Word Stress Driving Britons To Drink

Work stress is the biggest factor in driving Britons to drink, drugs and depression, say mental health experts. More than a third (34%) of adults say their job is the most stressful aspect of their lives-more so than money(30%) or health worries (17%).

Apart from alcohol, people also turn to sleeping pill, anti-depressants and smoking to cope. Almost six in 10 (57%) of people hit the bottle after work-with one in seven (14%) even drinking during the day, a survey for mental health charity Mind found.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- wellness,

24/03/2013

 

Walking Protects Women From Stroke

Women who walk at least three hours every week are less likely to suffer a stroke than women who walk less or not at all, shows new study. Past studies have also linked physical activity  to fewer  strokes, which can be caused by built-up plaque in arteries or ruptured blood vessels in the brain.

Women who were regular walkers showed a 43% reduction in stroke risk compared to the inactive group, reports the journal stroke. There was no reduction seen for men based on exercise type or frequency.

Those who walked briskly for 210 minutes or more per week had a lower stroke risk than inactive women but also lower than those who cycled or did other high-intensity work-outs for short duration.

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Hindustan Times-Wellness,

27/03/2013

 

Zinc, Vitamins C And Benefit Eye Health

High levels of antioxidants and Zinc, in the form of a nutritional supplement, reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – a leading cause of blindness in older people after cataract.

 Theses supplements are not a cure for AMD, but they

 reduce the further risk.

Carrot has long been connected with improving vision due to its high level of beta-carotene but that’s only isn’t enough. Few things to have are:

Fruits and vegetables-

Vitamin C can help minimize cataracts and AMD.

Fleshy fish (tuna or salmon) and lean meats – fatty acids protect against AMD

Red meats and whole  grains –Zinc deficiency can lead to cataract

Vegetable oil – Vitamin E can slow progression of AMD.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- wellness,

24/03/2013

 

Exercise Boosts Self Control

Short bouts of moderately intense exercise boost brain function and self control by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Physical exercise is particularly important for children and teens because higher brain functioning boosts academic achievement and helps control behavior and emotion.

Exercise is already used to treat conditions characterized by impaired higher brain functions, such as attention hyperactivity deficit disorder and autism, and has been proven to help delay the ravages of dementia.

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Hindustan Times- wellness,

17/03/2013

 

Texting Is Becoming A Pain In The Neck

With the world getting more connected every minute, everyone spends much of the day with their heads down, texting  or reading status updates. Too much tilting your head, though can become a pain in the neck, giving you ‘text neck’.

Looking down puts abnormal stress on the neck muscles, causing fatigue, neck spasm and stress headaches. Since every degree of motion to the front  or side that you move your head magnifies  the stress on your neck. Instead, modify the position of your device-hold it at a neutral, eye level position. And, most important, take frequent breaks between playing with your phone or tablet.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times- Wellness,

17/03/2013

 

Caffeine Mix To Stave Off Stroke : Study

When it comes to choosing between tea and coffee, the best answer may be to opt for both. A study by the American Heart Association’s Journal, Stroke, have found that individuals who enjoy a daily cup of coffee were 20% less likely to have a stroke compared to those who shunned the drink.

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Hindustan Times- Wellness

17/03/2013

 

Easy Solutions To The Problem Of Dry Eyes

Blinking 20 times in a row every 20 minutes combined with looking away from the screen for 20 seconds and focusing on an object 20 feet away can prevent eye strain in computer users. The ’20-20-20-20’ strategy has been designed as a solution to computer vision syndrome (CVS)  which affects millions of workers and gamers who spend a lot of time in front of screen.

CVS symptoms – dry and tired eyes, headache, sore neck and painful wrists – are usually temporary but over use forces people to seek medical help.

Thanks,

Hindustan Times-Wellness

17/03/2013

 

Altius Sonia Hospital

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Hospital Gulshan Park, N.H - 10, Main Rohtak Road, Delhi Delhi-110041

Sugan Hospital

Neelankarai Chennai Tamilnadu

Red Wine Protection For The Heart

Some possible reasons for alcohol’s benefits, not just in wine:

Alcohol boosts good type HDL cholesterol

Wine, especially red wine, is an anticoagulant

Alcohol relieves stress

Alcoholic beverages contain antioxidants

Although there’s some benefits in moderate drinking of any alcoholic beverages, research suggest wine reduces cardiovascular disease better than distilled spirits or beer.

French have 1/3 fewer heart attacks than Irishman and yet they drink the same amount of alcohol. The main difference seems  to be that the Frenchmen  drink mainly red wine, the Irish drink more hard liquor.

It’s true that red wine acts an anticoagulant. Thus French health authorities suggest that wine consumed along with fatty meals  counteracts the fat hazard.

Fatty foods tend to make the blood more sluggish so it’s more likely to clot and plug arteries. Wine may thwart that process.

But, again, the scientists caution the wine drinking  should be regular and ‘moderate’ – no more than two or three four-ounce glass of wine a day.

What Constitutes a Unit

You don’t get the same health benefits from drinking beer or liquor, it does seem that wine for heart disease is the best protection. Flavonols and bioflavonoids found in grapes and grape skins have numerous heart-healthy effects.

For instance, they increase nitric oxide production in artery cells, oxide production in artery cells, which help blood vessels to dilate and block production in artery cells, which help blood vessels to dilate and block production of other chemicals that can lead to build-up of plaque on artery walls.

Flavonoids  in red wine appear to be even  more effective than vitamin E for preventing LDL cholesterol oxidation and they also work effectively at preventing blood clots.

Bottom Line:

If you already drink  wine, a regular dose of a drink or two a day, especially of wine with meals, may act as antidote to heart diseases, but if you don’t already use alcohol, don’t  start drinking wine for heart disease protection, because the dangers can well outweigh the benefits.

If you drink more than two units a day, or one if you are a woman, cut down.

Heavy drinking harms your heart and your general health and boosts chances of death.

Thanks,

Health- February-2013

 

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis means inflammation of the Conjunctiva. The Conjunctiva is the thin ‘skin’ that covers the white part of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids.

Infection is the most common cause. Many bacteria and viruses can cause conjunctivitis.

