MIND & HEALTH: June 2011

30 June, 2011

How to slay 'the emperor'Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee|Health

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Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee, whose very first book has become a runaway success, advocates a strong anti-smoking campaign and breast cancer screening to battle the growing incidence of the disease in India.

Siddhartha Mukherjee's book, "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer", features among "The 10 Best Books of 2010" in the New York Times Book Reviews.

Less than a month after publication, Mukherjee's book, "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer", on the history of the disease, features among "The 10 Best Books of 2010" in the New York Times Book Reviews Sunday, a rare feat for a work of non-fiction.

"Cancer is growing dramatically in certain parts of South Asia," New Delhi-born Mukherjee told IANS on phone from New York where he practises, blaming increase in tobacco smoking as "clearly one culprit among young men and women".

"But there are other culprits too," he says. "As the population ages and other diseases are slowly eliminated, cancer begins to come about."

"Cancer rises in the double negative only when all the other killers have been killed. So I think that's beginning to occur in some parts of South Asia."

Author Siddhartha Mukherjee.

To those who wonder if it is relevant to a country like India as "cancer treatment can be so expensive and such a vast enterprise, his answer is "absolutely, at all levels."

"A strong prevention campaign against smoking is not all that expensive and is highly relevant to the future of our health in India," said Mukherjee, assistant clinical professor at the oncology department at Columbia University, New York.

Similarly, screening for breast cancer in the appropriate age group and its treatment with hormonal therapy "and certainly treatment of childhood cancers which are often curable are highly relevant to a country like India," Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee, 40, who grew up in New Delhi's Safdarjung Enclave, "immersed in reading and books" at home and at St. Columba's School, says he "came into oncology in a sort of reverse, in the sense that I first trained as a cellular biologist when I was in Oxford as a Rhodes scholar".

Smoking is one of the main causes of cancer.

"So I really came from the cell into medicine. Many people first train in medicine, then eventually get fascinated by cells."

Mukherjee says he wrote this book because when he was a fellow in training in Boston, "I kept coming over this question again and again: what is the history of cancer, what's happening next and where are we going?"

In particular, a woman he was treating told him: "I am willing to go on with my chemotherapy, but I need to know what it is that I am battling."

"Answering that question was the genesis of the book," he said. The somewhat intriguing title "was found handwritten on an antiquarian book on cancer - emperor of all maladies and king of all terrorists".

The book isn't meant for the medical profession alone.

Mukherjee said he chose to subtitle it a "biography" after a lot of thought. "A successful biography allows you to enter the interior of the mind or the personality of someone. So as I was writing the book, I really felt I was drawing a portrait of cancer through time, acknowledging the fact that cancer was not one disease, but many diseases."

"Nonetheless, there is a sentence in the book which says, 'every era casts illness in its own image and certainly every era has cast cancer in its own image'. So I felt that this project could only be described as a biography," he said.

The book isn't meant for the medical profession alone. "The target is everyone. The point of this book was to make this world of medicine and science and culture accessible to anyone who is interested," Mukherjee told IANS.

"This is a disease that has developed in our times in a very poignant way. So I intend this book to be read by anyone who wishes to find out about it: patients and people whose loved ones are affected by cancer or any person interested in its history."

"There is unlikely to be a single magic bullet against cancer given the level of heterogeneity."

Mukherjee says one of the book's key messages was "There is unlikely to be a single magic bullet against cancer given the level of heterogeneity."

Secondly, given the fact that "many cancers are part of our normal genome, it's unlikely that we'll eradicate or cure every form of cancer" - like we did with smallpox or polio.

"Some variation of this disease is inherent to our genetic makeup and it's more likely that we'll learn to control it rather than eradicate it or cure it in the future," says Mukherjee.

Though "still in a daze about what's going on about this book", he is quite sure he is not going to turn a full-time writer. "No I think, I will stay with where I am - which is practising medicine and writing about medicine."

Source: IANS

What you ought to know about cancer|lifestyle & Health

What is cancer?

The word cancer originates from a Latin word meaning crabs. Cancer is described as a disease in which abnormal cells divide without any control and invade the surrounding tissues. When these cells uncontrollably divide to form lumps or masses called tumours, it can be harmful to the human body. These cancerous cells, also known as malign cells, tend to move around the blood vessels destroying the healthy cells of the body.

There are different types of cancer and each type has different symptoms. The symptoms depend upon the location of the tumour. For example colon cancer often causes diarrhoea and blood in the stool.

Most cancers cause fatigue, chills and loss of appetite amongst other symptoms. So far, this disease has caused approx. 7.1 million deaths around the world. When dealing with cancer, there are certain points that are important to keep in mind:

- It is not contagious as no one can catch it from someone else.
- It is not caused by bumps or bruises.
- There are only three approved modalities for the treatment of cancer - surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. All these are based in the allopathic theory of medicine. The approach is to destroy the organisms or cells causing the disease.

There are different types of cancer such as Carcinoma, Sarcoma and Leukaemia. Carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm of epithelial origin that arises in the tissues of the body organs. Sarcoma refers to tumours that originate in bone, muscle, cartilage, fibrous tissue or fat. Leukaemia is cancer of the blood or blood-forming organs. When leukaemia develops, the body produces a large number of abnormal blood cells.

