Health and Well being

Glycemic index of a food and its importance

2009-04-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Whenever we talk about carbohydrates we just discard them absolutely for a diabetic patient. But all carbohydrates are not alike and have a different effect on blood sugar level after eating.

The effect of carbohydrate or any food having potential to raise blood sugar level is measured in terms of what is called glycemic index of the food.

How glycemic index is measured

Glycemic index of any food is measured taking glucose as a reference. Glucose after taking orally gets absorbed quickly and its glycemic index is considered as 100. For measuring glycemic index at least 10 person is fed with the food to be measured and blood sugar is measured at every 15 minutes interval for first hour and every 30 minutes. A graph is plotted and compared with blood glucose level after standard 50 gm of glucose taken orally.

Glycemic index of any food can be low, moderate and high. A low glycemic food is considered when glycemic index is upto 55 and moderate when it is between 56 to 69 and high glycemic index is when it is above 70.

The food having low glycemic index is slowly absorbed and the there is slow and steady rise in blood sugar after its intake and lowers down steadily after a time interval. While food with high glycemic index is absorbed quickly and there is sharp rise in blood sugar level and keeps fluctuating. The insulin level of the body too tends to fluctuate and in a diabetic patient it is difficult to adjust a dose of anti diabetic drugs and insulin if the patient have high glycemic index food.

Benefits of low glycemic index diet

It is understood that a diabetic person should concentrate on food having low glycemic index while a hypoglycemic patient should take high glycemic index food. Though a person with sedentary life style should always prefer diet having low glycemic index.

Alow glycemic index diet not only helps to control diabetes but also increases sensitivity of insulin. Even a non diabetic person having obesity should prefer low glycemic diet as it curbs many heart diseases and even helps to curb down obesity. Females with PCOS is recommended to have low GI foods.

Which type of foods have low glycemic index

Not going details on the chart, it should be noted that salads, nuts, brawn and fruit juices baring a few like mango juice are of low glycemic index. Among milk soya milk is considered as best. Most of the person use to have cornflakes in the breakfast but it has a high glycemic index of about 83. Spagetti is ideal food for one who prefer pasta.

Glycemic index of bakery products

The3 bakery products are generally of high glycemic index and should be avoided as far as possible. Brown bread can be taken as it contains more fibres. All kind of wafers, biscuits even it is not sweet lies in medium or high glycemic index.

Glycemic index of Cereals

Among cereals bran is considered as best, pearl barley, instant or parboiled rice or kernel wheat should be preferred. Millets have the highest glycemic index among all cereals.

Glycemic index of dairy products

Most of the diabetics do not touch dairy product having a misconception that it may be of high glycemic index, but a fat free skimmed milk is ideal for them, yoghurts if taken without sugar is of very low glycemic index.

Glycemic index of Vegetables and fruits

All green vegetables with exception of broad beans are of low GI. Among fruits which should be avoided in diabetic or are of high GI are watermelon, mangoes, apricots, pineapple and raisins.

Though only carbohydrate content doesnt affect glycemic index, in fact there are a number of factors on which glycemic index of a food depends like its fibre content and viscosity of fibres, protein contents etc.

Vicks VapoRub can harm children less than 2 yrs

2009-01-14T00:37:00.000-08:00

Vicks Vapo Rub, a common cold remedy, can cause respiratory distress in children under 2 when inappropriately applied directly under
the nose. US researchers said, “Using the Procter & Gamble Co product in this way can cause a young child's tiny airways to swell and fill with mucus, triggering severe breathing problems.” "The only problem we've seen is in a small child when it has been put under the nose," Dr. Bruce Rubin of Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina, said. Rubin said, “The ingredients in Vicks can be irritants, causing the body to produce more mucus to protect the airway. And since infants and young children have airways that are much narrower than those of an adult, any increase in mucus or swelling can narrow them severely.” "The company is really clear it should never go under the nose or in the nose for anybody and it shouldn't be used in children under 2," said Rubin. While the researchers only tested the Vicks product, Rubin said “Similar products, including generic versions, could cause the same negative effects in infants and toddlers.” Rubin and his colleagues began looking at use of the medication after treating an 18-month-old girl who developed respiratory distress after the salve was put under her nose. They studied ferrets, which have an airway anatomy similar to humans. In the animals with a chest infection, the product increased mucus secretion and decreased the animal's ability to clear mucus. "We were able to document changes that we think explain this," Rubin said. David Bernens, a spokesman for P&G, said the finding came as a surprise. "Vicks VapoRub has been proven safe and effective through multiple clinical trials. It has been in the market for over 100 years," Bernens said, noting that the label says the product should not be used in children under age 2 without a doctor's advice, and not under the nose. "We warn people not to do that," he said. Since the initial episode, emergency doctors at the medical center have begun asking all parents of children in respiratory distress if they used the Vicks product in a similar way and they have seen two more cases, Rubin said. "I recommend never putting Vicks in, or under, the nose of anybody - adult or child," Rubin said, adding that he would never use it in a child under age 2.

What is Hoodia Gordonii?

2009-01-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hoodia Gordonii a appetite suppressant used in Africa is considered as good for abdominal cramps, hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes.

Hoodia is a genus of succulent plants in the family Apocynaceae that is widely used traditionally by the San people of southern Africa as an appetite suppressant, thirst quencher and as a cure for severe abdominal cramps, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes. Various uses have been recorded among Anikhwe (Northern Botswana), Hai om (northern Namibia ), Khomani (north western South Africa ), and the !Xun and Khwe (originally from Angola ) communities. Less is known about the use of this group of plants by other indigenous people, but some records show limited use of Hoodia parts as food items, albeit not as preferred food items. Hoodias are known to be used for cultural purposes in some areas (Hargreaves and Turner, 2002). Although relatively difficult to cultivate, Hoodia ' s are attractive plants and are also used for horticultural purposes.

Hoodia Gordonii CSIRThe Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa isolated an active compound (P57) for appetite suppression from H. gordonii . The CSIR licensed the rights for further development of P57 and the setting up of a sustainable production system to Phytopharm in the UK . Phytopharm in turn sub licensed the rights to Pfizer for the development and global commercialization. Pfizer has recently returned the clinical developmental rights.

Healthy Foods To Keep In Your Kitchen

2008-12-30T10:56:00.000-08:00

When we are sick we don't feel like running all around trying to pick up the things we need to help us feel better. It is so much easier if we keep these things on hand. Many of these foods we use on a regular basis, and it could help you from getting sick or if you do get sick you won't be sick for long. You can either refrigerate them or keep them in your kitchen cabinets.

1. Fresh Garlic - It's good for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar - Aids in digestion and helps acid reflux or heartburn.

3. Flax seeds or Flax oil - Helps with breast cancer, prostrate cancer, and is good for constipation due to it's high fiber content.

4. Lemons - Good for coughs and colds adds great flavor to tea's.

5. Honey - Also, good for coughs, colds, flu, diarrhea if mixed with hot water.

6. Ginger root - Is good for colds, coughs, flu, digestion, cholesterol and is also a natural blood thinner.

7. Black Seed - It is good for many health ailments as Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) says it is good for everything except death.

8. Turmeric - It's uses include coloring food. It is also good for cuts, burns and bruises.

9. Molasses - Is a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

10. Oatmeal - Helps lower cholesterol.

11. Cranberry Concentrate - Helps with urinary tract infections.

HEART SURGERY (for children) - FREE OF COST

2008-12-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

HEART SURGERY (for children) - FREE OF COST - Pass it to all, it will help some one
This is done at Sri Sathya Sai Institute Of Higher Medical Sciences, E.P.I.P. Area, WhiteField, Bengalore, India

Children who are having heart problems, those parents who could't afford for their children's operation, please pass on this email it mightbe help somebody.

For any kind of heart surgery for children - free of cost ..

Write to us:
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences
EPIP Area, Whitefield,
Bangalore 560 066,
Karnataka , INDIA .
Call us :
Telephone: +91- 080- 28411500
Fax +91 - 080- 28411502
Employment related +91- 080- 28411500 Ext. 415
Email us: General Queries: adminblr@sssihms. Org.in

For more details refer to

http://www.sathyasai.org/saihealth/content.htm

Counseling May Improve Breast Cancer Survival

2008-12-10T11:37:00.002-08:00

Research increasingly supports the notion that emotional, mental and physical health are very closely linked and that psychological therapy can improve a person’s overall health by effectively decreasing depression, anxiety and related symptoms, such as pain, fatigue and nausea. It can also have a positive effect on the body’s immune system. Nine out of 10 Americans surveyed by Consumer Reports said that psychological counseling helped them. Counseling is used in many situations including smoking cessation, weight management, pain management, and coping with a chronic illness. Counseling has been found to increase survival time for heart surgery patients, and a new study shows that may hold true for breast cancer patients as well.
Dr. Barbara L. Andersen and colleagues at the Ohio State University followed 227 breast cancer patients for an average of 11 years. At the start of the study, all had undergone breast surgery, but the cancer had not spread. All patients received their usual medical treatment, but half were also randomly assigned to psychological intervention groups. Led by a psychologist, the 26 sessions were held over the course of a year and included relaxation techniques, advice on how to avoid becoming too tired and how to approach family and friends for support. The sessions also included some diet and exercise advice and information on how to cope with the side effects of cancer treatment.

Overall, by the end of the follow-up period, cancer had recurred in 62 of the 212 women for whom data was available and 54 of the total group had died. Patients receiving counseling had about half, 55 percent, the risk of recurrence compared with the control group. Those who did suffer a recurrence had been cancer-free for an average of six months longer than the patients in the control group, a 45 percent risk reduction. And among the 54 women who died, those who took part in the counseling sessions lived longer than the others. The study also found patients receiving counseling had less than half the risk, 44 percent, of death from breast cancer compared to those who did not receive the intervention, as well as a reduced risk of death from all causes, not just cancer. “Many of the strategies patients learned in the intervention program, such as stress reduction, may have protected them from heart disease and other causes of death,” Dr. Andersen said.

In a follow-up analysis, the researchers excluded people who were put in the intervention group, but who attended fewer that 20 percent of the sessions (16 of 114 participants fit this requirement). When the infrequent attendees were excluded, the remainder had a 68 percent reduced risk of breast cancer death, compared to the 55 percent risk reduction for the whole participant group.

Cancer patients undergo a great deal of stress before, during and after treatment. The researchers theorize that psychological interventions may affect immune system changes that are secondary to stress hormones and that may promote cancer growth or metastasis. They recommend that, in addition to powerful antitumor medications, cancer patients should be treated for psychological distress as well. “If efficacious psychological interventions to reduce stress are delivered early, they will improve mental health, health and treatment-relevant behaviors, and potentially, biologic outcomes,” the authors wrote. “If so there is the possibility for improved survivorship and survival for cancer patients.”

However, other experts are wary. Dr. Michael Stefanek, of the American Cancer Society, said other studies had come to the opposite conclusion. “Psychological interventions have been found in the majority of well-controlled studies to enhance quality of life and reduce distress. It would not be reasonable for patients to participate in psychological interventions with the goal of extending survival,” he said in a statement. “We should not conclude that psychological interventions increase survival among women with early stage breast cancer,” he added.

There are many approaches to outpatient psychological counseling and various ways for it to take place, including individual, group or family sessions. But regardless of where it takes place, sessions that concentrate on mood improvement, effective coping and health behavioral changes appear to reduce stress and help breast cancer patients live longer. “The results suggest that we can help breast cancer patients make positive steps that may help them live longer and make recurrence less likely,” Dr. Andersen said in a prepared statement. “We already knew a psychological intervention program could help breast cancer patients to handle their stress, function more effectively, and improve their health. Now we know it does even more.”

The study will be published in the December 15 issue of the journal Cancer, and is currently available to subscribers online.

Spinal Anesthesia Doesn’t Cause Restless Leg Syndrome

2008-12-10T11:37:00.001-08:00

Spinal anesthesia won’t cause or worsen restless legs syndrome.
That’s the conclusion of a new study published as a letter to the editor in the Nov. 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The study compared people undergoing general anesthesia to those undergoing surgery with spinal anesthesia and found no difference in restless legs syndrome symptoms between the groups.

"Our study was designed to test the hypothesis that spinal anesthesia would worsen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome," said the study’s lead author, Dr. Thomas Crozier, an associate professor of anesthesiology at the University of Gottingen Medical School in Germany. "This is important, because restless legs syndrome is a very unpleasant condition that affects up to 10 percent of the population," he added.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes people to feel a compelling need to move their legs, especially when they’re lying down. An observational study in 2002 had suggested that spinal anesthesia was responsible for transient restless legs syndrome after surgery, the researchers said.

"The study that prompted this one found new onset RLS that lasted six weeks and then abated," said Dr. Sam Awada, chief of family medicine at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Mich.

The current study included 359 people undergoing surgery. One hundred and forty-seven had spinal anesthesia, and the remaining 212 had general anesthesia. Thirty-two people said they had RLS symptoms before the study began.

The study volunteers filled out questionnaires before surgery, and then again at one and four weeks after surgery.

No one in either group reported new onset restless legs syndrome, and no one that had RLS at the start of the study reported a worsening of symptoms.

"Restless legs syndrome arising after surgery probably has more to do with the surgery itself or with the forced immobilization in the hospital," Crozier said. "We think that it is important for people suffering from restless legs syndrome to know that there is, at worst, only a very small likelihood that spinal anesthesia, which is the best choice for a number of surgical procedures, will worsen their condition," he added.

Awada called the new study’s findings "interesting," but said more research should be done to definitively rule out a relationship between spinal anesthesia and restless legs syndrome.

Another recent finding -- this one presented at the Neuroscience 2008 meeting in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 16 -- linked restless legs syndrome with the use of allergy medications.

Assisted Reproduction May Increase Risk of Birth Defects

2008-12-10T11:36:00.002-08:00

Advances in medical science now allow limbs to be reattached, organs to be replaced, and babies to be born to women with fertility issues who had previously been unable to conceive. These advances prolong and provide life, but at times there is a cost to these medical miracles. One such cost is that infants conceived through the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) are at two to four times greater risk of being born with certain birth defects when compared to babies who are conceived naturally.
According to a report from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children conceived through ART have a greater likelihood of having heart wall defects, gastrointestinal defects and a condition known as cleft lip. ART refers to any procedure involving the surgical removal of eggs from a woman`s womb followed by combining the eggs with sperm in a lab, and then returning them to the woman`s body or donating them to another woman.

The study centered on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and the effects were observed solely in single births. This could be due the fact that high risks for birth defects are already associated with multiple births, according to the researchers led by Jennita Reefhuis, Ph.D., of the CDC`s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. The findings of the CDC study were recently published in the advance online edition of Human Reproduction.

The use of ART is becoming more and more common. In a news release, Reefhuis stated, “Today, more than 1% of infants are conceived through ART and this number may continue to increase.” Reefhuis noted that the chances of birth defects for babies conceived through the use of ART are low yet “it is still important for parents who are considering using ART to think about all of the potential risks and benefits of this technology.” The CDC is not making any recommendations about the use of ART.

According to the CDC, the use of ART in the United States began in 1981 and the number of infants conceived through ART doubled from 1996 through 2004. About 12 percent of U.S. women between the ages of 15 and 44 reported using infertility services in 2002. In 2005, over 134,000 ART procedures were performed in the United States that resulted in about 52,000 births.

During the study, the researchers evaluated data from the mothers of babies born on or after Oct. 1, 1997, and on or before Dec. 31, 2003. About 13,500 of the babies were born with birth defects and just over 5,000 of the babies were born without birth defects. Mothers of the infants were interviewed by telephone between six months and two years after the date of delivery. The infants were born throughout 10 states including Arkansas, California, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Utah, and Texas.

Of the babies who were conceived through ART, 2.4 percent had birth defects while only about 1percent had no birth defects, according to interviews with the mothers. Among the ART babies, Septal heart defects were found to be twice as common, Cleft lip and/or cleft palate was found to be 2.4 times as common, Esophageal atresia (birth defect of the esophagus) was found to be 4.5 times more common and Anorectal atresia (birth defect in the anal/rectal area) was 3.7 times more common than in normally conceived children.

It must be noted that the study does not prove that ART actually causes the birth defects. The authors of the study report acknowledged this by stating, “Sub-fertile women might have a higher risk of having a child with a birth defect regardless of whether infertility treatments are used.” Additional research will be necessary to determine whether or not ART has an impact on birth defect risk.

FDA Approves Drug for Severe Epilepsy

2008-12-10T11:36:00.001-08:00

Epilepsy is a brain disorder caused by abnormal brain signals which manifests itself in physical symptoms. During the episodes, or seizures, the neuronal signals may occur as many as 500 times a second compared to the normal rate of about 80 times per second. The symptom that most people recognize during the seizures is the muscle spasms that cause the patient to shake or twitch, sometimes including convulsions and unconsciousness.
There are more than 2 million people in the United States who have had seizures or have been diagnosed with epilepsy. The exact cause of epilepsy has not been discovered but it is somehow related to the electrical impulses of the brain. The cause could be related to genetics, caused by injury, illness, or some aspect of brain development.

Some types of epilepsy respond to treatment better than others. Lennox-Gastaut is severe epilepsy which usually manifests itself before the age of 4, and includes several different types of seizures including atonic. Atonic seizures include sudden falls sometimes called drop attacks. Some types of childhood epilepsies become benign or stop entirely during adolescence, but Lennox-Gastaut is usually present for a lifetime. More than 30 percent of this type of epilepsy does not have a recognized cause.

Hope has come in the form of the drug Banzel (rufinamide), which has just been approved for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome by the FDA. A four-month clinical trial included patients aged 4 to 30. The patients on the drug, as compared to a placebo group, had 41 percent fewer atonic seizures and 20 percent less seizures of any type, the agency said in a news release.

The warning label on the drug will include the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Other side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, double vision, nausea, vomiting and problems walking. As with all antiepileptic drugs, the patients who are taking Banzel will receive a patient medication guide that describes the risks.

The drug is manufactured by Eisai Medical Research, Inc. and was approved under the "orphan drug status." The designation is given to a drug intended to treat a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.

Lung Cancer Pill an Effective Alternative to Chemotherapy

2008-12-10T11:35:00.003-08:00

Breathing in the cool, crisp fall air serves as a reminder of how important lung health is; a perfect time to bring attention to a disease that each year kills more Americans than breast, prostate, colon and pancreas cancers combined. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, there will be approximately 215,000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in 2008, and close to 162,000 people will die from the disease. There is currently no screening tool that effectively detects lung cancer early, so the disease is rarely found in its early stages, greatly limiting the treatment options available. For advanced-stage lung cancer, chemotherapy offers modest improvements in median survival, though side-effects usually have a negative impact on the quality of life. However, there may be another option as a second-line treatment for lung cancer—a pill that works as well as chemotherapy with far fewer side effects.
In an international Phase III clinical trial involving 1,466 lung cancer patients from 24 countries who had undergone previous chemotherapy, researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center compared daily doses of the cancer-fighting pill Iressa to docetaxel, a chemotherapy drug that’s administered by IV every three weeks. While the survival for both groups was about the same, 7.6 months for those taking Iressa compared with eight months for patients receiving docetaxel, there were significant differences in the side effects. Among patients taking Iressa, the most common side effects were rash or acne, compared with fatigue, personality disorders, hair loss, severe diarrhea and a blood disorder called neutropenia for patients receiving docetaxel. “This is the largest study in lung cancer comparing an oral biologic therapy to chemotherapy, and shows, for the first time, that an oral biologic therapy is just as effective as chemotherapy,” said lead researcher Dr. Edward Kim, an assistant professor in M. D. Anderson`s Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology. These findings should offer physicians reassurance that they are not compromising effective therapy by using a pill, Kim said.

“There are now two options that one can select from for patients in order to offer treatment that helps a bit following failure of first-line chemotherapy,” said Dr. Michael Cullen, from the University Hospital Birmingham in the United Kingdom, author of a journal comment accompanying the study results. “Survival overall is very poor, and, in fact, it’s almost certainly the case that only a small minority of patients respond to either of the two treatments.” Cullen noted that Iressa is far less toxic than chemotherapy and believes that, because survival time is short, doctors might want to decide which treatment to use based on how well the patient tolerated chemotherapy. “If they didn’t tolerate chemotherapy very well, maybe the oncologist would opt for the oral therapy, whereas if they responded well to chemotherapy, the best choice might be to go with the chemotherapy.”

Iressa is not available in the United States, but a similar drug, Genentech’s Tarceva, is. First developed by AstraZeneca, Iressa was the first in a new class of cancer-fighting drugs known as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) to become commercially available. After two Phase II trials found the drug to be efficacious, Iressa was fast-tracked to the FDA and received approval May 5, 2003 as a treatment for patients whose advanced lung cancer had continued to progress despite treatment with platinum-based and docetaxel chemotherapy. However, after Iressa failed a large randomized trial in 2005, the drug’s labeling was altered by the FDA and since then only patients who were already taking the medicine or those enrolled in clinical trials that were under way at the time were allowed to continue taking the drug. “Based on our findings, I’m hopeful that Iressa can return as a treatment for lung cancer in the United States, offering some patients a therapy with far fewer side effects,” said Dr. Kim, adding that “Chemotherapy will never be eliminated, but we are getting more options for targeted therapy; and people can live as normal a life as they can bearing the weight of lung cancer.”

Physical inactivity raises cancer risk, says study

2008-12-10T11:35:00.002-08:00

Regular exercise or physical activity reduces risk of cancer, according to a new study led by James McClain of the National Cancer Institute and colleagues and reported at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
The study of 5,968 women in Maryland confirmed previous studies that have shown people who did physical exercise regularly were at lower risk of developing cancer.

The study also found among women who were in the upper half with regard to the amount of physical activity each week, those who slept less than seven hours per night were 47 percent more likely to develop cancer than those who slept longer.

Physical activity has also been associated with reduced risk of breast cancer risk in many previous studies.

One study led by Michael F Leitzmann and colleagues at the National Cancer Institute and published in the Oct. 2008 issue of Breast Cancer Research found that postmenopausal women with body mass index lower than 25 kg/m2 who engaged in vigorous physical activity were 23 percent less likely to develop breast cancer.

But no such association was found in overweight and obese women.

The researchers followed up 32,000 women who enrolled in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project Follow-up Study to examine if there was an association between risk of breast cancer and physical exercise.

Another study led by Freedman DM and colleagues from National Cancer Institute and published in Oct 21, 2008 issue of Cancer Causes and Control found physical activity like walking and hiking for 10 or more hours per week rendered the greatest protection against breast cancer in women, a 43 percent reduction in the risk.

Coyle YM from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center says in a report published in the Dec 2008 issue of Cancer Causes and Control that physical activity is a protective factor for breast cancer.

The author says "Animal studies suggest that physical activity decreases breast tumor growth by promoting changes in cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Human studies provide some support for exercise producing favorable changes in estrogen metabolism that may lead to reduced breast epithelial cell proliferation."

An Apple a Day for Asthma

2008-12-10T11:35:00.001-08:00

Growing up, asthma affected my life in the form of the family pet. Instead of getting an adorable kitten or lovable puppy, my parents and my brother were all asthmatics and unable to have a house full of fur. The good news is we got a bird instead and he is still entertaining us eighteen years later and we have never looked back with regrets. However, living with asthma isn’t just about a debate over puppies and kittens, but how to adapt to an affliction which restricts a person’s breathing and their quality of life. Budding research along with previously published studies are trying to show that consumption of apples may help lower the risk of asthma symptoms in both adults and children.
The London National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College investigated 2,640 children ages 5 to 10 monitoring their fruit intake and recording the data. Of the children who drank apple juice from concentrate at least one time per day, they lowered their risk of wheezing due to asthma by 47 percent over those children who only drank apple juice once a month or less.

Based on previous studies which showed that lung function was improved by higher fruit intake, apple juice and apples were studied on children following the results made by Imperial College with adults. In the prior study using adults, Dr. Seif O. Shaheen found that eating more apples had a direct correlation to the lowered risk of reactionary asthmatic symptoms, "It would be wrong to say that our data suggest that drinking apple juice reduces the risk of asthma," Dr. Shaheen continues in an interview, "We`ve only shown an association, and we`ve yet to provide definitive evidence that the link is causal."

While eating apples versus apple juice drinking had no immediate effect on children’s lung functions, researchers say that there is a possibility of juice having a higher concentration of antioxidants than the whole fruit. The London study also found that children who ate bananas daily were also at a lower risk for asthma symptoms over those who ate bananas monthly. Although a bunch of studies have proven positive results of using the antioxidants in fruit, mainly apples, to curb the aftereffects of an asthma attack, the researchers say there are still more studies to be conducted for further proof.

Published in the European Respiratory Journal, this study was partially conducted by the parents by having them keep a record of their child’s fruit intake alongside their symptom kind and frequency. Wheezing, characterized by a continuous whistling from the lungs alerting the body that the airflow of the respiratory tract is obstructed—is the most common indicator of asthma that can, but not always, lead to the condition.

Lead researcher of the children’s study, Dr. Peter Burney thinks apples may be helpful in keeping airways clear because of the chemicals and acids inside the fruit that prevent problem inflammation which leads to wheezing as well as asthma. Dr. Burney wasn’t sure of the exact connection between apples and the lowered rate of asthma symptoms but claims that more specific research needs to be done with fruit intake in the future, “Further studies are needed to confirm the protective effects of apple juice from concentrate and bananas.”

Past research from London has also suggested that pregnant women were trying to protect their children while still inside the womb from asthma later in life by eating a lot of apples. Dr. Shaheen explained that the antioxidants in fruit counteract the damaging oxidative stress from air pollution and researchers and doctors alike think it’s a good idea to prescribe a diet rich in antioxidants, such as fruits like bananas and apples, on a regular basis to enjoy general health. Even though as an adult, I still don’t have a puppy or a kitten, at least the rest of my asthmatic family didn’t have to suffer but if we had known about this new research maybe we could have had our own fur ball to love, if only our backyard had room for an apple tree.

Short sleep raises breast cancer risk

2008-12-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

A new study published in a British journal of cancer suggests that sleeping for less than six hours per night may increase risk of breast cancer in women.
Early studies show that night shift female workers are more likely than those who work daytime to acquire breast cancer due probably to the poor sleep quality.

The study led by Kakizaki M and colleagues from Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine in Senkai Japan found women who slept 6 or fewer hours per day were 62 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.

The researchers did not explain why because their study was not meant to explore the reason why there is an association between shorter sleep duration and higher breast cancer risk.

Kakizaki`s study involved 23,995 Japanese women and was intended to examine the correlation between sleep duration and risk of breast cancer. During the follow-up, 143 women were diagnosed with the disease.

In the United States, breast cancer is diagnosed in 185,000 women and kills 45,000 each year. The disease is largely preventable and sufficient sleep is known to boost immunity against cancer. Physical activity or exercise is also known to reduce the risk.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Symptoms—Does Light Therapy Help?

2008-12-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

onditions in America is the development of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, also called dementia, or senile dementia. Most common symptoms of elderly people with dementia are a decrease in mental function (cognitive decline or persistent confusion), change in mood (usually depression), altered behaviors (which are frequently aggressive), reduced memory (usually for recent events or people) and/or sleep disturbances. Importantly, several FDA-approved medications are recommended and prescribed for this condition, and they have a small but definite effect on reducing the progression of Alzheimer-type symptoms. These medications include Aricept (denepezil) and Namenda (memantine).
However, many physicians believe that some of these symptoms may be related to changes in the natural time clock of the brain that changes mood, behavior, and sleeping patterns, a clock called the “circadian pacemaker.” This time-keeping system is sensitive to outside light. For this reason, many people from Northern latitudes (for example Alaska, Canada, and Northern states) have a condition called light deprivation, often with severe depression, and these individuals improve after undergoing light therapy.

An important study was recently published by Dr. Rixt Riemersma-Van Der Lek and co-workers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (JAMA, Volume 299, page 2642, 2008). These authors treated 189 elderly patients in group care facilities between 1999 and 2004 with either whole day bright light exposure, evening melatonin, the combination, or just inactive placebos. They treated patients for an average of 15 months (some patients for up to 3.5 years).

The results were very impressive! The natural history of dementia with progressive reduction in mental functioning was improved with daylight exposure by 5%. Mental deterioration was reduced by 5% on exposure to whole day bright light. Also, light reduced depression by 19%. The patients had a 53% improvement in functional activity according to nurses if they were exposed to light. Melatonin increased sleep duration by 6%, but also increased depression, but not if patients also were exposed to light in addition to the melatonin. The combined treatment of light and melatonin reduced aggressive behaviors by 9% and increased sleep efficiency by 3.5%.

These studies have very important conclusions for all of us. We will either suffer ourselves from dementia as we grow older, or we may currently be caring for family and/or friends who are suffering from early or advanced dementia. At one time or another, it affects all families and people!

The more we know about the symptoms of dementia, the standard treatments of this problem, and the supportive measures that can benefit such individuals, the more that each of us can recognize people who should be tested, and the better we are able to help them get the best care from their doctors.

Therefore, we should learn from this important article that exposure to light and use of mild treatment with melatonin can be highly beneficial. We should suggest that caregivers discuss these findings with physicians who are caring for those individuals. Also, when choosing a chronic care facility for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, reviewing daylight exposure activities with the staff is important to make certain that these patients are afforded the benefits of daylight exposure. Continuing care of these individuals can result in improved relationships with family and friends, if the severity of symptoms and progression of symptoms are minimized.