Allergy is another common cause.

Irritant conjunctivitis sometimes occurs. For example, your conjunctiva may become red and on flamed after getting some shampoo in your eyes. The chlorine in swimming baths is a common cause of mild irritant conjunctivitis.

Allergy means that the immune system over-reacts to something which causes inflammation. Causes include the following.

Seasonal conjunctivitis due to pollens and moulds

Seasonal conjunctivitis is when the symptoms occur at the same time each year. Most cases are due to pollen and occur in the hay fever season. Symptoms tend to last a few weeks each year. Grass pollens tend to cause symptoms in early summer. Various other pollens and moulds may cause symptoms later in the summer. Other symptoms of hay fever may also occur at the same time, Such as a runny nose and sore throat.

Perennial conjunctivitis

This is a conjunctivitis that persists throughout the year. This is commonly due to an allergy to house dust mite. House dust mite is a tiny insect-like creature that lives in every home. It mainly lives in bedrooms and mattresses, as part of the dust. People with perennial conjunctivitis usually also have perennial allergic rhinitis which causes symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. Symptoms tend to be worse each morning when you wake up.

Allergies to animals

Coming into contact with some animals can cause about of allergic conjunctivitis.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis

This is uncommon. It is inflammation of the conjunctiva lining the upper eyelid. It occurs in some people who have a small object on the eye-most commonly, a contact lens. In affects about 1 in 100 wearers of contact lenses. The exact cause of inflammation is unclear- it is possibly an allergic reaction to debris caught behind a lens or to poor lens hygiene. It also sometimes develops after eye surgery.

Contact conjunctivitis

Some people become sensitized to cosmetics, make-up, eye drops or other chemicals that come into contact with the conjunctiva. This then causes an allergic response and symptoms of conjunctivitis. In this condition the skin on the eyelids may also become inflamed. It is then called contact dermatoconjunctivitis.

The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Both eyes are usually affected and symptoms tend to develop quickly.

The eyes are usually itchy, and the whites of the eyes look red or pink.

A burning feeling may occur, but the eyes are not usually painful.

The eyelids tend to swell.

The eyes water more than usual, but do not become too gluey as in infective conjunctivitis.

Vision is not affected.

In severe cases the conjunctiva under the upper eyelids may swell and look lumpy.

Seasonal and perennial conjunctivitis can be unpleasant, but complications are rare. Contact dermatoconjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis occasionally cause inflammation and ulceration of the cornea (keratitis), which may cause some permanent loss of vision if left untreated.

The treatment for allergic conjunctivitis?

General measures

The following can be useful whatever the cause of the allergic conjunctivitis:

If you use contact lenses: in general, do not wear lenses until symptoms have gone, and for 24 hours after the last dose of any eye drop or ointment. However, your doctor or optometrists advise if you can wear lenses with certain types of drops.

Try not to rub your eyes as this can cause more inflammation.

Bathing the eyes with a flannel soaked in cold water may ease symptoms.,

Avoid the cause of the allergy, if possible, For example, if you have seasonal conjunctivitis, then during the hay fever season  try staying indoors as much as possible, closing windows, wearing  wrap-around sunglasses when out, etc.

Treatment for seasonal, perennial and animal-related conjunctivitis

In addition to the general measures described above:

No other treatment  may be needed if symptoms are mild.

Eye drops that reduce the allergic reaction are often prescribed. Two main classes of eye drops are used- antihistamine eye drops and mast cell stabilizer eye drops.

Steroid eye drops are rarely needed or used. Steroids are good at reducing inflammation. However, they should only be used if other treatments fail.

Steroid tablets are occasionally used for 3-5 days when symptoms are severe. They work well but regular or longer courses are not advised due to the problem of possible side-effects with long term.

Note: tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, as some treatments (including some eye drops) may not be advised.

Treatment for giant papillary conjunctivitis

A problem with contact lenses is the main cause of this. Treatment is mainly to remove contact lenses until the symptoms clear. Improved lens hygiene or a change in lens type may be advised once the symptoms have settled. Antihistamine eye drops or mast cell stabilizer eye drops (described above) may also help to ease symptoms.

Treatment for contact conjunctivitis

Treatment is to avoid whatever caused the reaction. When caused by a cosmetic, you should let symptoms go completely before trying an alternative product. Some cases are caused by an allergy to a particular eye drop used for another eye disease. In this situation you may need a specialist’s advice as to what alternative eye drops may be suitable for the condition. The general measures described earlier may help to soothe the eye until symptoms resolve. Antihistamine eye drops or mast cell stabilizer eye drops (described above) do not work in this type of conjunctivitis.

It is sometimes difficult for a doctor to tell the difference between allergic and infective conjunctivitis, particularly in the hay fever season when red, watery eyes are common. Also, some other eye conditions can cause a red eye, and may be mistaken at first for conjunctivitis. In particular, if only one eye is red then it is very unlikely to be due to allergic conjunctivitis. Therefore, see a doctor if symptoms do not settle within a few days. Also see a doctor urgently if any of the following occur:

Symptoms change (for example, light starts to hurt your eyes).

If you have pain in the eye (mild soreness rather than pain is usual with conjunctivitis)

Spots or blisters develop on the skin next to the eye.

Your vision is reduced.

The eye becomes very red-in particular, if it is on one side only.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Tips For Parents Of Teen Smokers

Try to avoid threats and ultimatums. Find out why your teen is smoking; he or she  may want to be accepted by a peer group, or want your attention. Talk about what changes can be made in his or her life to help them stop smoking.

Be patient and supportive as your child goes through the quitting process.

Set a good example for your kids by not smoking yourself. Parents who smoke are more likely to have children who smoke.

Know if your children have friends that smoke. Talk with your kids about ways to refuse a cigarette.

Explain the health dangers, as well as the unpleasant physical aspects of smoking (such as bad breath, discolored teeth and nails).

Establish a smoke-free policy in your home. Don’t allow anyone to smoke indoors at any time.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Self-Protection Tips For Women

1.       Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

If you are close to the perp, a bop on the  sensitive nose will hurt him; a harder bop could break the nose, shoving upward with the heel of your palm could separate the nose bone and drive it into the brain, possibly causing his death.