Use of tobacco, certain diets, alcohol, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and to a lesser extent, exposure to cancer causing agents (carcinogens) in the environment and the workplace are some of the potential catalysts of cancer. Cancer develops over time when certain normal genes start mutating. Such cells multiply rapidly and become malignant. These gene mutations occur due to a complex mix of factors related to lifestyle, heredity and environment.

Cancer can affect just about every organ in the human body. Many people are surprised to learn that cancer can affect parts of the body like eyes and the heart.

It's important to remember that when cancer-like symptoms appear, it's not always cancer. Infections, benign tumours, or other problems may also cause them. It is important to see the doctor about any of these symptoms or about other physical changes. Diagnostic tests are available for most common cancers. If diagnosed early, chances of surviving cancer are greatly increased.

Source: www.mdhil.com

Top Ten smart ways to go green while shopping|Health

Everything you buy affects the environment, but some choices are better than others. If you believe in the “Change begins with me” motto, here are some cool ways of going green when you go shopping. And not just going green... saving money too!

Make a list

Even before you are actually doing your weekly shopping you can start being eco-friendly. Make a list of everything you need to buy so that you can save on making any unnecessary trips in your car again, just because you forgot buying the potatoes. Just a bit of pre-shopping preparation can save fuel, money and effort.

Buy local

Much of the food we buy in the grocery store that usually could be bought locally is shipped in from other parts of the country. Why not just buy from local farmers to get fresher produce that will taste better? What's more, you reduce your carbon footprint by not buying products that needed to be transported from far away.

Avoid excess packaging

Look for products that have less packaging, or buy in bulk -- you'll have less to throw away. You can also buy items with packaging that can be reused or recycled.

Also, if you can, put all your products in one bag, even if it is from different shops.

Check the energy star label

Look for the BEE Star Energy Efficiency Labels when buying new kitchen appliances or electronic items. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Star Energy Efficiency Labels have been created to standardize the energy efficiency ratings of different electrical appliances and indicate energy consumption under standard test conditions.

You not only save energy consumption but also money on your electricity bills.

Buy used

Items like books, CDs, furniture and even cars in good conditions can be easily brought at a used goods store. Buying used items means that your purchase doesn't use more resources or energy.

Buy recycled

When buying items like tissue rolls or bags, get stuff that is made from recycled materials. Buying items made with recycled-content materials means that fewer natural resources, such as trees, were used to produce the products.

Products made from recycled paper, plastic, and other materials are usually easy to recognize in the store -- just read the labels. Try starting with school supplies. Many stores carry recycled notebooks, pens, and other products.

Buy durable items

Instead of buying disposable products, which are wasteful, buy things that will last a long time, such as rechargeable batteries and reusable ceramic mugs for drinks. Junk the paper towels and buy cloth napkins instead for your kitchen and table that can be washed and reused over and over.

Share and swap

Another way to save resources and energy is to swap with friends and family instead of buying brand-new products. Maybe you and your friends like the same video games. Why not share your games instead of each of you owning the same game? Or maybe you can rent the game first to see if you really want to own it.

Buy in bulk

Small sizes use more packaging for each ounce of product than larger sizes. So, if you buy large sizes, you save money, reduce waste, and help the environment.

Items with longer shelf life can easily be brought in larger quantities like rice, flour, pulses and cereal.

Carry your own bags

The most basic way you can contribute to going green is to carry your own bags, preferably cloth or jute and avoid using plastic bags. When out shopping, if it's just for one or two items, don't accept a plastic bag. And reuse the ones that you do have.
Don't just throw away the plastic bag you get from stores, stash it and carry it for the next time you go shopping.

29 June, 2011

A cup of tea can boost your brain power|Eat & Health

New research suggests that tea does bolster brain power, keeps fatigue at bay while helping you to solve crosswords faster.

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Researchers looked at the effect of key chemicals found in tea on the mental performance of 44 young volunteers.

The effects of these ingredients, an amino acid called L-theanine -- also found in green tea -- and caffeine at levels typically found in a cup of tea, were compared with a dummy treatment, the journal Nutritional Neuroscience reports.

The active ingredients significantly improved accuracy across a number of switching tasks for those who drank the tea after 20 and 70 minutes compared with the placebo.

The tea drinkers' alertness was also heightened, the study found, according to the Daily Mail.

Tea was also found to reduce tiredness among the volunteers, who were aged under 40, according to the Dutch researchers.

Tim Bond of the industry-backed Tea Advisory Panel said the latest findings backed a previous study, which showed drinking two cups of black tea "improves the ability to react to stimuli and to focus attention on the task in hand".

Source: IANS

27 June, 2011

Top 10 tips for better sleep |Health

If you're having trouble sleeping, change your sleep habits for a better night's rest.

Feeling crabby lately? It could be you aren't getting enough sleep. Work, household responsibilities and child care can make sleep difficult to come by. Factor in other unexpected challenges, such as financial worries, layoffs, relationship issues or an illness, and quality sleep may be even more elusive.

You may not be able to control or eliminate all of the factors that interfere with your sleep, but you can create an environment and adopt habits that encourage a more restful night. Try these suggestions if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep:

Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day, even on the weekends. Sticking to a schedule helps reinforce your body's sleep-wake cycle and can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

Don't eat or drink large amounts before bedtime. Eat a light dinner at least two hours before sleeping. If you're prone to heartburn, avoid spicy or fatty foods, which can make your heartburn flare and prevent a restful sleep. Also, limit how much you drink before bed. Too much liquid can cause you to wake up repeatedly during the night for trips to the toilet.

Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol in the evening. These are stimulants that can keep you awake. Smokers often experience withdrawal symptoms at night, and smoking in bed is dangerous. Avoid caffeine for eight hours before your planned bedtime. Your body doesn't store caffeine, but it takes many hours to eliminate the stimulant and its effects. And although often believed to be a sedative, alcohol actually disrupts sleep.

Exercise regularly.

Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful. However, for some people, exercising right before bed may make getting to sleep more difficult.

Make your bedroom cool, dark, quiet and comfortable. Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. Adjust the lighting, temperature, humidity and noise level to your preferences. Use blackout curtains, eye covers, earplugs, extra blankets, a fan or white-noise generator, a humidifier or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.

Sleep primarily at night. Daytime naps may steal hours from nighttime slumber. Limit daytime sleep to about a half-hour and make it during midafternoon. If you work nights, keep your window coverings closed so that sunlight, which adjusts the body's internal clock, doesn't interrupt your sleep. If you have a day job and sleep at night, but still have trouble waking up, leave the window coverings open and let the sunlight help awaken you

Choose a comfortable mattress and pillow. Features of a good bed are subjective and differ for each person. But make sure you have a bed that's comfortable. If you share your bed, make sure there's enough room for two. Children and pets are often disruptive, so you may need to set limits on how often they sleep in bed with you.

Start a relaxing bedtime routine. Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. This may include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to soothing music. Relaxing activities done with lowered lights can help ease the transition between wakefulness and sleepiness.

Go to bed when you're tired and turn out the lights. If you don't fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do something else. Go back to bed when you're tired. Don't agonize over falling asleep. The stress will only prevent sleep.

Use sleeping pills only as a last resort. Check with your doctor before taking any sleep medications. He or she can make sure the pills won't interact with your other medications or with an existing medical condition. Your doctor can also help you determine the best dosage. If you do take a sleep medication, reduce the dosage gradually when you want to quit, and never mix alcohol and sleeping pills. If you feel sleepy or dizzy during the day, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or discontinuing the pills.

Nearly everyone has occasional sleepless nights. But if you have trouble sleeping on a regular or frequent basis, see your doctor. You could have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Identifying and treating the cause of your sleep disturbance can help get you back on the road to a good night's sleep.

Watermelon lowers blood pressure|Health&Food

No matter how you slice it, watermelon has a lot going for it –– sweet, low calorie, high fibre, nutrient rich –– and now, there's more.

watermelon

Evidence from a pilot study led by food scientists at The Florida State University suggests that watermelon can be an effective natural weapon against prehypertension, a precursor to cardiovascular disease.

It is the first investigation of its kind in humans. FSU Assistant Professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi found that when six grammes of the amino acid L-citrulline/L-arginine from watermelon extract was administered daily for six weeks, there was improved arterial function and consequently lowered aortic blood pressure in all nine of their prehypertensive subjects (four men and five postmenopausal women, ages 51-57).

"We are the first to document improved aortic haemodynamics in prehypertensive but otherwise healthy middle-aged men and women receiving therapeutic doses of watermelon," Figueroa said. "These findings suggest that this 'functional food' has a vasodilatory effect, and one that may prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

"Given the encouraging evidence generated by this preliminary study, we hope to continue the research and include a much larger group of participants in the next round," he said.

Why watermelon?

"Watermelon is the richest edible natural source of L-citrulline, which is closely related to L-arginine, the amino acid required for the formation of nitric oxide essential to the regulation of vascular tone and healthy blood pressure," Figueroa said.

Once in the body, the L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine. Simply consuming L-arginine as a dietary supplement isn't an option for many hypertensive adults, said Figueroa, because it can cause nausea, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, and diarrhoea.

In contrast, watermelon is well tolerated. Participants in the Florida State pilot study reported no adverse effects. And, in addition to the vascular benefits of citrulline, watermelon provides abundant vitamin A, B6, C, fibre, potassium and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Watermelon may even help to reduce serum glucose levels, according to Arjmandi.

"Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States," Arjmandi said. "Generally, Americans have been more concerned about their blood cholesterol levels and dietary cholesterol intakes rather than their overall cardiovascular health risk factors leading to CVD, such as obesity and vascular dysfunction characterised by arterial stiffening and thickness -- issues that functional foods such as watermelon can help to mitigate.

"By functional foods," said Arjmandi, "we mean those foods scientifically shown to have health-promoting or disease-preventing properties, above and beyond the other intrinsically healthy nutrients they also supply."

Figueroa said oral L-citrulline supplementation might allow a reduced dosage of antihypertensive drugs necessary to control blood pressure.

"Even better, it may prevent the progression from prehypertension to hypertension in the first place," he said.

While watermelon or watermelon extract is the best natural source for L-citrulline, it is also available in the synthetic form in pills, which Figueroa used in a previous study of younger, male subjects. That investigation showed that four weeks of L-citrulline slowed or weakened the increase in aortic blood pressure in response to cold exposure. It was an important finding, said Figueroa, since there is a greater occurrence of myocardial infarction associated with hypertension during the cold winter months.

"Individuals with increased blood pressure and arterial stiffness -- especially those who are older and those with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes -- would benefit from L-citrulline in either the synthetic or natural (watermelon) form," Figueroa said. "The optimal dose appears to be four to six grammes a day."

