He drops kilos overnight, but you gain weight just by glancing at a pastry or a bowl of french fries. Here are a few of his habits you should steal.
We may hate to admit it, ladies, but we could all learn from men when it comes to reducing weight. Though guys are far less likely to diet than girls, when they make the effort, they are more successful.
Research by Slimming World found that nine out of 10 men on a diet managed to lose five per cent of their body weight over 12 weeks while only just over half of women lost that amount in the same time.
Unfair though it is, men have the physiological advantage when it comes to ditching flabs. “Men tend to be larger and have a higher proportion of muscle than women. More muscles mean higher metabolism and therefore more weight loss," says Payal Banka, Lead Dietician, LifeMojo. “On the same calorie count, a man generally loses weight faster than a woman.”
HE JUST GETS ON WITH IT
Most men approach losing weight as another job they have to tackle. They don’t obsess about the fact they got fat in the first place, they just acknowledge that they’ve got to get the weight off, then knuckle down and do it.
Feminise it...
» You can do the same – just
make this your mantra… » Of course I can lose weight. » Will it take longer than it does a
man? Yes. » Will I slip up sometimes? Yes? » Does it matter? No. » I’ll just get straight back on
track.
HE PUMPS IRON
Men are usually more ready to tackle the exercise side of weight loss than women, especially by lifting weights. And that’s a real advantage because this type of resistance exercise increases muscle mass and the more muscle you have the more calories you will burn – all day, every day – even when you’re asleep.
Feminise it...
If you’re a gym-goer, incorporate weights that make you struggle to do eight to 10 repetitions. If the gym’s not your bag or it’s too expensive, find a body pump class or do simple resistance exercise at home such as lunges, press-ups and stomach crunches.
DIFFERENT LOOK
Austrian researchers found “men’s approach to nutrition is uncomplicated and pleasure-oriented”. Although this is probably why more men are overweight than women, it’s possibly also why they can tackle their weight more easily. "Women who are “restrained eaters” deprive themselves of “forbidden foods”. For instance, homemakers sitting idle will tend to munch a little more than those working outside. Men are physically more active than women. Therefore, women don't burn enough calories. Weight also depends on hormonal change in women," says Payal.
Feminise it...
Use female food know-how to choose treats that can be factored into your diet so you don’t feel deprived. A calorie counting approach can help you feel in control, say nutritionists. You won’t feel guilty if you know the treat you’re enjoying is accounted for in your daily allowance (1,500-2,000 calories for maintaining weight or 1,000-1,500 calories for losing it).
HE IS NOT AS BOTHERED
Even if he cares quite a bit about the shape he’s in, he’s less likely to be obsessed by every lump.
Feminise it...
You’ll never be as blase about your bingo wings as he is about his beer belly, but his attitude should help put things in perspective. If you need to slim for health reasons you’ll benefit from a 10 per cent cut in body weight – it’s better than focusing on squeezing into a size 8 or 10 (medium). So stop obsessing about very mouthful and start enjoying a healthier lifestyle – weight loss should follow naturally anyway.
THE EMOTIONAL EATING
Both sexes comfort eat, but whereas men are more likely to consume food to boost positive emotions, women seek comfort food to stop feeling low. And we are twice as likely to experience depression, so that’s a lot of emotional eating.
Feminise it...
Cheer yourself up with a non-food distraction. And make it enjoyable – no man in his right mind would do chores to avoid overeating. Choose a more hedonistic distraction such as a night out with friends or a manicure.
HE LIKES STEAK, NOT SWEETS
Men’s comfort foods include protein-rich foods like steak whereas women prefer high-calorie sweet snack foods, according to researchers at Cornell University in America. The advantage of his choice over yours? Protein helps fill you up far better than sugar and fat. In fact higher protein is the real reason why lower carb diets work according to recent research from the University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health. Protein promotes satiety, the scientific term for fullness, which curbs overeating.
Feminise it...
Pre-empt a sugar craving by getting in a handful of protein-rich prawns or marinated mini chicken fillets before you succumb.
Also men rarely have the emotional -attachment to food that we do. “Women have traditionally been much more involved in buying, cooking and preparing of food,” says an expert. “We equate food with love and use it as a prop for our moods more than the opposite sex.”
So, guys are just better at getting trim than us.
Lose weight like a man
Weight-loss mantra for teens
Dump those diet bars and shakes...to begin with.
If you are an obese teen looking to shed those pounds, here's a tip: ditch those diet bars and shakes, according to a new study.
Dr. Robert L. Berkowitz of the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia tested three weightloss regimens on more than 100 obese teens and their families.
Results showed that even though the teens on meal replacements shed more pounds at first, by the end of the year, those following the low-cal diet had a Body Mass Index (BMI) reduction of 2.8 percent, compared to a 3.4 percent reduction for the teens who only ate meal replacements.
"Diet shakes and drinks don't keep you full. And it's like putting a bandage on the problem. They aren't learning weightmanagement skills,” the New York Daily News quoted nutritionist Robyn Webb, MS, LN, director of A Pinch of Thyme, as saying.
“The teens who are eating bars and shakes probably don't have enough energy to be involved in any sports activities," Webb said.
Following a diet that encourages teens to make good food choices is more effective over the long haul, says Mary Hartley, of caloriecount.com.
"Shakes may get the caloric intake down but they haven't taught you anything about choices. It's a missed opportunity. You are putting the effort into the wrong thing - buying bars Slim-Fast for lunch. It's easier in the short run, but not over time,” Hartley said.
And if young people followed a long-term, low-calorie diet, they could probably learn to cook too.
“When you're talking about teens learning new eating habits, they really learn quickly. They don't have to undo all the bad habits that adults have accumulated over the years," she said.
Teach your child gently
Kids react positively to tender methods of disciplining than to constant shouting and threatening
Scolding or beating your child for every little mistake will only serve to make them more rebellious. Disciplining a child is something that needs to be handled carefully, delicately and with plenty of love.
Here’s how to discipline your child:
Set examples for them to follow. Kids tend to ape the behaviour of elders. If you want them to get habituated to doing something, you should do it too. For example, throw the garbage in the bin or straighten out your bed when you wake up or eat without chomping on your food, your kid will automatically learn and follow.
If kids are unruly in a public place, be patient and try reasoning out with them first. If they still don’t pay heed to you, resort to some stern words. If the behaviour continues, walk away from them. However, remember to not raise your voice or slap them, this will result in them throwing tantrums to gain attention — negative or positive. Always treat your kids as grown-ups. They too look for respect and importance from parents. Compliment them on a task well done, include them in decision making like choosing their clothes or shoes or the colour for their room, etc.
Try not to scold your child. If you lose your temper, it will only reveal your weak spot and kids are quick to pick on those and use them effectively Also, follow the manners you’re trying to teach your child. For example, say please or sorry or excuse me instead of pushing people out of your way.
If your kid is misbehaving in front of guests, don’t scream at them. Wait till you get back home and then explain strictly that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. Also, warn them that if they repeat this behaviour, you will have to take stern action.
Benefits of mustard seeds
Mustard seeds have been around for over 5,000 years. They’re known to have numerous benefits, as they’re low in calories and high in nutritional value, and have a lot of anti-bacterial and antiseptic qualities. They’re available in different varieties — black mustard, white mustard and brown Indian mustard, in whole as well as in powdered form.
Mustard oil is known to be great for the skin because it generates warmth.
Mustard seeds are rich in a nutrient called selenium, known for its high anti-inflammatory effects.
The high source of magnesium in mustard seeds helps reduce the severity of asthma attacks and certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and lowering blood pressure.
Suffer from migraine? Mustard seeds are known to help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Mustard seeds are very rich in calcium, manganese, omega 3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, protein and dietary fibre — include them in your diet.
For people who suffer from a bad appetite, here’s something that will be really helpful. Mix a few black mustard seeds with milk and have it 15 to 20 minutes before your meal.
