One of the main cognitive functions of brain is the memory. Our memory power depends on the health and vitality of the neurons. These neurons are the building blocks of the most complex and important organ – brain! We are fortunate enough to harness our brains irrespective of the age, studies reveal that brain is capable of forming new neural pathways i.e., learn new facts! Here are few tips to improve your memory power: Firstly, never skip exercise and sleep! Exercise increases blood supply and oxygen supply to brain, exercise enhance the effects of helpful brain chemicals and protect brain cells. Sleep is required for memory consolidation and for the working of brain to its maximum capacity. Take out time to fun, laughter is the best medicine, this holds good for brain as well. Laughter exercises certain areas of brain thus strengthening memory! Stress is the worst enemy of the brain power. Chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the memory centre. Meditation and exercise improve focus, concentration, creativity and learning skills. Memory boosting diet which mainly consists of : Omega-3-Fats found in sea foods, eating more fruits and vegetables, Grape juice, cranberry juice, peanuts and Green Tea all harness the memory power of the brain! Keep chiseling your brain and keep updating your brain with facts!! Take Care!! - SIRI

    Asthma is a widespread and chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In simple words it is the difficulty in breathing due to reduced airway accompanied with wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. As the airways are inflamed and swollen they become narrow and hypersensitive to irritations and thus are easily susceptible to allergic reactions. There are various onsets of Asthma: Child-onset Asthma – This happens in the childhood due to the exposure and is sensitized to common environmental allergens. This variant of asthma is usually genetically determined Adult-onset Asthma – It appears after reaching 20 years of age. Adult-onset asthma is usually more common in women than in men, and is less common than child-onset asthma.  This is triggered by the allergens in the environment or due to the exposure to metals, medications, plastics or dust! Exercise-induced Asthma – If you cough, wheeze and panting after short episodes of exercise you might be suffering from exercise-induced asthma. It also depends on the level of fitness of the person. People suffering with this type of asthma experience difficulty in getting air into the lungs. People suffering with this disorder usually do not show asthma-like symptoms without any physical exertion! Occupational Asthma – Factors like chemicals, vapors, gases, smoke, dust, fumes, pollen and animal products all trigger asthma in the place of work. Occupational asthma appears soon after the patient starts a new job and disappears not long after leaving the job. Nocturnal Asthma – The patient present with asthma symptoms between midnight and 8 am in the morning. It is usually triggered by the dust and pet dander. This is a peculiar type of asthma which shows no symptoms of asthma during the day. Steroid-Resistant Asthma or Severe Asthma – the regular drugs that subside and control the symptoms of asthma is the steroid therapy. But some patients are resistant to these steroids. This is chronic type of asthma wherein the re is airway inflammation and immune activation. .......SIRI  

  Well, heart is one of the most common disease to which about 20% of the world’s population succumb to! Not all hear attacks begin suddenly with crushing pain and profuse sweating as shown in television. Not all heart attacks are unpredictable there some early signs to heart attack. Here some least known signs of heart attack! There is also mild to severe pain and sense of pressure in other body parts like stomach, arm throat shoulder or jaw. People often ignore it, presuming it to be a normal tightness! Even stomach pain, nausea and vomiting also indicate heart attack, which is generally mistook for indigestion or flu! Sudden onset of fatigue or weakness of limbs also indicates the incidence of heart attack. Even walking few steps seems to be an uphill task! Unpleasant sensation of dizziness or a feeling that one might faint at the moment! This indication often mistook for long and tiring daily chores or certain known diseases like vertigo! The onset of Shortness of breath is yet another warning of heart attack. One might experience shortness of breath even while sitting idle! Profuse sweating, this is a well known sign of a heart attack. One starts sweating voraciously even without any physical strain! These are the common symptoms it not a thumb-rule that one who may experience a stroke should have all these signs. Besides able to identify the signs of heart attack one should keep a phone handy to call an ambulance! Take Care!! - SIRI  