Approximately 60 per cent of U.S. adults are prehypertensive or hypertensive. Prehypertension is characterised by systolic blood pressure readings of 120-139 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) over diastolic pressure of 80-89 mm Hg. "Systolic" refers to the blood pressure when the heart is contracting. "Diastolic" reflects the blood pressure when the heart is in a period of relaxation and expansion.

Findings from Figueroa's latest pilot study at Florida State are described in the American Journal of Hypertension.

The Best goodness of garlic|Health & Home

Garlic not only adds a wonderful flavour to food, but also comes packed with many health benefits.

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Garlic has long enjoyed the reputation of a wonder food because of its unmatched health benefits. Garlic belongs to the onion family and has been used since centuries for both taste and health. The garlic plant's flowers - bulb made up of numerous sections called cloves - are strong and spicy in flavour and become milder on cooking.

Garlic contains complex compounds including amino acids like arginine, glutaminic, aspartic, valine & lysine; minerals like calcium, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, sodium and phosphorus; vitamin C & B6; niacin; folic acid; allicin; quercetin; sugars like fructose and glucose and other essential oils with sulphur containing components like diallyl disulphide and allyl tri-sulphide.

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Health benefits of garlic

Prevents cardiac disease: Cardiac diseases are associated with various parameters including high level of blood cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. The allicin present in garlic breaks down to form sulphides, which together with vitamin B6 and vitamin C form the excellent antioxidants. These work especially well in water-soluble areas of the body like the blood stream.

The oxidised form of LDL (bad cholesterol) works in damaging blood vessels. Garlic has proved to inhibit the growth of oxidised LDL and increase the level of HDL (good cholesterol), thereby reducing the risk of heart stroke. Moreover it reduces the formation of plaque on the walls of heart vessels.

Half a teaspoon of crushed raw garlic taken before going to bed proves beneficial instead of taking a 600 mg tablet. Studies also reveal that garlic has properties to increase insulin in the body thereby reducing the blood sugar level.

Garlic also reduces blood pressure by blocking the angiotensin activity that triggers blood pressure levels.

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Fights against cancer: Crushing garlic leads to the formation of compounds like diallyl disulphide and allyl tri-sulphide, which is why consuming it in its crushed form is highly recommended. These compounds work to fight against breast, stomach, bladder and prostate cancer. Garlic obstructs the development of cancerous cells, thereby slowing down the growth of tumour. It has been noticed that sulphur compounds commonly called ajoenes found in garlic are known for their anti-tumour qualities and can reduce the size of tumour by almost 50%. A strong immune system is a key to fighting against cancer and garlic helps to develop a strong immune system.

Improves immunity: Garlic has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. The allium present in garlic helps in controlling infections caused because of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Garlic helps to fight common cold. Studies reveal that crushed garlic can inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria in burn patients and also on open and bleeding wounds. Garlic provides relief from intestinal infections caused by infectious worms, thereby boosting the immunity.

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Good for pregnant women:Healthy nutrients found in garlic are highly beneficial for pregnant women. The immunity boosting qualities of garlic can help women stay away from infections caused by bacteria, virus and fungi. Moreover, garlic has proved to be effective in increasing the weight of the child during pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia is a situation in which blood pressure increases, resulting in excessive release of protein in the urine. Garlic is a diuretic and can increase the flow of urine in pregnant women which in turn expels toxic substance from the human body and helps to reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

It should be noted however, that excessive garlic is not recommended during pregnancies, as it causes thinning of the blood, which may lead to bleeding.

The problem with garlic

The biggest problem with garlic is it's strong smell, that causes bad breath and body odour. One tip to reduce bad breath caused by garlic is to consume it with milk. Also, cooked garlic has a significantly lesser smell than raw garlic.

25 June, 2011

Top 5 Heart Disease Misconceptions|Health

It's easy to get lost in a labyrinth of data about the planet's No. 1 killer. Yes, it’s true. For both males and females, heart disease is the # 1 killer. It kills more people than all forms of tumors combined. It's an equal opportunity destroyer. Anyone, at any place, at any time may be at risk of having a cardiac event. This risk is even greater if you happen to be black or if you happen to be over the age sixty five. Yet, despite the prevalence of this deadly killer, many myths and misconceptions still exist. Here are the 5 most common myths debunked.

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1 Only older adults need to worry about their cardiovascular system.

Factors that may actually lead to a heart attack build-up over years. Being a couch-potato, boredom eating and rarely exercising are all really bad habits that often begin in childhood days. An increasing number of medical experts are witnessing stroke patients in their 20's and 30's rather than the usual patients in their 50's and 60's. Simply being healthy and at the correct bodyweight does not make you immune, however, exercising regularly and maintaining a good body weight does help. You still need to check your high cholesterol and blood pressure level. The right cholesterol (or lipid profile) quantity should be below 200 mg/dL and a good blood pressure is about 120/80.

2 I'd feel sick if I had high blood pressure or high-cholesterol.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are termed “silent killers” because they do no exhibit signals. One third of all mature people have high blood pressure and, of those, one-third are unaware that they have got it. High cholesterol levels are a measure of the fats stocked by your blood. Fats can be dropped anywhere in your physique, but tend to congregate around internal organs as well as your heart. This tends to run in family members so even if you're at a good weight and do not smoke, have you need to have your cholesterol and blood pressure examined frequently. Once isn't enough.