Mustard seeds are excellent for digestion because they increase the metabolic rate of the body.
The seeds are also beneficial for menopausal women who have trouble sleeping.
Health hints : Brush teeth for a healthier baby
Researchers have warned that even healthy expecting women can be at risk for pregnancy problems caused by oral bacteria.Yiping Han, from the department of periodontics in the School of Dental Medicine, led the study that found several new bacteria originating in the mouth travel through the blood to cause an inflammatory reaction in the placenta and eventually cause a range of health issues from miscarriages to stillbirths.
Researchers have been baffled why oral bacteria have shown up in the placenta or amniotic fluid of pregnant women.
They found that after injecting the blood in the tails of pregnant mice with saliva from healthy people and dental plaque from those with periodontal disease, oral bacteria continued to grow in the placentas after it had left the mice blood 24 hours later.
This suggests that even healthy pregnant women should be concerned bacteria that normally lives in the mouth can enter the blood stream and make their way into the placenta’s immune-free environment to ignite an inflammatory reaction that can lead to premature or stillbirths.
Seven steps to best maintain your gold jewellery
It is in the interest of anyone who purchases gold jewellery to maintain it as best they can. Most of the time, people leave gold to their children as heirlooms, and sometimes they sell it if they get a good resale price. But the attraction of gold lies in its lustre. So, people who own gold jewellery should make sure that it does not lose it. Here are some do’s and don’ts that you should follow to ensure that your gold jewellery is
kept in good condition:
DO’S
1. Always keep gold jewellery in a box lined with either suede, satin or velvet.
2. If you store more than one gold jewellery item in a box, wrap the smaller items in tissue paper to protect them against scratches.
3. Wipe the jewellery with cotton or a very soft cloth every day to prevent dust accumulation.
4. Polish your jewellery with special polish, especially if the gold item is worn regularly, so that it does not lose its lustre.
5. When cleaning gold jewellery, use lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a brush with soft bristles, especially for items with detailed designs.
6. You can also clean gold jewellery by dropping it (one item at a time) into boiling water and adding a pinch of baking soda. Leave it in for only half a minute, take it out and wipe it immediately.
7. Take rings off before applying hand lotion and cream to avoid getting oil on the rings, and subsequently, the dirt the oil attracts.
DON’TS
1. Do not keep your gold jewellery in pouches because the pieces will rub against each other and wear away over time.
2. Do not wear gold jewellery while having a bath. Water beating down on it will cause chains to stretch. Some soaps can be harsh and cause a film to appear and build up on stones, and they will lose their lustre.
3. Never wear gold jewellery while swimming. Chlorine erodes this soft metal. It is also a risk because diamonds and other stones can easily fall out of their settings.
4. Do not let household cleaners or other harsh chemicals come into contact with your gold as they reduce the shine of the yellow metal.
5. Avoid wearing perfume when wearing gold jewellery, especially if it has pearl insets.
6. Avoid wearing fine jewellery when gardening or doing housework.
7. Do not wear gold jewellery to sleep. Tossing and turning can cause chains to stretch and break, and prongs on rings to catch and possibly break.
If you follow these tips, you will have gold jewellery that will not lose its lustre and even years from now, will look as beautiful as it was on the day you bought it.
Wrinkles: Causes and treatment
Article about how you can slow down the aging process of the skin and some forms of treatments available to reduce wrinkles
In the olden days, wrinkles were thought to signify wisdom. But in today's world, most do everything possible to avoid aging changes and wrinkling of the skin. Many products and procedures are targeted at reducing wrinkles. Some may help and some may not. So it is important to make an informed decision on anti-aging measures to be used.
Skin ages all over the body,but these changes are more pronounced where there is exposure to the sun.Sun-related damage can cause photoaging,dryness,sagging of the skin,certain skin growths like keratoses (liver spots), and wrinkles. Most wrinkles appear on the parts of the body where the exposure is greatest. These include the face, V of the neck, hands, and forearms.
Wrinkles come in two categories - fine surface lines and deep furrows.Wrinkle treatments are in general much more effective for fine lines.Deeper creases may require more invasive techniques such as filler injections or laser treatment.
Factors that increase wrinkling
Smoking and consumption of alcohol
Fairer skin shows increased wrinkling
Heredity Occupational and recreational habits (farming, sailing, golfing) - excessive exposure to sun hastens aging changes of the skin
Preventive measures
The main preventive measures are minimising exposure to sun, regular use of broad spectrum sunscreens, protective hats and clothing, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.
Treatments and procedures
There are several medical (topical medicines and creams) and cosmetic techniques available to reduce wrinkles. They include both medical and surgical methods.
Medical treatments available:
Vitamin A acid creams: This ingredient, available by prescription of a dermatologist only, is effective in treating aging skin and fine lines. These creams must be used on a regular basis and may produce redness and peeling at first, but discomfort can usually be minimised by lowering the cream's concentration or applying it less often until the skin gets used to it.
Alpha-hydroxy acids: These so-called 'fruit acids' include glycolic and lactic acid. Preparations containing these fruit acids are quite safe and cause no more than mild and temporary irritation. They produce subtle improvement.
Antioxidants: These include preparations that contain the vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene. Such creams may provide a certain amount of protection from the sun as well as mild improvement of fine wrinkles.
Anti-aging creams: Anti-aging creams must contain an active ingredient for them to be effective.
Cosmetic procedures available:
Glycolic acid peels: These superficial peels can make a slight difference to the intensity of fine wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion: This is 'sanding the skin' with a machine containing silica or aluminum crystals.
Laser resurfacing: Using instruments such as carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, dermatologists can reduce wrinkling.
Fractional resurfacing: Newer lasers work through a modification of traditional laser resurfacing.Treatments affect only evenly-spaced spots surrounded by undamaged skin. Healing is much faster with less 'downtime' afterwards.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing: Newer lasers attempt to stimulate collagen synthesis under the skin without peeling or damaging the epidermis. Studies and clinical experience suggest that such procedures can improve fine wrinkles. Anyone considering any of the cosmetic procedures should fully inform themselves about the risks and potential benefits before going ahead.
How to prevent liver diseases
The liver is a silent partner in health as it does not complain until the damage is far advanced. It is better to have screening for high risk cases.
Liver is the largest organ in the human body and performs several functions which are vital to sustain health. Several key metabolic, synthetic and excretory functions in the body are solely handled by liver. It serves as the “guardian angel” protecting the body from harmful products within the body and synthesizing substances that are essential for healthy life. One of the remarkable accomplishments of this miraculous organ is its ability to regenerate. There is a wide range of diseases which can affect the liver of both children and adults alike.
Causes of liver disease:
Alcohol ingestion
Water and blood-borne viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C and E)
Fatty liver
Medications and other inherited diseases Great strides have been made in the treatment of several life threatening liver diseases over the past few years including liver transplantation. The first successful liver transplant was performed in India nearly eleven years ago and since then, several life saving surgeries have been performed across the country. Advancements have been made in the treatment of hepatitis B, C and liver cancers. Early detection and newer management options have transformed the outcome of inherited liver disorders in children.
Prevention can be done by:
Gaining a better knowledge
Promotion of healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet
Regular exercise
Avoidance of medications which are known to have liver damaging effects
Avoidance of alcohol
Clean and safe drinking water
Vaccination against hepatitis B
Safe blood transfusion The liver is a silent partner in health as it does not complain until the damage is far advanced. It is better to have screening for high risk cases. Prevention of liver disease and promotion of health go hand in hand and promoting awareness will definitely lead to a healthier India.
Perfect Salad Making
Salads are the perfect summer meal. Here is the recepy for salad.
