Sunday, August 26, 2012

Benefits of Walking

Benefits of Walking
The human body is made to walk.

Our bodies function better when we walk. We are healthier in many ways
when we walk.
Walking 30 minutes a day cuts the rate of people becoming diabetic by
more than half and it cuts the risk of people over 60 becoming
diabetic by almost 70 percent.
Walking cuts the risk of stroke by more than 25 percent.
Walking reduces hypertension. The body has over 100,000 miles of blood
vessels. Those blood vessels are more supple and healthier when we
walk.
Walking cuts the risk of cancer as well as diabetes and stroke.
Women who walk have a 20 percent lower likelihood of getting breast
cancer and a 31 percent lower risk of getting colon cancer.
Women with breast cancer who walk regularly can reduce their
recurrence rate and their mortality rate by over 50 percent.
The human body works better when we walk. The body resists diseases
better when we walk, and the body heals faster when we walk.
We don't have to walk a lot. Thirty minutes a day has a huge impact on
our health.
Men who walk thirty minutes a day have a significantly lower level of
prostate cancer. Men who walk regularly have a 60 percent lower risk
of colon cancer.
For men with prostate cancer, studies have shown that walkers have a
46 percent lower mortality rate.
Walking also helps prevent depression, and people who walk regularly
are more likely to see improvements in their depression. In one study,
people who walked and took medication scored twice as well in 30 days
as the women who only took the medication. Another study showed that
depressed people who walked regularly had a significantly higher level
of not being depressed in a year compared to depressed people who did
not walk. The body generates endorphins when we walk. Endorphins help
us feel good.
Walking strengthens the heart. Walking strengthens bones. Walking
improves the circulatory system.
Walking generates positive neurochemicals. Healthy eating is important
but dieting can trigger negative neurochemicals and can be hard to do.
Walking generates positive neurochemicals. People look forward to
walking and enjoy walking.
And research shows that fit beats fat for many people. Walking half an
hour a day has health benefits that exceed the benefits of losing 20
pounds.
When we walk every day, our bodies are healthier and stronger. A
single 30 minute walk can reduce blood pressure by five points for
over 20 hours.
Walking reduces the risk of blood clots in your legs.
People who walk regularly have much lower risk of deep vein thrombosis.
People who walk are less likely to catch colds, and when people get
colds, walkers have a 46 percent shorter symptom time from their
colds.
Walking improves the health of our blood, as well. Walking is a good
boost of high density cholesterol and people with high levels of HDL
are less likely to have heart attacks and stroke.
Walking speeds up metabolism and burns calories. Walkers often find
that eating habits change and weight loss results from those eating
changes.
Walking significantly diminishes the risk of hip fracture and the need
for gallstone surgery is 20 to 31 percent lower for walkers.
Walking is the right thing to do.
The body needs to walk.
We don't need to walk a lot 30 minutes a day makes the body work better.
The best news is that the 30 minutes doesn't have to be done in one
lump of time. Two 15 minute walks achieve the same goals. Three 10
minute walks achieve most of those goals.
We can walk 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night and
achieve our walking goals.
Walking feels good. It helps the body heal. It keeps the body healthy.
It improves our biological health, our physical health, our
psychosocial health, and helps with our emotional health. Walking can
literally add years entire years to your life.
Its good to walk.
Be good to yourself.
Be good to your body.
If you can where you can walk.
Everybody Walk. Be well.
ALL ACUPRESSURE POINTS R IN THE SOLE OF UR FEET ...... JUST

LIKE UR HANDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep Walking.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Is it angina or gas ?

Aashish Contractor  via yahoogroups.com 
Aug 24 (2 days ago)

to AsianHeartInst.
 
Mr. Parikh wrote about people not seeking immediate medical attention, when faced with chest discomfort. They often confuse it with gas or muscle pain. I had written an article on the subject, and am sharing it here, since the topic has copy up.
 
Chest Pain: is it Angina or Gas
Mr. Vasant Mehta was sitting at home after a heavy dinner and watching TV when he got some discomfort in the chest region.  It persisted for a little while and then became less after he belched.  But the pain came back after 15 minutes and it was more severe; his wife was worried and insisted on going to the hospital. At the hospital his ECG showed that he had a massive heart attack and was given life saving drugs in time.
The story of Mr. Mehta is very common across the world where chest pain is often thought to be due to ‘gas’ and is ignored, often with fatal consequences.  So how does one know when chest pain is due to the ‘heart’?
What is Angina:
Angina is a pain or discomfort in the chest or adjacent areas caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. This chest pain is relieved by rest or medication within a short period of time (usually 15 minutes). Chest pain of a longer duration or pain appearing with a lower level of effort than before, even at rest, should be considered unstable angina.