3 Men and women DON'T feel the same signals.

Males and females can, in fact, experience any of the warning signs, however, they typically don't. Ladies usually tend to have the subtler symptoms while males more regularly experience the more expressive forms. Both men and women may experience the “grab-your-chest-and-fall-down-gasping” kind of heart attack, but not necessarily. It is quite common to experience subtler symptoms such as jaw achiness, nausea or vomiting, breathlessness and intense low energy. Unfortunately, these subtler symptoms often tend to get described away. “My jaw hurt simply because I chewed my lunch too hard,” or, “I’m probably out of breath because I ate too much.” You need to pay close attention to your own body and to all the signs and symptoms.

4 Assuming that high blood glucose levels or being diabetic isn't a heart threat.

Although trying to keep your blood glucose level with a proper range (80ml-120ml) will help keep you healthy, simply having the extra glucose in your blood increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, angina, and coronary artery disease. Nearly 65 percent of people with diabetes will die from heart disease and stroke. In fact, diabetic adults are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke than people without diabetes. Healthy adults should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity, eat the proper foods, eat more fibre, quit smoking and take medications as directed in order to help control blood glucose levels. Don't forget to also test your blood pressure and cholesterol.

5 My medical doctor would order medical tests if I were at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Quite often, most people fail to inform their doctor of the little pains they feel. The medical doctors, not knowing most of the things we considered 'unimportant,' might pass over heart tests. Heart scans can find plaque build-up in your arterial blood vessels before you even know you have a problem but unfortunately heart scans aren't usually performed unless the doctor believes the patient is at risk of an immediate cardiovascular issue. That means all those “unimportant issues” we fail to report may leave our doctors just as unaware of our budding heart disease as we are, leaving far too many people go undiagnosed and untreated. With early detection, there is time to slow or even reverse the course of heart disease.
M. M. Bruce has a college diploma in Medical care from the University of Glasgow. She also counselled and trained adult nutrition in Adult Treatment centers.

24 June, 2011

Top 10 Basic Hygiene Activities That Are Often Neglected|Health

Some teachings shared in school, when we were younger that personal hygiene should be exercised daily in order to maintain health and a clean body that is strong in enduring sicknesses and other ailments. However, as people grow and shoulder more responsibilities in their hands, they sometimes become forgetful of the basic things they should do for themselves in order to be fit and healthy. Every ailment begins in neglecting the basic things.

1. Regular Shower Becomes Irregular, Even Minimal

There are people in some countries that do not take a shower or a bath as often as they should, thinking that their surroundings are clean, the air has minimal pollution, and the scent of fresh everglades are smelled everywhere. With this being used as an excuse, they just change their clothes and spend other days of the week without visiting the shower room, forgetting that they also sweat while doing other activities, making their armpits as stinky as rotten Mexican tacos, their body smelling like sun-dried cuttlefish, and their feet like squished dead mice inside the shoe. It has been counseled by the WHO that taking a bath once a day is already minimal for an individual to become fresh and free from pollutants.

2. Cutting Toenails

Since toenails are hidden from the eyes of man, there are people who do not share or reveal the secret of maintaining and taking care of their feet. They are those that wear sneakers or socks even in their bedrooms. These are the people who hate to go to the beach because they do not want to wear flip-flops and unveil their treasured surprise. If they do, they are reminded of cutting their toenails by the time it is set to be presented to be stared upon by people. There is this Celebrity Death Match event between the Backstreet Boys and N-Sync where they have brought out their nasty and sharp weapons of war, in the form of long toenails.

3. Covering the Mouth while Sneezing or Coughing

“Say it, don’t spray it!” This is one of the most common stock lines used whenever a person forgets to cover his or her mouth while sneezing or coughing. It may be more than enough of a gesture to cover it with the use of hands, however, it does not serve the purpose of trapping viruses from spreading to the air. It is no longer new knowledge that sneezing and coughing releases elements that can cause an individual to obtain a cold or cough virus. It is an advice to carry a handkerchief or a towel inside the pocket, just in case this untoward incident happens again. It is as if Godzilla is becoming engaged in biochemical warfare, shooting out liquid that can wreak havoc to humanity.

4. Cleaning the Hands after Taking a Leak or a Poop

People are very silent when it comes to this topic because they will find it hard to admit that they do not wash their hands after they pee or poop inside public restrooms. This is actually applicable regardless of gender since both guys and gals are guilty of holding the door knob carrying all the yucky stuff after holding sensitive parts of their body to do whatever nature bids them to accomplish. From tissue rolls near the toilet to liquid hand soaps and dryers on the lavatory, public restrooms have been equipped with hygienic objects to guarantee safety and cleanliness, so use it and make the most out of it since it is free of charge.

5. Freshen Up Before You Sleep

Everyone can be forgiven with the fact that being hygienic after work or school can be very stressful. In fact, the first thing that comes into the mind of an individual after a hard and tiring day is to sleep and get back all the lost energy by taking a snooze. However, there is wisdom in freshening up before sleeping since it can provide a cold and soothing feeling to the skin, making resting even healthier than it is intended to be in the first place. Besides, would anyone really like to go home and make the bed smell like the streets?

6. Brush Your Teeth after Meals or Even after Waking Up in the Morning

We cannot deny that this is one of the most neglected habits in the home. It should be stimulus already that after feasting over lunch or dinner and you feel that your mouth is all smelly and sticky, do take a couple of minutes staying on the bathroom, facing the mirror, and brushing your teeth to a better smile. Sure, you can get away with the bad breath by chewing bubble gum or taking in menthol candies, however, it is only temporary since the tongue holds the taste of the food, affecting the smell of the saliva. Worse, neglecting this simple habit can trigger more disorders like halitosis, tooth decay, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.

