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Sunday, November 30, 2008

‘AIDS can be eliminated in a decade’

If All At High Risk Are Tested, Model Suggests Disease Could Be History


London: The virus that causes AIDS could theoretically be eliminated in a decade if all people living in countries with high infection rates are regularly tested and treated, according to a new mathematical model.
    It is an intriguing solution to end the AIDS epidemic. But it is based on assumptions rather than data, and is riddled with logistical problems. The research was published online on Tuesday in the medical journal, the Lancet.
    "It's quite a startling result," said Charlie Gilks, an AIDS treatment expert at the World Health Organization and one of the paper's authors. "In a relatively short amount of time, we could potentially knock the epidemic on its head."
    Gilks and colleagues used data from South Africa and Malawi. In their model, people were voluntarily tested each year and immediately given drugs if they tested positive for HIV, regardless of whether they were sick. Within 10 years, HIV infections dropped by 95%. Other initiatives like safe sex education and male circumcision were also used.
The strategy would cut the estimated number of AIDS deaths between 2008 and 2050 by about half, from about 8.7 million to 3.9 million, leaving only sporadic HIV cases. Experts think the strategy's cost would peak at about $3.4 billion a year, though expenses would fall after an initial investment. "This is certainly beyond the bounds of the current infrastructure for many countries, but that is not a reason not to think big," said Myron Cohen, of the University of North Carolina, who has done similar research. Only 3 million people are currently on AIDS drugs. Nearly 7 million people are still awaiting treatment, and about 3 million more people were infected last year. Worldwide, WHO guesses that about 33 million people have HIV. Increasing access to testing and drugs would stretch already weak health systems in Africa, which has most of the world's HIV cases. WHO emphasized that the study findings do not signal a policy change. "This is only a theoretical exercise," said Kevin De Cock, director of WHO's HIV/AIDS department. He said WHO would hold a meeting next year to study the idea more closely. AP


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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Dieters may struggle to fight the flu virus

WASHINGTON: Dieters who are on calorie-restricted diets during flu season are more susceptible to influenza, says a new study by US researchers.
    Michigan State University nutritional immunology professor Elizabeth Gardner conducted the research, which has been published in the November issue of the Journal of Nutrition.
    In the study, the researcher showed that mice with a calorierestricted diet were more likely to die during the first few days of infection than mice with a normal diet.
    Caloric restriction is the practice of reducing the intake of calories to 40 per cent of a normal diet, while maintaining adequate vitamins and minerals.
    "Our studies show that calorically-restricted mice have increased susceptibility to influenza, and their bodies are not prepared to produce the amount of natural killer cells needed to combat the stress of fighting an infection," Gardner said.

    In her research, both regularly fed mice and caloricallyrestricted mice exposed to the virus exhibited decreased food intake as they tried to fight off the infection.
    The mice on calorically-restricted diets, however, took longer to recover and exhibited increased mortality, weight loss and other negative effects.
    Even though both sets of mice had a diet fortified with appropriate vitamins, the mice consuming normal amounts of food had their appetites back sooner and recovered faster.
    "Our research shows that having a body ready to fight a virus will lead to a faster recovery and less-severe effects than if it is calorically restricted," Gardner said.
    "Adults can calorically restrict their diet eight months out of the year, but during the four months of flu season, they need to bump it up to be ready. You need the reserves so that your body is ready for any additional stress, including fighting a virus," the expert added. ANI


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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Deep sleep ups creativity, memory

WASHINGTON: Just in time for the holidays, some medical advice most people will like: Take a nap. Interrupting sleep seriously disrupts memory-making, compelling new research suggests. But on the flip side, taking a nap may boost a sophisticated kind of memory that helps us see the big picture and get creative.

"Not only do we need to remember to sleep, but most certainly we sleep to remember," is how William Fishbein, a cognitive neuroscientist at the City University of New York, put it at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience last week. Scientists increasingly are focusing less on sleep duration and more on the quality of sleep, what's called sleep intensity, in studying how sleep helps the brain process memories so they stick. Particularly important is "slow-wave sleep", a period of very deep sleep that comes earlier than better-known REM sleep, or dreaming time.

Fishbein suspected a more active role for the slow-wave sleep that can emerge even in a power nap. Maybe our brains keep working during that time to solve problems and come up with new ideas.

He taught 20 English-speaking college students lists of Chinese words spelled with two characters — such as sister, mother, maid. Then half the students took a nap, being monitored to be sure they didn't move from slow-wave sleep into the REM stage.

Upon awakening, they took a multiple-choice test of Chinese words they'd never seen before. The nappers did much better at automatically learning that the first of the two-pair characters in the words they'd memorized earlier always meant the same thing — female, for example. So they also were more likely than non-nappers to choose that a new word containing that character meant "princess" and not "ape".

Conversely, Wisconsin researchers briefly interrupted nighttime slow-wave sleep by playing a beep — just loudly enough to disturb sleep but not awaken — and found those people couldn't remember a task they'd learned the day before as well as people whose slow-wave sleep wasn't disrupted.

That brings us back to fragmented sleep, whether from aging or apnea. It can suppress cell birth in the hippocampus, where memory-making starts — enough to hinder learning weeks after sleep returns to normal, warns Dennis McGinty of the University of California, Los Angeles.

McGinty found that rats with disturbed sleep could only randomly stumble upon an escape hole in a maze that their counterparts detected easily by using room cues.

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Monday, November 24, 2008

How to stop cough in 5 minutes!!!

This is a must try....
We have all been kept awake by our own or someone else's cough. Try this and pass it on. The tip and not the cough. ANYTHING is better than antibiotics. Even babies could benefit from this and the parents wouldn't worry about the safety of their child. And of course, it is harmless and free from any type of side-effects.

WOW! I was raised, and raised my kids with Vicks. How come I never knew this? I can't wait for my next cough. Amazing!
READ IT ALL. It works 100 percent of the time, although the scientists at the Canada Research council (who discovered it) aren't sure why.


