Constipation

Diarrhea and the stomach Flu

Every year, millions of Americans come down with the “stomach flu,” or viral gastroenteritis. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, fever and headache. It’s also highly contagious. What treatments will make life with the stomach flu a little less awful? More importantly, how can you avoid getting it in the first place? Here are some answers.

Read the Diarrhea and the stomach Flu article

Lack of exercise not only causes weight gain and other health problems, it can also affect digestion.

What you can do :

“The best thing you can do to move your bowels is wake up, eat a real meal, and do some low-level activity.

A Low-Fiber Diet Slows Digestion

Fibre is the material in plant foods that your body can’t digest, and it’s important for good digestion. It goes through you and gives you something to form a stool around,”. When you don’t have enough fiber in your diet, stools can become small, dry and hard.

What you can do:

Eating  more fiber can add bulk to stools, making them softer and easier to pass. To get more fiber in your diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, legumes and beans, and whole grains. A simple rule of thumb is to try to eat 2 cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables a day. Also, always choose whole grain breads and cereals and include one or two meals a week with beans or legumes. Gradually adding fiber to your diet will help prevent bloating and gas. Be sure to consider fiber supplements if the methods mentioned above don’t seem to help.

Not drinking Enough Fluids Causes Constipation

When you’re dehydrated, your body has less fluid available to keep stools soft. You can become dehydrated and not know it especially in hot weather.

“People don’t really understand the symptoms of dehydration,” It can be as simple as fatigue, not necessarily this dying thirst to have water. It can be very subtle.

What you can do :

You don’t necessarily have to drink 6 glasses of water a day to prevent constipation. The key is to drink enough so you don’t feel thirsty. You can also tell you’re getting enough fluids if your urine is clear or light yellow. And it doesn’t have to be water, juice is fine as long as you keep an eye on how many calories you take in, avoid alcohol and caffeine because they can cause you to lose fluid through urination.

Junk Food and Your Digestive Health

When you eat junk food, you spend your calorie capital on foods that are low in fiber and nutrients and high In fat and sugar. And all that fat and too little fiber can cause digestive woes. We know that fat tends to slow the gut down, because the gut is trying its best to get all the calories it can from fat.

What you can do:

You don’t have to give up favorite foods, the trick is to come up with healthy substitutes. Instead of ordering  pizza out, make your own with a store –bought whole –wheat crust topped by low fat cheese and plenty of veggies, Replace the fast-food burger and fries with roasted sweet potato fries and turkey burgers on a whole wheat bun.

OTC Supplements : A Surprising Cause of Constipation

Did you know that OTC supplements can affect your digestive health? Iron and calcium are the top two culprits.

What you can do:

Eating balanced, healthy meals can help you get all the vitamins and minerals you need from food. However, that may not be enough for people with anemia or for women looking to prevent bone loss. To counter the constipating effect of iron or calcium supplements. Try adding things to your diet thatn make you more prone to having bowel movements, such as prune juice and other high-fiber foods.

Overusing Laxatives can cause Hard-to Treat Constipation

Overusing stimulant laxatives can lead to dependence. Using these laxatives every day can cause the colon to lose its ability to move things through. Overusing enemas can have the same effect, so avoid using stimulant laxatives and enemas chronically. They will eventually cause complete dependency and the constipation can be very hard to treat.

What you can do:

First of all, consider whether you really need laxatives. A lot of people think that the daily bowel movement is the norm. We would consider anything from three bowel movements a week to three a day to be normal. If diet and exercise changes haven’t helped, talk with your doctor about using fiber supplements, such as Citrucel, FiberAll, or Metamucil. The problem with fiber for some people is that it may cause bloating and gas. But if their doctor prescribed it, they’re comfortable with the fiber, and it’s helping, then it’s safe to use fiber products.

Laxatives containing polyethylene glycol can also be used safely on a more regular basis.

 

“Holding It” Is Bad for your Digestion

Feel shy about using the office bathroom? Not a fan of public restrooms? You’re not alone. A lot of people would prefer to go at home. Holding or keeping things longer than you’re supposed to can have a negative effect. The natural signals that you hear to tell you when you have to go can be extinguished.

What you can do :

Find a place and time to have a bowel movement. For example, use the bathroom down the hall, rather than the one next to the boss’s office.

 

Thanks,

Health-Nov-2012

 

 

 

 

 

Immune System

Children have a remarkable ability to heal themselves. Doctors and medicine do not prevent or cure disease.  Antibiotics don’t cure infections. It’s the child’s own immune system that cures the infection. The antibiotic just makes it a bit easier, but if the child’s immune system is weak, the antibiotic is useless and illness will return time and time again. All of this fighting off disease weakens your child’s immune system and today’s “fast food” diets prevent your child from obtaining the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy immune system….excepts from (super Immunity for Kids by Leo Galland, M.D.)

Thanks,

Health-Nov-12

Home Remedies for summer Special Chicken Pox

Introduction

Chickenpox is a common communicable disease which is generally seen among the kids, particularly those under age 12. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). A person usually has only one episode of chickenpox, but VZV can lie dormant with in the body and cause a different type of skin eruption later in life called shingles (Herpez zoster).

Symptoms of chickenpox

A rash that usually begins on the body and face and later often spreads to the scalp and limbs.

It may also spread to the mucous membranes especially in the mouth and on the genitals.

The rash is often itchy.

It begins as small red spots which develop into blisters in a couple of hours.

After one or two days, the blisters turn into scabs.

New blisters may appear after after three to six days.

The number of blisters differs greatly from one person to another.

The infected person may run a temperature.

These symptoms are mild in young children.

Chickenpox lasts 7 to 10 days in children and longer in adults.

Adults can feel very ill and take longer to recover. They are also more likely than children to suffer complications.

Home Remedy / Treatment

Problem	Remedy
Antiviral drug	Neem leaves are used for antiviral action as they are properly grinded & make the mixture in to small quantities like balls which are easy to swallow. The balls can be rolled in sugar or in starch for taste masking as they are bitter in taste.
Fever	To control the body temperature body is to be wiped with wet cloth.
Itching	Baking soda is to be used for itching sensation
Marks on skin	Cut the nails

 

 Precautions

As the chickenpox is a communicable disease, avoid the infected children to mingle with the other children while playing, eating etc.

Don’t send the children to the school until the formed blisters turn in to black scars.

Take necessary care during the early stage of chicken pox.

Conclusion

By the help of the home remedies summer special chickenpox can be successfully treated.

Sudharani M.V.,

Dr. Hindustan Abdul Ahad,

Srinivasulu M,

Reddy prashanth N.

PG department of Pharmaceutics.,

Balaji College of Pharmacy,

Anatapur,  Andhra Pradesh

 Thanks,

Health- Nov-2012

 

School Phobia

If your child is crying or fighting with you to getting to School.

Try to work out if her/his fear is about going to school (school phobia), leaving you or home (separation anxiety), or going into crowded public places (agoraphobia).

If it might be the first, check if she is being bullied, teased, embarrassed, or abused at, or on the way to, school. Work closely with the teachers to identify and deal with any problematic situations.

Take her/him to the doctor for a complete physical examination. Tell the doctor the whole story and ask him to rule out any serious illness.

Once the doctor  has done this, believe him/her Do not chase after ever more expensive tests. From this point onwards your assumption is that the child is well and so should be in school. Give her firm and confident reassurance that both she and you will be fine when she is there. If she /he complains again of being unwell you then have two options :

The first is that you insist that she go to school unless there is clear, measurable, evidence that she is sick, for example having a temperature, obvious diarrhea and vomiting, etc. just “feeling unwell” is not enough to miss school, after all, many adults have to go work with headaches or other symptoms.