Eating Eggs Daily May Not Be Risky for Heart

2008-12-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Adding an egg here or there to your diet may not raise your risk of heart disease even though it may raise your "bad" LDL cholesterol levels, according to a new study.
LDL cholesterol is divided into several types. Researchers found adding up to three eggs per day does raise some types of LDL cholesterol, but it didn't significantly raise levels of the types of LDL known to clog arteries.

"We found that the dietary cholesterol in eggs does raise the LDL-1 and LDL-2 [types] but it does not impact the small, dense LDL-3 through LDL-7 particles that are the greatest threat for cardiovascular disease risk," says researcher Maria Luz Fernandez, PhD, of the University of Connecticut, in a news release.

Fernandez says the findings may help explain why previous studies haven't shown a consistent relationship between increases in LDL cholesterol levels, such as those associated with eating eggs, and an increasing risk of heart disease.

In the past decade, research has shown that LDL cholesterol particles vary with respect to their potential to clog arteries and cause heart disease. The particles have been classified according to their size and density, from LDL-1 to LDL-7, with LDL-1 being the largest and LDL-7 being the smallest in diameter.

Researchers say that having predominantly smaller, dense LDL particles (greater than LDL-3) is considered to be more dangerous to heart disease-related health than having mostly larger, more buoyant particles.

In this study, researchers examined the effects of adding the liquid equivalent of three whole eggs per day or a cholesterol-free, fat-free substitute to the diets of about 50 men and premenopausal women for 30 days. A large egg contains about 213 mg of cholesterol.

The study showed that eating the additional cholesterol contained in the eggs increased the proportion of large, LDL particles but did not significantly increase the proportion of the more dangerous, smaller particles.

"We also found that egg cholesterol did not impact the small, dense LDL particles among a sub-set of participants who were generally predisposed to being most sensitive to dietary cholesterol," says Fernandez.

But the study also showed that men had a higher concentration of the more harmful, small LDL particles than women regardless of the diet they followed.

The study appears in the June issue of the journal Metabolism and was supported by the American Egg Board and the University of Connecticut Research Foundation.

Vitamin D Deficiency Could Put Your Heart at Risk

2008-12-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

A new risk factor for heart disease has been discovered, although this time it is something that can easily be corrected. Scientists say that a growing body of evidence has suggested that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of heart disease and is also linked to other well-known risk factors for heart disease such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Several large studies have shown that people that had low vitamin D levels were twice as likely to have a stroke, heart attack, or other heart-related event during follow-up, compared to the people that had higher levels of vitamin D. Researcher James H. O’Keefe, M.D. and director of preventative cardiology at the Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, MO., stated, “Vitamin D deficiency is an unrecognized, emerging cardiovascular risk factor, which should be screened for and treated. Vitamin D is easy to assess, and supplementation is simple, safe and inexpensive.”

The skin, in response to exposure to the sun, meets most of the body’s requirements for vitamin D. Other less potent sources of vitamin D include foods such as cod liver oil, sardines, and salmon. Also, vitamin D can also be found in D-fortified foods milk and some cereals. If you do not get enough vitamin D you can also take vitamin D supplements on a daily basis.

A deficiency of vitamin D is traditionally associated with muscle and bone weakness, but in recent years a number of studies have shown that the low levels of vitamin D may predispose the body to congestive heart failure, blood pressure, and chronic blood vessel inflammation (which is associated with the hardening of the arteries). It can also alter hormone levels, which will increase insulin resistance, which can raise the risk of diabetes.

In an article that was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the researchers surveyed recent studies on the link between heart disease and vitamin D deficiency to come up with some practical advice on screening and treatment. They also concluded that the vitamin D deficiency is much more common that they previously thought, and could be affecting up to half of adults and children in the United States.

The researchers say that higher rates of vitamin D deficiency could be due in part to people spending more time indoors and in the effort to reduce sun exposure through the use of sunscreens. If you use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, you should know that it blocks nearly 99% of vitamin D synthesis by our skin.

Americans are spending less time outside now than previous generations, and older adults and people that are obese or overweight are less efficient at making vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. A little bit of sunshine each day is good, but the use of sunscreen to protect against skin cancer is important if you plan out staying outside for more than 15 to 30 minutes of intense sunlight exposure.

You can find out what your vitamin D levels are via a blood test that looks at a specific form of vitamin D called 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D). A deficiency of vitamin d can be defined as a blood 25(OH)D level of below 20 ng/dL. A normal level is considered to be above 30 ng/dL.

The researchers recommend a 25(OH)D screening for that that have known risk factors for a deficiency of vitamin D including:

• Reduced exposure to the sun due to variation or by living far away from the equator

• Old age

• Liver or kidney disease

• Obesity

• Skin that is darkly pigmented

• Smoking

The government’s current recommendation daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 200 international units (IU) daily for individuals that are under the age of 50. For those that are between 50 and 70, it is recommended to take 400 IU daily, and for those that are over the age of 70, the RDA is 600 IU. Most experts believe that these recommended does are still too low, and that somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily is necessary to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D. The upper limit of vitamin D that is safe to take on a daily basis is 10,000 IU.

Vitamin D supplements are available now in two different forms: Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2. Although both types appear to be effective in raising the levels of vitamin D, Vitamin D3 supplements appear to result in a boost in the levels of vitamin D that is longer-lasting. However, there are no current guidelines for restoring and maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D in people that are at risk for heart disease, for those that are vitamin D deficient, the researchers recommend an initial treatment with 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 or D3 once weekly for eight to 12 weeks, that is followed by maintenance with one of the following strategies:

• 50,000 IU vitamin D2 or D3 bi-weekly

• 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 every day

• Sunlight exposure for at least 10 minutes for white patients (longer for people that have increase skin pigmentation) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Once the maintenance therapy has been initiated, rechecking 25(OH)D blood levels is highly recommended after three to six months of ongoing supplementation.

O’Keefe stated, “Restoring vitamin D levels to normal is important in maintaining good musculoskeletal health, and it may also improve heart health and prognosis. We need large, randomized, controlled trials to determine whether or not vitamin D supplementation can actually reduce future heart disease and deaths.”

Burning Salt Water Discovery Could Be Cancer Cure 'Holy Grail'

2008-12-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Mobiles can damage memory

2008-12-08T23:11:00.001-08:00

Swedish researchers have found memory impairment in rats exposed to cellphone radiation for two hours every week for more than a year.

The rats subjected to a memory test were released into a box with four objects. These objects were changed on two occasions and their position was also altered both the times. The actual test trial was the third occasion. This time the rats encountered two of the objects from the first occasion and two of the objects from the second.

The rats, used as control, spent more time exploring the objects from the first occasion, which they considered more interesting since they had not seen them for some time. The experiment rats, on the other hand, evinced a lesser pronounced difference in interest.

Henrietta Nittby and her supervisor Leif Salford, of the neurosurgery division of Lund University, Sweden, believe that the findings may be related to the team's earlier findings, that microwave radiation from cellphones can affect the so-called blood-brain barrier. This is a barrier that protects the brain by preventing substances circulating in the blood from penetrating into the brain tissue and damaging nerve cells.

Day-dreaming is good for health

2008-10-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Ever got engaged in a fanciful musing of a castle in the air, or a date with Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt?

Daydreaming has long been derided as a lazy and non-productive pastime. But it has also been able to breed many popular artistic careers, like being a composer, novelist or a film-maker, who develop new ideas.

"When a person is thinking or fantasizing about his unfulfilled wishes, desires, all that for which he is passionate about, he gets carried away by them and starts day-dreaming," says a well known psychologist Dr Aruna Broota.

But, in this fast-pace world, do people have time for day-dreaming?

"Yes, they have enough time to day-dream. The fast-pace moving world has not deterred people from day-dreaming," says Dr Roma Kumar, the clinical psychologist at Ganga Ram Hospital.

Day-dreaming is a visionary fantasy or a reverie indulged in while awake. A daydreamer gets engaged in a fancy speculation, generally of happy and pleasant moments, hopes or ambitions. While for an observer, the day-dreamer has an expression-less stare to a distance, day-dreaming is very normal, feel experts.

"Day-dreaming is completely normal, in fact it is more than normal. It is like trying to think of the happy moments. The person goes back to that time to get more happiness," says Kumar.

Kumar however, adds that day-dreaming can be abnormal if it is beyond a limit.

"Generally day-dreaming is normal but if it is beyond certain limit and when it makes the person non-functional, it can be an obstacle on the path of progress," she says.

Tea and coffee are key to long life

2008-10-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

A classic experiment exploring the origin of life has more than a half-century later yielded new results. New results fom the experiment show that

life may have been born violently, in erupting volcanoes in the midst of a thunderstorm.

In 1953, Stanley Miller, then a graduate student of Harold Urey at the University of Chicago, put ammonia, methane and hydrogen — the gases believed to be in early earth’s atmosphere, — along with water in a sealed flask and applied electrical sparks to simulate the effects of lightning. A week later, amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, were generated out of the simple molecules.

Enshrined in high school textbooks, the Miller-Urey experiment raised expectations that scientists could unravel life’s origins with simple chemistry experiments. The excitement has long since subsided. The amino acids never grew into the more complex proteins. Scientists now think the composition of air on early earth was different from what Miller used.

Consulting Miller’s notebooks, his student Jeffrey Bada found that Miller had constructed two variations of the original apparatus. One simply used a different spark generator. The second injected steam onto the sparks.

Miller had reported that he had detected five amino acids produced by the original apparatus. Johnson’s work revealed small amounts of nine additional amino acids in those samples. In the residues from the apparatus with the steam injector, the scientists detected 22 amino acids, including 10 that had never before been identified from the Miller-Urey experiment.

Bada says the results show that the tidal pools near volcanoes, where similar conditions exist, would have been the places where the amino acids could have accumulated in concentrations, enabling more complex reactions to occur.

Coffee 'can shrink women's breasts'

2008-10-18T04:14:00.001-07:00

Ladies, please note – drinking coffee in moderation may be okay, but downing more than three cups daily can shrink the size of your breasts, a new study has revealed.
Researchers in Sweden have carried out the study and claimed that women who take more than three cups of the caffeine-fuelled drink a day could see their bra size drop, theDaily Star reported.
Tests by cancer researchers found half of all women have a gene linking breast size to coffee intake.
Nearly 300 women were quizzed but Helena Jernstroem, of Lund University, said women should not worry too much.
She explained: "Coffee-drinking women do not have to worry their breasts will shrink to nothing overnight. They will get smaller, but the breasts aren't just going to disappear.”
"Anyone who thinks they can tell which women are coffee drinkers just from their bra measurements will be disappointed. There are two measurements for a bra -- the cup size and the girth, so you wouldn't be able to tell."
While caffeine may shrink women's breasts, the reaction is the reverse for coffee-slurping blokes -- it can make their ‘moobs’ swell, according to the researchers.
On the plus side, the study showed regular hits of caffeine reduce the risk of women developing breast cancer.

9 bedroom boo-boos

2008-08-21T09:45:00.001-07:00

When you're in bed with your lover, the last thing you want to do is turn them off. That said, here are a few common blunders that you should not commit...

1. Not kissing
Believe it or not, many people (and this includes women) don't kiss their partner when they're having sex. Why? Perhaps because the positioning doesn't allow for it or they are too eager to climax and feel that it might break the rhythm.

Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that you make an effort to kiss your partner during the act - it will only add to the experience.

2. Biting before your partner's ready
While many people enjoy an aggressive partner, biting any part of their body before they are aroused may lead to pain and discomfort (and might even lessen the chances of any further action ) or simply scare them off.

So make sure your partner is fully excited before you bite their ear, shoulders, neck or any other part of their body.

3. Ignoring everything but sexualised parts
Genitals are great, no doubt, but you should definitely pay attention to other parts of your lover's body and focus for some time on their entire body - knees, wrists, back and stomach are highly erogenous zones for men as well as women.

Gently caressing these areas will help excite your partner further; in turn, increasing the chances of them pleasuring you back.

4. Putting your weight on your partner
Even if you're a girl! It's okay to lose yourself in the moment every once in a while and go crazy on your lover. But when you're lying on top of them, you have to be careful not to drop your weight on them.

Chocking them or hindering their ability to breathe will anyway kill the moment and any chances of some good action.

Tips to arouse your senses

2008-08-21T09:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some tips, suggested by the expert, to arouse your senses...

SIGHT
1. Move in front of the mirror, so the two of you get front-row seats for the evening show.

2. Make eye contact with each other and let each other know that you have a deep connection. Don’t close your eyes during lovemaking; it makes your partner feel that you’re bringing someone else into the imagination.

3. Porn is great, if your partner is game but do not overdo this and neither expect partner to perform like a porn star forcibly. Let it happen naturally.

4. Keep the lights soft and filtered, as too bright lighting can detract from the ambience.

5. For special evenings, nothing adds romance like the warm glow of candles.

6. You can even try doing a strip tease for each other on some romantic number.

SMELL
1. Pheromones, the perfume of sexual attraction (produced by your body naturally) can be a great turn-on but make sure your partner is comfortable with it.

2. Rose petals can either be stewed on the bed or you can take a sensual bath with rose petals in the tub. Other herbal aphrodisiacs like jasmine, rose and ylang ylang can also be tried.

3. Gently wipe your light bulbs with a thin coat of perfumed oil and it’ll send calming or sensual scents throughout the bedroom.

4. Sprinkle dusting powder on your sheets to make them fragrant and silky. Scented sachets of lavender and rosemary also add to the air of romance.

5. Slightly menthol scented hygiene washes can be used to wash your body for that fresh tingly smell.

6. Use a mint or a mouth freshener before you kiss your partner.

TASTE
1. Get some sensual food items to bed like chocolate sauce, strawberries, grapes or whipped cream to explore the world of sexy tastes.

2. Bring a few flavored warming massage oils that come in multiple flavors like strawberry, cherry and banana. These sexy oils not only create heat and lubrication, they taste good, too!

3. Hand-feed each other fruits with curious textures, like pomegranates or lychees. The sugar and unique feel of the fruit on her lips and tongue can serve up an arousing double shot of pleasure.

4. Drink champagne from sexy champagne glasses, caress the long stem and lick each other’s lips - this is mind blowing too.

5. Edible underwear in different flavors can also be experimented with.

Boost your sex drive with aroma therapy

2008-08-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered why Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Sensuality, used rose petals in her love den? Why Kamasutra heralds the use of itars and scents? Or for that matter, why our ancient Vedas dedicate the entire Vajrakaran Tantra to the use of aromatic oils?

Well, the reason is a little complicated and lies in one of our six senses!

“Our sense of smell stimulates the nerve endings of the olfactory bulb, which lies at the back of the nose, which in turn stimulates a part of the brain called the limbic system that triggers our libido,” explains Blossom Kochhar, renowned aroma therapist. “The essential oils do magic and stimulate the pituitary gland, the master of endocrine gland, which controls hormone production. Inactiveness of pituitary gland can lead to low sex drive. So, the oils help keep it in an active state,” tells Aromatherapist, Dr. Naresh Arora, Chase Aroma Therapy.

Well, it seems Aphrodite and Vatsyayan had cracked the secret way back. Now you know why she’s the Goddess of love and he India’s eternal sex guru!

So, if your libido is letting you down, it’s time to treat yourself to some sweet smells to get back in action.

Aromatherapy oils are a sensual way to fire up the libido. The molecules of oils are so small that they can mingle in the bloodstream rapidly and are carried to all parts of the body. Natural scents present in aroma oils bear a key importance when it comes to sexual attraction. Some scents are overpoweringly arousing aphrodisiacs for women while other are good enough to bewitch even the most sober of men. You just need to try to believe in the power of the “secret” bedroom helpers that these oils are.

Among the many aromatic oils that have been reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities are the sweet flavors of cinnamon, bergamot, cedarwood, chocolate, vanilla, lavender, roses and patchouli.

Ylang Ylang
Sexual prowess : Considered as one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs, ylang ylang increases libido and attraction between lovers. It energises you, intensifies eroticism and is good for sexual experimentation.
Wanna try? Just place a cotton bud dipped in ylang ylang near your bed and witness its magic! (Yes, just one drop of ylan ylang is enough!)
Caution: Do not use too much of it, for it takes you into a state of euphoria and can cause headache and nausea.

Rose otto
Sexual prowess : The oil works best for females, especially when it comes to balancing the hormones. It has a tonic effect on the reproductive organs, and can work best to boost sexuality.
Wanna try? Go ahead, pamper her. Give her a soothing love massage...

Jasmine
Sexual prowess: Jasmine lifts the mood and adds into the energy levels. Traditionally, it is used to combat frigidity, impotence and premature ejaculation, thanks to its powerful erogenous effect.
Wanna try? Blend it with sandalwood, citrus oils and rose and go for an odorous bath. Caution: Women are advised not to use jasmine oil during pregnancy.

Aroma massage
Boost your sex drive with aroma therapy. (Getty Images)
Neroli
Sexual prowess: It’s a powerful aphrodisiac that works best to make up for a sensuous seduction act and some naughty flirting. It is used to combat frigidity and increase libido particularly in women.
Wanna try? Just a drop or two in a diffuser is enough to set the mood for a perfect night.

Lavender
Sexual prowess : Lavender increases blood flow to genitals and enhances female sensitivity.
Wanna try? How about arranging a sensuous bath tonight? A hot bath, a few candles, some flowers, a drop or two of lavender oil is enough to get you going...

Sandalwood
Sexual prowess : It works wonders for men. The sweet, woody exotic scent enhances physical sensuality and makes lovers more sexually-liberated. Considered a sexual restorative, it induces a state of calmness and serenity and relieves nervous tension.
Wanna try? How about giving him a real close massage? You can mix sandalwood with 3 tablespoons of almond oil. Also, when combined with black pepper oil it can give a boost to a man’s vigour.

Orange blossom
Sexual prowess: It helps the timid and shy first timers to open up and explore the unexplored. Awakens the senses!
Wanna try? Put a few drops of the oil near the candle wick and let the flame ignite the spark of passion in you too!

Precautions:
“Smell has the power to bring back memories, so never use oil which brings back bad memories associated with it to you or your partner,” suggests Dr. Blossom.

Aroma therapist Dr. Naresh Arora advises that “essential oils are very powerful, so don’t go overboard while using them. Excess usage can have sedative and anesthetic effects too. While using them in massage, first dilute them in carrier oils like sweet almond, jojoba, sunflower or olive, as they are too powerful in their full strength. In particular, if you don’t like a smell, simply avoid it. There’s a whole world of aroma’s waiting to be experienced...pick one that turns you on and have fun.”

Seducing the senses

2008-08-21T09:32:00.001-07:00

You can touch my hair and kiss me everywhere... Does it sound too clichéd or rather boring way to seduce your partner? Are you tired of reading the same old techniques of seduction?

Well, what about going back to the basics? And nothing can be more basic than the five senses - sense of sight, sense of smell, sense of taste, sense of hearing, sense of touch. These can really keep things sizzling hot during sex. Vatsayan would have definitely vouched for that! We get modern day experts to share more on it...

To keep the flames burning in your sex-life, you must fine-tune your seduction skills. With fingers busy, mouths, lips, tongues, noses, and eyes enticed, sensuousness will linger in every move to make you the most desirable man or woman of seduction.

Rita Gangwani, an etiquette expert, shares, “Sometimes we take the senses so much for granted that we don't really pay attention to them. Working to develop the five senses and focusing on them while making love, drawing attention to his/her sensuousness will not only enhance your own pleasure, but will give pleasure to your lover as well.”

Dr. Sanjay Chugh, expert on sexual issues, says, “The seduction tips that one can employ also depends on ‘overall’ quality of the couple's relationship. If there is a healthy emotional and psychological bond between the two, the chances of a good sex life is high. And in case, if one incorporates a few out-of-the-box techniques, then it’s definitely some icing on the cake!”

Psychiatrist Dr. Samir Parikh supports, “Couples need to keep trying to make things work for them but the key is not just trying new things, its more to be attuned to each others likes, fantasies and pleasures so that a mutually satisfying relationship could result. They can try various permutations and combinations of these seduction ways on their personalities.”

On how these five senses work towards stimulating the libido of male/female partner, Dr. Parikh explains, “Most of these factors (senses) have an association in our mind, so they act as a conditioned stimulus, and can help creating the atmosphere. But the key would be the mutuality and the quality of the non-sexual life would have its direct impact on the sexual life.”

Rita adds, “One must be aware to the fact that human body is bristling with sensory receptors - God’s gift to humankind - it’s up to us to responsibly enjoy it. One must give body the permission to celebrate what’s inside; celebrate it with oneself, and with the partner. We must take time to really learn the subtle but very powerful art of seducing the opposite sex using all five senses.”

These are simple yet extremely seductive ways.

Now, an orgasm gel to boost sex life!

2008-08-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

An average woman's orgasm lasts for 28 seconds, but now it may go up to a massive 107 seconds, thanks to a new gel.

The soon-to-be launched Play O gel promises to increase desire and give longer and more intense orgasms, reports Metro.co.uk

The new gel contains a magic formula of L'Arginine, an amino acid that increases blood flow, plus two cooling agents that feel tingly when applied.

During the trials, nearly 91 per cent of women experienced a new sensation when using Play O.

The new orgasm gel made by Durex would be launched in September.

What is an Aphrodisiac?

2008-08-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

As per the dictionary, an aphrodisiac is "an agent (as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire; something that excites." Researchers say the smell, taste, and even appearance of certain foods can act as potent aphrodisiacs that not only get you in the mood for love, but also may even make you a better flirt and lover. And knowing what foods are appropriate can maximize these effects.

Aphrodisiacs can be grouped into three groups based on the physiological effects they have on the body and how those effects can enhance sexual performance at each stage of a person's sex life.

FOODS FOR FLIRTING
When looking for a partner for sex, it's important to choose foods that secrete chemicals and hormones that make you happy in order to increase self-confidence, lower inhibitions, and make you a better flirt.

Examples:
Chilli peppers : Spicy foods get the heart pumping and induce sweating.
Bananas : They contain chemicals that reportedly have a mood-lifting effect on the brain.
Carrots : Their phallic appearance and high-fiber content may induce sexual desire.

FOODS FOR SEDUCTION
Seductive aphrodisiacs can help trigger the release of sex hormones, such as testosterone, provide a quick energy boost, and increase blood flow to the genitals to get the body "in the mood" for love. It’s important to create visual stimulation with foods that look like the genitalia, such as oysters, fresh figs, or carrots.

Anything that is visually erotic is automatically going to set your brain in motion. Certain foods release hormones, like testosterone in women that makes them more sexually aggressive and adventurous."

Examples:
Chocolate : Not only does chocolate provide a jolt of caffeine, the plant has a flower that looks like sex organs.
Ginger : This root reportedly increases blood flow to the genitals in both men and women.
Olives : Green ones
Tomatoes : They have a reputation as a sexual stimulant.
Apples : Since Adam and Eve, this fruit has been synonymous with temptation.
Asparagus: A sexy, long, phallic-looking food

FOODS FOR SEXUAL PERFORMANCE
During exploration and orgasm, even the scent alone of some aphrodisiacs may be enough to increase sexual arousal and enhance performance.

Natural Human aphrodisiac: Pheromones
Pheromones are the truest form of natural aphrodisiacs. The human pheromones -- Androstenone, Androstenol, Androsterone - found in minute amounts in the perspiration of men and women, are natural aphrodisiacs that attract men to women and visa-versa.

There is scientific evidence that human pheromones can elicit strong sexual responses in both sexes. Unfortunately, antiperspirants and deodorants often destroy the pheromones in human perspiration.

Research conducted by the University of Chicago shows concrete proof that human pheromones do exist. And pheromones produced by one individual have a definite influence on the biological behavior of another.

Sexual temptation

2008-08-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's widely believed that eating chocolates produce certain hormones that are exactly the same as those generated while having sex! Then why eat chocolates? Sex is a better option!

While you'd do anything to savour the ultimate joy before, during and after sex, you might not know that there are several food items that can build up the mood, ignite the passion and get you going for a gratifying act in bed.

Aphrodisiacs, as they are commonly referred to, may have some scientific study backing them up, but couples usually select them based on certain preset notions and beliefs.

While some feel that they're tempting enough to evoke their erotic senses, for others, aphrodisiacs are an integral part of the foreplay process. Surprisingly, some men have even resorted to referring to Kareena Kapoor's poster where dark chocolate ran all over her assets. "When I see melted chocolate, it tempts me a lot and I get a feeling of my partner trying to seduce me in bed. It's not that I spread chocolate all over her body, but having a bite of chocolate and then kissing her with it in my mouth sets the mood right," shares 29-year old Vineet Khanna.

Other than chocolate, fruits like strawberries and bananas are also considered to be effective aphrodisiacs. "Of course, you can't think of teasing your partner with a fruit like mango. Strawberries are small and the heart-shape helps in building the sexual mood, as you can just take half of it in your mouth and let your partner try and bite the remaining half. Also, the soft thorns on the outer layer work well to make my hubby horny," feels Jigyasa Thakore.

There's a belief that the more a couple sweat it out in bed, the wilder the sex escapade gets. Couples also therefore tend to consume more of chilli peppers to induce sweating. "Eating chicken makes my man sweat a lot and I don't need to add that extra, spicy chilli. In a way, mere chicken acts as an aphrodisiac for me to get him going," shares 32-year old housewife Meenal Duggal.

While aphrodisiacs have been doing their rounds since time immemorial, nobody really knows what good they actually do. Click here to know more about how they work...

Meditation slows AIDS progression

2008-07-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Meditation may slow the worsening of AIDS in just a few weeks, perhaps by affecting the immune system, US researchers reported.

If the findings are borne out in larger studies, it could offer a cheap and pleasant way to help people battle the incurable and often fatal condition, the team at the University of California Los Angeles said on Thursday.

They tested a stress-lowering program called mindfulness meditation, defined as practicing an open and receptive awareness of the present moment, avoiding thinking of the past or worrying about the future. The more often the volunteers meditated, the higher their CD4 T-cell counts - a standard measure of how well the immune system is fighting the AIDS virus. The CD4 counts were measured before and after the two-month programme.

"This study provides the first indication that mindfulness meditation stress-management training can have a direct impact on slowing HIV disease progression," said David Creswell, who led the study.

His team tested 67 HIV-positive adults from the Los Angeles area, 48 of whom did some or all of the meditation. Most were likely to have highly stressful lives, Creswell said.

"The average participant in the study was male, African American, homosexual, unemployed and not on ARV (antiretroviral) medication," they wrote in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.

The meditation classes included eight weekly two-hour sessions, a day-long retreat and daily home practice. "The people that were in this class really responded and just really enjoyed the program," Creswell said.

"The mindfulness program is a group-based and low-cost treatment, and if this initial finding is replicated in larger samples, it’s possible that such training can be used as a powerful complementary treatment for HIV disease, alongside medications," he added.

He said it was unclear how the stress-reducing effects of meditation work. It may directly boost CD4 T-cell levels, or suppress the virus, he said.

Why it helps to have a baby

2008-07-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Ruby Sinha, 39, had all she had wanted - a well-paying job, caring husband and an independent lifestyle. And yet, all was not well. She was getting bouts of depression and gaining weight despite exercise and diet control, and would feel weak, irritable and cry at the slightest provocation.

The couple consulted a physician, a gynaecologist and even a psychiatrist. Nothing came of it till the gynaecologist and the psychiatrist exchanged notes. Ruby's problem was then diagnosed to be a disorder close to depression, which can lead to obesity and other related illnesses like hypertension and diabetes. Most importantly, the root cause of her depression was the feeling of emptiness she had, of having nothing to look forward to ... because she did not have any children.

Dr Asha Sharma, senior gynaecologist at Rockland hospital in Delhi, calls it a typical case of "nulliparity syndrome" which manifests itself only after 35 or 40 years of age in women who don't conceive due to lifestyle choices. "Pregnancy regulates the hormonal flow in a woman's body. If a woman doesn't conceive, the hormonal balance may get disrupted and manifests in the form of weight gain and menstrual problems later, especially after 45-50 years of age," she explains.

Take Gayatri Desai, a 42-year-old twice-married advertising professional. She put off having children in her first marriage (at the age of 29) till she was sure of the guy. The marriage didn't work out eventually. At 35, she married a widower with two kids. He didn't want more children and Gayatri drowned herself in work. All was well until she discovered, to her horror, that she had developed ovarian cancer.

Dr Anuradha Kapoor, senior gynaecologist at Max Healthcare, who is treating Gayatri, says, "Ovarian cancer is a silent killer - there are no symptoms, no conditions. In those women with normal menstrual cycles, who choose not to have a baby, ovulation keeps happening all the time. So hyper-ovulation, in some cases, leads to ovarian cancer.

"Although it's not very common and happens in say, around 1 in 500 women who don't conceive by choice, there's greater risk. And the worst part is, it's very hard to detect and there are no early symptoms. Moreover, since they don't breastfeed, there is a greater risk of breast cancer also."

The American Cancer Society, in its recent report, says: "A woman who has had children has a lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who have no children. The risk gets even lower with each pregnancy. Breastfeeding may lower the risk even further. Using birth control pills also lowers the risk of ovarian cancer."

