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Showing posts from December, 2009

Stress

Stress is unavoidable for humankind. Two high profile deaths with in a span of two months have stunned India Inc into disbelief.First it was Ranjan Das of SAP who died of cardiac arrest at the age of 42 and mow it is Ravi Mohan RIL ED. Stress Our response to any situation we find challenging, frightening or difficult. Stress Is your job tying your stomach in knots? Do you toss and turn in bed at night? Are your ulcers having ulcers? Face it—you’ve got too much stress in your life, and it’s time to give yourself a break. The consequences of not dealing with stress range from poor health and broken marriages to premature death: not a very cheerful outlook. Let see how you can strategize to deal with stress effectively.

Good health

It is rightly said, "You are what you eat." Eating on the extremes, throws both your body and moods off balance. Foods that Lift your Mood– Water Banana Spinach Whole Grain Foods Fish & Poultry Nuts & Dry Fruits Avoid excessive sugar, caffeine and alcohol, which add to the burden of your stress. 1 teaspoon of sugar has been found to lower your immunity by 50% for 5 hours. B-Vitamins may be effectively used to increase energy and lower stress.

Benefits if Amla

This tiny berry is believed to be the most powerful rejuvenating agent known to man. Amla is the most potent natural source of Vitamin C. In fact, this tiny fruit has as much Vitamin C as two oranges. Vitamin C, when taken in the form of supplements, is not always easily absorbed. But when you eat an amla berry, the Vitamin C present is easily assimilated by body. So the next time you think of reaching for a supplement, think again and reach for an amla berry instead. Vitamin C is an excellent anti-oxidant and as amla is so rich in Vitamin C, it has strong anti-oxidant properties and helps combat free radicals. Free radicals are unstable ions in the body, responsible for ageing and cell degeneration. Amla stabilises these free radicals and is believed to be the most powerful rejuvenating agent known to man. Just like most berries, it is low in sugar and has a high fibre content, making it an ideal daily fruit for almost anyone. However, if you have a heart condition, you may want

Anti-aging Tips

Each and every one of us dream of finding the elixir of life and postpone aging. Nobody likes to have a wrinkled face, a gray and reduced hairline, pot belly or a disruptive memory. But whether we like it or not, old age is inevitable. So, isn't it better to try and make the best of what we get? We can still flaunt a youthful appearance during our old age if we try and follow certain healthy steps. Various anti-aging tips can show us effective ways to slow down our aging process. Looking young make us feel both healthy and confident. A healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, many ancient therapies and modern treatments reduce the effects of aging considerably. Lifestyle changes, behavioural changes, surgeries and therapies help people to stay young. First and foremost, watch what you eat. A healthy diet goes a long way to affect the skin and growth. Food rich in biotin like nuts, soybean, avocado, eggs, etc help to soften the skin. Astaxanthin in salmon keeps the skin elastic and re

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop. Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor. A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or sp

Exercises that fight fat

Functional training means replicating your daily body movements in the gym. This helps yoy get fitter and avoid injuries. Start working the bigger body parts first To burn fat effectively, start weight training with bigger body parts like your legs first. Use bouts of cardio in between weight training This technique is effective for fat burning. Between sets, do a quick 2 minute run , jumping jacks or the cross trainer. Eat pre and post workouts One hour before your workout, have a meal containing carbohydrates and proteins. If you are short on time, just eat a banana. Post workout , consume protein. Weight training is essential Women need to understand that weight training is not going to bulk them up. It only builds muscles and tones you up. Drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated all the time. Dont take long breaks while working out.

Foods that fight fat

Almonds A handful of almonds not only keeps the bowel movements in check but also metabolises fat faster. Strawberries Strawberries are rich source of vitamin C. And before your workout , eating vitamin C - enriched strawberries can help you lose 30% more fat. Swiss cheese With its high content of calcium , cheese aids in breaking fat content. Cinnamon Cinnamon when sprinkled on your coffee or other foods , helps to keep your insulin in check. It also prevents your body from storing fat.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones, one of the most painful of the urologic disorders, have beset humans for centuries. Scientists have found evidence of kidney stones in a 7,000-year-old Egyptian mummy. Unfortunately, kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. Each year, people make almost 3 million visits to health care providers and more than half a million people go to emergency rooms for kidney stone problems. Most kidney stones pass out of the body without any intervention by a physician. Stones that cause lasting symptoms or other complications may be treated by various techniques, most of which do not involve major surgery. Also, research advances have led to a better understanding of the many factors that promote stone formation and thus better treatments for preventing stones. What is a kidney stone? Kidney stone is hard stone and crystalline material formed in the kidney or in urinary tract. Kidney stone is a general cause of blood in the urine and causes p

