Archive for August, 2008
Treating Kidney Stones
Posted on August 20, 2008, under Health.
Kidney stones are amongst the most common emergency conditions more frequently in adults.Affecting around 3-5% of the world population, it is seem more in men.Kidney stone is more prevalent in North India.They are primarily an aggregation of crystals developed by deposition of different chemicals.Various inhibitors in the urine usually prevent the formation of these stones, but in some people, this protective mechanism fails or is overwhelmed by other stone forming chemicals.
The most common stone is calcium in combination with oxalates and phosphates.It usually happens in patients who are susceptible to stone formation.Contrary to popular perception, dietary intake of calcium does not increase the risk of stone formation unless there is family history or conditions like Gout and increased activity of parathyroid gland.In some cases they damage the kidney.The most common symptoms are: Pain, urinary infection, fever blood in urine, urinary frequency and burning.
Diagnosis:
- Ultrasound Scan, X-ray
- CT scan: This is the most accurate method
- Blood and urine tests and stone analysis
Non-surgical treatment:
- Stones, 4mm or smaller pass through the urine and won’t require treatment other than pain relievers.
- Medicines like Tamsulosin help in passing the stones through the Ureter.
- Potassium citrate helps in reducing recurrences.
- Those having high uric acid will benefit from Allopurinol.
Surgical treatment:
- Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy(ESWL) is the non-invasive option for breaking kidney stones using shock waves delivered from outside with precise mechanisms to focus the energy on the stone without damaging the surrounding structures.This is an OPD procedure and does not need anesthesia or hospitalization.
- Percutaneous Nethro Lithotomy(PCNL) involves removal of the stones from the kidney through an endoscope introduced via a small puncture hole at the back.
Simply Not Pimply
When freedom is the talk of the day, why not free yourself of the ugly spots on your face that are taking your sleep way?You need not rub fancy cosmetic or medicated creams into your face 20 times a day! Just a few breaths can do the trick..Clear skin is all want! Acne should not be a factor that prevents people from socializing or hampers their self-belief.Pimples can be easily cured.All one needs to keep in mind is that it may take time.Also treatment may not be applicable to all.Skin type also matters, so just because one facial massage worked wonders for your friend, don’t blindly land up at a salon to get it done too!
One of the best ways fight acne is to rid your body of toxins and impurities.Having practiced exercises to fight constipation, add this simple exercises to your regimen and practice the whole set at least once a day to cleanse your system.Nothing works better than detox to make your skin pimple-free.So, breathe easy and smile!
1 Kapalbhati Kriya
Sit in sukhasana or padmasana, your neck straight.Place both hands on the knees in gyan mudra, eyes gently closed.Exhale forcefully through both nostrils, as you pull your stomach in.Repeat this 40-50 times till your are tired.Keep your body still during the kriya.Then breathe out completely and relax.Increase the process gradually to 80-100 times.
Benefits: Eliminates all toxins from air passages, cleaning body and mind; combats asthma and also massages the abdominal muscles and oragns
Caution: If you have any heart disease, high blood pressure or hernia, try to exhale slowly .
2 Sheetkari Pranayama
Sit in a comfortable position, like sukhasana or padmasana.Place both your hands on the knees in gyan mudra, eyes gently closed.Roll your tongue inside your mouth and keep your jaws closed.Now inhale with your mouth to your lungs capacity.As you inhale, make a sound.Exhale through your nose.Repeat the process 20-30 times.
Benefits: One of the best and easiest ways to purify blood; very helpful in fighting gum problems and bad breath; does not let one feel too thristy
3 Kaki Mudra
Sit in sukhasana or padmasana.Raise your hands to the nose level.Inhale to your lungs capacity through your mouth.Close your mouth.Now join your fingertips and close your nostrils with your thumbs.Hold your breath for as long as you can with your cheeks bulging out.Exhale through the mouth.Repeat 3-5 times.
Benefits: Usually associated with longevity; excellent for fighting stress-related disorders; stimulates digestive organs and rids the body of impurities; helps fight blood pressure
4 Bhastrika Pranayama
Sit in a comfortable position or sukhasana, with your back straight and eyes closed.From the gyan mudra and place your hands on your knees.Exhale to max capacity through both nostrils, then inhale through both with force.Repeat this continuously till you feel tired.Start slowly, and sleep up gradually.Maintain a rhythmic pattern; inhalation time should equal exhalation time.When you breathe in, your lungs should expand-not your belly.Repeat according to your capacity, 30-40 times.