2.       If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you. The chances are that he is more interested in your money than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse first. THEN RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3.       If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights, stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4.       Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working and just sit (doing their checkbook or making a list, etc.) DON’T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. If you need to make a list, drive to another location where there are numerous people moving about and park in a well-lit area.

If someone is in your car with a gun to your head, DO NOT DRIVE OFF. Instead, gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your air bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location. Another option is to head the auto into the centre of a busy intersection. Jamming on the breaks and blocking the intersection for all traffic.

5.       What to do when getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

a)      Be aware; look around you; look in your car on the passenger side floor and in the back seat.

b)      If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to  get into their cars.

c)       Look at the cars parked on both the driver’s side and the passenger side of your vehicle, If a male is sitting alone in a vehicle in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mail or work and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.

 

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6.       What to do after getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

A)     Lock  the door(s). When you open the door, hit the lock of the driver’s door, which in most autos will lock all the doors. Get in and lock the driver’s door.

B)      Insert  the key and start the engine and you are ready to roll.

C)      You can engage the seat belt at some convenient safe stopping point.

At night ALWAYS take someone with you, EVEN if it is the  bag boy at the grocery store.

7.       ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

8.       If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times. And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zig-zag pattern.

9.       As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic, but this compassion may be what gets you raped or killed.

10.   Be very careful when answering your door at night to strangers.

11.   Be very careful about opening your car window to strangers who claim they saw you drop money on the sidewalk and want to return it to you.

12.   Do not smell perfume samples offered by strangers in parking lots. The perfume may be ether and the strangers may be thieves or worse.

 

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

Dr. Falgun Shah's clinic

4, Jain shivam, Jivdaya lane Mumbai Maharastra-400086

Dr. Hiren Mehta Eye Care Centre

18/A, Happy Home, 1st floor, opp. Achija & Gurukripa hotel, Tilak road, Mumbai Maharastra-400077

Aseem Orthopedoc hospital

1st Floor, B Wing, Rizvi Park Bldg., Near Milan Subway, S. V.Road, Near National garage, Mumbai Maharastra-400054

Dr. Pathak's Skin World Clinic

Shop No.16, Mulund Siddhi CHS., MHADA, Near Eastern Express Highway, Anand Nagar Check Naka, Mumbai Maharastra-400081

Dr. Tony's Super Specialty Eye Hospital & Lasik Centre

High Road, Ernakulam Kerala

Dr. Chetan Mehta's Clinic

Gokul Nivas, No 2, Ranade Road, Mumbai Maharastra-400028

Criti- Care (ICCU, Multi Specialty & Trauma Centre)

Plot no. 11A, Above Balaji Gas Centre, Swami Samarth Complex, Sector-16, Navi Mumbai Maharastra-400708

Dr.Subash Diware Orthopedic Clinic

413, J K Chambers, Sector-17, Near Hotel Golden Punjabi, Navi Mumbai Maharastra-400703

Shree Hospital

2nd & 3rd Floor, Raikar Bhavan, Near Navaratna GHotel, Sector-17, Navi Mumbai Maharastra-400705

Stimulating Your New Born: Ideas For Patients

Throughout the first year, infants grow at a tremendously fast rate. In fact, by the end of the first year they will have tripled in birth weight. Length can be expected to double. By their first birthday, most infants will be crawling and even may be taking a timid first step!

The most essential ingredient in infant care is a warm, responsive, and dependable parent. Spend lots of time holding, cuddling and playing with your newborn. Mom and dad will be richly rewarded with babbles, smiles, and squeals of laughter.

Ideas for Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers

Help infants develop a sense of trust and security by responding to their cries. Feeling secure encourages infants to try new things. Be constituent so that they will know what to expect.

Place babies in new places and new positions so that they can see you and others from different angles.

Hold and cuddle infants when feeding them. Being held and cuddled frequently is extremely important in the development of baby’s sense of self-worth and security. Holding and cuddling a baby is also a great stress releaser for an adult. Do not prop infants drinking from a bottle as it may cause choking.

Respect a baby’s natural schedule. Most babies will settle into a regular routine for eating, sleeping and soiling their diapers, but the schedule will vary depending on the baby. Some babies need to eat more frequently than some others. Some will sleep more and take longer naps.

Baby-proof everything! Store toxic substances such as dish washer detergent, make-up, paint, or medicine up high. Put safety latches on cabinets and covers on electrical outlets. Lower crib mattresses so that older infants can’t fall over the rail. Cover sharp corners of tables or shelves that infants might bump into.

Expose babies to bright colors and a variety of objects to look at. Pictures, moving objects, brightly colored or contrasting color toys attract infants.

Provide an environment rich with sound. Help infants learn to recognize common household sounds such as a vacuum cleaner, a radio, a clock, a whistling tea kettle, or a door bell.

Provide interesting objects for infants to feel, touch, mouth and explore. Square nylon scarves, cold metal bowls, plastic measuring cups, large wooden spoons, and wet washcloths are favorite household toys. Keep easy-to-swallow objects out of infant’s reach. Babies should not been allowed to play with anything smaller than a half dollar (about 1-1/4 inch).

Provide opportunities for infants to smell different smells. Lemon, vanilla and apple juice are wonderful kitchen smells. Babies also enjoy smelling tree bark, dirt, grass and other natural things.

Expose older babies to a variety of tastes and temperatures in food. Offer cold sherbet, warm oatmeal, mashed peaches and chopped cooked carrots.

Help babies develop a sense of movement and balance by gently bouncing, swaying, swooping and swinging with them.

Talk to infants. Face infants when talking to them so they can see you and smile with you. Talk about what you are doing, familiar objects or people. You may even want to babble back or echo sounds your baby makes much as you would in a regular conversation. Even though an infant cannot understand everything  you say, he will be learning many words that will form the basis for language later on.

Read to infants. Babies enjoy cuddling on a caregiver’s lap, looking at colorful picture books, and hearing the rhythm of their voice. With time they begin to understand that words have meaning and can be used to identify objects.

Encourage older infants to feed themselves by offering pieces of banana and soft bread sticks . Give babies a spoon with some mashed potatoes or other sticky food, and let them practice eating with a spoon. Yes, it will be messy! Be patient. Learning this skill takes lots of practice.

