Thursday, 28 February 2013
M.K.W. Jan Kalyan Charitable Trust Hospital & Research Centre
Red Eye
Every one of us might have experienced red eye at least once in our life time. Reasons for red eye can vary from trivial reasons to some blinding eye diseases. The cause of red eye should be known and treated to prevent unexpected complications. Everyone should have a knowledge of these “red eye” causes and their symptoms. One eye has a thin layer covering it which is called conjunctiva.
This conjunctiva has blood vessels which are usually small and not prominent. Whenever there is irritation or inflammation, theses blood vessels will increase in number and size , leading to more blood entering them. This causes redness of eye. Sometimes, normal blood vessels can rupture due to trauma or blood pressure. This causes blood of ooze out of blood vessels and cause redness. This is called Subconjunctival hemorrhage. The various causes of red eye with their symptoms and treatment are listed.
1. Foreign body :
If your eye is red and have severe foreign body sensation (feeling of something pricking inside the eye), which has developed suddenly in a dusty environment, you are probably having a “Foreign body” in your eye. This can be a dust particle, a stone particle or a leaf particle. Wash the eye with clean water immediately, which flushes off the foreign body. It it not gone, try to look for the foreign body in the mirror. You can also take the help of your friend, to find out the foreign body. If its superficial, it can be removed by using a cotton wisp. If it does not get dislodged, seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub your eyes, as it can damage the cornea and lead to severe problems of vision.
2. Conjunctivitis (Madras eye) :
If your eye is red with mild foreign body sensation and you get white discharge from your eyes, which appears even after cleaning, you may be having acute mucopurulent conjunctivitis. You will also find that your eyelashes get stuck to each other. You find it difficult to open your eyes in the morning. Vision is usually not affected in this disease. It starts in one eye, and after couple of days involves the other eye too. Conjunctivitis is the infection of conjunctiva, which is a thin layer covering the eye and which extends onto inner surface of eye lids. Usually the infection is by bacteria. Theses enter your eye, when you touch your eyes with infected hands or other materials. Once u get this, keep your eyes clean by washing away the discharge every 6 hourly. Take medical advice for antibiotic treatment and follow the instructions. Take care not to spread your infection to others. Do not let others use towels, handkerchief’s etc which were used by you. It does not spread just by seeing into other’s eyes. Children are most common to get this infection. If your child has this problem, do not send the child to school for few days, as there is a great chance that the other kids in the class get the infection too.
3. Allergic conjunctivipathy :
If your eyes are red and watering with itching sensation, you may be suffering from allergic conjunctivopathy. It is usually seen in both eyes. You have severe itching in the eyes, and on rubbing, the eyes become red. Sometimes it may be associated with sneezing and itching over the nose. This is usually seen in people with allergic tendencies like asthma, allergic dermatitis etc. it is common in children where special types of allergic conjunctivitis occur like vernal catarrh. It is a seasonal disease with recurrences. Vision is usually not affected. Try to avoid dust, cold weather etc. these problems are treated with steroid medications, which should not be used injudiciously. Medications should be strictly used according to the ophthalmologist’s advice. This usually gets responded with the treatment, but recurs few months to a year later.
4. Iritis/ Iridocyclitis :
If your eye is red and your vision is foggy, usually in one eye, you may be having ititis. Iris is a thin opaque membrane inside the eye which regulates the amount of light reaching the retina (like camera aperture). This membrane may get inflamed due to several reasons. This is usually an allergic phenomenon, with the allergen coming from the own body. The eye becomes red especially around the cornea (the black circle on the eye), unlike other causes of red eye, where in the redness is uniform all over the globe. Treatment should be done by ophthalmologist, and therefore medical attention should be sought. Its treated with steroids and the response is usually good, but recurrences are common in few people with bodily problems, for which a detailed systemic evaluation is needed.
5. Corneal Ulcer :
If you have red eye, with decreased vision and see a white or yellow patch on your cornea, you have corneal ulcer or keratitis. This is an infection of the cornea. Usually seen in field workers after trauma with vegetative matter. Sometimes seen in contact lens wearers, who don’t take proper care of their lenses. The infective organisms eat away the corneal tissue leading to necrosis. This is a serious disease, which may lead to blindness , if not treated early.
6. Acute congestive Glaucoma :
If you have redness with severe pain in eye and head, with decreased vision, you might be having “acute congestive glaucoma”. This is not so common. Our eye ball maintains its shape, due to fluid present in nit, which is called ‘aqueous humor’. This fluid is produced in certain part of the eye, it circulates in the eye, and finally leaves the eye through another part called “angle of eye”. In some people this outlet i.e. angle is so narrow, that the fluid cannot escape from the eye. This leads to increased pressure in the eye, which irritates the iris and other parts, causing redness, defective vision and pain. This is again a serious disorder, if not treated early. Immediate medical attention should be sought. It’s usually treated with medicines, either orally or intravenous. It also requires a laser procedure to let the fluid out.
Other diseases like Blepharitis, computer vision syndrome, sub-conjunctival hemorrhage, orbital cellulitis, tumors etc, also cause redness of eyes. Only the common and serious ones are discussed above.
Thanks,
Health-Sep-2012
R S Grover Memorial Hospital
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Milk And sugary Foods Cause Acne
If you wondered why those pimples weren’t going away despite your expensive anti-acne face wash, the milk and sugary food in your diet may be the cause . Foods like sugar, white rice, white bread and drinking milk aggravates acne. Eating High GI foods causes a spike in hormone levels including insulin which instigates sebum production.
Those who drank skimmed milk suffered with the worst breakouts, with a 44% increase in the likelihood of developing blemishes. The processed milk increases the levels of hormones in the drink.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness,
24/02/2013
Health Benefits Of Fish Oil
The health benefits of fish oil include its ability to aid in treatment of heart diseases, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, AHDH, low immunity, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, arthritis, IBD, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, eye disorders, muscular degeneration and ulcers. It also helps in weight loss, pregnancy, fertility and skin care (particularly for conditions such as psoriasis and acne).
Most of the health benefits of fish oil can be attributed to the presence of omega 3 essential fatty acids like Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Other useful essential fatty acids include Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA and Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA.
The health benefits of fish oil include the following:
Healthy Heart:
Fish oil is a good source of omega 3 and therefore, reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart arrhythmias. It also lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL), and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL). Fish oil prevents accumulation of triglycerides and further reduces the levels of excess triglycerides
Weight Loss
Fish oil also aids in losing weight. Fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing weight.
Improved Immunity
It is believed that regular consumption of fish oil aids in increasing your immunity thereby enabling you to resist incidence of common diseases such as cold, cough and flu. Omega three fatty acids present in fish oil benefit the immune system by effecting cytokines and eicosanoids present in our body.
AIDS
Regarding fish oil as a treatment of AIDS. However, significant research needs to be conducted on this.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Fish is effective in reducing inflammation in blood and tissues. Fish oil is effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, sprue, short bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are typical disorders of the intestine.