The second option is to “believe” her and tell her to go to bed: lights off, curtains closed, no TV, no special snacks. Ignore her and go about your normal daily routine. Make sure that the option of staying home is boring. If she is not sleeping then ideally she should be doing some school work. Certainly there should be no friends or visitors to entertain her.

Along with this, set up clear incentives (rewards, privileges) for getting to school.

You must be tough and firm, but also calm, about all of this. Be clear that you expect her to be at school, but do not get into a fight with her about it. The goal is for her to want to get back as quickly as possible. Once there, and she discovers that nothing does happen to her or to you while at school, the symptoms of depression and anxiety should rapidly resolve.

If none of this works, or if you are concerned about a serious depression or anxiety disorder, seek professional help through your family doctor.

But please, don’t just hope it will go away on its own. You need to take some decisive action.

 

Thanks,

Health-Nov-2012.

Vedanayagam Hospital

No.52, (Old No.133), East Bashyakaralu Road, Coimbatore Tamilnadu-641002

Maharishi Markandeshwar University Trust

Mullana- Ambala, Ambala Haryana-133207

Pushpanjali Medical Centre

A-14/15, Nr Anand Vihar, Pushpanjali, Delhi Delhi-110092

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease that results from a specific type of inflammation of tissues of the body. It can appear in almost any body organ, but it starts most often in the lings or lymph nodes.

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. The disease can appear suddenly and disappear. Or it can develop gradually and go on to produce symptoms that come and go, sometimes for a lifetime.

What are symptoms of sarcoidosis?

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) and acough that won’t go away can be among the first symptoms of sarcoidosis. But sarcoidosis can also show up suddenly with the appearance of skin rashes. Red bumps (erythema nodosum) on the face, arms or shins and inflammation of the eyes are also common symptoms.

It is not unusual, however, for sarcoidosis symptoms to be more general. Weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, fever, or just an overall feling of ill health can also be clues to the disease. Sarcoidosis was once considered a rare disease. We now know that it is a common chronic illness that  appears all over the world. Indeed, it is the most common of the scarring lung disorders and occurs often enough in the United States for Congress to have declared a national sarcoidosis Awareness Day in 1990.

Anyone can get sarcoidosis. It occurs in all races and in both sexes. Sarcoidosis mainly affects people between 20 to 40 years of age. White women are just as likely as white men to get sarcoidosis, but the black female gets sarcoidosis two times as often as the black male. No one knows what causes sarcoidosis. Much about sarcoidosis remains unknown. Nenertheless, if you have the disaesa, you can be reassured about several things. Sarcoidosis is usually not crippling. It often goes away by itself, with most cases healing in 24 to 36 months. Even when sarcoidosis lasts longer, most patients can go about their lives as usual. Sarcoidosis is not a cancer. It is not contagious , and your friends and family will not catch it from you. Although it can occur in families, there is no evidence that sarcoidosis is passed from parents to children. Sarcoidosis is currently thought to be associated  with an abnormal immune response. It is not known whether the trigger that initiates the immune disturbance is a foreign substance, chemical, drug, virus or some other substance.

In general, sarcoidosis appears briefly and heals naturally in 60% - 70% of the cases, often without the patient knowing or doing anything about it. From 20% - 30% of sarcoidosis patients are left with some permanent lung damage. In 10% - 15% of the patients, sarcoidosis can become chronic.

When either the granulomas or fibrosis seriously affect the function of a vital organ – the lungs, heart, nervous system, liver or kidneys, for example – sarcoidosis can be fatal. This occurs 5% - 10% of the time. Some people are more at risk than others; no one knows why.

No one can predict how sarcoidosis will progress in an individual patient. The patient’s symptoms, race, and the doctor’s findings can give some clues. For example, a sudden onset of general symptoms such as weight loss of feeling poorly are usually taken to mean that the course of sarcoidosis will be relatively short and mild. Dyspnea and possibly skin sarcoidosis often indicate that the sarcoidosis will be more chronic and severe.

White patients are more likely to develop the milder form of the disease. Black people tend to develop the more chronic and severe form.

Preliminary diagnosis of sarcoidosis is based on the patient’ history, routine tests, a physical examination, and a chest  x-ray. In addition to the lungs and lymph nodes, the body organs more likely than others to be affected by sarcoidosis are the liver, skin, heart, nervous system and kidneys in that order of frequency . Patients can have symptoms related to the specific organ affected, they can have only general symptoms, or they can be without any symptoms whatsoever. Symptoms also can vary according to how long the illness has been under way, where the granulomas are forming, hoe much tissue has become affected, and whether the granulomatous process is still active.

In addition to family and close friends, a number of local lung organizations, other nonprofit health organizations, and self help groups are available to help patients cope with sarcoidosis. By keeping in touch with them, you can share personal feelings and experiences. Members also share specific information on the latest scientific advances, where to find a sarcoidosis specialist, and how to find a sarcoidosis specialist, and how to improve one’s self image.

 

Thanks,

Health-Nov-2012

 

Good Cooking oil

Olive oil is a good cooking oil, as long at it is not allowed to smoke. It stores well in the refrigerator and remains stable when heated ats  temperatures for short periods of time.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 EFA’s (essential fatty acids) are important to your child’s immune system. Omega 6 oils are more prevalent in the foods we consume than Omega 3, and in some cases there is too much Omega 6 and not enough Omega 3. In order for your child to metabolize these oils he needs vitamins B6, A, V & E as well as minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium and copper). That’s where fresh vegetables, seafood, eggs, nuts and seeds.

Keeping sugar and salt intake low, washing vegetables to remove pesticide residue or using only organically grown well washed vegetables and fruits, and drinking lots of high quality water will help your child metabolize EFA’s in the food he consumes. Keeping salt and sugar intake low, washing vegetables to remove pesticide residue or using only organically grown well washed vegetables and fruits, and drinking lots of high quality water will help your child metabolize EFA’s in the food he consumes.

Thanks,

Health-Nov-2012

Holy Child Nursing Home

C-44, East Krishna Nagar, Opp. Swarna Cinema, Delhi Delhi

HWay Hospital

Kokila Building Circular Road,, Rewari Haryana

How does the human body eliminate dead cells

The human body is a complicated system which operate much like a self-contained city. Some organs produce new cells, others use cells to perform their jobs, and eventually certain scavenger cells arrive to remove dead cells from the system. In the case of the human body, these scavengers are specialized white blood cells called macrophages. Macrophages remove dead cells essentially by eating them, which helps to explain why the word macrophages means ’‘big eater” in Greek.

When external skin cells die, there are number of mechanical and chemical methods used to slough them off. Exfoliants and scrub brushes are often employed to remove dead cells and encourage new cell turnover. But dead cells within the human body are not so easily removed. They go through a much more complicated elimination process, which is not always as efficient or thorough as one might hope.

Living cells become dead cells through two different processes. Many body cells are programmed to die at a prescribed time, through a process called apoptosis. Res blood cells, for example, are programmed to die after 120 days of service. Other cells, such as white blood cells, may be programmed to die an apoptotic death after only a few days. These dead cells may continue to flow through the body’s bloodstream or collect in various organs, but they are clearly no longer contributing to the system.

The Other process for creating dead cells is called necrosis. Necrotic cell death usually occurs after a trauma or infection  or other shock  to the system. When cells  become  necrotic, they may be  removed  through  surgery  or other  medical  intervention , but often  they enter  the bloodstream  in the same way as apoptic cells. The body cannot function well with an overabundance of dead cells, so macrophages take on the mission of breaking take on the mission  of breaking down the excess.

