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Non-invasive fat removal

      The latest in fat removal techniques and blessing for the overweight souls is the nonsurgical process of fat removal called Lipolysis. It is one of the safe and non invasive methods of fat removal from specific areas of the body and combating cellulite.   Now the science behind lipolysis is a topic in itself. It uses a fat-dissolving material called phosphatidyl choline injected into the targeted fat layer beneath the skin. But it is a proven technique to reduce cholesterol and improve the body’s metabolism’s its just not into removing fat but also into prevents the storage of fat and improves the fat burning capacity. Now who can get this done? It can be done for both men and women who have fat deposits in specific areas. They should be of sound health and people who have had heart problems, cancer, blood clotting history and serious medical conditions should not get this done. Results can be immediate to gradual depending on the age , skin type, weight and lifestyle. Since it is a non-invasive procedure, you can get back to normal work routine. Hot showers and baths should best be avoided for eight hours after treatment and also refrain from excessive exercising and massages for the first week after treatment. And the sessions can vary from 1 to 3 sittings for effective results. People who are committed to a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and a balanced diet will see a long term improvement in their body.

Top 5 Summer Food By Tesco Diets

      Presenting the top 5 summer foods that you could have to beat the heat and add to your diet. 1.     Pineapple. This sweet, tropical fruit is the perfect ingredient for smoothies, raitas , kashmiri pulaos and fruit salads. It’s packed with vitamin C and manganese; a mineral which helps build muscle tone and boosts bone health. It contains an enzyme called  bromelain which  breaks down protein and helps in digestion and even help to reduce inflammation.   2.     Blueberries. Which we are also available in the canned format now in India also has concentrated amounts of flavonoids, the natural substances responsible for giving blueberries their deep blue colour. They help in inhibiting cancer, preventing urinary tract infections, improving eyesight and inhibiting short-term memory loss and other effects of ageing. Toss them into your cereals, salads or top with a little natural yoghurt.   3.     Seafood. Fresh fish which is easy to cook and delicious to eat is provided you get them fresh. Take any of your favourite local  fish available and marinate them for an hour in your typical salt,pepper and lemon mix and  then grill them and eat. Seafood is a great source of protein and a source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.   4.     Tomatoes. They are high in vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium, their high lycopene content puts them in the nutritional spotlight. There is actually more of this prostate cancer-preventing antioxidant in the more concentrated tomato products like tomato puree and tomato juice. But since it is summer, go for the fresh whole fruit, with only 25 calories per tomato which makes it agreat low calorie option in your soups and salads. 5.     Cantaloupe melon. It’s the season of the fragrant cantaloupe melon . It has more vitamin A than apricots, more potassium than bananas, a full day's supply of vitamin C, and it's lower in calories than most fruits - 57 calories per serving. A good cantaloupe beats a glass of orange juice any day. However, cantaloupe is high GI Glycemic Index and may not be suitable for people who are prone to high blood sugar levels.  

Coffee for Good Health

      Dr. Rob van Dam, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health suggests that coffee may have some beneficial health effects after all...Research over the past few years suggests that coffee consumption may protect against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, and liver cirrhosis. And the latest study on coffee and mortality found that people who regularly drank coffee actually had a somewhat lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease than those who rarely drank coffee; this result needs to be confirmed in further studies, however. So looks like the latest Harvard study on coffee and health seems to offer good news for coffee drinkers.   We looked at the relationship between coffee consumption and overall mortality in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which together included about 130,000 study volunteers. (1) At the start of the study, these healthy men and women were in their 40s and 50s. We followed them for 18 to 24 years, to see who died during that period, and to track their diet and lifestyle habits, including coffee consumption. We did not find any relationship between coffee consumption and increased risk of death from any cause, death from cancer, or death from cardiovascular disease. Even people who drank up to six cups of coffee per day were at no higher risk of death. This finding fits into the research picture that has been emerging over the past few years. For the general population, the evidence suggests that coffee drinking doesn't have any serious detrimental health effects. It’s an important message because people have seen coffee drinking as an unhealthy habit, along the lines of smoking and excessive drinking, and they may make a lot of effort to reduce their coffee consumption or quit drinking it altogether, even if they really enjoy it. Our findings suggest that if you want to improve your health, it’s better to focus on other lifestyle factors, such as increasing your physical activity, quitting smoking, or eating more whole grains. Source: Harvard School of Public Health

