Eat right to stay healthy Want to improve your mental and physical health? Resort to the daily Mediterranean diet, say researchers

 Anew study headed by a team from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Navarra in Spain found that the diet may be the key to long life as it reduces weight and cholesterol. 

    People on the Mediterranean diet, which is loaded with vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil and nuts, scored higher on a quality of life questionnaire in terms of physical and mental well-being, the study found. 

    "The Mediterranean diet is an important factor associated with better quality of life and can be considered as a healthy food model," said study researcher Patricia Henriquez Sanchez of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. "The progressive aging of the population in developed countries makes it even more interesting to find out those factors that can increase quality of life and the health of the population." Sanchez said. 

    The research involved data on more than 11,000 university students over a period of four years. Dietary intake data was taken at the beginning of the study and self-perceived quality of life was measured after the four year monitoring period. 

    It was found that those who stuck to the Mediterranean diet more, scored higher on the quality of life questionnaire in terms of physical and mental well-being. The link was even stronger in terms of physical quality of life. 

Explaining how the Mediterranean diet works, Henríquez said main meals should never lack three basic elements such as cereals, fruit and vegetables and dairy products. Furthermore, it must include a daily intake of 1.5 and 2 litres of water. Olive oil, according to him, constitutes the main source of fat for its nutritional quality and moderate consumption of wine and other fermented beverages is recommended. Fish, lean meat and eggs are sources of high quality animal protein. Fish and seafood are also sources of healthy fats, Henriquez added. 

He also suggested that sugar, sweets, cakes, pastries and sweetened beverages should be consumed occasionally and in small amounts. 

PTI 

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET 

• Main meals should never lack three basic elements — cereals, fruit and vegetables 

• A daily intake of 1.5 and 2 litres of water is necessary. 

• Include olive oil in your daily diet 

• Moderate consumption of wine and other fermented beverages is recommended. 

• Fish, lean meat and eggs are sources of high quality animal protein and healthy fats 

• Sugar, sweets, cakes, pastries and sweetened beverages should be consumed occasionally and in small amounts

Olive oil, fruits, vegetables are good for you

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WONDER DRUG Zinc helps kids fight infections

Tokyo: Zinc has now been found to be the wonder drug for children suffering from serious bacterial infections. 

    The first study to assess the efficacy of zinc in addition to standard antibiotic therapy for suspected bacterial infections like pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis has found that children given zinc were 40% less likely to experience treatment failure (the need for secondary antibiotic treatment within 7 days, need for treatment in intensive care, or death within 21 days) than those given placebo. There was also a relative reduction (of 43%) in risk of death in the group assigned to zinc. 

    The study was conducted by the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute and All India Institute of Medical Sciences in India, and will be announced by British medical journal the Lancet on Thursday. 

    "Zinc is an accessible, low-cost intervention that could add to the effect of antibiotic treatment and lead to substantial reductions in infant mortality, particularly in developing countries where millions of children die from serious infections every year," explains Shinjini Bhatnagar who led the research. 

    Christa Fischer Walker and Robert Black from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA say, "This finding is important because case fatality is high in infants presenting with symptoms of probable serious bacterial infection". They added, "The exact mechanism for the effect of supplemental zinc is unknown and needs further investigation, but the clinical benefits in diarrhoea and pneumonia in children younger than 5 years suggest that therapeutic use of zinc could have wide application.

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Vidya Balan says desirability has nothing to do with body type

It is multidimensional 

    Top actor Vidya Balan is spot on when she observes that desirability has more to do with how one feels and projects oneself than with body type. There's no single universal formula for desirability or attractiveness. Remember the oft-repeated adage: Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder? It is, after all, a subjective issue and cannot be reduced to a particular body form or distinctive facial features. Instead of trying to steamroller varying perceptions of beauty and sexuality into a boring and predictable form, women and men should celebrate their individuality. 

    As Balan says there's too much pressure, especially on women, to conform to a particular physical prototype. While such a homogeneous concept of beauty may suit the interest of the beauty industry or burgeoning weight loss clinics, it goes against the grain of individuality and diverse forms and perceptions of beauty, aesthetics or sexuality. The present hankering for size zero is, for example, a passing phase which will give way to some other fashion tomorrow. While fitness matters, it makes no sense to feel inferior or be consumed by guilt just because one doesn't belong to a particular body type. 

    Not only should women and men feel comfortable with the way they look, regardless of size, they 

should strive to retain their individuality. Selfconfidence, composure and personality go a long way in increasing one's attractiveness. And those things are well within our grasp. One should, of course, strive to maintain a certain level of fitness – not just for health reasons, but also because it enhances self-confidence and feeds into attractiveness. But beyond that, it's foolish to reduce multidimensional attributes such as beauty, desirability and sexuality to one or a few body types. 

One can't deny biology Anil Thakkar 

    There is an eyewatering hypocrisy to Vidya Balan – a Bollywood superstar, current queen bee and stunningly attractive by any standards – going on about how body type and an individual's size don't matter, that everyone is equally 

acceptable as they are. Would she be where she is today if she didn't look the way she did? Would anyone care to pay any attention to her views on physical beauty? 

    Too many people are afraid to say it out loud for fear of being labelled politically incorrect – but beauty matters. Size matters. Weight matters. And the general perception of a person's attractiveness most definitely matters in just about every sphere of life, from the personal to the professional. Any number of studies have proved that attractive people have it better at the workplace, whether it's for promotions or pay raises. And there have even been studies showing that babies still at a pre-verbal stage prefer people with attractive faces. 

    It's not difficult to understand why. There are any number of linked biological and cultural factors from our collective past that have shaped our preferences 

    when evaluating the physical 

    attractiveness of a person. A 

    certain body shape might indicate that a woman would be more likely to have children without risk to herself or the infant, for instance. Likewise, physical health would be linked to social standing, wealth, access to nutritious food and the like. These factors from earlier, harder ages are now ingrained in us as the standards by which we judge people. But even if we don't accept such an explanation for it judging people by their looks, even before they can get a word in edgeways, is a fact of life. So let's not deny the existence of those standards altogether. Biology and history can't be ignored.