 

 

Treatment:

To stop night time coughing in a child (or an adult, as we found out personally), put Vicks Vapor Rub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime and then cover with socks.


Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about five minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. This works 100 percent of the time, and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly. I heard the head of the Canada Research Council describe these findings on the part of their scientists when they were investigating the effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children, as compared to alternative therapies like acupressure. I just happened to tune in to a.m. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs, so I listened. It was a surprising finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, and in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly.


My friend tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago, and it worked 100 percent! She said it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her. The coughing stopped in a few minutes, and believe me this was a deep (incredibly annoying!) every few seconds, uncontrollable cough and she slept cough-free for hours every night she used it.


If you have children or grandchildren, pass it on. If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed.


How to stop cough in 5 minutes!!! This is a must try...


Don't waste time regretting or expecting too much in your life. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But Today is a gift - and that is why it is called the PRESENT.




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Sunday, November 23, 2008

The fruit that fights flu

Quercetin in apples helps bolster your immune system

 Once November hits, the rest of the year is a giant sprint to the finish line. Here's the game plan for keeping healthy through it.
    Start by getting a flu shot. Then, buy yourself a bag of apples and munch away. The quercetin in apples may help bolster your immune system during vulnerable times.
Increase your Immunity:

Yep. Apples (and red onions, broccoli, and tea) are great sources of quercetin — a flavonoid that may stave off the influenza virus when the body is under stress. In a recent ani
mal study, quercetin did just that: The normal dip in immunity that comes with physical fatigue was pretty much cancelled out by the flavonoid. If it works as well in humans, quercetin could help power the body through both physical and psychological stress.
Talk about Disease Prevention: Quercetin may not only quash the flu but also stave off health conditions like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, and pancreatic cancer. So get more quercetin with all the above-mentioned fruits and veggies.

EAT THIS: Apples help stave off the influenza virus

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NUTRITION FOR HEALTHY TEETH

Crash dieting can affect your teeth more than your figure. BT tells you why

DR SHANTANU JARADI


Every morning we rush through the routine of brushing our teeth and rinsing our mouth, but after a hard day's work we are so tired that we just crash after dinner, without bothering to clean our teeth. So how do you keep your teeth healthy and our smile, beautiful? Here are a few tips.
    The right diet and nutrition play an integral part in ensuring strong teeth and healthy gums. Avoid sugar as it is your teeth's deadliest enemy and is the prime cause of tooth decay. Retentive sticky foods (such as raisins, caramels, toffees, slowly dissolving hard candies, etc) that are not quickly diluted by saliva also pose a major risk in the formation of dental cavities. Harmless wafers/chips when retained on
the tooth for a long period of time and eventually broken down into carbohydrates and sugars lead to decay.
    Bread, pastries, aerated drinks, doughnuts, sweet rolls and processed cereals, one of the biggest causes of tooth decay, should be avoided. Beverages like lassi, buttermilk and home-made squashes should be encouraged.
    The longer food remains in your mouth, the greater the chance for decay. Rinse your mouth immediately after eating, especially if you've just had something sweet, to prevent the formation of plaque. Remember, rinsing after meals and brushing teeth at least twice daily is essential to keep tartar and plaque at bay. Use effective, clinically tested toothpaste that provides long time protection between brushings.
    Crash dieting can affect your teeth more than your figure. Teenagers have been known to start that Monday morning crash diet without ever realising that this may in fact be the incorrect way to diet. These crash dieters who excessively fast, or diet on an on and off pattern, tend to have a lack of, or decrease in certain vitamins, most notably Vitamins D, B-12 and calcium. They also tend to lack certain minerals
and proteins in their diets. These are very important vitamins especially for the health of the teeth and gums. Dieters also tend to take diet pills that may cause a decrease in saliva flow as a side effect. This decrease in saliva flow tends to increase the acid levels in the mouth, which may cause an increased level of cavity formation. What may be recommended is that dieters consult with their health care provider or nutritionist to determine what type of diet they should be on. Vitamin levels and a balanced diet with all food groups should be evaluated. As always, sound oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist help decrease oral health problems.
    Supplements, together with good oral hygiene, can aid in decreasing the incidence of dental cavities, bad breath and gum disease. Vitamin C is vital for the production of collagen — the main protein building block for fibrous framework of all living tissues — which, in turn, makes it more resistant to bacterial penetration. Vitamin C also promotes healthy capillaries, which aids oral tissue in staying healthy. Insufficient consumption of Vitamin C may lead to oral health problems like swollen and bleeding gums and even loss of teeth.
    Tongue cleaning is very important. It helps to reduce bad breath and improve oral hygiene status because a large number of bacteria reside in the rough corrugated surface of tongue. Most dental
professionals advise that poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing, not flossing, or not rinsing enough is the leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay.
    Smoking, chewing beetle nut and tobacco are also factors that adversely affect oral hygiene. These habits can cause bad breath, decay, gum disease, damage to tooth enamel, eventual tooth loss and in many cases even lead to oral cancer.
    Try these healthy snacks that don't attack your teeth:
    Celery and carrot snacks with hommous or avocado dip
    Vegemite crackers with cheese
    Plain yogurt, fresh fruit and nuts
    When you do eat or drink a high-sugar snack there are tricks to minimise the damage to your teeth. After your snack, rinse your mouth with water, eat a small piece of cheese or chew some sugar-free gum. Cheese provides calcium to replace the minerals lost by the bacteria produced acid, and helps to even up the bacterial balance in your mouth. Chewing gum stimulates the flow of saliva. If you choose to have a soft drink, use a straw. This will limit the amount of sugar touching your teeth.