According to Breast Cancer Risks and Prevention, a booklet published by New York-based Breast Cancer Prevention Institute: "If a woman does not have a full-term pregnancy, she has increased risk of breast cancer since she never develops cancer-resistant type 3 and 4 lobules. If she has children later in life (after 30) she has increased risk because, for most of her menstrual life, her estrogen has been stimulating immature cancer-vulnerable type 1 and 2 breast lobules. If she has children in her twenties, she has decreased risk of breast cancer since her breast tissue matures very early in her menstrual life to type 3 and 4 lobules."

To put it simply, an early pregnancy matures the breast tissue as it prepares to produce milk for the baby. Mature cells are much less likely to become cancerous than immature cells. The booklet says that though there is no direct cause and effect, abortions do cause changes in breast tissues, producing many more places where breast cancer is likely to develop.

As early as 1986, US scientists Bruce Stadel and Phyllis Wingo, convinced of an abortion-cancer link, wrote a letter to the British journal, Lancet, saying that "induced abortion before first-term pregnancy increases the risk of breast cancer". Likewise, in a study of 1,531 patients with endometrial cancer treated at the University of Texas between 1989 and 2003, doctors found that 55% of patients were nulliparous. Researchers said the majority of the patients were obese and nulliparous.

Experts say nulliparity is one of the causes of such reproductive organ-related cancers. But it has to be added that women with kids may also develop cancer along with those exposed to radiation, those with a family history or those on the pill for more than five years.

Non-conception has adverse effects on psychological health too. Chandigarh-based psychologist Nirmal Sharma says: "As long a woman is busy and enjoying her work, all's fine but once she crosses a certain age, she does need kids. It does satisfy her maternal instincts, failing which she can develop mental disorders."

Dr Mala Srivastava, senior gynaecologist at Gangaram hospital, Delhi, says nulliparity is becoming rampant among the urban privileged class. "Many double-income couples these days choose to dump their family plans, either because they are 'too busy' or 'not prepared' for it. We even get cases where women who have accidentally conceived would come for MTPs. And it's amazing how they have no regrets.

"But this attitude can be dangerous. Apart from cancer, nulliparity can also cause endometriosis. Even if you conceive at that stage, you can't ward off such complications," says Srivastava.

Dr Sharma adds: "Many of these women realize in their forties that they need a baby. But, by then, either their ability to conceive has reduced or eggs have become unhealthy. However, conception is possible with the help of assisted reproductive techniques."

(Names of patients have been changed to protect identity)

YOGA FOR MIGRAINE

2008-05-18T02:35:00.000-07:00

Breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and improve the oxygen levels in the body

All of you who suffer from migraines know how difficult it can be to deal with the same — they seem to l ast from a few hours to a few days! This is yet another disease that no-one really knows the root cause of. Yes, there are genetic factors but stress and anxiety, food allergies, sensitivity to sound or light, irregular meals, irregular sleep and lack of exercise are also contributing factors.
I am giving you a seven day programme that specially works on all the areas concerned with migraine and you must do these regularly to see an improvement in your condition.
Yoga gives great importance to breath, because how you breathe will affect the health of your body and the breath also links the body and the mind. Today we begin with breathing exercises that are a must for those who suffer from migraines. Not only do they strengthen the lungs and improve the oxygen levels in the body but also help to restore and gradually balance the flow of prana or vital energy to the brain and soothe and calm the nerves.
Caution: Those with cervical spondylosis, heart problems, high blood pressure and pregnant women should avoid these exercises.

EXERCISE 1
Sit back on your heels as shown, place your palms on the knees as shown, keep the back straight
Exhale forcefully and rapidly through the nose in quick succession, pulling the stomach in towards the spine as you exhale. Inhalation will be automatic and passive between every two exhalations
Practice 30-50 inhalations at a stretch
Repeat three times.

EXERCISE 2
Sit back on your heels as shown
Bend your arms at the waist, the elbows close to the body and make fists
Raise both fists up, a bit higher than the head, keep the elbows close to the body
Exhale forcefully through the mouth (the cheeks puffed out) as you pull the arms down, taking the elbows behind the waist as shown
Repeat 20 times, exhalation should be rapid, movements smooth not jerky
Inhale deeply and slowly
Exhale slowly.

EXERCISE 3
Sit in padmasana . Sit with your legs stretched out and the back straight
Bend one leg; place the ankle on the opposite thigh close to the groin. Bend the other leg and place the ankle on the thigh of the bent leg, close to the groin. Place your hands on your knees
Bend your forefinger and the middle finger of your right hand. Close your eyes and practice deep breathing
Close the right nostril with the thumb, place the ring finger between the eyebrows and inhale to the count of five
Close the left nostril with ring finger. Hold your breath for a count of ten
Raise the thumb to between the eyebrows, exhale slowly through the right nostril to a count of ten
Now breathe in again through the right nostril to a count of five. Close the right nostril with your thumb and hold your breath for a count ten. Place the ring finger between eyebrows and exhale through the left nostril to count of ten
Repeat the complete cycle for two to five minutes.

YOGA FOR MIGRAINE – II

Kriyas to beat migraine

Kriyas help rid the body of toxins and strengthen the 72,000 nadis, which are the channels of energy in our body and form a kind of electrical circuit. Usually we fall sick when a problem occurs in this circuit.
The two kriyas being given to you today will help clean out the nasal passages. They help control migraine as they have an effect on the nerves that end in the nasal passage and they have a soothing influence on the brain to reduce tension in the face and the mind. You need to practice these regularly for two months to see the difference. Also try and practice them each time you feel the onset of migraine.

REQUIREMENTS:

Exercise 1:
You'll need a special 'neti pot' - one end is a nozzle. The nozzle should not be too thick or pointed and should fit comfortably in the nostril.

Exercise 2:
You will need a 'sutra' or thin rubber catheter (size 4, 5 or 6, depending on the size of your nostril).

Caution:
It is advisable you attempt these exercises the first time under supervision. Both exercises should be avoided by people suffering from chronic nose-bleeding. Exercise 2 should not be practiced by those with nasal ulcers, polyps or septum malformations.

EXERCISE 1
Add one tea spoon salt to half litre lukewarm water and pour it into the neti pot
Stand with your legs apart, bend forward and tilt your head to one side, as shown. Keep the mouth open so that you can breathe through it
Place nozzle of neti pot in the nostril that is facing upwards and slowly pour water into it. The water will flow out through the other nostril
Straighten up and blow your nose gently to remove any mucous
Now, close one nostril and rapidly exhale 10-15 times through the other
Repeat the process with the other nostril
L astly, inhale and exhale rapidly 10-15 times with both the nostrils open.

EXERCISE 2
Sterilise the rubber catheter. You can lubricate this with ghee or butter so that it slides easily through the nasal passage.
Stand comfortably and relax

Raise your hand to the nostrils and check which nostril is flowing more freely
Tilt your head back a little. Gently insert the narrow end of the sutra into the dominant nostril. Twist it and keep inserting it gently downwards (never straight up) towards the floor of the nose. Keep your mouth open
The thread will come out from the throat. Insert your index and middle finger to pull the sutra out through the mouth, leaving a few inches hanging out of the nose
Hold each end and very gently pull the thread backwards and forwards 2-3 times
Remove it through the mouth
Repeat with other nostril.

YOGA FOR MIGRAINE – III

The exercises I am giving you today seem simple. But those who suffer from migraines should not underestimate their effect. All nerves connecting different parts of the body have to go through the neck to reach the brain. These simple exercises will tone those vital nerves, loosen the cervical vertebrae, neck and shoulders, improve blood flow to the brain and help reduce tension and calm the mind. You can also do these at your desk while working.
Caution: Keep the shoulders and leg muscles loose. Move the head very gently, as directed, but only as far as it is comfortable. Do not strain. These exercises should not be done by those with very high or very low blood pressure or with extreme cervical spondylosis. Those with mild to moderate cervical spondylosis should avoid bending the neck forward.

STEP 1
Sit with your legs stretched out and back straight
Bend one leg; place your ankle on the opposite thigh close to the groin. Bend the other leg and place the ankle on the thigh of the bent leg, close to the groin.
Place your hands on your knees.

EXERCISE 1
Close your eyes, keep your body straight. Slowly drop your head towards your left shoulder — don't turn the head or lift the shoulders
Raise the head and drop it towards the right shoulder as above

EXERCISE 2
Slowly move the head as far back as comfortable. Do not strain
Slowly bring your head up and move it forward so that the chin touches the chest.

EXERCISE 3
Gently turn the head to the left so that the chin is in line with the shoulders
Now gently turn the head to the right as far as it is comfortable.

STEP 4
Slowly rotate the head clockwise down to the chest, then to the right, then backward, to the left side in a relaxed, smooth, rhythmic, circular movement
Now gently rotate it anti-clockwise, that is, in the opposite direction.

YOGA FOR MIGRAINE – IV

Inverted asanas that loosen up the cervical and shoulder areas and increase blood flow to the brain

Amigraine causes decreased blood flow to the brain. Today, I'm giving you a set of inverted asanas that loosen up the cervical and shoulder areas and also increase blood flow to the brain. These asanas also give extra blood supply to the pituary gland that lies in the brain and this helps to improve the functioning of the Endocrine (hormonal) System and the health of the body. As you do these, try and relax as you hold the final position.
Caution: Those with hernia, high blood pressure, heart conditions and severe back problems should not do these exercises.

EXERCISE 1
Lie flat on your back, your arms by your side. Slowly raise both legs to a 90 degree position
Lift your hips and back off the floor, lower your legs towards your head, support your hips with your hands
Slowly bring your hands lower down your back towards your shoulders and bring your legs to 90 degrees. Support your entire body with your shoulders so that the body and legs are in a straight line. Keep the chin pressed against the chest
Hold for 30 - 60 seconds, breathing normal
Gradually lower your back and legs without strain or jerky movements.

EXERCISE 2
Sit with your legs stretched out and the back straight
Bend one leg; place the ankle on the opposite thigh close to the groin. Bend the other leg and place the ankle on the thigh of the bent leg, close to the groin
Lean back on your elbows and slowly lower your head and back to the floor
Bend your elbows behind the head; place your palms on the floor, your fingers pointing to your feet. Press down on your palms; raise your head and shoulders to rest on the crown of your head. Hold your toes with your fingers

Hold for 10-30 seconds

Release the toes, press down on your elbows and raise your head and shoulders. Prop yourself up on the elbows, then straighten your arms one at a time and then come back to the start position.

EXERCISE 3
Lie flat on your back, your arms by your side, the palms down
Raise your legs, keeping them straight
Lift your back off the floor and bring your legs towards the head
Slowly lower your legs behind your head and touch the floor with your toes. Keep your knees straight
Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normal
Slowly lower your legs and resume start position.

EXERCISE 4
Repeat step one to four of exercise three
Shift your arms and interlock them above the head
Bend your knees and drop them down to rest on your folded arms as shown. If more comfortable, you can interlock your arms over your legs
Hold for 10-30 seconds
Straighten your knees, lower your arms, slowly lower your legs and come back to start position.

YOGA FOR MIGRAINE – V

Forward bending exercises for migraine

As I mentioned yesterday, during migraine there is decreased blood flow to the brain. Today I have given you a set of forward bending exercises that will increase blood flow to the head region and also stimulate the nerves which connect the various organs to the brain. Remember, if you wish to improve your condition, you will have to be regular in your practice.
Caution: Those with back problems should take care while doing exercise one and two. Those with high blood pressure, heart conditions, severe back conditions and severe eye conditions should avoid exercise three. Those with cervical spondylitis should keep the head on the floor for exercise four.

EXERCISE 1
Stand with your feet together and your back straight
Inhale and raise both the arms up over the head
Exhale and bend forward, rest the palms on the floor and bring the head to the knees
Hold 10-30 seconds, breathing normally
Inhale, raise both the arms up and resume to start position.

EXERCISE 2
Sit with your legs straight out and the back straight
Bend your knees and bring the soles of the feet together
Gently pull the feet towards the groin
Inhale, raise both arms, exhale as you bend the body forward and bring your hands to rest on the floor as shown
Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally
Inhale slowly as you raise your arms and body up and come back to start position.

EXERCISE 3
Stand straight with your legs spread about a metre apart
Bend forward from the hips and place your hands on the floor
Catch hold of both your ankles as shown and bring your head to rest on the floor
Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally
Slowly resume to the start position.

EXERCISE 4
Lie on your back, your arms by your side
Inhale and raise your right leg
Bend the right leg, clasp your right knee with your hands and exhale as you bring your chin to your knee
Hold position 10-30 seconds, breathing normally
Repeat with the left leg
Now, inhale and raise both your legs
Bend the knees; clasp them with your hands as shown, exhale as you bring the chin to the knees
Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally
Straighten the legs, and slowly resume start position.

Correct Postures WHile using Computer

2008-04-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's hits heavy drinkers early

2008-04-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

Heavy drinkers and smokers develop Alzheimer's disease years earlier than those who stay away from alcohol and tobacco, according to a study.

The study looked at 938 people aged 60 or above who were diagnosed with possible or probable Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers gathered information from family members on drinking and smoking history and determined whether the participants had the a4 gene variant of the APOE gene, which increases the risk of Alzheimer's.

People with the a4 variant also develop Alzheimer's at an earlier age than those who do not have the gene variant.

Seven percent of the study participants had a history of heavy drinking, which was defined as more than two drinks per day.

Twenty percent had a history of heavy smoking, which was defined as smoking one pack of cigarettes or more per day, and 27 percent had the APOE a4 variant.

Researchers found that people who were heavy drinkers developed Alzheimer's 4.8 years earlier than those who were not heavy drinkers.

Heavy smokers developed the disease 2.3 years sooner than people who were not heavy smokers. People with APOE a4 developed the disease three years sooner than those without the gene variant.

"These results are significant because it's possible that if we can reduce or eliminate heavy smoking and drinking, we could substantially delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease for people and reduce the number of people who have Alzheimer's at any point in time," said study author Ranjan Duara, of Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami.

These findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology in Chicago.

Spending long hrs on comp? Beware of asthenopia

2008-04-16T01:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a warning for all those computer geeks, who don’t blink an eyelid when in front of a computer screen. A recent study of 440 students studying in computer institutes and surfing in internet cafes, and professionals in the age group of 15-25 years spending long hours before the computer have now started complaining of what is called the computer vision syndrome (CVS) or Asthenopia.

CVS refers to an eye disorder that has symptoms like eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry and irritated eyes, slow refocusing, neck or backache, light sensitivity of eyes and double vision. A study carried out by Dinesh Bhanderi, Sushil Kumar Choudhary and Vikas Doshi of PS Medical College, Karamsad points out that girls were more susceptible to Asthenopia as compared to boys. The study was published in the February edition of the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.

The syndrome showed a high prevalence of 47 per cent among students and young professionals working in banks, studying at computer institutes and pursuing computer application degrees. Around 26 per cent reported of strong Asthenopic symptoms while 74 per cent experienced the symptoms occasionally. These students used to spend anywhere between six and 12 hours in front of the computer.

The study also shatters a myth that keeping the computer monitor at eye level or above eye level can reduce Asthenopia. The study advises that the screen should be below eye-level. The study points that nearly 70.2 per cent students and professionals took a break after spending six hours before the computer. However, it warns all those students with spectacles to refrain from spending long hours, as this will increase their susceptibility to CVS. About 60 per cent students who were found with Asthenopia wore spectacles.

Only 33.9 per cent of respondents took precautions of using an anti-glare screen. While 71 per cent of the students, who did not take precautions and complained of one or more symptoms of Asthenopia, did not adjust the brightness or contrast settings of the computer.

The study also warns that Asthenopia was prevalent in all those youngsters, who started before their teens on computers. As against users of computer, the study pointed to the prevalence of CVS among computer users in the age group of 5-10 years.

Sucking in Toxins - Breathing for a Better Life!

2008-03-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

Would you rate your lifestyle as healthy? Some habits contribute to a much healthier lifestyle, like walking, exercising, eating fruits and vegetables plus drinking lots of water.

It is common knowledge that smoking and drinking are harmful to your health because of what they put in your body. In fact, these habits nasty habits over time can make serious changes to our internal organs and over all bodies.

There is a much more common hazard to your health however, that you don't consciously inhale, but there is a way to lessen it's impact -- the air we breathe. The quality of air we breathe is sometimes a very subtle issue we take for granted.

If you live in a city is very dirty and is unhealthy. Face it; the air in Manhattan is not the same quality as the mountain air in Oregon. Even if the air by your home is clean outside, the inside air has dust, dust mites, etc floating around. It can be up to three times as dirty as outdoor air because it is trapped inside. You can get an air purifier for your home to clean up the air indoors. This will seriously help your health.

There is a lot of information on air purifiers on the Internet. There are a lot of different options at different price ranges. You can get a standard system for about one hundred dollars, or a deluxe, powerful model for about one thousand dollars. There are plenty of options in between as well. It is important to check the reviews online of the kinds that you are interested in. This will help you make your decision. You can find the best purifiers in the price range that you want to spend.

What Is The Best Treatment For Male Baldness?

2008-03-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

What is the best treatment for male baldness? You could go on and on and even talk to so-called "hair loss experts" and they all would give you a different answer.

Actually the best treatment for male baldness isn't in a box on the shelf in a store or sold by a certain brand name. It's a combination of natural herbs and minerals along with common knowledge of hair growth.

If you haven't heard about hair loss side effects of certain baldness drugs and over-the-counter products, here is the scoop. Many men have reported headache, fatigue, and even sexual side effects as an effect of one of the most prescribed hair loss drugs.

To start ending male pattern baldnes, first start taking 1500 mg of Saw Palmetto daily. Saw Palmetto blocks the hormone dihydrotestosterone, also called DHT for short, from attacking hair follicles. This in itself is a treatment for male baldness.

Once you have got into a routine of taking Saw Palmetto, you will want to incorporate Biotin into your treatment for male baldness. It's a B-vitamin that is like "hair food" for your hair. You can pick this up at any nutritional center. You're taking Saw Palmetto to block DHT along with Biotin to start the regrowth of your hair, now simply increase blood circulation in the scalp. How? By massaging the scalp daily for about 10-15 minutes.

There is no need to buy expensive male hair loss products or even risk surgeries. By following these tips you will have the best treatment for baldness and regrow hair.

3 Steps To Lose Back Fat Forever

2008-03-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

To lose back fat quickly and permanently you have to get serious! It's no use jumping onto another 'quick-fix' diet regime - losing the fat and then piling it all back on (and more) as soon as you revert back to your old habits. It is time to change your lifestyle, your habits and your body shape forever. If I can, so can you and it's a lot less difficult than you think. Let me show you 3 of the most important steps to lose back fat fast.

1. Change your nutritional habits.

To lose back fat all three of these steps are vital, but if there is one which I would cite as most important it would be this first one. Eating the right foods more often than not will result in dramatic fat-loss in a relatively short period of time. Western diets tend to be full of sugar and processed foods, these need to be cut out (or at least cut back) right away. Ditch the sodas, cakes and sweets and be wary of consuming too many 'bad' carbohydrates such as white bread, breakfast cereals and French fries. Look to avoid fried foods altogether and instead use healthier methods of cooking such as baking.

Increase your fibre intake slowly but surely, this will help avoid excess gas. Fibre is the indigestible part of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods which acts as a sponge when it combines with water during digestion. It cleanses your intestines and helps food move through the body more quickly and with greater efficiency. Add more protein to your diet, protein helps build and maintain and repair muscle tissue which is essential for quality fat burning as it helps increase the body's metabolism by burning more calories and therefore you will lose back fat faster.

2. Start on a regular exercise routine.

Beginning a program of regular exercise will help boost metabolism and increase your energy levels. You will feel healthier and burn more fat. I definitely recommend incorporating weight lifting routines into your weekly exercise workouts. Muscle burns more calories than fat and for every 1lb of lean muscle mass your body has you burn as much as 50 calories per day just to maintain it, thus creating a fat burning metabolism which helps you lose back fat quicker and easier.

Ditch the long, slow cardio workouts and replace them with highly intense interval type training. This promotes muscle retention and helps your body burn fat even after exercise. Also, don't over-do it! The is no point in working out for hours and hours each day, your body will only get tired and use muscle to fuel your workouts. An hour 3-4 days per week is fine, this gives your body a chance to recover and grow. Rest is as important as exercise if you want to lose back fat!

3. Reduce your stress levels.

This final step is so often overlooked but is nonetheless essential. To lose back fat stress levels must be reduced. Persons with elevated stress levels often produce hormones such as cortisol which can make fat-loss very difficult. If you can combine a quality diet with regular exercise and an optimal amount of sleep then you will see a huge reduction in stress levels and a massive boost in energy. Lowering stress levels will help you achieve any weight-loss goals you may have much quicker and also reduce the risk of developing serious health problems.

Eye Diseases - Ayurvedic Concept

2008-03-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Eyes being one of the most important organs in Ayurveda, all five elements play a role in maintaining eye health. Earth (prithivi) governs the muscular part of the eye, fire (tejas) rules the blood vessels, air (vayu) governs the color, water (apu) dominates the white area, and space (akasha) controls the tear ducts and channels.According to ayurvedic studies, eye problems are caused by upsetting of one of the three doshas namely an imbalance in vata, pitta or kapha doshas.

Improper Eye care can result in the following:

* Impaired vision (need of glasses)

* Cataracts

* Damaged Retinas

* Blindness

Causes

* Vata disorders in the eye tend to lead to dryness, poor vision and eyestrain.

* Pitta imbalances cause burning, inflammation, yellow pus, and redness.

*

TREATMENT

Ayurvedic eye treatment varies for each problem. Few eye strengthening and purifying treatments are use of triphala eyewash, eye bright infusion and netra vasti. Cooling herbs such as roses, sandalwood, coriander leaves, and Indian eyeliner (kajal) also improve vision. A drop of pure castor oil in the eyes is also healing for vata and pitta eye diseases. As shatavari is high in vitamin A and gooseberry in vitamin C these strengthen the eyes connective tissue integrity. As per Ayurveda it is vital to protect the eyes from chemicals, overstrain, sunlight and internal toxins. Heat too increases degeneration of the eyes connective tissue so one should avoid hot hair dryers, hot water on the face, alcohol based cosmetics around the eyes. Yogic eye exercises are indeed helpful to maintain clarity of vision. Above all a diet, rich in antioxidants such as fresh fruit and vegetables will result in strong eyes.

Prepackaged Diet Food - How To Add Variety And Enhance Taste

2008-03-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

I've been on the medifast diet plan since October. I am on the five plus one plan so I've probably consumed close to one thousand prepackaged meals. I also work at a very large office complex full of dieting women. Those of us on diets often have taste tests at lunch time. As a result, in addition to medifast, I've also tasted the offerings of jenny craig, nutrisystem, and the chef's diet to name only a few.

Prepackaged diet meals have come a long way. For the most part, I find them pretty good and acceptable. If I am in a hurry or don't feel like putting any effort towards my meals, I can get by just fine. But, if I have a little more time and inclination, I don't hesitate to take liberties with the foods. (Although I only have personal experience with the diet I am on, I am sure this method would work with all of the prepackaged diet plans.)

For example, the medifast shakes are pretty good, but they are fantastic when made in a high quality blender, served ice cold, and topped with fat free whipped cream and sugar free / fat free caramel syrup. (Fruit flavored syrups are also very good.) This trick can also be used for the puddings, fruit drinks, lattes and cappuccinos. This usually helps keep me satisfied, but if I am having a major dessert craving, I'll splurge and add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or sliced almonds to my shake or pudding. Yes, theoretically this is cheating, but this splurge is still a very high protein, low calorie treat and much more diet friendly than a real dessert.

I sometimes take these liberties with most of the foods in my diet. Here are a few more examples. I take the prepackaged medifast scrambled eggs, add veggies, fat free cheese and roll it in a fat free tortilla to make an omelet or breakfast sandwich. Sometimes I add salsa to this. Also, I add sugar free syrup, fresh fruit and applesauce to the oatmeal. I add hummus or fat free dip to the soy crackers. I top the chili with fat free cheese and fat free sour cream. Sometimes, I put the chili in a tortilla, add salsa and sour cream and call it a burrito.

My favorite way to enhance the foods is to make them something else entirely. Believe it or not, the medifast puddings and oatmeals can be used to make cookies, cakes and muffins. I also take the fruit drinks and pour them over shaved ice so that I can enjoy a snow cone.

It's entirely possible that the doctors who developed my diet plan did not intend for me to change up the foods. However, I don't think they would argue that I've lost over 50 pounds and after six months, I'm not bored and am sticking with the program with a high amount of enthusiasm. Therefore, I don't think they would mind at all. By definition, I am having a great deal of success with this program and I am sure this is the goal for all dieters.

I would encourage anyone considering or consuming prepackaged diet foods to feel free to use sugar and fat free additions to make the diet's foods appealing to you. This will also add a great deal of variety and will help keep you from getting bored.

How To Prepare For Lasik Surgery

2008-03-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

The prospect of having clear vision without spectacles or contacts can be almost irresistible. Today LASIK surgery has made this a very real possibility for millions across the world. However, if you are toying with the idea of getting this surgery done, then here are a couple of things you need to know.

Stop using contacts

You will need to be prepared to stop wearing contacts at least 1-4 weeks before the actual LASIK surgery date. Gas permeable lenses require the most time out of lenses. Extended wearing of lenses can alter the corneal shape which can impact the results of surgery.

No more makeup

Yes, you will need to stop using perfume or makeup or even cream bases the day prior to LASIK surgery. With these products debris can cause inflammation, which can lead to haze or scarring.

Other eye diseases must be evaluated

Some eye problems such as glaucoma, or diabetic eye disease can be worsened when LASIK surgery is performed. Your surgeon should perform a careful exam to look for and treat these problems.

It is probably not covered by insurance

There are VERY few insurance policies that cover LASIK surgery. Most surgeons offer financing if you prefer to make payments.

Dry eyes? It could get worse!

If you are suffering from a dry eye condition then LASIK surgery could make it worse. Ideally you will need to get the dry eye condition treated first and then go in for the surgery.

High Astigmatism or severe nearsightedness not 100% corrected

While most LASIK surgery procedures will correct astigmatism and nearsightedness, extremely high degrees of ‘refractive error’ may not be completely corrected. Other surgeries are available if LASIK will not work for you.

How Does BOTOX Injection Treatment Work?

2008-03-23T06:14:00.002-07:00

Before you decide to have a Botox injection treatment, it's best if you would know how it works first. Finding out all the necessary information you'll need to know about the treatment will help you determine if it is the right one for you.

There are so many factors that you'll need to give thought to before you can finally say that this particular treatment will suit all your needs. Facial cosmetic treatments and procedures are all over the market; you can't just buy this and that, and expect them all to work on you.

In case of Botox treatments, it's considered to be one of the safest non cosmetic procedures ever created. If you want to know more about the product, its treatment and how it will benefit you, you need to have a consultation done with the most competent doctor in town. Finding the best doctor that will do your treatments is also very important.

During the consultation, you will also be evaluated if you can qualify as a good candidate. While you're at it, fire out all your questions and have your doctor answer all of them. It's better to discuss all of your concerns to determine if you are really all for it.

A good doctor will do his job and will tell you everything you'll need to know about the procedure. One of the important things that your doctor will discuss and explain to you is "how does Botox work?"

Your doctor can explain this thing to you in two different ways. One way is medically, the second is scientifically. You can always ask him to speak English and explain this particular matter to you in the simplest way.

The injections work by blocking the nerve impulses to reach the tiny muscles on your face that causes all of your facial lines. It paralyzes the tiny facial muscles on your face and keep them from contracting. He may also discuss with you that the treatments are not only limited to the reduction and the total elimination of your facial line and other skin imperfections.

Treatments can also offer you lip augmentation. This treatment will give you fuller, sexier and more defined lips. Botox treatments can be used to a broad range of medical procedure. Cosmetic is only one of the many applications where it proves to be rewarding and very, very beneficial.

Quick Treatments - PhotoFacials

2008-03-23T06:14:00.001-07:00

At no time In Beawy History have there been a greater number of quick, "in-and-out" procedures than today. Dubbed "lunchtime" treatments. these procedures can generally be performed in under an hour and cause no disfiguring side effects - you can schedule one for your lunch break and then return straight back to work. In fact, some of these treatments are so gentle that even aestheticians offer them.

Be aware, however, that while these treatments may be straightforward, they are not for everyone. If you have sensitive skin, a medical condition, any type of allergy, are pregnant or lactating, or take prescription or over the-counter medication, your skin may not react well to a certain procedure, or it could even be harmful to you. Before undergoing any of the following, please talk to your dermatologist or aesthetician about whether the treatment is appropriate for you.

Alpha and beta peels

Alternately called "acid facials," "exfoliating treatments," and "peels," treatments using alpha hydroxy (such as glycolic) or beta hydroxy (such as salicylic) acids are offered in stronger strengths by dermatologists and in more moderate strengths by aestheticians.

Avoid beta hydroxy peels and beta hydroxy products if you're presnant, because most contain salicylic add. This is chemically related to aspirin, which has been linked to feta deformities and compucations during delivery.