Arthritis
Fish oil is useful in treating arthritis, rheumatism, Raynaud’s symptoms and similar conditions.
Depression and Anxiety
Due to the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil is good for relieving depression, sadness, anxiety, restlessness, mental fatigue, stress, decreased sexual desire, suicidal tendencies and other nervous disorders.
Alzhemier’s Disease
Since fish oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA it helps in Alzhemier’s disease.
ADHD or ADD
Fish oil has the ability to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to the high concentration of fatty acids.
Eye Disorders
It is well known that fish oil is good for its ability to improve vision. It also helps in avoiding age related macular degeneration.
Skin Care
Fish oil helps in improving the condition of poor and dry skin by making it shinny and glowing. It is useful in treating various skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, itching, redness of skin, skin lesions and rashes. In case of psoriasis, the EPA present in fish oil restricts the growth of pro-inflammatory agents by producing aeachidonic acid. Fish oil can also be applied topically to get relief from psoriasis. Regular intake of fish oil capsules helps in reducing loss of moisture from the skin. It is also claimed by some people that fish oil helps in preventing sunburns.
Acne
Fish oil is effective for acne as well. EPA is known to inhibit androgen formation. Androgen can affect the formation of sebum in hair follicle.
Cancer
Fish oil is useful in delaying weight loss in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Fish oil supplements can also be helpful to patients suffering from cancer related hyperlipidemia.
Diabetes
Type II diabetic patients are prone to cardio vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke. As mentioned above, fish oil is helpful in treating various heart problems.
Ulcers
The presence of EPA and DHA in fish oil makes it helpful in case of ulcers caused by Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NASIDS)
Pregnancy
Fish oil is very useful for pregnant women as DHA present in it helps in the development of the eyes and brain of the baby. However, it should be noted that fish oil obtained from the liver of thefish, example-cod liver oil, should not be consumed during pregnancy as cod liver oil is rich in retinal and vitamin A.
Fertility
Preliminary research conducted on boar has shown that when male boars are fed with diet containing fish oil, the quality of the sperm is enhanced. After ejaculation, the sperms have increased survival against lipid peroxidative attacks in the female genital tract, thereby increasing the chances of conception.
Hair Care
Fish oil helps maintain a good luster of the hair growing properties as it provides nourishment to the follicles. It aids in faster development of hair and preventing hair loss. A good supply of proteins is also necessary for hair growth. Since most fish varieties are rich in protein, eating fish helps in keeping healthy hair.
Blood Circulation
It is believed that fish oil has the ability to improve blood circulation along with reducing triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels.
Caution on dosage of fish oil
Excessive dosage of fish oil can have adverse allergies and side effects on the body. Further , fish oil can be a problematic in many conditions and hence it is necessary to consume fish oil supplements cautiously. You should consult a doctor or physician for the exact dosage of fish oil you should take . Moreover, fish oil can be consumed in various forms. These include eating the fish directly by baking, roasting, frying, grilling, broiling, or smoking it or eating fish oil which is available in the form of concentrated dietary supplements such as liquid, tablet, capsule, pill, soft gel, etc. Also, there are various pharmaceutical grades of fish oil. It is not necessary to always consume Pharmaceutical grade fish oil or even fish oil supplements. You should also consult your doctor to check the mode of consuming fish oil.
One must pay attention to the quality of fish oil while purchasing. Fish oil is obtained from almost all sources of fish-freshwater, farm, ocean, deep sea and shallow sea fish. All these fish can be contaminated with toxic compounds such as mercury, arsenic, lead, forms of calcium, furans, dioxins, PCBs, and methyl mercury, and may affect the human body. Therefore, the fish oil used should be pure. Many companies sell ultra refined fish oil or distilled fish oil, but you should always check if the standards have been followed.
Fish oil and Vitamin D:
Fish oil, especially the one obtained from liver such as the cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin A and vitamin D. However, excessive dosage of cod liver oil can lead to Vitamin toxicity, accumulation of excessive vitamins in the body, which can cause side effects.
Vitamin E:
Various beliefs surrounding fish oil and vitamin E include:
Fish oil undergoes oxidation and can become rancid, leading to formation of free radicals. Addition of antioxidants such as vitamin E to fish oil can help prevent the formation of these free radicals.
Excessive dosage of fish oil leads to reduction of vitamin E in the human body. This loss of vitamin E should be supplemented with external vitamin E supplements.
The combination of fish oil and vitamin E can have added benefit in the treatment of many cancers and heart diseases, than if they are used individually.
Preliminary research has been carried out which prove the above beliefs; however, these need to be substantiated with detailed research before drawing strong conclusions on the use of fish oil and vitamin E.
Thanks,
Health, Dec-2012.
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Swami Dayananda Jayavarthanavelu Tribal Rural Hospital
Botox Treatment For Wrinkle Removal
Everyone wants to remain young and attractive. When wrinkles start appearing one fear about being old and unattractive. Lot of creams, lotions are available as anti wrinkle, anti aging creams, they work till a certain age and become ineffective. Plastic surgery, laser treatment are also available to remove the wrinkles. Now the actors, actresses, models and other beauty conscious men and women , want permanent method to get rid of wrinkles.
What is Botox-
Botox is a commercial name for Botulinum toxin produced by bacteria Calmodium botilinum. It is most potent poison known. When only 1 mg/kg body weight given by intravenous injection or 3 mg/kg inhaled can kill a person. These bacteria grow in absence of oxygen especially in improperly prepared, handled, stored meat products, tinned, bottled, packaged food can cause serious lethal food poisoning, because of poison produced by C.botilinum.
When botox injected into the muscles it obstruct the conduction of electrical impulses between nerves and muscles fibers, causing weakness or paralysis of the muscles. When it is injected in muscles of facial expression muscles are weakened and reduces the dynamic wrinkles of face such as horizontal fore head wrinkles of upper lips caused by repetitive facial expression in cheeks and around mouth.
Technique
To remove the wrinkles Botox is injected in very minute amount through a fine needle straight into the muscle or skin at site of wrinkles. It just take few minutes and don’t need anesthesia or any other preparation. Person may experience a little discomfort during injection. After injection person can get back to work normally within 24 hr., wrinkles start getting reduced and in next 5 to 6 days disappear.
Its effects last for 4 to 6 months and the treatment has to be repeated again. Cost of one course is between 5 to 8 thousand rupees. Treatment should be taken from dermatologist, cosmetologist or facial aesthetic specialists. Many celebrities, actors, actresses, model and other beauty conscious people are using botox treatment to get rid of wrinkles and find it easier and effective method than plastic surgery.
Side Effect’s
Botox treatment is usually safe and can be taken between the age of 18 to 65 years. But some times short term problems like eye lid drooping, nausea, double vision, squint, uneven smile, inability to close eye lids, facial pain, bruising and redness at injection site, headache, dysphagia, flu like symptoms, inability to chew solid food, allergy can be encountered. They gradually subside & disappear in 6 weeks. Pregnant women, people suffering from egg allergy and having neuromuscular problems should not be given Botox injections.
