High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – The Silent Killer

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – The Silent Killer – The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

World diabetes day: 66% Indian children have abnormal sugar levels



Diabetes is a condition where the body can’t maintain the right amount of glucose in the blood. When you eat rice, it breaks down more slowly to glucose and can therefore ensure sugar is more evenly released over time, rather than all at once.

About 66.11% of children in India have “abnormal levels of sugar” in their body, according to a nation level survey.

Diabetes Drug May Reduce Heart Failure Risk: Study

Washington: A new type 2 diabetes drug may significantly reduce hospitalisations and death from heart failure, a new study has claimed.

Diabetes patient with Doctor providing treatment.


Many individuals with type 2 diabetes also have heart failure, a condition in which the heart fails to pump blood effectively.

Treatment for heart failure is limited and prior efforts to treat patients with type 2 diabetes drugs showed no benefit for heart failure.

How to make your memory permanent



According to a recent research, rehearsing information immediately after being given it may be all you need to make it a permanent memory.

University of Sussex psychologists found that the same area of the brain activated when laying down a memory is also activated when rehearsing that memory.

Chocolate, pizza among `most addictive food'



NEW YORK: Chocolate and pizza are one of the most addictive food, according to a new study which found that these highly processed food are closely linked to eating disorders or behaviours that mimic addiction. A research team from the University of Michigan and Columbia University looked into common addictive food. 

The team analysed 35 different food items and surveyed 120 undergraduates at the University of Michigan and around 400 adults. The team used the Yale Food Addiction Scale, developed by psychologist and lead author of the study Ashley Gearhardt, to assess food addiction risk. 

Chocolate topped the list of foods that are most addictive. It was followed by favourites such as ice cream, French fries, pizza and cookies, Tech Times reported. Cheese, bacon, pretzels, fried chicken, soda and cake also made it to he top 20 list. 

Processed food have higher levels of glycemic oad and fat compared to he non-processed ones. 

Researchers found that processed food are closely associated with eating disorders or behaviours that mimic addiction.
Source - TOI

Do you know why physical workout is crucial for Brain Health



Are you working out enough? As a new study suggests that regular exercise can slow down brain ageing and is good for a healthy brain. Daily workout is especially crucial for old age people as it prevents diseases like memory that affect cognitive function. Exercise in any form, whether it is to grow muscle or just a regular exercise, it can help in making a stronger brain connections. Exercises can have positive effect on brain and significantly improve cognitive functions. According to researchers, physical activity can improve the release of hormones that triggers brain development and can keep your brain sharp even at old age.

Lead study author Hideaki Soya along with his colleagues from the University of Tsukuba, Japan tried to find an interlink between brain health, cognitive function, physical fitness and the role of exercises. Researchers knew that young people use right side of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) for temporary storage and manipulation while older people use both right and left side of PFC for the same. The study authors conducted to study to check whether physical exercises enabled brain at older to retain some properties of young brains.

Mindfulness reduces obesity risks

Credit: activeonegroup.com 

People who live in the present are less likely to have belly fat and to become obese, according to a US study.

Previous studies have shown that knowing your body leads to real physical benefits ranging from a reduction in stress to protection for the heart.

A team of researchers at Brown University Public School of Health in the US discovered that a low level of attention given to the present has an impact on the body, particularly fat stored around the waist.

Bipolar Disorder: 10 steps on the road to recovery



How does the path to managing Bipolar Disorder unfold?
Managing Bipolar Disorder is a long, uphill climb which few have the wherewithal for.

Tread carefully, for this is uncharted territory. Indeed, managing Bipolar Disorder, while eminently doable, remains a challenge, as would have been apparent from my article on World Mental Health Day. It is a long, uphill climb which few have the wherewithal for. So, if we were to break it up in steps, how would the path unfold, from a layman's perspective? The known enemy becomes easier to deal with than the unknown one. Only if I had the benefit of all this knowledge 15 years ago... 

GHAR KA VAIDYA: डेंगू के लक्षण और उपचार

GHAR KA VAIDYA: डेंगू के लक्षण और उपचार:  डेंगू, 'मादा एडीज एजिप्टी' मच्छर के काटने से फैलता है । ये मच्छर साफ़ पानी में पनपता है और बहुत अधिक ऊंचाई तक नहीं उड़ पाता । डेंगू...

Gender gap exists in usage of post-heart attack meds



Washington DC: A new study has revealed that young women are less likely to be prescribed or take post-heart attack medications.

It is recommended that both male and female heart attack survivors take ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and statins to prevent another heart attack. Yet studies have documented that rates of medication use to prevent a recurrent heart attack are lower among women than men.

Fast food linked to poor bone development in infants

In contrast, increasing neighbourhood exposure to healthy speciality stores, such as greengrocers, was associated with higher BMD at four and six years of age.
Greater access to fast food outlets was associated with lower BMD and BMC in newborns.

Living in a neighbourhood where there is greater access to fast food outlets may be linked to poorer bone development in early childhood, according to a new UK study. The study at the University of Southampton in the UK, looked at the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of 1,107 children at birth and at four and/or six years of age. The data was compared to the number of supermarkets, healthy speciality stores and fast food outlets within a child's neighbourhood.

