SKIN CARE

The sunshine vitamin can knock back the years

There is nothing like Vitamin C to fight off ageing, say top dermatologists and it's on top of the popularity charts all over again this season. As one of the most popular ingredients in skin care products today, it is one of the most sought after vitamins around. But if you are not seeing enough results on your face when it is in combination with other anti ageing ingredients in a cream, you could use it on its own, as is sold by pharmaceutical companies today, both as ampules or as an injection. Many dermatologists now even say that Vitamin C can be the 'prime beauty product' in your skincare routine.

While many noted international skin care giants have long known the benefits of Vitamin C and often offer a cocktail of anti-oxidant ingredients which usually includes Vitamin C, women now want vitamin C to reach them, directly into the skin, either on the face or the body. But experts warn that since an injection is rather extreme, it is important to do so only under medical supervision and only if the kidney and liver organs are completely healthy. And it is always best to remember that what suits one person may not suit someone else, so any jab should be taken only under medical supervision.

An expert dermatologist from a Bangalore hospital explains, "Vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties, protects against sun damage and lightens skin too. It removes all the free radicals which can injure cells. It is one of the best anti-ageing remedies. But for best results it has to be used in conjunction with sunscreen."

And while the jury is still out on the vitamin being injected into the skin, it is widely believed that Vitamin C is a good addition to a skin care routine, but is best to consult a dermatologist first, if you are prone to allergies or other problems. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/Fight-age-with-vitamin-C/articleshow/9758982.cms

HIGH HEELS

  

A study found that wearing heels consistently, just 1½ inches high, increases the force on your knees just enough to lead to permanent foot, ankle, knee, hip and back problems.

 

 

KNEE PAIN

 

 

If you suffer from knee pain, your body may be out of alignment.  To improve your posture and reduce pressure on your knees, do core strength training exercises and focus on standing tall instead of slouching.

 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRUMSTICKS

 

Juice of Drum stick when mixed in milk and offered to children greatly helps by strengthening their bones as it is said to be a great source of Calcium. Also drumstick is said to be a great blood purifier.

Pregnant women should often eat drumsticks as it helps ease any kind of pre and post delivery complication.

Drumstick soup helps ease any kind of chest congestions, coughs and sore throats.

Inhaling steam of water in which drumsticks have been boiled helps ease asthma and other lung problem.

Finally drumstick juice greatly adds to the glow on one’s face. Make a mixture of drumstick and lime juice and dab it on your face. You will find your face glowing greatly. 

Source: www.kshamabade.com

CARE FOR YOUR HEART WHILE YOU SLEEP

PAINKILLERS AFTER HEART ATTACK

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ALZHEIMER

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OBESITY AND SEX

Obesity adversely affects sexual prowess: Research

If medical research is to be believed, then matrimonial ads will now need to have a different look. Beside the education in their careers and the balance in their banks, obese prospective grooms will need to pack potency in their pants and fertility in their hormones.

Studies have shown that obesity in males is strongly linked to a drop in fertility rates owing to abnormal semen parameters among heavier men. In fact, endocrine studies have demonstrated reduced androgen (male harmone) levels accompanied by abnormally elevated oestrogen (female hormone) values in obese men. What does this mean? Young and middle-aged overweight men, along with their altered lifestyle factors, have a scientific hypothesis for their sexual dysfunction.

The word obesity is derived from the Latin term 'obesus' which means 'one who has become plump through eating'. While the obvious negative effect of obesity on an individual's health has been known for long, these new revelations should send alarm signals to the 'big fat' obese man.

Have we really understood why the male testes hang outside the body while the ovaries in women are intra-abdominal? The reason is that spermatogenesis (sperm production) is adversely affected by the higher body temperature and thus the testes are pushed out to be in a lower thermal environment. In obese men, the abnormal fat deposition around the abdominal area and in specific in the scrotum, tends to increase the local testicular heat. This, along with the obesity induced decreased physical activity dampens testicular function.