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Save our soles It’s time to treat your feet right. Follow our guide to the six most common foot problems — and how to fix them

 The average pair of feet has a lot to contend with. Not only are they tasked with carrying your entire body weight for up to 10,000 steps a day, they are squashed into an unhealthy array of sweaty trainers, smelly socks, high heels and flip-flops. 

    Majority of men and women who suffer from foot problems are wearing the wrong kind of shoes for too long and not taking proper care of their feet. 

    Here's the low-down on the most common foot problems and how to beat them. 

CORNS AND CALLUSES 

What are they? 

Thick, hardened layers of skin that develop on bony areas of the feet, particularly over joints. They are caused by badly fitting shoes that rub and can be painful or unsightly. Treat it: If the corn is very painful it is best to see a chiropodist. They can remove the corns or, in more serious cases, may fit you for orthotic insoles that sit in your shoes and will correct any imbalance in the way you walk. Prevent it: Avoid shoes that are too tight or have very high heels, which compress areas of your foot, or those that are too loose, as your foot will slide and rub. Remove early signs of hardened skin with a pumice stone. 

BUNIONS 

What are they? 

Painful bony swellings at the base of the big toe, which can be a result of shoes that cramp the feet. Bunions can run in families. Treat it: You can buy pads from an orthotic clinic that will ease the pressure on the big toe joint, along with specially-made orthotic insoles that will help the feet work properly. In more severe cases, surgery can remove the swollen tissue and part of the bone. Prevent it: Make sure your shoes don't squash your toes together — there should be space between the tip of your toes and the end of the shoe. Avoid heels higher than two and a quarter inches for long periods as they tilt the foot forward forcing the toes together. 

VERRUCAS 

What are they? 

Verrucas are warts caused by a viral infection normally found on the soles of the feet or between the toes. Some can start as a small pink area with a few black dots which develop into a larger brown area with hardened skin. But other types can present differently. The key is to watch out for skin changes. Treat it: If the verruca doesn't hurt, it's best to leave it alone and let your body's immune system tackle it — or you can try over-thecounter treatments available with your chemist. If it is large or painful, a chiropodist can freeze the area to kill the virus. Prevent it: Verrucas are caught through contact with the virus, which thrives in damp areas such as swimming pools and communal showers, so it pays to always wear flip-flops until you're in the 

    water. 

ATHLETE'S FOOT 

What is it? 

A fungal infection that causes sore, itchy patches of skin between the toes, which then crack and flake. It may have an unpleasant smell and toenails can become infected, 

    thickening and turning brown. Treat it: Try over-the-counter remedies available with your chemist. If the toenail is infected, you will need to see a chiropodist so they can file down the nail and prescribe a topical solution to fight the infection. Prevent it: Change your socks or tights daily, and don't wear the same shoes two days in a row. Sandals also help as they allow air to circulate between the toes. Dry the region between your toes after baths and showers as the fungus thrives on moisture. 

FALLEN ARCHES 

What are they? 

This common complaint happens as the arch of the foot collapses and becomes flat. It can cause painful, achy feet and calves. Treat it: Treatment involves pain relief and special insoles. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Prevent it: Avoid high heels for long periods. Because heels cause your tendons to tighten, your ankle can't bend properly, and so the tendons in your foot arch to try to compensate and can break or collapse. 

INGROWN TOENAILS 

What are they? 

When growing nails become painfully imbedded in the skin at the sides. Treat it: Soaking feet in saltwater can prevent infection and reduce swelling. Don't cut the toenail yourself — see a chiropodist as soon as possible. If the toes become infected, they may have to remove the nail splinter under local anaesthetic. Prevent it: Don't cut your toenails too short — follow the outline of your toe and file away any sharp edges. Avoid badly-fitting shoes that are either too loose or cramp the toes together. 

    — Daily Mirror

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Junk food can make you depressed

Ever wonder what that bite of your pizza may do to you? Know how your favourite burgers, pastries and pizza can be the reason for your depressed state

We all love mouthwatering foods which promise to satisfy our taste buds, but more often than not, you don't tend to realise what havoc it causes to your system other than making you put on excess weight. 

    Says nutritionist Namita Nanal, "In today's era with time constraints, junk food is becoming very popular and easily accessible. Obesity, lethargy, decreased immunity, etc are hampering the quality of life, hence making people depressed." The journal of 

Public Health Nutrition 

indicates that people who eat commercial baked and fried foods like doughnuts, croissants, pizzas, burgers and hot 

dogs 

are 

at a greater risk for experiencing depression. 

Says nutritionist Pallavi Srivastava, "Junk foods are full of salt and unhealthy fats and transfats, which are extremely harmful for your body. They are pro-inflammatory and cause depression as well as mood swings along with weight gain." Thus, an anti-inflammatory diet is great for preventing depression and mood swings. Says Srivastava, "For the brain to function normally, the body needs a balanced diet and when we consume foods, which are rich in excess sugar, salt and preservatives like transfats, this also hampers the mind, which makes it susceptible to disorders related to the mind." 

    To keep yourself healthy and prevent depression and anxiety, eat whole wheat pizza with lots of vegetables and less cheese. Try Indian sweets like kheer and laddoo instead of cakes and pastries.

DID YOU KNOW? People who eat junk food often are at a greater risk for experiencing depression

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High tobacco use in city worries docs

Mumbai: One in three adults in Mumbai consumes tobacco on a regular basis. What's more, one in ten is likely to die a premature death if the current pattern continues. 

    Latest statistics presented by Tata Memorial Hospital say that of the 20.5 million-strong population of Mumbai and its neighbouring areas (including Thane and Navi Mumbai), an estimated six million people use tobacco—in form of cigarettes or gutka. If immediate action is not taken to control the use, then about two million people are likely to die prematurely—in productive 

age-group—in the near future. 