Yoga and meditation in early life cut health care cost



Yoga and meditation in early life cut health care cost (Getty Images)

Strengthening your resilience with mindful meditation or yoga can help keep the doctors away, thereby reducing your health care cost, says a new study.

Resilience can be enhanced with practice, starting with the relaxation response -- a physiologic state of deep rest induced by practices such as rhythmic breathing, mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi or prayer, the study said.

This is How to Get Rid of Water Retention and Lose Weight Fast With This Simple Tips and Tricks!

This Is How to Get Rid of Water Retention And Lose Weight Fast With This Simple Tricks & Tips!

The main explanation for gaining weight is water retention. If you are overweight, water retention may be the main problem preventing you from losing extra pounds. Feeling puffed and bloated are the main symptoms that show that you may be suffering from water retention.


Water retention

Water retention, or edema in medical terms, can be caused by the aggregation of extra fluids in your circulatory system and in the areas between the cells. Swelling of different parts of the body, such as face, hands, ankles, legs and feet show that you are suffering from water retention. It can affect anyone, but mostly pregnant women. You can still prevent it by consuming potassium-rich foods.

Causes

Everything you SHOULD know about arthritis today!


Observed today, World Arthritis Day raises awareness about this increasingly common and debilitating condition.

When 28-year-old marketing professional Nikita Sahai started facing trouble in her knees, she thought the pain was temporary and would pass with some rest.

However, when her symptoms worsened and she consulted a specialist, Nikita was given the grim news that she had Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Always assumed to be an 'older person's' ailment, arthritis is now even afflicting youngsters in their 20s. And World Arthritis Day, which is observed on October 12, raises awareness about this condition, and how it affects the lives of millions of people around the globe.

Youngsters getting affected

According to joint replacement surgeon Dr Tejas Upasani, almost 50% of the country's population has been found suffering from arthritis in one or more of their joints. "RA is, perhaps, the commonest form of arthritis affecting young adults. Women in their 30s especially are being diagnosed with arthritis. Of the joints affected by arthritis, knees and fingers get affected early. Primary reasons for the occurrence of arthritis at an early age, include genetic predisposition, obesity, inactivity, joint damage or ligament injuries and childhood disorders that lead to bone malalignment causing joint degeneration."

Avoiding arthritis

- Have a diet that is rich in calcium, protein, vitamin D and C. A good intake of calcium allows the bone beneath the degenerated surface to resist deforming forces. - Don't procrastinate setting up an appointment with your doctor when you realise that the joint pain is persistent.
- Engage in physical activity at least four times a week. This will keep your weight in check and strengthen your muscles, which help slowing down arthritis progression.

Are high heels to blame?

Consultant orthopedic surgeon Dr Subhranshu Mohanty says that women who wear ill-fitting high heels are more likely to be struck down by this condition. "Almost 60% of arthritis affects the feet and is often caused by wearing badly fitting shoes. High heels can alter the body's posture and increase pressure on the foot, ankle and knee joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Choosing the right footwear minimises stress on the feet and joints, and reduces the risk of injury and joint damage. Opt for a round-toed shoe with a heel height of two to three centimetres and with a shock-absorbent sole to help minimise shock to the joints."

Symptoms and diagnosis

Arthritis starts as an inflammation of the lining of the joint, which slowly becomes uncontrollable, resulting in joint destruction. "The common feature of all forms of arthritis is a loss of smoothness of joint surfaces so that low-friction movement is replaced by irregular, gritty, high-friction agony. The joint changes, in turn, can cause changes to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint. Therefore, patients can also feel pain in the back or ankles. A person affected by arthritis often experiences pain and stiffness in the knees. It usually starts in the morning and decreases as the day progresses," says Dr Upasani. Adds Dr Mohanty, "A thorough examination is done to understand the fluid around the joint, tender joints and difficulty in moving a joint. Some types of arthritis may cause joint deformity. This may be a sign of severe, untreated RA. Blood tests and joint X-rays are done to check for infection and other causes of arthritis. Any kind of wear and tear of the joints can be best identified through an MRI."

Treatment

"During the initial stage, a patient can undergo medical treatment, which involves drugs and other non-invasive therapies. While at an advanced stage, surgical option is the preferred one. Joint replacement is widely performed these days in young patients and results are far more superior. However, the artificial joint has its own life of approximately 15 to 20 years and, a revision surgery may eventually be needed," ends Dr Upasani.
SOURCE - TOI

World Mental Health Day: Going through depression? Here are 5 simple ways to get your life back on track

  • Here are small but significant steps that will help you to get your life back on track.
Get your life life back on trackby doing these little things

Depression can completely throw apart every little bit of your daily life making it difficult for you to pick up the pieces. Here are small but significant steps, as perWebMD, that will help you to get your life back on track.

-Get into a routine: Living in depression means you no longer are able to plan and execute your daily goals and targets. Each hour just seems to melt away into the next. Simply start small and set up a schedule for yourself for daily tasks. As you start following the routine, it will boost your confidence and you can gradually move towards having your normal routine back.

