Is there any mechanism which can help us to know that a person is in depression state? Experts say that , though Depression varies from person to person, there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. These are the sample symptoms which will say that you are in depression mode:   ·Seems like, nothing will ever get better in life and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation. ·You develop,  "don’t care anymore attitude"  about your hobbies, pastimes, social activities, especially love life will go for  a toss. ·You often feel fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks also look so exhausting and  take longer time  to complete. ·Significant weight loss or weight gain will be shown. ·Drastic change is seen your body metabolism.. ·You have extreme variations in your sleeping pattern. either total sleeplessness or oversleeping is observed. ·An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain are often seen. ·Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. tolerance level will become low and  your temper becomes short. ·Everything and everyone gets on your nerves. If these symptoms are observed in one own self or others, it’s time to consult doctor on priority basis.   -Bhavana    

When you’re trying to prevent or control diabetes, you need to pay attention to some of your food choices to avoid deficit in your nutritional needs.  Taking steps to prevent or control diabetes doesn’t mean living in deprivation; it means eating a tasty, balanced diet that will also boost your energy and improve your mood. You don’t have to give up sweets entirely or resign yourself to a lifetime of bland food. Here mentioned below are few tips, help you to take pleasure from your meals without feeling hungry or deprived. Dos:                                                       *  Increase your intake of healthy fats from nuts, olive oil, fish oils, flax seeds, or avocados    * Eat fresh fruits and vegetables often. Consume whole fruit rather than juices.    * You can also have high-fiber cereals and breads made from whole grains    * Fish and shellfish, organic chicken or turkey fish are good for you.    * Always say yes to quality protein such as eggs, beans, low-fat dairy, and unsweetened yogurt   Don’ts: *  Never eat fats from  deep-fried foods * Strict “NO” to Packaged and fast foods, especially those high in sugar, baked goods, sweets,  chips, desserts *  Never go for White bread, sugary cereals, refined pastas or rice. Put processed meat and red     at at last in your menu.   * Reduce consumption of low-fat products that have replaced fat with added sugar, such as fat-        free yogurt   -Bhavana