When temperatures soar as they are doing now and appetites are low, there’s nothing like a pile of crisp veggies, dressed and garnished right to make meal times pleasant. Making a salad at home is a breeze if you stick to some basics. Here’s a guide to get you started:
Since most salads are no-cook, the quality of the ingredients you use is of utmost importance. Fruits, veggies, meat, cheese, bread, almost anything can go into a salad, but greens are usally at the heart of most summer salads. Indian supermarkets now have a fairly good variety of salad greens.
* Lettuce is what most people start off with when attempting to build a salad and iceberg lettuce, with its bland taste and crisp texture is most popular. Romaine lettuce, with closely packed leaves in an elongated head, has a more complex flavour and a slight bitterness. Arugula or rocket is
a current favourite in salads, especially in restaurants, and its bitter tones and pepper bite are great for combining with ingredients with contrasting flavours such as blue cheese or grapes.
You should also be able to find frisee with its curly edges on most supermarket shelves. Baby spinach is a great addition to salads as well.
While choosing greens look for fresh, bright specimens with no signs of wilting or brown spots. Cleaning and drying your greens is crucial to a good salad. Pick the leaves and wash several times in plenty of water, lifting the leaves out every time. Drain well. A salad-spinner for drying leaves is an excellent investment if you plan to make salads frequently. Else, pat the leaves dry. It’s important to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Leaving the dried leaves in the fridge for a while helps to crisp them up as well. Limp leaves are a no-no in any salad.
Once you have your mix of greens together, use your imagination to build on that with vegetables and other ingredients. Steamed asparagus stalks or tender green beans, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, peppers either raw or roasted and peeled artichoke hearts can all be on your list.
The right combination of fruit can enhance salads too. Orange wedges, apple or pear slices dipped in lemon juice, juicy black grapes, pomegranate, will all do the trick, as will toasted nuts.
Add on some cheese if you like — bocconcini with tomatoes, blue cheese with pears and rocket, parmesan in a Caesar salad. Mix and
match, and you could come up with exciting combinations.
The dressing is what finishes your salad and holds it all together. A classic vinaigrette is a good starting point. To make this, shake up 3 parts olive oil with one part vinegar, adding salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar to taste. You may wish to add garlic, herbs, mustard etc to perk your dressing up. Dress your greens just before serving, tossing lightly to ensure even distribution.
A good salad could do with a tasty garnish flavoured croutons, shavings of cheese, a scattering of herbs or sprouted mustard can all work.
To add substance to your salad, pile on cold meats, hardboiled eggs or tuna chunks.
Understanding your ingredients and combining them correctly is the fun part of tossing up a salad at home.
Cutting edge treatment for hair loss
The science of hair re-growth is intricate. Can the skin actually regenerate new hair follicles? Or, is there any naturally occurring substance (growth factor) in the body that will stimulate hair growth? Hairline Clinic has an answer to these questions. It is possible that hair can re-grow with the precise combination of science and expertise.
Under the right conditions, the skin has the ability to regenerate brand new hair follicles. Epidermal Disruption-Induced Hair Follicle Neogenesis (EDIHN) helps in hair re-growth by triggering an embryonic state in the skin, making it receptive to instructions from wnt proteins —- a network of proteins implicated in hair-follicle development and subsequent hair growth. Advance formulations like Stem Cell Serum contains growth factors like IGF-1, b-FGF, VEGF, biotin, copper tripeptide 1, multivitamins and amino acids will also lead to an amassing hair growth effect. The formulation promotes hair growth by activating the stem cells of the hair follicle. The growth factor treatment, in certain cases has seen an increase in hair count from 102 to 200 and density from 157 to 300 per sq cm within 12-15 sessions.
Relief for teething babies
During the teething phase babies tend to be in much pain due to the swelling of gums. Take a warm, wet cloth to wipe the face and remove any drool. This will help prevent a rash.
Babies need something comforting and cold like a teething ring or a washcloth that’s been kept in the refrigerator. Ensure that you wash the cloth after each use.
Give your baby a cold bottle of water or diluted juice. This can also help replenish the fluids if dribbling gets excessive. Cold food such as chilled apple sauce, yogurt or any pureed fruit will also help.
Use your fingers to give your child a gentle gum massage. This can ease the pain.
Ask your doctor if any medicine can be prescribed, to give your baby some relief.
Never attach a teething ring to the baby, at least not around the neck, as it could cause strangulation.
Deficiency Of B12 is the reason for heart attacks?
Doctors Say Deficiency Of B12, A Vitamin Found Mostly In Fish & Meat, Noticed In Young Patients
Not even in his nightmares had 23-year-old Ramesh Tayde (name changed) thought that a person his age could have a heart problem. But while making a presentation in his new highpaying job, he developed chest pain. He tried to ignore it, but within minutes he blacked out. When his colleagues took him to a hospital, he was found to have suffered a heart attack.
“Most people kept wondering how I could have got an attack at this age. Even I was shocked as I do not smoke and I don’t have any of the other problems like hypertension, high cholestrol or diabetes, which are generally the cause of cardiac problems in people my age,’’ said Ramesh.
However, it turned out that since Ramesh is a pure vegetarian, he had a deficiency of vitamin B12, along with other vitamins, which caused his homocysteine levels to rise very high.
Anup Tare, another 23-yearold, was standing in a line for admission in a university, when he had an attack. It turned out that Anup not only had high stress levels, but also smoked occasionally.
In both cases however, the doctors noticed high levels of homocysteine and low levels of vitamin B12. “A deficiency of any one of vitamin B12, B6, or folic acid leads to high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood. Hyperhomocysteinemia, in turn, has been associated with heart problems amongst youngsters. Thus, we can say, that a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body, may be one of the causes of increasing number of youngsters having heart problems,’’ said the foctor.
“Out of all the young cases of heart attack that we have seen, almost all of them had high levels of homocysteine, while 90% of youngsters turned out to be vitamin B12 deficient,’’ added the doctor.
While it means being a vegetarian may put you at greater risk of heart disease, non-vegetarians may have other causes for cardiac trouble. Moreover, not all agree that B12 deficiency is at fault.
Dr Ameya Udyavar, agrees with only a part of the theory. “No doubt that high levels of homocysteine are known to cause clotting in the blood, which leads to thrombosis of the heart. However, a deficiency in B12 together with folic acid (vitamin B9) is known to cause high levels of homocysteine. Deficiency in B12 alone causing hyperhomocystienemia has not been proved. Deficiency of another vitamin in the B catagory, thiamine (known as vitamin B1) causes ‘beri beri’ a condition in which the heart muscle beats slowly. Thus, it can be said that a deficiency of vitamins in the B category can cause heart problems,’’ he said.
Dr N O Bansal, however, differs completely. “People need not panic. Though high homocysteine levels were often believed to be a cause of heart probems, this theory itself has been questioned time and again. To say that B12 deficiency may be one of the causes leading to hyperhomocysteinemia will be stretching it too far,’’ he said.
Too much computer, too many problems:
Long hours at work, stressed days ; sleepless nights... with urbanisation comes in a whole lot of problems that the exec faces. A sneak peek into some of the ways out...
You are a leader. But you are not Jack Welch. You are yet to spell out the 25 magic mantras that could help you and your team build a winning enterprise!
But you could still lead from the front. At work, you could spearhead the latest mantra, a wellness drive, and sit back to enjoy the reaps. After all, the professional world believes in saying Yes Boss!
You could begin this way. Do not slouch in front of the desktop or lie in bed working on the laptop. All may not be hunky dory as you develop the risk of posture-related problems. You end up with back pain. You shoo it off as a sleeping defect for you are too busy to take meet the physician. Now, that could spell danger for a busy corporate like you.
Prolonged work at the computer could lead to chronic nerve problems damaging your back, neck, shoulders or wrists. And you wouldn’t be alone in this.