Stay Happy: Positive Emotions Could Keep Your Heart Healthy

Believe it or not but our emotions play a crucial role in our well-being. A positive mindset can work wonders in helping you deal with various ailments. A recent study has found that people with heart disease may benefit from maintaining positive emotions.

The study tracked more than 1,000 patients with coronary heart disease over the course of five years. Patients who reported higher positive psychological states were more likely to be physically active, sleep better and take their heart medications and were also less likely to
smoke, compared to patients with lower levels of positive states.

"Negative emotions and depression are known to have harmful effects on health, but it is less clear how positive emotions might be health-protective," said Nancy L Sin, postdoctoral fellow in the Center for Healthy Aging and in the department of biobehavioural health at Penn State.

"We found that positive emotions are associated with a range of long-term health habits, which are important for reducing the risk of future heart problems and death," Sin said.

The researchers assessed psychological well-being of participants at baseline and again at a five-year follow-up by asking the participants to rate the extent that they had felt 10 specified positive emotions, including "interested," "proud," "enthusiastic" and "inspired." Physical activity, sleep quality, medication adherence and alcohol and cigarette use were also measured at baseline and again five years later.

"Higher levels of positive emotions were associated with less smoking, greater physical activity, better sleep quality and more adherence to medications" at baseline, said the researchers. They found no correlation between positive emotions and alcohol use. The results took into account patients' demographic factors, depressive symptoms and the severity of their heart conditions.

Though positive emotions at baseline did not predict changes in health behaviours five years later, increases in positive emotions across the five-year period were associated with improvements in physical activity, sleep quality and medication adherence. There are a number of reasons why positive emotions are linked to optimal health habits, the researchers suggest.

People with greater positive well-being may be more motivated and persistent in engaging in healthy behaviours. They might have more confidence in their abilities to maintain routines such as physical activity and sleep hygiene. Positive emotions may also enable people to better adjust
their health goals and to proactively cope with stress and setbacks.

"Efforts to sustain or enhance positive emotions may be promising for promoting better health behaviours," said researchers. The study is published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.
Source - NDTV

LADIES NEWS & INFORMATION CENTER: खूबसूरत और चमकती पीठ पाने के लिए आजमाएं ये 5 आसान ...

LADIES NEWS & INFORMATION CENTER: खूबसूरत और चमकती पीठ पाने के लिए आजमाएं ये 5 आसान ...: डीप नेक ब्लाउज पहनना हो या बैकलेस ड्रेस, सबसे पहले पीठ के बारे में सोचकर टेंशन होती है, जिसकी साफ-सफाई पर अक्सर ज्यादा ध्यान नहीं दिया ज...

Stress You Experience During Childhood Can Up Your Risk of Heart Trouble



According to a 45-year long study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, persistent psychological stress during childhood can lead to a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes into adulthood. Previous studies have proved stress can up the risk factor of heart disease but this is one of the first studies that show how stress which is no longer present can create heart trouble later on.

"This study supports growing evidence that psychological distress contributes to excess risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease and that effects may be initiated relatively early in life," explained lead author Ashley Winning from Harvard University's TH Chan School of Public Health.

A 10-minute walk break can reverse vascular dysfunction



New York: By breaking up desk time with a short 10-minute walk, you can offset the harm that prolonged sitting causes to vascular health, suggests new research.

"Our study found that when you sit for six straight hours, or the majority of an eight-hour work day, blood flow to your legs is greatly reduced," said lead author of the study Jaume Padilla, assistant professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at University of Missouri School of Medicine in the US.

"We also found that just 10 minutes of walking after sitting for an extended time reversed the detrimental consequences," Padilla noted.

Over 60 percent of urban Indian women vulnerable to heart disease

Over 60 percent of women in urban India are at risk of heart diseases, said a study released on Monday.

By: IANS | Kolkata | Published:September 29, 2015 1:10 pm
Over 60 percent of women in urban India are at risk of heart diseases, said a study released on Monday. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

“Changing food habits and unhealthy food choices, such as increased intake of food like cheese, food rich in transfats and late dinners are leading to increased abdominal obesity and increased waist-to-hip ratio, a major risk factor for heart diseases,” said Kunal Sarkar, senior consultant cardiac surgeon, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, in the study. 

“In addition, smoking, low levels of physical activity, diabetes, high BP and other lifestyle factors are responsible for fat redistribution in women while accelerating their risk of CVDs,” added.

Source - indian express

4 things you should know about tongue health

Oral health is about more than your teeth and gums. Your tongue also needs daily care and checkups

Tongue health

Quick! Stick out your tongue and say...yuck? No one ever said tongues were pretty. And maybe that’s why they’re sometimes neglected when it comes to oral health. But your tongue is an important part of your mouth, and you should always include it in your hygiene routine. Here are four things you should know about keeping your tongue healthy:

1. Tongues need cleaning

Far from smooth, your tongue is covered in tiny bumps, called papillae. "The surface of the tongue can harbour a lot of bacteria," says Dr. Euan Swan, dental programs manager at the Canadian Dental Association in Ottawa. In fact, a study at the University of Michigan’s School of Medicine discovered that about a third of the bacteria species found on people’s tongues weren’t growing on any other surfaces in their mouths. 