Choosing the right Oil

      A universal fact known to us is that the right cooking oil can save you from heart diseases, cholesterol blockages, obesity and digestion problems. As Indians we have been using the traditional peanut oil, ghee or clarified butter, sesame oil & mustard oil in our cooking and by the turn of the 20 century we have started incorporating vegetable oils like sunflower, olive and rice bran oils in to our cooking. These different oils which have come to us from different countries are essentially filtered or cold pressed in case of olive oil. But studies show that for the Indian environs and body conditions traditional oils like ghee and ground nut oil are good for health. And the added advantage is that they come in the filtered form too. Now with these new types which have invaded our markets the dilemma would be as to which oil should we use? The key is to use the oil that suits you and preferably the filtered ones.   The regularly used oils like Sunflower oil and others each have their distinctive healing properties. Sunflower oil reduces cardiovascular diseases, is good for cancer patient and a healthy option for arthritis patients and sunflower is an antioxidant. Groundnut oil which is slowly fading is actually known to boost energy levels and contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It contains Omega 3 fatty acids, lowers the risk of heart diseases and fights against cancers, & degenerative nerve diseases. Mustard oil used in the Northern parts of India is good for coughs and colds and eases inflammation and  Sesame oil improves oral hygiene and dental health .The nutty Coconut oil which is extensively used in Kerala is known to fight bacteria, build immunity and increase metabolism. Oils like ghee which has been perceived by Ayurveda is good for digestion and brain functions and are known for their high levels of saturation .So choose the right oil  and gain benefits from their distinctive properties and use in moderation.  

Diabetic Retinopathy

      Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of diabetes. All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. Diabetic eye diseases may include: -Diabetic retinopathy—damage to the blood vessels in the retina. -Cataract—clouding of the eye's lens. Cataracts develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes. -Glaucoma—increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage and loss of vision. A person with diabetes is nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma as other adults. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision. If you have diabetic retinopathy, at first you may not notice changes to your vision. But over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. All people with diabetes--both type 1 and type 2--are at risk. That's why everyone with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetic retinopathy, your doctor can recommend treatment to help prevent its progression. During pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy may be a problem for women with diabetes. To protect vision, every pregnant woman with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend additional exams during your pregnancy. So remember if you have diabetes get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year and follow up with your doctor stringently .  

Reduce talk time to avoid wrinkles

      Have you heard of getting wrinkles using a phone or gadget! According to CACI international, a firm that specialises in ”non-surgical beauty solutions” has identified a new problem while using smart phones and other phone gadgets. It can give you wrinkles. Now this could be a scary proposition for all women and men who use these phones.   They have further elaborated that using Smart phones/gadgets  can give you wrinkles as looking down at handheld devices and computers for countless hours develops a line around the neck and chin. This terrifying new gadget related affliction has been dubbed “tech neck” and could affect anyone who owns a hi-tech gadget. The “tech neck” is a line around the neck and chin which is caused by looking down at handheld devices and computers every day. The bizarre latest face furrow was identified after a surge of neck-related enquiries for non-surgical, knife-free face-lifts by CACI international, a firm that specialises in”non-surgical beauty solutions”. “We noticed a surge in enquiries for our product, specifically to combat lines around the neck area,” Dean Nathanson, Managing Director of CACI international, said. “We’ve identified a correlation between the rise of technology in recent years and the growth of the ‘tech neck’,” said Nathanson. So for those who are constantly on the phone and addicted to these hi tech gadgets should either reduce talk time to avoid these wrinkles even though they are for a short period.