    The scary picture has prompted about 7,400 doctors in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai to support an anti-tobacco campaign under the umbrella of the Association of Medical Consultants. Activists say consultants can persuade a patient to give up the tobacco habit at an early stage and prevent its culmination in cancer. Tobacco causes 20% of all deaths 

Mumbai: The Association of Medical Consultants on Sunday pledged to fight tobacco consumption. "Doctors need to play an active role in tobacco control. As medical practitioners, we also need to prevent the reason for the disease. We have asked all the members to counsel patients against tobacco consumption," said Dr Kishore Adyanthaya, president of the AMC. "When a patient comes to a doctor for something as normal as fever or cold, he can be counselled against the use of tobacco. When unwell, the patient is vulnerable and thus would understand the importance of dropping the habit much better than if advised elsewhere," said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, surgical oncologist at Tata Memorial Hospital. So a patient will now read about the hazards of tobacco consumption on posters in the waiting area outside a consulting doctor's room, followed by "opportunistic counselling" inside. According to experts, tobacco is the leading cause of 90% of the ailments affecting the mouth, 60% of heart diseases, 50% of cancers and 20% of all deaths. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), which was done in India in 2009-2010, 31.4% of Maharashtra's population uses tobacco in one form or the other. What is scary is the fact that the addiction builds up in individuals who start consuming tobacco before the age of 15 years.

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Calcium pills may up heart attack risk Supplements To Strengthen Bones Should Be Taken With Caution, Says Study

London: Older people who regularly take calcium supplements to strengthen bones and prevent fractures may actually be increasing their risk of having a heart attack, a new study has claimed. However, experts said it was "irresponsible" to advise people with osteoporosis not to take supplements "on the basis of one flawed study". 

    Millions of people worldwide have been prescribed to take calcium pills daily as a safe way to help fight osteoporosis. 

    But researchers from the University of Zurich and German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg claimed their study adds to mounting evidence that the supplements are "not safe or particularly effective". 

    For their study, the researchers followed 23,980 people for 11 years and found that those taking calcium pills roughly doubled the risk of having a heart attack. There were 851 heart attacks among the 15,959 people who did not take any supplements at all. However, people taking calcium supplements were 86%more likely to have had a heart attack during the study. 

    Detailing their findings in the journal Heart, the team said heart attack risk "might be substantially increased by taking calcium supplements". 

    The pills "should be taken with caution", they concluded, as they raise the annual risk of a heart attack from about one in 700 people to one in 350, the Daily Telegraph reported. Instead, people should eat more calciumrich foods like milk, cheese and green, leafy vegetables. 

    The new findings are at odds with department of health in UK which says "taking 1,500mg or less of calcium supplements is unlikely to cause any harm". It only warns, "Taking high doses of calcium could lead to stomach pain and diarrhoea." 

    Dr Carrie Ruxton of the Health Supplements Information Service also said, "It's irresponsible for scientists to advise osteoporosis patients cut out calcium supplements on the basis of one flawed survey, particularly when the link between calcium, vitamin D and bone health is endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority." 

    She claimed the study lacked information on calcium doses and its results could have been skewed by variations in participants underlying health. PTI

SAFETY CONCERN

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THE SPEAKING TREE How To Achieve Health And Energy

 Integration has become an important issue today throughout the world. There is growing awareness in people's minds that racial exclusiveness may lead to disintegration of society and that integration must be worked upon, actively and consciously. It can no longer be awaited passively. This issue that many have taken up is merely one instance of a struggle that is cosmic and eternal. The entire universe is a battleground, where forces of integration and disintegration clash in ceaseless conflict. 

    The second law of thermodynamics describes how physical processes move inexorably towards randomness – losing heat, speed and definition: that is, disintegrating. Yet, some other force is just as actively pulling all the loose strands together again. Without such a force there would be nothing to disintegrate in the first place. 

    The forces of integration and disintegration battle each other for supremacy in our own lives as well. Take the struggle between health and disease. If we wait passively for nature to take its course, we are merely giving strength to forces of disintegration, which thrive on passivity. To expect things "naturally" to come out all right in the end is not positive thinking, for it is not thinking at all. Integration follows only from a c t i v e ypulling things together. 

    Health is a product of the integrative process. To achieve glowing health, one must develop the body as an integrated whole, not as a bundle of separate parts. We must bring body and mind to active harmony and recognise kinship with the surrounding universe. Yoga urges us to think of body and mind as a whole. 

    Learn to live in your body, instead of merely existing in it. True health implies a buoyant sense of vitality. It is not merely absence of illness. 

    Those who maintain a cheerful outlook, who forget themselves in serving others, and who are always constructively busy, rarely become ill. They simply haven't the time to be ill! If you concentrate on illness, you will tend to become ill more often. If you concentrate on health, you might invite good health. 

    Those who feel a deep sense of kinship with life and Nature seem to draw strength from the world around them. On the other hand, people who selfishly isolate themselves from the surrounding universe seem to grow old prematurely; even in their youth they never seem to be vital, complete human beings. 

Integration must be consciously worked for. It takes energy to generate more energy. To return one's body to a natural state, it is necessary to eat natural foods. Yogis emphasise the importance of food that is "cooling" to the system. Harmful food, they say, heats the system by introducing impurities that block the normal flow of energy in the body. 

Excessively spiced foods, alcoholic beverages, too many carbohydrates, artificial stimulants, and stale or devitalised foods are unnatural and are said to have a heating effect. Overcooked foods have a similar effect. Fresh fruits, nuts, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, fresh milk and its products, and whole grains are said to be cooling to the nervous system. Anything that excites the body has a heating effect; anything that relaxes it, is cooling. 

    Try this cooling beverage: Combine two parts plain yogurt to one part water. Add sugar – preferably raw or brown – or honey to taste. The drink should taste neither sweet nor sour. Stir well and drink. A dash of lime juice may be added, if desired.

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THE 2-MINUTE READ SNORERS AT HIGHER RISK OF DYING FROM CANCER

MILD SNORERS have a negligible risk of dying from cancer, but it doubles in moderate cases and shoots up to nearly five times in case of severe snoring. 