    The best drinks for teeth are plain water or milk. Drinking coffee and tea will stain your teeth and dry your mouth out. Drinks high in caffeine inhibit your saliva's ability to combat tooth decay. Acidic fruit juice, such as orange juice, can also attack your teeth. To avoid damaging your teeth, remember to wait at least an hour after consuming acidic food or drink before brushing your teeth.
    With a little awareness and knowledge on the subject of oral care, there could be some prettier smiles around the world and less misery from tooth decay.
(The writer is an aesthetic dentist) For brighter, whiter teeth
Drink plenty of water Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups Cut down on snacking in between meals Limit snacks and drinks especially those high in sugar Brush twice a day with the correct technique which can be learnt from any dental professional. Avoid aggressive brushing. Floss daily Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional clean ups. Recommended at least once every six months. Simple preventive steps can prevent the further complicated treatment processes. Rinse thoroughly after every meal. Get all existing dental problems like bleeding gums, missing teeth, cavities, etc, treated immediately as they lead to further complications.

BEAUTIFUL SMILE: Fresh fruits are good for your whites

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Move that knee

MOVEMENT is life, and our joints are made to facilitate this. Joints can become stiff if not moved adequately and the knee joint is no exception. It is critical to remember that the knee joint — the largest weight-bearing joint in the body — is most commonly affected in arthritis.
    Almost 50 per cent of individuals afflicted with osteoarthritis, are over 65 years of age. Nearly 25 per cent of them need surgery. Nearly half consider themselves as "being in bad health". So pretty much anything you can do to delay the onset of the disease, is good. And this means working on strengthening the ligaments and muscles so that the joint is kept mobile.
PREVENTION
Make exercise a routine. Regular walks and exercises not only improve mobility, but also strengthen muscles around the knee joint.
    Keep mobile. Movement in the knee joint stimulates the joint lining to produce adequate lubrication so that there is less friction within the joint.
Watch those aches and pains. Some forms of arthritis affect the young. Early detection helps delay the progression.
A high-calcium diet is known to improve the quality of bone. Include green leafy vegetables, milk, white of egg and fish.
TREATMENT
There are numerous treatments available to those suffering from arthritis. These include physiotherapy, aromatherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic therapy, reflexology, acupuncture and regulation of diet. Medical treatment involves prescription of drugs and other non-invasive therapies. Surgical solutions can take many forms, starting from less invasive joint injections to a total joint replacement. Surgery though must be reserved for only those whose quality of life has deteriorated by the disease significantly. If it could mean a major difference between leading a normal life or being wheelchair bound, you should consider it. The ultimate goal of any treatment is pain free movement.
(Inputs from Dr Vijay D Shetty, full time consultant
orthopaedic surgeon and adult hip and knee specialist,
Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai)



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Diabetes Mellitus can be controlled

I am a 72 year old male with Diabetes Mellitus. I am currently on conventional medicines. Can homeopathy help me?

• Diabetes is a hereditary, life-style induced, life-long disease. Any medical treatment including homeopathy can only control but not cure it. That said, homeopathy can certainly help. Clinical trials have shown that having conventional medicine like oral hypoglycaemics alone achieves only 47 per cent control of the disease. However, augmenting conventional treatment with homeopathy increases diabetes control to 97 per cent. Homeopathic medicines also help better absorption of insulin. A detailed case study would be required to prescribe the appropriate medication for you. Without stopping your conventional treatment, start homeopathic remedy insulin 6c, 5 pills twice daily. Consult a doctor, if symptoms persist.
At the age of 23, I am already 20 kg overweight. Please help as my obesity is so depressing.

• Overweight can be caused by a variety of factors including a sedentary lifestyle, overeating, hormonal imbalance, hereditary,
stress and others. Certain diseases can lead to overweight like thyroid disorder and PCOD. Do the investigations to rule these out. A modified or controlled diet minus meat and dairy, in conjunction with exercise is the first step in weight management. In order to have long term effects, this should be combined with medical therapy. Homeopathy can help lose weight by improving digestion, metabolism and elimination and also taking care of the underlying medical cause if any. Take Phytolacca berry Q 10 drops twice daily.
I am a 36 year old male with itching and redness on my face which is aggravated by sun exposure. I have tried many creams with no result. Please guide.

• Your skin is probably allergic to the sun as it reacts to UV rays and can develop a rash, blisters or redness on the exposed parts. The condition is known as photo-allergic dermatitis. Limit exposure to the sun especially intense midday sun. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat or take an umbrella. As your skin is sensitive use mild soaps, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15-30 to protect against UV rays. Eat food rich in omega-3- fatty acids like flaxseeds which will help to reduce skin inflammation. Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day. Take Arsenic Alb 30 5pills, once daily. Meet Dr Batra's® Team at stall nos. B16 & E18 of Times Health & Beauty Show 2008 to be held at The World Trade Centre, Mumbai from 21st - 23rd November 2008 to know more on how to achieve wellness through homeopathy.


Dr Mukesh Batra

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Beware of high-intensity workouts as they can be fatal