7. Cutting Fingernails before It Cuts Your Friends

This comes with a great exemption to women who are vain of having their nails longer than typical with regular change of color coating each week. However, if you feel that you cannot maintain your fingernails clean away from dirt, having accumulated large amounts of black solid matter on the nails, then make it a habit to cut it once a week while taking a bath or before leaving the house. On the other hand, if you are really that dead lazy, then have an appointment set with manicurists cleaning nails for you. People are not just used to seeing Sabertooth eating some burger or fries over lunch.

8. Combing the Hair after Taking a Bath

This does not happen to the girls since they consider their hair as their crowning glory. To some guys however, they just think of their hair as props to look more complete. Due to time being wasted on combing the hair and fixing it to look better, people just fix it using their hands, forgetting that the scalp also needs some kind of massage through the use of hair brushes or combs. In fact, taking care of the hair assures delayed or even avoidance of being bald at an older age.

9. Flossing or Using the Toothpick after Eating

People think that food deposits can be taken away from in-between the teeth with the help of drinking soda or water after finishing a meal. This may prove to be unhelpful when eating beef strips, chicken fillet, lamb stew, or munching vegetables. You do not want to end up showing that pearly white smile, tarnished with obvious traces of food on the tooth gaps and along the gumline. Using dental floss or maximizing the presence of a toothpick can help a lot in saving oneself from total humiliation after eating.

10. Washing Hands before Eating

Kids and even adults these days forget that most of the germs that cause diarrhea are transmitted with the use of hands. When they neglect washing their hands before, and even after eating, they are also munching bad bacteria that can give out an upset stomach. Carrying a hand gel is not that bad of a suggestion, but it is more recommended to clean the hands with wet alcohol and dry it with tissue. This guarantees germ free eating and a better chance of not sitting on the stinky throne after dining out with friends and even family members, or worse, with your date.

22 June, 2011

Top 10 Things That You Should Know About Vegetables – Facts|Health

In most of the countries like America vegetables are not eaten too much because some people do not like eating veggies, Fruits and vegetables are essentially an after thought in most dishes. People love to eat meat and grain dishes, like chicken breast, Steaks , Hamburgers, Pasta and Pizza. Most of the people are not aware of how important and healthy these vegetables are for your health. You should add vegetables and green salads in your daily food because vegetables are necessary for healthy diet, That’s why I thought it will be really fun to share the list of 10 facts about vegetables that will be really interesting and useful for you.

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Frozen vegetables are more nutritious than the fresh veggies because they are picked and packed at the same day and hence they lose less nutrients, while fresh veggies are picked and then supplied to market in a couple of days and hence lose a lot of nutrients.

Watermelons are basically vegetables, because they are from the same family of cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.

Carrots help us to see in the dark, because they contain Vitamin A which prevents night blindness.

As vegetables are rich in fiber so they act as intestinal broom.

They help in preventing us from diseases like cancer. Broccoli, cabbage and the green leaf veggies are really good for us.

Veggies are rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals and are the builders of our life.

Veggies improve hair, nails and skin because they are rich in sulfur.

Vegetables are high in minerals and our body also needs minerals. So, what can be best other than veggies?

Some veggies like Okra, you think it is a vegetable but in real it is a fruit that you cook.

Vegetables help in weight loss because they are high in fiber, low in calories and rich with carbohydrates.

21 June, 2011

Best 5 easy steps to pump up your heart

Best 5 easy steps to pump up your heart

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Want to keep your heart healthy? Then you need to know the following.

Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has offered some easy steps to improve heart health and overall well-being throughout the year.

Step 1: Know your numbers. Your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are the most important numbers you will need to know before you begin on the path to good heart health.

Step 2: Start walking. Exercise is the fountain of youth. A simple 20- to 30-minute walk a few days a week can actually reduce the risk of premature death by more than 50 percent.

Step 3: Laugh out loud. Laughter really is the best medicine. Just 15 minutes of laughter is about equivalent to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise with respect to our cardiovascular health. Laughter has also been linked to the healthy function of blood vessels, an increase of the brain hormones that improve mood, and reduction of pain and anxiety.

Step 4: Focus on your waistline, not your weight. Your waistline is a better measurement of your overall health than your weight because the amount of fat around your waistline is directly linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and can place you at increased risk for diabetes.

Step 5: Get a good night`s sleep. Sleep is one of the most undervalued elements of our daily routines, but it is absolutely vital to good health. Lack of sleep increases your blood pressure, induces stress, increases your appetite and slows down your metabolism, dampens your mood and decreases your cognition.

18 June, 2011

Heart Attacks And Drinking Warm Water

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This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about Heart Attacks.

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The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, may be it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating.

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For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Common Symptoms Of Heart Attack...
A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting . Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this & Send to a friend. It could save a life... So, please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.
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Best 27 minutes to improve memory

A new study shows mindfulness meditation training changes brain structure in eight weeks

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Participating in an 8-week mindfulness meditation programme appears to make measurable changes in brain regions associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress. In a study that will appear in the January 30 issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, a team led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers report the results of their study, the first to document meditation-produced changes over time in the brain's grey matter.

"Although the practice of meditation is associated with a sense of peacefulness and physical relaxation, practitioners have long claimed that meditation also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that persist throughout the day," says Sara Lazar, PhD, of the MGH Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program, the study's senior author. "This study demonstrates that changes in brain structure may underlie some of these reported improvements and that people are not just feeling better because they are spending time relaxing."

