ADVANCEMENT IN SCIENCE CAN MAKE MIRACLES HAPPEN!

In the last ten years life has become more hopeful for mankind. Wondering why? The advances in medical science has given us this hope. The ten years have brought what was unimaginable earlier. The first achievement was when doctors and patients welcomed information technology with open arms. Earlier a doctor had to spend a good quality of his time looking up many volumes of old books. Today, all the information he/she needs is readily available at hand. The next one is a pleasant surprise! When the extremely concerned governments of 27 states and the District of Columbia, imposed ban on smoking in bars and casinos, there was a positive impact! With this, the heart attacks resulting from second hand smoking reduced drastically. New drugs have reduced death due to heart diseases has reduced by 40%! Can you believe it? The problem that was once fatal, can now be managed. Its all about the spontaneity with which you act. The quicker you get there, the better it is. This will help the doctors remove the blocks that obstruct the blood from flowing smoothly. Now its time for the news that will make you go OMG! The stem cell research has given human beings the power to fight the deadliest diseases ever. In Europe this prevent the progress of adrenoleukodystropy or ALD, in two 7 year old boys. This is the same disease that the protagonist in the film "Lorenzo's Oil." Ten years ago, no one ever thought of winning a battle against cancer. Well, its not impossible anymore! Doctors now advise targeted therapies to attack cancer with new drugs. Take the case of breast cancer for instance. Inducing trastuzumab (Herceptin) and lapatinib (TyKerb) in breast cancer can prevent a re occurrence of this traumatic disease. AIDS - a disease that slowly drains life out of person can now be won over by HAAT. The abbreviation stands for highly active antiretroviral therapy and is a combination therapy approach to fight the disease. The next development is a big step in the history of medical science - Robotic Surgery! With this, removing a kidney will not leave a 10 inch scar. Instead, a single incision at the naval can do the job. I’m sure you haven't heard of that before. These are some efforts that were fruitful. This shows, nothing in this world is impossible!     .....Kruti Beesam  

‘వరఖ్‌’తో జర భద్రం!

వరఖ్.. ఇది చాలామందికి తెలిసిందే. స్వీట్ల మీద, పాన్‌ల మీద మిలమిల మెరుస్తూ వుండే సిల్వర్ ఫాయిల్‌నే ‘వరఖ్’ అంటారు. వెండి రేకుని ఒక ప్రత్యేక పద్ధతి ద్వారా చాలా పల్చగా, నోట్లో వేసుకుంటే కరిగిపోయేంత పల్చటి పొరలా తయారు చేస్తారు. వీటిని స్వీట్స్ మీద అద్దుతారు. వరఖ్ అద్దిన స్వీట్లని, పాన్లని మనం చాలా ఇష్టంగా తింటూ వుంటాం. వాటి మీద వరఖ్ వుంది కదా అని ఎక్కువ రేటు చెల్లించి మరీ మనం కొంటూ వుంటాం. నిజానికి వరఖ్ వున్న స్వీట్లు, పాన్లు తినడం వల్ల మనకేమైనా మేలు జరుగుతుందా? మేలు సంగతి అటుంచండి.. కీడు జరిగే అవకాశాలు ఎక్కువ అని నిపుణులు చెబుతున్నారు. చూడటానికి చాలా అందంగా కనిపించే ఈ పల్చటి వెండి రేకులు వలన చాలా ప్రమాదాలు ఉన్నాయట. వరఖ్ వాడటం వల్ల స్వీట్లు, పాన్లు చూడగానే ఎట్రాక్టివ్‌గా వుంటాయి. అయితే ఈ అతి పల్చటి వెండి రేకుల్లో హానికారక పదార్ధాలు ఉంటున్నాయని నిపుణులు హెచ్చరిస్తున్నారు. వీటిల్లో క్యాన్సర్ కారక లోహాలు కొన్ని ఉంటున్నాయట. ఈ వరఖ్ మీద ‘ఇండస్ట్రియల్ టాక్సీకాలజీ రిసెర్చ్ సెంటర్’ పరిశోధకులు లక్నోలో ఆ మధ్య ఓ అధ్యయనంలో నిర్వహించారు. వరఖ్‌లో వెండితోపాటు సీసం, కాడ్మియం వంటివి ఉన్నట్టు గుర్తించారు. వరఖ్ తయారీ కోసం శుద్ధమైన వెండిని ఉపయోగించాలి. అయితే వరఖ్ తయారు చేస్తున్నవారు సరిగా శుద్ధి చేసిన వెండిని ఉపయోగించడం వల్లనే సమస్యలు వస్తున్నాయంటున్నారు పరిశోధకులు. ఆహార పదార్ధాలు, కల్తీ నివారణ చట్టం ప్రకారం 99.9 శాతం స్వచ్చమైన వెండిని మాత్రమే వరఖ్తయారీలో ఉపయోగించాలి. కానీ వాస్తవంలో అలా జరగటంలేదుట. ఆహార పదార్ధాలలో వాడే వరఖ్ నాణ్యతపై కచ్చితమైన నియంత్రణలు ఉండాలని సూచిస్తున్నారు వారు. అంచేత ఈసారి వరఖ్ అద్దిన స్వీట్లు, పాన్‌ తినేటప్పుడు ఈ విషయాన్ని గుర్తు చేసుకోండేం! ....రమ