Death on the treadmill

Dr Akshay Mehta, interventional cardiologist

 Afew years ago, Nikhil Gupta (name changed), a young man in his thirties, did his regular workout on the treadmill at a sports club. After finishing a gruelling exercise routine, he came out of the gym, felt dizzy and collapsed. People there tried to give him cardiac massage and lifted him to a nearby ICCU but he could not be revived and died in the prime of his life. Although a regular exerciser, he was a heavy smoker. His mother had undergone bypass surgery due to multiple blockages in her coronary arteries at age of 48 years (also called premature coronary artery disease).
    How is it that the same exercises that are supposed to help protect the heart actually lead to a heart attack?
CAN PHYSICAL EXERCISE CAUSE A HEART ATTACK?
In young people, (below age 25 to 30 years) the usual reason for sudden death related to vigorous
exercise is the rare presence of a structural or electrical defect in the heart since birth or childhood which has gone unnoticed or undetected.
    However in people over 30, it is usually the fatty deposits on the inner lining of coronary arteries
which supply blood to heart muscle, that are the cause. During and after vigorous (and especially unaccustomed) exertion, there is a surge in stress hormones like adrenaline and increased shear stress on coronary arteries. This may cause rupture of the surface of these fatty deposits (plaques). Also, vigorous exercise leads to the activation of blood cells called platelets. These can clump together and initiate clot formation at the site of the ruptured plaque in the coronary artery. This clot along with the fatty deposit can cause blockage or occlusion in the coronary artery, which leads to heart attack or sudden death.
WHY RISK THE HUFFING AND PUFFING? BEING A COUCH POTATO SEEMS SAFER
Studies have shown that unlike unaccustomed vigorous exercise, regular moderate level exercise (which gradually may be increased to higher intensity exercise) causes less stimulation of platelets and release of stress hormones. Also it stimulates the clot dissolving (fibrinolytic) property of blood. This benefit outweighs the propensity of platelets to clump during exercise and to cause clotting. Regular exercise also promotes increased vagal tone leading to better electrical stability of the heart so that there is less chance of irregular heart rhythm.



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God's Pharmacy


A friend sent this to me. It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!
God's Pharmacy! Amazing!
A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapeshang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beansactually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarband many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pearstarget the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figsare full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoeslook like the pancreas and actual ly balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olivesassist the health and function of the ovaries
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just l ike the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onionslook like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.



SUBJECT: Psalm 46:19
'Be Still and Know that I AM GOD'


Angels have walked beside me All my life--and they still do.

*********************

This is to all of you who
Mean something to me,
I pray for your happiness.
The Candle Of Love, Hope & Friendship


This candle was lit on the

15th of September, 1998.

May God richly bless you as you keep this candle burning.


 


 

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE...SOMEONE HAD TO PAY FOR IT
If you can read this...thank a teacher.
The Lord will never give you more than you can handle!!

 

In Times of Difficulty never say  Oh God i have a big problem, instead say Hey Problem i have a big GOD.



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Sunday, November 16, 2008

Cigarette smoke can disfigure your heart

Washington: Exposure to prolonged cigarette smoke can perk up levels of a stress hormone in the heart that can potentially reshape the left ventricle, according to new research.
    In a Chicago University (Illinois) study using rats as animal model, a five-week exposure to cigarette smoke was associated with the activation of enzymes called mitogen-activated protein kinases that govern cell growth and survival in heart muscle.
    Activation of these enzymes may be a key event in cigarette smoke-induced heart injury, said Mariann Piano, professor of bio-behavioural health science in the CUI College of Nursing, who led the study.
    "Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, one of which is nicotine," Piano said. "However, the effect of nicotine on the initiation and progression of cigarette smoke-mediated cardiovascular events remains controversial."
    To date, small clinical trials of nicotine replacement therapies have not shown increased cardiovascular risk, even in patients with cardiovascular disease, Piano said. This suggested the need to study cigarette smoke as a whole, according to a Chicago release.

    In the new study, rats were exposed either to cigarette smoke or to normal room air. After five weeks, the animals were examined by echocardiography. Heart tissue was examined under the microscope and by Western blot analysis, used to detect specific proteins in tissue samples.
    The results showed exposure to cigarette smoke was associated with significant changes in the shape of the left ventricle, the heart's
main pumping chamber, and an increase in the levels of the activated forms of the enzymes in the heart muscle.
    Researchers also found increased levels of norepinephrine, a hormone released when a stressful event causes any of a host of physiological changes, in urine samples taken from the animals. The study was published in the November issue of the European Journal of Heart Failure. IANS

TICKER UNDER STRESS: Exposure to cigarette smoke is associated with the activation of enzymes that govern cell growth and survival in heart muscle

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Acidity The Slow and Silent killer

Have you experienced something sour or a burning sensation in the throat, chest or stomach? It's acidity. Here are some easy remedies

There are many names for acidity like hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia or acid reflux or gastroesopohageal reflux disease, or more commonly known as urdhva gata amalpitta in Ayurveda. Acidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an inequity. Excess secretion of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach gives rise to a condition known as acidity. Remember, ignoring acidity can actually lead you to more serious and complicated problems like peptic ulcers. It is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken seriously.
Causes of acidity:
Stress is one of the main causes of acidity. Smoking and excess alcohol tends to weaken the nervous system. As a result, the stomach lining stops functioning properly. High intake of fatty foods, refined and fibreless foods, overeating and eating hurriedly are few causes that aggravate acidity. Excessive intake of nicotine also leads to acidity. Skipping meals or fasting are also triggers. Other causes of acidity or heartburn are pregnancy, aging, anxiety and insomnia,
obesity, bad posture, erratic meal timing and bad eating habit.
    Acidity is a problem that occurs very commonly, so going in for medications every time is not a very good thought. There are some very simple and natural home remedies that can be used to treat and prevent acidity.
Some easy remedies:
Chew a few holy basil (tulsi) leaves to get relief from burning, nausea and gas. You can also have one teaspoon of tulsi juice every morning and before bed.

    Keep a small piece of jaggery (gur) in your mouth and slowly suck it. Repeat it every hour till the acidity subsides.
    Drink coconut water three times a day. It is a common natural remedy for acidity.
    Have plenty of milk and milk products like curd and buttermilk at regular intervals. This will help subside the acidity. One can also drink a glass of cold milk or a cup of vanilla ice cream for relief from heartburn.
    Water is a good neutraliser for acid. Start your day with a glass of lukewarm water with one teaspoon of honey early in the morning.
    Kokum Sherbet with cumin seeds (jeera) is also a great remedy for acidity.

Lifestyle changes to prevent acidity
    
Eat your meal atleast three hours before you go to bed. Importantly, do not lie down immediately after your meals. Your stomach digests the food with the
help of acid.
    Proper posture is another factor which should be taken care. After the meal, keep your back straight and upright. At night sleep in right posture and right elevation as it will help in acidity control, like keeping head on a high pillow up to five inches. Avoid sleeping on/over your stomach.
    Pregnant women should have small mid meals at regular intervals. To minimise heartburn, women should have solid carbohydrate foods like biscuits, rusks, khakras or a fruit. At the same time avoid rich, fried, strongly flavoured and spiced foods. Eat liquid and solid foods a half hour apart.