  New studies on blood pressure and heart strokes have arrived at certain interesting facts revealed as per stroke specialist Jose Biller at Loyola University Medical Centre. It is mentioned that lowering blood pressure during the first 48 hours after a stroke does not reduce the likelihood of death or major disability, so claims the research. Blood pressure often is elevated following a stroke.   "In most cases, treatment is unnecessary because the blood pressure declines naturally over time and lowering blood pressure may be contra-indicated," warned Jose Biller. It is important not to over treat and cause low blood pressure, because the most important objective is to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain, Biller advised. Lowering blood pressure has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke. The study investigated whether there also would be a benefit to lowering blood pressure immediately after a stroke. The study included more than 4,000 stroke patients in 26 hospitals across China who were randomly assigned to receive blood pressure medications or to discontinue blood pressure medications. After 14 days or hospital discharge, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in mortality or disability, said the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It involved patients who had suffered ischemic strokes, which account for about 85 percent of all strokes. Such strokes are caused by blood clots that block blood flow to a part of the brain. So the need to treat Blood pressure after a stroke is not the solution but to maintain a proper blood flow to the brain is more important.

  Eyes are definitely one such organs which enable us to view this fascinating world of miracles! So, it is our duty to shield them from all sorts of diseases and problems. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts regarding Eye Care! Avoid wearing contact lens for long hours, over 19 hours as they obstruct the oxygen supplies and can cause loss of sight. Usage of freshly cut cucumber slices can reduce over-night puffiness over eyelids, it is also used as an antidote for inflammations and dermatitis. Use polarized glasses not just dark glasses to prevent the irreversible damage caused by UV-radiations. By doing so in youth, you are can prevent the sight-related problems in near future and old-age! Try not to continuously stare at the screen, try taking periodic break for resting your eyes; nothing is more precious than your eyes. We tend to blink less when we are indulged in our work, so voluntarily blink every 30 seconds. Do not read in dim light, neither look at bright light directly! Besides these there are some alterations to be made in your diet too! Pop in some oily fish like sardines and tunas, broccoli and green veggies are rich in anti-oxidants; eggs are good in all means and fruits which have anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants help in reversing and preventing retinal damage. Quit smoking alcohol consumption to protect pretty little organs.  To keep your eyes fit and hassle-free it is also important to exercise them. Focus on a farther object and then on a nearer object. Employing eye rotations is also very useful. Furthermore it is also essential to rest them adequately; a sound sleep of at the least 6hours is quite a good one! Take Care!! - Siri

  Asthma is a complex conditions resulting from the environmental and genetic interactions. Both environmental and genetic factors determine the severity and its responsiveness to the treatment by the steroidal therapy.   One of the major causes of asthma is the presence of allergens in the environment. Smoking, air pollution, exposure to volatile organic compounds and other environmental chemicals all aggravate the problem of asthma. Besides environmental causes there are genetic causes too. Till date, about 30 genes have been identified to cause asthma moreover; the occurrence of asthma is also linked to family history. And it is also found that the genes responsible for asthma are unstable. Asthma is one such disease which cannot be got rid of. Though, it is an incurable disease, with good treatment and management the person can lead a normal and peaceful life. The evidences pertaining to the effectiveness of the measures aiding in the prevention of asthma are weak! Though asthma is incurable but it is certainly manageable. The management of asthma is the proactively monitoring and managing the symptoms. The management has two modules: Lifestyle modification and Medication. Lifestyle Modification – Avoiding the triggers like: allergens, smoke, air pollution, non selective beta-blocker drugs and sulfite-containing foods. If you can not avoid them at least take protective measures against them. Avoid smoking, as smoking prevents the proper functioning of the drugs aimed to manage the symptoms. Taking the scheduled vaccinations is also mandatory. Medication – The medicine managing the symptoms of asthma are quick-relief or long-acting drugs. Never use the medicines which are prescribed for others neither share your medicines because not all drugs are suitable for the management of asthma. Take Care!! - SIRI