    The findings were based on data from sleep studies carried out on 1,522 people over 22 years. Previous lab tests on mice have shown that oxygen starvation, caused by snoring promotes tumour growth. Javier Nieto, who led the study at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, said, "The consistency of the evidence from the animal experiments and this new evidence in humans is highly compelling." 

    "Ours is the first study to show an association between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and an elevated risk of cancer mortality in a population-based sample," said Nieto, reports the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 

    "If the relationship between SDB and cancer mortality is validated in further studies, the diagnosis and treatment of SDB in patients with cancer might be indicated to prolong survival," added Nieto, according to the Daily Mail. The findings were presented at the 

American Thoracic Society international 

conference in San Francisco. 

—IANS

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Cough syrup takes more teens on a trip Codeine Addiction Catches Fancy Of Adolescents In City

HOUSEWIVES HOOKED TOO

Mumbai: Priyam Panchal's parents found nothing amiss with the 16-year-old sleeping all day and staying awake at night, until the Malad girl slapped her father for stopping her from going out with friends. It was then that her shocked parents found over 40 empty bottles of cough syrup under her bed. 

    Priyam (name changed) was not suffering from any ailment that would require her to consume cough suppressants. Her parents remained in denial for over a month and delayed consulting an expert even as she 

became more abusive and violent. When they finally took her to a psychiatrist, she was diagnosed with codeine addiction, which was making her heavily dependent on cough syrup. The Panchals sent her to the Drug Abuse Information Rehabilitation and Research Centre in Kalyan, where Priyam is undergoing a nine-month therapy. 

    De-addiction experts say Priyam's case is neither isolated nor surprising. Codeine addiction, or rather a trend northeastern states are infamous for, has suddenly caught the fancy of adolescents in the city. An essential ingredient in cough syrup, codeine's prolonged use can lead to addiction. Experts say 6-15% of those enrolling in de-addiction programmes in the city have a history of codeine or cough syrup addiction. 

    "The addiction hits those aged 13-14; the ratio of female addicts is more," said Dr Yusuf Merchant, president, DAIRRC. The observation was shared by other rehabilitation centres in the city, where authorities said four out of the 10 addicts are teenage girls. 

    Fr Joseph Pereira, founder, Kripa Foundation, a rehabilitation centre for those affected by chemical dependency, said codeine addiction was affecting a "silent and hidden majority". He said, "Young boys are into designer drugs, but for girls, cough syrups are the easiest to access and cheapest to use." 

    Some centres also receive housewives as codeine addicts. In February, a south Mumbai hospital treated a 32-year-old mother of two from Gamdevi. She was taken to the hospital with complaints of drowsiness, lethargy and extreme mood swings. "After tests costing about Rs 40,000, a doctor suspected that her problem was elsewhere. The woman confessed to the addiction only after four-five counselling sessions, citing lack of attention from her husband as the reason," said a doctor. "The woman admitted to buying cough syrups in bulk." 

    Counsellor Jatish Shah, who was attached to Masina Hospital's alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre, said the facility may have treated 400 patients over eight years. "Codeine addiction leaves no traces like smell. The number of housewives addicted to it could be shockingly large." 

    The FDA has started raiding chemist shops to find unexplained sales of cough syrup. It cancelled licences of 40 who sold over 1,500 bottles without bills or prescriptions. JJ Hospital professor of psychiatry Dr Yusuf Matcheswalla said some earn Rs 40,000-50,000 from selling the syrups and called the problem "alarming". 

SPOONFULL OF TROUBLE Types Of Cough Syrup 

Cough syrups can be classified as codeine-based and non-codeine based The codeine-based are usually prescribed for bedtime use as they cause drowsiness The effects of codeinebased syrups could stretch up to 12 hours, as against 7 hours in case of normal ones 

The young mainly abuse cough syrups 

Some Side Effects 

    Prolonged use of cough syrups can cause breathing problems, swelling of throat, lips and even face 

    Serious side-effects include anxiety attacks, hallucinations, dizziness, high blood pressure, impaired judgement, trembling of hands Rehab Procedure 

Those suffering from addiction need elaborate therapy by experts that could last up to nine months or more Besides de-addiction pills, addicts are also treated for associated problems like depression and loneliness HOW TO DETECT ADDICTION AT HOME? 

Parents should take hints from deteriorating performance in school like getting poor grades, absenteeism or even dropping out of class Ignoring the need to finish homework, overlooking major exams Secretiveness is one a vital sign of abuse as those dependent on drugs hide bottles Sudden change in friends' circle and hanging out more with new people with different tastes, behavior 

Significant changes in mood like the child becomes irritable, gets fatigued, feels lonely Why Is It Abused? 

Cough syrups have high abuse potential because of cost and easy access 

The hassle-free usage also makes it more preferable for more as it curbs risks of contracting infection, side-effects 

Experts say cough syrups give desired sensations in shortest possible time

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All’s not swell Don’t dismiss that puffiness. Water retention can be a sign of bigger health issues

 When you wake up with a puffy face, inflated tummy and swollen feet, don't dismiss it as water retention, and go back to your routine. That bloated feeling can signal underlying issues that need your attention. If you suffer from water retention often, there could be a problem with your heart, liver or kidney. So dig in and figure out what's going on. 

WHAT'S CAUSING IT? 

Nephrologist Dr Bharat Shah, explaining water retention, says, "It is the opposite of dehydration. Whenever your intake of water is more than what you expel, it leads to an abnormal build-up of fluid. When the urine output is less, it can cause swelling in the body." 

    If your weight is fluctuating a lot and you can't lose those kilos even with regular exercise and a diet, don't ignore the issue. Anyone who suffers from water retention frequently should test their organs. "When water retention is due to a heart problem, it usually shows on the legs. This is called edema. When it is because of a liver issue, it manifests itself in the abdomen - a condition called ascites. When a kidney problem causes it, it shows up around the eyes. When there is a lot of water retention, there is generalised swelling," says Shah. 

    Once these major hazards are ruled out, you could consider other reasons. People who have a digestion problem can also suffer from water retention. Some women may have it before their menstrual cycle because there are hormonal changes in the body. Menopausal women gain weight due to it. Medication such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, a few blood pressure lowering drugs, and steroids also causes accumulation of fluids in the body. 