Trapped germs on the tongue can lead to bad breath and affect your sense of taste, and the bacteria can travel to other parts of your mouth. Overgrowth of bacteria can turn your tongue yellow, white or even black and hairy-looking. 

Make it a habit to thoroughly clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You can use a tongue cleaner, a small tool designed to scrape the tongue; it comes in various shapes and sizes. Your regular toothbrush will also do the job. Try to reach right to the back. If this triggers your gag reflex, keep trying. Eventually, your reflex will ease up. You might also find that a tongue cleaner doesn’t trigger the reflex as easily as a toothbrush does.


2. Some tongues deserve extra care

If a tongue hasn’t had much attention, it may be coated and crusty. People who have problems with physical dexterity or rely on others for oral care, are mouth breathers or take medications that dry the mouth may be more likely to have a coated tongue. 

If your tongue is too dry and crusty when you scrape it, you risk damaging the tissue. Try brushing it after cleaning your teeth, while the mouth is still moist. You can also cover your tongue with a mouth-moisturizing spray or gel and wait 10 to 15 minutes, then brushing it.

3. Tongues can get cancer

About 2,400 Canadians will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, often only after it’s advanced. That’s because many oral cancers are missed in their early stages. A regular tongue inspection—say, once a week—can help to screen for oral cancer. "Stick your tongue out in the mirror and look around," says Swan. Check the top, bottom and sides. Look for any skin changes, cuts or white or red patches that aren’t healing after a week or two. 

Your dentist or dental hygienist should be examining your tongue during regular appointments, especially if you’re over 40. In a study in India, when tens of thousands of people were screened for mouth cancer, the death rate from this disease dropped by more than a third. If your dental care professional isn’t already giving your tongue a once-over, make a point of asking her to have a look.


4. Tongue jewellery hurts your mouth

Any body piercing carries a risk of infection. But according to the Canadian Dental Association, the risk of infection with tongue piercings is higher because our mouths are already loaded with bacteria. Plus, the metal in tongue jewellery can badly damage your teeth and gums, wearing away enamel, loosening gums and cracking teeth. Even the tongue-piercing procedure itself has been known to damage nerves, cause permanent drooling or alter the sense of taste. 

Dentists generally do not encourage tongue piercings. But if you’re keen to go ahead, make sure you use an experienced artist and that you’re well informed about possible complications and how to manage them.
Source : besthealthmag.ca



Top best common preventive health care tips for women







Today women are suffering from various types of adverse health conditions which needs to be found out and treated at the right time. It is important to go ahead with the regular health checkup and tests to find out whether you are suffering from any disease. Sometimes a very small headache, stomach pain or dizziness can lead to serious health disorder. Some people are concerned about the cost of monthly checkup. But, you can also get rid of various deadly diseases if regular checkup is done. There are various health plans provided by the insurance companies along with some well known hospitals and health care organizations. There are some preventive healthcare tips which you need to find out.




Give the top priority to the health than the beauty. Health is more important than beauty. Healthy women contain the beauty with her. Being health makes you beauty. Below are the some of common health tips for the women.
Common preventive health tips for the women
Healthy HabitsSleep

Good sleep make healthier. Take proper sleep not less than 6- 7 hours. It will give the possible rest to all of the working organs in the body. Not sleep to much it will deposit the extra fat in the body.
Diet

Diet and good healthy are equally proportionate. If we take the good diet we can get the good health. If we neglect the diet then healthy id affected. So proper diet makes you healthy. Take the minerals, protein, multi vitamin rich food makes you healthy.
Mammogram

Mammograms are better to diagnosis the women Brest cancer. Brest cancer is also the common in the women. This is caused by genetics or the lifestyle. Women keep check there breasts for swelling, bumps, redness for every month. If observe any appearances go for the mammograms and consult doctor.
Gynecologist

Women face the gynecology problems when they are within thirties. Visit the gynecologist for every two months make you healthier. If you are neglect to consult the gynecologist better to face the future problems.
Sunscreen

Get away from the sun. This impacts the beauty problems to you. Use the sunscreens when you are going out.
Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the common problem in men and women .Check the blood pressure for every six months. Result is positive then you suffering with blood pressure take the diet related to the blood pressure.
Cholesterol

Cholesterol is another common health problem in women. The LDL’s in the blood are the bad cholesterol. Consume the vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E rich foods. Avoid the unsaturated fatty acid foods. Consult the cardiologist for every six months.
Hormone Therapy

Many of the modern women face the hormone deficiency. The post menopause stage is better to diagnosis for the hormone deficiency. Use the hormone supplements available in the market.
Preventive healthcare tips for women
Colon cancer

The cases in medical science have brought out spread of colon cancer among various ladies of the age group crossing 50 years of age. This is one of the deadly diseases in the society that leads to death not only in India but also abroad. If you have any one in your family who had suffered from colon cancer, you need to be really cautious as this can be inherited by you. There are various tests conducted in hospitals which can easily detect colon cancer. If this can be found out in the preliminary stage, chance of survival can be noticed. Cancer screening should be done in every 1 year.
Immunization