Women outdo Women

      This Women’day and in celebration of women hood we present a study on Ovulation in women and how the study shows that women are more aggressive when they ovulate. ACCORDING to the new research by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, ovulation alters women’s behaviour on a subconscious level, prompting them to focus more on social standing in comparison to other females.   Researchers from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management conducted three studies, one of which featured the popular “dictator game experiment”. Fifty-eight ovulating and non-ovulating women were each given a set amount of money, which they could share with another if desired. Non-ovulating women shared about 50% of their money with others, while ovulating women shared about 25% of funds and kept the rest. “We found that ovulating women were much less willing to share when the other person was another woman. They became meaner to other women,” said Kristina Durante, assistant professor of marketing at the UTSA College of Business and lead study author. In another experiment, 309 women were asked to choose between “Option A” – to have a US$25,000 car while other women received US$40,000 cars – and “Option B” – a US$20,000 car while the other women received US$12,000 cars. Ovulating women preferred “Option B,” which provided “higher social standing” compared to the others. “What’s interesting about this finding is that ovulating women are so concerned about their relative position that they are willing to take less for themselves just so that they could outdo other women,” said study coauthor Vladas Griskevicius, associate professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Ovulating women had different reactions when playing the same games against men. While ovulation seemed to make women meaner to one another, it resulted in “nicer” behaviour towards men. The results, entitled “Money, Status, and the Ovulatory Cycle,” were published in the February issue of Journal of Marketing Research. It builds on previous studies from Durante and colleagues, including the role of ovulation in consumer choices and behaviour towards men. Such studies found that ovulation subconsciously encourages women to choose “sexier” outfits in hopes of outdoing other attractive women, and to flirt more heavily, especially with men who have assorted genetic fitness markers. Source: AFP/Relaxnews  

Top 5 Health and Fitness trends to watch out for

      Body Weight Training   People need to get over the Gym fad and get back to the basics of simple exercises and working with body by not usingweights and gym equipment.Alterate forms like Yoga, and Oriental therapies are suggested for better mental and physical health. Flexitarianism Many of us will go ‘flexitarian’ this year, according to the British Dietetic Association (BDA). ‘Someone who follows a flexitarian diet tends to follow a vegetarian diet for most of the time but will eat meat on occasion,’ says BDA’s Sioned Quirke. ‘With this, and an apparent increase in public awareness about meat production,’ says Quirke, ‘it is fair to say we will see a marked rise in the number of people following a flexitarian diet. Technology for  Fitness David Stalker, CEO of UK Active, (www.ukactive.com), says the health and fitness sectors will find new ways to get people engaged with exercise this year. ‘This includes wearable technology, mobile phone apps and videogames,’ he says. ‘For those looking to measure all facets of their lifestyle, from their calorie intake to their sleep patterns, wristbands can measure your habits and point out where you’re going wrong. ‘The key thing about these devices is the way they are designed to link up with your mobile phone via apps.’ Stalker says this will make measuring progress easier and means people will be able to share their achievements, or failures, with friends on social media. ‘Microsoft’s next-gen gaming console, the Xbox One, is another revolutionary way to help you break a sweat,’ he says. ‘The console has made great strides in virtual technology. Studies have shown that games such as Kinect Sports Boxing can boost heart rates by 194 per cent compared to traditional, controller-held games, and the game can increase energy expenditure by 263 per cent on resting values, comparable to light cycling.’ These types of technology are accessible to everyone and are an alternative for those too daunted to go to the gym. Eating Sprouts No, this isn’t about existing on a diet of Brussels sprouts. Sprouted seeds, pulses and beans are collectively known as ‘sprouts’ and they’re going to be big in 2014. ‘Nutritionist Vicki Edgson (www.vickiedgson.com) says ‘Sprouts are effectively living foods and one of the richest forms of nutrients known.’ Edgson says people are becoming more anxious and inquisitive about the origins of their food and health blogs are all talking about ‘real’ (ie unprocessed) and sprouted foods.‘And they have gained the name “sprouts” from the fact that, when soaked in water, rinsed, drained and placed in a dark space, they produce a shoot. Green Juices We saw a surge in people opting for healthy green juices last year but in 2014, market research company Mintel says there will be a big move towards ‘functional green vegetable juices’ over caffeinated energy drinks. ‘In late 2014, new EU food and drink labelling legislation will see drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre having to change the labelling to show a more explicit warning,’ says Mintel’s Richard Cope. ‘It will also require additional labelling for high-caffeine drinks and foods where caffeine is added.’ Cope says it will affect brands such as Rockstar, which is 32.1mg of caffeine per 100ml, and energy shots that are more concentrated doses of caffeine.  