Play peek-a-boo. Hide your face behind a blanket and then peek out at the baby. Older babies will learn to do this themselves and will enjoy this game for a long time.

Gibe babies the freedom to move around. Young infants enjoy being on their backs so that they can kick, wiggle, and look around. Older infants need space and time to practice crawling, creeping, pulling up, and walking. Spending too much time in a walker, playpen, or infant swing may inhibit the development of these important skills.

Stay with infants when someone new is around. Encourage strangers to approach slowly. Introduce an infant by name, and let him explore someone new in the safety of your presence.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Computed Tomography Or CT Scan

The introduction of Computed Tomography or Ct scan has been regarded to be a boon in the field of medical imaging. A recent study conducted shows that unregulated medical screenings using CT scan can cause significant harm.

The amount of ionizing radiation to which a patient is exposed during a CT exam is nearly 100 times more than an ordinary X-ray film. This raises serious concerns about high radiation exposure to patients and the subsequent development of cancer.

The whole body CT scan is likely to pick up some abnormality or the other  and, someone screened in this way may then go on to have invasive surgery even when it is unnecessary. Moreover, positive results from screening- whether true or false, can lead to significant psychological trauma.

A careful consultation with the Radiologist would be critical to ensure that the methods of imaging chosen are of value in diagnosis and treatment planning and do not duplicate or merely confirm established findings. This approach is especially valuable to minimize the loss of time, additional exposure and expense to the patient.

Source:  Indo – Asian News Service

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Saraswathi Hospital

Highway Road, Dhanera Banaskantha Gujarat-385310

Under Stress? All You Need Is A Chocolate To Melt In Your Mouth

You don’t have to spend time for meditation, yoga or even a trip to your favorite spot. Surprised? Yes stress relief comes so very compact these days. Thanks to the Chocolate –coated stress busters that are likely to be marked soon.

The Chocolate-like product comprises various nutraceutical herbs and has antioxidant, anti-stress and asaptogenic  properties. It has been developed by National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.

Herbs like Ashwagandha and Ginseng are used in alternate systems of medicine to help regulate the body’s immune, hormonal and nervous systems and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is already in the process of patenting the new product before its commercial launch.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Cat Bite Treatment

Treatment for a cat bite requires careful wound care. Because cat teeth a very sharp and thin, dirt and saliva can be introduced deep into the wound. Wounds must be rinsed and cleaned completely. Most minor  bites heal within 2 weeks. Depending on the severity and location of the bite, a person with a cat bite, a person with a cat bite may require antibiotics, or surgery to repair damaged tissue. In some circumstances, tetanus or rabies vaccinations are needed.

Treatment for cat bites may include:

Antibiotics for cat bites

Wound irrigation

Rinsing the wound

Wound cleansing

Wound exploration

Wound debridement

Removal of dead or dirty tissue

Removal of foreign bodies in the wound

Tetanus vaccination

Rabies prevention

Surgery to repair damaged tissue

Cat Bites Rabies

Cats that have not received rabies vaccinations are at risk for rabies. Most domestic cats have been vaccinated. If the cat has not been vaccinated, rabies may be safely excluded if the cat remains healthy for 10 days after the bite occurs. The observation period is usually performed by animal control personnel. If there is any concern about rabies exposure, rabies vaccines are necessary within 72 hours after a bite.

Cat Bites Tetanus

Cat bites rarely cause tetanus. Most children born in the US have received three tetanus shots (boosters) in the past, because theses boosters are part of the usual vaccination schedule. Additional tetanus boosters are given every 10 years.

Those who require treatment to prevent tetanus include :

Those who have not had 3 tetanus boosters in the past need a tetanus booster after a skin wound.

Those who have not received a tetanus booster in the past 10 years need a tetanus booster after a skin wound.

Those who have dirty wounds need a tetanus booster if they have not received a booster in the past 5 years.

Dirty Wounds includes:

Wounds that occur outdoors

Wounds that contain dirt or foreign material

Wounds caused by bites

Treatment options

Tetanus booster:

A tetanus booster stimulates the immune system to make antibodies against the tetanus toxin.

A tetanus booster may be given to those who have received 3 tetanus boosters in the past.

The tetanus booster may be given within 72 hours after the wound occurs.

Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG):

TIG contains an antibody that deactivates the tetanus toxin.

TIG must be given to those who have not received 3 tetanus boosters in the past.

Tetanus Vaccine and TIG Recommendations

History	Clean, Minor Method	Other Wounds
<3 boosters	Give Td	give Td + TIG
3 boosters	Possible Td	Possible Td

 

Clean and minor wounds may need a booster if it has been more than 10 years since the last tetanus vaccine. Other wounds may need a booster if it has been more than 5 years since last tetanus vaccine.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Ten Guidelines For Divorcing Parents

     1.       Tell the truth. Your children’s trust in your truthfulness is key to helping them cope with the changes that divorce brings. They will ask many questions. If you genuinely don’t know, tell them that, along with the steps you are taking to have answers soon. If they ask an embarrassing question, don’t lie to make yourself look good.

2.       Be willing to revise the schedule. Over time, schedules need to be altered, especially the ones designed amid the emotions of the initial separation/ divorce. Set up a “trial period” for six or 12 months, see what works and what doesn’t work. Listen to what your kids sat. If it needs modifying for the children’s sake, do it without resorting to legal battles.

3.       Avoid short visits frustrate parents and children and distrupt the flow of the week. A mod-week, evening visit seldom offers enough time to get comfortable together before the sadness of parting takes over. Long weekend visits or mid-week overnights work better.

4.       Keep two parents in your children’s lives. Even if you no longer wish to speak to or see your spouse again, your children should be encouraged to continue spending time with you both. Badmouthing the other parent- even if their behavior is reprehensible-upsets your children and doesn’t reflect well on you.

5.       Schedule telephone calls. Calls can be inconvenient and intrusive. Set a time when the kids can call you or a time when you can call them. On weekends, calling first thing in the morning means nobody has to wait around. Daily calls may make children worry that you are lonely.