Here's how they work. Your face is thoroughly cleansed and a thin layer of acid applied. After 2 to 15 minutes - depending on your skin and the acid's strength - the acid is rinsed off. The results are a softening of fine lines, lightening of skin discoloration, a brighter complexion color, and fewer pimples, thanks to the acid's pore-clearing action. Because their effects are cumulative, peels are usually performed in a series of six appointments; every week, or every other week, you return for a slightly stronger treatment.

PhotoFacials

The light-powered PhotoFacial addresses pigmentation problems, broken and enlarged capillaries, fine lines, scarring, and the flushing associated with rosacea. Developed by the Californian dermatologist Patrick Bitter, Sr., this noninvasive treatment uses intense, non-laser light. The treatment usually lasts less than 30 minutes.

Here's what to expect in a PhotoFacial. After you don a pair of protective goggles, a dermatologist or aesthetician will pass a special wand over your face - this wand emits repetitive flashes of light. When the procedure is over, you can get up, put on sunscreen and whatever makeup you want, then continue with your day. Most people experience no redness or dryness, though these are possible side effects. Because their effects are cumulative, PhotoFacials are performed in a series of three to six appointments: every 3 to 4 weeks, you return for another treatment.

Nail Enemies - Misusing Your Nails

2008-03-23T06:13:00.003-07:00

Aggressive handling

I can't think of anyone who actually wants to ruin their nails. Yet in an attempt to keep our nails looking groomed, many of us go overboard. We gouge dirt from under the plate, stab at cuticles with a sharp implement (or worse, cut cuticles away), file nails down to the quick, or pull at ugly hansnails. In short, our good intentions can actually damage our nails.

You may pine for perfect-looking nails, or perhaps you couldn't care less how your nails appear. Either way, listen up: The less you do to nails - and the gentler you do it - the prettier they will look, the healthier they will be, and the better able they will be to protect your fingers and toes.

Don't manicure or pedicure your nails more than once a week. Throw away anything with a sharp point - this includes metal nail files and metal cuticle pushers. Instead of digging at the dirt under your nails, use soap and a nail brush to keep nails clean. Do not file your nails so short that you expose the area where the nail bed and nail plate come together.

You mustn't be tempted to pull at hangnails, because if you do you risk removing long strips of healthy skin. Not only are these raw areas painful, they are unsightly and vulnerable to infection. A better way to remove hangnails is to clip them away with a pair of fingernail clippers.

Misusing your nails

Nails can do so many things: open soda cans, pry off stickers, twist in small screws, dig into an orange's peel. Of course, those of you who want strong, unbroken nails wouldn't use your nails for any of these tasks. You know that - as convenient as they are - nails should not be used as a household tool. Doing so traumatizes nail's keratin, causing small or large fissures that lead to breaking and splitting. Fortunately, you needn't spend your days wearing kid gloves. For strong nails, simply try adopting the following habits:

Dial the telephone with the end of a pen or pencil.

Instead of using your nails to pry things open or scrape things off, reach for a butter knife, bottle opener, or a small screwdriver.

Use a letter opener, not your fingernail, to open envelopes and packages.

"Start" an orange or banana by cutting into its peel with a knife.

Nails and water

Ask your favorite nail technician what nail enemy number one is, and there's a good chance she'll say "water." Before I explain why water is the bad guy, let me offer this anatomy lesson: to create a strong barrier, nail cells must fit tightly together. Without this tight fit, nails grow weak and are easily bent, torn, chipped, split, peeled, or broken.

At the same time, the keratin that forms nail cells behaves a bit like a sponge; when exposed to water, the keratin soaks up the liquid, swelling to several times its size. It is this swelling that disrupts the tight fit of nail cells. Try to keep your contact with water to a minimum - you should even consider taking shorter baths and showers!

It is estimated that 15 percent of Americans bite their fingernails. If you're among them, consider one of the "no-bite" products available from dermatologists and pharmacies. These terribletasting liquids are painted on the nails. Try to nibble and you're left with a bad taste in your mouth.

Nail Enemies - Misusing Your Nails

2008-03-23T06:13:00.002-07:00

Diet as Acne Treatment

2008-03-23T06:13:00.001-07:00

A lot of acne or severe acne may make your skin look really bad. People try to make a lot of efforts by visiting a dermatologist, applying topical creams and eating pills. However, it gets very disappointing when results are not so obvious.

Experts in the field of skin treatment firmly believe that alteration in one's diet can actually improve skin structure and treat acne. Switching over to a healthy diet can even prevent acne from occurring.

What you eat and drink can have a great affect on your acne condition. Most people do not drink adequate amount of water. This makes their body and skin dehydrated. They do not realize this. It is important to drink at least eight glasses of water on a daily basis. This is the best and easiest method of keeping your skin healthy.

Another important thing is to have a low fat diet that includes a lot of vegetables and fruits. Try to stay away from junk food, chocolate and carbonated drinks. These can result in out-break of acne or even worsen acne conditions.

Poor quality food or any kind of allergic reactions to certain food items can result in acne breakouts.

Vitamin supplements can enhance healthy eating style. You can include vitamins A, C, B6, E, and B- complex to improve your skin condition.

Here are some diet recommendation for acne affected skin or preventing the skin from acne:

a) Fruit Acne diet

This diet plan consists of an all fruit diet for about a week. Here, you need to take three meals a day that should consist of fresh fruits such as pears, apples, grapes, pineapples, peaches and grape fruit. As far as liquid is concerned, only unsweetened lemon or plain water is allowed. Nothing else should be drunk as a fluid.

b) Abstinence from tea, coffee, soft drinks, and processed foods

Here, one requires to stay away from meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, candies, soft drinks, ice-cream, developed and processed foods.

c) In proportion acne diet

Here, the patient requires to follow a one-week all fruit diet. Gradually, one can start eating fresh vegetables, raw nuts, sprouted seeds, whole grain cereals such as millet and brown rice etc. A short period of fruit diet means all-fruit diet for about three days. The skin tends to improve gradually.

Other healthy diet tips to treat acne:

- Don't eat foods that are high on the glycemic index. Some people develop facial problems when they eat a lot of potatoes. Stay away from foods that contain zinc antagonists. Including minerals such as copper, calcium and iron may interfere with zinc absorption.

- Avoid gorging on a lot of sugary items. This will result in a good amount of breakouts.

- Don't drink coffee. A lot of caffeine will increase facial breakouts.

- Eat a lot of fish, fruits and vegetables.

- Try to eat vegetables raw or lightly cooked in order to get better results.

- Focus on having a lot of water. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

- You can also design a specific diet for acne on the recommendation of your dermatologist.

Practice patience and do not expect overnight results. Don't be harsh on your pimples.

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

2008-03-23T06:12:00.001-07:00

Scars left by acne on skin appear ugly. This leaves a painful impressions on the patient, people genuinely try to get rid of these scars. They try everything from topical creams, to gels, pills and lotions to remove these scars. Everyone wants flawless skin. However, acne marks may make you feel like hiding your face inside a pillow.

Acne scars develop as soon as you pop pimple or squeeze it out. Popping or squeezing results in a permanent mark at the affected area. The deeper you have peeled the skin, the darker is the mark. Most of the times this action leaves a scar and it gets very difficult to get rid off this scar.

Don't panic if you have already developed an acne scar. There are some home remedies that will help you eliminate these scars on your face.

Here are some tricks to solve your problem:

a) Take fresh juice of lemon. Now dip a cotton ball in it. Pat your face with the cotton ball and let it dry naturally. Some people may find this a little irritating. You may dilute the lemon juice with some rose water or plain water. Let the surface dry naturally for 15-20 minutes and wash your face with water after a while. Repeat this process at least four times a week and you will see a remarkable change in your skin structure.

b) Prepare a paste with some sandalwood powder and rose-water. Now add 2-4 drops of lime juice to it. Apply this paste on your face and neck. Now, let the solution dry naturally. After that, you need to rinse your face and neck thoroughly. Do this on a regular basis to get best results.

c) Applying cucumber juice on your face with cotton wool. This should be your daily regime during summers. This will help cooling off the skin and tighten the pores. Cucumber juice is extremely helpful in making your skin glow and makes it feel fresh.

d) Another popular homemade remedy for removing acne marks into make a paste of apple and honey. First, make apple paste and then add about 4-6 drops of honey. Apply this mask on your face.

e) Wash off after 15 minutes. This paste helps tightening pores and also makes complexion lighter.

There are some technical procedures that will help you get rid of acne scars:

a) Dermabrasion

This is different from micro-dermabrasion that removes top layer of dead surface skin cells from the face. Dermabrasion is actually a coarser method that removes further layers. The dermatologist will numb your face and then remove layers. The recovery time takes about a couple of weeks. Your skin will scab. Once the scab falls, you will get fresh and glowing skin.

b) Laser resurfacing This is a method that cleans away pimples and get rid of acne scars. The use of laser is prominent in this method. CO2 laser and YAG laser are the two lasers used commonly in this procedure. This procedure removes the top layers of the skin that has been damaged. The recovery time is a couple of weeks. Your doctor may also apply a topical ointment for speeding up the recovery process.

c) Augmentation

Here, the dermatologist injects fillers usually collagen under the skin. This smoothens acne scarred area. The doctor may take fat from other places in your body and inject instead of collagen. The recovery period is fast.

Always consult a dermatologist prior to deciding on a treatment for acne.

Myths Regarding Acne

2008-03-23T06:11:00.003-07:00

Acne is a common skin problem. People try several remedies both home made and those available widely on the market for eliminating this problem. The sad part is that there are several misconception associated with this disease. If you want to understand acne better, you need to sort it out through fact and fiction. Here are some common acne myths and the parts related to it.

Myth 1: Acne results due to irregular cleansing of skin.

Fact: You should understand that acne is not caused due to unhygienic skin conditions. Acne is a disorder of hair follicle, biologically known as pilosebaceous unit. The follicle has a tendency to trap a lot of oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. The results are in impaction. In case, the follicle wall ruptures, inflammation occurs thereby, resulting in a pimple. So acne is not created due to lack of cleansing. Remember that frequent cleansing will not heal this disorder. On the contrary, washing the face too often will irritate acne.

Myth 2: A lot of topical medication will clear acne fast.

Fact: It is important to know that slathering a lot of medication is not going to heal acne any faster. Experts feel that using too many acne medications frequently and more than one at a time will harm your skin. Your skin can even suffer from peeling, redness, excessive dryness and or irritation. Try to use the exact directions given on the meditation label carefully. You need to exercise patience as it takes a lot of time to see results. Contact a doctor if you don't see any results after using over-the-counter treatments for several months.

Myth 3: Dirt trapped inside the pore results in black heads.

Fact: A blackhead is actually a collection of dead skin cells and sebum that has created a worm-like plug inside the pore. The top portion of this impaction is not covered by a layer of dead skin cells. It is actually exposed to air. The black top of a blackhead is misunderstood as dirt. Exposure to air changes the oil impaction in to a dark brown or black color. The process is much similar to a slice apple exposed to air that turns brown. Blackheads are a result of an excess of oil within the follicle.

Myth 4: It is important to scrub your face on a daily basis if you have acne.

Fact: People suffering from acne like to scrub their face frequently in the hope that scrubbing will get rid of this problem. They believe that cleansing the pores deeply will provide them a clean feeling. They try all sort of stuff from washcloths cleansers to scrubs. This never helps. It actually results in irritations that makes the skin worse and also create some degree of inflammation. The best thing to do is to treat your skin very gently. This reduces friction and irritation of the skin. You should stay away from excessive rubbing or manipulation of the skin. Don't rub your face unnecessary. Avoid leaning the face on a hand and excessive use of telephone.

Myth 5: You can't do anything about acne.

Fact: There are wide varieties of different treatment options available to teat acne these days. You can go for topical creams, oral medications and a lot more. Visit a dermatologist for verifying the treatment that's suit you the best.

Hair Loss Prevention is Easy

2008-03-23T06:11:00.002-07:00

The most common health problem suffered by most individuals these days is hair loss. This is a health problem that affects the self esteem of most people across the globe. Healthy hair plays an important role in displaying the overall personality of a person. Hair Loss can make a person lose confidence and even self esteem in some cases. It can also result in a good amount of stress and anxiety. Hair on the scalp is very important for good looks. It provides an aura to one's overall personalities. Hence, it is very important to get the right kind of treatment at the right time to save your crowning glory.

However, there is no need to panic for the receding hair line. There one several treatments and products available on the market these days to prevent hair loss.

Here are some great tips to stop hair loss. Follow them and save the aura and overall health of your crowning glory.

a) Say no to chemicals

Experts believe that exposure of hair to chemical products is one of the main reasons of hair loss. Frequent use of hair dyes, serums, hair sprays, gels, hair straightening machines and perming products result in breakage of hair. If you are serious about saving your hair, stay away from chemical based products.

b) Exercise

Working out makes you overall health glow. It also does a lot good to your hair. Working out regularly will increase the blood circulation and provide great benefits to hair.

c) Eat healthy

You need to strong from inside to get hair that shine with health. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and salads to promote hair growth. Include Soya products, sprouts, spinach, cabbage, carrots, fish, chicken, dairy products and papaya to promote hair growth prevent hair loss.

d) Vitamin Supplements

Including vitamin supplements will help a great deal in preventing hair loss. Include supplements of vitamin A, C, B and E in your diet to provide good health to your hair. Biotin is a good vitamin for promoting hair growth. Make sure that you consult a trained health care practitioners or trichologist before including vitamin supplements in your diet for supporting hair growth and preventing hair loss.

e) Pillow cases

Change your pillow cases. Switch over to satin pillow cases as these reduce friction and prevent hair loss.

f) Hair Style

Keep a note on the kind of hair style that you are using. Don't tie your hair tightly. Avoid using harsh hair accessories.

g) Dandruff Check

Dandruff can be the main cause for hair loss. Let your doctor or trichologist prescribe a special shampoo or medication to remove dandruff. Once your scalp is dandruff free, there would be no hair fall.

h) Take care of your health

Visit a doctor and get a routine check up. He may ask you to go for a blood test. Once an illness is detected, make sure that you take opt medication and wait for the results.

i) Be kind to your hair

Don't expose your hair to harmful ultra-violet rays, chemical dyes and complicated hairstyles.

Follow the tips mentioned above and you would prevent hair loss. It is equally important to consult a hair loss expert before using a product to prevent hair loss. All the tips mentioned above will be useless if you don't talk to a professional. The professional will definitely help you with your hair loss prevention plan.

Cheap Male Baldness Treatments Not Seen On Television

2008-03-23T06:11:00.001-07:00

Male baldness treatments seem to be everywhere now. You look on television and boom there's a new way to regrow hair within 2 to 6 months and there are real live people to back it up. Only problem is it costs $150.00 for a 2-month supply. What can you do to treat your hair loss without paying so much money?

The best male baldness treatments are what's found in nature. Naturally treating hair loss has been found to be the ultimate solution for many. When you use natural male baldness treatments, you do away with side effects, regrow hair faster, and you keep more money in your pockets.

Here are a few baldness treatments you can start with right this minute that will help.

-Purchase Saw Palmetto. It's not only great for a healthy prostate but it blocks a bad hormone called dihydrotestosterone or DHT. DHT is the leading culprit for male pattern baldness. Simply take 1500 mg daily of Saw Palmetto and you can keep DHT at bay.

-Purchase Biotin. Biotin does for hair what plant food does for plants, it makes it grow. Biotin is available in any local nutrition store.

-Avoid hair gel. It's true, some hair gels contain hair killing ingredients. If you must use hair gel find a hair gel containing aloe vera. Aloe vera is a natural healing agent and will not damage hair follicles and cause male baldness to take place.

Not all male baldness treatments are the latest crazes on television. By following what is outlined you will regrow your hair successfully.

What Causes Acne?

2008-03-23T06:09:00.002-07:00

When it comes to the perfect answer for 'what causes acne', experts will just give a plain answer and it goes like - 'the exact cause of acne is not known'.

Acne is actually the visible end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that occur at the level of pilosebaceous follicle or oil pore.

For most people who suffer from acne, it begins at puberty. During this stage, human body starts producing some hormones known as androgens. These help in enlargement and extra stimulation of the sebaceous glands in people prone to acne. Some women may get acne during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy due to sensitivity to these androgens. The over production of sebum by sebaceous glands tends to mixing the oil with dead skin cells and bacteria on the surface of the skin. This results in blockage of pores.

Bacteria multiplies in these blocked pores and result in inflammation that ultimately leads to the spots and pustules associated with acne. Most people apply harsh materials on their skin to get rid of acne but make it grow worse.

The acne bacteria, biologically known as propionobacterium acnes tend to grow and multiply the retained oil. The sebum acts as a source of nutrition for the bacteria. The bacteria release chemicals inside the pore. The chemicals work towards alerting and alluring white cells from the blood. This leads to inflammation. You can see inflammation on the skin in the form of pimples or zits.

Once these inflamed hair follicles and glands enlarge, the surrounding skin becomes inflamed and also results in larger lumps and cysts known as nodules.

Inflammation of skin can also result in damage of cells that create collagen. When collagen production is reduced, the skin thins and seen as depressed scars.

Here are some common causes of acne:

a) Stress

Excess stress can increase the production of acne enhancing hormones such as cortisol. This aggravates the skin of these having acne.

b) Genes

Acne is often genetic.

c) Medication and Steroids

Certain medication and steroids tend to aggravate acne.

d) Heavy or oily make up

A lot of makeup or oily makeup can clog the pores with harsh chemicals, giving an opportunity to bacterial growth and multiplication.

e) Over abrasive cleansing

Most astringent based facial products can dry out the skin resulting in over production of sebum. Using harsh exfoliation can also damage existing spots and spread infection.

f) Playing hard

Most people try to pick or squeeze blackheads, whiteheads and spots that can result in deeper infection in to the skin, causing scarring.

g) Inflammation

Inflamed skin is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling and discomfort. It occurs due to the immune system of the body that acts to get rid of a foreign element.

h) Rupturing of wall

The walls of the blocked follicle usually rupture. Oil, dead skin cells and bacteria usually found on the surface of the skin and irritate it. This results in small areas of inflammation.

i) Deeper a blockage of pores

Deeper blockage of pores results in a damage path. This way, the oil gets collected in the skin resulting in small flesh colored or white colored bumps. Whiteheads usually result in red colored inflammations known as pimples or zits.

Hair Straighteners - Getting Started

2008-03-23T06:09:00.001-07:00

If you want shiny, straight and lustrous hair, the best option is to use a Sedu hair straightener. And as they say 'there are no free lunches'. Using any hair straightener will harm the hair to some extent. But with careful and proper use, there is no need to worry.

Make sure that the hair straightening iron that you choose has ceramic plates that are gentler with your hair.

If you can get your hands on an iron that has a variable temperature setting like the Sedu hair straightener, you can set it according to your requirement and reduce the damage.

Make sure that you use the Sedu hair straightener only on absolutely dry hair. All hair straightening irons use electricity and therefore should not come in contact with water.

Brush thoroughly and uniformly before you start using the iron. This will ensure that the natural oils to spread uniformly and reduce damage.

Use an appropriate gel like a serum to protect your hair from the heat damage.

Start the ironing process as close the scalp as possible while ensuring that you do not burn your scalp. You might want to clip your hair like the way that they do in a salon to avoid getting too close.

Use the Sedu hair straightener on each part of your hair ensuring that no strand is left undone. If that happens, the unstraightened stands will stand out when the whole process is complete.

Assess your handiwork in the mirror after completing the process so that you are sure that you have covered all areas.

If your routine and requirements need you to straighten your hair every day, then make sure that you pamper them otherwise by using conditioner and intensive treatments are some ways in which you can repair the damage that may have occurred.

Above all, choose a reputed brand like the Sedu hair straightener that provides you the option of various plate widths. This will mean that you can choose the model that is just right for you. For long or highly wavy hair, choose a Sedu hair straightener that has wider plates. IF your hair is short and relatively smoother and what you really require is the finishing touches, then opt for one that has thinner plates.

Even though there may exist certain permanent methods of straightening hair make sure that you get those done by a professional since permanent processes are more complex and require skill.

Building a Six Pack Abs Workout

2008-03-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

So, you have your goal insight, your inspiration in place and all the energy to get that ripped stomach of your dreams. Now it is time to build a six pack abs workout that pretty much works your entire mid-section - the smart way.

When building your abs workout you must include not only exercises like crunches, but also, twists and leg raises that will stimulate the lower and oblique muscles of the stomach.

Okay the first step on a six pack abs routine is cardio. At least 30 minutes. Choose the activity you prefer: running, swimming, jumping, etc and get on doing some cardio. This is an important step since it will burn the fat off your body (the number one factor to let show that six pack)

Once you've done your share of cardio, it is time to first work your core abs muscles, those are the muscles that are deep in our stomach and also the most important! For this I suggest exercises like the plank and tucking in your stomach. Pilates exercises are great.

Second, work your lower stomach. Choose exercises that doesn't strain your lower back. For me the best exercise is the captain's chair, but you need some equipment (a bad thing if you are working out at home).

Third, is time to work your oblique muscles. You can use the side plank here, a variation of the plank but on the side. Side crunches are great also, but be sure to use roper technique. Use also the bicycle maneuver, this exercise is according to research the one that triggers most muscular activity in the stomach.

Finally end up forking the upper abs, doing crunches and exercises of that style. Keep in mind that technique is very important. A crunch poorly executed will bring about 50% results.

Start slowly, choose your preferred exercises, and have fun! That's what all about when making a six pack abs workout. Good luck!

Top Remedies to Save Hair Loss

2008-03-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

Hair Loss can make a person lose confidence and even self esteem in some cases. It can also result in a good amount of stress and anxiety. Hair on the scalp is very important for good looks. It provides an aura to one's overall personalities. Hence, it is very important to get the right kind of treatment at the right time to save your crowning glory.

Here are some of the natural hair loss remedies that can work wonders to your hair.

a) Massage

This is an age old remedy. Your grandmother must have been prescribing you this remedy for a long time. You can massage your scalp for a couple of minutes in a day. It will increase the flow of blood to the hair follicles. In some cases, this ritual will stimulate hair growth and also prevent hair loss. These days, you get different types of electric massagers on the market for scalp massage. You can purchase one of these to improve blood flow to hair follicles and prevent hair loss.

b) Aromatherapy

This therapy works better to prevent hair loss and also helps in improving hair growth. It is an amalgamation of six drops, each of lavender and bay essential oils blended in to a base of four ounces of either almond, sesame oil or Soybean in to the scalp. Once you apply it to the scalp, wait for twenty minutes and stimulate the scalp. It soothes your mind.

c) Rosemary and Sage

These are known to be miracle herbs for hair if used externally. You must boil rosemary, sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock in water daily and then strain the herbs from the liquid. Now, use the liquid to wash hair daily.

d) Jojoba Oil

This oil is a good remedy if your scalp suffering from eczema, seborrhea, psoriasis or dandruff. This oil is known widely for its hair growth promoting properties. It also moisturizes the hair and works as the scalp's natural serum.

e) Aloe Vera

This is also considered to be the hair's miracle herb. Used by Native Americans, Caribbean's and Indians for ages, this herb promotes healthy hair and prevent hair loss. It can also heal the scalp and balance the pH level of the scalp in addition to cleansing the pores. You can combine Aloe Vera gel, coconut milk and wheat germ oil to be used as a shampoo to enjoy the real benefit.

f) Henna

It is a traditional Indian herb. This herb acts as a natural conditioner and is great for maintaining healthy hair. It works towards healing the hair shaft by repairing and sealing the cuticle. It also protects hair against breakage and loss of shine.

g) Psyllium husk

Fiber is a vital source of cleansing. Psyllium husk is a bulking laxative agent. One can use it to remove waste through the colon. It scrubs the walls of the colon gently to remove waste that has been stucked to the walls. This detoxification method promotes hair growth.

h) Nettle root extract

Nettles are rich sources of vitamins A and C. These provide great benefits to hair.

i) Exercise

Exercise may not have direct effect on hair growth but it works wonders to improve blood circulation and eliminate wastes from the body. This in turn promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss.

Hair Straighteners - Which Are The Best?

2008-03-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

With the trend moving towards straight hair, many women yearn for the straight hair look. But if you are not lucky to have straight hair naturally, you need not fret because there are many hair straightening options that you can choose from.

Depending on how frizzy your hair is, you may want to choose one of these options.

Thermal reconditioning is a permanent method that is likely to take about 6 months to show the final results. This method uses chemical ingredients and therefore provides great results. But as with all chemical options, this is not really recommended for those who have hair that is thin, brittle or damaged. This should also never be the first option that you choose since you may not really like the look that you have and may want to go back to your natural style.

Ion Hair Restructuring is a method that was invented in Japan and is becoming popular these days. The technology used is complex and uses a method that infuses ions into the follicles of the hair. This process changes the basic structure of the molecules of the hair. This treatment takes a long time and can only be done in professional salons. However, the outcomes are long lasting and very flattering.

Blow dry is a method that can be used by almost anyone and can be done at home. It involves a simple, but time taking action of brushing your hair multiple times while drying them. This is an amateurish way of straightening hair and unlike the Sedu hair straighteners can never really straighten hair completely.

Hair irons are the most favored of the hair straightening methods and the Sedu hair straighteners have been the most popular. Made of two metallic or ceramic plates, these can be use by anyone in the comfort of the home. And these special Sedu hair straighteners are made to release a concentration of negative ions that helps faster straightening. The Sedu hair straighteners also heat up almost immediately and therefore save a lot of time and electricity in the process. The manner in which you should use a Sedu hair straightener is simple. Shampoo your hair and condition it well. Make sure to apply adequate levels of serum. Take a small portion of your hair and place it between the two plates of the Sedu hair straightener. Applying some pressure, work your way down and let the hair come out of the plates. So not stop till the ends of the hair have also gone through the plates of the Sedu hair straightener. On hair that is relatively frizzier, you may need to run the Sedu hair straightener a couple of times. Make sure that you choose the right temperature on the Sedu hair straightener to get the best results.

Hair Loss in Women and Its Causes

2008-03-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hair loss in women is a common problem. Women are usually unable to cope up with this problem because they feel that beautiful hair is an integral part of overall beauty.

There may be several causes for hair loss in women. Once we find out the real cause of hair fall in an individual, it becomes easy to provide an effective treatment and re-grow the hair from the affected area.

Here are some of the major reasons for hair loss in women:

a) Genetics

Genetics play a major role in the type of hair you have on your scalp. If you have a family history of hair fall then there are greater chances for you to suffer from the same problem. Check with your family and know about the history of hair fall.

b) Stress

Any kind of stress is bad for hair health. If you are suffering from emotional or physical stress, hair fall will follow as a consequence.

c) Hormonal imbalance

If you are suffering from androgen sensitivity, chances are that your hair will fall. Hormonal balance can be a big problem with hair growth. It can ultimately result in hair loss.

d) Cosmetics

Use of harsh chemicals and cosmetics is not good for overall health of hair. Certain chemicals may damage your scalp and eventually result in major hair fall. Excessive use of styling gels, scrums, topical creams, chemical based shampoos and dyes are not good for scalp and hair. These are the major elements of hair loss.

e) Health disorders

If you suffer from thyroid problem or are anemic, then there are chances that you suffer from major hair loss. Hence, it is important to keep a check on your overall health if you want to save your hair.

f) Drugs

If you are on medication, it would be wise to consult a trichologist. Certain drug may interact with the activities of scalp or interrupt the blood flow to the scalp. This becomes one of the main causes of hair fall.

g) Nutritional deficiencies

Deficiency of iron or vitamin A can result in major amount of hair loss. Healthy hair needs good nutrition in the form of vitamin A, C, B, E, foliate and Biotin. Make sure that you are getting adequate amount of nutritional value on a daily basis. Also consult your health care practitioner for prescription of supplements of iron and vitamin A.

h) Scalp infection

Scalp infection may cause a lot of trouble in the form of excessive itching, dandruff, patchiness, flakiness and hair fall. To promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair fall, the scalp needs to be infection free and squeaky clean. Also check your hair for traces of dandruff.

i) Surgery

Any type of surgery that you have undergone may result in hair loss. It is important to consult a professional to find the real cause of hair loss.

j) Radiation / chemotherapy

Patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy may suffer from hair loss as side effect. Consult your doctor in charge to provide you a treatment for hair fall due to radiation or chemotherapy.

k) Hair styles Trying your hair tight or using harsh hair accessories may also result in temporary hair fall.

l) Shampoo

Using a shampoo that doesn't suit your hair type or contains some harsh chemicals can result in major hair loss.

Finding out the real cause for hair loss will prevent permanent damage to your scalp.

Broccoli sprouts curb bladder cancer

2008-03-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Broccoli has always been known to fight cancer. Now, a new study has found that eating concentrated extract of freeze dried broccoli sprouts may curb the development of bladder tumours.

Dr. Yuesheng Zhang, PhD, lead researcher and professor of oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, said the study carried out in an animal model provides strong evidence that eating vegetables is beneficial in bladder cancer prevention.

The team led by Zhang tested the ability of the concentrate to prevent bladder tumours in five groups of rats.

The first was a control group, while the second group was given only the broccoli extract to test for safety. The remaining three groups were given a chemical, N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) in drinking water, which induces bladder cancer.

Out of the three two were given the broccoli extract in diet, two weeks before the carcinogenic chemical was delivered.