Early detection of Alzheimer' s

      Diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia which have been linked to genetics and associated with lifestyle behavior patterns have afflicted many people around the world. The signs of Alzheimer’s start off with symptoms of forgetfulness and memory impairment which is neglected at the beginning stages and once this aggravates is when people start rushing to the doctors for the checkups and tests. Identifying the disease at the early stages is critical and this can happen only when people start taking notice of their memory issues.   Erin Abner, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and member of the faculty in the UK Department of Epidemiology, asked 3,701 men aged 60 and higher a simple question: "Have you noticed any change in your memory since you last came in?" That question led to some interesting results. "It seems that subjective memory complaint can be predictive of clinical memory impairment," Abner said. "Other epidemiologists have seen similar results, which is encouraging, since it means we might really be on to something." This  shouldn't necessarily worry everyone who's ever forgotten where they left their keys or papers and start panicking about Alzheimers or Demential but it's important to distinguish between normal memory lapses and significant memory problems, which usually change over time and affect multiple aspects of daily life. The results are meaningful because it might help identify people who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease sooner. If the memory and thinking lapses people notice themselves could be early markers of risk for Alzheimer's disease, we might eventually be able to intervene earlier in the aging process to postpone and/or reduce the effects of cognitive memory impairment. So if there is a repetitive memory degeneration don’t ignore it and visit the Physician.

For a cavity -free healthy teeth

      It has been shown in certain studies about oral hygiene that tooth decay is not caused by sugars and starches that remain on the teeth or when the bacteria that thrive in the mouth after the leftover food particles stuck in our mouth, produce acids that destroy tooth enamel. But studies on people who do not brush or floss show that many have teeth almost completely free of tooth decay. Research conducted by Dr. Westom Price and other dental pioneers suggest that the real cause of tooth decay is because of 1) the Intestinal system unable to absorb nutrients properly 2) Lack of fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E & K) 3) Presence of phytic acid from grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes and 4) Lack of minerals in the diet and not because of left over bacteria in the mouth .   Over time, minerals are removed from the bones, causing bone and tooth decay because of the blood chemistry and ratio of calcium and phosphorous becoming disproportionate . It is important to consume a diet rich in minerals and vitamins which will restore the balance in the body and enable minerals to work on our teeth. This will develop a hard dental structure and protect our teeth. You could start including the following foods in your diet for healthy mineral and nutrients for healthy teeth: ->Fibre-rich fruits and veggies like celery, apples and carrots massage the gums, and improve circulation ->Fruits like oranges and other citrus fruits are also great for the mouth as they contain vitamin C which keeps the gums healthy ->Organic vegetables and meats, all dairy products and seafood ->Limit processed foods like flours and sugars that de-stabilise blood sugar balance ->Use certain oils like coconut and sesame oil which are rich in calcium Make the healthier choice and switch to a diet of whole, unprocessed foods for healthy teeth and a happy dentist !

Forgiveness- Key to vibrant health

      Forgiveness means letting go of our suffering. It has much more to do with our own well-being than that of the person we forgive. When we hold on to our resentment, hurt and anger our suffering doubles. It becomes a veil through which we see ourselves and others; it becomes something we have to justify. And if we don't, we think that we have let the other person to be right in their unfair treatment of us. Getting to forgiveness is perhaps the most challenging & powerful thing that we can do to go "beyond ourselves."   Why should I forgive ? When you are in a state of unforgiveness there is a lot of stagnation in life and this show up as blocks in your health, career, relationship and finances as issues. You could probably never connect that unforgiveness could block all these aspects in your life and when you forgive, the energy emanated will open up these blocks which in turn will allow good to flow in your life. All states of ill health come from unforgiveness. Anger, irritation and deep rooted resentment are all forms of an unforgiving state which cause ill health in a human body like boils in the body and also cancer in the long run. When you forgive, it is like coming out of a prison into sunshine. It is empowering to forgive and let go. You open the doors to abundance and love which were hitherto blocked because of unforgiveness. Most of us are so often trapped in a habit of negative thinking and unforgiveness that we move on in life without actually forgiving the person who has hurt us. All you need is a pen and paper to acknowledge and write your feelings towards that person. You could just write points or if the feelings are more intense you could write a sheet or two. This could be on a day-to day basis or as and when you feel that you need to forgive if the feelings hurt very bad. “When you forgive you are free”