A  macrophage cell can literally detect dead cells through smell, much like a scavenger  bird detects dead animals. Whenever dead cells reach the part of the blood stream patrolled by a macrophages, the macrophages surround them and convert them into easily removed components. At the same time, the macrophage covers the dead cells with a substance known as an antigen. This action tags the cells for further cells for further attack from other types of cells in the body’s immune system. Ideally, the macrophages and killer T-cells should render both dead cells and foreign invaders harmless enough to re-enter the bloodstream for elimination.

When macrophages become overwhelmed, however, they may allow some dead cells to pass through unprocessed. The DNA from those cells may trigger an inflammatory reaction as the dead cells combine with other substances. This process is the basis for many autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease or lupus. Bolstering the body’s macrophages is often a course of treatment recommended for autoimmune diseases and even some forms of cancer.

The dead cells are eventually eliminated in a number of ways. Macrophages and other immune system components have essentially digested the body’s dead cells, parts of which may be refused. Material from dead cells also makes up part of the solid waste we call fecal matter. This macrophages play a major role in an life.

Thanks,

Health-Nov-2012

How does the human body eliminate dead cells

The human body is a complicated system which operate much like a self-contained city. Some organs produce new cells, others use cells to perform their jobs, and eventually certain scavenger cells arrive to remove dead cells from the system. In the case of the human body, these scavengers are specialized white blood cells called macrophages. Macrophages remove dead cells essentially by eating them, which helps to explain why the word macrophages means ’‘big eater” in Greek.

When external skin cells die, there are number of mechanical and chemical methods used to slough them off. Exfoliants and scrub brushes are often employed to remove dead cells and encourage new cell turnover. But dead cells within the human body are not so easily removed. They go through a much more complicated elimination process, which is not always as efficient or thorough as one might hope.

Living cells become dead cells through two different processes. Many body cells are programmed to die at a prescribed time, through a process called apoptosis. Res blood cells, for example, are programmed to die after 120 days of service. Other cells, such as white blood cells, may be programmed to die an apoptotic death after only a few days. These dead cells may continue to flow through the body’s bloodstream or collect in various organs, but they are clearly no longer contributing to the system.

The Other process for creating dead cells is called necrosis. Necrotic cell death usually occurs after a trauma or infection  or other shock  to the system. When cells  become  necrotic, they may be  removed  through  surgery  or other  medical  intervention , but often  they enter  the bloodstream  in the same way as apoptic cells. The body cannot function well with an overabundance of dead cells, so macrophages take on the mission of breaking take on the mission  of breaking down the excess.

A  macrophage cell can literally detect dead cells through smell, much like a scavenger  bird detects dead animals. Whenever dead cells reach the part of the blood stream patrolled by a macrophages, the macrophages surround them and convert them into easily removed components. At the same time, the macrophage covers the dead cells with a substance known as an antigen. This action tags the cells for further cells for further attack from other types of cells in the body’s immune system. Ideally, the macrophages and killer T-cells should render both dead cells and foreign invaders harmless enough to re-enter the bloodstream for elimination.

When macrophages become overwhelmed, however, they may allow some dead cells to pass through unprocessed. The DNA from those cells may trigger an inflammatory reaction as the dead cells combine with other substances. This process is the basis for many autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease or lupus. Bolstering the body’s macrophages is often a course of treatment recommended for autoimmune diseases and even some forms of cancer.

The dead cells are eventually eliminated in a number of ways. Macrophages and other immune system components have essentially digested the body’s dead cells, parts of which may be refused. Material from dead cells also makes up part of the solid waste we call fecal matter. This macrophages play a major role in an life.

Thanks,

Health-Nov-2012

Coffee Benefits

All-Cause Mortality

In women, coffee consumption significantly decreases all-cause mortality, apparently decreasing somewhat linearly to a relative risk of approximately 0.85 for those drinking 3 cups per day compared to those who consume no coffee, but the relative risk then remains almost the same for up to 6 cups per day, according to a large prospective cohort study. In men, these beneficial effects were not as great, in fact with an increased risk for those drinking approximately one cup every other day compared to those drinking none, but yet having a significant trend towards less mortality for those who drink more than 2 cups per day compared to those who drink none. Results were similar for decaffeinated coffee. Drinking coffee found from many studies.

Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia

Reduced risk of gallstone disease.

Reduced risk of  Parkinson’s disease.

Cognitive performance.

Caffeine act as an analgesic.

In some patients with migraine, caffeine can alleviate pain by acting on the cerebral blood vessels.

Antidiabetic

Liver Protection

Cancer

Coffee consumption is also correlated in Africa to a reduced risk of oral, esophageal and Pharyngeal cancer.

Cardioprotective

Laxative/ diuretic

Antioxidant

Prevention of dental caries

Gout

Coffee consumption decreased risk of gout in men over age 40.

Blood Pressure

Risks

Caffeine dependency

Cancer

Gastrointestinal problems

Psychological effects and sleep changes

Cholesterol

Increase in LDL levels is an indicator that coffee raises cholesterol.

Blood Pressure

Caffeine has previously been implicated in increasing the risk of high blood pressure ; however, recent studies have not confirmed any association.

Effects on Pregnancy

Decaffeinated  coffee is also  regarded  as  a potential  health risk to pregnant  women when chemical solvents  are used  to extract  the caffeine instead of other less invasive  processes.

The impact of these chemicals is debated , however, as the solvents in question evaporate at 80-90 C, and the coffee beans are decaffeinated before roasting, which occurs at approximately 200C. As such, theses chemicals, namely trichloroetane and methlene chloride, are  present in trace  amounts  at most, and may not pose a significant threat to embryos and fetuses. [ citation needed].

Iron deficiency anemia

Coronary artery disease

Interactions with some medications like paracetamol

Caffeine with Tylenol (Paracetamol, acetaminmophen) may damage liver.

Acne

Abstinence from coffee leading to cessation of acne has been reported by individuals but does not appear to have been scientifically researched.

Thanks,

Health-Nov-20212 

 

 

Avoid Over Loaded Backpack

Overloaded backpacks used by children have received a lot of attention from parents, doctors, school administrators and the media in the past several years.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic  Surgeons recommends the following tips for your child ‘s backpack.

1)   Do not overload the backpack. Make sure a child’s backpack weighs no more than 15 to 20 per cent of the child’s body weight. This figure may vary, however, depending on the child’s body strength and fitness. A heavy backpack forces the wearer to bend forward.

2)    Do not buy a backpack that hangs more than four inches below the waistline. Backpacks that hang  too low increase weight on the shoulders.

3)   Use both shoulder straps. A pack slung over one shoulder shifts the weighs to one side, causing muscle spasms and low back pain.

4)    Use a waist/ hip strap to distribute weight evenly between the back and the hips.

5)    Look for padded and adjustable shoulder straps to prevent straps from digging into the shoulder.

6)    Choose a backpack on wheels if the school allows it.

7)    Place heaviest items closest to the back, but be sure pointed or sharp objects are pointed away from the back.

8)    Use proper lifting techniques: bend at the knees and use the legs to lift the pack placing one shoulder strap on at a time.

9)    Make frequent trips to the locker between classes to replace books.

 Thanks,

 Health , NoV-2012

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, including, of course, their oftentimes-rich concentration of lycopene. Researchers have recently found an important connection between lycopene, its antioxidant properties, and bone health. A study was designed in which tomato and other dietary sources of lycopene were removed from the diets of postmenopausal women for a period of 4 weeks, to see what effect lycopene restriction would have on bone health. At the end of 4 weeks, women in the study started to show increased signs of oxidative stress in their bones and unwanted changes in their bone tissue. The study investigators concluded that removal of lycopene containing foods (including tomatoes) from the diet was likely to put women at increased risk of osteoporosis. They also argued for the importance of tomatoes and other lycopene-containing foods in the diet. We don’t always think about antioxidant protection as being important for bone health, but it is, and tomato lycopene (and other tomato antioxidants) may have a special role to play in this area.

