Thursday, June 30, 2011

Interactive Sites on Medical Information


Click on the Disease & U will get Video Explanation......
 
Subject: Very informative, click-upon a disease ....it gives you a video explanation !!!!
 
This site is very informative,
which ever diseases you click-upon it iives you a video explanation !!!!
Interactive Sites on Medical Information
 

The tutorials listed below are interactive health education resources from the Patient Education Institute.
Using animated graphics each tutorial explains a procedure or condition in easy-to-read language. You can also listen to the tutorial.

JUST CLICK ON YOUR PREFFERED AILMENT

NOTE: These tutorials require a special Flash plug-in, version 6 or above... If you do not have Flash, you will be prompted to obtain
a free download of the software before you start the tutorial.
M



Wednesday, June 22, 2011

How to Become Motivated & Physically Active

Article by: Rameez Karim Shave Magazine Correspondent

Two out of three men are overweight and one out of six adults is obese – and these numbers are increasing every year.  Engaging in regular physical activity seems to have become a tall order for the everyday man; put on the back-burner to life’s other demands. But physical inactivity doesn’t just affect your long term health; it directly affects your immediate quality of life, mental functioning and even sexual well-being. In fact, a recent study revealed a strong correlation between physical inactivity and erectile dysfunction.  It is easy to recognize that we need to engage regular physically active but doing so doesn’t just happen; it takes motivation. For anyone having trouble finding or maintaining that motivation, here are some points to help get and keep you physically active:

Understanding the benefits


Being physically active has extensive benefits for your body including, but not limited to, reduced risk of cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis, diabetes and even breast cancer (yes, men get it too!).  Exercise has also been proven to improve digestion, endurance, blood circulation, immune functioning and improve overall mental health -- reducing stress, increasing mental focus and improving self-esteem. In addition, exercising regularly not only reduces fatty tissue but it can even increase the ability at which your body is able to metabolize fatty tissue.

Understanding Motivation


Psychology researchers have long demonstrated that there are two types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic.  Extrinsic motivation refers to all of the external factors that encourage you to complete an activity for some form of external reward (incentive).  An example of this would be competing in a sporting event with the goal of winning a trophy, money or any other form of external reward.  Intrinsic motivation refers to the motivation that is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself (internal reward).  No external reward is present with intrinsic motivation; you are simply participating in an activity for your own self-actualization, pleasure or personal gratification for reasons unique to yourself.  Extrinsic motivation is short lasting and actually makes people less likely to participate in an activity in the absence of the external reward (i.e. you might only workout when you are guaranteed a trophy or money) but intrinsic motivation is long lasting and results in continue regular engagement in an activity.

Finding Intrinsic Motivation


There are a plethora of options when it comes to staying fit. The key is to find an activity that you genuinely enjoy doing so that the activity is the motivation in itself.  Figure out activities you enjoy and try to incorporate them into your daily or weekly routine.  Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to the gym. Physical activity is anything that gets you moving and takes significant energy on your part. If you really enjoy being around people maybe consider joining a recreation sports league sports or finding a buddy to play regular games of tennis. If you really enjoy nature, perhaps hiking or rock climbing would be a great fit for you.  Swimming, jogging and dancing are just a few of the many other options.  You can also pair your workouts with music you like, or music that gets you excited, to help make the experience more enjoyable and more productive.

Setting Goals


Goal setting is a great way to reinforce what you are working towards and breaking up a larger goal into smaller components on a timeline is a great way to establish a sense of urgency.  Little goals and little accomplishments along the way will also make the overall journey seem less daunting and help subdue feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. When setting goals, set realistic goals around your physical and mental limits. Setting the bar too high (or in too short of a timeframe) will only work to diminish your motivation; possibly leading to forfeiture. Conversely, setting the bar too low is also counterproductive and could lead to dismissal or complete apathy. So set your goals around realistic marks that you confidently feel you can reach but that still push you near your limits.