Treating vertigo

      Vertigo which is mostly attributed to the dizziness associated with heights is actually caused by problems in the vestibular system found in the inner ear--which helps your body maintain its balance. Some forms of brain damage may also create a sense of vertigo. Common types of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (created by calcium build-ups in the ear) and labyrinthitis (created by bacterial infections in the ear) or a blow to the head that may damage the vestibular system. When the blood flow to the brain is slightly less can also lead to vertigo.   It leaves you with spell of dizziness even when you are standing still and sometimes can lead to a blackout. If you feel these symptoms it is best to go to the doctor where they will check your ears and also do small tests where they will make you take short steps and also make you stand still with your hands next to your side and with closed eyes. If you are unable to stand still and swerve indicates slightly benign vertigo. Indication: The strongest indication of vertigo is a sudden feeling of disorientation and physical confusion. A sense of lightheadedness often occurs, and your balance and coordination maybe severely affected as well. You could also feel nauseous, followed by vomiting. Eyesight may become blurry and some vertigo patients complain of aches in the neck muscles. These symptoms can arise without warning and last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Vertigo is often triggered by a specific movement of the head, creating the imbalance in the ear. The precise sort of movement varies by patient, but once it has been identified, you can reduce the frequency of vertigo simply by avoiding it. Some types of vertigo will disappear over time, allowing you to outlast it both by avoiding the triggers and receiving proper treatment from your doctor. Treatment: Depending upon the causes of vertigo, your doctor can treat the problem with drugs, with physiotherapy exercises designed to reduce the impact of vertigo, or in some cases with surgery to correct the imbalance in your ear. In cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the doctor may do a canalith re-positioning procedure, designed to re-establish the balance in your vestibular system. But this is only when it gets aggravated. Precautions:     #. When a vertigo attack occurs, stop moving and sit down and drink water and settle yourself first. #.  Try to avoid climbing steep stairs or a ladder and avoid heights. #.  Avoid driving when you have vertigo. If the attack happens when you are driving stop to the side and relax till you feel better. #. When there is an impending attack, you can use a technique where visual fixation helps you  prevent it by focusing on a specific distant point and holding it in your gaze until the symptoms pass.     #. Also check with the physiotherapists for specific exercises related to vertigo  

Cosmetic techniques for scar treatment

      Scars are the body’s natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin which are caused due to burns, infections, long term skin problems like psoriasis etc or due to a physical injury or any other trauma on the skin.The scars which are minor can be treated with medication like creams antibiotics or through home remedies like putting cold water, milk or potato skin or alovera gel.But these home remedies are effective only up to a point in the case of small scars. For a permanent solution and when the scars cause more damage and are visible , it’s best to go to a dermatologist, who can help suggest the best cosmetic procedure for you.   Types of scars: Depending on the cause, scars are broadly divided into two categories: Acne scars and post-traumatic scars (caused by trauma such as accident, injury, burn etc.) and depending on the shape and depth, scars are classified into 3 different types: 1.Box type scars - they have a base and height; 2.ice-pick scars – they are pointy, and 3.rolling scars – they don’t have a clear demarcated border. Cosmetic procedures for scar Management: There are various methods  and procedurs for treating scare which have been tested and approved through the regulatory mechanisms and have proven to be effective and popular with time Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a small procedure which involves a gentle sandblasting. Usually , aluminium-oxide crystals are used to gently sandblast the skin. It helps remove the top layer of the skin and dead skin cells, leaving behind a more even and smooth textured skin. Since this procedure doesn't have a resting period, one can carry on with their lives as usual, immediately after its done. However, sunscreen is a must before stepping out into the sun. Note:This method won’t heal your scars in one setting, and will require repeated sessions depending on the depth of the scar. Subcision Subcision,  is also called as subcutaneous incision-less surgery which is a  minor surgical procedure and is an effective method to treat deep scars and even wrinkles, using a needle.In this procedure, an anaesthetic cream is applied on the scarred area at least 45 minutes prior to the treatment. After which, a 5 cc needle is inserted at an angle of 45 degree. This technique involves breaking the fibrotic strands around or at the base of the scars. The scar’s depression is lifted by the releasing action of the procedure, as well as from connective tissue that forms during the course of normal wound healing. In this case, the complete healing will take around 20 to 25 days. During this time, one experiences swelling in the area of treatment. However, the external swelling and redness subsides in two days. Note: The post-treatment care is necessary for proper healing. Stay away from the sun, do not use hot water on your treated skin and try to stay away from hot temperature, as sweating too must be avoided, for at least two days after the treatment. For best results, you will need about 3 to 4 sessions,” Dermaroller This treatment is recommended for those with who have  many scars.  Like in the case of subcision, anaesthetic cream is applied on the area, followed by moving the dermaroller (a roller with fine needles) on the affected area. Here, the skin is pierced very lightly (often compared to acupuncture) without causing any damage to the skin. This, triggers nerve-stimulus, promoting regeneration of skin around the area where the puncture occurred.In cases of severe scarring, using both subcision and the dermaroller  will give effective results. Laser treatment Laser is a popular method of scar treatment where fractional or CO2 lasers are used to reduce appearance of scars. Note:Multiple sessions will be needed for effective removal of scars and this could be quite expensive too. Fillers  It is a one-time temporary procedure and  it’s effect diminishes with time, but provide an instant result. So the  patient may have to repeat this after a year.