Superseding this reduced fertility is the added woes from the extra hip and waist fat, which makes successful impregnation difficult. The abnormal pad of fat tends to steal blood flow away from the normal pelvic circulation which needs to be enhanced during coitus, resulting in an unsatisfactory performance. In fact, the incidence of erectile dysfunction is higher in obese patients and this is compounded by girth-restricted reduced coital frequency.

Remember, these scientific observations are an indication and not the rule. So while the sexual prowess of men is governed by many factors, obesity can introduce a punctuation mark which is avoidable and also somewhat correctable.

Of course, the shoe cannot be only on one foot and similar changes vis-a-vis fertility, have been seen in obese women who develop abnormal menstruation and improper ovulation but being 'passive', the effect on female potency still needs to be studied.

The leaf that I want to pluck from this wisdom fable is that young men who are in their active reproductive phase now would stand to lose points in the 'partner' race if they were to become obese.

Fatso! No matter what else you may have in your armamentarium to help "throw your weight around", in these days of open bedroom dialogues, you would not always be able to 'rise' to the occasion for the 'Olympic medal'. Window dressing for the matrimonial 'cocktail' is fine but if you let yourself  loose on the calorie wagon, you could be Ek Tha Tiger.

(Dr Hemant Thacker is a consultant physician & cardiometabolic specialist in south Mumbai hospitals)


Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Obesity-adversely-affects-sexual-prowess-Research/articleshow/16521197.cms

OMEGA-3 CAN HELP YOUR CHILD

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OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Omega-3 fatty acids

What can high-omega-3 foods do for you?

• Reduce inflammation throughout your body
• Keep your blood from clotting excessively
• Maintain the fluidity of your cell membranes
• lower the amount of lipids (fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream
• decrease platelet aggregation, preventing excessive blood clotting
• inhibit thickening of the arteries by decreasing endothelial cells' production of a platelet-derived growth factor (the lining of the arteries is composed of endothelial cells)
• increase the activity of another chemical derived from endothelial cells (endothelium-derived nitric oxide), which causes arteries to relax and dilate
• reduce the production of messenger chemicals called cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory response associated with atherosclerosis
• reduce the risk of becoming obese and improve the body's ability to respond to insulin by stimulating the secretion of leptin, a hormone that helps regulate food intake, body weight and metabolism, and is expressed primarily by adipocytes (fat cells)
• help prevent cancer cell growth

Omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following health conditions:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Asthma
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• High blood pressure
• Huntington's disease
• Lupus
• Migraine headaches
• Multiple sclerosis
• Obesity
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

What conditions or symptoms indicate a need for more high-omega-3 foods?

• Depression
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Fatigue
• Dry, itchy skin
• Brittle hair and nails
• Inability to concentrate
• Joint pain

What foods provide omega-3 fatty acids?

Sardines, salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Very good sources of these healthy fats include cloves. Good sources of these fats include halibut, shrimp, cod, tuna, soybeans, tofu, kale, collard greens, and winter squash.
Studies have proven that a relatively small number of omega-3 food sources can have a measurable impact on your blood levels of omega-3s, including those two key omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). For example, two weekly servings of a non-fried, omega-3 containing fish (like wild-caught Pacific salmon) is enough to boost your blood levels of omega-3s.

Source: http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84

p.s. For further information about Omega-3, you may contact  +91 930 200 2349 / 932 945 3242

ARTHRITIS

The word arthritis is a combination of  2 Greek and Latin words meaning inflammation of joints. Arthritis affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. It is the main cause of disability among people over fifty-five years of age in industrialized countries.

Arthritis is not a single disease - it is a term that covers over 100 medical conditions. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and generally affects elderly patients. Some forms of arthritis can affect people at a very early age. Mostly the following types of Arthritis are encountered in general practice:-

·       Osteoarthritis

·       Rheumatoid arthritis

·       Traumatic arthritis 

In order to better understand what is going on when a person suffers from some form of arthritis, let us look at how a joint works. 

Basically, a joint is where one bone moves on another bone. Ligaments hold the two bones together. The ligaments are like elastic bands, while they keep the bones in place your muscles relax or contract to make the joint move.

Cartilage covers the bone surface to stop the two bones from rubbing directly against each other. The covering of cartilage allows the joint to work smoothly and painlessly.