Signs and Symptoms
  • Squeezing pressure, heaviness, or mild ache in the chest (usually behind the breastbone) which is not clearly localized.  It usually lasts 1 to 15 minutes. 
However this is known as the ‘classical presentation’ and each person may have different symptoms.  Other methods of presentation may be:
  • Aching in a tooth with or without squeezing pressure or heaviness in the chest
  • Aching into the neck muscles or jaw
  • Aching into one or both arms
  • Aching into the back
  • A feeling of gas in the upper abdomen and lower chest
  • A feeling that you're choking or shortness of breath
  • Paleness and sweating
Chest pain or heaviness that is not relieved by more than 1 nitroglycerin tablet taken 5 minutes apart, and that lasts longer than 15 minutes may represent mean unstable angina or even a heart attack.


Episodes of angina are usually associated with:
  • Anger or excitement
  • Emotional shock
  • Exertion or physical work, especially if it strains the muscles of the chest or arms
  • Walking rapidly uphill
  • Waking up at night with discomfort due to decreased blood flow to the heart
In all of these situations, there is relief from the distress when the activity is stopped. Moderate daytime activity helps relieve nighttime angina, though.
What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?
The difference between angina and a heart attack is that a heart attack results in a damaged or injured heart muscle. Angina does not. Rather, anginal pain is a warning sign of a potential heart attack. The pain indicates that the heart muscle isn't getting enough blood.
It is hard, sometimes, to tell the difference between angina and a heart attack. A person may have to be given tests and be observed for a day in the hospital or emergency room to tell the difference.

Why does angina happen?
The most common cause is coronary artery disease , or what we commonly call ‘heart disease’. Blockages in the coronary arteries, called plaques, prevent an adequate amount of blood from reaching the heart muscle. Situations that require increased blood flow to the heart may cause angina in people with CAD. These include exercise, heavy meals, and stress.

Other  Possible causes of Chest pain:
The following medical conditions are some of the common causes of Chest pain, besides angina. There are several other possible causes, so it is important to ask your doctor about your symptoms.  Usually pain related
    • Heart valve disorder
    • Cervical spinal disorder



Treatment and Care
Seek emergency care for any chest pain which is suspicious for angina. Contact your physician or a cardiologist, who should insist on close follow-up, appropriate studies to diagnose your condition, and therapy to treat it. The keystones to treatment are:
  • Medications such as:
    • Nitroglycerin or sorbitrate (or other medication to temporarily dilate or widen the coronary arteries), which eases blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin takes effect within a minute or two.
    • Medicine(s) to control high blood pressure
    • Low-dose daily aspirin
  • Daily physical exercise for endurance. Exercise must be maintained below the onset of any discomfort.
  • Don't smoke. Nicotine in cigarettes constricts the arteries and prevents proper blood flow.
  • Avoid large, heavy meals. Instead, eat lighter meals throughout the day.
  • Rest after eating, or engage in some quiet activity.
  • Minimize exposure to cold, windy weather.
  • Lower your cholesterol level, if high, by eating a low-saturated-fat diet and/or taking lipid (fat)-lowering medication, if necessary and prescribed.
  • Avoid sudden physical exertion, such as running to catch a bus.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Rosie O’Donnell’s heart attack a lesson for women

Rosie O’Donnell’s heart attack a lesson for women


Rosie O’Donnell’s heart attack a lesson for women


You’ve probably heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” After reading about Rosie O’Donnell’s heart attack, I’d like to coin a new one: “It often takes a celebrity to sound the alarm about important health issues.”
The 50-year-old actress, comedienne, and talk show host suffered a surprise (aren’t they all) heart attack last week. Word got out when she wrote about it on her blog.
According to O’Donnell, she helped extricate “an enormous woman” who was stuck in her car. Later that day
my body hurt
i had an ache in my chest
both my arms were sore
everything felt bruised
muscular – i thought
Still later, O’Donnell became nauseous, her skin got clammy, and she felt very hot. She took an aspirin, and the next day went to see a cardiologist. Her electrocardiogram was worrisome enough that she was sent to the hospital. Tests showed that her left anterior descending artery was 99% blocked. She underwent artery-opening angioplasty and had a wire-mesh stent placed to keep the artery open.