  ఇది మనందరికీ అనుభవంలో ఉన్న విషయమే! ఏదన్నా జబ్బు చేసినప్పుడు అస్సలు ఆకలి వేయనే వేయదు. కంటి ముందు నోరూరించే పదార్థాలు ఎన్ని ఉన్నా, వాటిని తినాలన్న కోరికా ఉండదు. ఇలా ఎందుకు జరుగుతుందో ఎప్పుడన్నా ఆలోచించారా? ఒంట్లో జ్వరంలాంటి సమస్య ఉన్నప్పుడు ఆకలి వేయకపోవడానికి కారణం ఉందంటారు మన పెద్దలు. శరీరం తనని తాను బాగుపర్చుకునే క్రమంలో ఆహారం తీసుకునేందుకు ఇష్టపడదని చెబుతారు. తిన్న ఆహారాన్ని జీర్ణం చేసుకునేందుకు చాలా శక్తి కావల్సి వస్తుంది. కానీ కడుపు ఖాళీగా ఉండటం వల్ల ఈ శక్తి అంతా రోగకణాల మీద పోరాడేందుకు ఉపయోగపడుతుంది. పెద్దలు చెప్పిన మాటలలో కొంత నిజం లేకపోలేదంటారు శాస్త్రవేత్తలు. అయితే ఈ ఉపవాసం వెనుక మరిన్ని కారణాలు ఉన్నాయంటున్నారు. - ఒంట్లో రోగకణాలు ఉన్నప్పుడు, వాటిని ఎదుర్కొనేందుకు శరీరం cytokines అనే పదార్థాలని విడుదల చేస్తుంది. ఈ cytokinesతో అటు రోగనిరోధక శక్తి బలపడటంతో పాటుగా, ఇటు ఆకలి కూడా తగ్గిపోతుంట. - జలుబు, దగ్గులాంటి సమస్యలు వచ్చినప్పుడు వాసన తెలియదు. ఆకలికీ వాసనకీ మధ్య సంబంధం తెలియంది కాదు కదా! ఏ వాసనా ఎరగకపోవడం వల్ల తినాలని అనిపించదు. - చాలారకాల రోగాలకి మన ఒంట్లోకి చేరుకునే చెడు బ్యాక్టీరియానే కారణం. ఒంట్లో గ్లూకోజ్‌ బాగా ఉంటే... ఈ బ్యాక్టీరియా హాయిగా బలపడుతుంది. ఆ గ్లూకోజ్ మన ఆహారం ద్వారానే అందుతుంది. కడుపు ఖాళీగా ఉంటే, ఒంట్లో గ్లూకోజ్ నిల్వలు తగ్గిపోతాయి. ఫలితం బ్యాక్టీరియా కూడా బలహీనపడిపోతుంది. అయితే ఈ చిట్కా వైరస్‌ల వల్ల వ్యాపించే రోగాలకి వర్తించదు. ఒంట్లో బాగోలేనప్పుడు ఆకలి వేయకపోవడం మంచిదే అని తేలిపోయింది. అయితే ఆ సమయంలో తగినంత నీరు తీసుకుంటూ ఉండాలనీ, తేలికగా జీర్ణమయ్యే ఆహారాన్ని తినాలని సూచిస్తున్నారు. లేకపోతే శరీరం మరింతగా నీరసించిపోయి సరికొత్త సమస్యలు మొదలవుతాయి. చిన్నాచితకా రోగాలలో ఆకలి లేకపోవడం వల్ల లాభమే కానీ నష్టం లేకపోవచ్చు. కానీ క్యాన్సర్‌ వంటి దీర్ఘకాలిక వ్యాధులలో ఇది ప్రాణాంతకంగా పరిణమించే ప్రమాదం ఉంది. ఇలాంటప్పుడు ఆహారం తీసుకోకపోవడం వల్ల మనిషి త్వరగా మృత్యుముఖానికి చేరుకుంటాడు. అందుకనే ఇప్పుడు రోగసమయంలో ఆకలి తగ్గకుండా చూసేందుకు ఓ చికిత్సను కనుగొనే ప్రయత్నాలు మొదలయ్యాయి. శరీరం జబ్బు పడినప్పుడు  interleukin 18 (IL-18) అనే కణాలు ఆకలి వేయకుండా చేస్తున్నాయని గుర్తించారు. మందుల ద్వారా ఈ IL-18 కణాలను నియంత్రించే ప్రయత్నాలు మొదలయ్యాయి. - నిర్జర.

  Most of the  parents with young children will have fear to travel along with kids. But family vacation or functions are the ones which cant afford to miss... Remember,  exposing our kids to such events and celebrations right from young age will help them develop bonding with family members.  However, any parent knows that traveling with young children is not the easiest of  things. In such situations, here are few tips for parents to make the travel smooth and comfortable one.  Discuss with your kids about your travel plan , purpose of travel and the importance of the event you are going to attend. Prepare them physically and mentally for the upcoming activities. Explain to your kids where you are heading and who all they will get to meet and the fun part they are going to have. This will create excitemnet in them.  Carry their toys and belongings with which kids are attached with. These things make them feel home away from home. In your travel agenda, include kids activities/ celebrations, so that the children will have something to look forward to. Make sure their medical kit is ready with all the necessary medicines. Carry medicines for pain, upset tummies, fevers and allergies. Ensure that your lugguage is as less as possible and organised with all sorts of attires needed for the occasions and events you are going to attend. Tell them the health problem they will get if consume roadside food or junk food. Always available to your child. When you are in new crowd, hold on to your children’s hands and keep an eye on them at all times. Try to stay relaxed and cool all the time . Enjoy and try to make the best out of the time you are investing in the holiday. Make memories.   -Bhavana  