6.       Stay accessible to your children. When families split up, children fear they will lose contact with the parent they see less often and need reassurance that both parents will be accessible. With e-mail and fax available, even in schools or neighbors’’ houses, and beepers and cell phones becoming commonplace, any child above the age of 3 or 4 can be taught how to reach you.

Make a laminated card for your children with all the relevant phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

7.       Let your children read the settlement. There are rules, limits and schedules contained in the settlement agreement that did not exist before. Most children want to know what it say, so show it to them or write an understandable version, which indicates time with each parent, how to change the schedule and the financial provisions for living expenses, extracurricular activities and college tuition.

8.       Listen to your children when they say they caused the divorce, Let them talk it out. Often children know that they were the focus of many arguments between parents and are convinced that their bad behavior or demands caused the split-up. Understanding the way they see the situation makes you better able to help them realize that they weren’t at fault; it also relieves them of trying to undo the divorce by “trying to be good”.

9.       Avoid blanket reassurance. Divorces is tough on everyone, and parents want to make it better for their children. But words like “Don’t worry” and I’ll always be here” are too vague and  can shut down dialogue. Let them tell you their worst fears. Acknowledge that you have fears, too, so they feel less isolated. Stay truthful, reliable and available. Your presence in their lives is their most important reassurance.

10.   Don’t use your children as messengers. Ceasing all communication with your ex-spouse leaves your children in the middle. Requests for late support payments or changes in the schedule should not go through your children. Do not use your children as spies to report back on an estranged parent’s social life or habits.

 Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Hormones And Mood

Estrogen is the hormone which affects mood. There are estrogen receptors in various organs throughout the body, including the brain. Consequently, the loss of estrogen makes many different physical symptoms-loss of elasticity of the skin, bones Constriction, mood and cognitive decline. When estrogen levels increase, on the other hand, as in the first week after menstruation, increasing their overall impact on the amount of serotonin in the brain cells, the mood improved. Within the brain, estrogen may act in fact as a natural antidepressant and mood stabilizer.

We know that during the menstruation cycle women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The hormone estrogen is what affects mood. Estrogen is a “feel-good” hormone because of the way it affects the brain. This hormone gives increased levels of neurotransmitters to the brain. These chemicals include endorphins, enkephalins and serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that has a direct influence on emotions and appetite. The levels of these chemicals spike in preparation for pregnancy but decline when implantation does not occur. The loss of these chemicals causes mood changes, often referred to as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, or PMS. Moods during the menstrual cycle can swing from elation to depression, and the ranges for each woman can be mild to severe. A condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can happen when emotional and behavioral symptoms become intense. Some of these symptoms are rage, violence, sudden bursts of anger, severe depression and panic attacks. Any woman experiencing such intense symptoms associated with her menstrual cycle needs to speak with her health care provider as there are treatments for these symptoms.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Mascot Hospital & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd.,

Sindhi Colony Road, Gwalior MadhyaPRadesh

Dayanad Medical College & Hospital

Tagore Nagar, Ludhiana Punjab

Diet Ice Cubes

You can eat ice cubes to lose a lot of weight and can be used as a system of diet, which helps the snow to burn body fat, so you simple ways to follow the diet ice cubes, when you eat ice cubes, you can burn calories and fat from the body, and this is because  the body increases the temperature of the ice to adjust to body temperature and when dealing with diet cubes ice, you’re not restricted to reduce the intake of food , where you can eat what you want, but chewing  ice after a meal, the diet to lose weight easily. eating ice cubes with appetite suppressants are natural more effective to lose weight easily, and appetite suppressants natural, Such as green tea and caffeine are useful for weight loss. Is eating a piece of ice of the things that control hunger, and a means of easy to lose weight, so you’ll eat ice cube with each meal. It is possible that the cubes crushed ice is healthy teeth, so you can dissolved in water for easy ingestion. But when you feel pfkdk of weight you should stop taking the ice cubes, because a lot of ice cubes harmful to teeth.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

BareFoot Running

Barefoot running is a new craze amongst many runners. People who like to run barefoot, says that running without shoes improves stride and prevents several back, knee and ankle problems. People who are against if say that this practice can, in turn, lead to many health problems.

Good things with Barefoot Running

There is a steady development of gait which gradually helps in strengthening and toning up the foot muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Research was conducted to study running efficiency in shoeless runners. It was found that shoeless runners had a 4% higher running efficiency than runners wearing shoes.

Padding in shoes is the reason why runners land on the heel. Landing on the back portion first subjects the body to a higher force of impact as compared top landing on the forefoot in shoeless running. This results in increased torque at the joints of the hip, knee and ankles, thus straining them with high impact force.

Around 30% runners suffer from injuries annually. This is because of tightening of tissues. Abandoning the running with shoes stretches tendons and muscles of the legs, thus reducing the occurrence of these injuries.

Stepping barefoot helps in spreading the toes with every stride, and makes the person feel more connected with the environment.

The small muscles of the leg, feet and hip region get activated, resulting in improved balance and a heightened sense of position, location, orientation and movement of various parts of the body.

Bad things of Barefoot Running

People who run barefoot are prone to  get injured by stones, debris, nails, glass pieces, rocks, etc., that are often scattered on roads.

People who do not have the habit of shoeless running initially feel pain and discomfort Sudden shedding of shoes is a shock to the feet which need time to recover.

Plantar fascia is the thick tissue which forms the bottom of a foot. Moving  out on tracks without protection in the form of shoes may lead to the development of pain, which may further worsen to plantar fasciitis or inflammation  of the plantar tissue.

There is an increased risk of contracting infection  due to cracks and blisters that are formed when running  without shoes.

Conclusion :

Deciding to run barefoot is a personal choice.