With age, every person gets their immunity level reduced. In case of ladies, it becomes higher. You will get variety of vaccination that will increase your immunity level. As your immunity level decreases, you can get attack from flu. It is important to take immunization vaccine that helps in reducing flue. With age, the diseases like Pneumonia can also take place in women. Thus, a lady crossing 65 years of age must take Pneumonia vaccine. Even shingle vaccine must be provided to all those ladies who cross 60 years of age.
Blood test for diabetes

Blood test is mandatory as this can bring out various diseases if the lady is really suffering from. Today, diabetes has become a common problem for many individuals. High level of sugar in blood can give rise to variety of complications. Individual with high sugar level can become absolutely blind. Also the patient suffering from high blood sugar can suffer from kidney disease. You must test your blood on a regular basis to check whether your blood pressure level has come to control or not.
Depression

Depression is a mental condition viewed in many adults today. Even the women are not exception to this. Women also suffer from depression due to variety of reasons. If you are suffering from some of the chronic illness, depressing mind can be one of the biggest fact you are suffering from. People can also get depressed due to some psychological reasons. Loneliness and disheartens can be the factors behind depression. Ladies with age also suffers from depression but not all ladies with age have such problem. You need to visit a counselor or a psychiatrist to bring down your depression forever. Some questionnaires must be asked to solve to find out the reason behind depression.
Heart disease

Medical science is getting more patients suffering from heart disease. Minor heart attack can be withstood through medicines but major attack can also lead to fatalities. There are various reasons behind heart problem one of the important factors is changes in lifestyle. If you are having excessive amount of fast food and oily variety of food, this probably will be a reason behind your heart disease. The death case due to heart attack is increasing every day. It is important to go ahead with regular heart check up and consume a healthy diet as directed by your dietician.
Slash healthcare pills

People are now living on medicines. They are afraid to do anything or consuming any food due to heath problem. A nominal diet with right amount of all nutrients and fat will be ideal. It is better to avoid too much of tonics and medicines and avail some natural ways to stay healthy and fit. Vegetables and herbs available in nature will provide you with the right amount of everything you need to stay healthy.

Healthy habits make you healthier. Avoid the bad habits like smoking, drinking, consuming drugs etc. taking the good food and daily 2 time bath etc make you healthier. The healthy habits include wear the comfortable clothes, avoid the high heels, maintain stress free life etc.
Exercise

Exercise is good for everyone. But women need it necessarily. These exercises make them fit in the modern life. These exercises increase the stamina of women and maintain the family well. These exercises prevent women from obesity, joint pains, stress etc.

Source : beautyhealthtips.in

5 Home Treatments to Keep Nails Healthy


We bite them. We rely on them to peel fruit. We pop open cans with them. That's a lot to ask of something smaller than a postage stamp and made from the same type of protein as hair. Our fingernails are made of a protein called keratin, and there's more to them than meets the eye.

Each of our nails is made up of six parts. The nail fold is the ridge of skin around the nail. The part we can see and normally call a fingernail (or toenail) is called the nail plate. Beneath the nail plate is the nail bed, which nourishes the nail. That half-moon-shaped area at the base of your nail is called the lunula, and it's part of the nail matrix. The nail matrix is at the base of each nail, although you can't see it -- it's below the cuticle, a fold of skin made of dead cells that keeps bacteria from getting in. The matrix makes the cells needed to grow your nails.

Nails are complicated little bits of protein, and if we overlook them, things could potentially go wrong. The most common complaints we have about our nails is that they are brittle, they've developed an infection or we've injured them. You don't need to rely on a mani-pedi to keep your fingers and toes looking good if you follow some basic at-home tips to help keep all of your finger and toenails healthy all year long. Let's start with at-home remedies (and preventative tips) for brittle, easily broken nails.

5.Remedies for brittle, easily broken nails

Brittle nails that split, peel and break easily are a common complaint.

Brittle nails can happen because nails are too dry, but they can also happen if nails are too soft. Because of this, health care professionals often have two recommendations: Apply light moisturizer daily, and avoid harsh chemicals.
Applying a moisturizer to your nails and cuticles will help lock water into the nail, which is good for strong, healthy nails.
In addition to keeping nails hydrated, experts recommend we avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, including cleaning products and acidic foods, such as lemons and oranges. When working or cleaning, wear gloves to protect your skin and nails from damage -- use vinyl gloves for wet work and cotton for dry work.

4.Nail trauma: A Thumb-nail Sketch

Your fingernails and toenails are there to help prevent injury to your digits, so from time to time your nails are likely to get injured in the line of duty (or in the strike line of a hammer's head). Nail injuries can cause bruising, infection and may sometimes stunt nail growth.
Keeping your nails short can help prevent nail injury because you'll be less likely to snag a nail or separate it from the nail bed. And while you can't always prevent an accidental injury such as shutting your finger in a door or drawer, you can help reduce the risk of nail bed trauma with a little common sense: Don't use your fingernails as if they were tools.