Other uses of Botulinum Toxin
Although it is most toxic substance known, it is used, beside to remove of facial wrinkles, for treatment of many other problems like blepharospasm (Excessive blinking) , squint, muscle spasm, muscle pain, intractable headache, migraine headache, asthma, spasticity due to upper motor neuron diseases, excessive under arm sweating, cervical dystonia, clonic facial painful neropathies, affecting limbs, face vocal cord, diabetic nerupathy, excessive salivation, vocal cord dysfunction like spasmodic dysphonia, tremor, achalasia etc. it can be used for weight reduction by obese people as it prolongs the empty time of stomach & reduces the appetite.
Botulinum Food Poisoning
Contamination of food with botulinum toxin causes one of the deadliest form of food poisoning. Calmodium spores can grow in improperly prepared, handled, stored meat or other food preparations and secret toxins. They are more likely to grow in tinned, bottle, packaged food. Consumption of food containing Botulinum toxin can cause severe weakness or paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Prevention of Botilinum Food Poisoning
People should take precaution in handling preparing and storing the food. Food should be kept in refrigerator at less than 3°C. After taking out the food from fridge, it should be heated properly, heating above 60°C Kills spores and destroy toxins. Tinning, canning, packaging, bottling of food preparation should be done taking all precautions, if an opening the can bottle, packet, air or froth comes out, with force then, it may be contaminated with botilinum bacteria. This food should be not eaten and disposed off properly.
Botulinum Toxin as Biological Warfare
Botilinum toxin has been recognized and feared as a potential bioterror weapon.
Some crazy person can spread the toxin in air or contaminate the water source causing death of thousands, millions of people.
Botilimum toxins, though a toxic substance, it has many medical uses.
It is wide used to remove the facial wrinkles successfully.
Thanks,
Health,Sep-2012.,
How To Instill Eye Drops
Everyone of us, at some or other time gets an occasion to instill eye drops. People with glaucoma need to instill eye drops everyday, for life long periods. The proper technique of eye drop instillation should be followed. Otherwise the instilled eye drops may overflow or drain into the nose and may not reach the eye, where it is required. Improper instillation of eye drops is one of the major reasons for failure of treatment . Here are the steps of proper eye drops instillation.
How to instill your own eye drops:
1. Check the bottle for the following:
Correct medication, Expiry date, How many days since its opened, Whether the tip of nozzle is contaminated.
Read the instructions given by doctor. Know how many times a day to use the drops, whether to put the drops in the right or left eye or both, and how many drops to use.
2. Wash your hands. When instilling eye drops, you will be putting your hands near the eyes. It is necessary for your hands to be clean so as not to infect the eyes or add any dirt.
3. Shake the bottle well if required. Most prescription eye drops are in a suspension solution, which means that the medicine has separated from the water that makes the drops a liquid. With some medications, just shaking the bottle up and down may cause bubbles to form, which could get into your eyes. With suspension solutions, you need to move the bottle back and forth several times or turn the bottle upside down to mix the solution.
4. Sit where you are able to bend your head backwards or lie flat. Alternatively, stand in front of a mirror and bend your head backwards.
5. Take the top off the eye drop bottle and position the bottle over the bridge of your nose or against your eyebrow.
6. Using index finger, gently pull down on the area below your lower lid. This pulls the lower lid away from the eye, forming a small pocket inside your eye lid.
7. Look up toward the eyebrows. Gently squeeze the bottle so that one eye drop falls into the small pocket created just inside your lower eyelid. If the eye drop lands here, it is usually more comfortable than if it lands directly on your eye. Usually, one eye drop is sufficient. Although two eye drops are not necessary , do not worry if you get two eye drops on your eye at the same time because the first eye drop will be “washed out” by the second eye drop.
Do not let the tip of the bottle touch the eye or eye lashes, because this may contaminate the eye drop and raise your risk of infection.
8. Once the eye drop is in , close the eyes gently, so the drops are distributed around the entire eye. This ensured that the eye drop reaches the eye. Do not keep your eyes open which can make the eye drop evaporate. Do not squeeze your eye tightly which forces the eyedrop out side to flow onto the cheeks.
To prevent the drops from draining into the nose and entering your system, gently press the index finger to the inner corner of the eye near the nose (Lacrimal sac area.) Hold for five minutes.
9. Put the top back on the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place (e.g in fridge( and wash your hands again.
How to instill Eye Drops into someone else:
Follow steps 1 to 3 as above.
1. Make the person lie down flat or sit down with head tilted backward.
2. Remove the cap from the eye drop bottle and position the bottle over the eye (some people find it easier to rest their hand on their patient’s forehead)
3. Gently pull the lower eyelid downwards.
4. Squeeze the bottle until a drop is seen to fall into the eye.
5. Release the lower lid which apposes the eyeball. Ask the patient to gently close the eyes and compress the lacrimal sac area.
6. Put the top back on the bottle and store it in dark cool place.
7. Wash your hands again.
Tips & Warnings
If you are putting in more than one kind of eye drop, wait 10 minutes before putting in the second drop. This allows the first drop to get into the eye before being washed away by the second drop.
Please note that certain types of eye drops sting when you first put them into the eye. Prolonged stinging, redness or any other unusual symptoms should be reported to your ophthalmologist at your next appointment.
Unless you are told otherwise you should not wear contact lenses in the affected eye for the course of the treatment.
Most of the eye drops will expire after one month of opening. This can vary between the different types of eye drops.
Instill Eye drops in a Child
The actual instillation remains the same. But following tips will make the procedure easy.
1. Show the child what the container of eye drops/ ointment looks like. Put some on the back of the child’s hand so he or she knows what it feels like.
2. Use your finger to point at your own eye and show where the drop/ ointment is going to be instilled. You can also pretend to instill some in the parent’s eye to show the child what to expect.
3. Ask the parent to hold the child in a gentle, comforting manner.
4. Encourage the parent to speak to the child in a comforting way throughout the procedure and to cuddle the child immediately afterwards.
5. A baby or child who is too young to cooperate may be wrapped in a sheet or blanket to restrain their arms.
6. Work as quickly and calmly as you can- this minimizes the child’s distress.
7. The skin of neonates is thin and the drug can get absorbed through skin into the body, from the cheek skin. To avoid this, Dabbing the drops from the cheek is very important.
How to instill Eye ointment
It’s similar to the installation of eye drops.
Ask the patient to look up, and Evert the lower eyelid to ensure correct placement of the eye ointment.
Taking care not to touch the eye, hold the applicator just above the eye and deliver a line of ointment along the lower conjunctiva, from the nasal corner in an outward direction.
Ask the patient to gently close the eye to distribute the ointment across it.
Wipe away ant excess ointment with the gaze to avoid irritation to the Peri-orbital skin.
Thanks,
Health, Sep-2012.