Intake of tomatoes has long been linked to heart health. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown to help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, tomato extracts have been shown to help prevent unwanted clumping together (aggregation) of platelet cells in the blood – a factor that is especially important in lowering risk of heart problems like atherosclerosis. (Ina recent South American Study of 26 vegetables, tomatoes and green beans cane out best in their anti-aggregation properties.) But only recently  are researchers beginning to identify some of the more unusual phytonutrients is a glycoside called esculeoside A; another is flavonoid called chalconaringenin; and yet another is a fatty-acid type molecule called 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid. As our knowledge of unique tomato phytonutrients expands, we are likely to learn more about the unique role played by tomatoes in support of heart health. Tomatoes are also likely to rise further and further toward the top of the list as heart healthy foods.

Tomatoes are a treasure of riches when it comes to their antoxidant benefits. In terms of conventional  antioxidants, tomatoes provide an excellent amount of Vitamin C and beta-carotene; a  very good amount  of the mineral manganese; and a good amount of  vitamin E. In terms of phytonutrients, tomatoes are basically off the chart, and include:

Flavonoes

O naringenin

O chalconaringenin

Flavonols

O rutin

O kaempferol

O quercetin

Hydroxycinnamic acids

O caffeic acid

O ferulic acid

O coumaric acid

Crotenoids

O lycopene

O lutein

O zeaxanthin

O beta-carotene

Glycosides

O esculepside A

Fatty acid derivatives

O 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid

Specific antioxidant nutrients found in tomatoes, whole tomato extracts, and overall dietary intake of tomatoes have all been associated with antioxidant protection. Sometimes this protection comes in the form of reduced lipid peroxidation (oxygen damage to fats in cell membranes or in the blood stream).

Sometimes this protection comes in the form of better antioxidant enzyme function (for example, better function of the enzymes catalase or superoxide dismustase). Better antioxidant protection hs also been shown using broad measurements of oxidative stress in different body systems. We’ve seen studies involving tomato and specific antioxidant protection of the bones, liver, kidneys and bloodstream.

Cardiovascular Support

Reduced risk of heart disease is an area of health benefits in which tomatoes truly excel. There are two basic lines of research that have repeatedly linked tomatoes to heart health. The first line of research involves antioxidant support, and the second line of research involves regulation of fats in the blood stream.

Support Bone Health

Bone health is another area of growing interest in tomato research.

Anti-Cancer Benefits

While not well researched for all cancer types . Risk for many cancer types starts out with chronic oxidative stress and chronic unwanted inflammation. For this reason , foods that provide us with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support are often foods that show cancer prevention properties.

The jury verdict here is clear: tomatoes can definitely help lower risk of prostate cancer in men. One key tomato nutrient that has received special focus in prostate cancer prevention is alpha-tomatine.

Along with prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer are the two best –studied areas involving tomatoes and breast cancer risk has largely focused on the carotenoid lycopene, and there is fairly well documented risk reduction for breast cancer in association with lycopene intake.

Other Health Benefits

Diets that include tomatoes have been linked with reduced risk of some neurological diseases (including Alzheimer’s disease) in multiple studies. Tomato containing diets have also been linked in a few studies with reduced risk of obesity.

Thanks,

Health-Nov-2012

 

 

Tips for Boosting Memory

1)    Follow routines, such as leaving your car keys, glasses and cell phone in the same place every day so that finding them becomes a “no brainer”.

2)   Slow down and pay attention to what you are doing to give your brain’s memory systems enough time to create an enduring memory.

3)  Avoid distracting or noisy environments and multitasking – the major memory busters in today’s fast- paced society.

4)   Get enough sleep, reduce stress, and check with your doctor to see if any  of your medications affect memory – all potential memory spoilers.

 

Source- e.medinews

 

Thanks,

Health – Nov-2012

A Second Attack of Dengue is More Dangerous

If you have suffered from dengue last year, you need to be more careful as the second attack of dengue may be more dangerous than the first attack.

There are four different types of dengue and one can, therefore, suffer with dengue four times in his or her lifetime. The second or subsequent dengue infections tend to be more serious.

A person with dengue can also simultaneously  suffer from malaria. Malaria and dengue together can lower platelet counts to a dangerous level leading to complications.

In a dengue season, nobody should take aspirin for fever as it can precipitate bleeding, he added.

In dengue most complications occur within two days of the fever subsiding and most of people are casual during this period. Any type of abdominal pain, giddiness or weakness after the fever has subsided should be attended to, by a doctor. Dengue complications during this period are due to shift of blood volume and patient requires rapid infusion of oral or intravenous fluids in large quantity.

Platelet transfusion is not required even if the count is as low as 10000 unless there is an associated bleeding.

Source : e. medinews

Thanks

Health- Nov-2012

Sannati Speciality Hospital

No.260, Amar Jyothi Layout, Inner Ring Road, , Bangalore Karnataka-560071

Kailash Institute of Naturopathy Ayurveda & Yoga

No.26, Knowledge Park -1, Gautam Budh Nagar Uttar Pradesh-201308

That healing touch

If you’re standing at the soda machine with a buddy, and you think he’s put his hand on your shoulder, most likely the touch feels comfortable. If it turns out it’s a stranger, the same touch may feel intrusive  or even aggressive. That’s because the area in your brain that registers the sensation of touch also serves up your emotional reaction to it. That’s what makes touch such a powerful force and why you want to make it  (everything from massage to intimate cuddling!) part of your routine to stay healthy. Reflexology (targeted foot massage) can ease everything from low libido to high bloodpressure. Infant massage to promote bonding and neuromuscular development. Now, research shows that cancer patients get relief from depression and chemo-induced nausea and pain with Healing Touch or Therapeutic Touch Massage . They also may see increased Immune strength and better wound healing.

And it may not matter if the healing powers of touch come from some magic medicine or simply from a placebo response as long as you feel the benefit.

So reach out and touch someone . And let yourself be touched. Whether you hire a masseuse, do at-home reflexology or ask your doctor for massage to be part of your recovery, when mind and body work together, you harness the power to heal faster.

Thanks,

The Hindu – WellBeing,

23/12/2012

Stretching adds years to your life

If you are over 50 years old and getting up from the floor requires both hands, you better watch out. You may not live as long as your flexible  friends.

Those who can sit down and get up using only one hand- or no hands at all – are likely to live longer, a study found. But those needing extra assistance, such as getting  up on their knees or using two hands, are up to six times more likely to die prematurely.

Researchers said the ease with which someone could stand up from a sitting position on the floor – and – vice versa – was ‘remarkable by predictive’ of physical strength.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times-Wellness,

16/12/2012

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Charitable Hospital

Someshwarapura, Bangalore Karnataka-560008

LifeCare Hospital

No. 28 Harris Road Pudupet, Chennai Tamilnadu-600002

VHS Blood Bank

No.1, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai Tamilnadu-600113

Apollo KH Hospital.

Ranipet- Vellore Bypass Road, Vellore Tamilnadu-632509

Gayathri Hospital

No.14, West Road, Chennai Tamilnadu-600035

Vimal Jyothi Hospital

166, Sathi Main Road, Sathi Main Road, Near Anjaneyar Temple, Coimbatore Tamilnadu-641035

Does Tea Lower the Risk of Cancer?