    Eat small meals at regular intervals, consume at least five to six meals per day.
    Be fit. Try and maintain your ideal body weight. Overweight people are more prone to heartburn attacks. Avoid very spicy, high sodium containing and deep fried foods like papad, pickles, chilli sauces etc. Do not drink more than two cups of tea or coffee per day. Finally, eat vegetables and fruits rich in fibre.
    Exercise helps in controlling acidity. Morning and evening walk at least for 30 minutes are good for health and keeps acidity under control. Yogic exercises keeps you're overall internal system— digestive and nervous — and external sys
tem in good condition.
    A simple and easy lifestyle can keep you healthy and happy. Every disease has its cure, so live a balance and stress-free life.
Author Deepshikha Agarwal is a dietician and sports nutritionist





EAT THIS: Fibrous fruits and vegetables and items like holy basil (left) and cold milk (right) are natural remedies to cure acidity and heartburn


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The zero-calorie diet


Can you imagine a diet minus any calories?
Sudeshna Chatterjee
presents the perfect platter

TIMES NEWS NETWORK



    HEARD of zero-calorie food? Never thought that it existed? If you believe clinical exercise specialist Namita Jain, water is a zero calorie nutrient. In addition to water, certain diet sodas and herbal teas are also zero in caloric content. But, since they are beverages, they can't take the place of solid food.
    She lets us in on a trick, though. There are foods that call for extra calories when being digested. So, in effect, they become zero-calorie foods. "Keep in mind that they have this negative calorie effect only when consumed without extras like fats or sugar," warns Jain.
    Explains master chef, author and television host Sanjeev Kapoor, "You consume a generous wedge of Mocca Gateaux at a five-star buffet, which is around 400 calories. To digest this, your body requires only about 150 calories. So, about 250 calories are added to your body fat! On the other hand, you munch on a stick of celery which is only five calories. Your body may require 150 calories to digest it, resulting in a net loss of 145 calories." This doesn't mean that the more you consume such foods, the more weight you lose. Anything in excess is harmful, he warns.
    Meat and eggs don't fall under zero-calorie food. "Select those foods which involve a lot of chewing as your body burns more calories than are consumed while chewing, digesting, metabolising and eliminating," explains Dr Mahesh Jukar, applied sports and exercise consultant. So, go for a celery stick, rather than a celery soup. Similarly, opt for whole fruits rather than fruit juices. Select fruits and vegetables that are high on moisture and fibre, maintains Jain.

    "It's a well-established fact that the extra bulk from fibre helps you feel fuller longer, staving off hunger pangs and helping you lose weight," adds Kapoor. Fruits and vegetables taken raw provide essential fibre, moisture, vitamins and minerals to our daily diet. "In fact, vitamins stimulate the tissues to produce enzymes that break down the caloric nutrients of the foods," asserts Kapoor.
    Veteran nutritionist Dr Vijaya Venkat is all for raw food, but against any compartmentalisation and food measures. For her, terms like calories, fat, carbs, etc don't exist. "All of us are products of nature and nurture. Nature remains the same, but nurturing has changed, which in
cludes what we eat," she holds. Dr Venkat recommends one eats fruits and vegetables whenever hungry. Have it raw, flavoured with herbs and spice, add nuts, dried fruits and sprouts if you like, and you have a potent recipe.
    Even those who prefer their meals cooked can make healthy adjustments. In your favourite sandwich, include lettuce leaves and thick tomato fillings. Start with a fruit bowl and salad spread before proceeding onto your main meal. Opt for fruits in your desserts. Before you know it, you may be hovering somewhere close to size zero!

sudeshna.chatterjee@timesgroup.com 

ZERO-CALORIE FOODS
CUCUMBER, CELERY, TOMATO, LETTUCE, ASPARAGUS, GARLIC, SPINACH, ZUCCHINI, LEMON, GRAPEFRUIT, CABBAGE, GOURD, TURNIP, PAPAYA
AND PINEAPPLE


Size zero: Eat your way to health

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Homeopathy roots out peptic ulcers

As life gets busier and lifestyles more erratic, peptic ulcers increasingly rear their ugly heads. While duodenal ulcers peak between the age of 20-50 years, gastric ulcers occur most commonly in the age group of 50-60. While men are doubly prone to the former, men and women are equally likely to suffer from the latter. An O-type blood group and an urban lifestyle further predisposes you towards peptic ulcers.
    Ulcers often go undetected and in fact only 20 per cent patients seek medical
treatment for this affliction. How can you tell if you have one? Symptoms include a burning pain, felt anywhere from your navel to your breastbone, which may last from a few minutes to many hours and comes and goes for a few days or weeks. It gets worse on an empty stomach, tends to flare up at night and can be temporarily relieved by eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or an acid-reducing medication. You can help yourself by cutting out smoking, alcohol, dairy, coffee and aerated drinks. Milk, commonly believed to help this condition, actually harms it. Containing lactic acid, it further erodes your stomach lining and aggravates ulcers. Any relief milk provides is deceptive and it should be carefully avoided. Eat a fibre and Vitamin A rich diet including fruits with their skins on.
    Homeopathy offers excellent treatment for peptic ulcers. It not only heals ulcers but also removes the
general predisposition towards them.
    MNC executive, Mr Radhakrishnan, was a typical "Type A" personality, highly driven, hard-working, diligent and sensitive. A workaholic, his irregular sleeping and eating habits
took a toll on his health and he came to us with peptic ulcers after popping antacids proved ineffective. A detailed case study revealed that his lifestyle was at the root of the problem, so along with medication, Nux Vomica, we prescribed certain behavioural modifications. As a result, he has fully recovered from his condition and is a healthier, happier man today.
Homeopathic remedies for peptic ulcers:
Robinia 6C: Helpful in peptic ulcers with excess acidity.
Natrum Phos 6X: Helpful in peptic ulcers with acidity, sour burping and vomiting.