Previous studies from Lazar's group and others found structural differences between the brains of experienced meditation practitioners and individuals with no history of meditation, observing thickening of the cerebral cortex in areas associated with attention and emotional integration. But those investigations could not document that those differences were actually produced by meditation.

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For the current study, MR images were take of the brain structure of 16 study participants two weeks before and after they took part in the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program at the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness. In addition to weekly meetings that included practice of mindfulness meditation - which focuses on nonjudgmental awareness of sensations, feelings and state of mind - participants received audio recordings for guided meditation practice and were asked to keep track of how much time they practiced each day. A set of MR brain images were also taken of a control group of non-meditators over a similar time interval.

Meditation group participants reported spending an average of 27 minutes each day practicing mindfulness exercises, and their responses to a mindfulness questionnaire indicated significant improvements compared with pre-participation responses. The analysis of MR images, which focused on areas where meditation-associated differences were seen in earlier studies, found increased grey-matter density in the hippocampus, known to be important for learning and memory, and in structures associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection. Participant-reported reductions in stress also were correlated with decreased grey-matter density in the amygdala, which is known to play an important role in anxiety and stress. Although no change was seen in a self-awareness-associated structure called the insula, which had been identified in earlier studies, the authors suggest that longer-term meditation practice might be needed to produce changes in that area. None of these changes were seen in the control group, indicating that they had not resulted merely from the passage of time.

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"It is fascinating to see the brain's plasticity and that, by practicing meditation, we can play an active role in changing the brain and can increase our well-being and quality of life." says Britta Hölzel, PhD, first author of the paper and a research fellow at MGH and Giessen University in Germany. "Other studies in different patient populations have shown that meditation can make significant improvements in a variety of symptoms, and we are now investigating the underlying mechanisms in the brain that facilitate this change."

Amishi Jha, PhD, a University of Miami neuroscientist who investigates mindfulness-training's effects on individuals in high-stress situations, says, "These results shed light on the mechanisms of action of mindfulness-based training. They demonstrate that the first-person experience of stress can not only be reduced with an 8-week mindfulness training programme but that this experiential change corresponds with structural changes in the amydala, a finding that opens doors to many possibilities for further research on MBSR's potential to protect against stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder." Jha was not one of the study investigators.

Source: India Syndicate based on release from Massachusetts General Hospital

Top Ten ways to keep your mind sharp

Based on a new series of studies, scientists have come out with ten ways to sharpen your mind. Read on and try out these 10 commandments.

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Do something

Scientists are starting to think that regular aerobic exercise may be the single most important thing you can do for the long-term health of your brain. For mental fitness, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every other day, reports Live Science.

Eat, eat, eat

A low glycaemic diet -- high fibre, with moderate amounts of fat and protein -- is broken down more slowly in the body than high glycaemic foods, such as sweets and white starches. A steady pace of digestion in the gut gives a more reliable flow of energy to the brain, likely optimising the organ's long-term health and performance.

Watch that diet

While overindulging can make the brain sluggish and lead to long-term detriments to your brain, too few calories can also impair brain function. Many studies have linked dieting with distraction, confusion and memory impairment.

Take care of your body

Largely preventable diseases -- such as Type II diabetes, obesity and hypertension -- all affect your brain, too. System-wide health concerns have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and memory impairments.

Get your beauty rest

When we rest and dream, memories are sifted through, some discarded, others consolidated and saved. When we don't sleep, a recent study found, proteins build up on synapses, possibly making it hard to think and learn new things.

Enjoy your coffee

Growing evidence suggests a caffeine habit may protect the brain. According to large longitudinal studies, two to four perk-me-ups a day may stave off normal cognitive decline and decrease the incidence of Alzheimer's by 30 to 60 per cent.

Eat fish

Some theories credit the introduction of fish into the human diet with the evolution of our tremendous cognitive prowess. Essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3s, are critical to brain function and are proving beneficial for treating such brain-sapping ailments as depression.

Chill out

Stress takes a toll on the brain by washing harmful chemicals over the hippocampus and other brain areas involved in memory. Some scientists suspect that living a balanced lifestyle and pursuing relaxing activities such as yoga, socialising and crafting may delay memory impairment by reducing stress.

Skip the supplements

Supplements have been getting a bad rap recently, with even the familiar multivitamin now looking like a waste of money -- or worse. Despite their 'natural' origins, they are not free of potential side effects, such as high blood pressure, digestion trouble, fertility problems and depression.

Tease your brain

Whether crossword puzzles, sudokus and other brain teasers actually keep your brain in shape, has not been well-established. However, lack of education is a strong predictor of cognitive decline. The more you've tried to learn, the better you'll be at mental sit-ups in old age.

16 June, 2011

Breathing Therapy | Seven Chakras function

Breathing Therapy | Seven Chakras function

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The nose has a left and a right side; we use both to inhale and exhale.

Actually they are different; you would be able to feel the difference.
The right side represents the sun, left side represents the moon.
During a headache, try to close your right nose and use your left nose to breathe.
In about 5 mins, your headache will go?

If you feel tired, just reverse, close your left nose and breathe through your right nose.
After a while, you will feel your mind is refreshed.
Right side belongs to 'hot', so it gets heated up easily, left side belongs to 'cold'.
Most females breathe with their left noses, so they get "cooled off" faster.
Most of the guys breathe with their right noses, they get worked up.