    The cause for water retention could also be as simple as too much salt in your food. The body dilutes the excess sodium with more water. Salt makes you thirsty, and your body holds on to water because of this. 

TREAT IT 

Shah says, "To treat water retention find out the underlying cause and treat that first. Supportive treatment includes restricting salt and water intake and taking medicines (diuretics) which increase their removal in the urine." 

    However, in most cases, changes in the diet can help release excess sodium. Dietician Sukhada Bhatte has a plan. But, as always, do consult a 

    physician before you try a new 

    diet. 

» When water retention is because of renal failure, liver disease and heart problems, monitor your protein consumption. By-products such as urea, BUN, and creatinine accumulate in these conditions. You must opt for high biological value protein in moderate amounts such as eggs, milk, soya bean, rice and fish. 

» Don't add extra salt to your meals. You could opt for other seasonings such as herbs, spices or lime instead. Avoid high sodium fast foods, processed meals and frozen or canned foods that tend to be higher in salt content." 

» A portion of water in your body comes from the food you eat. Try and include a good quantity of fruit and vegetables in your diet as they stimulate the kidney. This in turn releases excess water which helps reduce edema. 

» Barley water, coffee, brewed green tea and cranberry juice act as mild diuretics. Having them will help you go the restroom more often and remove all the excess fluid from your body. 

» Tomatoes, watermelon, cucumbers, gourd vegetables, celery, cantaloupes, pomegranates and cranberries can act as a natural diuretic and help get rid of excess water from the body. Green beans, grapes and leeks also help resolve water retention. 

» So does apple juice as it is rich in potassium, which promotes better fluid loss. However, if the water retention is because of a renal condition you might be asked to eat certain high potassium fruits and vegetables with caution. 

» B-group vitamins especially Vitamin B5 and B6 found in brown rice, milk and dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and fresh fruit also help remove excess water from your body. 

SOME MYTHS 

» It is not true that sitting or standing for a long time can cause swelling. 

» Sour things do not lead to water retention. The salt you take along with that sour food does. 

» Alcohol does not cause water retention. On the contrary, it causes dehydration. If you do feel bloated, it could be a sign of trouble with your liver or kidney.

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One in 4 men aged 25 and above has high BP

Figure 22.6% For Indian Women; 1 In 10 Adults Diabetic

New Delhi: As many as 24% men and 22.6% women in India — aged 25 years and above — are suffering from high blood pressure (BP). Over one in 10 men and women aged 25 years and above have high blood sugar. More women in India (2.5% of adults aged 20 years and above) are obese compared to Indian men (1.3%). 

    Almost one in five (19%) boys, aged 13-15 years (adolescents), and 8% girls smoke tobacco. Among those aged 15 years and above, the prevalence of tobacco consumption is 26% among males and 4% among women. 

    Only 23% men (aged between 15 and 49 years) used condoms during high-risk sex between 2005 and 2010, while only 36% men aged 15-24 and 20% women have a comprehensive correct knowledge about HIV. 

    The World Health Statistics 2012 released on Wednesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) point out two worrying trends for Indians. For the first time, the report includes information from 194 countries on the percentage of men and women with high blood pressure and blood glucose levels. 

    One in three adults worldwide, according to the report, has raised blood pressure – a condition that causes around half of all deaths from stroke and heart disease. One in 10 adults has diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease, blindness and kidney failure, it said. "This report is further evidence of the dramatic increase in the conditions that trigger heart disease and other chronic illnesses, particularly in low and middle-income countries," said Dr Margaret Chan, directorgeneral of WHO. 

    Obesity has been pointed as another major issue plaguing the world. In all parts of the world, including India, women are more likely to be obese than men, and are at greater risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. 

    This year's report says that in 20 years, the number of maternal deaths has decreased from more than 5.4 lakh deaths in 1990 to less than 2.9 lakh deaths in 2010 – a decline of 47%. However, one-third of these maternal deaths occur in just two countries – India with 20% of the global total and Nigeria with 14%. 

    The report says behavioural risk factors are associated with four key metabolic and physiological changes – raised blood pressure, increased weight leading to obesity, hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia. 

    For example, in addition to its direct role in diabetes, raised fasting blood glucose also increases the risk of cardiovascular deaths, and was estimated to cause 22% of coronary heart disease deaths and 16% of stroke deaths. 

    Worldwide, 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese can lead to adverse metabolic effects on blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and can result in diabetes. Being overweight or obese thus increases the risks of coronary heart disease, ischaemic stroke, type 2 diabetes and a number of common cancers. 

    Between 1980 and 2008, the worldwide prevalence of obesity almost doubled. By 2008, 10% of men and 14% of women in the world were obese, compared with 5% of men and 8% of women in 1980. As a result, an estimated half abillion men and women over the age of 20 were estimated to be obese in 2008. 

Less than one dentist for every 10k Indians 

New Delhi:India is facing a severe shortage of dentists. The World Statistics 2012 released by the WHO, says India has less than 1 dentist (0.8) per 10,000 population. In absolute numbers, there are only 93,332 dentists. India's neighbours, however, are worse off. 

    Though China has 51,012 dentists, the density is as low as 0.4 per 10,000 population. Bangladesh has 0.2 dentists per 10,000 population; Pakistan (0.6), Sri Lanka (0.8) and Afghanistan (0.3). In comparison, developed countries like Greece has 13.2 dentists per 10,000 population, Norway (8.9), Israel (8.8), Denmark (8.1), Germany (7.8), Japan (7.4), Australia (6.9), France (6.8) and the UK (5.3). The Planning Commission says oral diseases qualify as major public health problems owing to their high prevalence in India. TNN

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Gene therapy may help us live longer Lifespan Of Aging Mice Extended By 24% By Treating Them With Modified DNA

ADDING A FEW YEARS MORE

London: In a pioneering experiment, Spanish scientists claim to have extended the lifespan of aging mice by up to 24%, using a single gene therapy treatment. If this research pays off, then things are looking up for aging humans too, says a team at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre which has published its findings in the 'EMBO Molecular Medicine' journal. 