Too much computer, too many problems:
The result could be this:
Back and neck muscle spasm and pain
Back and neck soft tissue inflammation
Back, neck and shoulder pain on movement and involvement of other muscles as a reaction
Referred pain to buttocks and thighs or up the spine
If you think this is all, hold on! There’s more coming ... If you think a hot and cold bath may ease your pain after a day’s work, you could be just a little too naïve. You could also be in danger of developing pain and numbness in the fingers, wrists or arms. So much so, till you get affected by something as severe as the tunnel But where lies the defect? “It is wrong posture that is to blame,” says neuro surgeon Dr Gautam Gangopadhyay.
So, key it up well
Fingers should be kept as straight as possible
Elbows should be resting at 90-100°
Keys, on the left of the keyboard, should be used with the left hand and fingers
Do not force your right hand to use keys on the left. When this is done, it results in erosion of muscle tendons and exerts pressure on the median nerves.
Press it the wrong way and end up with:
Wrist pain that moves up to the elbow
Swelling of wrists, numbness and lack of power at the wrists
Stiffness of the arms and wrists, difficulty in moving arms
Surgery, the only way out following prolonged difficulty
The way out:
Use an ergonomic office chair with lumbar support
Buy an ergonomic keyboard and mouse
Have a break every hour and do stretching exercises
Visit a chiropractic clinic where you are treated for spinal column dysfunction
Keep massage therapies in your daily routine
Teething Troubles No More
As our life span increases, so does the need for permanent dental replacement
Dental implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth roots. Today almost every dental implant that is used is made up of surgical-grade titanium alloy to exacting technical and biological specifications. This material is compatible with the body’s tissues; therefore the body does not reject them. Implants are embedded into the jawbone to which replacement teeth are attached.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are used to support natural looking teeth and enable patients who are missing some or all of their natural teeth to smile, speak with confidence, avoid socially embarrassing situations and chew their food more comfortably. Anyone who wants to replace missing teeth can benefit from implants as they provide many advantages over traditional dentures.
Exploring options
Suppose you are missing a single front tooth. If a fixed bridge were to be used, your dentist would cut down the enamel of adjacent teeth and fit a three unit fixed bridge over those two teeth. If your dentist were to use an implant with a crown on it, he would place an implant in the site of the original missing tooth. He could do this immediately or at some date after the tooth was removed. After the healing period a tooth would be attached to the implant as it was your natural tooth. The healing period varies and the implantologist decides it best.
Concern areas
Dentures and removable bridges have obvious problems: they are loose and unstable. Implants can provide people with dental replacements that are both functional and aesthetic. The protocol that was originally developed states that we must wait three months in the lower jaw and six months in the upper jaw before we can begin to construct the new dental prosthesis that will be supported by the implants. In recent years, these implants now can be placed by a simple five-minute painless keyhole procedure to maximise patient comfort.
Healing time
Implants are a well-established treatment. Ninety per cent of modern implants last for at least 15 years. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants. It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. Although dental implant treatment may initially be expensive than others, it often turns out to be the best investment from a long-term perspective.
Indigenisation of implants
Indian dentists with a flair for quality import these implants. An indigenisation of the implant manufacturing techniques with proper trials will bring down the cost of implants substantially. As with any dental treatment, patients must meet stringent criteria to have a good chance for success. Exceptional oral hygiene is necessity.
Advantage of keyhole dentistry
The advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This reduces the healing time and discomfort associated with traditional implant surgical techniques.
Shall I take Diabetes Test?
Management at a prediabetes stage can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by losing just 5-7% of the body weight through lifestyle modification.
Diabetes is a worldwide epidemic with a projected number of 370 million adults in 2030. Ninety per cent of these diabetics will be type 2 diabetics. Type 2 diabetes is adult onset diabetes, where there is a relative insulin deficiency in the body.
Coping with type 2 diabetes
This disease can be managed by effective and widespread prevention strategies
Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes should be made in the prediabetes stage, and
prevention strategies instituted at that stage
Management at a prediabetes stage can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by losing just 5-7% of the body weight through lifestyle modification like the following:
Diet modification:
By cutting fats and calories in the diet
Increased physical activity:
Brisk walking 30 minutes a day; 5 days a week.
Medicines are also beneficial at this stage. They can be added if diet and exercise alone fail to convert prediabetes to normal in six months. It is estimated that 470 million adults will have prediabetes in the year 2025. Out of these, 50-70% of them will develop type 2 diabetes. Individuals with prediabetes are 34% more likely to die due to cardiovascular disorders than healthy individuals. This risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be reduced with early intervention. Early intervention is cost effective.
Who should be screened?
Screening for type 2 diabetes should be done if:
Older than 35 years of age
Obese BMI 23
Family history of diabetes
Family history of cardiovascular disease
Females with polycystic ovarian disease
All persons who fall in these categories should get their fasting blood glucose done at the earliest, and consult an endocrinologist.
Awareness keeps thyroid healthy
Sub-clinical thyroid disease is more common than overt disease. Screening is important to identify and treat patients at risk of thyroid dysfunction.
Thyroid affects each and every organ and functions of the body and maintains the metabolic balance. Anyone over 35 years should be screened for thyroid disease every five years. One with family history should be screened once in every two years and should get themselves examined by a physician once in a year.
Keep your thyroid healthy
• Awareness: Know the risk factors, signs & symptoms and common screening tests for thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
• Self monitoring involves checking your neck by standing in front of a mirror, stretching the back of neck, swallowing water, looking for any bulge, protrusion or enlargement in neck (below Adam's apple, above the collar bone), feeling the area to confirm enlargement or bump
Regular physical examinations and screening:
Sub-clinical thyroid disease is much more common than overt disease. Keeping in mind the prevalence of thyroid disease in India, screening is important to identify and treat patients at risk of thyroid dysfunction.
Anyone with the following risk factors needs to undergo once a year screening by a physician followed by basic diagnostic tests:
• All women
• People above 50 years
• Personal or family history of thyroid disease or any auto immune disease
• High stress life events
• Being pregnant or in the first year after childbirth
• Current or former smoker
• Consuming iodine in herbal supplements or medicines.
• Living in iodine deficient area
• Over consumption of certain foods like brussels sprouts; turnips, cauliflower, etc.
• Recent neck trauma, biopsy, injection, surgery or radiation
Basic diagnostic tests to analyze thyroid function and the risk for thyroid disease include:
• TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), often considered the ‘Gold Standard’ to assess thyroid function and detect sub-clinical thyroid disease.
• Free T3 & free T4, reflective of the unbound and directly effective thyroid hormone levels.
• Tests for thyroid antibodies
What is the treatment for Infertility
Infertility and its treatment
Those who want to get pregnant should not be under stress as it can hinder proper ovulation and fertilization of the egg cell. One must have healthy food and exercise.
Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that impairs the ability to achieve pregnancy. Infertility equally impacts men and women; about onethird of the cases are due to male factor, one-third to the female and the remaining to the combination of both partners.
Causes of infertility include a wide range of physical as well as emotional factors.
A few preventive measures that can be taken are:
• Prevent undue stress and fatigue, as they can hinder proper ovulation and fertilization of a woman’s egg cell. Try to practice meditation and yoga. Having a relaxing massage or going to a spa to dip in a therapeutic spa treatment can also be helpful.
• Eating healthy and regular exercise is another way to help prevent infertility. Eating healthy food and keeping yourself fit will help keep your body’s system running smoothly and will help keep your menstrual periods regular.
• Smoking and alcohol should be avoided as it can lower your chances of conceiving. Consuming too much caffeine can also affect your bodily functions; try to do so in moderation.
The most common factors for female infertility are:
• Blocked fallopian tube as the result of pelvic inflammatory disease
• Repeated abortion
• Use of an intrauterine (IUD) contraceptive device
Diagnosis is done by investigations like hormone assay, ultra sound / MRI scans and HSG.
There is a lack of awareness about non-surgical treatment of blocked fallopian tubes. Such treatment is performed by an interventional radiologist and the benefits are no pain, no surgical scar, performed on daycare, return to normal daily activities immediately. Moreover, it is cost effective. A patient with blocked tubes on both side can have them fixed in one sitting,
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is useful in detecting abnormalities of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. It provides an accurate picture of the site and extent of obstruction of the tubes. The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and a patient can go home after one hour. This procedure is also called fallopian tube recannulation.