  Tea may be just a morning sip for many, but it is a great health drink. There are many variations in tea; some of these teas are certainly health boosters. Here some of the variants of Tea and their fruitful uses: Green Tea is one of the healthiest beverages of our times! Try gulping it down as much as you can! It is reverts the oxidative stress on heart and eyes, the ingredients of green tea improve endothelial function and aid in retaining cardio-vascular health. Want younger and radiant skin?  Then shift to White Tea! It is an anti-aging beverage of this era! The polyphenols found in this white tea are responsible for the wrinkle-inhibition by strengthening elastin and collagen production which all add-up to your natural glam quotient! Ginger Tea is yet another healthy tea which is inflammatory! It prevents the commotion in the brain. It gives a soothing relief from the migraine attacks. Besides, that it also relieves the joint pains and muscle cramps! The Peppermint Tea, as its name suggests it is has all the goodness of the mint. Thus is capable of fighting off the gastro-intestinal problems like constipation and GI irregularities as it improves the motility of the gut! Black Tea is also a great combination of the health fads such as; reducing stress, bringing down blood pressure significantly, its antioxidants inhibit plague and bacterial growth within the mouth and thus maintaining oral hygiene! It also has glucose inhibiting properties and is the most advisable beverage for diabetic people! Take time to breathe in life and sip in some health tea!! Take Care!! - SIRI

  According to an innovative new study by researchers at University College Cork, part of the National University of Ireland being physically fit can encourage germs in your gut to keep you healthy and frequent exercise may influence our weight and overall health by altering the kinds of organisms that live inside of us. These studies have shown that people with large and diverse germ populations in their digestive tracts tend to be less prone to obesity, immune problems and other health disorders than people with low microbial diversity, and that certain germs, in particular, may contribute to improved metabolic and immune health. “We chose professional athletes as a study group, because we wanted to be sure not to miss any effect of exercise and needed a group who were safely performing at the extremes of human endeavor,” said Dr. Fergus Shanahan, an author of the study who is a professor of gastroenterology and director of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center at University College Cork, where 40 rugby players had agreed to participate in this study. The gut and intestines of the athletes was quite different from that of the other normal men in either of the control groups. The rugby players had considerably more diversity in the make-up of their gut micro biomes, meaning that their intestinal tracts hosted a greater variety of germs than did those of the other men, especially the men in the group with the highest B.M.I. These findings “draw attention to the possibility that exercise may have a beneficial effect on the micro biota,” Dr. Shanahan said, in ways that improve bodily health. Either ways exercise in any amount is always beneficial to the body and the bacteria residing there.

  Otalgia or earache is the ear pain. Broadly earaches are two types:  Primary Earache, earaches which originate within the ear  While the secondary or the referred earaches are due causes other than the ear origin! The causes of earaches are varied. Foreign particle or water stuck within the ear canal can be cause of infection and lead to primary earaches.  Certain conditions like impacted teeth, sinus diseases, and inflamed tonsils, infections of nose or pharynx and throat cancer are all the causes of secondary earaches. Sadly the little ones are more affected than the adults, giving us all the more reasons to cure it at our ease.   We are fortunate enough to find cures for this painful discomfort disease within our food stores. Here are some home remedial cures for earaches:   Hot compresses – It is the most easily accessible cure. It is done placing a towel, which dipped in hot water and wringing out the excess water, over the affected area. A hot water bottle can be used for less hassle.   Warm Oil – Vegetable-based oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil are warmed and trickled down in the painful ear. These can be enriched by a drop or two of clove oil, peppermint oil. This method should be adopted while lying still!   Onion – The juice of an onion thoroughly sieved or strained is an excellent cure for earaches. Onion being antimicrobial, it provides quick and long-lasting relief.   Garlic – Garlic is reputed for its healing capacities and a powerful antimicrobial. Similar procedure to that of Onion is followed.   Ginger – Ginger is tagged as cure-it-all spice. It is a natural analgesic (pain killer) and antibacterial. The juice extract of ginger can be employed as an instant pain-reliever.   As always these are not a substitute for a medical advice or a professional physician consultation. These are the ancient ways of treating a discomfort. If the problem persists immediately seek a professional help. Take care!! - SIRI