    Earlier studies have shown that it is possible to lengthen the average life of individuals of many species, including mammals, by acting on specific genes — an approach impracticable in humans. Now, the Spanish scientists, led by Maria Blasco, have demonstrated that the mouse lifespan can be extended by the application in adult life of a single treatment acting directly on the animal's genes. 

    And they have done so using gene therapy, a strategy never before employed to combat aging. The scientists induced cells to express telomerase — the enzyme which metaphorically slows down the biological clock. 

    The therapy has been found to be safe and effective in mice, say the scientists. In fact, in their experiment, the scientists treated adult mice (oneyear-olds and two-year-olds), with the gene therapy delivering a "rejuvenating" effect in both cases. Mice treated at age of one lived longer by 24% on average, and those treated at two, by 13%. 

    The therapy, furthermore, produced an appreciable improvement in the animals' health, delaying the onset of age-related diseases like osteoporosis and insulin resistance and achieving improved readings on aging indicators like neuromuscular coordination. 

    The gene therapy consisted of treating the animals with a DNA-modified virus, the viral genes having been replaced by those of the telomerase enzyme, with a key role in aging. 

    Telomerase repairs the extreme ends or tips of chromosomes, known as telomeres, and in doing so slows the cell's and therefore the body's biological clock. When the animal is infected, the virus acts as a vehicle depositing the telomerase gene in the cells. 

    "This study shows that it is possible to develop a telomerase-based antiaging gene therapy without increasing the incidence of cancer," said the scientists. "Aged organisms accumulate damage in their DNA due to telomere shortening, (this study) finds that a gene therapy based on telomerase production can repair or delay this kind of damage," they added. PTI

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NATURAL SHIELD Revealed: How mum’s milk protects newborn

New Delhi: The mysterious way in which Oligosaccharides, the major component of human breast milk, protects a newborn has finally been unravelled. A University of Illinois study shows that Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO), which is found only in human milk, produces fatty acids that feed and help populate good bacteria in the gut of a newborn. This not only protects the newborn against harmful bacteria in the short term, but also strengthens the baby's immune system so that it can fend off chronic health problems like food allergies and asthma. 

    One litre of human breast milk contains 7-12 grams of HMO. Even though HMO (sugar molecules) is present in higher concentrations than protein in human milk, many of its actions in the baby were not well understood till now. 

    Scientists wanted to find out what formula-fed babies were missing. "We refer to HMO as the fiber of human milk because we don't have the enzymes to break down these compounds. They pass into the large intestine where the bacteria digest them. We were curious about the role they play in the development of the breast-fed infant's gut bacteria because the bacteria found in the guts of formula-fed infants is different," said Sharon Donovan, professor in nutrition and health. 

    With this study, which has been published in the Journal of Nutrition, Donovan has for the first time shown that HMO produce patterns of short-chain fatty acids that change as the infant gets older. 

Kids of obese moms at risk from BP, diabetes 

    Mothers-to-be please take note: Gaining too much weight during pregnancy could cause serious and long-lasting health complications to your baby later in life, a new research has claimed. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy is already known to be causing obesity among children. Now, a new study has found that their is a direct link between the maternal weight gain and the tendency of offspring to be overweight, to have high blood pressure and excess sugar and fat levels at age 32. PTI

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Indians ‘addicted’ to antibiotics? Six-Fold Rise In Usage Ups Fear Of Resistance

New Delhi: There has been a six-fold increase in the number of antibiotics being popped by Indians. This includes the retail sale of Carbapenems — powerful Class IV antibiotics, typically used as a "last resort" to treat serious infections caused by multi-drug resistant, gram-negative pathogens. 

    Research by the Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, Washington DC, has found that retail sale of carbapenems increased six times — from 0.21 units per million in 2005 to 1.23 in 2010, raising serious fears of resistance to these drugs. 
    The Centre said that based on pharmaceutical audit data from IMSHealth's Multinational Integrated Data Analysis System (MIDAS), the size of the carbapenem retail market in India was $27.4 million (Rs 119.4 crore) in 2010, which is actually a small share of the $1.7 billion (Rs 7,953 crore) anti-infectives market, and $10 billion (Rs 46,787 crore) total pharmaceutical market. 
    India consumes fewer carbapenems per capita than Pakistan. In 2010, a total of 1,753,740 units of carbapenem antibiotics — usually dispensed in 1g vials — were retailed in pharmacies throughout India and Pakistan (1,457,246 and 196,494 in each, respectively). When adjusted for population, Indian per capita consumption in 2010 was 27% lower than that of Pakistan: 1.25 units per million population versus 1.7. 
    CDDEP research analyst Nikolay Braykov told TOI from Washington, "Indian carbapenem consumption grew at more than twice the pace of Pakistan between 2005 and 2010 — there was nearly a six-fold increase. In Pakistan, the same market grew 2.5 times, from 0.68 to 1.7 units per million population. The data covers the retail pharmacy channels, estimated to account for 80% of the pharmaceutical market in both India and Pakistan." 
    The health ministry too has been worried about India's overuse of antibiotics. India had made plans to ban the availability and over-the-counter sale of the latest generation of antibiotics from general pharmacies in a bid to end the country's obsession with popping pills. However the plans were shelved. Even director of Centres for Disease Control Atlanta chief Dr Thomas R Frieden, who was recently in India, told the TOI in an exclusive interview that drug resistance due to irrational use of antibiotics will rise in future. The World Health Organizatio has also warned that the world is staring at a post-antibiotic era, when common infections will no longer have a cure. 
DISTURBING TREND 
    The sale of Carbapenems — a powerful class IV antibiotics, used as a 'last resort' to treat serious infections caused by multi-drug resistant, gramnegative pathogens has risen six times between 2005 and 2010 in India 
    This has raised serious fears of resistance to these drugs. Even the WorldHealth Organization has warned that the world is staring at a post-antibiotic era, when common infections will no longer have a cure

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Hail the supermoms!