Carbohydrates are bad or its just a myth?
MYTH Cutting carbohydrates from your diet will make you lose weight
Most health fanatics are ‘cardophobic’. To clear the confusion: Highly refined carbohydrate sources like white bread, sugar, refined white flour and white rice is what we should stay away from (the simple carbohydrates). However, we all need the carbohydrates out of whole grain namely brown rice, nachni, millet, jowar and bajra (complex carbohydrates). The body needs glucose as the main source of fuel for energy. And complex carbs provides exactly that. These give us sustained sugars (good for our brains) and keep the insulin levels in check.
If you are worried about your weight loss, remember that healthy is not just about the race to being size zero. By cutting carbs completely, you cut off the fuel supply. Your aim should be healthy bodies first; thin will follow. Besides, you wouldn’t want problems like constipation, bad breath and bingeing on sugars, would you? That’s exactly what happens when you stay off carbs completely.
MYTH It’s okay to have honey, jaggery, Maltitol, Xylitol instead of sugar
Sugar is just not just the white crystals you consume, but is also present in white bread, pasta, cereals, processed foods, sauces. These are your simple sugars often mentioned on packages that get camouflaged: Maple syrup, high corn fructose syrup, honey, sucrose, molasses, cane juice. Even the chocolate bars that claim to be sugarless have maltitol, xylitol and erythritol which are used to replace sugar only because they have fewer calories. Nevertheless, they are all derivatives of sugar and cause the same problems as sugar. The natural sugars from fruits is the only alternative for sugar at present in the Indian markets.
MYTH Our prime source of calcium is dairy foods
It’s a huge misconception that our prime calcium-rich food is milk. Milk is full of saturated fats and cholesterol, which clog your arteries. Caesin, the basic molecule in milk, stresses the liver, pancreas, stomach and intestines. Commercial dairy cows are pumped with hormones and to counter udder infection they are given antibiotics, which in turn affect the villi in your intestines. So even though milk is loaded with calcium, it does not help us in any way. The alternative to dairy to get your dose of calcium? Cutting back animal foods and choose a plant-based approach. Have dark leafy greens, broccoli, beans, nuts, seeds, tofu. All these sources give us useable calcium, which nourishes us.
MYTH Cutting back all oil (liquid fat) reduces weight
We need liquid fat (which we get from liquid oils) and the monosaturated fat (olive oil, avocados, canola, almond, peanut oils) for normal body functioning. We don’t need saturated fats (margarine, hydrogenated oils). The most crucial one is the polysaturated fat (flax seeds, sesame, sunflower, soy, walnut, safflower — rich in omega 3, 6 and 9). We also need essential fatty acids (EFAs) because the body does not make these and you need to supplement your diet with them. Low fat or fat free diets will cause us to be hungry (depleting the omegas) which in turn will cause us to binge. Healthy liquid fat consumption actually promotes weight loss.
LOSE WEIGHT BY TRICKING YOURSELF
It is possible to feel full on fewer calories. Here’s how.
GO LOW
Lowering the energy density of your diet — the calories it contains per 100g — is an effective way to stay fuller longer and lose the pounds. A study found that a low-fat, low-energy density diet is more effective for weight loss over one year, than a low-fat, higher energy density diet.
DO THE MATHS
Calculate the energy density of a food by dividing the number of calories by the weight of the food: a sandwich with 360 calories that weighs 180g would have an energy density of 360/180 = 2. We should try to eat foods that have an energy density less than 1.5, only moderate amounts of foods with an energy density of 1.5 - 4 and only small amounts of foods with a density of 4 - 9.
HAVE A LIQUID LUNCH
A low-energy density diet can be achieved by eating foods with a high water content; this includes dishes where water is added during cooking, such as soups and stews, foods like pasta and rice that absorb water during cooking, and foods naturally high in water.
INCREASE YOUR PROTEIN
Protein curbs hunger better than carbs or fat. So when you make a sarnie go for thinner bread and up the protein filling such as tuna of chicken.
FILL UP ON FIBRE
Fibre absorbs water, increasing fullness feelings. So, eat wholemeal bread, wholewheat pasta and brown rice.
GO EASY ON THE BOOZE
Alcohol stimulates appetite so don’t drink every day.
Modern day health benefits of Pistachio
Feb 26 is World Pistachio Day. Here are some modern day health benefits and fun facts of this wonderful nut.
Did you know that pistachios contain only 3-4 calories per nut? They also offer vital nutrients including more than 30 different vitamins, minerals and beneficial phytonutrients making them a great guilt free snack.
Originating from the Middle East, pistachios are one of the oldest flowering nut trees with evidence suggesting that humans were enjoying them as early as 7,000 BC. Pistachios were first planted in California in the 1930s. From this point it took nearly 10 years of careful research and breeding before the California Pistachio — also known as the Kerman variety — was finally perfected.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Lung Cancer: Recently it was revealed that a diet that incorporates a daily dose of pistachios may help reduce the risk of lung and other cancers, according to data presented at the recent American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference.
A Smart Snack for Diabetics:
Researchers from the University of Toronto found that when a handful of pistachios were eaten with a high glycemic index food like white bread, the pistachios helped blunt the rise in blood sugar and reduced hunger-stimulating hormones. That helps control appetite, and is good news for diabetics.
The Skinny Nut:
Overweight and obesity are risk factors for type II diabetes and heart disease. Nutrition experts call pistachios the “skinny nut” because they are one of the lowest calorie, lowest fat and highest fibre nuts offering the most nuts per serving.
Fat Enlightened:
Most of the fat in pistachios is the “good” fat that helps lower the risk of heart disease. In fact, Penn State researchers found that eating one to two handfuls of pistachios a day resulted in a nine to 12 per cent reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.
YOGA AND DIET
Macrobiotic dietician and yogalates instructor Shonali gives tips to tackle some of the most common women’s health issues with the diet and yoga approach.
With the stressful lifestyles women lead, it is no wonder the queue outside the gynecologists’ clinics are getting longer. While these problems are not totally unavoidable, you can control them to a large extent by simply eliminating a few items from your grocery shopping list, making an informed choice of what you put in and mastering some yoga poses. Here’s how:
ENDOMETRIOSIS
IT IS: A condition where tissue resembling the lining of the uterus is found in the abdomen and other organs. It results in severe pain, especially menstrual cramps. Endometriosis is known to have a strong inflammatory component and is influenced by estrogen.
• Eliminate dairy foods (allow at least three weeks for improvements).
• Eat foods that have no estrogen — like animal foods.
• Emphasise whole soy foods in your diet, but not too much of soymilk.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Drink a cup or two of red raspberry leaf tea daily to help relieve cramps.
YOGA
Upavistha Konasana (seated wide angle pose) creates space in the pelvis and allows cleansing blood to enter this area and remove swelling and waste products.
THYROID PROBLEMS
IT IS: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. Disorders in this gland involve either hyperthyroid (overproduction of the hormone) or hypothyroid (underproduction). Hypothyroidism symptoms include sensitivity to cold, constipation, slowing of hair and nail growth and moderate weight gain. In hyperthyroidism, women exhibit nervousness, heat sensitivity, moderate weight loss and bulging eyes.
• Make sure your diet is low in animal protein.
• Eliminate polyunsaturated (mayonnaise, margarine, salmon) and transfats (most snack foods which are hydrogenated, butter, lard)
• Reduce goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid hormone production: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, peanuts, soybeans.
• Avoid sugar, oil, excessive fruit.
• Avoid alcohol completely.
YOGA
Marichyasana — Sage Twist — tones abdominal organs especially spleen, pancreas, kidneys and liver, stimulating digestion. Twists wring out the body and thereby assist in releasing enormous amounts of tension. They are deeply cleansing and nourishing.