Drinking tea seems to lower odds of ovarian cancer, Australian researchers have found out. It’s not just the duration of tea drinking but also quantity of tea and the frequency of intake as well that makes the difference. The more cups you drink per day and the more the quantity, the better the result (the lower the risk). Apart from the green tea, oolong and black tea drinking also has a similar effect.

As a relatively safe beverage with no toxic or any other negative associated effects, the health message of tea drinking needs to be promoted, according to the researchers.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness,

16/12/2012

Mahalakshmi Hospital

Durga Puri Chowk, 100 Feet Rd, Delhi Delhi

Enkay Eye Care Clinic

G 3/319A, Delhi Delhi-110058

Sugar helps needle – fear

A cry-free jab! Next time your baby is frightened by an injection needle, pop some sugar pills in his mouth. Studies suggest that sugar may help the medicine go down easily and a few drops can comfort babies who are taking their jabs, and they cried far less than those given water. Researchers reviewed 14 studies involving more than 1,500 infants going for routine childhood immunizations or a heel –prick blood test.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness,

06/12/2012

Even Light Smoking Raises Heart Risks in Women

Women who are light smokers- including those who smoke just none cigarette  a day double their chance of fatal heart attacks, according to a new study.

The Study has found that light –to –moderate smokers were twice more likely to die of sudden heart problems than those who had never smoked. But those who quit smoking saw their risk begin to go back down within years.

For every five years of continued smoking (between 1 and 14 cigarettes a day), the risk of a sudden cardiac arrest went up by 8 per cent.

In people aged 35 or younger, this is usually because of a heart condition that runs in the family. However , in older people, it can be the first sign of coronary heart disease, where the heart’s arteries become blocked by fatty deposits.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness,

06/12/2012

Sir Sunderlal Hospital

BHU Varanasi Uttar Pradesh

Weight – Loss Tips

Many Children and their parents struggle with concerns about becoming overweight, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed with advice about diet and exercise. Too much information about exact portion sizes, calorie counts, and rigorous exercise routines can discourage parents before they’ve even started! Fortunately, some very simple advice can go a long way towards ensuring your whole family reaches a healthy weight that can be maintained.

Turn off the TV. the more television watched, the more weight children will gain. You don’t have to fight to get kids to exercise – but you do need to get them away from the television set.

Eat slowly. When kids down their meals too quickly, they don’t reach a point where they feel “full.” Fast eating means overeating. Use mealtimes for conversation and relaxation, not just for shoveling down food.

Drink water rather than high calorie juice and soft drinks with meals. Sugary drinks add plenty of calories, and don’t help you feel full.

Eat as a family. When kids eat with parents, they choose healthier foods and more reasonable portions. This also gives more opportunity for conversation and modeling table manners.

Save treats for special occasions. Dessert will be enjoyed more if it’s treat, rather than something expected after every dinner.

Offer low – calorie snacks before, during, and between meals. Carrot sticks and celery nibbled right before a meal can really cut down an appetite.

Try food that looks like food. That is, food that’s closer to ‘natural” is more wholesome and better than processed foods, and less likely to lead to excessive weight gain. Think about the difference between a fresh apple, apple sauce  (with its added sugar and stabilizers), and apple pie 9loaded with sugar and extra fats).

Incorporating just a few of these suggestions can help your entire family reach healthy weight goals. You can do it if you try!

Thanks,

Health- Nov-2012

10 Things To Hate About Sleep Loss

1.       Sleepiness Causes Accidents

Sleep loss is also a big public safety hazard every day on the road. Drowsiness can slow reaction time as  much as driving drunk.                              

2.       Sleep Loss Dumbs You Down

Sleep plays a critical role in thinking and learning. Lack of sleep hurts these cognitive processes in many ways. First, it impairs attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning and problem solving. This makes it more difficult to learn efficiently.

Second, during the night, various sleep cycles play a role in “consolidating” memories in the mind. If you don’t enough sleep, you won’t be able to remember what you learned and experienced during the day.

3.       Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Serious  Health Problems

 Sleep disorders and chronic sleep loss can put you at risk for :

 Heart disease

Heart attack

Heart failure

Irregular heartbeat

High blood pressure

Stroke

Diabetes

 4.       Lack of Sleep Kills Sex Drive

Sleep specialists say that sleep deprived man and women report lower libidos and less interest in sex.

5.       Sleepiness is Depressing

Insomnia and depression feed on each other. Sleep loss often aggravates the symptoms of depression, and depression can make it more difficult to fall asleep.

 6.       Lack of Sleep Ages your Skin

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol. In excess    amounts, cortisol can break down skin collagen, the protein that keeps skin smooth and elastic.

 7.       Sleepiness Makes You Forgetful

 8.       Losing Sleep Can Make You Gain Weight

 Not only does sleep loss appear to stimulate appetite. It also stimulates cravings for high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods. Ongoing studies are considering whether adequate sleep should be a standard part of weight loss programs.

 9.       Lack of sleep May Increase Risk of Death

 1        Sleep Loss Impairs Judgment, Especially About  Sleep

 Lack of sleep can affect our interpretation of events. This hurts our ability to make sound judgments.

 

Thanks,

Health-Nov-2012

Mangustan

Mangustan is a tropical fruit of the three Garcinia  mangostana and Grown primarily in Southeast Asia and other tropical climates. Mangustan also known as the Mangosteen. A dark purple rind and sweet white pulp, it close to the size of a tangerine. It has unique chemicals called xanthones which have anti-inflammatory effects. Along with ‘xanthones’, The fruits contains gartanin, 8-disoxygartanin, and nonmangostin. Mangosteen is rich with antioxidants.

The whole fruit was used to treat people both topically and internally. Research on the mangosteen fruit has numerous nutritional components Has been known to neutralize free radicals, supports the Cardiovascular system, supports cartilage and joint functions, strengthens and supports the immune system, promotes a healthy respiratory system and maintains intestinal health. The rind helps to relieve diarrhea and cystitis, gonorrhea and gleet and as an astringent lotion. The leaves and bark as a febrifuge is used to treat thrush, diarrhea, dysentery and urinary disorders. The rot can regulate menstruation.

The dried Mangosteen rind is made into a powder to overcome dysentery. The rind as an ointment, is applied on eczema and other skin disorders and problems. A portion of the rind is steeped in water overnight the the infusion is given as a home remedy for chronic diarrhea. In Malaya, infused leaves combined along with unripe bananas with a little benzoin is applied to wounds and circumcisions. The bark extract called amibiasine has been used for treatment of amoebic dysentery. Here many benefits but use for preventing colds. When get a cold pop a couple capsules and then never get more than the sniffles. The research shows that it has more xanthones than just about any other fruit.

Thanks,

Health, Nov-2012

Put acidity ulcers to rest

The proper functioning of our digestive system is important for our body to remain healthy and for the rest of the body processes to function normally. A major ailment that affects the digestive system (mainly the stomach and intestine) is ulcers. Normal ulcers involve the stomach, but peptic ulcers – the most  serious form of ulcers – involves the inner lining of stomach and duodenum. The intake of food and its digestion always involves secretion of hydrochloric acid and other enzymes like pepsin, which aid normal digestion.

However, when one is fasts, eats and sleeps irregularly, consumes spicy and maintains as improper diet, the acids are formed at regular intervals. Though they get secreted, these acids will lead to inflammation or what we commonly call acidity.

The body has self-healing mechanism where any such inflammation is gradually cured and normal conditions are restored. But if an individual cannot adhere to normal diet patterns, then over a period of time, the self-healing capacity of our body diminishes and this inflammation gradually turns into ulceration, which hampers the digestive capacity of our body, leading to peptic ulcers. Sometimes , this is also caused by the infection of bacteria called H.Pylori. Even constant use of painkillers, drugs and some unwanted addictive medication can lead  to this condition. The symptoms are heaviness, loss of appetite, burning sensation in stomach, lungs, more gas formation, weight loss and hair fall.