The findings revealed that the control group and the group given only the extract developed no tumours, and there was no toxicity from the extract in the rats.

They found that nearly 96 per cent of animals given only BBN developed an average of almost two tumours each of varying sizes.

And about 74 per cent of animals given a low dose of the extract developed cancer, and the number of tumours per rat was 1.39. The group given the high dose of extract had even fewer tumours.

Though animals that had the most protection against development of bladder cancer were given high doses of the extract, Zhang said humans at increased risk for this cancer likely do not need to eat huge amounts of broccoli sprouts in order to derive protective benefits.

The report will appear in the March 1 issue of Cancer Research , a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Exercise that exhaustion away

2008-03-04T10:24:00.001-08:00

Couch potatoes who complain they are tired all the time have an easy solution — a little light exercise.

Regular, low-intensity workouts such as a leisurely stroll can boost energy levels by 20% and decrease fatigue by 65%, a team at the University of Georgia found.

"Too often we believe that a quick workout will leave us worn out, especially when we are already feeling fatigued," Tim Puetz, who helped conduct the study, said in a statement.

"However, we have shown that regular exercise can actually go a long way in increasing feelings of energy, particularly in sedentary individuals."

Puetz and a team led by Patrick O'Connor at the university's Exercise Psychology Laboratory studied 36 people who did not exercise regularly and who said they were always fatigued.

They were divided into three groups. One did 20 minutes of moderately intense exercise on an exercise bike three times a week for six weeks, the second did similar workouts but at a much more leisurely pace and the third did no exercise.

The low- and moderate-intensity groups had a 20% increase in energy levels over the non-exercisers, the researchers reported in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

To their surprise, the researchers found the low-intensity group reported better reduction in fatigue than those who worked out harder.

"It could be that moderate-intensity exercise is too much for people who are already fatigued and that might contribute to them not getting as great an improvement as they would had they done the low-intensity exercise," O'Connor said in a statement.

"A lot of people are overworked and not sleeping enough," he said. "Exercise is a way for people to feel more energetic. There's a scientific basis for it and there are advantages to it compared to things like caffeine and energy drinks."

Many studies have shown that exercise can boost energy, especially over time. O'Connor's team published a report in 2006 showing that exercise can reduce fatigue in patients with cancer, heart disease and other medical problems. This study looked at people whose fatigue did not seem to be associated with any medical condition.

However, low-intensity workouts may be the key to fighting fatigue. After fall one doesn't want to be exhausted while fighting exhaustion.

Eat breakfast, avoid obesity

2008-03-04T10:23:00.001-08:00

Those who eat breakfast every morning are more physically active than those who skip the first meal of the day, especially during adolescence.

That's the conclusion of a study in which researchers examined the link between breakfast frequency and five-year body weight change in more than 2,200 adolescents.

The results of the study indicate that breakfast eaters consumed a healthier diet and were more robust than those who skipped the meal.

Five years later, daily breakfast eaters also tended to gain less weight and had lower body mass index levels, an indicator of obesity risk, compared with skippers.

Mark Pereira, co-author of the University of Minnesota project EAT, points out that this study extends the literature on the topic of breakfast habits and obesity risk because of its size and duration.

"The dose-response findings between breakfast frequency and obesity risk, even after taking into account physical activity and other dietary factors, suggests that eating breakfast may have important effects on overall diet and obesity risk, but experimental studies are needed to confirm these observations," he added.

Over the past two decades, rates of obesity have doubled in children and nearly tripled in adolescents.

It is estimated that between 12 and 24 percent of children and adolescents regularly skip breakfast. This percentage of skippers, while alarming, has been found to increase with age.

Dianne Neumark-Sztainer of project EAT said researchers have found further evidence to support the importance of encouraging youth to eat breakfast regularly.

"Although adolescents may think that skipping breakfast seems like a good way to save on calories, findings suggest the opposite," she said.

Frogs may help cure diabetes

2008-03-04T10:22:00.003-08:00

Is frog the answer to diabetes? "Yes", if researchers are to be believed.

A joint team of researchers from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland and United Arab Emirates University has discovered that a substance on the skin of South American "paradoxical frog" boosts the production of insulin -- the vital hormone that is deficient in diabetics.

The researchers have made an artificial copy of the peptide, a protein-building block that protects the frog from infection, which they hope to use to produce drugs to treat the sufferers of Type-II diabetes, The Times reported today.

"We are at an exciting stage with this research. We have tested a more potent synthetic version of the pseudin-2 peptide and found that it has the potential for development into a compound for the treatment of Type-II diabetes," lead researcher Yasser Abdel-Wahab was quoted as saying.

They carried out lab tests on the nocturnal frog that dwells in the ponds and lagoons of the Amazon and found that the paradoxical frog's peptide, pseudin-2, increased release of insulin in cultured cells by 50 per cent.

Type-II diabetes, which occurs in the middle age, is associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity. It develops because the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to the concentrations available.

However, according to the researchers, more work needs to be carried out before the therapy is ready to be tested on human patients.

"Now we need to take this a step further and put our work into practice to try and help people with Type-II diabetes. More research is needed, but there is a growing body of work around natural anti-diabetic drug discovery that is already yielding fascinating results," Abdel-Wahab said.

Bad grades? Faulty memory to blame

2008-03-04T10:22:00.001-08:00

Defects in working memory — the brain's temporary storage bin — may explain why one child cannot read her history book and another gets lost in algebra, new research suggests.

As many as 10% of school age children may suffer from poor working memory, British experts said in a report last week, yet the problem remains rarely identified.

"You can think of working memory as a pure measure of your child's potential," Tracey Alloway of Britain's Durham University said.

"Some psychologists consider working memory to be the new IQ because we find that working memory is the single most important predictor of learning," Alloway said.

Many children with poor working memory are considered lazy or dim. But Alloway said with early identification and memory training, many of these underachievers can improve.

Working memory allows people to hold and manipulate a few items in their minds, such as a phone number. Alloway compares working memory to a box. For adults, the basic box size is thought to be three to five items. People who have more on a mental grocery list are likely to forget something.

"Since there is this limit, it is important to put in the right thing. Irrelevant information will clutter up working memory," Nelson Cowan, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Missouri, said.

The question many researchers are struggling with is how to help people with this problem, which appears to be closely tied with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

Depression linked to male sex hormone

2008-03-04T10:21:00.002-08:00

Men with lower levels of the male sex hormone may be more prone to depression, suggests a study, which suspects that the testosterone level could affect key chemicals in the brain.

In a study of about 4,000 men aged over 70 by the University of Western Australia, it was found that those with lowest testosterone were three times more likely to be depressed than those with the most.

The research, which features in Archives of General Psychiatry , suspects that the male sex hormone may affect levels of key chemicals in the brain.

Though the researchers said further work was required to confirm their findings, the present study could be used to treat depression in older men by boosting their testosterone levels, the BBC reported.

Aromatherapy can cheer, not heal

2008-03-04T10:21:00.001-08:00

Adding that expensive scented oil to your bath may help your mood, but it won't do much for your health, an upcoming study has found.

Health and beauty companies have made millions off the soothing scents of aromatherapy products.

But like many home remedies, there is no hard science to prove that these smells do any real good.

A group of researchers at Ohio State University decided to test the supposed stress-relieving and healing properties of two of the most popular aromatherapy scents: lavender and lemon.

"We all know that the placebo effect can have a very strong impact on a person's health but beyond that, we wanted to see if these aromatic essential oils actually improved human health in some measurable way," said lead author Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, psychiatry and psychology professor at Ohio State University.

A series of experiments found there were none. And in some cases, distilled water showed even more of an effect than lavender.

"The take home message is that good smells may make you feel better, but you should not count on them to change your physiology," Kiecolt-Glaser said in an email.

To test the impact of the smells, researchers taped cotton balls laced with essential oils and distilled water to the nostrils of 56 healthy male and female volunteers while they underwent a series of tests over three half-day sessions.

To see if the smells could help manage pain responses they dunked the subject's feet in ice cold water.

Drinking may boost blood pressure

2008-03-04T10:20:00.001-08:00

Drinking alcohol, even moderate amounts, may boost blood pressure more than previously thought, British researchers said on Tuesday. People with a genetic mutation that makes it difficult to consume alcohol had significantly lower blood pressure than regular or heavy drinkers, the researchers found.

People without the mutation who had about 3 drinks per day had "strikingly" higher blood pressure than people with the genetic change who tended to drink only small amounts or nothing at all. "This study shows that alcohol intake may increase blood pressure to a much greater extent, even among moderate drinkers, than previously thought," Sarah Lewis, a researcher at the University of Bristol's Department of Social Medicine, and colleagues wrote in their report published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Medicine.

The researchers said there was more than a two-fold risk for high blood pressure among drinkers and a 70 per cent increased risk for "quite modest" drinkers compared to people with the genetic mutation. High blood pressure, which affects more than a billion adults worldwide, can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure.

Previous studies have linked heavy drinking with high blood pressure while others have suggested that moderate alcohol intake provides health benefits such as lower cholesterol. The genetic mutation is common in some Asian populations and discourages drinking because alcohol triggers facial flushing, nausea, drowsiness, headache and other unpleasant symptoms. Comparing people with the mutation and volunteers without the genetic variation helped the researchers better gauge long-term effects of drinking, they said. "Reporting of alcohol (in other studies) is likely to be subject to considerable error, and this error may be differential -- for example, people who have been advised to reduce alcohol intake for medical reasons may under-report alcohol intake," the researchers wrote.

Black tea: Way to avoid Parkinson's

2008-02-03T10:19:00.001-08:00

Prevention is better than cure, goes the popular saying. And now here is how to prevent Parkinson's disease, one of the most dreaded diseases of our time: Have black tea!

Singapore: Drinking black tea regularly could help prevent the onset of Parkinson's disease, a new study has said.

Those who consume 23 cups of the beverage a month are 71 percent less likely to contract the disease, said researchers from Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and National Neuroscience Institute.

"Hopefully, in years to come, there may be a pill developed from black tea extracts to prevent" the onset of the disease, The Straits Times quoted Koh Woon-Puay of the institute as saying.

The scientists said they believe enzymes in the drink helps to prevent the brain-wasting disease. They have ruled out the high caffeine content.

The study involved more than 63,000 Chinese men and women aged 45 to 74 who live in Singapore.

About three in 1,000 people in the city-state over 50 suffer from the disease, which affects the middle part of the brain.

Some 300 new cases are diagnosed each year. Scientists said the number is expected to increase to 500 annually by 2030 along with the rapid ageing of the population.

Home Remedies for Snoring

2008-02-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

Snoring Definition Snoring is a common act of breathing through the open mouth in such a way as to cause a vibration of the uvula and soft palate. More then one-third of adults snore at least a few nights each week. The most commonly occurs during sleep, or immediately after death.
The noisy sounds of snoring occur when there is an obstruction or blockages in the breathing passage. There are many kinds of blockages. Home Remedies for Snoring How to Cure Snoring with Natural Treatments
Home remedy for snoring: Drink half a cup of milk before you go to bed.
Eat yogurt daily to help with the snoring.
Sleep on the side.
Before bedtime eat one slice of bread with some kind of spread.
Don't drink coffee or alcohol before bedtime.
Drink Eucalyptus tea as natural remedy: Soak 2 teaspoons of eucalyptus leaves to a boiling cup of water, drain and drink to prevent snoring.
Do not smoke.
Do some sports during the day (not too close to bedtime).
Lose some weight.

Steve Bennis - Hair Growth Expert - on TAPED WITH RABBI DOUG

2008-01-26T09:02:00.001-08:00

Luftek Natural hair growth Introductory video

2008-01-26T08:58:00.001-08:00

Unusual teething tool: Are banana peels dangerous?

2008-01-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

Q: My eight-month-old nephew is enjoying eating many finger foods, including banana peels. He seemed to enjoy the texture and chewing on it with his new teeth. Is there a problem with this?

A

From a nutritional standpoint there is no benefit to chewing on a banana peel. It is mainly undigestible fiber. Not only that, any pesticides used in the growing of the banana are found on the peel. Therefore, he is perhaps getting a good dose of some unwanted chemicals. I would also fear that it could be a choking hazard. My guess is that he is chewing on the peel as a teething tool. It's toughness probably feels good on his gums. Try substituting some other food item that may do the same job, but with less danger of pesticides or choking. Stale or frozen bagels are good, as are frozen bananas (without the peel).

Remedy for Acne

2007-12-28T03:47:00.001-08:00

Before looking at acne treatments or acne cures, it would be informative to know what could be causing acne. Acne may be caused due to bad skin care, hormonal changes or wrong food habits.

You may try out ANY ONE of the following remedies depending on the availability of ingredients.

1. Grind nutmeg, mix it with unboiled milk and apply on affected area.

2. Mix 3 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to create a paste. Apply this paste to the pimples before you sleep and wash off the next morning with warm water. Do this for a period of two weeks.

3. Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.

4. Create a paste by grinding orange peel with water and apply.

5. Rubbing fresh garlic on and around the pimples are known to help too if done regularly.

6. Use fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples.

7. Another suggested remedy is to apply ripe tomatoes pulp on pimples, keep up to 1 hour and then wash.

8. Grated cucumber applied over the face for 20-30 minutes has been found effective.

Additional tips

Avoid strong tea/coffee, soft drinks and processed foods and include more fruits and fruit juices in your diet.

Remedy for Head Louse

2007-12-28T03:45:00.000-08:00

Head louse, though not a serious ailment, can cause a lot of irritation. Some common methods of head louse treatment are mentioned below. (Use ANY ONE depending on the availability of ingredients)

1. This method uses olive oil and white vinegar as ingredients. Soak the hair in olive oil at night before you sleep. The next morning wash hair as normal to remove the oil. Now use plain white vinegar to rinse the hair. Wait for a period of 5 minutes and then use warm water to wash away the vinegar. This dissolves the louse eggs. Repeat this for 4-5 days.

2. This uses mayonnaise, shampoo, and conditioner. Apply mayonnaise throughout hair and scalp, wait for about an hour. Rinse clean, comb out, and then again wash and condition the hair.

3. Use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and conditioner for a period of 4-5 days.

4. You need Vasoline, plastic cap, peanut butter and shampoo. Put the vasoline on hair apply cap, leave on overnight. On the next morning apply peanut butter to get the vasoline out. Use Shampoo and rinse the hair with warm water.

Liposuction

2007-12-28T03:38:00.000-08:00

What is Liposuction ?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty ("fat modeling"), liposculpture or suction lipectomy ("suction-assisted fat removal") is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, to the neck, backs of the arms and elsewhere. The fat is usually removed via a cannula (a hollow tube) and aspirator (a suction device).

As with any surgery, with Liposuction, there are certain risks, beyond the temporary and minor side effects. The surgeon may mention them during a consultation. Not everybody is a good candidate for liposuction. Infact, it is not a good alternative to dieting or exercising. To be a good candidate, one must be:

* Over 18

* In good general health

* Have tried a diet and exercise regime, and find that the last 10 or 15 pounds persist in certain pockets on the body.

Diabetes, any infection, or heart or circulation problems usually nullify one's eligibility for the procedure.

Facial Liposuction

Facial liposuction removes excess fatty tissue in the face. The surgeon performing the facial liposuction uses a special tube (cannula) inserted in an inconspicuous location on the face or neck. Facial liposuction procedures, like other liposuction procedures, use suction to remove fat from under the skin.

Abdominal Liposuction

During abdominal liposuction, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in the navel or just below the bikini line, and inserts a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a powerful vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.

Neck Liposuction

During the Neck Liposuction procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in the crease just under the chin or behind the ear lobes. He/she next inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a high pressure vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.

Thigh Liposuction

Precise areas are marked and general anaestasia or sedatives may be given.During the procedure, the doctor makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in or near the buttock crease or at the site of a previous scar, and inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a high pressure vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.

Liposuction Prices

Factors that determine Liposuction Cost include:
1) The size of the patient
2) Amount of time and effort required of the surgeon
3) Cost of anesthesiologist's services
4) Operating room fees
5) Preoperative laboratory fees
6) Other related expenses, such as elastic compression garments, etc.

Here are some tentative prices listed for Liposuction:

Table of Approximate Surgical Fees in the United States of America
Body Area Approx Lower End Surgical Fee ($)Approx Upper End Surgical Fee ($)
Abdomen, upper & lower 3,000 7,500
Abdomen, lower 2,000 2,000
Arms 1,500 5,000
Back, female 1,500 4,000
Breasts, female 3,000 7,500
Breasts, male 3,000 5,000
Buttocks 1,500 4,500
Chin, Cheeks, Jowls, Neck 2,000 4,500
Flanks, male 2,000 5,000
Anterior Thighs & Knees 2,000 5,000
Inner (Thighs & Knees) 2,000 5,000
Hips/Waist 1,600 5,000
Outer Thighs 1,600 5,000
(Total fee = All Surgical Fees + Non-Surgical Fee). If an anesthesiologist is required, then an additional fee must be anticipated

Remedy for Sore Throat

2007-12-28T03:37:00.000-08:00

Sore throat treatment can be done by using ANY ONE of the following remedies depending on the ingredients available to you.

1. Gargle with saltwater. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt in 1 pint of warm or room-temperature water. Gargle the solution once every hour.

2. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in half a cup of cider vinegar and mix in 1 cup warm water. Gargle every 15 minutes as necessary.

3. Sip lemon juice. Add a tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice in a cup of warm water. Sip this mixture.

4. Gargle with a solution of white vinegar, water, salt and crushed vitamin C.

Additional Tips

Drink plenty of liquids. Teas and water are best. Stay away from smoking. If the sore throats keeps recurring or lasts more than 2 weeks consult a doctor immediately.

Remedy for Tooth Ache

2007-12-28T03:34:00.000-08:00

A toothache, also known as odontalgia, is an aching pain in or around a tooth.

In most cases toothaches may be caused by problems in the tooth or jaw which include:

1. Cavities

2. Gum disease

3. The emergence of wisdom teeth

4. Cracked tooth

5. Infected dental pulp

6. Jaw disease

7. Exposed tooth root

In rare cases, a toothache may also be a symptom of diseases of the heart, such as angina or a myocardial infarction, due to referred pain. In that case the remedies given below won't help and you would need to consult a doctor. Now let's look at some of the common home remedies that you could try for the former case:

1. Chew a clove slowly with the aching teeth to release its juice and leave there for half an hour. Repeat this about 2-3 times.

2. Instead of a clove you could also use a ginger piece for the above remedy.

3. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of common salt in half a cup of boiling water. Take a mouthful of this water and move it around the aching tooth. Do this about 5 times.

4. Pour a few drops of Vanilla extract on the paining tooth.

How the Sun Harms Your Eyes - 5 Tips Your Eyes Will Appreciate

2007-12-06T22:18:00.001-08:00

The sun contains 99.8% of the solar system's mass, is 4.5 billion
years old, and reaches surface temperatures of nearly 10,000
degrees Fahrenheit-a pretty impressive resume, not to mention it
essentially sustains life here on earth.

But did you know that light from the sun can bleach the retina's
photosensitive pigments, causing temporary blindness?

Damage to your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is
cumulative and can cause pteryguim (tissue growth on the whites
of the eyes that can diminish vision) and age-related macular
degeneration (deterioration of a part of the retina).

In addition, UV rays are the biggest culprit in the formation of
cataracts. The World Health Organization estimates there are 16
million people worldwide who are blind as the result of cataracts,
and as many as 20% of the cases may be due to UV radiation
exposure.

The best way to protect your eyes from the sun is to stay out of
it! But since that isn't likely to happen, with a little
protection and common sense, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors
to your heart's content.

=================
Essential Tip #1
=================

What to look for in a pair of sunglasses:

1) Look for a label that tells you how much UV protection the
sunglasses offer. Ideally, your shades should block 99% to 100%
of UV radiation.

2) Close-fitting sunglasses help block light more effectively:
look for wraparound shades or large lenses.

3) Dark colored sunglasses don't necessarily protect you better.
It's a special coating on the lens that makes them safe, not their
darkness.

4) Gray, green, and brown lenses usually give better protection
than other colors.

5) More expensive shades may be more fashionable, but they don't
provide more protection.

Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Besides making you look
pretty slick, a good pair of shades can provide protection from
the sun's harmful effects!

HOME REMEDIES FOR STERILITY

2007-12-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

MALE STERLITY, or failure to fertilize female egg cells, may be due to several causes. In some cases the trouble is due to an emotional factor, such as a mental block. It may be caused by an absence or atrophy of the testes, or perhaps by some obstruction in the male genital organs. Infections involving the genital organs may result in the production of unhealthy or even dead sperm cells. In such cases special tests may locate the seat of the trouble, which may be treated surgically.

FEMALE STERLITY, or failure to have children may arise from several different causes. Sometimes the trouble is due to the husband.

In a woman, sterility may be due to some congenital malformation that has existed from birth, such as an absence of the tubes, ovary or uterus. Such conditions are rare. Pelvic infections, involving the vagina or cervix, are a more common cause of sterility. Inflammation of the tubes may prevent the sperm from reaching the ovum.

Other conditions such as endometriosis and adhesions involving the genital organs may also interfere with pregnancy. Endometriosis causes fibrosis throughout the pelvis and this fibrosis sometimes so covers the ovaries that an ovum cannot be released into the abdominal cavity. Endometriosis also occludes the fallopian tubes either at the fimbriated ends or else where along their extent. Lack of a normal menstrual cycle may also be a factor.

In some cases, the real cause of sterility arises from emotional factors. Many women who have waited for years for a family of their own have adopted a baby and then found themselves pregnant a few months later. Still another cause of infertility is secretion of abnormal mucus by the uterine cervix. Abnormalities of the cervix itself, such as low-grade infection or inflammation, or abnormal hormonal stimulation of the cervix can lead to a viscous mucus plug that will prevent fertilization.

It has been known that the administration of either estrogen or progesterone, if given in appropriate quantity during the first half of the monthly female cycle, can inhibit ovulation. The reason for this is that appropriate administration of either of these hormones can prevent the preovulatory surge of LH secretion by the pituitary gland, which is essential in causing ovulation.

The most common cause of female sterility is failure to ovulate. This can result from hypo secretion of gonadotropic hormones; in such cases the intensity of the hormonal stimuli is not sufficient to cause ovulation. For example, thick capsules occasionally exist on the outside of the ovaries that make ovulation difficult.

HOME REMEDIES FOR STERILITY

Make an infusion of jambul fruit leaves and take with honey and milk. This is very useful home remedy for sterility.
Take red clover to help gain fertility.
Take kelp and vitamins C, E, and B-complex to help with conception.
False unicorn is helpful for the health of reproductive organs.
Chickweed, damiana, ginseng, juniper, plantain, safflower, and saw palmetto also helps to normalize hormone levels and boost sexual craving.
Roots of the banyan tree are also very effective in the treatment of female sterility where there are no organic defect or congenital deformities. These roots should be dried in the shade and finely powdered. About twenty grams of this powder should be mixed with milk, which should be five times the weight of this powder, and taken at night for three consecutive nights after the monthly periods are over.
The herb winter cherry is another important remedy found helpful in sterility. The herb should be powdered and six grams of this powder should be taken with one cup of milk for five to six nights after menstruation.
Fasting is the best remedy for the treatment of disorders resulting from toxins in the system. A short fast of two or three day should be undertaken at regular intervals by women who are unable to bear children.
Diet is an important factor in the treatment of infertility. It should contain seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. These foods should be supplemented with milk, vegetable oils, and honey. Curd and cottage cheese are also recommended.
Excessive fat, spicy foods, strong tea, coffee, white sugar, white flour, refined cereals, flesh foods, greasy or fried foods should all be avoided.
In case of spermatorrhoea tender, seedless pods of Acacia should be dried in the shade and powdered before being mixed with an equal weight of raw sugar. Six grams of it should be taken with milk in the morning.
Make the powder of about Fifty grams each of kernels of the seeds of Bastard Teak ( Dhak ) and Siris tree and mix with 50 grams of raw Sugar. It should be taken in six grams doses every morning for three weeks to gain the sterility.
Make a powder of fifty grams each to dry Amla and Mango Ginger (Amba Haldi) and mix with an equal weight of raw Sugar. Take six grams with milk daily in the morning. This is also very useful home remedy for sterility.
Take marrow from the hump of a camel, spread on a piece of linen, and rubs sexual parts with, after having been purified subsequently to her courses.
Take small amount of sesame grain and mix its juice with a bean's weight of sandarach powder; drink this mixture during three days after periods; she is then fit to receive her husband's embraces.
A mixture is made of nitre, gall from a sheep or a cow, a small quantity of the plant named el meusk, and of the grains of that plant. The woman saturates a plug of soft wool with this mixture, and rubs her vulva with it after menstruation; she then receives the caresses of her husband.
Seeds of Lajwanti and sugar taken in equal quantities should be mixed and a six gram dose taken every morning with milk.
A glass of cold water on an empty stomach in the morning is highly recommended.
Ten grams of dry coriander ground in water and sweetened with sugar should be taken in the morning.
A sufferer from nocturnal pollutions must take exercise in the evening (before dinner) so that he is too tired to dream and has a sound sleep.

Garlic is one of the most remarkable home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of sexual impotence. Two to three cloves of raw garlic should be chewed daily
Onion increases libido and strengthens the reproductory organs. The white variety of onion is, however, more useful for this purpose
Carrots are considered valuable in impotence. For better results, about 150 gm of carrots, chopped finely, should be taken with a half-boiled egg, dipped in a tablespoon of honey, once daily for a month or two. This recipe increases sexual stamina
Lady's fingers are another tonic for improving sexual vigor. Take five to ten grams of the root powder of this vegetable with a glass of milk and two teaspoons of ground mishri daily.
Boil fifteen grams dried roots of asparagus in one cup of milk. Take it twice daily The regular use of this remedy is valuable in impotency and premature ejaculation
A soup made with about fifteen grams of drumstick flowers boiled in 250 ml milk is very useful as a sexual tonic in the treatment of sexual debility. It is also useful in functional sterility in both males and females.
About 120 gm of the powder of the dry bark of drumstick should be boiled in half a litre of water for about half an hour. Thirty grams of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, should be taken three times daily for a month
Half a teaspoon of ginger juice should be taken with a half-boiled egg and honey, once daily at night, for a month. It is said to relieve impotency, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhoea
Dried dates are a highly strengthening food. About 100 gm should be taken daily as an effective medicine for increasing sexual power
Black raisins are useful for restoration of sexual impotency. They should be boiled with milk after being washed thoroughly in water. This will make them swollen and sweet. Eating of these raisins should be followed by the intake of milk. Starting with 30 gm of raisins, followed by 200 ml of milk three times daily, the quantity of raisins should be gradually increased to 50 gm each time

Guava peel can raise blood sugar

2007-12-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

This winter, enjoy your guava without its skin, specially those suffering from diabetes.

Guava, considered a super fruit till now for its richness in Vitamin A, B and C, has been found to be bad for blood sugar if consumed along with its skin. Scientists from Allahabad, home to India's sweetest guavas, have found that blood sugar levels in rats injected with guava peel extract rose by 91% in sub-diabetic rats within two hours of administration and by 27% in normal rats after eight hours of administration.

The team of P K Rai, S K Singh, A N Kesari and Geeta Watal from the Medicinal Research Laboratory of the University of Allahabad reported this finding in the 'Indian Journal of Medical Research'.

Anoop Misra, director of the department of diabetes and metabolic diseases of Fortis Hospitals, told TOI, "This is a very interesting finding. Till now, we usually recommended fruits like guava, apple, pear and papaya to diabetics because we believed it had a neutral effect on blood sugar and, in some cases, lowered blood sugar levels."

He added, "However, this study confirms that the skin of the guava, high on simple sugars like glucose, increases blood sugar level immediately. So, the best way to consume a guava for diabetics is to peel off its skin."

The study says: "Though the guava is known to contain free sugars, the fruit extract showed hypoglycaemic effect in mice. The present study was aimed to determine the glycaemic potential of guava fruit peel extract on blood-glucose level (BGL) of normal and sub-diabetic rats during fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glucose tolerance test (GTT).

Blood glucose was measured after collecting the blood from tail veins. The rats showed hyperglycaemic effect from a single oral administration of variable doses of guava fruit peel extract."

Guavas are also an excellent source of iron, calcium and phosphorus. They also contain the highest Vitamin C content, beating out all citrus fruits, with as much as 180mg per 100g of fruit.

A guava leaf decoction is taken to relieve colds and bronchitis. The roots, bark, leaves and immature fruits, because of their astringency, are commonly used to halt gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, dysentery and vomiting in cholera patients.

For the study, semi-ripe guavas were collected from Allahabad and peeled by Satya Narayan, taxonomist, department of botany. The peel of the fruit was crushed and continuously extracted for 48 hours. The extract was filtered and injected into rats.

Invite Happiness Into Your Daily Life

2007-12-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

Just for today, I will let go of anger,
Just for today, I will let go of worry,
Just for today I will live an attitude of gratitude,
Just for today, I will do my work honestly,
Just for today, I will love and be kind to all living beings.

These words are inscribed in the Japanese language as an epitaph on the memorial site of Mikao Usui, founder of Reiki, at Saihoji temple in Toyotama district. They form a set of five precepts of Reiki, the art of tapping into universal life force energy for healing. Usui had adopted them from the 'Imperial Rescript on Education' of the 19th century Japanese Meiji Emperor.