Benefits: Supplies maximum pran vayu to the body; removes impurities and also purifies blood.
LAUGH AWAY MARKS!
Acne outbreak often affects a person’s social life and there have been cases where a person completely withdraws from social activity.Never resort to that!One of the best ways to get your mind off facial marks is to laugh out loud everyday.This can be done after a brisk morning walk for 15 minutes.It will not only make you feel good but also provide your body with fresh air and rid your system of impurities.
FIGHT PIMPLES AT HOME
- Avoid using cosmetic soaps or face washes.Clean your skin with besan or atta at least once a day.
- Try and use a medicated herbal cleansing soap, preferably one with neem, to wash your face.
- Always pat dry your face, rather than wiping it roughly with a towel or tissue.
- Never try and squeeze your pimples!It may just leave a permanent mark.Also avoid nail contact with acne, as the impurities in your nails may increase inflammation.
- Wash your face with water at least three times a day.
Chai Gazing!
Posted on August 19, 2008, under Miscellaneous.
For centuries, tea has been associated with mysticism and spirituality.The Japanese and Koreans have rituals focusing on the art of making and drinking tea!But do you know that tea also allows for psychic readings?
Tasseography is the ancient art of fortune telling by looking at shapes that uses tea leaves assume.The process of reading varies from person to person, culture to culture.The first step, everywhere, is to pour hot water into a cup containing tea leaves.Ideally, you should light scented candles in the room, there should be a white table cloth, low-back chairs and lots of flowers to create an ethereal, serene ambience.
After sipping 90 per cent of the tea, swirl the cup from left to right three times, turn the cup upside down on the saucer and allow the water to drain out fully.Now, when you gaze into the cup, you will see the leaves sticking to the inner walls of the cup and forming various shapes.Their placement represent the time frame-the rim is the present, the sides are the near future and the bottom, the distant future.
If they take on the shape of an aircraft, it implies a rise in position.A bird signifies good news, clouds mean happy surprises, flowers are for happiness, fish implies good fortune and a heart would , of course, denote love.
CHAI HO JAI!
Both green and black tea are good for health, as they contain antioxidants as well as cardio protectives.But green tea has more antioxidants.One can have as many cups of tea as one wants in a day but the sugar and milk levels have to be kept in mind.I always recommend tea without milk or sugar.Even children can have tea, as it is good for health.
The very fact that tea grows in mists and mountains lends the brew certain mystical powers, like being able to predict the future.Tea has uses everywhere: In the garden, kitchen, cosmetics, medicines..Use it to dye clothes, to condition hair, for an eye spa, to color hair..It is also a great gift option.Wrap it up tastefully and there..You have the perfect gift for a loved one!Some people prefer it over a bottle of wine!Research shows that tea contains antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and calcium.Tea helps boosts your concentration and determination.So keep drinking tea and make it a good habit.I am come across a drink that is as versatile as tea.
Mystical Tea!
Whether you want to chill out, be healthy or go for a tea reading to know your future, there’s nothing like the stimulating cuppa.Drink tea for good health!Tea connects the world socially, ritually, culturally, therapeutically, spiritually and mystically.While Jpan and Korea devote special ceremonies around the making and drinking of tea, for most people around the world, the morning begins with sipping a hot cuppa.From the roadside karak chai to various concoctions like iced tea, black tea and milk tea with condiments, this brew is the cheapest and the commonest drink after water!
While the British have the high tea and afternoon tea as forums for social interaction, milk tea is perhaps the best form of hospitality one can offer and get in this part of the world.Black tea is usually served hot in Asia and Asia-influenced restaurants around the world.You may lace it with cream/milk and honey/sugar.Some also like to spice it up with clove, nutmeg and cinnamon! Research shows that regular consumption of green tea has reduced rates of cancer among.Chinese men and women by 60 per cent!Go green!
THE CUP THAT CURES..