3 Nothing Fun About Fungus

Although yeast and other fungi and bacteria are equal-opportunity nail invaders, it's more likely you'll develop afungal infection in your toenails than your fingernails. This is generally because the fungus that causes an infection in a nail is the same as the one that causes athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is a common infection; it can develop quickly in warm, moist places, such as inside your socks.

To help prevent fungal infections from invading your nails, keep all nails and cuticles clean and dry with a baking soda scrub, don't bite your nails or pick at hangnails (which can open the door to a fungal or bacterial infection), and treat ingrown nails with saltwater soaks to keep them clean and infection-free.

If you have signs of a foot fungal infection, over-the-counter topical antifungal medications containing clotrimazole or miconazole can help clear it up, but if the infection gets into or under a nail, you may need prescription-strength medication to knock it out.

2 Supplements: beneficial or bunk?
Wish there were a magic pill to make nails strong and healthy, and keep them that way?

While it's not a magic pill, some studies have found that the vitamin biotin may help build nail thickness and hardness while reducing the chance of splitting. And for people withbrittle, soft nails, this could seem like magic. An easy way to boost your biotin intake is with a supplement, but foods many of us eat every day are also rich in the B vitamin, from salmon to carrots to bananas.

When it comes to other dietary supplements, there really aren't any proven to encourage strong, healthy nails. While some consider calcium to be beneficial for nails, no scientific studies have found that to be true. And those claims that soaking your fingernails in gelatin will boost their strength and length? Well, that's just bunk.

1Underlying disease? How Your Nails Might Help With Diagnosis

Your nails may be telling more than when you had your lastmanicure. They may be cluing you and your doctor in to potential health problems. For example, pitted nails may indicate undiagnosed psoriasis. Spoon nails (when the nails curve away from the nail bed to form a spoon shape) may give away an anemic condition, while clubbed nails (typified by an extreme, rounded curvature of the nail) may occur in people with cardiopulmonary disease or asthma.

Before you worry about every bruised nail bed and every hangnail, though, remember that most nail injuries and problems don't lead to a diagnosis of lung disease or anemia. Most of the time, a bruised nail is just a bruised nail. If you notice changes in your nail health, texture or growth, visit your health care professional to determine the cause and treatment.

Source : howstuffworks.com

Sore Throat Relief for Singers and Vocalists

Sore Throat Relief for Singers and Vocalists (in fact anyone who is serious about keeping a healthy voice)


This guide is written primarily for the singer, but is useful to everyone who needs sore throat relief or suffers from a hoarse voice.
Our vocal cords are delicate membranes surrounded by muscle. These membranes need to come together solidly to create a clear sound. Sometime infection or over-use can cause these membranes to swell, resulting in hoarseness. Continued over-use, shouting, and even whispering can, over time, result in damage of the vocal cords, which needs medical attention.
Warm-up your voice before you start. You wouldn’t see an athlete tearing around the track without warming up their body first, so offer your voice the same consideration. It doesn’t take much effort.
• Start with a few deep, controlled breaths, followed by some humming.
• Hum your favourite song, if scales are not your thing.
• Use your voice to make a squeaky door being opened sound (use the ee sound to slide up and down your vocal range).
• Move onto singing some of your gentler songs, before you start tackling the belters.
• Also know your limits. Don’t try to sing too high, or too low until you are warmed up enough. Start at a comfortable range and extend from there.
Avoid abusing your voice throughout the day. Don’t talk for long periods of time – you will find your voice will get hoarse. Avoid whispering. This is stressful to your voice and will cause vocal fatigue. Do not shout over loud noises, such as machinery or concerts. I’ve know a few who have yelled at rock concerts, etc, and haven’t been able to sing for months afterwards. It’s just not worth it!   Talking for prolonged periods is also a hazzard for your voice. So many teachers, sales reps and call-centre staff end up having problems with their voice because of not taking care of their voice, or giving it enough rest to recover.
Vocal hydration is extremely important. Our cords are delicate membranes, which dry out very easily (especially when talking or singing in dry, smoky atmospheres). So drink plenty of water.  There are a number of sprays and lozenges on the market which can help. Also steam inhalation is good at getting moisture onto your cords.
Drinking – (alcohol that is!. We’ve all needed Dutch Courage at some point, but alcohol can lead to damage of your vocal cords. Huh? I hear you say. Alcohol numbs our nervous system, and helps lose our inhibitions. For example, Normally, when you’ve not had a drink, you know when your voice is tired, or when you have pushed your voice too far because you will feel discomfort in your throat. However, since you’ve had your drink, the alcohol can numb your throat, loosen your inhibitions, pushing your voice past its usual boundaries (this may take the form of shouting or singing too loud, too high, too low, or simply for too long a time period) and you can’t feel those warning signs. You wake up in the morning, with a sore head and no voice for several days (or in some cases several weeks!)
Smoking. There are no health benefits to smoking, so either cut down or stop completely. Smoking affects your lung capacity, irritates the membranes in the windpipe, resulting excessive mucus and a cough, which can inflame the vocal cords, as well as all the other health problems associated with smoking. That leads me onto recreational drugs – if drinking and smoking are bad – drugs are even worse. Don’t go there!
A few tips to help you recover from a sore throat:
1. REST!!
2. Drink plenty of Water.
3. Avoid Tea, Coffee, Cream & Alcohol
4. Take Vitamin C tablets or eat fruits/ vegetables rich in Vitamin C to aid your body’s natural defences. Hot Lemon & Honey or Blackcurrant both contain vitamin C and anti-viral properties and fresh ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties – grate a little ginger and add it to hot water, sweeten with honey if required.
5. Severe, violent coughing can injure the vocal cords. Cough Syrup, Throat Sprays and Lozenges can help.
6. Hot Water Steam Inhalation, with or without a few drops of Eucalyptus, Peppermint or other Essential Oil helps to clear the sinuses, and get moisture onto the vocal cords
7. Do NOT attempt to Sing and avoid Talking until you feel better to allow the inflammation an opportunity to reduce. This may be even take several weeks
8. On recovery start with some gentle humming for 5-10 minutes at a time and slowly build up to a few vocal exercises in your mid- range gradually expanding the range over several days. The rate of recovery will depend on the severity of illness and how experienced a singer you are. Any recurrence of hoarseness stop and rest the voice for another couple of days.
And Most Importantly – Take time out. We all need to have a break. You need a complete rest from singing at least once a week and I mean a complete rest. No practice, no singing along to your favourite records, no singing in the bath etc. Also if you done a hard day or long gig, then give your voice a rest the following day.
If symptoms continue, seek advice from your own Doctor.
Source : successfulsinging.com 