The story goes that Usui worked in a leprosy home in Kyoto and healed a large number of patients through his new-found method. After some of them had been healed, they were asked to live in the cities to make a living. But Usui got the shock of his life when he noticed that they had returned to the leprosy home after a few days of stay in the cities. The healed preferred not to work for their living.

This incident prompted Usui to lay down the five precepts that he called "as the secret of inviting happiness through many blessings, the spiritual medicine for all illness". He exhorted his disciples to meditate on these principles and adopt them in their day-to-day life. The individual life principles opened up doorways - the key to spiritual healing - and have far reaching implications in transforming our lives.

Anger is directly connected to weak points in our ego and is triggered when our ego is hurt. We also tend to become angry when people or situations fall short of our expectations. Our anger hurts us much more than the other party. The emotion releases toxins in our system. It destroys our inner harmony thereby blocking us from loving unconditionally and in turn separating us from the universal consciousness.

The second doorway opens up by relinquishing worry and anxiety. Worrying separates us from universal wholeness. The adage 'Chinta chita samaan hai' signifies that 'to worry is to be laid on the pyre'; Worrying has never helped in solving problems. It also produces a rush of harmful toxins in our system, and blocks our emotions.

The third principle of living, gratitude, opens the third doorway. It implies that we count not only our pre-sent blessings but also what we trust will be provided. Such an attitude keeps all the material, emotional and spiritual doors open to us.

The fourth principle implores us to live honestly. When we are honest with ourselves it creates harmony in our lives and aligns us to our higher self. Honest living leads to the practice of truthfulness, which, according to Patanjali, empowers our words to such an extent that they become capable of fructification at will.

The affix of the word 'today' in each precept points to the importance of the present moment, which is the key to all spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Our journey using the five intertwined spiritual doorways connects us to the Supreme Healer and sources the being to come into complete harmony. This results in spiritual healing and release from karmic bondage of illness and sufferings. Irrespective of whether you are a Reiki channel or not, pursuing them is bound to fill your life with joy and blessings.

Pomegranate juice as good as Viagra

2007-12-01T11:29:00.001-08:00

Men who want to boost their performance in the bedroom should drink pomegranate juice, says a new research. According to the University of California scientists, a daily glass can act like Viagra.

Lead author Dr Christopher Forest says that the juice is rich in antioxidants, which increases blood supply to the genitals. For the study, the team tested 53 men with libido problems. They found that nearly half the men who drank it for a month said they found it easier to perform.

"Pomegranate juice has great potential," the ‘Mirror’ quoted Forest, as saying.

Pomegranates have already been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing prostate cancer.

Researchers had previously asserted that a daily 0.236 litre glass of the fruit’s juice not only increases the stability period of prostate cancer four-fold, but that the effect is so marked that they believe it can also make it possible for men between the ages of 60 to 75 to live out a full life span without the need for medical treatment, rather than dying from the cancer.

That study was conducted by researchers from the University of California who looked at 50 prostate cancer patients who had surgery or radiotherapy, who had experienced a post-treatment increase of PSA (prostate specific antigen), indicating that cancer was still present in their bodies.

During the study, the researchers measured the men’s PSA levels to calculate how long they took to double. They found that men suffering from prostate cancer with short doubling times are more likely to die from their illness, and that the average doubling time is 15 months.

They noted that consuming a glass of pomegranate juice everyday extended the doubling period to 54 months, and that there was also evidence that the juice was actually killing off prostate cancer cells.

Dr Allan Pantuck, who led the study, said that the improvements had been surprising, and that though it was not a cure, scientists may now be able to stump prostate cancer growth.

How to reverse hair loss : reviews on luftek natural hair clinic and tom's SE.

2007-11-28T02:29:00.000-08:00

These are what users have to say about Luftek hair growth technique and tom's SE:

Mary :
Here is a technique I learned from Lou at Luftek.com. Keep your teeth seperated and your tongue loose the best you can 24/7. Just take a deep breath,seperate your teeth,and blow through your cheeks. Your forehead and scalp should feel "lite and clear". If your not sure, then do this. Clinch your teeth together and raise your eyebrows. Take note of the feeling in your scalp and forehead(tight, heavy). Now seperate your teeth and blow through your cheeks. Feel the difference? Lou at Luftek.com believes that a tight scalp is the main cause of hairloss(As do I). So his approach is all about keeping the scalp relaxed the best you can 24/7(What he calls creating a "positive scalp pressure"). Now the skin on top of your head is connected to the skin on the botton of your feet(It's all one thing). So if your lower body is tight or stiff, that is going to affect the scalp as well.(Yoga is great for keeping the lower body loose). Negative emotions(anger, stress) are also going to cause tightness(If you worry about the future, will it change?)So do the best you can to stay calm(Meditating daily will help here) and keep a smile on your face 24/7(which I know is not that easy in "todays world" but this will also put a slight upward lift to the scalp). I've used this approach for the past couple of years. And whether you believe me or not,my hairloss has completly stopped( As of now)which started in my early 20's. I'm now 44. I also have more hair than I did a couple of years ago(Gone from about a norwood 4 to a norwood 3v). I also started doing the SE(Which does help to loosen the scalp) about eight months ago which I do all through out the day(Instead of just morning or night I'll do 5-10 2 minute sessions). The SE have helped even more. I know this because since I started doing the SE,I have to cut my hair more often which has gotten a little darker. There is also some new growth along my hairline(short 1/2 inch terminal hair). The lines in my forehead are also much softer. I know this sounds like a lot to do in a day. So what I do is take advantage of normal everyday stuff. Like doing the SE while I type this. Or while I'm in the shower. Or using the bathroom. Or cooking dinner, ect. However I will always make time for what I think is important like Yoga and Meditating. But in the mean time, I do the best I can to stay as calm and relaxed(With a good diet) as I can be 24/7(Which is not always easy). If there is a will, there is a way!

Jennifer:

Thank you for kind, POSITIVE words! Toms SE and Lou's technique(in my opinion) work together very well(we are talking pancakes and syrup). I have read some negative remarks in this forum about Lou. I think that's because people just don't quit understand what he is trying to teach(his video could have been done better). To find two men who share a common goal(reversing hairloss, and loosen up a tight scalp) yet use the exact opposite approach(relaxing/excercising), is interesting to me. So for you,here is the essence of Lou's approach..

You are simply going to create two "Feelings" and do the best you can to keep them 24/7.
The first "Feeling" I'll describe as a "Calm,Peaceful,Joy". This is how you want to feel on the "Inside"(For me, I don't want to feel any other way). Meditation is a key for this. The second "Feeling" you want to create(which will be very hard to do without having the first feeling) is in the scalp which I'll describe as "Lite and Clear". Keeping your teeth seperated is a key here. Now the reason for doing this is to help keep the scalp relaxed. Lou call's this "Positive Scalp Pressure" which is recognized by the "Feeling" of "Lite and Clear". So from time to time throughout the day, Just check the "Feeling" in your scalp. If it feels "Tight,Heavy,or tingles". Then stop what you are doing(when you can), take a couple of minutes, and get it back to "Lite and Clear". The best way for me to do this is using Toms SE.
And when I'm done, I'll always take a deep breath and blow through my cheeks making sure my teeth are seperated. I Meditate as much as needed(sometime 2 minutes is all that's needed). Lou also Teaches the following: Wash and rinse your hair in cool water(A tight scalp generates heat). At least once a day, place your hands on the sides of your head and push the scalp upward The longer you hold the better. If you smoke,quit. Give your scalp or better yet your whole body a daily dose of what Ancient man called "Universal Life Energy" which is also called Prana, KI, Chi.(This is for the open minded only). If I were to wake up tomorrow with a full head of hair, I would not stop doing this or Tom's SE just because of the way it make me feel(not to mention how much better my forehead looks).

Anonymous:

I would like to say thank you for your website and this forum. I have learned a lot here. I wish
there was this much information on hairloss 20 years ago. You provide a powerful example of the benefits of taking care of yourself(one reaps what one sows) and are very giving to offer this up at no charge. Your SE have worked for me(Thanks for a better looking forehead)I also use Lou's technique at www.luftek.com. They work well together. This is just my opinion...But I believe that if some one is willing to do the SE for 20 minutes a day, they MIGHT get more out of them if they do it 7 min. morning, 7 min. noon, 7min. night. Instead of 10 min. morning, 10 min. night. I see a lot of posts that say they got no benefit after doing the SE for many months. Which makes me wonder if the're doing the SE only twice a day, how are you "carrying yourself" in between? And I agree with you...Some folks who smile a lot might be up to no good! All Lou is saying by keeping a smile on your face 24/7 is to keep a positive feeling in your inner being the best you can throughout the day. For me, I don't want to feel any other way.

From: gl
Product: Hair Loss
Remote Name: 210.50.56.80
Date: 07 Oct 2002
Time: 12:39:31
Comments

Yes, it works. My hair is growing back all over after 3 weeks. Hair loss is caused from tension that builds in the scalp due to different emotional states. In the same way that different emotions cause involuntary contraction of muscles in the face(e.g smiling). Actually tension in the scalp is normal but when is becomes excessive or prolonged it affects the hair roots and leads to hair loss. Simply by avoiding activities that cause this prolonged excessive tension the scalp will loosen up very quickly(few days) and the hair will begin to grow back after a few weeks. Generally the hair stops falling out after about 4 weeks. Growth seems to occur first.

Curing hair loss is really, really easy. And for the life of me I can't work out why the medical industry has not worked it out. Probably because there is no money in this type of cure. It can't be packaged and sold.

The activties that cause prolonged emotional states and therefore hair loss are things like watching t.v for 30minutes or more without a break or playing computer games for long periods.

Look for things that you do everyday and for periods longer than 30minutes say, without breaks. Then simply break up these activties. For example when watching t.v don't just sit there for hours like most people do, like I use to do. Get up during the adds and come back. The change in mental focus stops the tension becoming excessive. Actually what works just as well is lying down flat when watching t.v the tension doesn't build up at all and you can watch all you like.

You can follow your progress by feeling the scalp with your fingers. When the tension is excessive the scalp doens't move much it is kind of rigid. But if you check when you wake up out of deep sleep for example the scalp skin moves a lot more.This movement means the scalp is in its healthy state. There is a difference. Also check for sensations in the scalp. Like an itchness or slight burning. This is indication of excessive tension. And check for hair growth, say along the forehead where it's bald. After two weeks providing you have been avoiding excessive tension on a daily basis you will see new but very fine hair growing through, in patches at first. Gradually it will spread and gradually the hair will thickin and grow longer. Growing hair from scratch is a slow process but the cure is very quick, simply loosen up the scalp.

This is the first time I have talked about this. I will post more over the internet later on with more details etc over many sites, as much as I can. So it probably doesn't sound very clear but I thought I would just respond quickly because it works and is simple and free. I will never make any money out of this but to me that's F***ing great. I'm sick of bullshit companies making money off peoples insecurties. A number of year ago I would have payed anything to get my hair back. Now it is growing back 100% and it's entirely free and if I can help others do the same than that's way good enough for me.

A note on Luftek system. He is dead right with what causes hair loss (unnatural tension in the scalp) but I feel he missed the mark to some degree with the cure. Simply avoiding prolonged activities like watching t.v for hours or playing computer games or reading novels is suffiecent this will cure hair loss for sure. You don't have to avoid stress or emotions which would be very diffuclt for most people, especially this day and age but just avoid prolonged activites. The main thing is to investigate the things you do everyday and see what causes excessive tension and what doesn't. Some things don't and keep a check on the scalps conditions.

Hope this helps

Anonymous:
Ive been searching for scalp relaxation technique on the net and ive come upon the luftek hair system, the guy "lou" charges $299 for it, i have no luck bringing the price down since i dont have a job right now and cant afford it. Obviously Lou is not interested so he doesnt response to my plead, only replies when i criticize his business.

I found a guy in HLH who tried his system before but refunded after finding its not working. I sent the guy an email asking about the system and heres what he replied

-----------------------------------------------
The program is basically a meditation video and his method
is supposed to make the scalp more loose and flexible. This
is "supposedly" accomplished by some exercises like wiggling
your ears and moving your eyebrows. (it's been a while so I
don't remember much more) There are also some deep
breathing and chanting exercises that go along w/ the
stretching. I tried it for several months but didn't see
any change. I sent it back and got my refund, but I think
it's not the full purchase price that is refunded, so
basically the guy makes money if you keep it or not. Of
course, he makes more if you keep it
-------------------------------------------------

Does this mean SE and Luftek are just the same thing?

Basically its comes with an instruction booklet, a video and a biofeedback sensor same as what Tom recommends

Obviously someone is copying someones homework :P

Guest

What is Psoriasis?

2007-11-24T05:06:00.000-08:00

Psoriasis is a chronic scaling disease of the skin. It may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement. It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another.
There is no blood test for psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic.
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.
How serious is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis does not affect he overall general health. If it is widespread it can certainly cause a great deal of skin discomfort and emotional embarrassment, and can affect job and leisure time activities...
How serious is Psoriasis?
Fortunately most people who have psoriasis only have a small amount and while it certainly can be a nuisance, it does not alter the lifestyle.
In about 10 percent of people with psoriasis there can develop a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It will take proper medical examination to confirm this diagnosis. Although not always, psoriatic arthritis is more often seen in people with widespread psoriasis than those who have a small amount. The psoriatic arthritis can affect people of all ages.
Is there a Cure for Psoriasis?
There is no present cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of drugs and treatments that can relieve and control psoriasis, often for long periods of time. Psoriasis on its own can come and go often with long periods of remission. In most cases, however, psoriasis is persistent. It can come and go without any obvious reason. Psoriasis does not necessarily become worse with age. Psoriasis can occur at any age from infancy to the elderly. Psoriasis will often remain in small localized areas and never spread.
Here you will find useful advise in order to cope with your Psoriasis in a responsible manner, changing your attitude and the way you fight the disease will help you in your every day life
1. Do keep a positive attitude towards your condition. It will clear up, you just have to find the treatment that's best for you. Remember your Psoriasis is uniquely your own and what works for some might not work for others. If you work with your Doctor it may take time but together you will find a treatment out there that is good for you alone.
2. Do remember that there are many remedies advertised in newspapers, pamphlets, word of mouth and door to door, but unless they can give you absolute proof that this is a "cure" don't touch it as it can make your psoriasis worse. Always consult your dermatologist before starting a cure let him monitor it for you. Sometimes those cures work for some people but sometime they do not.
3. Do avoid stress as much as possible, both mental and physical.
4. Do find out all you can about your condition from a. your physician, b. Your dermatologist, c. the library, d. a Psoriasis Foundation.
5. Do remember that Psoriasis is not a disease. You cannot catch it nor can you
give it. It is a hereditary genetic skin condition.
6. Do learn how to properly apply your external medications.
8. Do not let your skin become scratched or injured in any way even a mosquito bite can cause a flare up. When you have an itch you tend to scratch. DONT!
9. Do not expose your skin to harsh chemicals, wear rubber gloves. Harsh chemicals include dish detergents. Always wear cotton gloves under the rubber glove and only leave them on for twenty minutes at a time.
10. Do not forget Psoriasis is a genetically transmitted illness. In other words, if your grandmother had it, then for sure someone else in your family either has it or will have it. It will benefit you in the long run to find out as much information as possible about your condition.
11. Do not wash your clothes in heavy detergents, such as TIDE, unless your use very little. read the instructions on soap containers carefully, and use less soap than called for.
These do's and don’ts won't cure your Psoriasis, but will help you to cope with it. They do help and can be of assistance to you in your fight with this skin condition...
Unfortunately diet will not cure your Psoriasis but, however, the healthier the diet the better; especially a diet that includes regular exercise will be a good complement for psoriasis treatments.
GOOD DIET:
General: Rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, laurel, ginger, basil, red peppers, cardamon,saffron, capers, onions, garlic, parsley, chives, tomato pulp, fruit vinegars, homemade mayonnaise.
Alcoholic Beverages: Cider, fruit wine, beer, whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, fruit brandies
Nut, oils, shortenings: Almonds, coconut, pistachios, cashews, sunflower oil, olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, butter, sunflower margarine.
Foods: Fruits than contain grapes and grape juices, fresh vegetables, fish pastes, fish, bread, yogurt, butter and almond cakes, coconut based products. almond nougat.
Citrus fruits: Fruit pulps, fresh juices
BAD DIET:
Spices and condiments: Pepper, cloves, cumin, anise, cinnamon,paprika, mustard, pimento, nutmeg, commercial mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco sauce, bouillon cubes and gravies, wine, vinegar, herb vinegar, candied orange, lemon peel, curry, commercial condiments, pastry aromas.
Alcoholic Beverages: All red and white wines, sparkling wines, champagnes, brandy, cognac, sherry,cinzano, vermouth, port, samos, all egg and nut based liqueurs, grand marnier,Cointreau.
Nuts: Hazelnuts, walnuts, walnut pastry aroma, peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter.
Food: Prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, most cold cuts and pates. spice cakes, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries, chocolate-based products.
Citrus Fruits: Fruit peels, orange marmalade,prepared juices, grapefruit, limes, lemon, lemonade, bitter lemons
How is Psoriasis Treated?
Treatment is determined by the location, severity and history of psoriasis in each individual. There is no one way of treatment, for each person with psoriasis may respond differently.
One main objective of treatment is to slow down the more rapid than usual growth rate of the skin cells. The rapid growth rate of skin cells causes the red, scaly psoriasis patches. The underlying cause of this increased skin growth is not yet known.
For patients with minimal psoriasis, therapy is limited to topical medications that are drugs applied to the skin. For patients with moderate to widespread psoriasis, topical treatments are often combined with ultraviolet light therapy. Either sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light therapy can be used.
If topical and ultraviolet light therapy are not effective, or are not practical, systemic or oral medications can be used. These may be combined with ultraviolet light therapy, the so-called photo chemotherapy or PUVA therapy. In severe cases and unresponsive cases of psoriasis, there are oral medications that slow down the growth rate of skin which are helpful. These drugs can have significant side effects and have to be used with the proper safeguard and caution. Even these strong drugs do not cure psoriasis but only help to control the disease.
Topical Treatment
Treatments applied directly to the skin are sometimes effective in clearing psoriasis. Doctors find that some patients respond well to sunlight, corticosteroid ointments, medicines derived from vitamin D3, vitamin A (retinoid), coal tar, or anthralin. Other topical measures, such as bath solutions and moisturizers, may be soothing but are seldom strong enough to clear lesions over the long term and may need to be combined with more potent remedies.

* Sunlight - Daily, regular, short doses of sunlight that do not produce a sunburn clear psoriasis in many people.

· Corticosteroids - Available in different strengths, corticosteroids (cortisone) are usually applied twice a day. Short-term treatment is often effective in improving but not completely clearing psoriasis. If less than 10 percent of the skin is involved, some doctors will begin treatment with a high-potency corticosteroid ointment (for example, Diprolene®,* Tem ovate®, Ultravate®, or Psorcon®).
· Skin Cap products - Are considered by some people the most successful treatment for Psoriasis, the wide spectrum of positive effects of Skin Cap products is based on the specific properties of a new formulation
of Zinc Pyrithione

* Calcipotriene - This drug is a synthetic form of vitamin D3. (It is not the same as vitamin D supplements.) Applying calcipotriene ointment (for example, Dovonex®) twice a day controls excessive production of skin cells. Because calcipotriene can irritate the skin, however, it is not recommended for the face or genitals. After 4 months of treatment, about 60 percent of patients have a good to excellent response. The safety of using the drug for cases affecting more than 20 percent of the skin is unknown.
* Coal tar - Coal tar may be applied directly to the skin, used in a bath solution, or used on the scalp as a shampoo. It is available in different strengths, but the most potent form may be irritating. It is sometimes combined with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. Compared with steroids, coal tar has fewer side effects, but it is messy and less effective and thus is not popular with many patients. Other drawbacks include its failure to provide long-term help for most patients, its strong odor, and its tendency to stain skin or clothing.
* Anthralin - Doctors sometimes use a 15- to 30-minute application of anthralin ointment, cream, or paste to treat chronic psoriasis lesions. However, this treatment often fails to adequately clear lesions, it may irritate the skin, and it stains skin and clothing brown or purple.
* Topical retinoid - The retinoid tazarotene (Tazorac) is a fast-drying, clear gel that is applied to the surface of the skin. Although this preparation does not act as quickly as topical corticosteroids, it has fewer side effects. Because it is irritating to normal skin, it should be used with caution in skin folds. Women of childbearing age should use birth control when using tazarotene.
* Salicylic acid - Salicylic acid is used to remove scales, and is most effective when combined with topical steroids, anthralin, or coal tar.
* Bath solutions - People with psoriasis may find that bathing in water with an oil added, then applying a moisturizer, can soothe their skin. Scales can be removed and itching reduced by soaking for 15 minutes in water containing a tar solution, oiled oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts.
* Moisturizers - When applied regularly over a long period, moisturizers have a cosmetic and soothing effect. Preparations that are thick and greasy usually work best because they hold water in the skin, reducing the scales and the itching.

Phototherapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun causes the activated T cells in the skin to die, a process called apoptosis. Apoptosis reduces inflammation and slows the overproduction of skin cells that causes scaling. Daily, short, no burning exposure to sunlight clears or improves psoriasis in many people. A more controlled form of artificial light treatment may be used in mild psoriasis (UVB phototherapy) or in more severe or extensive psoriasis (psoralen and ultraviolet A [PUVA] therapy).
UVB phototherapy - Some artificial sources of UVB light are similar to sunlight. Newer sources, called narrow-band UVB, emit the part of the ultraviolet spectrum band that is most helpful for psoriasis. Some physicians will start with UVB treatments instead of topical agents. UVB phototherapy is also used to treat widespread psoriasis and lesions that resist topical treatment. This type of phototherapy is normally administered in a doctor’s office by using a light panel or light box, although some patients can use UVB light boxes at home with a doctor’s guidance. Generally at least three treatments a week for 2 or 3 months are needed. UVB phototherapy may be combined with other treatments as well. One combined therapy program, referred to as the Ingram regime, involves a coal tar bath, UVB phototherapy, and application of an anthralin-salicylic acid paste, which is left on the skin for 6 to 24 hours.
PUVA - This treatment combines oral or topical administration of a medicine called psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Psoralen makes the body more sensitive to this light. PUVA is normally used when more than 10 percent of the skin is affected or when rapid clearing is required because the disease interferes with a person’s occupation (for example, when a model’s face or a carpenter’s hands are involved). Compared with UVB treatment, PUVA treatment taken two to three times a week clears psoriasis more consistently and in fewer treatments. However, it is associated with more short-term side effects, including nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell and melanoma skin cancers. PUVA can be combined with some oral medications (retinoids and hydroxyurea) to increase its effectiveness. Simultaneous use of drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, have little beneficial effect and increase the risk of cancer. Patients who must travel long distances for PUVA treatments may, with a physician’s supervision, be taught to administer this treatment at home.
Systemic Treatment
For more severe forms of psoriasis, doctors sometimes prescribe medicines that
are taken internally.

* Methotrexate - This treatment, which can be taken by pill or injection, slows cell production by suppressing the immune system. Patients taking methotrexate must be closely monitored because it can cause liver damage and/or decrease the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, and clot-enhancing platelets. As a precaution, doctors do not prescribe the drug for people with long-term liver disease or anemia. Methotrexate should not be used by pregnant women, by women who are planning to get pregnant, or by their male partners.
*
* Cyclosporine - Taken orally, cyclosporine (Neoral®) acts by suppressing the immune system in a way that slows the rapid turnover of skin cells. It may provide quick relief of symptoms, but it is usually effective only during the course of treatment. The best candidates for this therapy are those with severe psoriasis who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other systemic therapies. Cyclosporine may impair kidney function or cause high blood pressure (hypertension), so patients must be carefully monitored by a doctor. Also, cyclosporine is not recommended for patients who have a weak immune system, those who have had substantial exposure to UVB or PUVA in the past, or those who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
*
* Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) - Compared with methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea is less toxic but also less effective. It is sometimes combined with PUVA or UVB. Possible side effects include anemia and a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Like methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea must be avoided by pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant.
*
* Retinoids - A retinoid, such as acitretin (Soriatane®), is a compound with vitamin A-like properties that may be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to other therapies. Because this treatment also may cause birth defects, women must protect themselves from pregnancy beginning 1 month before through 3 years after treatment. Most patients experience a recurrence of psoriasis after acitretin is discontinued.

* Antibiotics - Although not indicated in routine treatment, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as Streptococcus, triggers the outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.

Worried about acne? Cut down milk

2007-11-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

Teenagers with acne - a common skin disease that causes pimples - may get a clear skin if they cut down their milk intake, a new study says.

Many a spotty teenager has been told to lay off chips and chocolate if they want clear skin but a research carried out at Harvard School of Public Health showed that teenagers who drink a pint or more of milk a day are almost 50 percent more likely to develop spots and pimples than those who rarely or never drink milk.

The researchers looked at the teenage diet of more than 47,000 women and then compared dairy product intake with cases of acne. Analysis of the results revealed a clear link between milk and skin problems, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.

Worst off were those who regularly drank skimmed milk, with two half-pint glasses a day raising the risk of the condition by 44 percent. Those who drank a pint of whole milk a day were 12 percent more likely to develop acne, while semi-skimmed milk increased the risk by 16 percent.

Overall, those who regularly drank milk were 22 percent more likely to have suffered from acne than those who rarely or never drank it.

Cream and cottage cheeses also raised the risk of the condition; however, chips, chocolate and pizza did not, the scientists said.

Writing in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the researchers said that sex and growth hormones naturally found in cow's milk might trigger off spots.

However, Britain's milk producers said that milk has many health benefits. "Unnecessary exclusion of dairy from the diet can compromise nutrient intakes," said Judith Bryans of the Dairy Council.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

2007-11-24T05:01:00.000-08:00

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. Women with PCOS have these characteristics:

* high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
* an irregular or no menstrual cycle
* may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.

PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.
How many women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.
What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.
Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
Normal Ovary and Polycystic OvaryThe ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs are also called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one becomes dominant. As the one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.
In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:

* infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
* infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
* increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
* acne, oily skin, or dandruff
* pelvic pain
* weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
* type 2 diabetes
* high cholesterol
* high blood pressure
* male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
* patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
* skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
* sleep apnea¯excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep

What tests are used to diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam—possibly including an ultrasound, check your hormone levels, and measure glucose, or sugar levels, in the blood. If you are producing too many male hormones, the doctor will make sure it’s from PCOS. At the physical exam the doctor will want to evaluate the areas of increased hair growth, so try to allow the natural hair growth for a few days before the visit. During a pelvic exam, the ovaries may be enlarged or swollen by the increased number of small cysts. This can be seen more easily by vaginal ultrasound, or screening, to examine the ovaries for cysts and the endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if there has not been a regular period.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception. Below are descriptions of treatments used for PCOS.
Birth control pills. For women who don’t want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne. However, the birth control pill does not cure PCOS. The menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone, like Provera, to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent endometrial problems. But progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.
Diabetes Medications. The medicine, Metformin, also called Glucophage, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and ovulation may return after a few months of use. These medications will not cause a person to become diabetic.
Fertility Medications. The main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation. Even so, her husband’s sperm count should be checked and her tubes checked to make sure they are open before fertility medications are used. Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. PCOS patients are at increased risk for multiple births when using these medications. In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is sometimes recommended to control the chance of having triplets or more. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.
Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones. If a woman is not trying to get pregnant there are some other medicines that may reduce hair growth. Spironolactone is a blood pressure medicine that has been shown to decrease the male hormone’s effect on hair. Propecia, a medicine taken by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks this effect. Both of these medicines can affect the development of a male fetus and should not be taken if pregnancy is possible. Other non-medical treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal are effective at getting rid of hair. A woman with PCOS can also take hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing.
Surgery. Although it is not recommended as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian drilling is available to induce ovulation. The doctor makes a very small incision above or below the navel, and inserts a small instrument that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn't help with increased hair growth and loss of scalp hair.
A healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help manage PCOS. Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, which will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period. Even loss of 10% of her body weight can help make a woman's cycle more regular.
How does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affect a woman while pregnant?
There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery in women with PCOS. Researchers are studying how the medicine, metformin, prevents or reduces the chances of having these problems while pregnant, in addition to looking at how the drug lowers male hormone levels and limits weight gain in women who are obese when they get pregnant.
No one yet knows if metformin is safe for pregnant women. Because the drug crosses the placenta, doctors are concerned that the baby could be affected by the drug. Research is ongoing.

Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) put women at risk for other conditions?
Women with PCOS can be at an increased risk for developing several other conditions. Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to produce the hormone estrogen, but not the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes the endometrium to shed each month as a menstrual period, the endometrium becomes thick, which can cause heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding. Eventually, this can lead to endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Women with PCOS are also at higher risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Getting the symptoms under control at an earlier age may help to reduce this risk.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) change at menopause?
Researchers are looking at how male hormone levels change as women with PCOS grow older. They think that as women reach menopause, ovarian function changes and the menstrual cycle may become more normal. But even with falling male hormone levels, excessive hair growth continues, and male pattern baldness or thinning hair gets worse after menopause.