Well, turmeric is considered as one of the most important herbal drug from times immemorial. Lately the chemically composed capsules have taken its rightful position. And now its time, we revive its significance and put it to use!! Scientific researches have recorded a potential medicine in turmeric. Here are some of the properties, which make it essential additive in your daily routines!! It is very effective in fighting off certain types of Cancers which are resistant to many drugs called Multi-Drug Resistant Cancers! Turmeric is also fundamental requisite for destroying cancer stem cells which are decisive for the relapse of the tumors and malignancies!! It is a well-known fact that exposure to radiation is one of the major cause for malignancies. Turmeric is also helpful in reducing and partly reversing the damage caused by the radiations. Unfortunately, we are exposed to radiations daily and all-day long which are all potent causes of cancers. Inflammation is an evident sign of allergy or invasion of our body security systems by disease-causing agents. Turmeric reduces unhealthy levels of Inflammation. Heavy metal unknowingly sneak into our appetites and finally deposit in our vital organs like liver, pancreas and spleen; alarming us of a serious condition called Heavy Metal Toxicity, Turmeric has all the powers to undo this fiasco! The so-called incurable neurodegenerative diseased conditions like Alzheimer’s disease can be retarded, if not at the least partially reversed by the use of Turmeric!! Turmeric is a medicinal spice which timelessly supporting the origins of human race. And now it is also being supported by scientific enquiry, that it is unparalleled in its value for the well-being and propagation of humans!! So make sure to add the extra pinch of turmeric to your foods!! To add in extra years of well being!!   - Siri

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk. Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes or soldiers. It can happen in one foot or both feet.You begin to notice it when you put your firststep down after you wake up from the bed also. Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. Causes: This is more likely to happen if: •             Your feet roll inward too much when you walk •             You have high arches or flat feet. •             You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces. •             You are overweight. •             You wear shoes that don't fit well or are worn out. •             You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles. Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. You may have less stiffness and pain after you take a few steps. But your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long time. Diagnosis Your doctor will check your feet and watch you stand and walk. He or she will also ask questions about: •             Your past health, including what illnesses or injuries you have had. •             Your symptoms, such as where the pain is and what time of day your foot hurts most. •             How active you are and what types of physical activity you do. Your doctor may take an X-ray of your foot if he or she suspects a problem with the bones of your foot, such as a stress fracture. Treatment No single treatment works best for everyone with plantar fasciitis. But there are many things you can try to help your foot get better: •             Give your feet a rest. Cut back on activities that make your foot hurt. Try not to walk or run on hard surfaces. •             To reduce pain and swelling, try putting ice on your heel. Or take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), naproxen (such asAleve), or aspirin. •             Do toe stretches  , calf stretches   and towel stretches   several times a day, especially when you first get up in the morning. (For towel stretches, you pull on both ends of a rolled towel that you place under the ball of your foot.) •             Get a new pair of shoes. Pick shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole. Or try heel cups or shoe inserts (orthotics  ). Use them in both shoes, even if only one foot hurts. If these treatments do not help, your doctor may give you splints that you wear at night, shots of steroid medicine in your heel, or other treatments. You probably will not need surgery. Doctors only suggest it for people who still have pain after trying other treatments for 6 to 12 months.