Farting lowers blood pressure !

      I couldn’t resist this bit of fun health news. It seems that flatulence, or otherwise – farting – lowers blood pressure. Ok the smell overrides the health benefits but the next time your wife protests, remind her that you’re simply trying to stay healthy.   Now getting a bit serious on this topic, researchers at Johns Hopkins University, in Maryland, have discovered that the gas leading to flatulence is produced from an enzyme called CSE – a substance that also relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. CSE~ production starts inside the cells that line the blood vessels. The odor comes from bacteria in the gut that generate small amounts of hydrogen sulphide, a toxic gas whose use might now be further developed to help with blood pressure treatment. This study shows that smelly hydrogen sulphide is also likely to have a role in regulating blood pressure and it will be a bit of an impetus for scientists to develop more specific tools to work out what’s going on. Now we see that low levels of hydrogen sulphide are necessary for better health, while high levels are toxic. Scientists hope the findings will lead to new options for treating high blood pressure, a condition that has steadily become more prevalent worldwide. And who said women don’t fart?

Stay healthy even on a Holiday

      So you are on a holiday and you want to have fun and don’t want to miss out on the fun foods you crave for, but that shouldn’t change even when you're on a holiday. Eating healthy and being conscious about your health even when you are outdoors will help you stay in shape even while you have fun.   Here are a few tips to stay healthy when you are out on  a holiday- Avoid visiting a restaurant on an empty stomach. In such cases people end up eating much more. If you're starving, eat a piece of fruit or have a glass of juice or water in the hotel itself. Later, while having lunch, fill your plate with lightly dressed salads, fish, seafood and lean meats. Don't eat unhealthy snacks or junk food like pizzas and burgers while travelling. Otherwise, you will end up gaining extra kilos. Pack healthy items like fruits, juices and low-fat yoghurts. Don't overeat. Order a nice salad as a starter and then either share the main course with your partner or go for selected delicacies that you like. Also, eat slowly and chew the food properly. Look for healthier alternatives like local fresh fruits or salads when you are abroad, then try out some local fruits which you don't get here. Avoid local breads served with meals.Bread made with white flour cans cause indigestion so try to stick to the Brown breads. Avoid too many drinks after the dinner as it may result in weight gain. If you happen to be at the beach, don't end up indulging in lots of ice creams and sugary cold drinks to avoid scorching heat. Keep a bottle of water and some fruits in your bag so you don't get tempted when your friends or family asks if you want any ice cream. Take out time and exercise for at least an hour daily even when you are out on a holiday. Nowadays hotels and resorts do have gymnasiums. Also, you don't need to get up early morning to exercise.

Traveler’s Disease - Diarrhea

  .....SIRI   Diarrhea is a condition wherein there is the appearance of loose, watery stools or the need to visit the rest room frequently. Diarrhea usually subsides all by itself within few days even without any treatment. If the diarrhea doesn’t subside within four weeks then it is a big reason to worry – it points out the occurrence Chronic Diarrhea.   Diarrhea is related to bacterial or viral infection or a result of food poisoning. This is commonly known as traveler’s diarrhea, caused due to exposure to parasites or microbes during vacations! The most common causes of diarrhea are: food intolerance, food allergies, viral infections, and bacterial infection and bowel disorders. Diarrhea not always presents with watery stools. There are many more manifestations of diarrhea such as: nausea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, dehydration, fever, blood satins in stools and frequent urge to evacuate the bowel! The serious side effect of diarrhea is the dehydration, which makes us devoid of the electrolytes and essential fluids accompanied with fatigue, headache, increased thirst and dried mouth. Of all dehydration can prove to very fatal and even lead to death. Treating diarrhea is quite easy, which is mainly restoring the lost fluids. This implies increased intake of water or electrolyte replacing beverages, if it is a bacterial infection is the culprit for your diarrhea then consult a doctor for anti-biotic drugs! For people who love traveling and often fall sick during the vacation need to have a pre-vacation doctor consultation!