Homeopathy offers a comprehensive cure for peptic ulcers, by which the treatment begins with symptom management and proper diagnosis and counseling of a person’s lifestyle, diet and maintenance of health. There is a potential cure for ulcers, which ensures that there is no recurrence of the condition , followed by restoring of normal digestive functions of the body.

For a free consultation, contact Homeocare International Pvt, Ltd. Karnataka .

Thanks,

Bangalore Times – The Times of India,

16/12/2012

Healthy eating lowers risk of second heart attack

That healthy food in preventing heart disease and type-2 diabetes is well established, but a newly study suggests that chowing down on wholesome foods improves health outcomes even for people who already have heart diseases. People who had diets high in fibre and low in saturated fats had a 30% lower risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, found a study of 30,000 people over the age of 55 with heart  disease or  diabetes  in 40. Healthy food provided additional benefits for people who are taking medication – blood thinners and cholesterol –lowering drugs-to treat their ailments.

Researchers recommend a diet rich in high fibre whole grains instead of white flour products, lots of plant-based foods, more vegetable proteins, like beans, nuts seed and chickpeas, less red meat, less alcohol and less refined sugars.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times-Wellness,

09/12/2012

Fortis La Femme Centre for Women

S 549, Part 2, New Delhi Delhi-110049

Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital

Pocket B-1, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi Delhi

SSGR Hospital

Haldwani Haldwani Uttaranchal

ZIECON ADVANCED DENTAL CLINIC AND RESEARCH CENTRE

7, Rushiraj Heights, Mahatma Nagar, Nashik Maharastra-422007

Rahul Nethralaya and Research Centre,

A Charitable Eye Hospital 61/2713, Gandhi Nagar, Near MIG Club, Mumbai Maharastra

Madha Medical College & Research Institute

Kundrathur Main Road, Near Porur, Chennai Tamilnadu-600122

Womens Center and Hospitals

No.146 B, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore Tamilnadu-641043

Sambhram Hospital

Near M S Palya, Bangalore Karnataka

DMM Hospital

No.10, Vinayga Mudali Street, Chennai Tamilnadu-600079

Powai Polyclinic & Hospital

Plot No 19 A, Opposite South Indian Bank, Mumbai Maharastra-400076

Fitter Kids Get Better Grades

For better grades and higher test scores, kids need to hit the gym as much as their books. A study, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, has found that physically fit children do better in the classroom. It’s the first research to show a link between children’s fitness and academic performance.

The findings have significance for countries such as India, where schools routinely cut physical education and recess to focus on core subjects. Instead of improving grades, this actually undermines their success on the standardized  tests.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness,

09/12/2012

Polycystic ovary raises blood clots

Women who have a hormone disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and who take the birth control pill have twice the risk of blood clots than do other women on the pill. For some, the risk could be high enough for doctors to recommend they should not use the pill, which is the recommendation for women over 35 who smoke.

About 3-5 % of women have PCOS that causes a hormone imbalance, which can lead to irregular periods, extra hair growth and higher risks for being overweight and developing hypertension and diabetes. They are often treated with oral contraceptives, many of which have labels warning about blood clots.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness,

09/12/2012

Extra Sleep helps you withstand pain

Getting more sleep at night improves daytime alertness and reduces pain sensitivity in healthy adults, reports the journal Sleep. A study of mildly sleep deprived volunteers who spent four nights getting either their normal amount of sleep or extending their sleep time to 10 hours each night were able to keep their finger on a heat source 25% longer. This increase is greater than what was found in a previous study when participants took 60 milligrams of the painkiller codeine before undergoing the same pain sensitivity test.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness,

09/12/2012

Batra Heart Hospital

Central Old D.C. Road, Sonepat Haryana

Nayyar Hospital

Amar Enclave, Opp.Metro Pillar 738 Delhi Delhi-110059

Neha Hospital

Yamuna Vihar, Gukul Puri, Village Dugal Pur, East Delhi Delhi-110053

Ganga Sahai Multi-Specialist Hospital

Sec -3 HUDA, By pass, Rewari Haryana

Gulshan Medicare

G-2, Basement, South Extension, Near Leela Ram Market, Delhi Delhi

IIMT HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE

A SUPER MULTI SPECIALITY CENTRALLY AIR-CONDITIONED 180 BEDED HOSPITAL Ganesh Nagar, Lawyer's Colony, Bye Pass Road, Between Bhagwan Talkies and Khandari X-ing (Mathura Road) Agra Uttar Pradesh-282005

Stem Cells in Health and Disease

Dr Rahul Naithani

Stem cells are basic naïve cells present in all humans and have the ability to become any type of cell to form skin, bones, organs or other body parts. We all get injuries in our growth years and otherwise. It seems  surprising how our wounds heal and new skin comes up. This is largely because of a pool of cells in our body called stem cells.

Different organs of body have their own stem cell pool. There are different types of stem cells. Theoretically, some of them can regenerate any kind of body tissue. Stem Cells have been responsible  for our recovery from different traumas that body organs face. There is great interest in the ability of stem cells to treat neurological ststes like multiple sclerosis. There are situations where a person’s own stem cells may be used. In genetic conditions, a different healthy person is required to donate stem cells which help regenerate blood forming cells in a patient. Clinically, stem cells are used in the treatment of several of hematological diseases like blood cancer, thalassemia, aplastic anemia, etc. Intense research is on  to find if stem cells can be used to regenerate all tissues of body. As of now, the only clinical usageis in bone marrow transplants. Stem cell therapy has also been useful in autoimmune diseases. A good source of stem cells is cord blood stem mcells which can be stored at birth. These cells are generally helpful for other people and not the same person whose cells are stored.

Since  theses cells are naïve, there may be a future role of stem cells as therapeutic drug delivery molecules. At the same time there are lot of myths and misconceptions about the immediate use of stem cells. These should be clarified with an expert.

The author is Consultant –in – charge, Bone Marrow Transplantation & Hematology, Max Cancer Centre, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj.

Thanks

Max Health Line,

21/10/2012

Faster TB test proves more sensitive too

Anuradha Mascarenhas

A Faster method to test for tuberculosis has also proved more effective in a pilot project undertaken at 18 cities in the country.

The Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT), also called GeneXpert, has increased the detection rate at the 18 labs where it has been introduced, according to the results of a baseline survey. From world Tb Day in March till October, 22,345 patients suspected with TB were tested with both CBNAAT and traditional procedures , with 20 per cent returning positive  from the new method against 10-12 per cent from the century-old, sputum smear microscopy test.

“The utility of this new test is mainly that it has helped increase the detection of TB cases,” Dr Neeraj Raizada, medical officer of Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), told The Indian Express.

Central TB division officials said FIND isa technical partner of the government in looking for ways to detect TB cases faster. FIND is a not –for-profit foundation recognized by the Swiss government as an “other international organization” With offices in a number of countries including India, it has been working closely with local authorities on introducing new tools into existing systems. In Maharashtra , Dr Sharad Sabnis, director of the state TB control programme, said Gen Xpert tests has begun at Dharavi, Mumbai while those in Amravati will start soon.

The test’s other major advantage is that it reduces the diagnosis time from eight weeks to two hours for a drug-resistant TB patient, and treatment can start immediately.

The flip side is that GeneXpert detects cases that are struggling for treatment any way. Dr Zareer Udwadia, chest physician at Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital, agreed GeneXpert  is a great device to identify drug-resistant TB cases, but questioned if Inbdia has the capacity to treat such huge numbers.