LEUKORRHEA
IT IS: A discharge of white mucous material from the vagina; an indication of infection resulting from inflammation of the membrane lining female reproductive system. Most of these secretions are related to lifestyle and diet though you need to take care if they are blood-stained or foul smelling. Normally the quantity of vaginal secretions varies throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking at ovulation and increasing when under stress.
• Cut out animal protein and meat products.
• Avoid junk food.
• Avoid strong stimulants like coffee, alcohol and black tea. Stick to herbal teas .
• Focus on good hygiene and cotton underwear.
• Always have protected sex.
YOGA
Ustrasana — Camel Pose — increases circulation throughout the body, stimulates kidneys and adrenal glands.
PELVIC ORGANS PROLAPSE
IT IS: A sliding of the uterus /bowel /bladder from its normal anatomical position (the pelvic cavity) into the vaginal canal because of weak supporting tissues. This may cause incontinence (leaking urine), frequent or urgent need to urinate or difficulty in urinating. A prolapse of the small or large bowel (rectum) may cause constipation. One of the main reasons it occurs is due to tissue trauma sustained during childbirth, especially with large babies or difficult pregnancy.
• Avoid: meat, dairy, sugar, white flour, beverages and alcohol as these promote an acidic blood condition.
• Avoid too much bread and hard baked snacks which induces constipation.
• Try kegel exercises which involves breathing in (balloon belly)-breath out and engage the muscles that stop you from urinating. Repeat 10 times daily.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time; try wearing a girdle.
YOGA
Supta baddha konasana — reclining cobbler pose — stretches the pelvic floor and lifts up prolapsed pelvic organs.
Helmet bad for a biker’s health?
Wearing a crash helmet is essential to a biker’s safety but could it actually be harming their health and affecting their riding? That is what academics from the Bath university are investigating in a new research project.
The team will take on-road measurements to find how noise is transmitted through a helmet and how it affects the rider’s hearing and ability to concentrate. “The noise inside the helmet at the legal speed of 110kmph is high enough to cause serious hearing damage,” said Carley.
“The issue isn’t noisy engines but rather the airflow over the helmet.”
“Ear plugs won’t help much either as the noise is transferred into the inner ear from the rider’s bones. This has been known for years yet little research has been done on its effects.”
The lab study will be split into two parts; the first will involve applying low level vibration to people’s heads to examine how the noise is transmitted through the the helmet to the head.
Carley said: “We already know that the noise passes to the ear partly through air and partly through the rider’s bones. To reduce hearing damage we must establish which route.”
The next part includes playing noise back to subjects while they do cognitive tests. Riding a motorcycle requires great concentration; anything that reduces it may lead to accidents. The project will will run for a year.
“This isn’t about putting people off wearing helmets; it’s about finding ways to reduce this damage so that riders can have a better experience,” added Holt.
Importance of Personal trainer in fitness
Just as one size doesn’t fit all, one uniform regimen doesn’t suit everyone. That’s where the role of a personal trainer comes in — to.
tailor the exercise schedule keeping variables such as your stamina and goal in mind. Here’s what you must keep in mind before putting him/her in charge of your fitness.
CREDENTIALS
Strong credentials will ensure that the trainer doesn’t put you on an unhealthy regimen and is equipped to deal with injuries, if any. “A basic college education of 10 + 2 is necessary in India. Additionally, the trainer must be certified in professional fitness courses. Many certifying organisations offer different classes and workshops. International certifications are also available. Moreover, the trainer must keep updating his/her knowledge with short-term courses,” says Althea Shah, fitness expert and General Manager Operations, Gold’s Gym India.
TRY IT OUT
“If you like the trainer, you can always opt for a trial session,” advises gym owner Satyajit Chourasia. Many trainers provide free trial sessions for prospective clients, while others charge a nominal fee. “Find out how your trainer works and how he/she communicates with you through the workout. Most importantly, observe how you ‘felt’ after the workout. Were you refreshed? Too stressed? If you work out with a good trainer, he/she will easily gauge your state of mind and direct you accordingly,” adds Chourasia.
FIT ENOUGH?
How good is a trainer who advises good diet and regular exercise, but finds it difficult to stick to his/her own regimen? “A trainer must have the right physique that can motivate clients. The trainer needn’t be a pehelwaan, rather he/she must have a toned, fit look. One, it gains admiration. Second, it boosts trust,” opines Chourasia.
TALK NUMBERS
“Always ask the hours that the trainer has available and what kind of flexibility will there be in scheduling your workouts,” advises Shah. Most professionals have a jam-packed schedule, as a result of which, changes in workout timings become common. If that’s the case with you, spell it out.
TAKE REFERENCES
“Find out if the trainer has worked with other clients who have had a similar starting fitness level and age. Also, if you are training for a specific goal, say a marathon, find out if the trainer has worked with others who have had similar goals,” says Shah.
GENDER BIAS
“Many people find it easier to take direction and motivation from a trainer of the opposite sex, while others may only feel comfortable with a trainer of his/her own gender,” suggests Shah. Be honest and ask yourself if you are okay with training with someone irrespective of his/her gender. If not, make your preferences clear and put it upfront when going about your search.
GOING DEAF AT THE GYM?
Listening to an iPod during a workout feels like second nature to many, but the latest research warns we need to consider the volume levels in our earphones while exercising. Bill Hodgetts, assistant professor in speech pathology and audiology at the University of Alberta (U-A), says his research has found that exercising in a gym often prompts people to turn up the volume to potentially unsafe levels for the ear.
The researcher found that the study participants, who were in a gym-like setting, listened at potentially dangerous levels while working out, likely due to the presence of background noise. But he says it isn’t the listening level alone that’s risky, it’s how long a person listens at that level. What Hodgetts found is that almost half of his study participants listened for a length of time during exercise that put them at risk for hearing loss.
The good news? The solution is simple, he says: Get better earphones, those that “seal” the ear canal, acting as an earplug and thus reducing background noise, says an U-A release. Hodgetts’ mission is to get the message out that proper earphones will make a huge difference in auditory health while allowing people to enjoy music at a lower, and safer volume. Hodgetts’ research was recently published in the International Journal of Audiology.
How to prevent cervical cancer and symptoms
Though knowledge and awareness are the first steps towards prevention, taking precautionary measures and following these steps can help you prevent the disease.
Knowing that cervical cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in India and accepting that everyone is at risk is the first step towards effective prevention. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is present in 99.7% of cervical cancer cases, and thus prevention includes:
Having safe sex with a single partner. Using condoms though not fool proof, is a good practice.
Avoiding smoking
Having a healthy lifestyle:
Diet rich in antioxidants, vegetables, fruits, fiber and whole wheat products
Physical activity & exercise, maintaining healthy weight, controlling stress levels
Getting screened regularly and knowing about pap smear & HPV DNA tests
It is appropriate that women above 30 have both HPV DNA test and a pap test at the time of screening, as this helps in early diagnosis
For women above 30, if both the HPV DNA test and the pap test are negative, pre-cancerous changes or cancer is highly unlikely and testing does not need to be repeated for three years. If the pap test is negative and the HR-HPV test is positive, both should be repeated in 6-12 months.
Discussing vaccination with your gynecologist
Vaccination against specific types of HPV is another way to reduce infection rates and thereby reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Vaccines provide protection against two low-risk and two high-risk types and is expected to provide protection against 90 percent of genital warts and 70 percent of cervical cancers. There are, however no conclusive reports that the vaccine may offer some protection against the other HPVs causing cervical cancer. In addition, the vaccine does not have effectiveness against preexisting infections and thus to be most effective, need to be given before a person is sexually active. Thus, protection is incomplete and screening is a must using a pap and (once 30 or over) the HPV test.
Early cervical cancers are easily missed as they affect an area of the body not visible externally and don’t usually cause express symptoms.