LASIK Surgery – Interesting Facts

LASIK is a combined microsurgical and excimer laser procedure for correcting refractive errors of the eyes. Usually after the procedure you will not require glasses or contact lenses. Interestingly enough the Excimer laser for was discovered by an Indian in the USA called Rangaswamy Srinivasan and he worked with ophthalmologist in 1983 to etch the cornea and this lead to LASIK procedure. 1. LASIK surgery on the eye has been performed since 1990 and until the year 2007 – almost 17 million people had the surgery with the maximum numbers coming from the USA (8 million). 2. The refractive surgery worldwide market exceeds $3 billion (2008). Refractive surgery procedures include corrections for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. 3. The two popular refractive error correction procedures are called LASIK - Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and LASEK - Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis.

Prevent Memory Loss with Brahmi

Prevent Memory Loss with Brahmi The traditional Indian medical system of Ayurveda mentions the use of the plants Brahmi (Bacopa moniera) and the Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica) in preventing the decreased mental performance that can be seen in many people during old age. The ancient Ayurvedic texts state that regular use of this plant prevents memory loss and enables old people to organize their thoughts clearly and express them coherently. Clinical trials carried out on laboratory rats by the Central Drugs Research Institute at Lucknow, have shown that rats who were administered Brahmi were better able to find their way out of mazes. However further research is required to confirm these findings followed by extensive trials on humans.

Soon, a pill to straighten curly hair

Hair straighteners may soon be history, claim scientists who have discovered a "curly hair gene". It is hoped the breakthrough could lead to a pill to make hair straighter or curlier, rendering the must-have beauty accessory redundant. Researchers also believe that the discovery could make it possible to predict whether a baby will have straight or curly hair, reports The Daily Express . At Australia’s Queensland Institute of Medical Research, researchers identified the trichohyalin gene as mainly responsible for creating curls. Curly-haired lead researcher Professor Nick Martin said: “Potentially we can now develop new treatments to make hair curlier or straighter. Also, we could predict whether it was more probable that a baby would have curly or straight hair. “We might be able to refine identikit pictures from DNA samples left at a crime scene to say whether the suspect had straight or curly hair.”

Foods To Avoid When Losing Weight

Foods To Avoid When Losing Weight for good body weight There are several kinds of foods to be avoided while losing weight. Losing weight can be quite a feat to achieve. Avoiding certain groups of food is an essential part of this feat. This is taken care of by setting up of and adhering to a particular diet chart either totally devoid of such foods or using the minimum quantity of such food varieties. Categories of foods to avoid while on weight loss diet Fatty foods or foods containing too much oil or fat in them are to be the prime category of foods to be avoided while attempting weight loss. The fatty, fried snacks or oily curries fall into this category. Besides, too much carbohydrate intake is also to be avoided since the carbohydrates may finally be converted to fats and stored in your body thereby adding to your body weight. Grains and sugars have been considered to be the most fattening substances since these are also the most consumed. The carbohydrates in them consu

Overcome sleeplessness

There are many ways on how you can get better sleep. You can try any of the below methods to get some good sleep. Treatment for sleepless ness or insomnia can be made by following the below tips. Sleeplessness leads you to tiredness, confusion and restlessness. A good sound sleep is essential to keep you active in your daily routine. A few tips to gain good sleep. - Maintain strict timings on your sleep. Ensure that you go to sleep at the same time everyday. Also get up at the same time. This will help your body and mind to regularize your sleep. Have a light snack before going to bed. Do not take spicy food or excessive sweets. Help your digestive system by taking light snacks like a few slices of bread or some cereal. This will reduce the pressure on your digestive system which will allow you to sleep peacefully and will not disturb you trying to digest food.