Less than 1 per cent multi-drug resistant TB cases are being treated at government centres, he said, stressing the need to roll out better treatment strategies.

GenbeXpert test for the presence of TB bacteria and resistance to the anti-TB drug rifampicin.ool has WHO approval and the device can lead to a projected three times higher detection in drug-resistant TB.

The CBNAAT labs are part of Expand TB project, facilitated by FIND. The cost of a device is Rs 10 lakh and these have been funded by FIND.

According to programme officers, the technology will be made cost-effective so that it can be used in 100 districts. “The Xpert test is rapid and highly sensitive and now we will conduct further population studies to make it cost-effdective,” Raizada said.

Thanks,

The Indian Express,

21/11/2012

Amazing Amla

Here’s why it is good for you…

The winters kick-start the season of the Indian gooseberry, better known as amla. Botanically, this extremely sour little fruit is known as Emblica Officinalis. Though you may not find its taste appealing, don’t be quick to dismiss it – it’s abundant in nutrients and packed with the power of Vitamin C. Here’s a list of the other health benefits of amla :

< Winter brings along its share of colds and cough. To cure this, prepare a mixture of two tablespoons of amla with an equal amount of honey. Have this three to four times a day.

< People suffering from Vitamin C deficiency can greatly benefit by eating amlas, as it is one of its most potent sources. On the other hand, Vitamin C, taken in the form of supplements, is not easily absorbed by the body, unlike when taken in a natural form.

< Because they are also rich in antioxidants, which protect against the formation of free radicals in the body, amlas, when eaten frequently, help to prevent cancer.

< To seek relief from painful mouth ulcers, simply gargle with a mixture of water and amla juice.

< are joint pains getting you down? Have amlas, as they contain anti-inflammatory properties which will help in reducing the swelling in the joints caused by arthritis.

< Struggling to get some sound sleep? Amlas are a great option to relieve stress and therefore, useful in treating sleep disorders like insomnia.

Compiled by Lisa Antao

Thanks,

Bombay Times- The Times of India,

21/11/2012

Faltering Kidneys can hit Mental functioning

Faltering kidneys can hit mental processes involved  in thinking. Understanding , reasoning or remembering, according to an American study.

“The brain and kidney are both organs that are affected by  the cardiovascular systems,” said study author Adam Davey. Researchers examined longitudinal data, five years apart, from 590 people. What they found was the greater a person’s decrease in renal functioning, the greater  the decrease in overall cognitive functioning, Particularly abstract reasoning and verbal memory. “They are both affected by things like blood pressure and hypertension. So it is natural to expect that changes in one organ  are going to be linked with changes in another. This study provides us with evidence that the rate of cognitive decline is associated with deterioration in kidney function,” Said Davey.

IANS

Thanks,

Bombay Times – The Times of India,

21/11/2012

STREESED, ARE YOU?

Here are some foods that can relieve stress

Gorging on food, when you’re stressed or upset, may seem like the natural thing for most, but instead of grabbing an unhealthy snack, why not opt for foods that can relieve stress? Here are some popular ones..

Sweet Potatoes

Craving for crabs? Steer clear of French fries and junk sugar-rich foods. Have some sweet potatoes instead, which are known to release a slow, steady source of energy. They won’t leave behind that blood-sugar crash, which other carb-high foods can.

Blueberries

Bluberries have concentrated antioxidants and will pep you up in no time. They are also high in vitamin C, which, research shows, provides added reserves to help deal with stress. High on fibre, they also regulate blood sugar.

Turkey

Turkey contains amino acid tryptophan, which is known to release a feel-good chemical, serotonin, in the brain. Serotonin induces a sense of calm, making you feel relaxed.

Asparagus

Asparagus is high in folic acid, which is known to calm you down. When your body is stressed, it releases hormones, which affect your mood. Eating certain vitamins and minerals keeps your mood steady, as they produce the feel-good chemical serotonin.

Beef

Believe it or not, but beef has stress-busting properties because of its B Vitamins and levels of Zinc. It also contains unhealthy, saturated fats  that raises chances of coronary heart disease and other illnesses, it is beneficial if you opt for leaner cuts.

A healthy way to cook beef is to have it slightly seared on the outside, sliced very thin and served with a salad.

Avocados

Avocados may be high in fat, but what many people don’t know is that it is the ‘good’ monounsaturated kind, not the saturated stuff. And this, along with high levels of potassium, give avocados the power of being a stress-relieving food. One of the best ways to lower your blood pressure is to eat foods that are rich in potassium.

Compiled by Zeenia F Baria.

Thanks,

Bombay Times ,The Times of India,

21/11/2012

Oral Cancer goes Viral

‘Not Just Tobacco, Oral Sex Too can Cause Cancer’

Radha Sharma I TNN

Ahmedabad : Mahesh Patel, 45, had difficulty swallowing food and water since the past six months. When started as a minor discomfort became a source of extreme pain when taking in even a gulp of water was taxing. Patel consulted an ENT specialist who suspected cancer and referred him to a cancer specialist.

Patel, who has never touched tobacco, was aghast when he was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his tongue, “Since there was no history of cancer and it was typical of those caused by the most commonly sexually transmitted disease Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). We got a test done. It was positive”, says oral cancer surgeon Dr Kaustubh Patel.

Patel had a history of oral sex which is now being considered one  of the most common risk factors for contracting  oral cancer caused by HPV. In fact, globally, doctors are warning men of thinking twice about going down on a woman, since there is a high chance that she may be infected at some point with HPV Virus which could, years down the line, lead to throat cancer.

(Name of patient changed to protect identity)

 

How it is different

How oral cancer caused by HPV is different from those caused by tobacco.

< Tobacco-related oral cancers mainly occur at the buccal mucosa, tongue and jaw bone.

Hope for HPV Patients

Doctors say that HPV related oral cancers have a higher cure rate than those caused by tobacco.

While the line of treatment remains the same, people with HPV caused cancers respond well to treatments including  chemotheraphy  and   radiotherapy.      

Thanks,

The Times of India- Times Nation,

28/11

Edappal Hospitals Pvt. Ltd,

Edappal, Malappuram Kerala-679579

MVP Samaj's Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre

Vasantdadanagar, Nashik Maharastra-422003

Leevana IVF Centres Pvt Ltd

65/10, New Rohtak Road, New Delhi Delhi-110005

Asha Polyclinic & Sheetal Nursing Home

145, 60 Feet Road, Mumbai Maharastra-400077

Royal Dental Clinics

21 diamond plaza, laxminayaran shopping centre, Mumbai Maharastra-400097

Eat right for your baby

Pregnancy is one of the most emotional phases in a woman’s life. The feeling of a new life growing inside you can be both joyful and stressful.

To, overcome the stress and strain, the mother-to-be has to eat the right kind of food.

Nutrition is crucial for growth and development of the unborn baby, since the mother’s diet is responsible for providing all nutrients to the developing baby.

Basic Tips

Eat a variety food consisting of cereals particularly whole grains, soya beans and black-eyed beans should form an important part of the diet.

Fruits, Vegetables and dairy products are major sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fibre and calcium.

Two or three whole seasonal fruits and one cup of vegetables every day is must. When choosing vegetables,  go easy on root vegetables and tubers.

Skimmed, milk is better than full cream.

Non-Vegetarian food is an excellent source of protein and the best options are chicken, fish and egg white.

Avoid red meats and the skin of the fried chicken/ fish.

Instead of three large meals, opt for small, frequent meals daily and maintain a gap of around two hours between dinner and bedtime.

Those who suffer morning sickness can nibble on plain sweet biscuits, rusk or toast.