  This is the season of weddings and festivals; Mostly we all  tend to eat calorie based  food  during  this season; on the otherhand  would  think  of reducing weight . Is there any magical technique to reduce the weight in short period? If you are thinking of the same then, here are few tips , to reduce weight in a weeks time.   Individuals can lose weight in a week  by following these tips. This diet can be done once in 6 months only and you should never starve during the said period.   * One can loose weight by drinking six to eight glasses of water  in a day.   * Also cut down all liquids and  juices which   contain high amounts of sugar .   * You should  cut out  all white-grain products and fried food  items. Take high end protien, fibre based  foods and leafy vegitables.   * Choose vegetables and fish over saturated fats.   * Performing 30 minutes of cardio exercise like running and swimming.   * Never take harmful diet supplements for quick results.   * Try to loose weight  in Natural way  with proper diet and exercise. This can help  to  shed weight  with a long term results.   * Maintain a food diary to keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise. This will help you to understand your body metabolism in a better way, eventually helps you to reduce weight in a faster way.   * People  who have challenges with health  should always  consult a doctor before starting any type of weight loss program.   Bhavana

Cold, cough and  flu are very common health disturbances in this season.  Mentioned below are few tips which will give you relief from  the cough and sore throat.. Use cough drops or hearbal mint candies which can  soothe your sore throat. Try a teaspoon of honey which is a  traditional remedy for sore throat and may helpful to  soothe coughs too. Drinkingc hot water  will keep your throat wet and will prevent from dry cough. Sip some warm tea or soup to heat up your throught. This  will  hydrate you, and warmth helps break up mucus and makes it easier to cough up. Use cough medicine. Sometimes you need to cough to get out nasty mucus. But other times you need to calm your cough, like when you want to sleep. Cough syrups reduce your urge to cough. But please check with your doctor on the type of drug you need to take inside.. Take steam often using Vaporiser .  Try breathing in steam from a hot shower. steam can keep your nose and throat from being too dry and get rid of that back-of-the-throat irritation. Gargle with salt water for 6-8 times in a day. This will surely give you relief from sour throat.  If you want to get rid of your flu fast then  you need to take it easy. Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. So take as much rest as  possible to get quick recovery.                                     -Bhavana

In our last month get-together party, my friend mentioned about her sleeping problems and her inability to catch up proper sleep not only during the weekdays but  weekends as well. Work presuure could be one of the reasons for our sleeplessness, and  fear of getting late to attend the daily chores can also create disturbance in finding sound sleep . However, if you are unable to stay on bed eventhough your physical body asking for some more rest, then you need to attend this issue with some seriuosness. Even after having a hectic day, if you sleep poorly at night, there’s a good chance that you’ll be more reactive to stress the next day. If you understand that your sleeping disorder is  due to stress  then  same stress can be the reason for your  sleeplesness. Here mentioned are some clues your body and mind are likely to give you to confirm the above: If you’re experiencing muscle tension and pain, or stress-related aches such as neck and shoulder pain or headaches, it can be difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. If your busy mind can’t be turned off the worries, and frustrations, contemplating them from various angles, this increases the stress in the system. Variable heart rate, greater physical tension that are not conducive to falling asleep or sleeping well. In this scenario,taking a warm bath or having a soothing cup of caffeine-free tea can be of your help and will set yourself up for a good night If you spend some time doing relaxation exercises such as progressive muscle relaxation or deep breathing before turning in for the night, you can help your body and mind reduce  the stress which effects in to a sound sleep.                                 -Bhavana