Dr Mukesh Batra

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Beware, more tech could lead to diabetes

Mumbai: The mobile phone you cannot live without could be the source of your weight gain. Not surprisingly, then, doctors feel that technical devices like mobile phones — and even television sets — could be contributing to the rising incidence of diabetes.
    "Data we have collated from our research in Mumbai shows that each gizmo owned by a family contributes to an increase of 8 kg in body weight,'' said Shashank Joshi, editor of the Journal
of the Association of Physicians of India, India's leading medical research journal.
Cellphones — with the comfort factor they offer — are a cause for metabolic syndrome, leading to diabetes.
    "Moreover, people speak on mobiles for hours, which cuts down on their sleep. And emerging research shows that there could a correlation between disturbed sleep patterns and type-2 diabetes,'' Joshi said.
    The connection between gadgets and diabetes is simple: instead of walking
up to the television set to change channels, people just flip channels; instead of playing on the field, children play on computers. Such factors affect the body's metabolism and lead to an accumulation of fat which, in turn, could trigger off diabetes.
    So an urban family of four with, say, a television, an air-conditioner, a car and mobile phones could be looking at gaining 32 kgs excess weight that they wouldn't have gathered if they did not have the high-tech devices.

THE CHECK-LIST | Avail of free or discounted health check-ups on World Diabetes Day

    Reliance Wellness has announced a week-long campaign starting November 14 and on till November 20 to promote awareness on diabetes in Mumbai. Customers can get discounts on glucometers, sugarfree cookies, sweeteners and health drinks. Consultation will be provided by ayurvedic doctors as well. Patients can enrol for a special diabetes programe to avail of a host of benefits.
    ADC (Abbott Diabetes Care) is launching a country-wide diabetes education programme on 10 November and it will be on till 14 November; doctors, hospitals and chemists across cities in India will
create diabetes awareness. The poor and needy with diabetes — nominated by the hospitals and doctors — will be given free blood glucose meters and strips.
    Jupiter Hospital (Thane), Dalvi Hospital (Gamdevi), Sahastrabudhe Hospital (Panvel) and Hinduja Hospital (Mahim) are having free diabetes education programmes on 14 November.
    Metropolis & Saffola Life Foundation are offering subsidised tests between 14 November and 30 November at selected Metropolis laboratories. Patients can avail of different packages.


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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Every man ’s health guide

How much red wine is too much? Is your sex drive at an all time low? Medical experts address your deepest fears


1 I've heard that men are prone to a sudden heart attack at an early age. What could be the cause and how can I avoid it? ANS: The causes of heart attack at an early age are: Genetic Predisposition: The Indian race is more prone to an attack.
Multiple risk factors like:
- Family tendency - Hypertension - Diabetes Mellitus - Lipids - Smoking
Prevention:
- Screen for HT, DM, Lipids at an early age - Regular exercise - Eat more green vegetables and fruits - Avoid fat and junk food.
2 How frequently should I have a cardiac examination after 35 years of age? ANS: After the age of 35, once in 3 years, and it's best to have it done once a year after you touch 40. 3 Can I engage in an active sex life after undergoing a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)? ANS: You can resume an active sex life after 3 months of the CABG. 4 Is it advisable to marry after a heart attack? ANS: Yes, with early treatment.
5 Does smoking really kill and how soon? ANS: Smoking can cause early death due to: - Heart disease - Lung disease - Various cancers - Strokes — CVA One cigarette a day reduces life by about 11 minutes and accelerates the chances of a heart attack, particularly between the ages of 30-40.

6 Sitting on my workstation has given me a chronic back ache. How do I tackle it?
ANS: This is called RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). To avoid it, correct your posture and use a proper chair with your knee/hip bent at a 90 degree angle. Alternately, use a foot rest to achieve proper height or use a chair with an armrest. Your laptop screen must be at the same level as your eyes. Sit with your back straight.

7
My dad is bald and I fear I may be soon heading in that direction. What are my options? ANS: If your dad had become bald prematurely, then there are higher chances of you following suit, as you can't change your genes. Consume a proteinrich diet and take care of your hair. Baldness can be treated with medication and surgical procedures. 8 I believe red wine is good for the heart. Is that true? How many pegs of whiskey or cans of beer can one safely consume in a day? ANS: Red wine is good for the heart as it reduces cholesterol. Only two pegs of whiskey or one can of beer are advisable (only if you must) in a party atmosphere. 9 If I'm having trouble performing in bed, should I worry about becoming impotent? ANS: Yes, you should worry about becoming impotent as there are systemic causes like diabetes, hypertension, hormonal disturbances and certain drugs that can cause impotency. 10 If a condom breaks during sex, do I need to get myself checked for sexually transmitted diseases? ANS: If involved in a high risk sexual behaviour with an unknown person, get yourself tested. 11 Is diabetes genetic? Can wrong food/lifestyle also cause the disease?
ANS: Improper food habits (aerated beverages, fast food etc) along with an irregular lifestyle, lack of exercise and sedentary habits often lead to Type 2 Diabetes in genetically predisposed persons.

12
Can lifting heavy weights cause hernia or impotency?
ANS: Not if it's done properly. Otherwise, the improper use of weights often leads to strains, fractures, tendonitis and other sorts of dislocation.