It may or may not suit an individual. Therefore, it is better to think over it wisely and then decide what is best for oneself.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

IQ City- Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital

Sovapur, Bijra Road, Durgapur WestBengal-713206

Wockhardt Hospitals,

Wockhardt Towers, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai Maharastra-400051

Hinduja Healthcare Surgical Multispecialty Hospital

Hinduja Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., 4th Floor, Marvella, 11th Road, Near Khar Telephone Exchange, Mumbai Maharastra-400052

Nagher Samaj Hospital

Madhav Baug, Jagdushanagar, Mumbai Maharastra-400086

Seven Eleven Hospital

Near Seven Square School, Golden Nest PK Road, Thane Maharastra-401107

Smt. R.B. Shah Mahavir Super Specialty Hospital

Athwagate, Surat Gujarat

Natural Diets For Anemia

Anemia  is a blood disorder that occurs when the blood does not have enough hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is an oxygen carrying protein  which gives red blood cells their red color. A common cause of anemia is lack of enough iron in the body. Natural diets rich in iron can be used to treat anemia. Adult males need 8 mg per day of iron, while menstruating women need 18 mg of iron per day.

Red Mat, Poultry and Fish

Iron from red meat, poultry and fidh is absorbed two or three three times more efficiently than iron from plant foods.

Meat organs such as liver, kidney, giblets and hearts have the highest amounts of iron, but should be eaten in moderation because they have high amounts of cholesterol, which could cause heart disease.

Examples of fish thatbare good sources of iron include shellfish, clams, mussels, oxysters, sardines and anchovies. Patients allergic to sea food should obtain iron from poultry or red meats. Drinking tea, coffee and milk while eating iron rich animal products may decrease absorption of iron.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain iron but not as much as red meat, poultry and fish. The amount of iron absorbed from fruits and vegetables depend  on other types of foods eaten at the same meal.

Examples of fruits and vegetables containing iron include green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, turnip greens and collard greens; peas, lima beans, kidney beans, black eyed beans, soy beans, pinto beans, dried figs, apricots, raisins, dried peaches, prunes and dates.

Whole Grains and Nuts

Examples of nuts containing iron include cashew nuts, almonds, macadamia, peanuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

How Nuts Benefit Your Cardiovascular System

Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, pistachio, walnuts and macadamia have been shown to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, raise ’good’ HDL cholesterol, lower tightly triglycerides and reduced atherosclerotic lesions formed in the aorta.

 

Different types of nuts

Pecan and pistachio nuts also contain a significant amount of plant sterols, which have been widely researched for their cholesterol-lowering effects.

By competing with cholesterol for absorption from the intestine, beta-sit sterol and other plant sterols have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol by 10 to 14%.

Many nuts, such as pistachios and cashews, are a very good source of magnesium and potassium, two minerals that protect against high blood pressure.

Brazil nuts contain high amounts of selenium, which has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Nuts in general but especially walnuts are a very good source of arginine, an amino acid which is converted into nitric acid which is converted into nitric oxide, a chemical that allows blood vessels to relax, remain smooth and prevent platelet aggregation, thereby improving blood flow.

Nuts are also an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin E and flavonoids, which exert a protective effect on the arteries and prevent lipid per oxidation.

What if you want to lose Weight?

Eat a handful of nuts a day.

Since nuts are high in fat, although most of it is beneficial fat, you can’t eat nuts with abandon if you are concerned about weight.

But in DR Fraser study, however, enthusiastic nut-eaters were less obese than non-nut eaters.

A sensible amount would be an ounce or two a day (25-50g) or about a handful a day.

The best thing to do is to eat heart healthy nuts as a substitute for other sources of fat and calories.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013

 

Dr. Narayan Datt Hospital

Model Town Panipat Near Railway Station Panipat Haryana-132103

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a common plant otherwise known as the shoe flower. This flowering plant belongs to the Malvaceae family. Hibiscus is a large flower that is native to warm temperate, subtropical regions throughout the world, including India. It come in many colors including white, red, pink etc of which the white (Hibiscus syriacus) and red (Hi-biscus rosa-sinensis) flowers are of medical importance. It is also a symbolic flower in Hinduism representing the Hindu Goddess Kali. This flower is used as an ingredient in formulations of Ayurvedic formulations for treatments of varying illnesses raging from increased cholesterol level to purgatives.

Chemicals present in this flower which are of medical importance include: anthacyanins (protection against agina pectoris), heterogeneous acidic polysaccharides, numerous phenolic compounds, 3 glycosides, and a high level of organic acids citric acid (source of vitamin C), tartaric acid and lactone of hydroxycitric acid.

Various parts of the plant can be use for both cosmetic and medicinal formulations including the following:

Flowers :

Active chemicals help in the growth of hair, reduce dandruff and makes hair black-a natural dye. Oils from flower can be applied to skin of patients who are suffering from cellulite making skin glow. Ash obtained from burning the flowers and leaves can be applied to eyebrows which glaze them black. It can be used as a shoe polish, contraceptive, regularizes menstrual cycle. The petals can be used to make herbal tea and juice which contains vitamins and minerals. The flower boiled in milk and be used for the treatment of earache.

Root:

The roots of this plant can be used in the prevention of venereal disease, when it is boiled in oil until the oil is evaporated- it can be applied to wounds, it can be used as a demulcent, stimulant, anti-spasmodic, infusion of water is a good cooling drink for hot weather. The root is also know to be a good appetizer.

Leaves:

The aqueous extract of leaves are used as a relaxant for uterus muscles. It has a hypotensive effect, treatment for conjunctivitis and anemia and Ayurveda. It is also used in the treatment of dysentery, cure diseases of blood, bile and throat, purgatives, Infusion of leaves are used in cough and emollient.

Bark:

The fibers can be used in the manufacture of clothes, net and paper.

Cosmetic Uses:

The leaves and flowers are added to hot coconut oil and is heated for a few minutes after which the oil is completely cooled and filtered. The oil is then stored in bottle and used to apply to hair. The oil should be well massaged to scalp and left for one hour of two after which can be washed with shampoo. It should be done regularly to obtain black lustorous hair.

Culinary Uses:

Hibiscus pickle :

4 fresh hibiscus flowers

1 ½ cup vinegar

1 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

Wash and dry hibiscus flower, put them in jar along with salt. Mix vinegar and sugar in a pan and bring to boil. Then pour the hot mixture over hibiscus flower and allow to cool then screw a lid on the jar. Eat the pickled flowers when cold or as an ac-companiment with salad. This recipe makes up to 1 cup of pickle.