“Surprise” symptoms

I am delighted that O’Donnell decided to talk about her symptoms and her trouble realizing she was having a heart attack. Many people think that heart attacks have classic, recognizable symptoms. That’s not necessarily the case. Some generate subtle signs, others sneaky ones.
One problem was probably her age. At 50, O’Donnell may have thought, “I’m too young for this to be a heart attack.” And although we are finally leaving behind the notion that heart attack is a “man’s disease,” many women still don’t think it can happen to them.
The chest discomfort and arm pain that O’Donnell described are fairly common heart attack symptoms. Her other symptoms are also common in women, but less well known.
During a heart attack, women can have:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Marked weakness
  • Unusual fatigue
  • Cold sweats
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
Chest pain, a common early warning sign of heart attack in men, is often toward the bottom of the list of symptoms women experience. Those who do feel something in the chest often don’t use the term pain. Instead they mention aching, tightness, or pressure.

“Save urself”

An American Heart Association survey done two years ago revealed some startling statistics about women and heart attacks:
  • Only 55% of women surveyed said they would call 911 if they thought they were having a heart attack
  • 50% of women didn’t know heart disease was the leading cause of death among women.
  • 51% said family or caregiving responsibilities made it difficult or impossible to take steps against heart disease, such as exercise and healthful eating
  • 32% said they didn’t need to take preventive action since they weren’t at risk for heart disease
  • 58% said they were trying to prevent heart disease by taking vitamin A, C, or E (none of which has been shown to work against heart disease).
I hope that the attention O’Donnell might bring to the topic of heart attack in women will help others like her get help sooner. As doctors often say, “Time is muscle.” The longer the heart goes without oxygen—the ultimate effect of a heart attack—the more damage occurs to the heart muscle.
The bottom line? I’ll give O’Donnell the last words here:
know the symptoms ladies
listen to the voice inside
the one we all so easily ignore
CALL 911
save urself

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE:and symptoms everyone must know

WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE:

‘You’ve come a long way baby... .’ was the byline of the Virginia Slims cigarette ad campaign for a long time.  That line unfortunately holds true in the area of heart disease, where contrary to popular belief, as many women suffer every year as men. 

In fact, heart disease kills more women than any other disease.  This comes as a surprise to most, as heart disease was always thought to be a ‘man’s disease’, while breast cancer was considered to be the ultimate nemesis of women.  In fact, women are as much at risk for heart disease as men are, but are protected by their hormones till they reach menopause. This does not imply that pre-menopausal women cannot suffer, but their numbers are smaller. 

A sad statistic is that women tend to receive much less treatment than men, and studies have shown that a much larger percentage of women die within one year after having a heart attack, as compared to men.  One possible explanation is that women tend to get heart disease later in life and are therefore more likely to have coexisting chronic conditions.  Though the heart is structurally similar, there are several differences between men and women when it comes to heart disease.

Men and Women: Same heart, different symptoms.

  • A woman has a 50% chance of dying from a first heart attack as compared with a 30% chance for a man.
  • Often women don’t experience the classic warning signs of a heart attack-chest pain, radiating to the arms, as men do.  The symptoms women experience tend to include breathlessness, vomiting, pain in the neck, sweating and nausea.
  • Women are almost twice as likely as men to die after by-pass surgery
  • Women are 20% more likely than men to die in the hospital following a heart attack
  • Women receive less aggressive treatment than men for their heart disease

HORMONE-REPLACEMENT THERAPY:

One area of women’s health which has perhaps generated the maximum amount of controversy and confusion is hormone replacement therapy.  Until recently it was thought that this therapy consisting of estrogen and progestin in varying combinations was protective for the heart.  However, results from recent studies have contradicted these findings.  The current scientific recommendations for hormone replacement are:

  • This therapy should be started only after consultation with a physician, preferably the gynaecologist
  • Relief from the symptoms of menopause should be the primary reason for taking hormone replacement therapy
  • Hormone therapy should not be used to prevent heart disease
  • Hormone therapies have been shown to help build stronger bones; however, women should weigh the risks of hormone therapy before taking it to prevent osteoporosis


STEPS A WOMEN CAN TAKE TO PROTECT HERSELF:

·        Get checked regularly, especially after menopause
·        Quit smoking: smoking increases a woman’s risk for a heart attack three-fold
·        Control cholesterol: high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL put a woman at a much higher risk.  Women should aim to keep HDL levels above 50.
·        Keep the BP down: Blood pressure should be maintained below 120/80 mmHg
·        Keep the sugar down: Women with diabetes are three to seven times more likely to have heart attacks
·        Control the weight: Excess fat increases the risk for heart disease.  However, the fat around the thighs is not as harmful as fat around the stomach.




written by Dr. Aashish Contractor. Asian Heart)

Friday, August 17, 2012

Feeling run down.......21 Ways to Boost Energy


Feeling rundown and foggy on the job? Does the prospect of an afternoon’s worth of housework seem unspeakably grim? It’s time for a break to refresh and boost your energy.
Although you may not be able to take the afternoon off, you can surely afford 10 minutes to recharge yourself, no matter how hectic your life might be. And although a 10-minute break might not be quite as reinvigorating as 10 days on a beach, it can boost energy and mood.

So how can you do it? How can you use a 10-minute break for something more energizing than aimless web surfing or yet another game of Minesweeper? Here are their 21 tips for quick ways to boost energy.
Get some sunshine. If you’re toiling beneath artificial light all day, use your 10 minutes to get some sun. First, getting outside can be refreshing. Second, a few minutes of sunlight has concrete benefits. It helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important for good health. Sun exposure also boosts serotonin levels, which can improve mood and help you sleep better at night.
Take the stairs. Going up (and down) stairs for 10 minutes is a great way to get your heart pumping. If you’re in an office building, try the stairwell. Because they’re usually deserted -- everyone uses the elevator -- you might be able to get 10 minutes alone to trot up and down and boost energy.
Have a coffee break. It’s no secret that coffee will perk you up - espresso specifically. Brewing espresso extracts all of the coffee flavor and also has the strongest antioxidant properties. It also doesn’t break down the volatile oils, meaning that the espresso is less likely to cause adverse effects like GERD.
Do a crossword. When you’re feeling burned out, focusing on a different sort of mental task for a few minutes can help boost energy. Get a collection of crossword puzzles and find a difficulty level that you can usually complete in about 10 minutes. Plenty of Web sites have free crosswords, and some newspapers offer cheap monthly subscriptions for online versions of their puzzles.
Stretch yourself. Feeling stiff after sitting at your desk all morning? Stretching helps fatigued muscles that have been stuck in one position. It may also increase energy by decreasing muscle discomfort. You can stretch at your desk without attracting too much attention. A few suggestions. Repeatedly sit down in your chair and stand up without holding the arms. Shrug your shoulders up to your ears and hold them for a few seconds. Hug your body, with your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder.
Make a smoothie. Beware the smoothie stand. But if you’re at home, take 10 minutes to make yourself one. 8 ounces of skim milk or soy milk, a bit of fruit, and some crushed ice to thicken it up. Add a little fiber and healthy fat with one or two tablespoons of wheat germ or ground flax seed.
Try guided imagery. To boost energy, take a virtual vacation while sitting at your desk. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Then imagine a peaceful place. It could be someplace you’ve been before -- the beach or the mountains. Try to fill it out with detail. What does it smell like? Is there a breeze blowing on your face? Imagine you’re walking along a path; the farther you go, the more relaxed you get. Once you feel fully relaxed, gradually ease yourself back into the present. Count to three and open your eyes.
Read a poem. Reading is a great way to get a quick break from your humdrum day. Novels might not be ideal for a quick break though -- working through Moby Dick in 10-minute daily installments will take ages. So focus on poetry. Keep a good anthology at your desk. Read one or two and mull them over during your 10-minute break.
Walk. There’s nothing like a brisk walk to give you some energy. The health benefits really add up too. Experts recommend a minimum of half an hour of exercise a day. So all you need to do is take a few more 10-minute walking breaks and you’re done. As you walk more, you’ll get faster. You can use a pedometer to keep track of your progress.