How To Instill Eye Drops
Everyone of us, at some or other time gets an occasion to instill eye drops. People with glaucoma need to instill eye drops everyday, for life long periods. The proper technique of eye drop instillation should be followed. Otherwise the instilled eye drops may overflow or drain into the nose and may not reach the eye, where it is required. Improper instillation of eye drops is one of the major reasons for failure of treatment . Here are the steps of proper eye drops instillation.
How to instill your own eye drops:
1. Check the bottle for the following:
Correct medication, Expiry date, How many days since its opened, Whether the tip of nozzle is contaminated.
Read the instructions given by doctor. Know how many times a day to use the drops, whether to put the drops in the right or left eye or both, and how many drops to use.
2. Wash your hands. When instilling eye drops, you will be putting your hands near the eyes. It is necessary for your hands to be clean so as not to infect the eyes or add any dirt.
3. Shake the bottle well if required. Most prescription eye drops are in a suspension solution, which means that the medicine has separated from the water that makes the drops a liquid. With some medications, just shaking the bottle up and down may cause bubbles to form, which could get into your eyes. With suspension solutions, you need to move the bottle back and forth several times or turn the bottle upside down to mix the solution.
4. Sit where you are able to bend your head backwards or lie flat. Alternatively, stand in front of a mirror and bend your head backwards.
5. Take the top off the eye drop bottle and position the bottle over the bridge of your nose or against your eyebrow.
6. Using index finger, gently pull down on the area below your lower lid. This pulls the lower lid away from the eye, forming a small pocket inside your eye lid.
7. Look up toward the eyebrows. Gently squeeze the bottle so that one eye drop falls into the small pocket created just inside your lower eyelid. If the eye drop lands here, it is usually more comfortable than if it lands directly on your eye. Usually, one eye drop is sufficient. Although two eye drops are not necessary , do not worry if you get two eye drops on your eye at the same time because the first eye drop will be “washed out” by the second eye drop.
Do not let the tip of the bottle touch the eye or eye lashes, because this may contaminate the eye drop and raise your risk of infection.
8. Once the eye drop is in , close the eyes gently, so the drops are distributed around the entire eye. This ensured that the eye drop reaches the eye. Do not keep your eyes open which can make the eye drop evaporate. Do not squeeze your eye tightly which forces the eye drop out side to flow onto the cheeks.
To prevent the drops from draining into the nose and entering your system, gently press the index finger to the inner corner of the eye near the nose (Lacrimal sac area.) Hold for five minutes.
9. Put the top back on the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place (e.g in fridge( and wash your hands again.
How to instill Eye Drops into someone else:
Follow steps 1 to 3 as above.
1. Make the person lie down flat or sit down with head tilted backward.
2. Remove the cap from the eye drop bottle and position the bottle over the eye (some people find it easier to rest their hand on their patient’s forehead)
3. Gently pull the lower eyelid downwards.
4. Squeeze the bottle until a drop is seen to fall into the eye.
5. Release the lower lid which apposes the eyeball. Ask the patient to gently close the eyes and compress the lacrimal sac area.
6. Put the top back on the bottle and store it in dark cool place.
7. Wash your hands again.
Tips & Warnings
If you are putting in more than one kind of eye drop, wait 10 minutes before putting in the second drop. This allows the first drop to get into the eye before being washed away by the second drop.
Please note that certain types of eye drops sting when you first put them into the eye. Prolonged stinging, redness or any other unusual symptoms should be reported to your ophthalmologist at your next appointment.
Unless you are told otherwise you should not wear contact lenses in the affected eye for the course of the treatment.
Most of the eye drops will expire after one month of opening. This can vary between the different types of eye drops.
Instill Eye drops in a Child
The actual instillation remains the same. But following tips will make the procedure easy.
1. Show the child what the container of eye drops/ ointment looks like. Put some on the back of the child’s hand so he or she knows what it feels like.
2. Use your finger to point at your own eye and show where the drop/ ointment is going to be instilled. You can also pretend to instill some in the parent’s eye to show the child what to expect.
3. Ask the parent to hold the child in a gentle, comforting manner.
4. Encourage the parent to speak to the child in a comforting way throughout the procedure and to cuddle the child immediately afterwards.
5. A baby or child who is too young to cooperate may be wrapped in a sheet or blanket to restrain their arms.
6. Work as quickly and calmly as you can- this minimizes the child’s distress.
7. The skin of neonates is thin and the drug can get absorbed through skin into the body, from the cheek skin. To avoid this, Dabbing the drops from the cheek is very important.
How to instill Eye ointment
It’s similar to the installation of eye drops.
Ask the patient to look up, and Evert the lower eyelid to ensure correct placement of the eye ointment.
Taking care not to touch the eye, hold the applicator just above the eye and deliver a line of ointment along the lower conjunctiva, from the nasal corner in an outward direction.
Ask the patient to gently close the eye to distribute the ointment across it.
Wipe away ant excess ointment with the gauze to avoid irritation to the Peri-orbital skin.
Thanks,
Health, Sep-2012.
Monday, 25 February 2013
Try The Following Easy Tips At Home And See How Effective They Are In Reducing Hair Loss.
1. Hot oil treatments:
Take any natural oil-olive, coconut, canola- and heat it up so that it is warm, but not too hot. Massage it gently into your scalp. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for an hour, then shampoo your hair.
2. Natural Juices:
You can rub your scalp with either garlic juice, onion juice or ginger juice. Leave it ion overnight and wash it thoroughly in the morning.
3. Get a head massage:
Massaging your scalp for a few minutes daily will help stimulate circulation. Good circulation in the scalp keeps hair follicles active. Circulation may be improved through massage by using a few drops of lavender or bay essential oil in an almond or sesame oil base.
4. Antioxidants:
Apply warm green tea (two bags brewed in one cup of water) on your scalp and leave this mixture on for an hour and then rinse. Green tea contains antioxidants which prevent hair loss and boost hair growth.
5. Practice Meditation:
Believe it or not, most of the times, the root cause for hair loss is stress and tension. Meditation can help in reducing that and restore hormonal balance.
Thanks,
Health, Sep-2012
Periodontitis
Periodontitis, a disease that inflames the tissue around the teeth, affects more than half of adults, and has been linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart problems. Now, there’s new investigation looking at fish oil as a possible therapy. Researchers reviewed eight studies to understand the effect of fish oil on periodontitis. They found that improvements in clinical measures were common in all the studies, but specifically significant in two that used the combination of fish oil and aspirin.
Thanks,
Health,Sep-2012
Sleep Apnoea
It means pauses or abnormally low breathing during sleep, which can last from few second to few minutes during sleep & may occur 5 to 30 time per hour. This is common problem. It can our at any age, but in middle age about 0.9 per cent females and about 2.4 per cent males are affected in various severity. It have the serious impact on physical, mental, social well being of the individual. It can be diagnosed by overnight sleep test called polysomnogram or sleep study.