Tracking Progress


Feedback is important to maintaining your engagement so it is a good idea to monitor your progress. Start by taking your “before” measurements of size and weight -- and don’t be shy to include a front and side photos of yourself in your swimwear.  Then, after you have begun regularly working out, take weekly measurements and record them in a properly labelled log. Every month take an updated swimwear photograph and include the labelled photos in your log. Being able to reflect back with your log and see the results of your hard work is a sure-fire way to engaged.  Including a by-line every week in your log to state how hard you feel you worked that week is a great way to prove to yourself that your results are determined by your effort; it may even push you to work harder.

Keeping it Going


The easier you can make a healthy lifestyle fit into your routine, the better your chances are for staying active. Carefully plan and reorganize your schedule to make it as easy as possible to fit exercise your regular routine. Whether it’s an hour a day or a few hours once per week, making it an easy inclusion will help ensure your success. If you can find a workout partner or a fitness buddy, you can create amotivation  valuable social element to your activity that will keep you engaged and you can help encourage each other to keep at it and enforce schedules.  Lastly, you should remember that the hardest part is simply starting.  Starting truly is your biggest obstacle, everything after that is one step closer to your fitness goals.

Relax! It's important



Relax! It's important

Life is fast paced and stressful, and sometimes it can leave you feeling like you have no time to stop, think and reflect on the bigger picture. Relax. Seriously, the mental, physical and financial benefits of indulging in a little “me time” every now and again are vast. Focusing on yourself is not about shutting out the world, it’s about getting back in tune with it. It is not about ignoring all your responsibilities and hiding in your bed for days it’s about stepping back, gaining perspective and restoring your vitality.

Stress, relaxation and health
When you are stressed you are much more likely to become sick. This is because stress hormones suppress the immune response and its ability to fight germs these hormones can also make gastrointestinal symptoms worse, cause over-reactive airways in asthma patients, cause blood pressure spikes, damage your arteries, promote high cholesterol and lead to other health-related conditions, such as anxiety, depression, even addictions and obesity. In addition, stress-induced depression may lead to self-destructive behaviour, such as neglecting medications. Fortunately, research has shown that deep relaxation can have tremendous health benefits and reverse stress-induced ailments. People who suffer from asthma can sometimes widen their restricted respiratory passages through deep relaxation and sometimes diabetics can even reduce their need for insulin through the same techniques. Deep relaxation, however, does require a little more effort than sitting and reading a magazine but even a small amount of regular relaxation time can have long-standing benefits including energy, improved cardiovascular performance and life longevity.

Recognise when you need to relax
Stress is good for us at manageable levels. It motivates and provokes us, it also helps us keep our lives in order. Too much stress, however, is destructive to our bodies, lives and minds. It can cause us to overlook details, forget facts, dates and to skate through projects we're too stressed to finish. Unfortunately, far too many people do not recognise unhealthy stress and confuse it with ambition, dedication, industriousness or responsibility. Recognising when you need to relax is the key to begin doing so. If you have noticed that you are suffering from constant body aches, tension, irritability, irregular sleep patterns or even a lacking sense of humour you may be under too much stress. Also pay attention to the remarks of close friends and family - if they are suggesting that you may be stressed or in need of relaxing, then you probably are.

Accept it and make time for it
Avoidance of small relaxation breaks throughout your day can lead to burn out, fatigue, illnesses and insomnia wreaking havoc on your productivity and your efficiency. Making the decision to set aside time, even for are little as 10 minutes, may sound simple but it can be difficult to accomplish; taking some personal time can make some people feel like they are being selfish or even useless but in reality it's just the opposite. Let go of guilt. Make the time. Remind yourself constantly that this is a necessity and schedule it in your daily schedule.

Relaxing your mind
Relaxation starts with your mind. Relaxing your mind will allow you to refocus and begin relaxing your body as well. Take a timeout from your activities and focus your mind elsewhere on something you enjoy. If you are having a hard time relaxing your mind, try making a conscious effort to breathe deeply. It is one of the easiest and least time consuming ways to put you at ease. You may also consider meditating or praying as a means to relax your mind. Reading, writing or divulging in a fun hobby are great options as well. The only 'must' when it comes to relaxation is getting sufficient sleep. Regardless of how long you sleep, it is important is that you get a sufficient amount of undisturbed sleep. Avoid caffeine, heavy meals and worrying to help ensure you get a deep sleep, restful sleep and wake up energised.