Avoid the vending machine. Although sweets and carbs might give you a temporary energy boost, it won’t last. Choose a snack with some protein, which will give you longer-lasting energy. Just add some peanut butter to that apple or some low-fat cheese to your crackers.
Write in a journal. If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve started and abandoned (and restarted and re-abandoned) a diary before. But begin a new one with the intention to write in it only 10 minutes a day. It might feel more doable if you’re not trying to record everything. You might find that keeping a journal – and the self-reflection it requires – gives you a better perspective on your life and job.
Laugh. Does laughing have health benefits? It might, although the evidence isn’t clear yet. Either way, there’s no denying that laughing can make you feel better. So during your 10-minute break, deliberately seek out something that you know will make you laugh -- watching a few clips on YouTube or reading a favorite blog. If you can, involve a friend: Studies show that people laugh more when they’re laughing with others.
Use cold water. The Romans used to invigorate themselves by plunging into the frigidarium, a cold water pool. Without being quite so drastic, you can get a quick energy boost by just splashing cold water on your face in the bathroom.
Go for green tea. Good old black tea is fine too, but green tea has some specific benefits. It has the highest levels of antioxidants -- like EGCG -- that might support health, possibly lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. It’s also got caffeine, but not too much. So green tea can be a good choice if you find coffee or black tea makes you jittery.
Try aromatherapy. Some people believe that the smells of certain essential oils -- like peppermint, lime, and grapefruit -- can boost energy. So take 10 minutes to close your eyes and breathe in the scent from the bottle. Or use a spray to spritz the room. Of course, check with your officemates before you start scenting up the place.
Consider a supplement. Sure, there are lots of energy-boosting herbal stimulants out there - herbs like ashwaganda, panax ginseng, or rhodiola. They’re not stimulants, but they can help the body deal with stress, which can cause fatigue. Of course, check with a doctor before you start using a supplement – especially if you have a health condition or take any daily medications.
Listen to music. The right music can really change your mood, and doing some prep work can help. Come up with a list of the songs that always seem to psych you up, and then make a mix or playlist of three on your computer or MP3 player. Then you’ve got about 10 minutes worth of invigorating music ready to go when you need it.  
Have some chocolate. Chocolate is itself a mild stimulant, and it has lots of other possible health benefits too – from boosting memory to lowering cardiovascular risks. Have a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder with some artificial sweetener added. It can satisfy that craving for chocolate without the calories. Mixed with skim milk and you’ve got some protein too.
Unleash some feng shui on your desk. Admittedly, organizing your desk might not sound like an energy booster. But really, working on a surface that’s cluttered with paperwork, sandwich crumbs, and empty coffee cups can really sap your spiritual strength. Taking 10 minutes to organize things now might allow you to work more efficiently and energetically for the rest of the day.
Eat breakfast. Too busy to eat breakfast? Baloney. Pouring milk on a high fiber cereal just isn’t that time consuming. Neither is smearing cream cheese on whole wheat bread. The benefits are real. After eight or 10 (or more) hours without food, your body needs fuel to get going. Eating breakfast has long-term benefits too: Studies show that people who skip it have a higher risk of gaining excess weight. So if you’ve arrived at work without breakfast, take 10 minutes out and have it now.
Breathe deeply. Deep breathing can relieve stress when you’re feeling burned out. Sit down, keeping your back straight. Inhale through the nose while you count to four. Hold your breath while you count to seven. Then exhale deeply through the mouth, counting to eight. Repeat the cycle.
Of course, some of these suggestions might seem obvious. After all, who hasn’t tried to boost energy with a walk or a cup of coffee?
But the point here is not so much which energy-boosting method you try, but that you try it deliberately as a way to revive yourself. Don’t waste a 10-minute break passively. Use it actively. It might sound counterintuitive, but you really want to plan your relaxation. That way you can consciously make use of your break time. When taking your 10 minute break, the key is your intention. It’s what makes the difference between another 10 minutes wasted in procrastination and 10 minutes that leave you recharged and ready to face the rest of the day.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