Types of Sleep Apnoea
There are three types of sleep apnoea
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea:-
About 84 per cent of patients suffer from this type of sleep apnoea. Muscle tone of body decreases during sleep, so air way is compressed which can obstruct the breathing during sleep. This type of sleep apnoea is more common in the obese elderly men smokers, alcoholics persons with broad neck (more than 16 inch)who have enlarged tonsil or large tongue.
They usually snore loudly have rest less sleep. Sleep is interrupted many times during night, they don’t feel refresh and active during the day. They may fell asleep when doing boring work. They may have headache in morning, are irritable during the day. They are at high or risk of heart attacks stroke, high blood pressure accidents and sudden death. They may suffer from sexual dysfunction.
Central Sleep Apnoea
Brain control the respiration. Brain respiratory centres are depressed during sleep. During sleep in these patients breathing centres don’t react quickly to chemical and neural feed back signals so breathing again period of apnoea, breathing again resume and the cycles are repeated hundreds of time during sleep.
This can occur more commonly if individual who consume respiratory depressant drings like heroin, opiates.
In people suffering from epilepsy decreased oxygen may precipitate in people suffering from coronary heart disease attack the sudden drop in oxygen level may cause angina arrhythmia or even heart attack. About 4 per cents suffer from central sleep apnoea.
Mixed Sleep Apnoea
This is the combination of obstructive sleep apnoea and central sleep apnoea about 13 per cent suffer from mixed sleep apnoea.
Regardless the type of patient sleep apnoea, are rarely aware of the problem themselves. It is usually recognized by others witnessing the person during sleep or it may be suspected due to its ill effects like day time sleepiness fatigue etc.
Management
Sleep apnoea is a serious disease as it decreases efficiency, make prone to heart diseases stroke, high blood pressure, accidents sexual problem. So it needs treatment.
They should avoid alcohol sleeping pills muscle relaxant.
They should lose weight.
They should quit smoking.
They should sleep with head end of bed raised to 30°.
They should do oropharyngeal muscle exercise so that throat muscle become stronger.
Patients suffering from sleep apnoea can use C-PAP machine while sleeping while provide the air under a definite pressure. So air way don’t close. Patients sleep soundly and get relief from problems arising from the sleep apnoea.
Patients who can’t tolerate the C-PAP machine or not relieved by it should undergo surgery which widen the airway.
Thanks,
Health, Sep-2012
Sunday, 24 February 2013
Eat Heart Healthy
My Husband recently had a heart attack, followed by bypass surgery. Before he was released from the hospital, I asked the cardiologist about my husband’s diet. The doctor said he could have any thing he wants- in moderation. I don’t want him eating steak and ice-cream sundaes! But now how will I convince him he shouldn’t? Ellen
Ask for referral to a cardiac rehabilitation centre where you both can go to learn about healthy eating and safe exercise. Here’s why that’s important (get your husband to read this)
A recent study of more than 30,00 people (average age 66) who had suffered a heart attack or stroke or had type 2 diabetes and were thought to be getting the best medicine possible found that those who ate a heart-healthy diet cut their risk of cardiovascular death by 35 per cent, the risk of another heart attack by 14 per cent, and the risk of congestive heart failure by 28 per cent. They ate lots of fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes and not much saturated fat, dietary cholesterol or sodium. Life style changes including diet and exercise, when added to surgery and meds, really do have good results.
Join him in the adventure, and you both should be able to enjoy the coming years with vim and vigour.
King Features Syndicate,
Thanks,
The Hindu- Well Being,
24/02/2013
Out-Of-Control Eating
I Found my 16-year-old daughter wolfing down a bag of chocolate chip cookies. When I Asked her what was up, she tried to make light of it. I think she does this more than I know, ans I’m really concerned. What should I do?
Binge eating is a compulsive eating disorder. People overeat when they’re not hungry, and it goes hand in hand with depression and other risky behaviours like drug and alcohol abuse.
Compulsive eating probably is a way to self-soothe when your daughter feels stressed or blue. So have a sit-down: Tell her you’re interested in listening if she wants to talk. She may not, at least the first time you try – but don’t give up. Remember, binge eaters often feel overwhelmed and out of control.
If she does open up to you, let her know that binge eating can be treated successfully. Binging involves emotional issues, and talk therapy often is helpful in sorting them out. But the disorder also has a physical component. Sometimes antidepressants help. And researchers have found a direct correlation between high levels of sugar in the diet and binge eating.
Help your daughter build a healthy relationship with food. Do you need to upgrade what you’re serving for dinner? Do you eat together as a family? That encourages better nutrition and is proven to reduce problem behaviours in teens.
King Features Syndicate
Thanks,
The Hindu- Well Being,
24/02/2013
Iodine Alert
“When it rains it pours” is a catchphrase that lets you know an anti-caking has been added to your table salt. But far more important is the fact thatn many kinds of salt (although not kosher or sea salt) contain added iodine, and for good reason.
Iodine deficiency reduces production of thyroid hormones, and that can cause mental retardation in children and poor thinking skills, infertility and thyroid problems such as goitre in adults.
Doctors have recently sounded the alarm that pregnant and breast feeding women aren’t getting the added iodine they need. The recommended daily allowance during pregnancy is 220 mcg/day; Awhile for breastfeeding it is 290mcg/day. But put down that saltshaker! Good sources of iodine are low-fat youhurt, strawberries, seafood (4 to 6 ounce serving of fish might deliver 100 to 1,000 mcg or more, so stick with salmon and trout for omega-3s and to avoid mercury pollution).
Even poultry, fed with iodine –enriched grain, can deliver 16 to 60 mcg pre serving. And many multivitamins contain up to 150 mcg.
Bonus Alert: Expecting and breast feeding moms should go easy on seaweed. It can pack an over-the-top wallop of iodine. You want benefits without the risks.
King Features Syndicate
Thanks,
The Hindu-Well Being,
24/02/2013
Friday, 22 February 2013
Healthy Meals Improve Sleep
You are what you eat, the saying goes, but is what you eat playing a role in how much you sleep? Sleep, like nutrition and physical activity, is a critical determinant of health and well-being. A new study shows that nutrients play an underlying role in short and long sleep duration and that people who report eating a large variety of foods- an indicator of an overall healthy diet- have the healthiest sleep patterns. In general, those who sleep between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night are most likely to experience better overall health and well being. Food variety- many types of proteins, carbohydrates , vitamins and minerals – is highest in normal sleepers, and lowest in very short sleepers.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness,
17/02/2013
Relationship Anxiety Weakens Immunity
Anxiety and concerns about close relations can make you fall ill by reducing immunity. Such concerns function as a chronic stressor that compromise immunity, reports a study that found that the most affected are those who are on the high end of the attachment anxiety spectrum.