Hibiscus Jam:

8 Petals of flower

2 cups of sugar

4 ½ cup water

Juice of lemon (seed removed)

Wash and then cut off bottom of each petal. Soak the petal in water for three days (optional). Place the petal in bowl and sprinkle the sugar over them to make sure that each petal is coated. Get a sauce pan and pour the remaining sugar, water and lemon juice. Stir the petal into the mixture and allow to simmer up for 20 minutes. Pour into clean and warm jam and serve with fresh toasted bread.

Herbal tea:

Take about ½ fresh calyx, and pour boiling water over it then strain the liquid. Mix sugar and stir well. The refreshing herbal tea is ready. This is a good source of vitamin C, reduces elevated blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, used as a diuretic and for headaches.

Hibiscus Juice:

5 flowers

100 gm sugar

1 lemon

Boil 1 cup of water and add the flower petals (washed) and boil till the color changes to a pale color. Add the sugar and stir continuously until completely dissolved. Once done strain and allowed to cool. Add juice of lemon and mix well, pour the concentrate in a glass of water to prepare hibiscus juice.

Thanks,

Health-March-2013

 

St. John's Medical College Hospital

Sarjapura Road, Bangalore Karnataka-560034

Christian Fellowship Community Health Centre

Ambilikkai Dindigul Tamilnadu-624612

C.S.I. Vandavasi Hospital

CSI Vellore Diocese, 14, Officers Line, Vellore Tamilnadu

Coconut Water: A Multi Beneficial Natural Liquid

Introduction :

Many Persons have gone to the Caribbean, the pacific Islands, Florida, Hawaii, South America or Southern Asia and have tasted some very refreshing coconut water. Coconut water is the purest liquid after water. It is chock full of electrolytes, calcium, potassium, magnesium; everything  that is good for us.

Concept of coconut water:

Coconut water is the liquid that is taken from unripe coconuts. If coconuts get ripe the liquid that is inside will harden and become a part of the white flesh of the coconut, which is used to make coconut milk. So, picking the coconut while it is unripe will ensure that the body gets all the benefits of coconut water.

Benefits by drinking coconut water:

Coconut water hydrates the body:

Coconut water is an isotonic solution which replaces the fluids and minerals that the body loses during physical activities. For this reason, many athletes and persons  who work out regularly are encouraged  to drink coconut water to replace all the minerals and fluid that they lose while working out. Even the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) attest to the benefits of drinking coconut water when it fought for a patent in 2000 to market coconut water as the next big sports drinks.

Relieves Urinary Problems:

If we consume coconut water on a regular basis it can reduce urinary problems. People who suffer from strangury, polyutra and other urinary ailments drink coconut water to relieve their symptoms.

Kills intestinal worms:

Drinking coconut water with one teaspoon of olive oil for three days will kill intestinal worms and clear the stomach of worms, which makes for better digestion.

Breaks up kidney stones:

People who have kidney problems and are plagued by the kidney stones should drink coconut water in addition to taking their medication. Drinking coconut water regularly helps to break up kidney stones making them easier to push out.

Blood Transfusion:

Coconut water is almost identical to blood plasma and this makes it easy to use for blood transfusion. In cases of emergency coconut water has been used as an intravenous hydration fluid instead of the standard IV fluid. During World war II many wounded soldiers were saved in the pacific because of emergency transfusion using coconut water as plasma.

Antibacterial actions:

Coconut water contains monolaurin, an antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal  monoglyceride that is used to kill lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, Herpes, cytomegalovirus, flu and various pathogenic bacterial.

Anti-emetic:

Coconut water is great at reducing vomiting. People who have typhoid, malaria, fevers or other ailments that are known to induce vomiting drink coconut water to settle the stomach. As such, coconut water is also a good thing to drink during hangover.

Conclusion:

So it is clearly advised to take coconut water regularly as a part of the diet, as it is harmless.

Thanks,

Health, March-2013

 

Jananam Fertility Pvt. Ltd.,

No.22, Kazura Gardens, 1st Street, Chennai Tamilnadu-600115

Wheat Grass And Its Nutrients

 

Wheat grass packs in the goodness of chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes. The health benefits of wheat grass range from it being a good nutritional supplement to it having anti-carciongenic properties. Widely known for these benefits, it is available in juice or powdered concentrate; in addition to capsule and tablet form, today.

Health benefits of wheatgrass:

Detoxification and immunity: Being a rich source of chlorophyll, wheatgrass helps eliminate toxic mucous, acids and metabolic waste from cells and tissues, thereby cleansing the liver, blood vessels and the gastrointestinal track. Studies say that wheatgrass is a better detoxifier in comparison to carrots and other veggies.

Helps in rebuilding blood stream:

Chlorophyll is often referred to as ‘green blood’ and ‘oxygenated sunshine’. These nicknames refer to chlorophyll’s similarly in make-up to human blood and its high oxygen level which is why chlorophyll is often used to treat anemia. The high chlorophyll content found in wheatgrass thereby helps increase blood count and improves blood flow.

Normalizes blood sugar levels:

The detoxification quality of chlorophyll helps remove toxins from the blood and improves blood flow in the body. This in return aids efficient functioning of the liver and pancreas, the organs responsible for regulating blood glucose in the body. Consumption of wheatgrass not only helps normalize blood sugar levels, but also keeps heart ailments away.

Cell regeneration:

wheat grass is a rich source of 19 amino acids, like arginine, serine, lysine, glycine, alanine, methionine and phenylalanine. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein necessary to repair and rebuild muscles, internal organs, hair, nails, skin and to boost the immune system. While the human body produces half the required amount of amino acids, the remaining need must be met through daily food. So, including wheatgrass in your diet supplies theses vital amino acids.

Anti-bacterial properties:

 Wheatgrass contains anti-bacterial/ anti-septic properties that hamper the growth of bacteria, both inside and outside the body. This property makes wheatgrass beneficial in treating skin disorders. Clinically, wheatgrass is used to clean infectious wounds and remove scars.

Helps keep cancer under check:

 Proponents of wheatgrass claim that this magic grass helps keep the growth of cancer cells under check. The nutrients in wheatgrass inhibit the growth of cancer cells, thereby reducing the need for blood and bone marrow medications, required to treat colon and breast cancer up to a certain stage.