  Today I came across a famous film personality’s interview,where he stated  “however busy he and his wife( who is aparently a busy film star)  are  with  their daily work schedules, they come together to have a talk with their 13 year old son  for 15 minutes without fail. If they are in different places then video call is must for all  three of them to close the day. This one single family activity helps them to increase their  bonding  and able to increase their creativity/ productivity  at work as family is a place where he draws energy from” he adds.   In most of the cases , when both parents work, children might feel neglected. No matter how hectic your life becomes, you need to set aside some time each day for your youngsters. This activity surely  gives them assurance and  they feel they are  loved so much. Telling  how  important they are for you   through words or gifts  is not sufficient . convey this  through a commitment of time. Two-parent working families may have more money, but material things and access to costly activities are no substitute for a parent's time. By dedicating  few hours from your daily calender can help your kids to be confident and  develop positive attitude towards life.   When both parents are working in a  family there can be definitely a positive influence on children.   Both Parents and children will enjoy the benefits of  “time management” and “being organized”.   Boys and girls will tend to develop positive attitude towards their future as they see  both Mom and Dad are succeeding in the workplace as well at personal relationships.   Girls in particular move ahead with lot of self confidence and see themselves having greater career options when  they have a mother who works.   Children will become self sufficient, more exploring, if at all their after-school child care setting is properly made. Middle aged kids also have greater exposure to other youngsters and new social experiences, which can contribute to their development.   Any kind of situation in life can become favorable to us provided we have a clarity on what we are doing and why? When we explain children about our need to work or our passion or whatever the other reasons, they will surely cooperate with parents and kids not only  encourage parents  but eventually  get motivated by self.   So, when both of you parents work, never work with guilt ; work with Grace! All the best!! Bhavana

  “If you have love for fish food  then eating  of cooked salmon fish is the best way to get Vitamin D” say medical experts:   People live in rural areas and specially who work in the fields and expose to Sun are having sufficient D-Vitamin , however, in Urban cities  65 people out of 100 are suffering from “D Vitamin” defficiancy   and main cause for this problem is their life style  which will not allow them to expose to Sun rays.   As you all know lack of D-Vitamin causes  so many health issues like artheritis,  obesity and skin related problems as well. According to experts, regular morning and evening walks exposing to sun  and sun baths are very much helpful in gaining required D-Vitamin for the body. However, food suppliments also can help for a speedy recovery: Here is the list of foods that provide vitamin D :   * Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon * Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, cottage cheese. * orange juice, soya milk, and cereals * Beef liver * Cheese * Egg yolks Bhavana

    The loss of hair from any part of body, especially head is known as baldness in layman’s terms, medically termed as alopecia. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body, as it is usually occurs physiologically, thus scarring and inflammation are absent, unlike the infection leading to hair loss.   Baldness can occur equally in both the sexes, but the outcomes are dramatic in males. There are few types of alopecia like, male-pattern baldness, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Male-pattern baldness is very common, caused due to androgens. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, when the immune system produces antibodies against the hair follicles. Telogen effluvium is usually thinning of hair occurring due to physical and psychological stresses, usually following pregnancy.   Pattern hair loss by age 50 affects about half of males and a quarter of females. Hair loss can occur due to; thyroid disorders, anemia, protein and vitamin deficiencies, radiation therapy and certain chemotherapies prescribed for HIV/AIDS. As a part of screening the cause of hair loss a number of blood test such as complete blood picture, vitamin B levels, iron levels, thyroid function tests and rarely biopsy of scalp.   Best way is to prevent, by maintaining good hygiene, regular cleansing and nourishing the strand, and maintaining a well balanced diet. Off late the advancements in the field of pharmacology has introduced us with drugs for hair re-growth such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia)

An addiction is a chronic dysfunction of the brain system. Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance or engages in an activity that can be pleasurable but the continuation of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary responsibilities and concerns, such as work, relationships, or health. Not many people who are addicted realize that their behavior is causing problems for themselves and others. The most common addictions are: nicotine from tobacco, opiods from pain killers, cocaine, tetrehydrocannabinol (THC) from marijuana, the most frequent one is alcohol and most unnoticed one being caffeine. Physical addiction is a biological state in which the body adapts to the presence of a drug so that drug no longer has the same effect, otherwise known as a tolerance. Usually people succumb to stress and indulge in addictive substance to experience few moments of Euphoria-immense happiness. Addictions may result due to brain dysfunctions involving the frontal lobes or due to environment and culture also play a role in how a person responds to a substance or behavior.  Treating any kind of addictions requires how it works psychologically. The treatment modalities includes medications for diagnosed mental disorders, psychotherapy, medical management to cope up with withdrawal syndrome and the best one being self-help groups.   -Koya Satyasri