A capsule surrounds the joint. The space within the joint - the joint cavity - has synovial fluid. Synovial fluid nourishes the joint and the cartilage. The synovial fluid is produced by the synovium (synovial membrane) which lines the joint cavity. 

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage on the gliding surface of the knee begins wearing away, causing pain and stiffness. When the cartilage wears away completely, the bones rub directly against each other causing decreased mobility and chronic pain. Osteoarthritis is most common in people 50 and older, but is also prevalent in those with a family history of arthritis or those with lifestyles that stress the joints, such as athletes and laborers.

Rheumatoid arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system begins to attack the synovial membrane causing it to become inflamed and overproduce synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates your joints). More importantly, the process also causes damage and wear to the articular cartilage.

Traumatic arthritis results from a serious knee injury, such as a fracture, ligament damage or meniscus tear. The impact of the accident also causes mini trauma to the articular cartilage which over time, develops into osteoarthritis, causing knee pain and stiffness.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis patients. At low doses NSAIDs help a vast range of ailments, from muscle aches, to fever and minor pain. At a higher dose NSAIDs also help reduce joint inflammation. 

As is the case with most drugs, NSAIDs do carry a risk of side-effects, such as stomach upset and gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of side effects is significantly higher if the patient is over 60. A patient should take this type of drug at high doses under the supervision of a doctor.

 In osteoarthritis, where the joint pain is due to damaged synovial membrane on account of prolonged wear and tear, as generally happens in age group 40+,  a combination of Glucosamine HCL with Boswellia + Cal Mag D, taken for 3 to 4 months is very effective. This combination may not show good results in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
 
 

Tips for Good Cholesterol

How to Boost Your 'Good' Cholesterol

At the risk of sounding like a certain 20-something socialite, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is hot! Advances in research have brought more attention to the blood lipid (or fat) we often call "good" cholesterol.

"Good" cholesterol doesn't refer to the cholesterol we eat in food, but rather to the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol circulating in our blood. It's one of the fats measured in the lipid panel blood test doctors perform. And it's the component you want more of, because a higher HDL is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Experts from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) note that although LDL or "bad" cholesterol has gotten most of the attention, there's growing evidence that HDL plays an important role.

Facts About "Good" Cholesterol

• HDL cholesterol normally makes up 20%-30% of your total blood cholesterol.
• There is evidence that HDL helps protect against the accumulation of plaques (fatty deposits) in the walls of coronary arteries.
• Research suggests that a five-point drop in HDL cholesterol is linked to a 25% increase in heart disease risk.
• In prospective studies -- that is, studies that follow participants for a period of time to watch for events like heart attacks or death from heart disease -- HDL usually proves to be the lipid risk factor most linked to heart disease risk.
• HDL cholesterol levels are thought to be impacted by genetics.
• Women typically have higher HDL cholesterol levels than men. About a third of men and about a fifth of women have HDL levels below 40 mg/dL. Doctors consider levels of less than 40 mg/dL to be low.

Researchers from the Netherlands who analyzed 60 studies concluded that the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL (in which your total cholesterol number is divided by your HDL number) is a better marker for coronary artery disease than LDL measurement alone.

"Boosting HDL is the next frontier in heart disease prevention," says P.K. Shah, MD, director of cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Shah says that if the new drugs designed to increase HDL levels prove effective, they could potentially reduce the number of heart attacks and strokes by 80% to 90% -- and save millions of lives. HDL-boosting drugs are now being tested.

How Does HDL Cholesterol Help Your Heart?

Experts aren't yet sure exactly how HDL cholesterol helps reduce the risk of heart disease. But a few possibilities have emerged.

The NCEP says that high HDL levels appear to protect against the formation of plaques in the artery walls (a process called atherogenesis), according to studies in animals.

Lab studies, meanwhile, suggest that HDL promotes the removal of cholesterol from cells found in plaques, or lesions, in the arteries.

"Recent studies indicate that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of HDL also inhibit atherogenesis," says the NCEP report.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/good-cholesterol-12/good-cholesterol

Fish for Healthy Heart

The New Low-Cholesterol Diet: Fatty Fish

The right fish can do wonders for your heart.