GHEE


GHEE

Fact:Ghee is composed almost entirely of saturated fat. What you're already shaking your head with disgust??? Just read on and have patience. Remember a good cook must have a lot of patience.
Fact:When cooking, it can be unhealthy to heat polyunsaturated oils such as vegetable oils to high temperatures. Doing so creates peroxides and other free radicals. These substances lead to a variety of health problems and diseases. Hey now even vegetable oils sound scary! Good we're making progress here.
Fact:Ghee has a very high smoke point and doesn't burn easily during cooking. Ghee has the more stable saturated bonds and so is lot less likely to form the dangerous free radicals when cooking. Ghee's short chain fatty acids are also metabolized very readily by the body. Hmm... So now aren't you confused? Is ghee good or bad you ask with a puzzled look? Be patient, just a bit more.

Lab studies have shown ghee to reduce cholesterol both in the serum and intestine(aren't you surprised?!). It does it by triggering an increased secretion of biliary lipids (stuff coming out of your bile). Ghee is also good for nerves and brain. It helps control eye pressure and is beneficial to glaucoma patients. I bet you didn't know these, did you?  
Ghee is most notably said to stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to help with digestion, while other fats, such as butter and oils, slow down the digestive process and can sit heavy in the stomach. You don't want that really.
In addition to ghee's nutritional value, it is rich with antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods, feeding all layers of body tissue and serving to strengthen the immune system. A high concentration of butyric acid, a fatty acid that contains anti-viral properties, is believed to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.
It is also good for treatment of burns and  blisters; a little kitchen remedy there for  y'all. According to Ayurveda ghee promotes  learning and increased memory retention. Make sure you remember that. And it'll help you remember if you had some ghee!

However, as a caveat, while in a healthy person consuming ghee may reduce your cholesterol or not affect it, it not advised for people already suffering from high cholesterol.
So should you eat Ghee or not???
If you're healthy, ABSOLUTELY. It is safer than  butter and has more nutritional use than oil. No  you understand how the Punjabi’s have tonnes of  ghee and still are fitter and stronger than any  other group of Indians? Go get some ghee you  weakling.
A high concentration of butyric acid, a fatty acid that contains anti-viral properties, is believed to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.  
Although  tests and research are still ongoing, it has  been used in Indian medicinal practice to help  with ulcers, constipation, and the promotion of  healthy eyes and skin. An Indian folk-remedy for  thousands of years, ghee is also said to promote  learning and increased memory retention. It is  used in Indian beauty creams to help soften skin, and as a topical for the treatment of burns and blisters.


NOTE:  This MUST be the  reason why Temples use ONLY GHEE to  make anything.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Calcium

  Think milk is the only way to get your calcium? Think again!     There are plenty of non-dairy sources of calcium.
      Try some of these alternative options:
      75g of Broccoli = 75mg of Ca
      100g of Kale = 205mg of Ca
      75g of Kidney beans = 50mg of Ca
      100g of Blackberries = 35mg of Ca
      50g of Leeks = 35mg of Ca
      1 tbsp of Molasses = 172mg of Ca
      1 medium Orange = 50mg of Ca

here are some more :

the value for 100 gm CA ratio,
Ragi :  344 mg, horse gram : 287,
  Rajmah : 260,
soyabean : 240,
Bengal gram : 202,
Leafy Veg like Agathi score most : 1130 mg,
Amaranth 200,
Amaranth Gangeticus tender : 397,
Amaranth Paniculatus : 530 mg, Amaranth spinosus : 800 mg,
Cauliflower green : 626 etc,
Cumin seeds (good combination with butter milk) : 1080 mg,
These  are very Indian stuff and comparably low cost source.
many of the problems are due to our life style which some what i believe has to reorganized again,  like 30/60 min work out which include Cardio, weight training, swimming etc ,

Friday, August 10, 2012

Home remedies ....

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingers, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Cure a toothache with cloves
Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.
Heal heartburn with cider vinegar
Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

Erase earaches with garlic

Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing ’s Michigan State University . Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University . His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Prevent PMS with yogurt

Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York ’s Columbia University . “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University .

Tame chronic pain with turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

End endometrial pain with oats

The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University .

Soothe foot pain with salt

Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California ’s Stanford University . The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California ’s Stanford University . That's because pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.

Relax painful muscles with peppermint

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

Give your back some TLC with grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

Wash away pain injuries with water

Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York ’s Manhattan College , say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

Beat bladder infections with blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University .

Heal mouth sores with honey

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates . Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

Fight breast pain with flax

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

Cure migraines with coffee

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

SAVE ON MEDICINES


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SAVE ON MEDICINES

Medicines are prescribed by doctors bybrand name & not by the generics (Ingredients). Hence we end up paying moremoney for the same medicine. Follow these few steps to know more & startsaving on your medical bills.

1. Log on to www.medguideindia.com
2. Click on 'Drugs'
3. Click on 'Brand'
4. Type the brand name which you areusing (e. g. Metocard XL (50 mg). The site will also help you with drop downmenu) & Click on 'Search'
5. Click on 'Generics'. It will displaythe ingredients of the tablet.
6. Click on 'matched brands'
7. Don't be surprised to see that samedrug is available at very low cost also, and that too by other reputed manufacturer.e. g. Metocard XL 50 is for Rs. 62.00 & same drug by Cipla (Mepol) isavailable ONLY @ Rs. 7.00.