Top 10 Preventive Care Tips at 50+


You get one body to live with and you want to keep it moving and functioning. Getting older shouldn't automatically mean you slow down. One of the best ways to stay on the move is with preventivehealth care. Key screenings and tests can help your doctor find medical problems early -- before they cause bigger problems that make them more complicated to treat.
Don’t let the cost keep you from having these tests. Most health plans, including Medicare, pay for preventive tests. Your doctor can help make the case if you need a test and may be able to direct you to free or low-cost programs.
1. Blood pressure check. High blood pressure can cause a heart attack, a stroke, and eye and kidney problems -- without you even knowing your blood pressure is high. That’s why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked, even if you don’t think you have a problem. If your blood pressure is lower than 120/80, at least once every two years is usually fine. If your blood pressure is higher, then your doctor will likely want to check it more often.
2. Cholesterol screening. Heart disease is the top cause of death in the U.S. One of its main risk factors is a high blood cholesterol level.
It's recommended that you start getting your cholesterol tested at least once every four to six years beginning at age 20. A simple blood test shows your levels and risk for heart disease.
As you age, your risk for heart disease increases. If you are in your 50s, it's vitally important to continue getting screened.
3. Mammogram. As a screening test for breast cancer, experts agree that a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early. There's some debate about how often you should get one.
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women between ages 50 and 74 have a mammogram once every 2 years.
  • The American Cancer Society recommends a mammogram each year for women after age 40
Talk with your doctor to determine the best schedule for you, based on your family history and other risk factors.
4. Colon cancer screening. Colon cancer is the second leading cause ofcancer deaths in the U.S. When you turn 50, your chance of developing it increases. So -- unless you're at an above-average risk -- age 50 is when your doctor may recommend you start getting screened. The good news: there are several tests that can help detect colon cancer early. How often you're screened depends on which tests you and your doctor decide you should have, and what the results of your tests are. Some commonly performed screenings include:
  • Colonoscopy, once every 10 years
  • Fecal occult blood test, once a year
  • Sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years, combined with a fecal occult blood test every 3 years
Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are two cancer screenings that can also help prevent cancer from developing. During these screenings, your doctor may find and remove precancerous polyps from your colon.
5. Pap test. This test checks for cervical cancer, which is easy to treat when caught early. Although your risk of cervical cancer decreases with age, your need for routine Pap tests doesn’t stop with menopause. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women ages 21 to 65 have a Pap test every 3 years. Women ages 30 to 65 may have screening every 5 years using a combination of Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Women who have a higher risk of cancer may need a Pap test more often. Your doctor can recommend what is best for you.
6. Bone mineral density scan. This screening checks your risk forosteoporosis. It's recommended for all women at age 65. If you are at high risk, your doctor may recommend this test once you turn 60.
Men, ages 70 and older, may also benefit from this screening.
7. AAA screening. Experts recommend a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening for men ages 65 to 75 who have smoked at any point in their lives. This ultrasound screens for an enlarged blood vessel in the abdominal area that can cause severe bleeding and death if it ruptures. If your blood vessel is enlarged, surgery can often correct it.
8. Depression screening. Depression is a common cause of disability in adults, although it’s often overlooked. It frequently arises with chronic illness and aging. Depression isn't a normal part of aging, and you can get treatment. If you're feeling sad, hopeless, or not interested in your regular activities, talk with your doctor. She can see if you're depressed by having you fill out a questionnaire or by asking you a few simple questions.
9. Diabetes screening. More than 9% of all Americans have diabetes -- including nearly 28% of people who are undiagnosed. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications such as blindness, kidney disease, and the need for limb amputation. Ask your doctor about how often you need diabetes screenings.
10. Immunizations. As you age, you need a few extra vaccines to help you stay healthy.
  • Flu shot: Recommended yearly for everyone, 6 months of age and older
  • Pneumonia vaccine: Recommended if you're age 65 or older, and if you have diabetes, liver disease, asthma, any other type of lung disease, or problems with your immune system; a series of two different vaccines is now recommended.
  • Shingles vaccine: Recommended if you're age 60 or older
Remember, there's a lot you can do on your own to stay healthy as you age.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Practice safe sex.
Source :
WebMD Medical Reference