Relaxing your body
Once your mind is relaxed you can really begin relaxing your body. Stretching is a fast and effective way to ease muscles, aches and strains. Stretching also helps improve blood circulation and acts as a great precursor to exercising. The physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise cannot be understated. Exercise strengthens your immune system, improves your cardiovascular system and immediately promotes the release of endorphins improving your mood and general state of mind. Don't shy away from pampering yourself once in a while as well. Do something you enjoy. Whatever that makes you feel good.
After you have stepped back, incorporated some daily time for yourself and truly relaxed - even if only for a few short moments - you will find that you are on your way to a well-balanced, often happier, life. Breaking the stress cycle begins and ends with you. Relaxation won't solve all your problems but it will help you gain perspective and revitalise you to better tackle them. Sometimes those Eureka moments come when you let your mind wander and solutions to problems seemingly become evident. So shed those feelings of guilt and start shamelessly relaxing.
Source: www.shavemagazine.com

Friday, June 17, 2011

Eat only seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables


Topics covered in the article
  • The benefits of fruits
  • Summer fruits and their benefits
The scorching summer heat not only drains our body of energy but also depletes it of certain vital nutrients. Fruits, if included daily in our diet, will help our bodies deal with this summer assault and help keep many diseases at bay. Sadly, with so many varieties of junk food and ready-to-eat food available, fruits are losing their place in our always-on-the-run lifestyle today.
Fruits in general are good for health in many ways: they are good for the immune system, digestion, skin, hair, eyes, heart and blood circulation. They are also good for nervous and respiratory systems. The benefits go on and on. It would be a nice idea to fill yourself up with fruits this summer. After all, summer isn't that bad when you come to think of all the fruits you can find this season. Here are some trivia about summer fruits in India, their health benefits and things you can do with them.
Mango: All fruits will be sidelined when the king comes calling. Yes, the mango season is here! What is an Indian summer without mangoes, anyway? The king of fruits is loaded with nutritional benefits apart from its heavenly taste. It contains high levels of dietary fibers, beta-carotene and Vitamin C. It is rich in pectin which is helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, especially Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol). Mango is also found to be rich in iron, potassium and nicotinic acid. It is believed to be highly beneficial in improving vision and protecting against liver disorders; it tones the heart, improves complexion and helps combat skin problems. It also serves as an excellent antioxidant by aiding in speedy recovery from various ailments. The same property also helps in protection against cancer.
Mango is a warm-temperament fruit and makes for an excellent combination with milk. Enjoy your mango as a chilled mango milk shake and you will definitely love it!
Watermelon: A slice of watermelon feels like a god-sent gift in this scorching heat. The one thing you probably cannot resist in summer is a cool, red, juicy slice of watermelon. Watermelons have high water content and taste sweet and juicy. Apart from its cooling effect, watermelon is used in the treatment of urinary infections (kidney & bladder problems), hepatic congestion and intestinal disturbances. It is rich in Vitamins A, B and C and is good for preventing high blood pressure.
fMake yourself a tall glass of fresh watermelon juice at noon or in the afternoon. It restores the dehydrated water content of the body.
If you want to remove ugly blemishes on your skin, watermelon juice is your best friend this season. Juice from a small slice of watermelon can be extracted and applied over your face and neck. After it dries, splash your face and neck with cold water to close the open pores on your skin.