  Kiwi is a typical tropical fruit in its appearance and its nutrient-values. These green colored delicious fruits contain numerous phytonutrients, minerals and vitamin which all aid in good health! As it has quite unique and numerous health uses thus called a Powerfood, here are few to jot down: Raw kiwi boasts of the protein digesting enzymes which are produced in fewer amounts by our body, such as papain in papaya. To maintain the blood pressure from surging up, the electrolyte balance has to be maintained between sodium and potassium. As we depend on fast-foods, these drop in heaps of sodium which is to be counteracted by potassium supplements, best done by kiwi! Kiwi also has antioxidants which protect cells and it’s DNA from the oxidative damage and thus experts have concluded it to be a cancer preventive fruit! This is touted as a smart choice for people who want to check on their calories, as it has low glycemic index thus the body does not respond by storing fat. Moreover it has good amounts of fibre also aiding in preventing constipation and other intestinal ailments. This fibre also flushes out the toxins too! Kiwi fruit reduces the clotting potential and triglycerides levels significantly and reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases. Aspirin is the most used drug for clotting disorders but this comes with side-effects such as inflammation and intestinal bleeding. Instead Kiwi fruit can be used as a potent drug replacing aspirin and also minimizing side-effects. Kiwi fruit has the Vitamin E and certain antioxidants are known to protect skin from degeneration and defoliation! So these are just few reasons why should include this bright-green fruit in your diet! Take Care!!   - SIRI

  Dry fruits are some of the healthiest alternatives to refined sugar, and they are an excellent way to satisfy our sweet craving. Eating fruits in moderation is itself a great way to get the required nutrients and vitamins. Dried fruit is a package of taste and nutrients in our busy, fast-paced life. Almonds-Badam: Though these are petite and, jam packed with essential fatty acids, fibre and proteins. Almonds are effective in treating many health issues. Almonds also boost our Haemoglobin levels and promote blood circulation. They also reduce cholesterol and aid in preventing lung and breast cancer.   Walnut-Akroot Walnuts are one of the healthiest nuts which are full of good fats and nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in abundance in walnuts, which nourish dry skin and improve its texture. Walnut contains linolenic acid, which prevents wrinkles and fine lines, if used as oil. Walnuts are called brain food and not without reason. Nearly 60% of our brain structure comprises of Omega 3 fatty acids which are found in walnuts. Walnuts are also instrumental in promoting cardiovascular health.   Cashew-kaju: There is a myth about cashew nuts that they are unhealthy as they contain a lot of fats. But in reality, cashew nuts when eaten in moderation actually help in losing the extra-pounds.  It is also used as a cosmetic; it helps to reduce tan and prevents skin damage. It also helps in protecting cracked heels. Cashew nuts are rich in Vitamin E and they have anti-ageing properties as well. Cashew nuts control cholesterol, blood sugar, prevents migraines and high blood pressure. Pistachios: Pistachios are powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in Vitamin E, they protect our skin from UV rays, premature ageing and even skin cancer. Pistachio oil has demulcent properties, which they help in smoothen your skin. They also contain carotenoid, lutein and xanthenes, which are rarely found in nuts. Besides this, pistachios also contain antioxidants, which neutralize the free radicals, thus reduce the signs of ageing.  Pistachios help stabilize blood sugar, aid digestion, prevent heart diseases and give proteins and fibre substitution to our body. -Sandhya Koya

  Drink water, You need to stay hydrated. Not only is it good for your internal organs, it also keeps your skin healthy and lessens acne. Exercise at least four days a week for 20 to 30 minutes each day. If it’s all not possible at a go, break your workouts into smaller sessions. To determine your water requirement, divide your weight (in pounds) by two. This gives the daily ounce-recommendation. Cut down on caffeine and caffeinated and aerated beverages. Limit alcohol intake. Tobacco and drugs should be an absolute No. Try to get as much physical activity as you can. Skip the elevator and take the stairs, walk to the supermarket instead of hunting for parking space etc. Wake up early to practice simple meditation. It harmonizes body, mind and soul. Doing household chores also counts as activity. Pets can be a great source for your exercise. Especially a dog. Walking dogs, caring for them involves good amounts of physical activity. If exercising alone bores you out, hook up with a partner or friend who is committed to exercise. The fun factor will also let you stay committed. Exercise also works as an outlet for pent up stress. So keep exercising, especially when you’ve got work bearing down on you.