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis seen in about 30% of psoriatic victims. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by frequent episodes of redness and itching; thick, dry, silvery scales on the skin; and nail abnormalities.   The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are varied. In some patients the symptoms may be subtle and gradual in onset while in some they may be abrupt and dramatic. The symptoms includemorning stiffness, discomfort pain, swelling or tenderness in one or more joints; reduced range of motion in joints; pitting or detachment of nails; tenderness, pain, or swelling where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone (enthesitis); inflammation of eye and gray scaly spot over scalp, elbow, knee and lower spine. There are five types of Psoriatic Arthritis : Symmetric - It affects the same joints on both sides of the body, usually occur in multiple parts. It closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis, but a degree milder! Asymmetric - It does not afeect the matching joints on both sides of the body, typically one to three joints are involved. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) - It primarily causes the inflammation and stiffness of small joints of the fingers and toes that are closest to the nails. Spondylitis - It usually causes the inflammation and stiffness of the neck, lower back, spinal vertebrae and pelvic region. But it may mutilate the connective tissue of the joints of limbs also. Arthritis Mutilans - This is a severe, deforming and destructive form of arthritis which affects the small joints of fingers and toes that are closest to the nail, it may be associated with lower back pain and neck pain. It is also called chronic absorptive arthritis, it may be seen in rheumatoid arthritis too. Fortunately, its incidence is very low! Take Care!! Stay Healthy!! >>>>SIRI

Dyspepsia - A Distressing Disorder!

Dsypepsia is the medical term for indigestion, where in the digestion is impaired. Although the production of gas is a natural part of the digestive process, but an uncontrollable fart at an inconvenient time can embarass us amongst our peers. Such a problem is important to address!   The person initially complaints of  chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdominal fullness and feeling full earlier than expected when eating. Symptoms of stomach gas include flatulence, bad breath, lack of appetite, a coating on the tongue, abdominal bloating, belching, burning sensation, nausea and even stomach pain. Gas and indigestion are problems occurring from the secretion of the digestive juices in our stomach. When the acid present in the stomach begins to irritate the lining of the stomach or reaches to our oesophagus, commonly known as acid reflux, one experiences discomfort and a burning sensation in chest and stomach. Excess gas in the stomach can be caused by excessive drinking, not chewing the food thoroughly, eating spicy and gas-forming food, too much stress, some kind of bacterial infection, or digestive disorders. At times, the presence of stamach gas may be an indicative of underlying serious problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis or peptic ulcers and occasionally cancer. Besides the drug therapies, some goodies from kitchen also aid in the treatment. Fennel seeds, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, cloves, butter,ilk, herbal tea, lemon and asafoetida(ajwain) are reliable home remedies! Take Care!! Stay Healthy!!

Ulcerative Colitis - An Uncomfortable Bowel!

  Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the colon (large intestine). It causes inflammation, sores, bleeding and scarring of the inner walls of the colon. It is an inflammatory disease that occurs continously along the walls rather than patchy appearances. Ulcerative colitis can affects any age group but it is most diagnosed in 15 to 25 years and 45 to 55 years age groups!   The usually presents with diarrhea mixed with mucus and blood, which is of gradual onset and persists over a weeks. Other manifestations are fever, weight loss and painful bowel movements. Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease characterized by T-cells infiltrating the colon. The inflammation starts from rectum and propagates towards colon. It usually involves the rectum and is confined to the colon, with occasional involvement of the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is an unpredictable conditions a persons may have relapses, flare-ups followed by remission, when symptoms recede. During a flare-up, a person may develop bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and weight loss. The person may not be able to lead a normal life, may even need hospitalisation. Severe attacks of ulcerative colitis can be life-threatening too. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colorectal cancer. People suffering with ulcerative colitis should have regular colonoscopies to screen for cancer as advised by doctors. The treatment is intially aimed to induce remission which involves relief of symptoms and mucosal healing of the linning of the colon, then folowed by longer term treatent involving the maintainence of remission and prevention of complications! Alternatively, Ulcerative colitis can be cured by surgically by removing a part or all of the colon. Take Care!! Stay Healthy!!

Increase fruits and vegetable intake for phytonutrients

Health Study:A New research published in the September issue of the British Journal of Nutrition and featured in the just released Global Phytonutrient Report highlights a significant shortfall in fruit and vegetable consumption in people’s diets around the world. The study which was commissioned by the Nutrilite Health Institute of Amway, found that the majority of adults worldwide would have to at least double their current consumption of fruits and vegetables to meet the World Health Organization’s minimum recommendation of five servings (400 grams) per day. Additionally, the vast majority of adults worldwide – 60 to 87 percent across 13 geographic diet regions – are falling short of this recommendation and missing out on crucial nutrition and health benefits. The gap between the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and what adults are actually eating also indicates that most adults worldwide are not receiving the quantity or variety of phytonutrients – organic compounds found in fruits and vegetables – potentially needed to support their health and wellness. While specific recommendations for phytonutrient consumption levels have not yet been established uniformly worldwide, a growing body of research suggests that eating foods rich in phytonutrients may provide a range of health benefits, from promoting eye, bone and heart health, to supporting immune and brain function. Many phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants that can help fight the damage caused to our bodies’ cells over time. Additionally, the research looks at the variety and availability of fruits and vegetables in each of the regions. It shows that phytonutrient intake estimates vary considerably across some regions, a reflection of limited availability of some fruits and vegetables. In the Asian Regions which includes China and India have relatively low intakes of ellagic acid due to the limited availability of berries. Ellagic acid is shown to be vital to cell health. In order to consume a range of phytonutrients people should aim to meet recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables and eat an assortment of fruits and vegetables.  

Eating Healthy during Ramzan

It’s the Holy month of Ramzan and the fasting season has begun. That means we need to know what to eat during non-fasting hours which is essential for good health and endurance during the entire month. Presenting a few tips to help you sail through the holy season. Water therapy It is advised to drink as much water as possible in the morning before fast and after the fast ends at sunset. You could also eat water based fruits like water melons and also have juices to make for the loss of fluids during the day. This also prevents the body from constipating and flatulence so pack in as much fluid you can before and after the fast. Break the fast slowly Start with water, small hot appetisers like soups, light salads and yogurts or a small glass of fresh juice as they’re high in fruit sugar, yet nutritious Eat lot of dates and dry fruits laced with honey as they are filled with magnesium, potassium and fibre. Remember this is not meant for losing weight and its necessary to have the right nutrients to help you tide through the fast and sustain the whole month. Power foods Power foods like whole grains, barley, wheat, oats, whole grain rice and legumes such as lentils or beans and fresh produce like fruits, vegetables and potatoes which are low in sugar, and high complex carbohydrates are recommended to be eaten in the morning. They tend to stay in your stomach and remain in your system for longer, lessening the hunger throughout the day. Protein rich sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, milk, nuts or seeds can also help to stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn can help curb hunger cravings. No salty , sugary  & fried foods Foods to avoid are spicy, salty, and processed foods .The faster the body breaks the meal down, the sooner you’ll get hungry. The   fired foods tend to make you thirstier so it’s best to avoid them in the morning session to prevent feeling thirsty. Yes, you can exercise Exercise moderately for  an hour after you break your fast with something light such as walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga. Try to include at least 30 minutes of exercise daily during the month of Ramadan and make sure to drink plenty of water & fluids after the excerices.Its better if you avoid heavy gymming and workout schedules so that it doesn’t tire you out. Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy and happy time with family & friends  during this Ramzan season.