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the womb) and connects the upper part of the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal).
Who gets it?
All women are at risk. Approximately 80% of the new cases occur in developing countries like India, which reports approximately one fourth of the world’s cases of cervical cancer each year. The human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections is the main cause of cervical cancer and is associated with 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases.
What puts a woman at risk?
Starting sexual activity at a young age (before 18 years) Having multiple sexual partners Having Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection Having had any sexually transmitted infection Smoking Having more than 3 children (multiple deliveries) Having the first pregnancy at a young age (before 18 years) Having a weakened immune system
How does a woman know she has cervical cancer?
Early cervical cancers are easily missed as they affect an area of the body not visible externally and don't usually cause express symptoms. When the cancer grows larger, or spreads, women may notice: Increased vaginal discharge Abnormal vaginal bleeding Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods
Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam Bleeding or spotting after attaining menopause Pelvic pain Pain during sex Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before These must not be ignored and women should seek immediate medical attention. With regular screening tests, cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent and also highly curable when found and treated early.
Ayurvedic food: Good for health?
In Ayurveda, every food has its own taste (rasa), a heating or cooling energy (virya) and a digestive consequence (vikapa). Ayurvedic food is generally sathwik. This food is said to calm the mind, purify the body and improve the state of consciousness. The food is preserved with pure ingredients; it’s cooked with care and love while there is a blend of spices to make food palatable but not spicy and salty.
Ayurvedic food depends on three doshas namely — Vata, Kapha and Pita. All humans have one or a mixture of these three doshas. These three are a combination of the five elements (Earth, water, air, fire and ether). Ayurvedic food is eaten in accordance to a person’s nature and balance out one’s personality. Vata defines hyperactive and fast individuals, Pita is for fast and perfectionists, Kapha involves calm and stable people. If you know your dosha you can eat accordingly. Vata is a combination of air and ether, pita is of fire and water and kapha is earth and water combined.
People with pita, eat sweeter fruits and cooling foods like mint and bitter gourd. People with Kapha eat light foods like salad and fruits other than banana, mango and chikoo. While those with vata dosha can eat sweet and slightly heavier foods as they’re rather light in personality. Mango, chikoo and banana are examples of foods people with vata dosha can eat.
The utensils used for cooking are mud pots, stainless steel, brass, wood, stone and bone china. Aluminum and non-stick utensils are generally avoided because of its carcinogenic effects. The fruits and vegetables used to make ayurvedic food are fruits and vegetables available fresh in the market.
Ayurvedic food should never be overcooked and the time of cooking should always be kept in mind. The course organised by Kaushani Desai, who teaches Art of Living’s Ayurveda Cooking Course, talks about simple yet effective tips while preparing a scrumptious yet nutritious meal. For instance:
Use black pepper instead of using red chilli powder
Add methi (fenugreek) to pumpkin to aid digestion
Add ajwain to roti or rice if you are eating it with spicy vegetables or even to reduce indigestion problems.
NIMBOO PANI
1 glass water Half a lemon 1spoon mint paste 2 spoons jaggery 1/4th tsp black salt Grated pumpkin and yellow pumpkin to taste Mix the ingredients in a container. Add some ice if required and serve the ayurvedic refreshing drink.
What is pap smear examination?
It detects the earliest signs of cervical cancer as well as infections, inflammations, and abnormal changes in cervical cells.
Pap smear examination is the most important tool for the screening and early detection of cervical cancer.
What is pap smear?
Detects the earliest signs of cervical cancer as well as infections, inflammations, and abnormal changes in cervical cells
The doctor puts an instrument called speculum into your vagina, sees the cervix, and then takes a few cells for testing from inside and around the cervix using a special stick, brush, or swab
Who needs it and when?
Once a year, for women at age of 21 or 3 years after becoming sexually active till age 30
Once every 2-3 years for women over 30 (Who have 3 normal tests in a row)
Another option for women over 30 (With normal immune systems and no abnormal pap results) is to get tested every 3 years with pap smear plus HPV DNA test
Once a year for women with weak immune system (organ transplant, chemotherapy, steroid use, or HIV infection)
Women above 70 with no abnormal pap results in the last 10 years, and no history of cervical cancer, HIV infection, or a weak immune system, may choose to not get tested. Women with total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) unless the surgery was done for cervical cancer or pre-cancer, may choose to not get tested. Women with hysterectomy without cervix removal need to get tested
Get ready for the test
Schedule it when you do not have your periods
Avoid having sex or using tampons, vaginal creams, or suppositories, about 2 days before the test
What will it tell your doctor?
The test gives a picture about whether there is a suspicion, clear evidence, or absence of cervical cancer. The evidence picked up for infection or inflammation or any other changes would help in further management
In recent times, LBC (Liquid Based Cytology) method of testing has gained recognition over the standard technique due to its higher sensitivity and specificity as well as the early identification of precancerous lesions.
TREATING INFERTILITY
Whatever may be the cause of infertility, it is now possible to have a baby of your own genes with the various methods of treatment available.
Male infertility is a problem that has been plaguing couples for a long time. Thanks to medical breakthroughs, today there are several methods to help couples conceive. According to consultant gynaecologist Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai, when a couple fails to conceive even a year after trying for a baby, it is labelled as infertility. “The man is responsible for infertility in 30 to 40 per cent of the cases. The semen analysis may show low sperm count or movement (normal is more than 20 million sperms/ ml and more than 50 per cent motility) or in some cases, no sperms in the semen sample,” she says.
Some of the common causes of male factor infertility are sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia, which may cause blockage of the tubes that carry the sperms. “Mumps in childhood can cause testicular damage and failure and absent sperms. A boy may be born with congenital absence of the vas or the testes may not come down into the scrotum at birth and this can cause damage to testes and failure of sperm production. Swelling of blood vessels around testes, surgery for hernia, hydrocoele can all lead to male infertility. There are many new treatments for male factor infertility whereby even men with no sperms or very few sperms can become fathers. When the count is at least 10 million, an intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be tried. Here the semen is washed by special methods in the laboratory and a small quantity of sperms are placed with a thin tube right inside the uterus (womb). This is a simple and inexpensive procedure,” says Dr Pai.
If the count is very low, then the procedure of choice is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), which is like a test tube baby procedure. “The woman’s eggs are removed with a needle under sonography control. The eggs are placed under a microscope and each sperm is picked up with a needle and injected directly into the egg with a micromanipulator. The eggs then fertilise and divide and after two to three days the embryo is put back into the womb of the wife. In cases where there are no sperms in the semen and if the man’s hormone test is normal, then the sperms can be removed directly from the testes with the help of a tiny needle. In some cases, there is complete testicular failure with abnormal hormones and no sperms are seen in the testes on biopsy. In these cases, the only treatment is to use donor sperms. These are taken from a semen bank where HIV, hepatitis B etc tested donor semen is banked. This is inseminated into the woman and one can obtain a high rate of pregnancy by this simple and inexpensive technique of donor insemination,” she says.
According to gynaecologist Dr Nandita Palshetkar, in our country, nearly 20 million couples suffer from infertility. “Those patients who don’t conceive even after three to four attempts of ICSI can opt for donor sperm. Today we can say that ‘no man is infertile.’ Whatever may be the cause of infertility, it is now possible to have a baby of your own genes with the help of Artificial Reproduction Techniques (ART). So consult your physician as soon as you feel there is some problem and do not waste time. Remember, it is very important not to attach blame to yourself or your partner, even if one of you is facing infertility. Scientific advancement in the infertility field is moving at a very fast pace and, hopefully soon there will be more answers to the problems faced by couples who desire to have their own children,” says Dr Palshetkar.
Tips on how natural remedies help you to maintain a healthy liver
DETOX THE NATURAL WAY
Liver is one of the largest and vital organs of the human body. The liver not only helps to detoxify our body by breaking down harmful chemicals, metabolic waste, drugs/ alcohol but also regulates important body functions such as digestion, metabolism, storage, and release of sugar, fats, and cholesterol. Liver also produces a variety of proteins, including enzymes, hormones, clotting and immune factors which play a significant role in protecting the body from various forms of diseases.