Thanks,

Health,February-2013.

 

Health Benefits Of Beans

Some people don’t enjoy the health benefits of beans as they should because they often consider them an ‘incomplete’ protein.

This is because they don’t contain all the essential amino acids that we need in our diet, as opposed to ‘complete’ protein found in foods of animal origin, such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs, which contain ample amounts of the essential amino acids.

Although it’s important to get all the amino acids, both essential and non-essential, it’s not necessary to get them from meat. In fact, because of its high fat content- as well as the use of antibiotics and other chemicals in the raising of poultry and cattle –most of the animal protein should be eaten only in moderation.

The best way to go about it is to combine partial-protein foods to make complementary protein . For instance, although beans and brown rice are both rich in protein, each lack one or more of the necessary amino acids.

Some health practitioners suggest to combine them together to form a complete protein that is a high quality substitute for meat.

To make a complete protein they advice to combine beans with one of the following :

Brown Rice

Corn

Nuts

Seeds

Wheat

But others believe that to enjoy the health benefits of beans you don’t need to combine them with grains at each meal, as long as you eat them during the same day or 24-hour period.

All soya products, such as tofu and soy milk, are complete proteins. They contain all the essential amino acids plus several other nutrients.

Health Benefits of Beans

Many legumes, especially soya beans, are demonstrating impressive health benefits. Diets rich in beans are being used to :

Lower cholesterol

Improve diabetic’s blood glucose control

Reduce risk of many cancers

Lower blood pressure

Regulate functions of the colon

Prevent and cure constipation

Prevent piles and other bowel problems

Also richly coloured dried beans offer a high degree of antioxidant protection. In fact,  small red kidney beans rate even higher than blueberries.

A lesser-known benefit of beans, though, is their high levels of isoflavones, compounds that are similar in structure to estrogen produced by your body (which is why they are also called phyoestrogens).

These isoflavones may ease the symptoms of menopause, prevent some form of cancer, reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your bone and prostate health, among other benefits.

Beans, a Rich Source of Fibre

Four types of beans

Many people fail to enjoy the health of beans because of the side effects experienced by some people.

As we’ve seen, the fact that beans are not completely digested brings its own health benefits, but it can cause flatulence (wind) or intestinal discomfort to some people.

This is caused by a type of fibre found in beans, called oligosaccharides, which is composed of three to five sugar molecules linked together in such a way that the body cannot digest or absorb them.

So they pass into the intestines, where the bacteria break them down and gas is produced.

Haricot and lima beans are generally the most offensive, while peanuts are the least offensive because of their lower levels of oligosaccharides.

The amount of oligosaccharides in legumes can be significantly reduced by properly cooking or sprouting them and as a consequence, the flatulence can be reduced as well allowing you to enjoy the health benefits of beans without causing offense.

Thanks,

Health,February-2013

 

Princess Durru Shehvar Children's & General Hospital

Purani Haveli Hyderabad Andra Pradesh-500002

Shri Sai Cardiac Centre

C/o Mahalaxmi Hirudatala Pvt. Ltd., 2021/B, 6th lane Rajarampuri, Kolhapur Maharastra

Reducing Mortality

New treatment options like the Cyberknife technique have helped lung cancer patients, writes Dr. Tejinder Kataria.

Mr. Patel, 68, complained of constant and mild breathlessness. He was being treated for a smoker’s cough without bronchodilators and had been advised to quit smoking. But the cough persisted  even after four weeks of treatment. He had no appetite, was fatigued and had lost about two kg in two weeks. He also complained of a mild headache. He had been on hypertension medication for 10 years.

A clinical examination, blood investigations and a contrast – enhanced CT scan of his chest was done for suspected chest infection. His scan showed a small peripheral nodule from which a biopsy was ordered. Mr. Patel had stage IV oligometastatic  lung cancer.

Lung cancer is hard to treat. According to the World Health Organization statistics, lung cancer accounted for 18.2 per cent of cancer mortalities in 2010. Survival rates are poor partly because it goes undetected till it is in an advanced state.

As the lung cancer does not contain nerve endings, the occurrence of a tumor does not cause direct pain. This is experienced when the tumor reaches the pleura or the tissues surrounding the lungs, or when it pressure on nerve structures in proximity. The tumor can also compress or invade other organs and cause other symptoms.

A clinical examination followed by a chest x-ray or a CT scan are the first steps in diagnosis. This is then confirmed by a biopsy. A PET-Ct is the best to pick up distant metastases in lung cancer as it can detect tumors as  small as 3-4 mm in any part of the body except the brain.

There are two main types of lung cancers classified according to the size and appearance of malignant cells, namely, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer(SCLC).

Traditional treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. New developments in imaging and radiation techniques have helped treatment of lung cancers.

One such innovation is the Radiosurgery- Cyberknife  technique. Little known in india, it is an advanced method of robotic radiosurgery for lung tumors, whether primary and early stage, recurrent, or secondary, central or peripheral. The technology delivers high doses of radiation  exposure and side effects as compared to traditional radiotherapy procedures.

Because of their anatomical location, lung tumors “move a lot” with respiration. The new technique’s image guidance capability, coupled with software that predicts the tumor’s location according  to the respiratory cycle, allows for a correction of the radiation beam during the sessions, unlike other image guided conventional radiation techniques.

Compared to invasive surgical methods, the healing process involves fewer complications. The system’s advanced technology enables treatment to be tailored for the needs of the individual.

Early detection is the best defence against cancer. According to the National Cancer Registry Project, India, more than 60 per cent of patients are diagnosed late due to poor awareness of symptoms.

 Symptoms :

Chronic cough

Abnormal shortness of breath

Repeated lung infections

Coughing up blood

Change in voice

Persistent thoracic pain and

Permanent swelling of neck and face.

Lung cancer can also manifest through general symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, prolonged fever, headache, nervous disorders, progressive swelling of fingers.

 Causes :

Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke, including passive smoking.

Other risk factors include occupational hazards, exposure to contaminated drinking water, breathing polluted air and a family history of the diseases.

Thanks,

TheHindu- Well Being,

03/02/2013