Smart, fashionable, up-to-date, tech-savvy, kewl... there is nothing that stops mothers of today from being at par with their kids, for their kids

 There was a time when a lot of moms were stay-athome moms, and yet the rules they set for their kids gave any strict headmistress, a run for her 'discipline'. There were time tables to be followed, there were homeworks to be finished, there were worksheets to be filled, and there was a huge list of things to which they simply said 'no'... Bet a lot of us can relate to this kind of mommies who felt the need to be their best, to bring out the best in their children. In this case, being best, could probably only be related to giving the best academically! 

    That was then... The times were different, and the circumstances were different. Though this never meant that the strict disciplinarian moms of that age didn't reach out to their children. These mothers did all that they could to be approachable to their children, but yet when I see moms of today, I feel that back then, there was something missing, somewhere. 

    As I sit back to find out the 'missing' link, I see a picture of new-age yummy mummy dancing in front of my eyes. With no dearth of opportunities, today's moms can be seen making all efforts to learn new things together with their kids, all to be at par with their kids. 

    From learning new things themselves to taking out quality time for their kids, their efforts are too visible in the way these new-age moms go beyond their mundane social commitments to pick and drop their kids to various activity classes. Back home, they are seen spending time with the kids, participating in their interests, being students to their children. And above all, being friends to them... These moms love mall hopping with their children, feel the urge to explore the latest gadgets, wear the same bold nail paints as their daughters wear, orkut their way to the world out there... In fact, today, mums even go out to learn various things with their kids. In short, the moms of today are far from being strict disciplinarian moms of the yesteryears. 

    Ask these hip and happening mommies about this new avtaar that they have adorned of being pals to their kids, and they proudly and rightly echo, "In today's age, it is extremely tough to keep pace with children, their interests, and the environment they live in. Here comes the need and importance to be with them, learn with them and be friends with them." Having realised this, new-age moms leave no stone unturned to enrich themselves and their kids with the latest trends and happenings. 

    This sums up the journey of moms from being tough task masters to yummy mummies of today. While there is a difference in their approach in handling children, the ulterior aim of moms of yesteryears and today remains the sameto give nothing, but the best to their children. Here's saluting this spirit of moms by wishing them all a very Happy Mother's Day!

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Lung diseases & pneumonia on BMC’s top-five killer list

Sedentary Lifestyles And Unhealthy Diets Play Havoc On Mumbaikars' Heartline

Polluted air exacerbated by construction projects, constant changein weather and an unhealthy addiction to cigarettes are taking a toll on our lungs. Pneumonia and lower respiratory diseases like bronchitis have emerged in the BMC's top-five list of killer diseases after cardiac ailments, TB and cancer. A total of 4,203 Mumbaikars lost their lives to pneumonia, and 3,686 patients died of lower respiratory diseases in 2011. The good news is that the death toll for both diseases has dropped since 2010. In 2010, pneumonia claimed 4,666 lives; the mortality rate for lower respiratory diseases stood at 4,372. 

    Dr RohiniChowghulefrom Indian Institute of Environmental Medicine, said pneumonia is an "umbrella term" because a health complication can trigger the infection, which has not one but eight avatars. "One can acquire pneumonia from a community and also from a hospital after surgery (as an infection). There are a number of factors that can cause pneumonia," she said. 

    Doctors say the 30-45% rise in cases during summer can be attributed to a change in holiday patterns and summer camps where children are in closecontactwithone another. In India, 4.1 lakh children die annually from pneumonia. "Less than 20% get the necessary antibiotics. If a child suffering from pneumonia is not treated on time, it may cause brain damage, mental retardation, partial paralysis, seizures, etc," said Dr Rohit Agarwal, president, Indian Academy of Paediatrics. 

    Pollution can be attributed as the main cause for deaths due to respiratory infections, especially COPD. Experts blame suspended particlulate matter apart from other pollutants like carbon monoxide. "White blood cells present in the alveoli can eat up these particles. But when subjected to continuous exposure, the particles get accumulated in the lungs over time. Prolonged accumulation may cause pharynxitis, bronchitis, an increase in asthma or trigger pneumonia along with the dreaded COPD,'' said Dr Neelam Rane, professor of physiology at D Y Patil Medical College.

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A bra that warns of heart attack Monitors Health Signals And Uploads Info That Can Be Seen By Doc

Washington: Ladies, imagine sporting a bra which can tell your doctor if you're having a heart attack — and where to send the ambulance. Well, it's now a reality, all thanks to an Indian-origin researcher-led team in the US. 

    Vijay Varadan and colleagues at University of Arkansas have designed such an "e-bra" which is meant for sick women and atheletes. The bra has integrated sensors that measures vital health signals and uploads the information to a wireless network such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which the patient and their doctor can then access, the 'Daily Mail' reported. 

    Varadan said: "Our e-bra enables continuous, real- time monitoring to identify any pathophysiological changes. It is a platform on which various sensors for cardiac-health monitoring are integrated into the fabric. The garment collects and transmits vital health signals to any desired location in the world." 

    The system monitors blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen consumption and some neural activity. It takes the same readings as conventional electrocardiograph (ECG), and so can even tell if a patient is having a heart attack, the researchers say. The system doesn't require a cuff or any extra accessories to measure blood pressure and could therefore replace conventional blood-pressure monitors. The sensors are smaller than a dime and are made of arrays of gold nano-electrodes fabricated on to a flexible base, they are woven in to the bra material, according to the researchers. 

    They communicate with system software via a wireless module that snaps on to the bra. This collects and compresses the information before sending it over a network to a secure database. The data can be viewed on separate windows for each measurement. It includes GPS that can track the patient anywhere in the world. PTI

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BRAIN CHEMICAL CAN PREDICT IF YOU ARE A GO-GETTER

EVER wondered what makes some to go the extra mile for a promotion or a perfect test score, while others slack off? It may be due to the varied level of a particular brain chemical. 

    Researchers at the Vanderbilt University in the US have found that amounts of the chemical, called dopamine, in three brain regions determine whether a person is a go-getter or a procrastinator. 