Signs of high relationship anxiety are excessive concerns about being rejected, having a tendency to constantly seek reassurance that they are loved, and those more likely to interpret ambiguous events in a relationship as negative. Such persons are prone to produce higher levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone that is released in response to stress, and have fewer T-cells, which are a measure of the immune system’s defence against infection.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness,
17/02/2013
Vitamin C Prevents Colds, Only If You Exercise
Taking vitamin C to ward off a cold only helps if you exercise regularly, new research suggests. Finish researchers have found necking drinks in rich in vitamin C-Such as orange juice –makes no difference to couch potatoes. But in people who work out, vitamin C can halve the risk and even help get rid of the sniffles.
On average, adults have two or three colds a year, while children get sneezing and coughing attacks 10-12 times a year.
Studies in the past have shown that vitamin C supplementation reduces the duration of colds, but does not prevent it. Last week, research found that men who take vitamin C supplements every day doubled their risk of kidney stones.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness,
17/02/2013
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Brain Food
Brain Controls all our functions and responsible for memory, behaviour and concentration etc. It is metabolically active and require various nutrients for its proper functioning neurons are the functional units of brain . They communicate with each others profusely Via synapses where various neurotransmitters (Chemicals) are secreted. By modern research it is clear that various foods have varied effects on our behaviour , thoughts process, and right food and/ or the natural neuro chemicals that they contain can enhance mental capabilities, help us to concentrate, can fine tune senses, motor skills, keep us motivated, increases memory, concentration, decreases stress perhaps even preclude brain aging. So it is thought that we can increase memory, boost mental health by choosing the right food. Following are some food that are supposed to be beneficial for brain.
Fish and Fish oils- Omega-3 fatty acid found especially in cold water fishes are required for cell membrane and also they can decrease the formation of artherosclerosis. Brain cell must constantly refresh themselves for which they need omega-3 fatty acids. It has been found that adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acid can decrease the chances of dementia enhances memory, decreases stroke risk and enhances mental activity.
Eggs- They are rich in protein Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acid, Db. Vitamins, may help preclude inflammation and may aid in the new brain cell formation.
Tomatoes- It contain Lycopene, powerful anti oxidant, can protect from harmful effects of reactive free radicals (super oxide O3 Hydrogen peroxide etc.) thus keep brain healthy and protect from Alzheiemer’s disease, which is most common cause of dementia in old age.
Grape Fruits- They are rich in Vitamin A, B, C one feels. Refreshed and alert, if consume then regularly oranges and lemons can also have similar effects.
Seeds- Many seeds can boost mood and brain power. Tradionally water melon and musk melon seeds are known as to enhance the memory, and power. Sunflower seeds contain tryptophan an vital amino acid that brain convert to serotonin which is neutral way to relieve mild depression and wakefulness high in thiamine (Vitamin B1) which can increase memory and cohnitive function.
Nuts- Tradionally all nuts are considered food for mental health but especially almonds and walnuts are considered to enhance memory concentration and mental capabilities. Now it is thought as nuts are excellent source of vitamins anti oxidants and can halt the cognitive decline due to aging.
Glucose- Glucose is ready made and only source of energy for the brain. Low level of glucose in blood can lead to unconsciousness or even death, so glucose can keep brain active, alert.
Avacdado- Butter fruit (Goshtus) are rich source of vitamins anti oxidants. It can decrease the bad cholesterol increases brain blood flow.
Dark Chocolate- Coeos contain flavanol epicatechin an strong anti oxidant and consuming it can improve memory. But one must not eat lot of commercial chocolates which large amount of simple sugars.
Ginseng- Now it is used to sharpen focus increase concentration enhance memory attention span widely. It is available as capsules (Revital)
Berries- Berries especially blue berries are found to increase learning capabilities and decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Caffeine- Every one knows the caffeine in coffee can make one mentally alert. But it should be consumed in limited amount.
Ginko Biloba- Anryveda considered to improve memory and mental functions. It can increase carination and oxygen delivery to the brain. It also contain anti oxidants which can protect the brain from harmful effects of free radicals.
In my opinion there is no magic food which can improve the brain functions. To keep brain healthy one must eat plenty of whole grains like pop corn, whole wheat preparation whole grain cereals pulses, rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Eat variety of fruits and vegetable including green leafy vegetables to blue berries to tomatoes to sweet potatoes. Anti oxidants and other chemicals found in fruits and vegetable help to curb free radicals that damage cells, while neuro chemicals keep brain healthy. One should avoid junk food. Beside the food to keep brain healthy one should have adequate sound sleep, should exercise, meditation, Now it is proved that one need to challenge the brain to keep brain healthy and to improve its functioning.
Thanks,
Health, Sep-2012
Are You Stressed?
Cranky, irritable, stressed or anxious? Munch on these foods to lift your mood!
Did you know that the foods we eat can influence our mood? This is because certain foods stimulate production of mood elevating hormones like serotonin, endorphin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters. The next time you are down in the dumps, try these foods to feel better:
The next time you’re feeling low, treat yourself to some chocolate. This sweet stuff boosts endorphin levels, the brain’s natural happy hormones. So eat ‘em and feel happy!
Protein is made up of amino acids. One specific amino acid, called tyrosine is known to stimulate production of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.These chemicals help boost alertness and energy levels. So choose from a host of protein rich foods such as fish, poultry and meat. Legumes, cheese, milk and curd too are super good if you want to feel better.
Carbohydrates stimulate the production of the feel-good hormone, serotonin. Research has shown that those on a diet tend to get depressed, a week or two down the line. About the time their serotonin levels dip, owing decreased carbohyrate intake. The next time you’re feeling low, turn to some healthy carbs: whole wheat bread, rice, cereal, rotis, parathas and fruits like banana, pear and apple, You’ll feel an instant lift.
Despite the bad reputation it has earned, a little caffeine can be effective antidepressant to treat mild depression. Additionally, it remains effective without having to increase its dosage daily. There is evidence to support that a cup or two of coffee/ tea a day is safe to drink. Remember, too much caffeine can make you nervous, irritable and oversensitive, bring on headaches, and also lead to an addiction.
Eating anything that tastes good boosts endorphin production, the happiness chemical that riggers that same kind of reaction as opiate drugs. So eat what you like for a legal high!
One nutrient that many of us could be lacking is a B-complex vitamin called choline. Choline is concentrated in high cholesterol food like egg yolk and liver. A lack of this nutrient can cause impairment of memory and concentration. Leading to irritability. So eat that yellow in the egg (that you so like without any guilt to reduce irritability and feel refreshed.
A deficiency in folic acid has been linked to depression. This deficiency leads to a decrease in serotonin levels. If you’re feeling low,sqeeze out a glass of orange juice or indulge in some palak paneer, because spinach and oranges have folic acid in plenty.
Researchers attributes bad moods to a lack of selenium, a trace mineral. People suffering from a lack of selenium have been shown to be more anxious, irritable, hostile and depressed in comparison to those who have healthy selenium levels. Taking in adequate amounts of this mineral can correct the deficiency, stabilize your mood and even better it further. You can get your dose of selenium every day from tuna, whole-grain cereals, swordfish and sunflower seeds.