The Best Time to Exercise

Everyone can agree that exercise is a good way to stay physically fit and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. You'll feel better, have more energy and your whole outlook on life will be one hundred percent brighter than someone who fails to find the time to exercise. In short, exercise is a win-win situation that should be a part of your daily routine. But when exactly is the best time to exercise? Is it first thing in the morning, before you enjoy that first cup of coffee? Or is the best time to exercise right after dinner, so you can work off that extra helping of mashed potatoes that somehow ended up on your plate? If you are a person who exercises regularly, you may have already found a routine that's just right for you. But on the other hand, if you find your exercise time varies from day to day, and it's wearing you down instead of perking you up, then you need to learn how to listen to your internal clock to determine the best time of the day to schedule your exercise r

Myths about milk

Myth – Milk causes acne Fact – The idea that foods cause acne is false. Certain foods such as milk, chocolate, french fries, cola, peanuts and iodine-containing foods such as shellfish, have all been accused of causing acne. Scientific research has not found a link between diet and acne.A number of factors working together, such as genetics, skin type, hormones and pollution are believed to be the cause. Myth – Milk causes obesity Fact – Drinking milk does not lead to obesity. No single food causes weight gain. Food can lead to weight gain when eaten in excess of your energy needs. If you consume more energy (calories) than you burn, weight gain will result. Milk products come in a range of fat contents (% MF) to suit any lifestyle. All milk has the same amount of calciumregardless of its fat content.

Sore Throat

Sore Throat Do's and Don't for Sore Throat - Take a balanced diet including green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grain wheat, cereals, etc. - Do not have a head bath during sore throat. - Do not expose yourself to cold water and cold climate for a few days. - Avoid oily and fried foods as they are extremely aggravating for this condition. - Do not eat cold or refrigerated food items when there is a throat infection. This will make the sore throat so severe that even swallowing food and breathing might become difficult. - Avoid foods with a cold propensity such as cucumbers, bananas, watermelons, papayas, etc.

Home Remedies for Alcoholism

Alcoholism Alcoholism is a condition in which a person has irresistible urge to consume alcohol. When a person consumes more alcohol than his body limits is often termed as alcohol abuse. This behavior soon takes a shape of a painful disease that kills both his physical as well as the mental health. If he continues drinking for long, he will not be able to resist alcohol and will become totally addicted to it. This situation is called as alcoholism. Both alcohol abuse and alcoholism are social vices and should be eliminated only by exercising control and being determined. Causes of Alcoholism Following are the major alcoholism causes: - Due to loss in business - Sudden demise of dear one - Emotional reasons like heart break or unhappy relations - Fashion or to maintain society status - Diseases like depression, schizophrenia or genetic disorder.

How To Stay Feeling Young

1. Throw out nonessential numbers and factors. This includes age, height, eye and skin color, who your parents are, past stuff and present stuff that you can’t change. Don’t worry about what you cannot change. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. Who you are attached to will bless you up or mess you up. Make sure that YOU are a cheerful friend and not a grouch. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’ And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s. 4. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

Tips to healthy eating

Start your day with breakfast. Breakfast fills your "empty tank" to get you going after a long night without food. And it can help you do better in school. Easy to prepare breakfasts include cold cereal with fruit and low-fat milk, whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, whole-grain waffles or even last night's pizza! Get Moving! It's easy to fit physical activities into your daily routine. Walk, bike or jog to see friends. Take a 10-minute activity break every hour while you read, do homework or watch TV. Climb stairs instead of taking an escalator or elevator. Try to do these things for a total of 30 minutes every day. Snack smart. Snacks are a great way to refuel. Choose snacks from different food groups - a glass of low-fat milk and a few graham crackers, an apple or celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins, or some dry cereal. If you eat smart at other meals, cookies, chips and candy are OK for occasional snacking.

Overactive bladder

What is an overactive bladder? An overactive bladder is a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. Overactive bladder causes a sudden and unstoppable need to urinate (urinary urgency). Overactive bladder is also referred to as urge incontinence and is a form of urinary incontinence (unintentional loss of urine). Overactive bladder is especially common in older adults. Overactive bladder affects an estimated one in 11 adults in the United States. Overactive bladder, however, should not be considered a normal part of aging. What are symptoms of an overactive bladder? The symptoms of an overactive bladder include frequent urination, urgency of urination, and urge incontinence. Overactive bladder may cause significant social, psychological, occupational, domestic, physical, and sexual problems. Again, these symptoms should not be considered a normal part of aging.