Orange: The refreshing smell of an orange alone is enough to rejuvenate your senses. Orange counters the harmful effects of meat consumption. It also helps fight against aging and has valuable benefits when consumed if afflicted by typhoid fever and other diseases like scurvy, rickets and pellagra. Orange is known to prevent putrefaction and auto-intoxication in the digestive system. It contains Beta-carotene, which is a powerful anti-oxidant, guarding the health of our cells.
Oranges also fulfill our requirement for potassium, which helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and electrolyte balance in cells. Orange peel in dried form can be an excellent exfoliate for the skin. Apply a face pack made with orange peels for that cooling effect and glow you always wanted to see during summers.
Muskmelon: Muskmelon is a thirst quencher, diuretic and refresher. Muskmelon isn't just a cool and delicious combatant against the heat, it is also packed with many nutrients. Muskmelons are high in water content and are relatively low in calories. Due to their high water content and combination with potassium (a mineral that helps control blood pressure), muskmelons are helpful in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. They are a good source of the antioxidant vitamins A and C that protect you from many diseases. Muskmelons contain good amounts of dietary fibers, making them good for those suffering from constipation. They are relished due to their sweet and juicy flavor. A glass of muskmelon juice will be definitely be a savior in this scorching heat!
Litchi: Delicious and juicy Lychees or "Litchis" herald the onset of summer. The fruit has a sweet, fragrant flavor and is delicious to savor. Fresh litchi is enjoyed best without any additions. Litchi slices can be a great addition to fruit salads and dressings and can also be added to jellies, sauces and syrups. Litchi juice can be a refreshing drink during summer. Litchi, like citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C which helps the body developl resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals. It also contains good amounts of minerals like potassium and copper. Potassium offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases while copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Litchis are a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and folates. These vitamins are essential since they function as co-factors to help the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Tender coconut: Nothing quenches our thirst like coconut water does, especially when we are feeling drained of energy in summer. This juicy water is also popular for its health benefits. This clear, sweet, sterile, wonder liquid is composed of chemicals such as sugars, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, cytokines and phyto-hormones, which helps replenish hydration levels in the body. Research studies suggest that cytokinins in coconut water could have anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic effects. Despite very light consistency, its water has a higher concentration of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc as compared to fruits like oranges. Coconut water can be enjoyed without additions and tastes great chilled or with ice. Fresh coconut water can also be made into a special drink by adding lemon slices, mint leaves, orange zest, etc.
The gel-like meat (kernel) in the young tender coconuts is very sweet and delicious and can be relished as such.
Go ahead and enjoy this summer with these delicious seasonal fruits and satisfy your sweet tooth, at the same time gaining maximum nutritional benefits from them. Try fresh fruit salads with some flavored low-fat yoghurt for variety. Relish a glass of fresh fruit juice to satisfy thirst and prevent dehydration in summer days. It is so much better than preserved fruit juices which contain preservatives and added sugar. Why settle for processed items when the natural variants are so widely available this season?
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Too much of TV or PC or lap top or mobile all r harmful and addictive