10 pregnancy myths busted

2007-11-24T04:57:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is that special time in a woman's life, when she gets special attention from everyone. Even strangers on the road sometimes stop to enquire, "Which month?"
To add to that, we Indians have a special penchant for both speculation and superstition. "Hmmm, your tummy has not gotten that large, so...", "Your face is glowing, you will definitely have a..." -- the list of myths is endless.
We spoke with Dr Leena Patankar of Patankar Nursing Home, Pune, about some of these myths. Here, in random order, are some popular pregnancy beliefs:

Myth no 1: The shape and size of your belly can indicate your baby's gender.
Expert opinion: It is believed that a woman carrying a boy has a low belly, while a woman carrying a girl has a high belly. Some also say that women with small, round bellies are carrying a boy, while those with large bellies are carrying a girl. Gynaecologists like Dr Patankar on the other hand, say that the shape of your belly is determined by the original shape of your abdomen, the amount and distribution of the fat, the strength of the abdominal muscles, the number of babies conceived, the presentation and the position of the baby. In India, it is not legal to determine the sex of your baby beforehand. Hence, myths like these get a lot of attention

Myth no 2: The glow on your face indicates the sex of your baby.
Expert opinion: "Some believe a glow on the face indicates you will deliver a baby girl, while a lack of any glow indicates you will deliver a boy. Most pregnant women start sporting a glowing face during the second trimester. That's when the morning sickness ends, the mother-to-be eats well, blood circulation improves and there is a general feeling of well being. It has nothing to do with the sex of the baby," says Dr Patankar.

Myth no 3: Heartburn indicates that your baby will have lots of hair.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar says that heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint. It is mainly because of reflux oesophagitis, during which the contents (food particles) of the stomach come back up the food-pipe. Due to the acidic nature of the content, it causes burning, which is commonly known as heartburn. A lot of women who deliver babies with thick hair experience practically no heartburn.

Myth no 4: When you're pregnant, you have to double your food intake, because you're eating for two.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar pooh-poohs this idea. She says, "During pregnancy dietary demands definitely increase. The nutritional status of the mother is most important, however, as the baby is dependent on her for its supply of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This does not mean that a pregnant woman should eat for two."
She suggests that a pregnant woman maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout her pregnancy. "She should eat small meals every two hours rather than two or three bulky portions a day. Eating in excess will only lead to increases in fat deposits," she says.

Myth no 5: Food cravings indicate that you are deficient in the nutrients that the specific food offers.
Expert opinion: "Food cravings are food cravings. They do not indicate anything," says Dr Patankar. "Do not take cravings as an indicator that you are deficient in any nutrient. Your doctor will have more solid methods of finding nutritional deficiencies."

Myth no 6: Sex during pregnancy induces labour.
Expert opinion: Many women swear by this theory. Check any pregnancy website, and there are women who openly advocate it. Of course, there are those who say it didn't work for them also. This is not to say do not have sex. If you are physically fit throughout your pregnancy, there is no reason why you should stop. Doctors merely ask couples to be careful about the position they adopt so that it does not cause discomfort to the mother.
Myth no 7: Methods of delivery are hereditary.
Expert opinion: People believe that if a pregnant woman's mother had a Caesarian section, she is likely to have the same. So, if your family has a history of normal deliveries, you are lucky. Dr Patankar says, "Mode of delivery has nothing to do with heredity. It depends on the number of babies conceived, presentation, as well as the position of the baby, the mother's pelvic bone structure and conditions, if any, complicating the pregnancy. Doctors make every effort possible for a normal delivery. Cesarean sections are only performed when absolutely necessary."

Myth no 8: You can't get pregnant as long as you are regularly breastfeeding your baby.
Expert opinion: Tell this to thousands of women who are now with their second child, while the older one is hardly a year of age, or less! Dr Patankar advises, "Always use some contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Breastfeeding is reliable only upto a certain period, about one-and-a-half months after the delivery. However, a woman can get pregnant even without getting the first menstrual cycle post-delivery, ie in lactational amenorrhea. There are many simple methods available for contraception. Choose the right one for yourself."

Myth no 9: Eating lots of ghee ensures you will have a normal and safe delivery.
Expert opinion: Your mother or mother-in-law probably says, "Ghee provides lubrication, therefore you must have lots of ghee to ensure a normal delivery."
While the medicinal value of ghee cannot be discounted, it is definitely not the elixir it is touted to be in this case. Says Dr Patankar, "No one can a predict normal delivery, not even doctors. Eating a lot of ghee does not ensure normal delivery. A pregnant woman should eat a normal healthy diet, do some form of exercise to keep herself fit and healthy, and should have a positive mindset while going in for the delivery. Even relatives should boost her confidence, and not pressurise her with regard to a normal delivery."
She also adds that Cesarean sections are not something to shy away from. They are only performed to save the life of the baby, and avoid health complications in the mother.

Myth no 10: Avoid using a computer while pregnant; it can harm your baby's development.
Expert opinion: "There is no evidence indicating that computers harm your baby's development. Of course, if you are working and are likely to use the computer for eight to 10 hours a day, you may face problems like backache. But that has no effect on your pregnancy!" says Dr Patankar.

Some breastfeeding FAQs & its benefits

2007-11-24T04:07:00.001-08:00

Holding your baby for the first time, they all say, is a very special moment. But, as a first-time mother, you might find yourself facing some anxious questions about your ability to nurture another human being.
Since the first week of August has been declared as Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we though we'd ask Dr Arun Gupta, from the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India, some commonly asked questions:
When should I start breastfeeding my child?

Breastfeeding should be started immediately after the baby is born. The naked baby (after he is gently mopped and dried) should be held by the mother, close to her breast, for skin-to-skin contact. It stimulates the smooth flow of milk and keeps the baby warm. It also helps create an emotional bond between the mother and the child.
Why should I start breastfeeding early?

There are four primary reasons:
1. The baby is most active in first 30 to 60 minutes.
2. The sucking reflex is most active at that time.
3. An early start ensures a greater chance of success at breastfeeding. Colostrum, which is the first yellowish secretion from the breast, is full of substances that protect the baby from getting an infection; it's almost like a vaccine.
4. It helps prevent breast swelling and pain and reduces post-delivery bleeding.
Can I breastfeed my baby successfully if I have a Caesarean section?

Yes. This operation does not affect your ability to successfully breastfeed your baby.
You can start breastfeeding four hours after the operation or when you are out of the effect of the anaesthesia.
You can tilt your body to one side in the lying-down position and start feeding, or you can put your baby on your abdomen and feed your child.
All mothers who have Caesarean section deliveries are successful in breastfeeding their babies with assistance for the first few days.
Can I feed my baby in lying down position?

Yes. You can feed your baby in any position comfortable to you and your baby. It may be lying down, sitting or reclining.
Does my baby need additional vitamins?

Usually not. A baby who is exclusively breastfed for first six months does not need tonics or vitamins. If the baby is not exclusively breastfed, then the answer is yes.
My milk looks thin and watery. Is that okay?

Yes. Milk at the start of breastfeed (fore milk) is thin and contains less fat.
Hind milk (which comes near the end of feed) is thicker and full of fats. A baby needs both. Feed the baby in an unrestricted fashion to ensure he receives both fore milk and hind milk.
Should I breastfeed from both the breasts each time I feed my baby?

One breast must be emptied out fully before the second is offered, so that the baby receives both fore milk and hind milk.
When the baby releases one breast, offer the other. If the baby is still hungry, he will feed from the other breast.
The alternate breast should be offered first at each feed.
How long can I continue to breastfeed?

You should breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding well upto two years or beyond.
My milk leaks from the breast after feeding the baby. What should I do?
It is a temporary problem and quite normal.
If you notice the milk is leaking, press your elbows firmly against the outer margins of your breasts. This will slow down the flow.
Can I breastfeed my baby even when I am sick?

Yes. You can continue breastfeeding even if you are not well.
Most of the diseases do not affect the baby. Even typhoid, malaria, tuberculosis, jaundice or leprosy don't call for stopping breastfeeding. It is, however, important to speak to your doctor if you have HIV.
Why you should breastfeed your baby
Since World Breastfeeding Week officially commenced yesterday, presented here are a few benefits of breastfeeding your child. As you will soon find out, breast milk is far more than jusy a source of nutrition -- it promotes the health and well-being of both mother and baby:
~ It is best to keep your infant on a strict diet of only breast milk for the first six months of his/ her life, because it protects against gastrointestinal problems -- it is easier to digest and will not cause constipation. It is also known to boost a baby's gastrointestinal immunity.
~ Breastfeeding protects against asthma and ear infections -- this is because it creates a protective layer upon the membranes of a baby's nose and throat.
~ Cows' milk can cause some babies to react with severe allergies. Breastmilk, in contrast, is 100 percent safe.
~ Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from obesity in later age -- this is probably because they can feed for as long as their appetites demand and are less likely to gain excess weight right from the start.
~ Breastfeeding has been linked to the prevention of childhood leukemia, Type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.
~ Breastfeeding is believed to boost a child's intelligence, in part because of the emotional bonding that takes place between mother and baby, and in part because it contains several fatty acids that contribute to the development of an infant's brain.
~ New mothers who breastfeed are known to shed weight quicker post-pregnancy, than those who do not. It also helps reduce stress and postpartum bleeding.
~ The risk of breast and ovarian cancer is believed to reduce if breastfeeding takes place post-pregnancy -- the longer the period of nursing, the lesser the risk.
~ Breastfeeding is convenient, cost-free (as compared to expensive formula, feeding bottles and other baby paraphernalia required for top feeds) and best of all, helps a mother bond with her child emotionally -- the physical contact is also a source of comfort to infants.

Summer hay fever

2007-11-24T04:05:00.000-08:00

Summer hay fever
Summer hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, occurs in the spring and summer, and affects the eyes and nose.

What causes it?
Hay fever is caused by breathing in pollen particles and by pollen getting into the eyes. You can get hay fever at any time from early spring to late summer, depending on which pollen or pollens you're allergic to.

The pollens most likely to cause problems in early spring are those from trees such as the silver birch, ash, oak and London plane.

The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue

Grasses pollinate during mid-summer from May to August. The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue.

Occasionally, in late summer and autumn, weeds such as nettles and dock as well as mugwort and plantain can trigger hay fever.

The condition tends to occur in atopic allergy-prone families and usually starts in the early teens, with symptoms peaking in the 20s.

What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of hay fever are:

* Repeated sneezing attacks
* Runny or itchy nose
* Itchy or watery eyes
* Itchy throat, palate and ears
* Loss of concentration
* General feeling of being unwell (hence 'fever')
* If the pollen count is very high, many will also wheeze (so-called hay 'asthma').

What's the treatment?
The most useful treatments for hay fever are:

* Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, which if taken regularly help to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and itchy, watery eyes
* Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and nose drops, which reduce inflammation in the delicate lining of the nose. These should be taken daily for the best results
* Anti-allergy nasal sprays and eye drops, such as cromoglycate, which act on the linings of the nose and eyes to stop the allergen triggering a reaction
* Decongestant tablets and sprays can help if the nose is blocked and stuffy, but can lead to rebound blocking

Most of these medicines are available over-the-counter, but some are only available on prescription. You may need to try different treatments or find a combination that works best for you.

Steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season

Steroid injections, although effective for symptom control, are discouraged owing to unwanted side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts and skin thinning. However, steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season for the best results.

Homeopathic and herbal treatments are less effective than conventional therapies. Some experts advocate taking local honey every day for a few months before the pollen season starts to improve symptoms, but no studies have been performed to prove this.

If symptoms remain severe despite medication, you may benefit from desensitisation immunotherapy to grass pollen. This involves being given tablet or injections containing minute amounts of pollen, with the dose being increased gradually over a three-year period to induce immune tolerance and cure the allergy.

Sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy for timothy grass allergy is available in the UK - ask your GP for details. No silver birch or tree pollen immunotherapy is currently available.

Can it be prevented?
If you have hay fever, there are steps you can take to avoid exposing yourself to pollen:

* Keep an eye on the pollen count (often included in weather reports) and stay inside as much as possible when it's high
* Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes
* Saline douches or a little Vaseline applied inside the nose will reduce symptoms
* Keep car windows closed and switch on the air conditioning to prevent pollen entering the car
* Keep bedroom doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak
* Avoid areas such as parks or fields, particularly in the early evening when there's a lot of pollen floating at nose level
* Get someone else to mow the lawn and don't lie on freshly cut grass

You may be able to find out what you're allergic to by having allergy tests. You can then take practical steps to avoid that particular pollen.

Oral allergy syndrome
Some people with hay fever develop oral allergies to certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. This is also called pollen-food or oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

People with OAS typically develop hay fever in early spring and notice itching and swelling of the mouth and throat when they eat fresh fruit and vegetables. This is due to the food containing a protein similar to the allergy-provoking protein in the pollen.

The hay fever usually first appears in the teens, with oral allergies developing in the 20s. It doesn't usually progress beyond oral irritation.

Those who are allergic to silver birch pollen develop oral allergies to apples, peaches, cherries, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts. People allergic to grass pollen may develop oral allergies to tomato, melon and watermelon.

Mugwort pollen allergy cross-reacts with apple, celery and carrot. Ragweed pollen allergy cross-reacts with bananas, melon and honey.

People don't react to cooked or canned foods because this alters the allergen, rendering it less able to provoke an allergy.

Lecucoderma - ‘ white skin’

2007-11-24T04:04:00.001-08:00

Vitiligo or Leucoderma is an acquired depigmentation of the skin, which is extremely common with a worldwide prevalence. Both sexes are affected equally. Lecucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word Lecucoderma means ‘ white skin’. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with dark complexions. Lecucoderma can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin.
Leucoderma / Vitiligo conditions has considerable psycho-social importance. Genetic redisposition is present. No age is exempt. The disease frequently startsin children and young adults. Leucoderma is a fairly common disorder and it affects one per cent or more of the world’s population. The incidence is a little higher in India. Lecucoderma is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order.
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layer which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion.
The attraction in colour is the reason for huge sales of fairness creams. But the whiteness offered by skin disease - leucoderma - is often depressing for all the sufferers. As such it is hardly a disease of medical significance but more of a social stigma attached to it because of cosmetic reasons. The condition does not cause any organic harm. It , however, brings about great psychological tension to the patient who is more embarassed than the victim of any pain or discomfort. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. These patches gradually increase in size & cause lot of psychological stress in the patient. It is an auto-immune condition and may have a genetic predisposition.
This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious. It is present in the basal layer of the epidermis and the first layer of the dermis, i.e. melanin is present in two layers. The disorder can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin. It is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order. Leucoderma does not cause any health problems - it is not contagious or dangerous at all. It is only a cosmetic problem. Moreover, it is just as important to remember that every white patch is not leucoderma. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. In majority of the cases, medical therapy only achieves stabilization of the vitiligo patch but fails to cause repigmentation. If a patient of leucoderma is found to be suffering from digestive disorders, they should be treated first. When leucoderma occurs without any preceding disease it is called vitiligo . Sometimes it follows burns and injuries.
Causes of Leucoderma
The comman causes of Leucoderma include the following:

* The main causes of leucoderma are excessive mental worry.
* Chronic or acute gastric disorder.
* Impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal.
* Other precipitating factors have been identified as due to pressure of tight clothes or certain occupational hazards such as wearing certain rubber hand gloves Use of Bindi etc.
* It is neurogenic in origin, a humeral substance originating from the nerve endings destroying the melanocytes.
* Ayurveda maintains that leucoderma is caused by some morbidity of the liver which results in a deficiency of pitta.
* Heredity is also a well-recognized causative factor.

Symptoms of Leucoderma
Some sign and symptoms related to Leucoderma are as follows:

* The problems usually start with a small white spot, which later develops into patches.
* Alopecia (Loss of hair).
* Premature graying of hair.
* The whiteness usually starts as a small discoloured white or pale or brown spot which spreads and becomes whiter day by day and becomes milky white in the course of time.
* General weakness and lassitude.
* Sensitivity to cold.
* Hair on the spot will also become white.
* In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.

Treatment of Leucoderma
Here is list of the methods for treating Leucoderma:

* In nature cure, the treatment of leudoderma consists of adoption of constitutional measures to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins.
* Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* As far as possible avoid consuming citrus fruits, tamarind, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns.
* Applying Coloured Dyes, Silver Nitrate etc . Latest being permanent Colouring.
* Topical Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* Autologous Melanocyte Transplants.
* Allopathy - Commonest drug used is Psoralen , Melanocyl etc to be use locally followed by sun exposure.
* In few cases oral Antioxidants are also being used.

Venom allergies

2007-11-24T04:03:00.001-08:00

Venom allergies
Allergic reactions to stinging insects are becoming more common. The number of hospitalisations and deaths from wasp, bee and hornet stings is rising.

What causes them?
An initial sting by a wasp or honeybee causes a person to become sensitised. It may take up to six weeks for someone to become fully reactive. This means their first sting may have no ill effects, but subsequent stings are likely to cause an allergic reaction.

An enzyme in sting venom provokes the allergic reaction. Wasps can inflict multiple stings, while a bee leaves its stinger in the skin and dies immediately.

What are the symptoms?
Most stings induce localised pain and swelling due to a toxic non-allergic reaction from the venom. The victim then recovers with no special treatment.

Mild allergic sting reactions present with redness and pain over a large area of skin. More generalised reactions with swelling, urticaria (hives) and redness spanning two joints may also occur.

In more severe reactions, there may be whole-body hives and swelling, with breathing difficulties, a 'feeling of dread' and generalised anaphylaxis with low blood pressure and shock.

Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting

Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting. Life-threatening reactions may occur in highly allergic individuals, older people and those with heart and respiratory diseases, especially if someone experiences multiple stings.

Stings on the face and neck may react worse than stings on a finger or toe. Bee keepers and gardeners are high-risk groups for bee sting anaphylaxis.

The longer the time between stings, the less likely it is a severe reaction will occur. Young children are more likely than adults to outgrow insect sting allergies.

What's the treatment?
Mild reactions require no more than antihistamine medication. More severe reactions and anaphylaxis require resuscitation with adrenaline by injection, antihistamines, steroids and intravenous fluids.

All wasp and bee allergic people should wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry an adrenaline auto-injector.

Never exercise or take a hot bath after a sting as this may accentuate the reaction.

If someone you're with is stung and has an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call for help. If trained in resuscitation, maintain their airway and circulation and inject adrenaline, if available, into the thigh muscle.

How are they diagnosed?
Skin-prick testing using venom extracts, and specific venom RAST blood tests can be used to diagnose allergy to wasp and bee venom.

Unfortunately, these tests aren't as accurate as those for inhalant allergies. About ten per cent of people with a history of venom anaphylaxis have negative blood and skin tests.

Can venom allergies be prevented?
In summer, avoid areas frequented by wasps, particularly picnic sites, bins and areas where food is consumed outdoors. Don't drink sugary drinks outdoors and beware of wasps crawling into soft drink cans.

Never walk barefoot on grass in summer and don't wear bright clothes, which attract wasps.

If a bee or wasp approaches, don't panic or swat at the insect. Wait quietly for it to go away or walk away slowly.

Insect allergic people release a pheromone chemical odour from their skin, which seems to attract wasps and bees, so they tend to get stung repeatedly.

Wasp and bee venom desensitisation immunotherapy by injection is available and highly effective.

The injections are given over a five-year period and usually lead to complete resolution of the allergy with long-term protection. It should only be undertaken in specialist allergy clinics, as severe reactions are possible.

Dandruf - Causes & symptoms

2007-11-24T04:03:00.000-08:00

DANDRUF is a very common problem indeed, that of flakes falling from the scalp every time a person combshis/her hair or rubs the head. Dandruf is caused by a commonyeast cell pityresporen ovale which causes an inflammation of the scalp, making it shed flakes. Dandruff is a very common sclap problem. A morbid condition of the sclap is the emergene of dandruf which is caused by the excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands. Dandruf is infectious and personal articles like comb, towel, etc. of the patient should not be used by others.
Dandruff is a bothersome problem sometimes thought to be associated with inefficient hair care. It is a mysterious ailment. It occurs when the scalp sheds dead epidermal (skin) cells in large clumps. Everyone loses skin cells in this way, but with dandruff the whole process is faster, so a greater number of cells are shed. It usually gets worse during the fall and winter and improves in the summer. While it is caused by build up of dead skin, in many more severe cases a yeast-like germ aggravates it. It is very common.
It is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. Dandruff scales appear dry, white or grayish, appearing as small, unsightly patches, especially on top of the head. It is a form of skin inflammation (dermatitis) which has no known cause. This condition can appear at any time from infancy to old age, and can come and go more or less at random. It is a natural and harmless scalp condition in which the shedding of dead skin cells occurs at an unusually fast rate.
In a normal scalp, the process of sloughing off old cells and manufacturing of their replacements is very orderly and complete. Seborrheic dermatitis is different than dandruff. If you have dandruff, the process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up to twice the normal rate, so a greater number of dead cells are shed. Dandruff is usually due to the overworking of the sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil and help shed dead skin. Dandruff usually limits itself to the scalp and is characterized by scaling without redness, while seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling. With dandruff, this whole process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up, so a greater number of dead cells are being shed. It can occur at any age, but is most likely in the early 20s. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Symptoms of Dandruff
Some sign and symptoms related to Dandruff are as follows:

* Skin affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis is usually red and greasy with a white or yellowish flaky scale.
* Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp).
* There is sometimes itching or soreness and the scalp can feel tight.
* Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This highly contagious fungal infection occurs primarily in children younger than age 10.
* Psoriasis. This skin disorder causes an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick silvery scales.
* A yellow or red scaly rash along the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear canal, on the eyebrows, around the nose, and/or on the chest
* Your scalp can be either excessively dry or oily.

Treatment of Dandruff
Here is list of the methods for treating Dandruff:

* Anti-dandruff shampoos containing the antimicrobials selenium sulphide (eg Selsun ) or zinc pyrithione are helpful for mild dandruff.
* Shampoos with coal tar (some brand names: DHS Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Polytar) may be used 3 times a week.
* Corticosteroid cream or lotion.
* Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
* Antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole (eg Nizoral dandruff shampoo ) provides a mild, yet effective treatment for dandruff.
* If the shampoo alone doesn't help, your doctor might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.
* Tar shampoos such as Tarsum will help to control dandruff.

What causes dandruf ?
Dandruf is caused by micro-organism called pityrosporum-ovle which are present in every body's scalp. Symptoms of dandruf get aggravated when exposed to dust, UV light, harsh chemical based shampoo, hair dyes etc., this results in increase in number of microbes which causes unhealthy residue over the scalp which leads to dandruff, which is the cause of unhealthy, lifeless hair and may result in excessive loss of hair too. Followings are also responsible for dandruf:-
1. Heredity
2. Lack of proper Diet
3. Environment
4. Dry or Greasy Scalp is etc.
5. Stress, anxiety and tension.
6. Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing.
7. Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of electric hair curlers.
Can Dandruf Lead to Baldness?
Dandruf can lead to other problems, like acne or a rashy skin, and can even trigger off hair loss. In severe cases of dandruf, for which the medical term is seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea, some hair follicles could be damaged or destroyed. But there is no evidence in the medical journals that baldness is caused by ordinary dandruff. Dandruf and baldness often occur together though. Many people assume from this that one is caused by the other. It's a false assumption.
Home remedies for Dandruf Cure and Treatment:
1. Oil your hair with pure warm coconut oil and apply juice of half a lemon onto the scalp.
2. Massage the scalp with almond oil and steam bathe your hair. Steam bath is taken by dipping the towel in boiling water and wrapping it around the hair, like a turban. Do not let the corners of your towel be wet, so that you can hold them. When your towel gets cold, repeat it thrice or four times. Steaming opens the scalp pores and increases the capacity of the hair to absorb oil at its roots.
3. You can also take a spoonful lemon juice, mix it with two spoonfuls vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo.
4. Take on part almond oil, and pure sulphur in same quantity, mix and add 'surgical spirit' in the quantity equal to the above two. Put four parts distilled water or rose water and rub on the scalp. An Effective home remedy for dandruf.
5. Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this. Your hair will be dandruf free.

FAQ on eating disorders in adults

2007-11-24T04:02:00.000-08:00

Eating disorders are often thought of as a problem of troubled teens or young women in college. But that's far from the only truth. Adults — even older adults — also can have eating disorders, whether it's anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder or a nonspecific eating disorder.
Donald McAlpine, M.D., a psychiatrist and the director of the adult outpatient eating disorders services at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., treats people with eating disorders. Here, he discusses how eating disorders affect adult women.
The typical image of someone with an eating disorder is an adolescent girl or a young woman. But can adult women have eating disorders, too?
It's true that eating disorders usually affect younger women, peaking in the late teens or early 20s. However, eating disorders also affect woman in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
These women typically fall into three categories:

* Women who have secretly struggled with an eating disorder their entire life without seeking treatment
* Women who were treated for eating disorders when they were younger and develop a recurrence when they get older
* Women who first develop an eating disorder as an adult

Are women more likely to have an eating disorder as an adult if they had one as a teen or young woman?
Most women who receive appropriate treatment get well enough that they no longer meet the criteria for being diagnosed with an eating disorder. However, many women will continue to have some degree of lingering signs or symptoms of an eating disorder that can flare up under stress. These may include bingeing and purging, such as vomiting, or renewed efforts to restrict eating with significant weight loss.
Are the characteristics of eating disorders different for women in their 30s and beyond?
There are several differences in eating disorders depending on age, including:

* Common triggers. Young women with bulimia nervosa are often driven by excessive concern with weight, shape and body image. Older women, on the other hand, may be driven to binge and purge to cope with unpleasant mood stages. Of course, women at any age can struggle with poor body image, even women in their 60s and 70s. Eating disorders in women in their 40s and beyond are often triggered by such life events as the death of a loved one, divorce, remarriage, traumatic illness or signs of aging.
* Denial. Denial is very common in younger women with anorexia nervosa but seems to be less common in older women. Older women may more readily acknowledge that an eating disorder is harming their life and seek help. Older women who are worn down by years of symptoms may also be more motivated to seek help. Motivation for change often leads to a more successful outcome in treating the illness.
* Identity and coping. Years of daily eating disorder symptoms can become deeply engrained. Women who have had symptoms for years may ironically find it difficult to live without this eating disorder identity or coping style, as uncomfortable or emotionally painful as it may be.
* Health effects. Eating disorders have dangerous health effects at any age. But older women — those in their 60s and beyond — are especially at risk. In fact, most people who die of the effects of anorexia are older than age 65 — not young girls. Older women with a long history of eating disorders may have developed much more serious health problems. In addition, they may have other health conditions that make them more vulnerable to problems from eating disorders.

How does the treatment for eating disorders of older women differ from that of younger women?
It's common for older women to tell me that when they were younger — and still in denial about their illness — that they bluffed their way through treatment. They would return to eating disorder behaviors as soon as they were done with treatment because they never truly were that motivated to overcome their eating disorder. Now older and wiser, these women may do better with treatment because they no longer have that youthful sense of immortality and they're more aware of the consequences of their disease, such as osteoporosis. For these reasons, they're often more motivated to overcome their eating disorder.
We still have a long way to go, but treatment programs have progressed substantially in the last two decades. Cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders — focusing on self-monitoring, homework assignments and goal setting — was in its infancy in the early 1980s. Women treated for eating disorders in midlife may find that the treatment they had 20 years ago offers much greater benefit to them now. And since their initial treatment, new medications have been approved for eating disorders.
Women discouraged by unsuccessful treatment when they were younger should seek help again. Much more is now known about eating disorders and their treatment.
How likely is it that if a mother has an eating disorder, her daughter also will? What can parents do about this?
Parental attitude about food and their values about what constitutes a healthy weight definitely have an impact on children. It's not uncommon for mothers with eating disorders to seek help because they don't want to pass on their unhealthy attitudes about eating to their children, who also can mimic disordered eating behaviors.
As a parent, be on the lookout for warning signs of eating disorders in your children, which may include:

* Excessive weight loss
* Excessive exercise
* Skipping meals
* Being extremely fussy about food
* Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
* Laxative use

Also, watch for extreme concern about shape, weight and body image. And listen to what your children are saying about issues related to food, body image, dieting and exercise. That can provide important clues about whether their own attitudes are healthy or not.
What about adult men? Don't they get eating disorders too?
Yes, males of all ages, whether adolescents or older adults, can have eating disorders, just like women of all ages. Adult men with eating disorders often have a history of being obese. They also may be striving for a more athletic or muscular build, sometimes known as reverse anorexia because they want to build broader shoulders and arms. Men are less likely than are women to engage in vomiting as a way to purge, and instead may turn more often to compulsive exercise, weight-loss supplements or weight-enhancing supplements. Like women, they also can benefit greatly with appropriate treatment.

Sex during pregnancy — If your doctor agrees, follow your sex drive where it leads.