  Asthma is a chronic disorder, of the tubes that transport air to lungs called airway. Usually the airways are hyperactive i.e. they react in an exaggerated way to the known allergens, as they get irritated and inflamed the airways narrow down reducing the influx of air and precipitating the symptoms.   Other allergic conditions, such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), hay fever (allergic rhinitis), and food allergies, the prevalence of asthma appears to be on the rise. The most important cause is the interaction between the genetic factors and the environmental factors. This usually presents with shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing are the cardinal signs, but the only signs.   It can occur in children it is usually brought out by some allergens, mostly animal danders; while the adult-onset asthma is most common which usually occurs following an upper respiratory infections, due to respiratory syncytial virus. Asthma is usually diagnosed by respiratory function tests or allergen test. Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: quick-relief medicines to stop asthma symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms.

Diaphragm is a muscular separation between the thoracic cavity and abdomen; its rhythmic contractions play an important role in respiration. Hiccups occur when diaphragm contracts involuntarily and suddenly, this result in snap shutting of vocal cords which produces the sound ‘hic’. Usually hiccups are quite harmless; they are frequently caused by large meals, eating too quickly, drinking too much especially alcohol or carbonated beverages, prior abdominal surgeries, injury or insult to the nerves that innervate diaphragm, cerebro-vascular accidents, brain tumors and even sudden excitement may trigger hiccups.  For most people, a bout of hiccups usually lasts only a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups may persist for longer duration say about an hour or even more or it is hindering your sleep or appetite; that is when we need to consult a doctor, they are rarely an emergency. Hiccups can be prevented by avoiding overeating, eating too quickly, or drinking too much. There some home remedies too, holding your breath, drinking a glass of water quickly, pulling hard on your tongue, biting on a lemon, gargling with water, and using smelling salts. Rarely this condition require formal medications like chlorpromazine, haloperidol or metoclopramide.    -Koya Satyasri

  Going through a sore throat is a big hurdle. As all of us have enough on our plate to cope up with, so we seldom have time to visit a doctor this petite issue. Here are some handy home remedies: Gargling is the best way out, In a 1/2 cup of warm water add 1/8 teaspoon of pepper or 1 teaspoon of salt, it can be used to gargle every other hour Make a strong brew with freshly grated ginger about 3 teaspoons for about 5 minutes in a cup of boiling water and add a spoonful of honey and sip! Slowly chewing on cloves can also give a huge relief Sucking on cough drops stimulates saliva production which keeps throat moist. Pick on ingredient like menthol or eucalyptus are effective                 When your throat is inflamed or irritated it is very important to stay hydrated. So lean on your trusted fluid, Water! If you are sick of gulping down gallons of water then shift to Herbal tea! Either black or green. It is saturated with antioxidants which are thought to boost our immune system and keep away infections! Another sip, in a cup of boiling water incorporate, 2 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Allow the brew to cool for a while and then drink An age old remedy for cold and cough is the chicken soup; stewed chicken chunks have anti-inflammatory properties. This will ensure nutrients along with medicinal profits too! Our favorite delicacies, the marshmallows have sore throat fighting properties too. Its additive gelatin coats and soothes sore throat and throat pain! Along with this resting your vocal cords too is necessary step to be taken! The ultimate step should be consulting a Doctor if this botheration doesn’t subside! Ensure your well being!! -Siri Koya