Food Tips to Lower Cholesterol

A low-cholesteroldiet is one of the surest ways to improve heart health. In fact, studies show you can slash your bad cholesterol by as much as 10% to 20% by giving your diet a makeover. The secret? Follow a diet rich in healthy fats like vegetable oils and fish. And avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats. How do you know which foods keep your cholesterol low? Here are nine tips to help you get started. Look over the TLC diet and make a shopping list of your favorite cholesterol-lowering foods. ___Stock your pantry and your refrigerator with the right foods for a low-cholesterol diet. Buy your favorite canned or dry beans, fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and vegetable juice. ___For a low-cholesterol diet, toss the butter, trans fat margarines, and polyunsaturated oil. Replace them with canola oil, olive oil, or plant sterol spreads.

Yoga Benefits

Yoga Benefits The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. By keeping the body clean, flexible and well lubricated, we can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell deterioration. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to combine the practices of yogasanas, pranayama and meditation. Regular practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation can help such diverse ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins and heart conditions. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi`s increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Research into the effects of yogic practices on HIV is currently underway with promising results.

Make Your Own Homemade Face Mask

You can use basic ingredients found around the house to make your own simple, hydrating masks. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are great for balancing out your skin. Dry skin will benefit from hydrating masks made from glycerin, honey and oils. Ginseng or green tea masks are great for soothing sensitive skin. Masks (homemade or otherwise) should stay on for 10-15 minutes, should follow with a cleansing and a thin layer of moisturizer. Egg Whites and Yogurt Mask Prep Time: 2 minutes Ingredients: 2 egg whites, separated from the yolk and placed in a bowl 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (I like Greek yogurt) Preparation:

HOME FACIALS

NO TIME TO GO TO THE SALON? DO YOUR OWN FACIALS, IT IS JUST AS EFFECTIVE!!!! Facials are usually done in the salon but you can do this equally well at home. If you are keen on doing it yourself, here are step by step instructions. Try it once a month for deeper cleansing and to see improvements in your skin tone. It will make a difference to your complexion. There are essentially 6 steps. Before beginning, remove your make-up. CLEANSE Use a non-lathering cleanser. Apply the cleansing cream over your face. Massage in circular movements over the face and neck. Leave it on for a few minutes to dissolve dirt, grime, stale make-up and oils. Gently wipe off with cotton pads. Do not drag the sensitive skin around the eyes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Protect Your Skin in Winter

Apply liberal amounts of sunscreen when you spend time outside. Snow and ice reflect UV rays back to your skin, increasing the amount of exposure you receive to these harmful rays. This is not the time to put away your sunscreen. Use a deep penetrating moisturizer on your face. These products are formulated to help moisture work its way into the layers of skin on your face, protecting you from the drying affects of winter wind and central heating. Stash a lip balm in your pocket, in your purse, in your desk and in your car's glove box. This essential product will prevent and heal chapped lips. Turn on your humidifier. Cold winter air and central heating pull all the moisture out of the air and out of your skin. Use your humidifier to counteract the biggest cause of dry winter skin.

21 REASONS for being VEGETERIAN

Vegetarianism is the fastest growing trend in the developed world. Here are 21 reasons why you should think about turning green too. Avoiding meat is one of the best and simplest ways to cut down your fat consumption. Modern farm animals are deliberately fattened up to increase profits. Eating fatty meat increases your chances of having a heart attack or developing cancer. Every minute of every working day, thousands of animals are killed in slaughter-houses. Pain and misery are common. In the US alone, 500,000 animals are killed for meat every hour. There are millions of cases of food poisoning recorded every year. The vast majority are caused by eating meat. Meat contains absolutely nothing - no proteins, vitamins or minerals - that the human body cannot obtain perfectly happily from a vegetarian diet.

AIDS

World AIDS Day Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.4 million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million children. During 2008 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 2 million people died from AIDS.1 Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.2 The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.

How to Minimize the Health Hazards from Cell Phones

The increased use of cell phones has brought about serious concerns regarding the probable health hazards. This is because mobile phones use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. Depending on how close the cell phone antenna is to your head, between 20% and 60% of the radiation emitted by your cell phone is transferred into your head. Scientific and medical communities have suggested that health effects (e.g. cancer) are very likely to be caused by cellular phones or their base stations. This articles present some practical approaches for minimizing the hazardous effects. Minimize the duration of use, since certain effects of electrmagnetic radiation (e.g. thermal effects on brain) are accumulative. Use hands-free to decrease the radiation to the head.