2007-11-24T04:01:00.002-08:00

If you want to get pregnant, you have sex. No surprises there. But what about sex while you're pregnant? The answers aren't always as clear. Here's what you need to know about sex during pregnancy.
Is it OK to have sex during pregnancy?
As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like. But you may not always want to. At first, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue and nausea may sap your sexual desire. During the second trimester, increased blood flow to your sexual organs and breasts may rekindle your desire for sex. But by the third trimester, weight gain, back pain and other symptoms may once again dampen your enthusiasm for sex.
Can sex cause a miscarriage?
Many couples worry that sex during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. But sex isn't a concern. Early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing baby — not to anything you do or don't do.
Does sex harm the baby?
The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy. Your partner's penis won't touch the baby.
Are any sexual positions off-limits during pregnancy?
As your pregnancy progresses, experiment to find the most comfortable positions. There's just one caveat. Avoid lying flat on your back during sex. If your uterus compresses the veins in the back of your abdomen, you may feel lightheaded or nauseous.
What about oral sex?
If you have oral sex, make sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. Rarely, a burst of air may block a blood vessel (air embolism) — which could be a life-threatening condition for you and the baby.
Can orgasms trigger premature labor?
Orgasms can cause uterine contractions. But these contractions are different from the contractions you'll feel during labor. Research indicates that if you have a normal pregnancy, orgasms — with or without intercourse — don't lead to premature labor or premature birth.
Are there times when sex should be avoided?
Although most women can safely have sex throughout pregnancy, sometimes it's best to be cautious.

* Preterm labor. Exposure to the prostaglandins in semen may cause contractions — which could be worrisome if you're at risk of preterm labor.
* Vaginal bleeding. Sex is not recommended if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
* Problems with the cervix. If your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence), sex may pose a risk of infection.
* Problems with the placenta. If your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening (placenta previa), sex could lead to bleeding and preterm labor.
* Multiple babies. If you're carrying two or more babies, your doctor may advise you not to have sex late in pregnancy — although researchers have not identified any relationship between sex and preterm labor in twins.

Should my partner use a condom?
Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. If you have a new sexual partner during pregnancy, use a condom when you have sex.
What if I don't want to have sex?
That's OK. There's more to a sexual relationship than intercourse. Share your needs and concerns with your partner in an open and loving way. If sex is difficult, unappealing or off-limits, try cuddling, kissing or massage.
After the baby is born, how soon can I have sex?
Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal. Many doctors recommend waiting six weeks before resuming intercourse. This allows time for your cervix to close and any tears or a repaired episiotomy to heal.
If you're too sore or exhausted to even think about sex, maintain intimacy in other ways. Share short phone calls throughout the day or occasional soaks in the tub. When you're ready to have sex, take it slow — and use a reliable method of contraception.

HOME REMEDIES FOR COLITIS TREATMENT & CURE

2007-11-24T04:01:00.001-08:00

Colitis more commonly known as irritable colon is a common disorder of the large bowel, producing discomfort and irregular bowel habits. Most patients suffering from an irritable colon are tense, anxious, and hurried. Many of them eat rapidly and at odd times.

Normally the colon is tend to store the waster material until most of the fluids have been removed. People who suffer from irritable colon do not have normal peristaltic or wave like movements in the large bowel, but rather irregular and erratic contractions, which are particularly seen on the left side.

It is a function of the colon to absorb fluid. Therefore if the stools remain to long in the colon without being passed, they become hard and dry. Feeling of fullness or bloating develop because gas is not absorbed or normally expelled. Because the bowel becomes irritated, excessive amounts of mucus are produced within the bowel, resulting in colitis. Some patients suffer from constipation, alternating with periods of loose stools. In still others persistent diarrhea may continue for years.

Chronic ulcerative colitis is a severe, prolonged inflammation of the colon or large bowel in which ulcers form in the walls of the colon, resulting in the passage of bloody stools mixed with mucus and pus.

Chronic ulcerative colitis usually appears in the lower part of the bowel and spreads upward. The disease seems to attack adults more frequently. The first sign is an increased urgency to move the bowel, followed by cramping pains in the abdomen and bloody mucus in the stool. As the condition become more worse the stools become more loose and watery.

The more severe cases often continue night and day with little relief. All this loss of blood and fluid from the bowel results in weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and anemia.

HOME REMEDIES FOR COLITIS TREATMENT & CURE

* Eat a high quality diet in between the attacks. If a specific food causes trouble on multiple occasions, avoid it. But if it happens only once, retest. If you find that cabbage makes your symptoms worse, for example, don't avoid all leafy vegetables.
* Fiber may be an important food source for colitis treatment. Apples are a very good source of fibre. But avoid fibre during the flare-ups.
* People with ulcerative colitis should consider taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms of folate.
* Emotional stress is the biggest challenge for colitis sufferers. To reduce stress plan a regular exercise program. Exercise will dissipate the effects of stress better than anything.
* Inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, can be a factor in colitis . By avoiding all milk products, you may be able to reduce your symptoms.
* Strict bed rest with plenty of fluids and a high protein diet are very important.
* Foods should be attractively prepared and the patient encouraged to eat.
* The diet should contain at least 2500 calories a day, given in three or four general meals.
* Vitamin K can help to prevent hemorrhage from the bowel.
* Avoid eating raw carrots, asparagus, zucchini, squash and other popular vegetables.
* Marshmallow root is soothing and healing to inflamed mucous membranes.
* Wild yam is known to reduce gastrointestinal upset and nerve pain, and is also considered to be a strong antispasmodic and is potentially anti-inflammatory.
* Ginger has traditionally been recommended in Chinese medicine for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
* Cayenne is helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, cramping pains, and gas.
* Many doctors suggest eliminating all sugar (including soft drinks and processed foods with added sugar) from the diets of those with ulcerative colitis.
* Laughing provides us with the natural inner massage, and through change of mood it can account for up to 30% of cure.
* Angelica nutritionally supports the digestive systems.
* Mandrake works well for liver, gallbladder and all aspects of digestion.
* Diarrh nourishes the spleen, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.
* Peppermint calms the stomach, intestinal tract, and the nervous system. It comforts the stomach and nourishes the salivary glands to help with digestion.
* Another potential natural remedy is to take oral butyrate itself. Butyrate is the byproduct of fermentation in a healthy gastric tract.

HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON COLD

2007-11-24T04:00:00.001-08:00

Although the common cold affects all parts of the body, it usually begins in the nose and throat. Colds are so common that we do not care for it but they can be serious. Most colds are due to virus infections of one type or another. Unfortunately, none of these viruses are susceptible to our present antibiotic medicines. Adenoviruses produce the more serious type of colds, and they are often followed by tonsillitis and sore throat even virus pneumonia, particularly in children. Sometimes the membranes of the eyes are also involved.

The common cold is the most prevalent of all diseases known to man. The average person seems to have two or three colds a year. The condition is highly contagious. When one member of the family has a cold, the others are very likely to have it within a few days.

What makes a person susceptible to a cold? Probably his lowered resistance is a chief factor. Allergic disorders of the nose and throat also make a person more susceptible to colds and other virus infections. Chilling of the body does seem to play a part, particularly in those whose resistance is already weak. Lack of sleep may be another factor.

Any person may carry the cold virus. However, children under six years of age seem readily to pass the infection from one to another, and soon all the family is involved. Colds are always more serious in the younger children.

Congestion of the nasal passages is usually the first sign of cold. The patient may have frequent sneezing and a severe headache. There may be a thin, watery discharge from the nose, requiring the use of many handkerchiefs. The eyes may be red or irritated. Usually there is some rise in temperature, preceded by chilly feelings. The patient may complain of a sore throat and have some difficulty in swallowing. Hoarseness, or laryngitis, indicates that the infection has reached the vocal cords, and the patient may now have to talk in whispers. Later there may be a deep cough, due to bronchitis. This is a much more complication.

Even though scientists claim there is no cure for the common cold, there are natural herbs and vitamin supplements that can be taken to fight against the cold virus.

HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON COLD

* Vitamins are most helpful in fighting against the cold as well as other diseases. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is helpful in preventing the colds and it can be found in many foods such as citrus fruits, some vegetables.
* Zinc is also helpful for cold that can cut colds short. When you first feel that you may be getting a cold, start taking zinc
* Garlic, as well as onion, is sometimes taken for the relief of congestion and minor infections.
* Horseradish is another herb that has an excellent property to treat sore throat and upper respiratory tract infections, reduces fever, and expels concentrations of mucus.
* Another effective remedy for sore throat is to gargle with a strong solution of table salt and warm water. Gargle several times a day.
* Echinacea is an herb that acts as nature's antibiotic. It helps to increase the body's immunity and thus helps in fighting against the infection and illness.
* Goldenseal is another herb that acts as a natural antibiotic, and can be taken to help fight against the cold.
* Add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to about 5 ml lukewarm water. Use this solution as a nasal drop. Use 1 to 2 drops in each nostril about 3 to 4 times daily. This is an effective home remedy for common cold.
* A ginger tea can be prepared by boiling ginger in normal tea. It gives relief to congested nose.
* For common cold treatment, drink a teaspoonful of ginger juice mixed with equal quantity of honey.
* Take hot water in a bowl and put some Thyme leaves. Inhale vapors by covering head with a towel.
* Add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 shot of lemon juice, 1 shot of whiskey to a coffee cup. Fill the remainder of the coffee cup with steaming hot water, stir, and sip until cold is relieved.
* Make hot chicken soup with lots of garlic. Have when hot. It will help unclog nasal passage.
* Warm ¼ katori mustard; add 4-5 cloves of chopped garlic. Apply this on nose, chest and back. Cover up and sleep. This is also an effective home remedy for common cold.
* Boil half a bowl of water, add few drops of eucalyptus oil and inhale the steam.
* Sage is used to cure sore throat, stuffed nose, gingivitis and coughs, is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Use as a gargle.
* Warm up coconut oil. Gently massage the coconut oil over the child’s chest for about 5 minutes. Repeat the same on the upper portion of the back. The massage should be given just before child goes to sleep.
* Avoid sugar (even natural sources) as it can impair immune function. Orange juice contains a much higher level of sugar than vitamin C. Therefore consuming lots of orange juice during a cold may do more harm than good.
* Chilies, especially Jalapeno, are the best, most available and most effective antiviral.
* Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and flu. Recent research indicates that elderberry fruit extract may de-activate cold and flu viruses by preventing them from replicating.
* A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, low saturated fats and whole cereals will provide protection against infective organism. Raw fruits and vegetables are better than the cooked one.
* Take 1 tbsp of fresh gooseberry juice with 1/2 tsp ginger. It is a very effective remedy. This can be taken regularly to prevent recurrence of cold.
* For common cold treatment, a tablespoon of ajwain crushed in the palms and tied up in a thin kerchief can be used for inhalation to relieve nasal block.
* Boil 1 tbsp of pepper powder in a cup of milk along with a pinch of turmeric. Add some sugar for taste. Drink this once a day for three days.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BRONCHITIS CURE

2007-11-24T03:59:00.002-08:00

Bronchitis may be defined as a distressing and often serious type of inflammation affecting the windpipe, or bronchial tubes, in the chest. There are two types of bronchitis:

1. Acute Bronchitis

2. Chronic Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis: In acute bronchitis the larynx, trachea and bronchial tubes are acutely inflamed. The tissues are swollen because of irritation; large amount of mucus is secreted and poured into the bronchial tubes to protect the inflamed mucous membrane. Unless this thick, sticky material is removed, it may obstruct the windpipe, causing more severe diseases like atelactasis and pneumonia. The common cold is probably the most frequent cause of acute bronchitis.

During the acute stage of bronchitis there is usually a high fever and some difficulty in breathing. There is a constant cough. Hoarseness may also be present and some pain in the chest. Difficulty in breathing continues until the inflammation has decreased. And thick secretions have removed. Chilliness is present with internal coldness, also cold hands and feet, rawness beneath the sternum, some tightness and oppression of the chest, cough may be dry, hard, ringing, expulsive, paroxysmal, tearing which leaves great soreness under the sternum. After few days the cough, which was at first dry, becomes moist and is accompanied by slight expectoration of mucus and occasionally some blood. As the amount of expectoration increases all the other symptoms decreases, and then in turn abnormal secretion and expectoration also decreases at the end of 7 to 10 days.

Chronic bronchitis: It is of long duration. This condition arises from sinusitis, nasal drip, or infected tonsils and adenoids. In chronic bronchitis permanent change may have occurred in the lungs such as pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema and other serious complications.

Normally the lungs are very elastic and flexible. It is their function to expand and contract within the chest as we breathe in and out. Any chronic inflammation of the lungs, such as fibrosis or scarring, interferes with the normal movement of the lungs so that the air cannot be inhaled and exhaled freely. In asthmatic patients and those suffering from tuberculosis or congestive heart failure the situation becomes worse. Severe coughing may produce blood as well as copious mucus filled with pus and bacteria. This will lead to Bronchopneumonia a more serious condition.

Those who suffer from chronic bronchitis should stop smoking and remain in a smoke free atmosphere as much as possible. Such patients should avoid heavy exercise. They should adopt the occupations that do not require heavy breathing. As far as possible they should avoid cold draughts of air for these always bring on a paroxysm of coughing. The patient should follow a good, well balanced diet and take extra vitamins to aid in the healing of the inflamed tissues.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BRONCHITIS CURE
The below given are some of the home remedies for bronchitis cure:

* Take 2 cups fresh daikon juice and add honey to taste. Combine the juice and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from the heat. Drink, warm, twice a day.
* Drink plenty of fluids to wash away the mucus.
* Hot, spicy foods help mucous membranes all over, not just in your nose, to secrete more liquids, which can help thin mucus, which is easy to remove.
* Patients with bronchitis should avoid smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and any other such product.
* Humidity may help soothe the irritatedbronchial membranes. Close the door to your child's bedroom and turn on the vaporizer about a half-hour before he goes to sleep and leave it on all night.
* Take half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with half a glass of milk, two or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach.
* Prepare a mixture comprising of half a teaspoon each of the powder of ginger, pepper, and cloves, and take three times a day. It may be licked with honey or taken as an infusion with tea.
* One teaspoon of raw onion juice, first thing in the morning, is very beneficial in such cases.
* Fifty grams of fresh leaves of spinach, and 250 ml of water should be mixed with a pinch of ammonium chloride and one teaspoonful of honey. This infusion is an effective expectorant in the treatment of bronchitis.
* Prepare a mixture by adding one teaspoon of sesame seeds, with a teaspoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt, and a teaspoon of honey, it is very effective if taken at night for cases of chronic bronchitis.
* Make a powder of seven kernels of almonds and mix the powdered kernels in a cup of orange or lemon juice.
* The powder of the dry root of Chicory or endive should be given in doses of half a teaspoon mixed with one teaspoonful of honey thrice daily.
* A hot poultice of linseed (alsi) may be prepared by mixing one cup or sixteen tablespoons of the seeds with a quantity of hot water. Apply it on the chest.
* Fresh air and outdoor exercise are also essential for the treatment of bronchitis. The patient is advised to take a morning walk every day.
* Prepare a mixture by adding Â½ teaspoon honey with Â½ teaspoon lemon juice. Take this every 12 hours. Honey relieves the itchiness by moisturizing the throat passage
* Mix 8 - 10 tablespoons of coconut milk with 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and 1 tablespoon of pure honey. Take this every night before going to bed.
* In one cup of warm milk, add 2 â€“ 3 strands of saffron (kesar) and drink twice a day.
* Mix half a teaspoon of tulsi juice with half a teaspoon with ginger juice. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Take the above mixture 2-3 times a day till symptoms subside. This is a very effective home remedy for bronchitis cure .
* Take 1 cup of water and add 4-5 leaves of tulsi; a small piece of ginger (adrak) and 1 teaspoon of jaggery. Boil this mixture over slow heat till the quantity becomes half a cup. Drink this at least 2 times in a day.
* Slice 2 snow pears into small pieces. Add 3 bowls of water and boil until the water has reduced to 2 bowls. Strain and discard the pears, and add 30 grams of rice to the liquid. Boil again until rice is cooked. Drink the soup.
* Another home remedy for bronchitis cure is - peel 50 grams fresh ginger and cut into small slices. Boil the slices with 100 grams maltose in 2 glasses water for 30 minutes. Drink it hot, twice a day, in one day.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BACKACHE

2007-11-24T03:59:00.001-08:00

Most backaches begin while bending forward to pick up something from the floor. The pain usually comes on suddenly without warning, and it may be very difficult to straighten up to a standing position again. In most cases it is felt either in the middle of the back or lower down on one side. If a spinal disc is involved, the pain may extend down the thigh and leg along the sciatic nerve on that side.
The most common cause of backache may be due to decrease in exercise that makes the muscles of the back strong and healthy. Flabby muscles then produce a wobbly spine, followed by pain, spasm and misery especially if a disc is ruptured.
Weakened muscles and damaged discs are not the only causes of low back pain. Other causes are menstruation, pregnancy, female disorders, kidney and bladder conditions, as well as rectal and prostatic diseases. Usually these bring little or no pain on moving the back.
Arthritis of the spine is another common cause of low back pain. Fracturesof the spine often result in severe back pain. A qualified surgeon who can prescribe any appliances or supports that may be needed should treat such conditions.
A sprained back is the result of a bending or overextension of a joint beyond its capacity. Any unexpected twisting of the body, such as in car accident, may cause a badly sprained back. But merely bending over to pick up one’s shoes may also produce a sudden pain in the middle of the back, making it difficult to straighten up again. All movements must then be restricted to prevent further pain.
Regular exerciseis important. As soon as the pain begin to decrease, the patient should lie on the floor with his hands behind the neck and raise the legs high in the air. First one at time, then together. Repeat this a dozen times each morning and night. Careful bending from side to side and also rotating the upper part of the body while holding the lower part steady will help to strengthen the back and keep the muscles strong and healthy. At the same time it will restore tone to all tendons, ligaments and joints.
Another condition known as osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones, is often seen in elderly people. This may cause collapse and wedging of one or more of vertebrae, due to the weakening of the bones, which often occurs in the later years of life. Such conditions need careful medical management to prevent further deformity and pain. They should be given a good diet, including sufficient amount of protein and calcium to restore the tissues of the bones.
Neck pain that arises from long hours at the desk or by driving car for long can be relieved by certain neck exercises. These include rotating the head clockwise and anticlockwise, allowing the head to drop forward and backward as far as possible and turning the head to the right and left as far as possible several times. These exercises help to loosen up contracted neck muscles, which may restrict the blood supply to the head.
The diet of those suffering from backache should consist of a salad of raw vegetables such as tomato, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, lettuce and at least two steamed or lightly cooked vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, spinach and plenty of fruits, all except bananas.
The patient should avoid fatty, spicy, and fried foods; curd, sweetmeats and sugar; condiments; and tea and coffee.

Most backaches could be avoided following a few simple rules:
1. Lift with legs, not the back. Bend your knees when you wish to pick up something heavy. Keep the back straight.
2. Avoid overexertion. A person who is not accustomed to heavy lifting should not try to carry too much at a time.
3. Exercise regularly. Don’t overdo a good thing like exercise. Taking a moderate amount regularly will do more good than strenuous exercise on rare occasions.
4. Change your position frequently. Avoid cramped sitting positions that bring on fatigue. Move around. Keep flexible.
If you do have back trouble, do not worry. With proper treatment your back will soon be better.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BACKACHE

* A dose of powdered Sonth, Meetha soda and Namak (salt), if taken with hot milk or water, decreases backache.
* The most important home remedy for backache is garlic. Two or three cloves should be taken every morning to get relief. Oil prepared from garlic and rubbed on the back will give immediate relief.
* Lemon is another useful home remedy for backache. The juice of one lemon mixed with common salt and taken by the patient twice daily gives immediate relief.
* Chebulic myroblan is effective for the treatment of backache. A small piece of this fruit should be eaten after meals. This will give quick relief.
* Vitamin C is also useful in treating the severe backache. About 2,000 mg of this vitamin should be taken daily for treating this condition.
* Raw potato is an ancient home remedy for backache, Application of raw potato in the form of a poultice has been found very effective in this condition.
* Hot fomentation, alternate sponging, or application of heat to the back will also give immediate relief.
* Boil ten tulsi leaves in one cup of water until the syrup is reduced to half a cup. Add salt to it after cooling. Take this mixture daily. For severe backache, take it twice a day.
* A self-massage with eucalyptus oil is also very effective remedy, mustard oil can also be used.
* Guggulu is very helpful for backache treatment. Eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water.
* a mixture of five black pepper corns, five cloves and one-gram dry ginger powder can be taken with tea at least twice a day tp reduce backache.
* For backache treatment take half a gram of dalchini powder with one-teaspoon honey at least twice a day.

HOME REMEDIES FOR ATHLETE FOOT

2007-11-24T03:58:00.001-08:00

Certain types of fungi may also live on the surface of skin, especially in the moist areas of the body. In certain types of illness, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, fungus may attack living tissues. Fungus is found in a wide variety of forms causing many different conditions.

Athlete’s foot is a form of ringworm of the feet. It is particularly common in warmer climates, and in individuals whose feet are constantly wet because of excessive sweating. When the disease is present over long periods of time, the toenails may become thickened.

The condition is highly contagious, and is often contracted by contact with infected skin particles in a warm room, shower, around public swimming pools or other similar public areas.

If repeated fungal infections are developed, it might be a sign of fungus in the groin area in these cases the problem should be treated simultaneously. Symptoms are: burning sensation between toes, itching, redness, scaling, blistering.

Sometimes people who have taken antibioticscontract athlete's foot. The antibiotics can compromise the immune system by killing the good bacteria with the bad, leaving the person susceptible to infection. Without the good bacteria, the intestines can't synthesize the B vitamins, which help enhance the immune system.

In chronic athlete’s foot, the skin of the sides and sole of the foot is pink and scaly and there is no itchiness.

HOME REMEDIES FOR ATHLETE FOOT

* Bath the feet thoroughly twice daily, dry them well, and rub away the loosened dead skin.
* Wear light, airy shoes, especially during warm weather.
* For severe infections use hot foot soaks of potassium permanganate solution. Dissolve one 5-grain tablet in a quart of warm water and soak the feet for twenty minutes tow or three times a day.
* Put 40 drops of tea tree oil to a small amount of water and soak your feet in it for 10 minutes after dry feet with a towel to ensure that there is no moister is present this is important because the fungus may flourish under a toe nail that has not been completely dried. Place a few drops of oil on the area. This is a very effective home remedy.
* People with chronic or recurring athlete's foot should avoid excessive consumption of yeast products such as breads and other baked goods, as well as vinegar, and alcohol.
* Take fresh garlic slices and put it in your shoes, wear it all day.
* Soak feet in very warm water with about one part white vinegar to four parts water, for 20 - 30 minutes, 2 times a day, until the fungus is no longer visible and irritating.
* Add 1 teaspoon of aloe Vera gel with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric. Apply this mixture to the feet every morning and night and cover them with old socks.
* Wear cotton socks, and change your socks daily.
* Don't wear tight, closed-toe shoes. Moisture and heat cause athlete's foot fungus to thrive.
* Don't go barefoot in public places. Wear flip-flops.
* Use a foot powder to keep feet dry. Simple cornstarch makes a good foot dusting powder.
* Wash socks in the hot water setting of a washing machine.
* Drink pau d'arco tea and soak your feet in a more concentrated form about 10 tea bags.
* Rub diluted alcohol on the affected area and let it to be dry.
* Prepare a solution of two tablespoons up to half a cup of laundry bleach to a gallon of warm water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes twice a day. This should clear up athlete's foot in a week or ten days.
* Wash the feet in a mild solution of boric acid.
* Mix six tablespoons of dried chaparral to one quart of boiling cheap whiskey or wine; reduce and simmer for 20 minutes; remove and steep for 8 hours. Soak your feet in this solution.
* Boil 4 cups of water, add 8-10 broken sticks of cinnamon, reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes; remove and steep, covered, for 45 minutes. Use as a footbath. Cinnamon effectively combats both yeast and fungal infections. This is another very effective home remedy.
* Boil a cup of water, add one ounce of chopped fresh ginger, and simmer for twenty minutes. Let it cool and apply to your feet twice a day.
* Make an herbal tea footbath of goldenseal and thyme, or a half and half mixture of thyme and chamomile teas. Soak once a day.
* Make a solution by adding 100 drops of grape fruit seed extract in two ounces of water and apply to the affected areas with a cotton ball two or three times a day.
* Raw honey rubbed on the infected areas before bedtime and left overnight has also been found to be effective. Cover the feet with an old sock.
* Rub juice from Jewelweed, also known as impatiens or touch-me-not, on the infected area.
* Prepare a mixture by adding 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 1/2 cup of a carrier oil, such as olive or almond, and apply to the affected area twice a day.
* Onion Juice is very effective and easy to prepare home remedy. Apply onion juice twice daily.
* Prepare a mixture of two teaspoons of salt to a pint of warm water. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes and dry thoroughly.
* Apply Vicks vapourub on the affected toes and fingers at night before going to bed.

HOME REMEDIES FOR ARTHRITIS

2007-11-24T03:57:00.004-08:00

Arthritis is defined as the inflammation of one or more joints. Serious deformities occur in the bones and joints. These may occur in the form of tumours, swellings, and new growths. It occurs usually during the later years of life but it can occur at any age. One or two joints may become completely deformed.

Exact cause of the arthritis is not known. Germs, which cause the tuberculosis, pneumonia can also affect the joints.

Syphilis and gonorrhea can be another cause for arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious condition that involves the joints but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body. It begins slowly with mild swelling, pain and tenderness in the joints of the fingers, wrists, knees and feet. Joints of both side of the body are involved in this disease. The joints feel red and warm. During the early phase of the disease the patient complains of fatigue, weakness and pain.

During the time of pain the patient should take rest for one or two hours in a day. The patient must not lie in bed for too long. It will aggravate the symptoms.

Exercise is important in rheumatoid arthritis. It will help to prevent the stiffness of muscles.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic form of arthritis involving any joint but it mainly occurs in largejoints such as fingers. It mainly occurs in women after the menopause, but it may occur in young age also.

In osteoarthritis the cartilage of the joints is destroyed and the bone surfaces become rough and enlarged. This disease begins slowly and with some pain in the joints. The main complaint is pain, which is severe after exercise.

There are several drugs that are used for the pain and inflammation of arthritis, but most of them are not very effective, because they cause lot of side effects. For example ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), and even other more powerful prescription drugs, causes severe gastrointestinal problems, such as, bleeding ulcers, acidosis, stomach pain, and they interfere with the synthesis of collagen, which is fundamental for the formation of cartilage, if cartilage is not rebuilding itself, more damage is going to occur in the joints.

"There's no one magic food or diet that's going to do away with arthritic pain," says Art Mollen, D.O., director of the Southwest Health Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. "But if a person is overweight and helose weight, it will reduce the stress and pain in spinal column, knees, hips, ankles, and feet."

HOME REMEDIES FOR ARTHRITIS

* Vitamin C is a good home remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.
* Bog bean is another remedy. It works as an anti-inflammatory, eating this herb or taking the herb in a supplement form can help in combating arthritis.
* Ginger is also known for its properties in fighting joint pain and stiffness.
* Take two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water twice daily. It is highly effective for the treatment of arthritis.
* Half teaspoon of turmeric powder taken with warm water twice a day is also beneficial in curing arthritis.
* Drinking alfalfa tea twice daily is also helpful for the treatment of arthritis.
* Radish juice mixed with sugar is also helpful to fight with arthritis.
* Drinking 15 grams of fresh bathu juice daily with an empty stomach without adding any salt or sugar to it helps in reducing the symptoms of arthritis.
* A cup of papaya seed tea taken six or seven times daily for two or three weeks gives relief in the joint pains.
* Eat porridge of 2 teaspoonfuls of winter cherry with ghee and molasses with an empty stomach for 15 days. This is an effective home remedy for arthritis.
* A tablespoon of fruit pectin in a small glass of cranberry juice taken every morning gives relief.
* A person suffering from arthritis should eliminate sugar, white flour, macaroni, pie, cake, and sweet drinks from diet.
* A drink consisting of four raw finely sliced beets soaked in a quart of berry wine for one day. Drink one small glass of this liquid before meals, three times a day.
* Dissolve 4 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses in one quart of cranberry juice and drink one glass everyday. This is also an effective home remedy for arthritis.
* Two parts pure olive oil and one part kerosene makes a wonderful solution to be applied on the affected joints.
* Add one-tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, and drink before going to bed for arthritis treatment.
* Rubbing the aching joints with hot vinegar before going to bed also gives relief to the pain.
* Mix 2 tablespoons mullein, 3 of granulated slippery elm bark, one of lobelia, 1-teaspoon cayenne. Use boiling water to make paste. Spread on cloth and place on swollen joints.
* Bake one or two egg- plants. Mash and fry in about 2 tablespoons of castor oil. Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic and salt can be added while frying. Take once daily for two to three months for relief.
* Another herb known as Guggulu is very helpful in curing arthritis. If available, eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water. ·Paste of 1 teaspoon red chilies and fresh ginger mixed in half a cup of sesame oil and strain. Gently rub this oil on the affected joints. ·Camphor, wintergreen and cinnamon oils are also beneficial for external application.
* A vegetable-juice fast significantly reduces pain for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Carrot juice, celery juice, cabbage juice, or tomato juice can be used
* Application of hot packs and ice packs for 10 minutes also provides relief from joint pains.
* For arthritis natural treatment, soak Spiegel seeds in water, make a paste and apply it on the joints for quick relief..
* Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation of joints. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, sardines, other oily fish, walnuts, flax, soy, olive oil, nuts, and avocados