By R. Morgan Griffin

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

The term "fatty fish" may sound unappealing, but actually these are the tastiest and healthiest foods from the sea. Oily fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and trout are full of omega-3 fatty acids -- good fats unlike the bad saturated fat you find in most meats. These fish should be a staple of everyone's heart-healthy diet.

How Does Fish Help?
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower triglyscerides, which are a type of fat in the bloodstream. Experts aren't sure of the exact mechanism. Omega-3 fatty acids may also slow down the growth of plaques in the arteries and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
 
What's the Evidence?
A number of studies going back years have shown the benefits of fatty fish. In an important review of studies, researchers found that getting daily omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil could lower triglyceride levels by 25%-30%. The results were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1997.

Based on the mounting evidence, the FDA approved a new "qualified health claim" for the effects of omega-3 fatty acids ( EPA and DHA) for reduced risks of coronary heart disease. It also allows the makers or distributors of foods that contain these omega-3 fatty acids to advertise that the product may reduce the risk of heart disease.
 
Getting Fatty Fish Into Your Diet
Fatty fish typically are cold-water fish. You have many good choices when it comes to fatty fish. The American Dietetic Association recommends:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Trout
• Herring
• Sardines
• Mackerel

Three ounces of salmon alone offers about 1 gram of EPA and DHA. If these fish aren't to your taste, you can also try white fish such as halibut or trout. A 3.5-ounce serving of trout offers about 1 gram of EPA, plus DHA.

One important point to keep in mind: How you prepare the fish is almost as important as which type of fish you eat.

"The way that you prepare any of these foods makes a big difference in your blood cholesterol level," says Keecha Harris, DrPH, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA.) "It's always best to broil, grill, or steam these foods."

Any health benefits from fish are cancelled out if you deep-fry them in a vat of vegetable oil.


You can also get a very quick and tasty meal by microwaving salmon and other fish. It only takes a few minutes. One big advantage is that you don't dry out the fish, which is easy to do using more conventional methods.

KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is an essential part of our body. It helps in producing certain harmones in the body as well as membranes of the cells. But excessive cholesterol in our blood produces sticky deposits in the arteries. The narrowed blood vessels obstruct the free flow of blood and heart has to exert extra pressure to pump the blood. This is known as High blood pressure. If not checked in time, it may lead to heart attack.

There are two sources of cholesterol.  Our liver contributes the major portion of cholesterol, and the rest is obtained from our food. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High Density Lipoprotein).  LDL is also known as “Bad” cholesterol and the HDL as “Good” cholesterol.  Both of these are needed by the body for proper functioning. However it is important to keep both in their safe level. The deposits in the arteries mentioned above are caused by LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

The present day life style is the major cause of excessive LDL in our body. Too much intake of saturated fats, fast ready made foods like French fries, potato chips, samosas etc. give rise to accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body. Lack of regular exercise and proper rest are other contributing factors. 

Saturated Fats = Solid at room temperature

Unsaturated Fats = Liquid at room temperature

Saturated fats are most commonly found in animal products, particularly beef, lamb, pork and poultry. The visible, white fat on cuts of meat is the most obvious example, but poultry skins also are high in saturated fat. Whole milk also is high in saturated fat --- 1 cup contains about 4.5 g --- as are products made with it, such as cheese, butter and ice cream. Most plant-based cooking oils are unsaturated fats, because they are liquid at room temperature, but some, particularly palm oil and coconut oil, consist mostly of saturated fat. Baked goods made with these oils and food fried in these oils, therefore, are high in saturated fat.

Change in the lifestyle habits can play a big role in keeping the level of LDL 
and HDL in a balanced state. Eating proper nutritious food, fresh fruits, green 
and leafy vegetables; and avoiding excess fat and fast foods, regular exercise 
and adequate rest are good measures. High level of HDL or “Good” cholesterol 
helps to protect against heart attack and sudden strokes caused due to blocking of blood supply to the brain. 

