

Why too much junk food can lead to obesity

2011-06-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

Why too much junk food can lead to obesity

Astudy has found that eating too much fatty junk food destroys the brain cells that control weight, leading to a vicious circle of obesity. Researchers fed rats what they described as a “typical high-fat American diet” and found they had doubled their calorie intake three days later. It also showed they had an inflammation in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain containing neurons that control body weight, and though the inflammation stopped a few days later, it recurred after four weeks.
Lead researcher Dr Joshua Thaler, of the Diabetes and Obesity Centre of Excellence at the University of Washington in Seattle, said scientists also detected a healing response to brain injury called gliosis. “Gliosis is the brain equivalent of wound healing and is seen in conditions of neuronal injury, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis,” the Daily Mail quoted him. “The early gliosis that we saw may be a protective response that fails over time. We also detected damage to, and eventual loss of, critical weight-regulating neurons. The possibility that brain injury may be a consequence of the overconsumption of a typical American diet offers a new explanation for why sustained weight loss is so difficult for most obese individuals to achieve. If new medicines can be designed that limit neuron injury during overeating, they may be effective in combating the obesity epidemic,”

Cell phones can reduce male fertility

2011-06-25T04:44:00.000-07:00

Cell phones can reduce male fertility

    Even when not in use, cell phones can reduce fertility in males by as much as 30 per cent, a recent study has revealed. This latest warning comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that cell phones could cause cancer. The study was conducted by a Canadian university, and says that men with poor sperm quality and less sperm count could have been spending too much time talking on their cell phones and were being harmed by the electromagnetic waves that are emitted by them.
    “While usage of cell phone appears to increase the level of testosterone circulating in the male body, it may also lead to low quality of sperms in terms of motility and concentration, thereby decreasing the chances of fertility,” said the survey.
    Interestingly, the researchers believe that cell phones may cause damage while they are on stand-by mode too, as they make regular transmissions to maintain contact with the nearest radio masts.
    Users should also avoid carrying phones in a belt holster or trousers, instead carry them in a bag or a briefcase away from physical contact and avoid them when not in use, suggested the study.

Want to stave off aging? Strawberries may help

2011-06-25T04:41:00.001-07:00

Want to stave off aging? Strawberries may help

Eating strawberries regularly may help stave off aging and even prevent cancer, a new study has claimed. Researchers from Marche Polytechnic University in Italy and the University of Granada in Spain found that eating the fruit helps boost antioxidant levels in the blood.
    Higher levels of antioxidants have been found to combat the effects of oxidative stress, lessening the effects of aging and even the chances of contracting diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, the Daily Mail reported. For the study, the researchers fed healthy volunteers half a kilo of strawberries over two weeks. They took blood samples from volunteers after four, eight, 12 and 16 days, and also a month later. The results, published in journal Chemistry, showed that eating the fruit regularly can boost levels of antioxidants in the blood and also help prevent red blood cells undergoing haemolysis, a process which sees them fragmenting.
    The power of strawberries lies in the high levels of phenolic compounds they contain, which have antioxidant properties, said the scientists. Oxidative stress can also occur as we age, when we exercise or even give birth, highlighting the potential of the humble soft fruit. Study author Dr Maurizio Battino, of Marche Polytechnic University in Italy, said: “We have shown that some varieties of strawberries make erythrocytes more resistant to oxidative stress.
    “This could be of great significance if you take into account that this phenomenon can lead to serious diseases.” The researchers now plan to investigate whether the similar benefits can come from eating a more manageable amount of strawberries — such as 150g or 200g, and also want to look at which varieties of strawberries contain the most antioxidants

Beware of urinary tract infections

2011-06-25T04:39:00.001-07:00

Beware of urinary tract infections

    Urinary tract infection or UTI is caused by bacteria such as escherichia coli or e coli. It is more common in women than in men and occurs in the urinary tract that comprises the urethra, bladder, uretes and kidneys. The most common cause for the infection is unhygienic bathrooms where these bacteria are found; e coli attaches itself to the cell lining of the urinary tract and forms a protected film and is, therefore, resistant to medication. Eighty per cent of women who have had UTI report reoccurrence. The symptoms Symptoms vary with age and the part infected. Infants get cranky, have high fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and cry while passing urine. Children may be irritable, complain of pain in the lower abdomen, have fever and dribbling of urine or feel a frequent urge to urinate. In young women, there is a pain in the lower abdomen with burning sensation during urination, or even blood. It manifests as a foul smell in the urine or as cloudy urine. In older people, there can be all of the above symptoms, besides lethargy and confusion. The diagnosis can be made symptomatically or after a routine urine analysis or culture. Collect an early morning sample in midstream. To avoid repeated attacks:
    Maintain good personal hygiene and drink three litres of water daily.
    Avoid excess beverages, juices and sweetened drinks.
    Avoid extra sugar in food, cookies, cakes and baked items with trans-fatty acids.
    Add whole grains and fibers to your diet.
    Antioxidants like cranberries, blueberries, cherries and tomatoes inhibit the binding of the bacteria to the bladder wall.
    Breast feeding is best for infants.
    Exercise 30 minutes a day. Homeopathy can increase the resistance of the body against e coli. Common medicines used are apis mellifica, recommended for burning and soreness or when frequent and involuntary urination occurs. Symptoms may be more severe at night. The urethra burns even when the person is not urinating and the bladder never feels empty.