13
How do I know I am depressed enough to resort to medication or seek help?
ANS: When a person feels a lingering sadness, a loss of interest in life,
along with a lack of sleep, appetite and work impairment for more than two weeks, the patient is likely to be depressed and in need of help. If his condition advances with an addition of suicidal tendencies, inertia towards professional life and weeping without reason, he may need medication. 14 What problems does stress create? How can I avoid getting stressed out? ANS: Stress precipitates body aches, hyper tension, diabetes mellitus, easy fatigue, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease (heart disease). The impact of stress can be buffered by maintaining a regular routine, doing exercise, yoga or meditation. Simple deep breathing techniques help. 15 How much exercise must I indulge in to ensure I stay healthy? ANS: 30-40 minutes walking 5 days a week or 30 minutes aerobics/strengthening 3 days a week is a basic must.
Our Medical Experts: Dr Jagdish Prasad, Medical Superintendent, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi and Dr OP Sharma, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru.


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Saturday, November 8, 2008

TICK-TOCK

Each day runs as per the clock; the clock on the wall, or the one on your wrist. But did you know that you have a body clock ticking inside you? You can be your own timekeeper and lead a healthier life

Dr Parul R Sheth

You may not realise that there is an internal clock ticking inside your body until you experience a change in sleep patterns or have a jet lag. Experts in chronobiology; the science of body time say that you can optimise your health, prevent and treat illness, by paying more attention to your internal clockwork. Being your own timekeeper, you can look forward to a much healthier life.
THE 24-HOUR CLOCK
The day and night sets the brain's circadian clock – Latin word – circa meaning 'around' and diem
or dies meaning 'day'. Scientists have located the clock in the brain. The clock is regulated by light and is directly related to the body's responses.
    Dr Michael Smolensky, Director, Chronobiology Center at Hermann Hospital, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, US and Dr Lynne Lamberg, a veteran medical writer for The Journal of the American Medical Association, write in their book, The Body Clock Guide to Better Health, "The brain's clock governs whether or not you're crabby before you have your morning coffee, how quickly you can write a letter and how accurately you can proofread it,
whether or not you fall asleep at the symphony, when your ulcers act up, and more."
    Says Dr V D Joshi, neurosurgeon attached to Jupiter Hospital and Divine Hospital, Mumbai, "Body clock located in the brain does influence day-to-day activities. We can enhance our performance by understanding and following the body clock. Babies too follow the body clock completely. They sleep more at night and cry for feeds at a regular time. However, as age advances, control over the body clock reduces."
    If you pay attention, you can notice the circadian rhythms or biorhythms working during the 24-hour period of day and night. Your liver enzymes get set in anticipation of food around lunch time. The pineal gland in your brain produces melatonin to put you to sleep when its late evening. Your body temperature is lowest before you wake up and rises as you wake up in the morning. In fact your heartbeat too fluctuates by as much as 20-30 beats per minute over a stretch of 24 hours, muscle contractions vary; virtually every body function shows a circadian rhythm.
INTERESTING RESEARCH
FINDINGS
    
Heart attacks and strokes are twice as likely to occur in morning than at other times especially because there is a spurt in blood pressure in the morning
    For asthmatics, the airway potency is poorest at night and best at noon
    Birth peaks in early morning and early afternoon
    Chemotherapy for cancer may be more effective and less toxic if administered at night
    The best time for women to get a mammogram is 5-10 days after her period

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A CURE FOR DIABETES?

With diabetes affecting over 30 million Indians, could this type of surgery mark the end of the restrictions of a diabetic life?

Dr Ramen Goel, metabolic surgeon

 Diabetes has an impact on the kidneys, eyes, heart and nerves all over the human body. With the monthly expense for treatment and control, loss of wages from reduced efficiency and incapacity, and cost of complication management, diabetes is a dreaded diagnosis to heard from your doctor.
    There is a possibility of a cure for type-1 diabetes within a decade through stem cell research or pancreatic transplant. However, for the 70-80 per cent of diabetics who are type-2, a regulated lifestyle and sustained weight maintenance for blood sugar control is the only option they have.This kind of discipline is difficult for most of people to achieve and maintain.
    However, recent developments in metabolic surgery have shown promise of a cure for diabetes in over 90 per cent type-2 diabetic patients. Performed through keyhole route, Ileal interposition surgery, where a hormone secreting part of intestine is shuffled, results in increased insulin secretion,increase in number of insulin secreting cells and overall control of sugar levels within 2-8 weeks of surgery. Patients do not require additional medication for sugar control and are able to eat the food of their choice and at desired timings.Initially operated patients in India have shown complete resolution in all of them and more patients are coming forward to be a part of this research.
    Most patients find it tedious to maintain the imposed lifestyle restrictions so they are willing to try out this treatment methodology with optimism and excitement. The prospect of avoiding damage to kidneys, vision, heart attacks and strokes or paralysis is significant enough to motivate people to consider a onetime surgical option.
    The pace of medical science advancement has not only changed the treatment approach, but has forced us to look at a disease from a new perspective. Role of hormones secreted from the intestine, is considered vital in development of diabetes and related diseases. For thousands of years, wise men had counselled healthy eating for longer life. A surgical approach has forced us to remember their significance.

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SHORTCUTS TO HEALTHY LIVING

BT tells you how to eat well with a little bit of planning

Everyday, without our knowledge, a faint little feeling in the stomach prompts us to involuntarily look at the clock.Then the revelation hits us — it is evening and we have not had the time to eat our lunch.
    In today's times, where a sedentary lifestyle is the rule, it's observed that the health of people is deteriorating day by day. In this city that never sleeps, people are always on the run.