Stay away from sweets, deep fried foods, soft drinks, alcohol, ice cream, pickles, processed foods, maida-based foods and fats.

Limit caffeine intake to not more than two cups of coffee or three cups of tea.

Here is a basic diet plan, which can be modified to suit one’s taste.

On Walking : 2 almonds + 1 glass water or plain milk or tea/ coffee with one spoon sugar.

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. : 3 roties or 1 bowl upma/ poha or oats with skimmed milk and fruit  or whole wheat bread sandwich with vegetables + fruit + 1 egg white omlette or 1 bowl wheat flakes with skimmed milk.

11:00 a.m.                            : Buttermilk or tender coconut water or fruit.

1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.   : Rice (100g) + 2 rotis + sabzi (100g) + 1cup salad + dhal or greens (100g) + curd (75 ml) + 1 serving of low fat paneer/ egg/ grilled chicken/ fish.

4:00 p.m.                             : 1 cup tea/ coffee +2  biscuts or wheat crackers.

6:00 p.m.                   :  Whole fruit (guava/ apple) or 150 g sprouts or bhelpuri (home made) or 1 sandwich (multigrain bread + green chutney + cucumber) or 200 ml Buttermilk / mixed vegetable soup.

8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   : 2 dry rotis + green gram/ brown channa/ mixed vegetable curry/ palak dal/ mushroom curry.

Bedtime                               : 1 glass skimmed milk.

Sandhya Pandey

Thanks,

The Hindu – Wellness,

02/12/2012

Lower Your BP

Around 30 per cent of people with high blood pressure are drug resistant: They can’t   (or don’t) control their heart –harmful condition even with multiple medications and lifestyle changes. But a new discovery may do more to rearrange their numbers. Turns out, if you deactive certain nerves that control contraction and dilation of blood vessels in the kidney ,  it lowers blood pressure instantly. Using radio waves to zap the nerves of 106 patients, research showed big improvements in BP with no substantial complications.

In the meantime, if you’re struggling to lower your blood pressure , here’s a tough question: Are you really following your prescribed medication regimen and upgrading your lifestyle habits? About 50 per cent of the people with chronic health problems (hypertension included) don’t take their medication either at all or as prescribed.

Thanks,

The Hindu- Well Being

02/12/2012

Fertile Laughs

More than six million women have trouble conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy. And around five million men seek medical help for fertility issues.

Fertility treatments are a blessing but they’ve got their drawbacks. So here’s some good news! Meditation , stress reduction and a good laugh can increase  (as much as 30 per cent ) the likelihood of conceiving . The hormones in your adrenal system (epinephrine, cortisol, norepinephrine) that regulate and respond to stress affect your central and peripheral nervous system, brain, guts, immune system – and reproductive organs. You can control them, though.

Practicing mindful meditation daily, doing progressive muscle relaxation exercises, getting a massage and participating in group therapy all dispel stress reactions that alter body chemistry. For some women, the benefit is enough to make conception happen. But it takes time to integrate de-stressing into your life. So get started (and get your partner to participate, too). Plus, another fertility booster: Eat a diet rich in omega-3s – salmon and trout – and take 900 milligrams in supplements (the DHA variety) from algal oil to further boost fertility.

King Features Syndicate

Thanks,

The Hindu-Well Being,

02/12/2012

Fighting Parents can trigger teen depression

Children who often see their parents having rows are at risk of depression, experts have warned. Teenagers who witnessed lots of arguments in early childhood were more likely to suffer from the illness than others, said a Cambridge University team. Those who did badly had a gene – present in one in five people – that made them less emotionally resilient. Highest at risk were those who had been exposed before the age of six to intermittent parental arguments.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times-Wellness

02/12/2012

Lions Kidney Hospital

Khizarabad Bhagol,Oppsite B Block,New Friends Colony,New Delhi, New Delhi Delhi-110065

NuLife Hospital

1616, Outram Lines, Banda Bahadur Road, Near GTB Nagar Metro station, New Delhi Delhi-110009

Shree Hospital

Building No. 54, Sector 12 A, Block-B Behind Ishwar Appartment, New Delhi Delhi-110075

Al Shifa Medical Centre

(Charitable) Hafez Baba Nagar, Hyderabad Andra Pradesh

Vijaya Super Specialty Clinic & Diagnostic Services

Behind ICICI Bank, Opp. Govt High School, Secunderabad Andra Pradesh

Anwarul Uloom Educational Association

11-3-918, Hyderabad Andra Pradesh

Sri Sai Krishna Poly Clinic & DIagnostic Centre

Road No.4, Hyderabad Andra Pradesh

Impulsiveness Makes You A Cell Addict

Urges that drive cell phone and instant messaging addiction are driven by the same materialism and impulsiveness that drive shopping addiction, report US researchers in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions. Although cell phone addiction is yet defined as a psychological condition, experts say it is most often characterized by feelings of withdrawal if you don’t have it, compulsive checking of the phone, and using it to feel good. The fear of being out of contact with someone via mobile phone is called nomophobia. A TIME magazine poll released earlier this year of people around the world showed that 84% of people don’t think they could be separated from their phone for just one day.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness

02/12/2012

Physically trashing negative thoughts works

It sounds silly, but it really works physically throwing away or protecting your thoughts influences how you end up using those thoughts. Merely imagining engaging in these actions has no effect.

Simply put, writing down unwanted negative thoughts on a piece of paper and then chucking it away helps you mentally discard the thoughts as well. Similarly, writing positive thoughts and keeping it on your pocket is more likely help you. How you tag your thoughts makes a difference, says the study by the Ohio State University.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times-Wellness

02/12/2012

Vitamin D wards off tooth decay in your Kids

Parents can halve their child’s risk of tooth decay or dental caries by ensuring their children get enough of vitamin D every day. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth, but increasingly, people are deficit in the vitamin because they spend more time indoors away from sunlight. Certain conditions, such as obesity, also make it more difficult for the body to produce adequate amounts of the vitamin.

The best natural sources of vitamin D are fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, swordfish, and mackerel, along with foods fortified with the vitamin.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times – Wellness

02/12/2012

SRM Specialty Hospital

SRM Campus, Bharathi Salai, Chennai Tamilnadu-600089

Christian Mission's Charitable Trust

No.72, Spur Tank Road, Chennai Tamilnadu-600031

Sheeba Specialty Hospital

Perambur High Road, Chennai Tamilnadu-600012

Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Medical College & Hospital

Nallur (Mamallapuram), East Coast Road, Chennai Tamilnadu

SUT Academy of Medical Sciences

(A Unit of Sree Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Charitable Trust) Vancode, Trivandrum Kerala-695028

V.M. Kailasam Hospital

SakthiNagar, Erode Tamilnadu-638315

Meditation Cuts Heart, Stroke Risk

Transcendental Meditation, made popular by the Beatles during the flower power era of the 1960s, could cut heart attack rates by half. It involves making a sound repeatedly and it lowers death rates from heart attack and strokes.

A new study suggest that people with heart disease who practiced transcendental meditation for 20 minutes twice a day were 48% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke or die from all causes compared with those who attend a health education class for more than five years. Those who meditated also lowered their blood pressure and reported less stress and anger. And the more regularly patients meditated , the greater their survival.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness,

18/11/2012

Washing Your Face the Right Way

Washing your face is as simple as using soap and water, right? Not quite, say dermatologists. How you wash your face can make a difference in your appearance. Never scrub the skin or use harsh products as doing so irritates the skin, which makes skin look worse, Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol. Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to applycleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge or anything other than your fingertips can irritate your skin. Rinse with lukewarm water, and pat dry with a soft towel.

Apply moisturizer if your skin feels dry or itchy.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times –Wellness,

18/11/2012