    Dopamine does different things in different areas of the brain. So while high levels in some brain regions were linked with a high work ethic, a spike in another brain region seemed indicate just the opposite — a person more likely to slack off, even if it meant smaller monetary rewards. 

    "To our surprise, we also found a different region of the brain — the anterior insula — that showed a strong negative relationship between dopamine level and willingness to work hard," study researcher Michael Treadway told LiveScience. 

    The fact that dopamine can have opposite effects on different parts of the brain puts a wrench in how psychotropic drugs that affect dopamine levels are used for the treatment of attentiondeficit disorder, depression and schizophrenia, Treadway noted. It's generally assumed that the dopamine-releasing drugs have the same effect throughout the brain. For the study, published in the 

Journal of Neuroscience, the researchers scanned the brains of 25 young volunteers and put them through a test to see how hard they were willing to work for a monetary reward. They would choose either an easy or a tough button-pushing task and get rewarded accordingly. They repeated these 30-second tasks for 20 minutes. 

    Some of the participants opted to work harder for the larger reward by completing the difficult task, while others chose the easier task more often and accepted the small reward. Does this choice make them lazy? "They were less motivated by this particular task. We suspect it predicts, to a certain extent, how motivated they might be in other contexts," said Treadway. 

    —PTI HAVING KIDS DOESN'T ENCOURAGE YOU TO EAT HEALTHY 

IT IS believed that starting a family will lead parents to healthier eating habits, as they try to set a good example for their children. But one of the first longitudinal studies to examine the effect of having children on parents' eating habits has found that this is not true. 

    Lead investigator Helena H. Laroche, MD, University of Iowa and the Iowa City VA Medical Center says, "Parents lag behind their childless counterparts in decreasing their intake of saturated fat, and their overall diet remains poor." The study evaluated the diets of 2,563 adults and measured the change from the baseline year, 1985-1986, to year seven (1992-1993) for intake of per cent saturated fat, calories, daily servings of fruits and vegetables and sugar-sweetened beverages, and frequency of fast food intake. None of the subjects had children in the home at the baseline year. 

    Intake of saturated fat decreased among both groups, but parents showed a smaller decrease. Finding foods that children like is described by parents as a factor influencing purchasing decisions. As marketing strategies to children focus on high fat, high sugar foods, these requests are for unhealthy foods. 

    —ANI

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Born too soon? Doomed in India

Over 3L Of 35L Pre-Term Babies Died In 2010, Figure Highest In the World

New Delhi: India recorded the highest number of deaths of preemies, or babies born before time, in 2010. 

    India ranked worst in a global report card "Born Too Soon," published jointly by the World Health Organization and Save the Children, with records suggesting 35 lakh children were born pre-term in the country in 2010. Of these, 3.03 lakh children died due to complications associated with being born before time. 

    Nigeria is ranked second on this list, accounting for 83,400 deaths of pre-term babies. In comparison, Pakistan 

recorded 72,000 infant deaths due to pre-term complications, China 57,200, Bangladesh 

36,900 Afghanistan 21,200, Nepal 10,400 and Sri Lanka 600. 

    About 13% of all births in India were pre-term. And nearly 35% of all global pre-term babies were born in India. The countries with the highest number of pre-term births are India (35.19 lakh), China (11.7 lakh), Nigeria (7.7 lakh), Pakistan (7.48 lakh), Indonesia (6.75 lakh), and the US (5.17 lakh).

    The report says prematurity is the leading cause of newborn deaths, and now the second leading cause of death after pneumonia children under five years. It pointed out that globally, 1.5 crore babies are born too soon every year. In absolute numbers, more than one in 10 babies were born pre-term. 

    Over 10 lakh children died due to complications of preterm birth. Many of those who survived faced a lifetime of disability, including learning disabilities and visual and hearing problems. Save the Children India CEO Thomas Chandy said many factors such as early marriage, inadequate nutritional intake by the pregnant and lack of adequate health interventions were among the reasons for such a high rate of pre-term pregnancy, exposing both mother and baby to risk.

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‘No smoking’ in films goes up in smoke

New Delhi: Bollywood movies no longer need to run a scroll with anti-tobacco messages each time a smoking scene is shown. 

    The government has, for the time being, shelved a notification that came into effect on November 14, 2011 and made it mandatory for all new movies that had scenes showing smoking or tobacco use to issue a health warning at the 

bottom of the screen through the duration of the scenes. 

    An RTI plea has revealed that the Union information and broadcasting ministry has asked the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to "maintain status quo and adhere to the certification process as was being done before the issuance of the latest notification". I&B anti-smoking scroll order: Activists cry foul 

New Delhi:TheI&B ministry,whichhasdirected the Central Board of Film Certification to allow films showing smoking or tobacco use to discontinue the practice of running a scroll at the bottom of the screen with anti-smoking warning, has also asked the Union health ministry "to keep the (earlier) notification in abeyance till the time the practicaldifficultiesfacedby thefilm industry are resolved amicably". 

    India is the world's largest producer of movies, with more than 1,000 films being madein severallanguages annually.Astudy conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the health ministry had revealedthat76%of Indian moviesshowedtobaccouse and52.2%children in thecountry who had experienced smoking were influenced by the depiction in films. 

    Reacting to the I&B ministry's diktat, Bhavna Mukhopadhyay of the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) said, "We are deeply disappointed to learn that theI&B ministry hasissueddirectivestothe CBFC to defer the implementation of the rules on the grounds of practical difficulties, overlooking the public health benefits. This stand is unfortunate, especially when there can be no difficulty in implementing these rules." The VHAI contended that Bollywood stars had a large fan following and exercised tremendous influence on the behavioural attitudes of adolescents. 

    Activists point out that one of the major reasons for the rise of tobacco use among teens is the glamorization of smoking in both films and on television. Backed by evidence that smoking shown in movies tempts youth to light up, WHO had asked countries to enact policies that would severely restrict such depictions. 

    It had recommended that all movies with smoking scenes be given an 'A' rating, with the possible exception of those that reflect the dangers of tobacco use or that depict smoking by a historical figure who had the habit.

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