Gluten Free Diet Fads

Eating  gluten-free dishes, like pasta made with rice and corn starches, pizzas has become a fad nowadays. Gluten free food is now the order of the day and it was only a decade ago, where only people with  celiac disease, a digestive condition, knew much about the health implications of gluten. But today gluten-free diets , means you are cutting down on gluten or eliminating it entirely from your diet. Diet fads come and go. But observers of nutrition and eating trends in the United States say this food regimen is likely to last longer and have more impact because it comes at a time when food allergies, digestive health, genetic modification of grain and other concerns about the American diet are at an all-time high and food itself is the current cultural currency. Gluten-free eating addresses it all. “We are in this period of cacophony with food, where people are more engaged and more confused,” said Amy Bentley, an associate professor in the department of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University. “It’s touching on very complicated issues in the food system right now.” The number of people for whom eliminating gluten is a medical necessity is small. About 1 percent of the population has been found to have celiac disease, a disorder in which gluten — a protein in barley, rye and wheat — can damage the small intestine. But the diet itself is used by people who want to lose weight, reduce inflammation, curb fatigue and ease other conditions, or because it helps them avoid highly processed grain. Many simply say they feel better without it, though there is not yet much scientific evidence to back up the claims. A gluten-free diet is also unpopular for unexpected reasons. Some question it in light of the many biblical references to grain. In certain immigrant communities, eating the same, traditional food is a way of keeping the culture intact. Rejecting a roti or a flour tortilla can mean feeling like an outcast. In other circles, eating gluten-free is dismissed outright as a trend for the rich, the white and the political left. “There really isn’t much better dietary advice than eating your veggies, exercising and limiting calories,” she said. “People just seem to like making eating difficult for themselves.” Source:NY Times

Knee Replacement Surgery and Excercise

According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, current artificial knees generally can be expected to last about 15 to 20 years before needing to be replaced again.One of the biggest concerns that someone should have after total or partial knee replacement surgery “is the longevity and health of the replacement,” said Dr. Freddie Fu, the chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. But a patient’s health and habits can affect that time frame significantly. Obesity shortens the life span of replacement knees, so it’s advisable to remain active — or to start exercising — after surgery to avoid weight gain.   The best activities, Dr. Fu said, are low impact. “Biking and swimming are wonderful ways to get your heart pumping while protecting your replacement,” he said. Walking involves somewhat more pounding, but “generally is tolerated by both total and partial replacements,” Dr. Fu said. Similarly, most people can hike and cross-country ski after knee replacement, he said, but cautiously. Stick to flat, nonskid terrain, since moving up- and downhill or falling can strain the knees. As for running, there is little science about its long-term effects on knee replacements, but in Dr. Fu’s clinical experience, “an occasional low-mileage run on a soft surface is a safe activity for modern knee implants.” Intense distance training, on the other hand, is likely to hasten the deterioration of an artificial joint, he said, although different knees respond differently.   “Some patients continue to run for long distances after knee replacement without significant problems,” he said. Once you get the surgery done it is very important talk to your surgeon and Physiotherapist and discuss your exercise regime and how you should go about doing it. Depending on your age the effects of surgery can last from 5 to 20 years based on the patients will to recover faster and proper physio care. Source: NYTimes  

Visit the Doctor not Wikipedia when you are sick

There has been a rising number of cases where people when sick refer the Internet especially the Wikipedia for health queries and avoid going to the doctor.A recent study has shown that Wikipedia, the online encyclopaedia, contains errors in nine out of 10 of its health entries, and should be treated with caution. Scientists in the US compared entries about conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, depression and diabetes with peer-reviewed medical research.They said most articles in Wikipedia contained "many errors". Wikimedia UK, its British arm, said it was "crucial" that people with health concerns spoke to their Doctor first.From a public health standpoint, patients should not use  as a primary resource because those articles do not go through the same peer-review process as medical journals” The open-access nature has "raised concern" among doctors about its reliability, as it is the sixth most popular site on the internet, the US authors of the research, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, said. Up to 70% of physicians and medical students use the tool, they say.The 10 researchers across America looked at online articles for 10 of the "most costly" conditions in the US, including osteoarthritis, back problems and asthma. They printed off the articles on 25 April 2012 to analyse, and discovered that 90% of the entries made statements that contradicted latest medical research. Wikipedia, like any encyclopaedia, should not take the place of a qualified medical practitioner”.Wikipedia also expressed concern at the small sample size used in the research, as it may not be representative.The study did not account for Wikipedia leaving out important information. So the next time you fall sick dont open the Internet and try self medication , visit the nearest doctor. BBC Health news