Typhoid fever is a one of the life threatening disease in the developing countries, especially for children. It is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, a less potent form is caused by Salmonella paratyphi. It is a contagious disease that spreads by oro-feacal route, i.e. through contaminated food and water, and through fomites of the infected patient. After being ingested through the oral route, these bacteria travel through the bloodstream to gall bladder, biliary system and lymphatic system of intestines; where they multiply in great numbers. The symptoms gradually appear within 2-3weeks post-exposure. The symptoms include: Fever gradually reaches as high as 104degree Fahrenheit, headaches, generalized muscle aches or weaknesses, poor appetite, lethargy and diarrhea.  The microbes in intestines form ulcers which may bleed, through these breaks the infection may seep into blood stream causing sepsis, pneumonia, inflammations of cardiac muscles, heart valves, pancreas or meninges. These are the dreaded complications.  If left untreated, illness may proceed to such a state wherein the person becomes delirious and may lie motionless and with half closed eyes. A small fraction of the infected people continue to harbor the microbes in their intestines or gallbladder for long time, thought they do not exhibit clinical feature but are capable of spreading the disease. The incidence is high in areas with poor sanitation. These are best prevented by cleanliness and vaccines. However, the traditional medical treatment is with chloramphenicol, as of now antibiotics depending on culture sensitivity are been prescribed.   -Koya Satyasri

Tinnitus is a sensation of ringing, chirping, buzzing or hissing in the ears. This disturbance can be intermittent or continuous, it can be loud or low intensity. Usually the ringing sensation intensifies, when the background noises are absent, i.e. background noises mask the tinnitus. This condition worsens with age and time. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself — it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder. Rarely the ringing sensation may synchronize with the heart. It is called as pulsatile tinnitus.  Tinnitus is of two types: Subjective Tinnitus – This is the most common type of tinnitus, which only by the patient himself. This indicates an issue within the outer, middle and inner ear, auditory nerves or auditory pathways concerning the brain. Objective Tinnitus – This is a rare type of tinnitus, which is felt by the doctor himself, while he examines the patient. This is caused due to disparity of blood vessel, middle ear bone conditions and muscle contractions. The most common causes are: Age related disease usually worsening with age starting at 60 years, also called presbycusis. Sudden or continuous exposure to loud noise is also a predisposing factor. Stiffening or bone changes of middle ear bones also called otosclerosis. As a part of Meniere’s disease, due to abnormal inner ear fluid pressures. Benign tumors of the auditory nerve called Acoustic neuroma. Certain atherosclerotic changes in the auditory blood vessel can also lead to this disease. Head and neck injuries may also lead to tinnitus. Tinnitus can be very irritating and disturbing especially while sleeping. The treatment involves finding out the root-cause and treating it. When we fail to find the cause, we are fortunate to have masking devices, which instantly reduce the ringing sensation in our ear. While there is little scope of medications in this aspect, but anti-anxiety drugs and anti-depressant drug have been found to be effective.   -Koya Satyasri

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition wherein thyroid gland is producing inadequate hormones. As we know thyroid hormones affect our body temperature, the way our heart beats and how well we burn calories. In this condition our metabolism is sluggish and there by the energy production in our body unit is slowed down. The most common cause id thyroiditis which is the inflammation of thyroid gland, of which the autoimmune disorder of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the main culprit, nevertheless some viral infections too contribute. The thyroidal cells are fragile to the radiation insult, a prior treatment for neck malignancies, is a significant predisposing factor. Previous thyroid resection surgeries cut down the bulk of the gland, leaving behind a part of gland which may not be able to produce enough hormones. Iodine is an important constituent of thyroid hormones; a diet deficient of iodine is definitely a big contributor!  Though the symptoms of hypothyroidism are not very clear, but the most common ones are: Constipation, depression, dry and lusterless hair, hair loss, unexplained weight gain or difficulty to lose weight, cold intolerance and slow heart rate. In blood, the TSH levels are arguably high, while T3 and T4 levels are minimal. The complications that come along are: obesity, joint instabilities and joint pain, infertility and heart problems. The most common treat prescribed is the supplementation of synthetic hormone T4.     -Koya Satyasri