Alok adds:




1. Waste of time



2.waste of power increase in electricity bill



3. fast reducing the age of appliances due to over use



4.reduced interpersonal communication



5.picking up bad habits/ behaviour due to over dose of same thru all these gadgets



6.spoils ears due to overuse of ear phones



7. due to excessive sitting ( and in wrong posture) spoils back bone, heart, joints



8. excessive viewing screens and use of remote makes (me) one obese,spoils eyes,and increases heart attacks,cancer



9. children's will grow without playing in fields/ open,hiking,jogging,picnicking,dancing or attending some personality development courses . ...and so on ....

















•Recreation vs. addiction

•Concerns over television



•Undoing the addiction

•Watch what they are watching





Call it an entertainment machine or the idiot box, the one thing one cannot deny is that television can be addictive. Gone are the days when we used to sit in front of the television, our family usually with us, waiting for our favorite programs on the only channel that was available. And if things didn't interest us, we could always run outdoors or meekly hit the books. Times have changed and the television audience today is bombarded with a plethora of choices. Children's television is a huge industry. Some of us have lost count of the number of channels with children's programs; most of us have no idea of the number of advertisements that target our children. However, almost all of us are concerned that the kids may just be spending too much time in front of the television.

Having a couch potato at home is every parent's nightmare. While nobody would want their children to be passive audiences, glued to the screen all day, it is also important to remember that television does have its advantages and can even be a medium of learning. It also provides children a social and cultural context, giving them things to talk about in their social groups and teaching them about the cultures of their counterparts elsewhere. The question that arises is how much TV is too much TV? Where does one draw the line? And if children are hooked on to the telly, why should one be concerned? How should one go about changing things?



Recreation vs. addiction

Every generation is nostalgic of the way it was brought up. Somehow, the way our parents grew up was always “right”. And as parents, we naturally tend to be apprehensive about the environment our children are growing up in and the gadgets that surround them. We often wish they would go out and flex their muscles a bit, or pick up a novel. What is important to realize is that the children aren't to blame. Moving images have the capacity to bind someone's attention. However, this is not to suggest that we all unintentionally surrender ourselves to the telly.

Research studies suggest that children who grow up in an environment with strong social institutions, where they have ample opportunities for interactions, are less prone to becoming television addicts. Children who have active play groups in the neighborhood, whose family members spend enough time with them and who have been introduced to children's literature at an appropriate age are less likely to become couch potatoes.

The urban, nuclear family today faces difficulties with bonding. Children with working parents and few friends in the neighborhood often have little choice but to turn to television. Nannies are expensive and quality time is rare, and parents often substitute time with goodies like toys and video games. What starts out as recreation can often end up as an addiction. For the child, television may take precedence over people with whom he or she cannot connect, even in their presence.

This is not to paint a dystopian picture, however. Watching television with family can be a great bonding opportunity. Parents can also lead by example, by giving more preference to family time and conversations over television. Children learn quickly through observation and those who see their parents prioritize other things over television can pick up such positive traits themselves. Monitored television viewing, too is advantageous because children's programs can speed a child's cognitive process, facilitate learning through observation and act as a stress buster (Yes, children are stressed, too. Classroom settings, assignments and examinations are not very easy.)



Why the concern?

How does television content affect a child? The research (and the debate) will, perhaps, go on forever. From increasing concern over televised violence, to exposure to sexually suggestive content, the list of concerns is never-ending. The concern, however, is not always psychological.



• Health issues – The fact that one is completely immobile while watching television increases the chances of gaining weight. Munching on fast food while watching TV is one of the leading causes for obesity among young kids.

•Behavioral issues: Kids can get engrossed in what they are watching. Forcefully detaching them from TV can lead to emotional outbursts and tantrums. It can also be hard to start a conversation with a child watching television.

•Psychological and social issues: What children learn from television is the subject of never-ending debate. The problem is compounded by the fact that in the absence of supervision, children can gain access to adult programs. There is also a concern about unethical advertisers trying to sell their products to children. Children influence consumer choices in most modern households and also create demands for things they may have taken a fancy for. It is hard to talk a child out of buying something he/she may not need but drastically wants. Refusal is often met with tantrums and rebellion.

•Academic issues – Getting addicted to television might affect your kid's academic progress.



Undoing the addiction

The key to undoing the addiction is to create interesting alternatives to watching TV. Enrolling children in hobby classes or encouraging them to participate in sports cuts down on their television time, besides aiding proper physical and psychological growth.

However, the most important requirement is quality time. Spending time with your children, over meals or even while watching television is an absolute necessity. Not only does it help increase bonding now, it also paves the way for easier conversations once they enter teenage.

Introduce them to the habit of reading. Story books can take a child into a world much richer than the one television creates. It broadens their horizon, improves their linguistic skills and does not subject them to targeted advertising. Joint reading sessions are a great way to initiate them into the world of books.



Watch what they are watching

Supervision is a very important aspect of parenting. Parents who do not regularly monitor their children's viewing habits are sometimes taken aback when they actually see what their child is watching. Television programs and films sometimes have a PG certificate, requiring parental guidance for children watching them. Various things need to be explained to children while they are watching television, because they are continuously learning from what they watch.

Avoid or skip watching shows that you feel your kid shouldn't watch, at least when your kid is around.

Make it a habit to turn off the television during meals and conversations so that you and the child can spend some quality time together.