Due to their busy schedules, the stress levels are high. They have started taking themselves and their body for granted. They don't even remember when they last had a proper meal. Eating healthy just requires a little planning. Here are some shortcuts to achieve a healthy body: BREAKFAST IS A 'MUST': Start your morning with some breakfast, be it a piece of fruit or a whole wheat bread to munch. Try to make your
breakfast the night before. Put oatmeal into a thermos of hot water, and let it sit overnight. In the morning you shall have hot cooked oatmeal ready to eat. Similarly a hard boiled egg can be eaten in the morning. This will prevent your body from going into starvation mode. Eating breakfast everyday will also help to increase your metabolic rate.
FIVE MEALS A DAY: Have at least five meals a day in which three can be the main meals ie breakfast
lunch and dinner, while other two meals can consist of foods which are handy and nutritious at the same time. Eating frequently prevents hunger pangs, provides consistent energy, and maintains metabolism efficiency. Grab healthy foods such as a fruit that is high in fibre like apple, watermelon, muskmelon, orange, sweet lime, papaya and peaches. Instead of tea, coffee or cola as a mid meal, it can be replaced by fresh coconut water or buttermilk.
PLAN YOUR DINES: Some people's work demands frequenting restaurants for dinner. Since this cannot be
avoided, one should plan ahead about what one can select from the menu before you walk in. Always watch out for hidden fats. Creamy soups, white breads, flaky pastries and mayonnaise-based salad dressings add unnecessary fats to the food. Try consuming broths instead of creamy soups. Instead of mayonnaise dressing, use variety of condiments and flavouring agents such as lemon, vinegar, herbs, onion and garlic to improve the palatability of your salad. Remember, a gram of fat contains more than twice as many calories as a gram of protein or carbohydrate. Ask for grilled, baked, boiled or broiled food rather fried foods.
HYDRATE WHEN YOU'RE TRAVELLING: Your work might involve a lot of travelling in which air travel is one of the most dehydrating experiences. Because of this people often complain of sore throats and other respiratory illnesses. To avoid these, one should not drink caffeine, cola or alcohol before or after the flights as these are diuretics and can increase the water loss. Avoid salted snacks like salted peanuts or farsan (fried
foods) in order to minimise dehydration. Try consuming lots of fluids in the form of water, fruit juice, coconut water, lime water, etc. In any case one should drink at least 12 to 15
gasses of water everyday. The stress associated with travel may slightly increase the protein requirement, so one should make a conscious effort to consume a little more protein each day.
    Good quality of food: Always remember that the quality of food you eat determines your efficiency at work. Avoid refined foods like white rice and those used to make white bread and sugary breakfast cereals as most of their vitamins and minerals are striped away. They turn into blood sugar (glucose) so fast just like sugar; they can cause a spike in our insulin level. Alternate refined flour with wholegrain flour. Substitute white sugar with honey and jaggery.
    Healthy eating habits travel more easily than it seems. Let's take a conscious decision to eat healthy, let's drink coconut water instead of cola and eat a fruit instead of a samosa when the urge to binge strikes.
(The writer is a dietician and sports nutritionist)

Instead of tea or coffee, drink juices


APPY HAPPY: Eat fibrous fruits like apple


Use lemon to improve the palatability of your salad


Drink plenty of water

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Friday, November 7, 2008

The top five cancer-causing foods are:



Visit Us @ www.cute.pro79.com1. Hot dogs
Because they are
high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.

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2. Processed meats and bacon

Also high in the same
sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.
 
 


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3. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.

 



4. French fries

Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process.
They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .
 
 
 


Visit Us @ www.cute.pro79.com5. Chips, crackers, and cookies
All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

 

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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Sole to soul: a crash course in reflexology

The masseur moves his hands up your foot and leg. He then kneads it and presses certain points. Almost magically, you begin to feel the tension and stress drain away from your body. The pressure eases, you are relaxed and feel lighter than before. That's the magic of reflexology. This stress busting alternative therapy is a must-try if your want to give your sagging sprits a dose of energy.
Read on to find out the science behind the art and learn a few tricks of the trade...
WHY GO FOR IT?
Simply because apart from making you feel light and easy, reflexology is also useful to alleviate certain conditions. The basic funda of this therapy is to force the body to biologically correct itself and reduce the pressure from certain points.
    Believe it or not, there are 7000 nerve endings on each foot. And different parts of the body are mirrored on the foot. So a therapist massages the different parts (points) of the foot that correspond to the particular body part, which, in turn helps bring the body into its perfect natural balance (homeostatis).
Bascially, the masseur zeroes in on the presence of lumps or thickened areas, known as 'crystal deposits'. Using his thumb and knuckles, he then breaks down these lumps to restore the balance. As the therapist applies pressure on the foot, the signals are sent to the spine, from where they are redirected to the corresponding body part.
Generally no implements are used in reflexology, it's only the therapist's hands that do the trick. It is great to maintain good health. But remember, it is an alternative therapy and cannot be used as a primary form of treatment. During an illness, it is often used in conjunction with medicine. It has been found to be particularly useful in the case of:

• Stress related aches and pains (as it interrupts the stress signals )

• Depression

• Concentration problems

• Blood pressure

• Back pain

• Arthritis

• Migraine

• Infertility

• Sleep disorders

• Hormonal imbalances

• Digestive disorders

• Menstrual disorders
    In case of chronic conditions, an hour long session may be suggested everyday or every alternate day.

A DIY GUIDE
You can give yourself a reflexology massage too. Check out the chart given above. Depending on the ailment you are suffering from, simply concentrate on a particular part of the foot and massage it. Else, just massage each and every point till you feel the pain ease away.
    How you move your hands and knuckles is important. Here are a few tips to get it right:

• While massaging, use the caterpillar movement (move your thumb, pressing at every point). A 10-minute session on each foot will give you relief.

• Often you might feel intense pain as you press a point. Don't worry, it usually implies that a block is being released. However, if the pain is too intense or sharp, reduce the amount of pressure.

• Always massage the area of the foot which corresponds to the kidneys (see chart), at the end of the session. This is because the toxins that will be released as a result of reflexology, collect in the kidneys.
AVOID REFLEXOLOGY

• If you suffer from any form of foot injury or foot ulcers

• If you are pregnant, avoid it during your first trimester and even after that consult your physician before a session.

• If you suffer from blood clots, consult your doctor before a massage.
    (Devendra Upadhyay is a master therapist associated with Franck Provost salon in Juhu and Bandra)



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