The level of cholesterol in the blood can be checked through blood test. It is therefore recommended to have this test done at 1 or 2 years interval for adults. Desirable, Borderline and High Risk levels of cholesterol are as under:

DESIRABLE

        Total cholesterol    Below 200

        LDL                      Below 100

        HDL                     Above 60

BORDERLINE

        Total cholesterol    200-239

        LDL                      139-159

        HDL                     35-60

HIGH RISK

        Total cholesterol    Above 239

        LDL                      Above 190

        HDL                     Less than 35

                       

SUMMARY

High cholesterol can narrow the blood vessels and cause heart attack. Regular tests are important to check that cholesterol levels are within the desired range. High cholesterol level can be treated with proper diet, regular exercise, weight loss and medication.

The best thing a person can do is eating less foods that contain lot of fats. Weight loss, control over diabetes and thyroid problems will also be very helpful in keeping the cholesterol within desirable levels.

What is a Healthy Weight? Calculate your Body Mass Index

What is a Healthy Weight?

English BMI Formula

BMI = Weight in Pounds / (Height in inches x Height in inches) x 703

Metric BMI Formula

BMI = Weight in Kilograms / (Height in Meters x Height in Meters )

BMI Classification

18.5 or less      Underweight   

18.5 to 24.99   Normal Weight

25 to 29.99      Overweight

30 to 34.99      Obesity (Class 1)

35 to 39.99      Obesity (Class 2)

40 or greater    Morbid Obesity

OBESITY TREATMENT

If you are overweight, losing as little as 7-10 percent of your body weight may improve many of the problems linked to being overweight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Slow and steady weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week is the safest way to lose weight. Too rapid weight loss can cause you to lose muscle rather than fat. It also increases your chances of developing other problems, such as gallstones and nutrient deficiencies. Making long-term changes in your eating and physical activity habits is the only way to lose weight and keep it off!
Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, you must improve your eating habits. Eat a variety of foods, especially pasta, rice, wholemeal bread, and other whole-grain foods. Reduce your fat-intake. You should also eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Making physical activity a part of your daily life is an important way to help control your weight. Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day on most days of the week. The activity does not have to be done all at once. It can be done in stages: 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there, providing it adds up to 30 minutes a day.

OVERWEIGHT TREATMENT

Here are some very simple changes that you can start today that will greatly improve your chances of weight loss success:
Eliminate Red Meat
If foods like burgers are basic to your current diet, cutting out red meat can go a long way in helping you make healthier meal choices. Build your meals around fish or poultry.

Cut out fried foods
Grill, bake, roast, broil or boil your food. This also means doing without French Fries and snack foods like Potato Strings, Chips,...

Start with a soup or a salad
By starting dinner with a soup or salad, you will curb your hunger, which will in turn help you keep portion sizes in check and prevent you from overeating.

Stop Cola consumption
For every 20 ounces of Coca-Cola you drink, you're consuming 250 calories. If you're trying to consume around 1500 calories a day in order to lose weight, you can blow your entire calorie budget on soda!

Drink water
Reach for the goal of eight glasses a day. Even if you don't drink eight, you're drinking more than usual.

UNDERWEIGHT TREATMENT

The best way to add weight is to increase your intake of complex carbohydrates, particularly whole grain ones. Foods like whole wheat bread, muffins, pasta, crackers, and bagels are good to include. Also, legumes and fruits would be wise choices.
In order to gain weight, you will have to eat more calories. You will need to include regular exercise and strength training into your lifestyle in order to prevent gaining too much weight as fat. And, as I mentioned, those extra calories should come mainly from additional carbohydrate.
To start, set up a realistic goal weight for yourself. You may need to resign yourself to a less than (what you may consider) an ideal weight. Make good nutrition your priority, and weight gain the second.
It is best to gain weight slowly and steadily. This will help to ensure that your weight gain is in the form of lean body mass and not excessive fat. Don't try to gain more than 1/2 pound a week. 

Some more tips

Drink 6-8 glasses of distilled water a day.
Eat frequent but small meals.
Eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables (green leafy vegetables are great)
Do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop,...
Do not eat processed foods; white sugar, white flower,...
Avoid red meat and animal fats.
Reduce intake of dairy products.
Do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke. 

Source: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/treatment/obesity-treatment.php