  Regular exercise, including walking, significantly reduces the chance that a frail older person will become physically disabled, according to one of the largest and longest-running studies of its kind to date. The results, published on Tuesday in the journal JAMA, reinforce the necessity of frequent physical activity for our aging parents, grandparents and, of course, ourselves. While everyone knows that exercise is a good idea, whatever your age, the hard, scientific evidence about its benefits in the old and infirm has been surprisingly limited. “For the first time, we have directly shown that exercise can effectively lessen or prevent the development of physical disability in a population of extremely vulnerable elderly people,” said Dr. Marco Pahor, the director of the Institute on Aging at the University of Florida in Gainesville and the lead author of the study. Countless epidemiological studies have found a strong correlation between physical activity in advanced age and a longer, healthier life. But such studies can’t prove that exercise improves older people’s health, only that healthy older people exercise. Other small-scale, randomized experiments have persuasively established a causal link between exercise and healthy aging. But the scope of these experiments has generally been narrow, showing, for instance, that older people can improve their muscle strength with weight training or their endurance capacity with walking. The exercise group received information about aging but also started a program of walking and light, lower-body weight training with ankle weights, going to the research center twice a week for supervised group walks on a track, with the walks growing progressively longer. They were also asked to complete three or four more exercise sessions at home, aiming for a total of 150 minutes of walking and about three 10-minute sessions of weight-training exercises each week. Most of the volunteers “tolerated the exercise program very well,” Dr. Pahor said, but the results did raise some flags. More volunteers in the exercise group wound up hospitalized during the study than did the participants in the education group, possibly because their vital signs were checked far more often, the researchers say. The exercise regimen may also have “unmasked” underlying medical conditions, Dr. Pahor said, although he does not feel that the exercise itself led to hospital stays. Dr. Pahor cautioned that the LIFE study is not meant to prompt elderly people to begin solo, unsupervised exercise. “Medical supervision is important,” he said. Talk with your doctor and try to find an exercise group, he said, adding, “The social aspect is important.” Mildred Johnston, 82, a retired office worker in Gainesville who volunteered for the LIFE trial, has kept up weekly walks with two of the other volunteers she met during the study.“Exercising has changed my whole aspect on what aging means,” she said. “It’s not about how much help you need from other people now. It’s more about what I can do for myself.” Besides, she said, gossiping during her group walks “really keeps you engaged with life.” NY Times

  Diabetes is on the rise, yet most cases are preventable with healthy lifestyle changes. Some can even be reversed. Taking steps to prevent and control diabetes doesn’t mean living in deprivation. While eating right is important, you don’t have to give up sweets entirely or resign yourself to a lifetime of bland “health food”. With these tips, you can still enjoy your favorite foods and take pleasure from your meals without feeling hungry or deprived. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNjKPvT1wkw  

  Dry Eyes : One common side effect of wearing contact lenses is developing dry eyes. This condition results from having insufficient tears. Dry eyes can occur in wearers of soft and hard contact lenses, alike. People with dry eyes might experience symptoms such as the eyes feeling hot, a sensation of something stuck inside the eye, redness, and burning or tearing. Fluid deposit : Intraocular fluid from the lens gets deposit on the retina. This fluid can lead to eye infections. This is more common when you wear soft lenses daily, as they are flexible and the fluid doesn’t come out easily after washing with the solution. Burning eyes : When you try to set these plastic or silicon lens inside your eyes, you feel a burning sensation instantly. Eyes are very sensitive. If a small dust particle enters, it becomes red. What will happen when you try to put lens? The inflammation is felt but, it is temporary. You can also get bumps on the eyelids and these swollen eyelid are painful. Pressure on the Eyes : Contact lenses exert a certain amount of pressure on the eye. Depending upon the fit and oxygen permeability of your lens, this pressure can change the shape of the cornea. Allergic Reactions : The chemicals used in the cleaning, disinfecting and lenses storage solutions may irritate sensitive eyes. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is a particular allergic condition that is often due to chemical allergies and protein build-up on contact lenses. Symptoms include small bumps on the inside of an eyelid, mucus and itching.