Breast Cancer – The Pink Ribbon Disease!

      It is said that the number of people dying from heart disease and breast cancer is the same. Though breast cancer is both prone in men and women but women are at more risk. More often women after forties are affected; it is usually a post-menopausal disorder. But owing to our lifestyles breast cancer is making an ugly entry in the early forties and has become a pre-menopausal phenomenon!   Self Diagnosis Usually the cancers are asymptomatic i.e., they need not always present with signs and symptoms. The usually seen symptoms are: a painless lump in the breast, changes in breast size and shape and unusual nipple discharges. Inflammatory breast cancer though not common, but is fast-growing and doest present any kind of lumps but it seen as orange peel-like skin. Previously, self breast examinations were widely advised.  But now studies reveal that these exams are not accurate enough as all lump do not indicate cancer. The latest thought is that one should be aware of the change of their breasts and report to if found any! Who are at risk?? Being a woman, can be held as the major culprit for being affected by breast cancer, men too get this cancer but very rarely. Menopausal age group is yet another top reason. Some have the breast cancer in their genes, these mutated genes cause cancer in these women. Even our lifestyle gives its helping hand, being overweight, exercising too little, and drinking alcoholic beverages very often all raise the risks! All praises to our scientists and doctors who have successfully found many ways out of this disastrous disease, when identified at early stage! Take Care!!

Potato – Good or bad!?

  .....SIRI   Potatoes are the most cherished food by most of the people. As every coin has two sides, similarly the potato also has both good and bad effects pertaining to our health!   Potatoes are great sources of roughage and fibre thus aiding in digestion. The fibre content is more in raw ones! These are rich in Vitamin-C and B-Complex and minerals which are essential for radiant skin. Its pulp works as a drug to cure pimples, burns or any spots! Potatoes are antidotes for Rheumatism and Inflammation, calcium and magnesium try eradicating rheumatism while the water content shoos away the inflammatory signs. The antioxidant content helps in preventing colon cancer incidences. As brain solely survives on glucose and is well supplied by potatoes and thus maintain the healthy activity of the brain. Potatoes are touted as the best foods for people suffering from diarrhea, as it has less amount of roughage and is easily digestible! And moreover, it is a boon for the people who need to put on weight, it adds on weight very swiftly and easily. On the other hand, these potatoes have adverse effect on the blood sugar levels, they pump it up instantly, and Diabetic people need to avoid it. As the blood sugar levels are offset by potatoes you might feel hunger between the meals and tend to overeat and gain all the unnecessary calories. Foods rich in carbs except rice lead to gas formation, gas pain and bloating; and potato is no exception to this! Making wise decisions always counts while filling your plate! One needs to keep in mind that no food is very beneficial or harmful for us all are good on their parts! In such case, Quantity plays an important role! Desiccating your diet of a certain food never advisable but limiting its intake is always advisable!! Take Care!!  

The Painful Gout!!

  ..........SIRI   Gout is a complex disorder which is more commonly seen in men and in post-menopausal women. The person complaints of painful joints when struck by gout attack!   A typical gout attack includes: severe pain in the joints which subsides by itself within a week or so, overlying skin feels itchy and peels off, Skin may become red or purplish and also have elevated temperatures with tender and swollen joints. If you find any of the these symptoms over your joints, consult a doctor immediately. The most prevalent causes are: obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet mainly and solely comprising of seafood and meat, regular use of diuretic drugs and kidney diseases. There are complications of the gout are: Recurrent gout attacks, untreated gout can lead to formation of urate crystals under the skin, these urate crystal may even accumulate in urinary tract and lead to development of kidney stones, the urate crystals may be formed in joints too and finally gout can also spread to other joints! Treating gout is quite simple, it comprises of drugs which reduce the production of uric acid. The dietary care plays an important role in the management of gout. Reducing the consumption of meat and alcohol are beneficial. Drinking more water might aid in diluting uric acid present in the blood!! Take Care!!