Garden play time must for kids to prevent obesity

After adjusting for parental influences and socioeconomic status (SES), the authors found that no garden access for children increased the odds of being overweight/developing obesity.

Young children in the three-five age group with no access to green and open places are at a higher risk of developing obesity by the time they turn seven, researchers report.

A study of 6,467 children from England found that no garden access for lower educated households (children age three-five years) increased the odds of obesity at seven years by 38 percent.

Yoga can improve arthritis symptoms and mood



Yoga can improve arthritis symptoms and mood (Getty Images)

Practicing yoga improves physical and mental wellbeing of people living with arthritis, a painful joint disorder for which there is currently no cure, new research has found.

Without management, arthritis can affect not only mobility, but also overall health and well-being, participation in valued activities, and quality of life.

Gene responsible for fracture risk identified



Gene responsible for fracture risk identified (Getty Image)

An international team of researchers has identified a gene responsible for bone mineral density and fracture risk.

The findings could lead to personalised treatment for osteoporosis - a disease that weakens bones, making them brittle and susceptible to fracture - in older adults.

"Our study explores the hereditary aspect of osteoporosis by investigating the role our genes play in determining bone mineral density and who is at risk of fracture due to low bone density," explained senior author Douglas Kiel, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, US.

Smokers at increased risk of tooth loss



Regular and heavy smokers have a significantly increased risk of tooth loss, warns a study.

Male smokers are up to 3.6 times more likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers, whereas female smokers have 2.5 times greater risk, the findings showed.

"Most teeth are lost as a result of either caries (tooth decay) or chronic periodontitis (gum disease). We know that smoking is a strong risk factor for periodontitis, so that may go a long way towards explaining the higher rate of tooth loss in smokers," said lead author Thomas Dietrich, professor at University of Birmingham in England.

Surprise! Junk food could shrink your brain, says new study


Melbourne: Eating junk food may shrink the part of your brain involved in learning, memory and mental health, a new study has claimed.

Older adults who eat more unhealthy foods, such as sweet drinks, salty snacks and processed meats, have smaller left hippocampi, researchers said.

The study also shows that older people with healthier diets have larger hippocampi, a region of the brain used for learning, memory and mental health.

The Vain Viewer

With HD imaging and exclusive Df2(digital full field) technology,VeinViewer is the only vein illuminator that provides benefits for all patients during the entire Pre, During and Post vascular access procedure. Projected near-infrared light is absorbed by blood and reflected by surrounding tissue.

Source : Interesting Engineering

18 percent of Indian women suffer from infertility due to PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a disorder that can cause infertility in women of reproductive age is said to be common these days. A recent study has revealed that about 18 per cent of Indian women, mostly from the East, suffer from PCOS, a disorder which causes infertility among the fairer sex. PCOS can occur in both, obese and non-obese women, contrary to the belief. Read: Homeopathic treatment for PCOS. Does it help?

PCOS is an endocrine disorder which is also a leading cause of infertility in women these days. If you are trying to conceive and miss your periods, make sure that you take tests for pregnancy and PCOS both. As sudden irregular periods is one of the symptoms of PCOS. Metropolis Healthcare, a multinational chain of pathology laboratories, conducted an inclusive study to observe the trends of PCOS cases in young women in India. Metropolis conducted a study on 27,411 samples of testosterone over a period of 18 months, out of which 4824 (17.60 per cent) women face hormonal associated risk with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Did you know that Yoga can help treat PCOS?

It can be treated and the main aim of the treatment is to bring the woman’s body back to normal. For that she also has to exercise continuously to make sure that she doesn’t gain any extra weight, eat healthy and make sure that her period is regular and back on track. A woman can conceive even with PCOS only if it is managed properly with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Though women with PCOS have three times more chances of miscarriage than others.

PCOS is a combination of cosmetic, gynecological and metabolic symptoms. This might include thinning of hair, oily skin with acne, irregular periods, mood swings, etc. Visit a doctor immediately once you notice the signs. If not treated properly it might make you obese. It is popularly seen in the age group of 15 to 30 years. Many of us do not know about PCOS and hence, awareness about this disorder is very important. Among the samples tested east India shows alarming levels of 25.88 per cent women affected by PCOS, followed by 18.62 per cent in north India, which can be largely attributed to lack of awareness among young women and ignorance.Diagnosis of the disease can be done by a testosterone test along with a host of other tests like blood sugar, insulin, FSH, LH, 17OHP and DHEAS.

Image Source: Getty Images

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