Thanks,
Health-Sep-2012
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Lack Of sleep Can Impair Memory
Older people who don’t sleep well have more problems remembering things because it prevents memories from being stored at night.
Researchers found that memories in the brains of old people rarely get into the ‘hard drive’ or prefrontal cortex, instead staying in the hippocampus. Using functional and structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, researchers found that healthy adults spend about a quarter of their sleep in deep and restorative sleep called non-rapid –eye-movement sleep, during which the brain’s middle frontal lobe generates slow waves.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times-Wellness,
03/02/2012
Holiday Benefits Last For Weeks
Holidays help you relax and lower blood pressure and stress levels, with the benefits lasting for at least a fortnight longer than the vacation. In some cases, they can be felt for months. The average blood pressure of people on holiday dropped by 6%, while it rose by 2% in those who worked over the same period, report a study. The sleep quality of holidaymakers improved by 17% while that of the non-holidaymakers deteriorated by 14%. The majority reported feeling happier, more rested and much less stressed because of their vacations, which clearly demonstrates holidays improves your ability to physically cope with stress.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness,
03/02/2013
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Gururaja Nursing Home
Positive Seating
Positive seating (sloping the seat forward) does not help all, or even most. Children with cerebral palsy or developmental delay. But it does help some children with stiff, backward tilting hips, or those with low muscle tone who have trouble sitting upright. It is especially useful for children who can sit briefly without support, but who tend to droop forward with sagging head. Often it helps them to sit straighter and raise their head.
The concept of positive seating is still new to many rehabilitation workers and therapists. It ios often helpful for children who, for 2 different reasons, have difficulty sitting upright.
1. As some children with spastic cerebral palsy have stiffness of the hips (pelvis) that prevents them from sitting with their back at right angles to their thighs. When they sit on a level (horizontal) seat, they tend to fall over backwards. Or they sit slouched with their back in a C-shaped curve.
When the child sits on a forward-tilting seat, or wedge, this allows her back to rise straight upo from the hips. (The pelvis is rotated to an upright position.)On this forward-slanting seat, the child is more stable, less tense (which reduces spasticity), and often has better head, body and hand control.
2. Some children have low muscle tone, as in the floppy (flaccid) type of cerebral palsy, and in some mixed types. On a level seat, they tend to slump forward and have difficulty raising their heads.
For such children, a forward tilting seat (positive seating) often does wonders. The forward slant causes the child to push with her legs to keep from sliding forward. This use of the leg muscles increases overall muscle tone, which (in some cases) allows the child to lift her head and hold a more upright posture.
Caution:
Each child is different. Results with positive seating vary from excellent to counterproductive. Be sure that-if muscle tone is increased – it gives the child greater control, rather than triggering a stiff, spastic reaction (as it does in some children)
Thanks,
Health, Dec- 2012
Monday, 18 February 2013
Tips To Help Your Skin Stay Moist, Soft And Healthy Throughout Winter
Use an Oil-based Moisturizer
As the outer layer of your skin tends to become dry during the winter, it is essential that you use a moisturizer that is oil-based. This will help reduce the level of dryness making your face feel a lot softer. Those with oily skin can use a light moisturizer.
Slather on Sunscreen
Sure the days are shorter and nights longer in winter, but that does not mean you chuck your sunscreen away until the summer. Religiously apply a sunscreen before you leave your home with an SPF of at least 15.
Befriend the Lip Balm
Do not lick your lips because it will only chap your lips more. Make sure to keep a lip balm in your bag and apply it to keep your lips moist and pink.
Avoid Hot Baths
Taking very hot baths causes your skin to lose its moisture. Instead, use lukewarm water and avoid staying in the water for too long as it tends to open up your pores.
Thanks,
Health-Dec-2012.
Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome
Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) is a condition or conditions characterized by fatigue following a viral infection. The term is not widely used, but the state of prolonged or severe fatigue after illness is not uncommon . Some people experience fatigue and related symptoms for months or years following a severe viral infection.
Post-viral syndromes may also include: post –polio syndrome and possibly chronic mononucleosis or other severe chronic viral infections.
Signs and Symptoms
The main symptoms of the syndrome are disabling fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, neurocognitive difficulties and mood disturbance. Other symptoms experienced by some patients are those of nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and patients may also present with unrefreshing sleep. Patients with this illness may explain that they experience good and bad days with their symptoms and their activity may range greatly from a bad to a good day. Other conditions must be ruled out, including (but not limited to) diabetes, anemia and kidney/ liver problems.
Diagnosis
For Post-viral fatigue syndrome to be completely diagnosed, the patient must have suffered symptoms for six months at least, although an earlier diagnosis may be made and confirmed later on. Blood samples must be taken and tested to rule out other conditions which may be causing such symptoms and other conditions which may be causing such symptoms and other tests may be carried out to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate. There is no definite cure for post-viral fatigue syndrome, but the symptoms can be relieved by using an over-the-counter analgesic medication for musculoskeletal pain and medication can be prescribed if depression becomes apparent. However, it seems that the best relief for post-viral fatigue is rest and not overdoing activities.
Prognosis
Though debilitating, post-viral fatigue syndrome does improve over time. Some patients may experience symptoms for a few months, whereas others may have had symptoms for many years. Patients can help themselves by not overworking on the days that they feel good, but trying to maintain a consistent routine every day, gradually building up exercise and activity is beneficial.
Risk Factors
Some research indicates that the chance of developing a post-viral fatigue syndrome is more strongly relatved to the severity of the infection rather than on demographic, psychological or microbiological characteristics. Other research indicates the contrary and that doctor behavior and patient attitudes were the best predictors.
Some research indicates that the chance of developing a post-viral fatigue syndrome is more strongly related to the severity of the infection rather than on demographic, psychological or microbiological characteristics. Other research indicates the contrary and that doctor behavior and patient attitudes were the best predictors. some research indicates that the chance of developing a post-viral fatigue syndrome is more strongly related to the severity of the infection rather than on demographic, psychological or microbiological characteristics. Other research indicates the contrary and that doctor behavior and patient attitudes were the best predictors.
Some research indicates that the chance of developing a post-viral fatigue syndrome is more strongly related to the severity of the infection rather than on demographic, psychological or microbiological characteristics. Other research indicates the contrary and that doctor behavior and patient attitudes were the best predictors
Thanks,
Health-Dec-2012
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Wash Well For Smooth And Shinny Hair
Want more good hair days? Dermatologists say how you wash your hair and the products you use could go a long way in maintaining smooth, shiny hair.
When shampooing, concentrate on cleaning primarily the scalp, rather than the entire length of the hair, as washing only your hair can create flyaway hair that is dull and coarse.
Conditioners should only be used on the tips of the hair since conditioners can make fine hair look limp. If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it as often as once a day.