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Do you notice the moment we wake up, which side breathes faster? Left or right? ?
If left is faster, you will feel tired.
So, close your left nose and use your right nose for breathing, you will get refreshed quickly.
This can be taught to kids, but it is more effective when practiced by adults.
My friend used to have bad headaches and was always visiting the doctor.
There was this period when he suffered headache literally every night, unable to study.
He took painkillers, did not work.
He decided to try out the breathing therapy here: closed his right nose and breathed through his left nose.
In less than a week, his headaches were gone! He continued the exercise for one month.
This alternative natural therapy without medication is something that he has experienced.
So, why not give it a try?

15 June, 2011

10 Best Brain boosters|Health Information

Our brain is our most important asset. Its higher cognitive abilities allow us to rapidly adapt to new situations, environments and dangers. It is the most complicated biological structure known and sometimes the most difficult to define. Because it is so multidimensional, there are many things to consider when assessing its health - things such as retention and retrieval, tenacity, perception, motor skills, comprehension, processing and natural ability.

Nevertheless, keeping your brain at its sharpest is as simple as making a few easy lifestyle changes; maintaining good mental and physical health will allow you to function at your highest capacity and should keep you sharp well into your old age.

Eat the right food

The body of health-related research is growing larger every day; the consumer market it propels is as fickle as it is profitable. Fuelling the brain for the long haul is the most important when considering your diet. Brain chemistry is delicate; consuming a diverse array of whole foods with as few additives as possible is the simplest and easiest way to maintain proper brain function. You should be eating smaller nutrient rich meals more frequently. In addition to a nutrient-rich diet, Omega-3 fatty acids are shown to be an important factor in the brain's construction of cell walls and are valuable in treating psychiatric disorders such as depression. The key is a balanced diet of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Exercise your body

Maintaining a healthy body plays a role in your brain's health as well. Exercise improves memory, concentration, abstract reasoning and more. Exercise stimulates the brain to grow new neurons in the Hippocampus, an area directly responsible for memory. Research has even shown that overweight individuals who do not exercise regularly are more likely to suffer depressions related to brain imbalances. Exercise strengthens and improves the cardiovascular system's ability to supply the brain with oxygen-rich blood. Learning new sports and/or movements outside of your typical daily routine is also extremely important for your brain. Dancing can be a very good exercise for the brain, because discovering new and different movements excites your brain in ways that mental exercise alone cannot.

Stay hydrated

Brain tissue is 85% water and your brain requires more water than any other organ in your body. Drinking enough water over your lifetime prevents toxins from interfering with your brain's fragile neurochemical balance. If these toxins significantly alter a single chemical reaction, the resulting ripple effect is felt throughout the entire brain leading to brain diseases and imbalances of all kinds including clinical depression.

Brain exercise

There are a plethora of brain exercises out there, all designed to boost specific brain functions. The major theme is awareness. Be aware and make a conscious effort to think about your immediate sensory inputs and the more abstract realities of life. Some of the best brain exercises stretch us to consider our weaknesses and work that specific area in order to forge new synapses. If a brain exercise gets comfortable or easy, switch it up.

Play brain games

Crossword puzzles are great brain workouts because they force you to think about very abstract ideas from sparse information and clues. Connecting all these ideas is a great way to train your brain to develop concrete ideas from seemingly random factoids. Sudokus are another very popular brain stimulator. Similar to crossword puzzles, these abstract games force the brain to develop in ways that research has shown to stave off dementia. If you are a word person, try Sudokus. If you are a math person, try a crossword puzzle.

Take a class

In the same vein as brain puzzles, taking a class can also stimulate your brain. If classes aren't your thing, go to a poetry reading or join a book club. The inter-personal communication of ideas and thoughts challenges your own conceptions and builds a great foundation for collaborative work. New synapses are formed and old ones are strengthened. Great for your job and great for your life.

Learn a new language

Learning a different language, at any level, encourages excellent brain function. Learning a language is a comprehensive brain activity affecting many different sections, speech, hearing and reading. Forming new connections between the abstract ideas that are conveyed with language is one of the most important brain-health exercises you can do.

Always do something

Do anything, but don't do nothing. All research shows that boredom can lead to atrophy. When you are not stretching, or at least working your brain, valuable synapses and connections are going to disrepair. This gradual decline will certainly make your ageing process difficult and will lead to decreased mental function when you have reached an advanced age. When the temptation to vegetate is strong, resist. Your mind will thank you later, and it will get easier to avoid the temptation with time.

Sleep Well

Getting the proper quantity and quality of sleep is perhaps one of the most important methods of preserving brain function; it's also the of the simplest. When we sleep we give our brain time to repair damage and consolidate memory and sensory inputs accumulated during our conscious day. It's not a coincidence that the most effective torture and coercion technique is sleep deprivation. The brain needs rest to flush chemicals and switch active foci. Even a quick nap will do wonders for your concentration and memory, as research has shown the initial stages of sleep are the most beneficial to concentration. The better-known REM, or Rapid Eye Movement, cycle of sleeping encourages sound mental health. When you can, it is best to sleep in, or sleep at least until you wake up naturally, your body and brain know best when they are rested.

The brain is a natural wonder that has perplexed scientists and philosophers for ages. It still amazes. We have learned so much about it, and yet still, so much remains to be known of man's most valuable tool. Keep it sharp and your small investment will produce huge returns in the future.