Since, liver performs so many vital functions of the body, liver damage can be harmful for almost all body parts and systems. Therefore, a healthy liver is the key to maintaining a healthy body.
Liver disorders are accelerated by alcohol abuse, excess weight, intake of chemicals and a poor diet. Symptoms of liver disease may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis, cancer and hepatitis.
One of the oldest systems of medicine, Unani prescribes natural formulations which not only cures chronic liver diseases but also helps in maintaining a healthy liver. Some of the natural ways to save liver from harmful toxins and keep it healthy are enlisted below:
Kasni is a good source of Vitamin A and C. Thus, Kasni helps in the healthy functioning of the liver and secretion of bile. A glass of Kasni juice every morning is good for the liver.
Pomegranate is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. A glass of pomegranate juice daily for breakfast supplies the required amount of minerals for the healthy functioning of the liver.
Sugarcane juice is a perfect tonic for people with diseased liver as it helps to strengthen the liver functioning. Being alkaline in nature, sugarcane juice helps to maintain low acid levels in body which is good for those who suffer from any liver disease.
To retain a healthy liver, a strained mixture of sacred fig or pipal leaves (3 to 4 leaves), with added sugar and 200 ml of water could be taken twice a day on a daily basis.
To strengthen liver functioning one can also take papaya seeds mixed with 10 drops of lemon juice, twice a day.
Turmeric used in preparation of daily food contains antiseptic and antibiotic effect which helps in detoxification of waste and chemicals from the liver. It prevents alcohol and other toxins from being converted into compounds that are harmful for the liver. Thus one can take a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk on daily basis. Chewing saunf (Fennel seeds) about 5-6 grams on daily basis after every meal helps in improving the functioning of liver.
For a person suffering from jaundice, a mixture prepared by soaking 20 grams of henna leaves overnight and then strained must be taken every morning till the liver regains its vitality.
To ensure smooth functioning of liver one can prepare a concoction by blending 6 grams each of cucumber seeds and Kasni seeds in water and strain the mixture. Add some sugar to the concoction and drink it twice a day. This concoction is also beneficial for patients suffering from jaundice.
A healthy diet provides needed amount of nutrition to body which boosts the immune system and increases the energy and vitamin storing capability of liver which further helps the liver in removal of toxins from bloodstream and promotes healthy metabolism. Therefore, one should definitely go for a healthy and balanced diet full of vegetables and fruits. Inclusion of green vegetables, carrots, legumes, whole cereals and seasonal fruits in their diet is a must. Please note, diabetic patients should avoid very sweet fruits like watermelon, banana, mango, grapes, etc. In addition one could opt for white meat (chicken and fish) rather than red meat.
ESTROGEN MAY HELP COMBAT SCHIZOPHRENIA
Women are generally prescribed estrogen to fight menopause related effects like bone loss and mood swings. Now, a new study has claimed the hormone replacement therapy might also protect them from schizophrenia.
The Tel Aviv University study suggested that restoring normal levels of estrogen may work as a protective agent in menopausal women vulnerable to schizophrenia. “We’ve known for some time that when the level of estrogen is low, vulnerability to psychotic symptoms increases and anti-psychotic drugs are less likely to work. Now, our preclinical findings show why this might be happening,” said Professor Ina Weiner, who led the research, based on an animal model.
In their study, Weiner and her colleague Michal Arad removed the ovaries of female rats to induce menopause-like low levels of estrogen and showed that this led to schizophrenia-like behaviour. They then tried to eliminate this abnormal behaviour with an estrogen replacement treatment or with the antipsychotic drug haloperidol.
They found that estrogen replacement therapy effectively alleviated schizophrenia-like behaviour but haloperidol had no effect on its own. Haloperidol regained its effect in these rats when supplemented by estrogen.
Tips on how to care for House Plants
Potted plants are a good way to accessorise and liven up your home. Best of all, most plants are relatively easy to care for; it’s definitely not rocket science. Here are some points you must remember:
Pruning and trimming is essential for potted plants. While it helps you regulate their height, cutting of dead stems and removing yellow leaves will prevent fungus and decay from setting in. While light trimming can be done anytime, the best time to prune potted plants is when they are actively growing - the rainy season. Use pruning shears for plants with thick woody stems.
Clean up the leaves. Yes this is important so as to keep them dust and insect free and get the required light to grow. While you can use a damp cloth or sponge for smooth leaves, use a soft brush (a paint brush or old tooth brush is ideal) for plants with hairy leaves. For fine foliage plants like ferns, spraying them with water is a good option.
As the plants grow, you will need to move them into larger pots to allow for the roots to spread. Otherwise they will become pot bound — the roots will become cramped and form a tightly packed mass inhibiting the plant’s growth. You know you have to repot the plant when you see the roots on the surface or emerging from the drainage hole in the pot.
Is it harmful to listen to music while workout or at Gym?
Can’t have that workout without the deejay playing or your earphones plugged in? Here is a word of caution.
The next time you’re throwing a party, consider a gym as a venue. For there are several fitness centres which feature live deejays among other perks. If you’ve been among the ones enjoying this trend as you pump iron everyday, perhaps it’s time for a rethink.
HOW IS IT HARMFUL?
The noise hazard due to loud gym music is dependent on an individual’s susceptibility and to the level and duration of exposure to high-intensity music. Damage caused due to regular exposure for prolonged periods to sound levels above 85 dBA (decibel level) can put you at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The risk is proportional to the duration of exposure — greater the duration, greater the risk. Unfortunately, there are no standardised tests which can predict who is at greater risk. However, some researches suggest that a cumulative effect taken over a period of 24 hours for any individual can predict the risk of hearing loss.
THE IDEAL SOUND
Assuming the average aerobic workout or weight training session lasts for nearly 45-60 minutes, the maximum noise level for the music should be maintained up to 85 dBA or less. Research suggests that listening to loud music, either through an ambient source or headphones, for prolonged periods can at least lead to temporary hearing loss (it’s reversible though; typically felt after going to a night club with powerful sound).
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS: GOOD AND BAD
Just as music therapy has been proved to heal you, noise therapy can harm you too! Research suggests that different categories of music play a significant role on the peripheral nervous system and also on the the heart beat. Listening to ‘techno’ music while running or weight training can improve the peripheral blood flow to the muscles and can allow the heart to beat more rhythmically. Soothing or slow music is suitable while stretching and relaxing. If you’re into meditation or yoga, silence is best.
PLUGGING IN THE AGONY
If your iPod is your inseparable friend while working out, remember that the typical iPod generates sound volume at a level of 100-130 decibels — and most people keep the volume to at least three-fourths of the maximum. Now chew on this: The noise of a motorcycle 30 feet away is about 80 decibels; the intensity level in the front row of a rock concert is about 110 decibels and the noise of a military jet taking off is about 140 decibels at 100 feet.
KEEP IT LOW
A common perception is that louder the music, more enjoyable is the exercise and harder the effort put in. However, in a recent study (done by Wilson and Herbstein) found that “low-risk” sound levels (i.e. 85-dBA or less) could be used in aerobics classes without reducing comfort, enjoyment, or motivation to exercise. Again, an ambient source would still be preferable rather than head/ear phones.
So if your iPod’s a part of you, the simplest way to care for your ears is to tone down the volume or if that’s too difficult, reduce the time you spend with it plugged in. Focus on breathing and building your six pack instead!
HITS FOR FITNESS
Music does play a role in motivation and recreation while gymming.While pumping music aids aerobics and weight training, slow instrumentals soothe your nerves while stretching and doing callisthenic exercises. Music therapist Vivek Joshi suggests some tracks you can load on your iPod the next time you set to exercise.