If you have chemically –treated hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less frequently. As you get older, your scalp makes less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness,
10/02/2013
Alcohol Mixed With Diet Drinks More Intoxicant
Mixing alcohol with diet drinks may not be a good idea if getting completely sloshed is not your idea of a good time, according to a recent study.
A new comparison of Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrACs) of alcohol consumed with an artificial sweetener versus alcohol consumed with a sugared beverage has found that mixing alcohol with a diet soft drink can result in a higher BrAC. The stomach seems to treat sugar sweetened beverages like food, which delays the stomach from emptying.
The stomach seems to treat sugar sweetened beverages like food, which delays the stomach emptying. The best way to think about these effects is that sugar-sweetened alcohol mixers slow down the absorption of alcohol into blood stream. Artificially sweetened alcohol mixers do not really elevate alcohol intoxication.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness,
10/02/2013
Vitamin D, Omega-3 Helps Beat Alzheimer’s
Consumption of foods like fish, eggs and milk that are rich in vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids can prevent Alzheimers disease, according to a new study.
It enhances the immune system’s ability to clear the brain of amyloid plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimers disease.
Scientists identified key genes and signaling networks regulated by vitamin D3 and the omega-3 fatty acid that may help control inflammation and improve plaque clearance. A serving of fish twice a week and an hour in morning sun is known to be beneficial for overall health.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times, Wellness
10/02/2013
Chewing Gum Enhances Alertness
It’s official! Researchers have found scientific evidence to confirm that chewing gum can speed up thinking and make you more alert.
A new study reported that reaction times are up to 10 per cent, faster while chewing gum. It is also known to increase arousal and leads to temporary improvements in blood flow. The brain regions most active during chewing are those involved with movement attention. Chewing a piece of gum for 20 minutes leads to an increased heart rate, which forces more oxygen and nutrients to the brain. It also enhances production of insulin, which stimulates areas of the brain concerned with memory and alertness.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness
10/02/2013
Have Milk And Yogurt for Healthy Hip Bones
Consuming milk and yogurt can give you healthier hip bones than cream, according to a new study. The researchers have found that dairy intake- specifically milk and yogurt - is associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip.
Dairy foods have several important nutrients that are beneficial for bone health, cream and its products such as ice-cream, on the other hand, is associated with lower BMD as they have lower levels of these nutrients and have higher levels of fat and sugar. About three servings of milk and yogurt in take per day provide better bone density.
Choosing low-fat milk or yogurt over cream can increase intake of protein, calcium and vitamin D while limiting intake of saturated fats.
Thanks,
Hindustan Times- Wellness,
10/02/2013
Friday, 15 February 2013
Benefits Of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique
Introduction
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), or Jacobson’s Relaxation Technique or “contract-relax technique” is a systematic technique for achieving a deep state of relaxation. It was developed by Dr. Edmund Jaconson more than 50 years ago. He found that tensing and relaxing various muscle groups throughout the body produces a deep state of relaxation is capable of relieving a variety of condition.
Definition
Progressive Muscle Relaxation is defined as a systematic technique for achieving a deep state of relaxation.
Process
The PMR procedure teaches you to relax muscles through a two step process. First deliberately apply tension to certain muscle groups, and then stop the tension and turn the attention to noticing how the muscles relax as the tension flows away.
Duration
One cycle of PMR takes 15-20 minutes. Note that each step is really two steps –one cycle of tension- relaxation for each set of opposite muscles. Each tensing is for 10 seconds and each relaxation for 10 to 15 second.
Benefits
Decreased heart rate and breathing rate.
Lowers blood pressure.
Improves concentration.
Increased blood flow throughout the body.
Reduction of stress.
Increased sense of control over own emotions and moods.
Reduces pain perception.
Reduces nausea and vomiting.
Guidelines for practice
Always practice full PMR in a quiet place, alone, with no electronic distractions, not even background music.
Remove shoes and wear loose clothing.
Avoid eating, smoking, or drinking. Its best to practice before meals rather than after, for the sake of your digestive processes.
Never practice after using any intoxicants.
Sit in a comfortable chair if possible. Client may practice lying down, but this increases the like hood of falling asleep.
Progressive muscle relaxation technique
Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing in succession, sixteen different muscle groups of the body. Client might say to himself “I am relaxing”, “Letting go” , “ Let tension flow away”, or any other relaxing phase during each relaxation period between successive muscle groups. Throughout the exercise, maintain focus on muscles. When attention wanders, bring it back to particular muscle group working on. Once comfortably supported in a quiet place, follow the detailed instructions below:
1.Hands : The fist are tensed, relaxed. The fingers are extended; relaxed.
2. Biceps and triceps: the biceps are tensed; relaxed. The triceps are tensed; relaxed.
3. Shoulders: pull them back relax them. Push the shoulders forward; relax. Tighten shoulders by raising them up as going to touch ears. Hold and the relax.
4. Neck (lateral): With the shoulders straight and relaxed, the head is turned slowly to the right, as far as possible; relax. Turn to left; relax.
5. Neck (forward): Dig chin into chest; relax
6. Mouth: The mouth is opened as far as possible; relax. The lips are brought together or pursed as tightly as possible; relaxed.
8. Tongue (extended and retracted): With mouth open, extended the tongue as far as possible; relax. Bring it back in throat as far as possible ; relax.
8. Tongue (roof and floor): Dig tongue into the roof of the mouth; relax. Dig it into the bottom of mouth; relax.
9. Eyes: Open them as wide as possible; relax. Close eyes tightly; relax.
10. Breathing: Take as deep a breath as possible; let it out and breath normally for 15 seconds. Let all the breath in the lungs out; inhale and breath normally for 15 seconds.
11. Back: With shoulders resting on the back of the chair, push body forward so that back is arched; relax.
12. Butt: Tense the butt tightly and raise pelvis slightly off chair, relax. Dig buttocks in a chair; relax.
13. Thighs: Extend legs and raise them about 6th off the floor or the foot rest; relax.
14. Stomach: Pull in the stomach as far as possible; relax completely. Push out the stomach or tense it as if you were preparing for punch in gut; relax.
15. Calves and feet: point the toes without raising the leg; relax. Point the feet upward as far as possible; relax.
16. Toes: With legs relaxed, dig toes into the floor; relax. Bend the toes up as far as possible; relax.
17. Now imagine a wave of relaxation slowly spreading throughout body, starting at the head and gradually penetrating every muscle group all the way down to toes.
Contraindications
Progressive muscle relaxation has few contraindications:
Intense muscle contraction is a bad idea for anybody experience extreme muscle soreness or recovering from an injury or recent surgery.
Also, be sure the client breaths normally throughout. Holding the breath while tensing the muscles causes a temporary spike in blood pressure. This can be dangerous for older people with high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Progressive muscle relaxation in addition to its health benefits is an excellent tool to help learn about the body and its signals. With practice and time, we can learn to accurately identify tension signals in body and actively work to reduce adverse physical reactions occurring in the body.
Thanks,
Health, Dec-2012