If you are cold, tea will warm you.If you are heated, it will cool you.If you are depressed, it will cheer you.If you are excited, it will calm you.There are several varieties of tea-black, green, white, oolong, red, herbal..Studies show that polyphenols in tea may reduce risk of gastric, oesophageal and skin cancers if one consumes 4-6 cups daily.Just two cups of tea may lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 46 per cent in women.Other studies have found that polyhenols can help prevent blood clotting and also lower cholesterol levels.In fact, green tea is believed to lower death rates from heart diseases!
Since herbal tea is not derived from the leaves of the Camellia plant, it does not have the same wellness properties.It does not contain the same flavonoids as green or black tea.However, since they are infusions of herbs, roots flowers and spices, they transfer the properties of the original herb or plant part.For instance, chamomile tea has a very calming and relaxing effect.
On average, a cup of tea has 40 mg of caffeine, compared to 85 mg found in a cup of freshly brewed coffee.It is not known whether decaf tea has the same polyphenols and health benefits.Tea comes very highly recommended as a substitute for drinks containing high calories, like soft drinks.
CALM MY MIND
Studies have shown that tea is a stress reliever.Like yoga or meditation, adding tea to your daily routine is a great alternative method of relaxation.In fact, sipping tea slowly and reverently can alleviate tension.Choose a tea service that appeals to you in terms of design and color.Look for your favourite serene spot your verandah, the low backed chair next to the drawing room window or a niche in the patio.Make the spot as inviting and as relaxing as possible.Flip through a magazine or book or listen to some soulful music and generally get into a meditative mood, impervious to the world.You can even do your own tea reading and get an insight into your state of mind.It can be an excellent guide to your past your future.
Full Of Beans..
Used almost carelessly for Oriental dishes, bean sprouts not just have a lovely fresh flavour, but are also good for you.All sorts of seeds can be sprouted, but the bean family is the favourite among sprouted vegetables.The bean sprouts most commonly available in the shops are sprouted moong beans.But aduki beans, alfalfa, lentils and soy beans can be sprouted at home as well.
WHY EAT BEAN SPROUTS?
- They contain a significant amount of protein vitamin C and many of the B vitamins.
- They have an excellent flavour , best appreciated when eaten raw in salads and sandwiches.
- For slimmers, they are an ideal food, low in calories and can be enjoyed without any dressing.
BUY THE WAY….
- They should be bought absolutely fresh.
- Use them soon after buying, as they don’t keep for long and might taste sour later.
- The sprouts should be firm, not limp and the tips should be green or yellow.
- Avoid the ones that are turning brown.
STIR-FRY BEAN SPROUTS
Ingredients
1 cup bean sprouts
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp sugar
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil for stir-frying
Few drops of sesame oil
Method
Wash and drain the bean sprouts, trimming the ends if desired.Add oil to a heated wok or heavy skillet.When oil is ready, add the bean sprouts and stir-fry briefly.Add the soy sauce, sugar and salt.Stir-fry another few seconds and add the sesame oil.Serve hot.
WHILE COOKING…. If stir-frying, add the sprouts at the end,.It helps them retain their nutritional value and they are also crunchier!
Bean sprouts are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals.The process of sprouting not only increases the nutritive value but also lowers the calorific value.Sprouting also increases the concentration of the digestive enzymes which facilitate digestion.Though sprouting is in all ways beneficial to us, remember that the warmth and humidity needed for sprouting is also helpful to the growth of harmful bacteria.Thus, extreme hygiene and caution must be taken during sprouting to avoid food borne illnesses.
How To Heal A Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle is a very common injury.Since the ankle is a weight-bearing joint, the pain and the associated restriction of activities can pose significant problems.Improper treatment may predispose one to recurrent sprains resulting in long term pain and morbidity.
Ankle sprains happen when the foot twists, rolls or turns beyond its normal motions.If there is a severe in-turning or out-turning of the foot from the ankle, the forces cause the ligaments binding the bones of the joints together, to stretch beyond their normal length.If the force is too strong, the ligaments can tear.Here’s what you could do to manage the sprain:
Compression: Wrap an elastic bandage from the toes to mid calf, using even pressure.Wear this until swelling decreases.Loosen the wrap if your toes start turning blue or get cold.
Protection: Ankle may be splinted, taped or braced to prevent further injury.
Rest: You should restrict all activities that cause significant pain or limping.Use crutches/cane until you can walk without limping.
Ice: Apply ice packs on the ankle for 15-20 minutes, 3-5 times a day.
Elevation: Keep the ankle raised above the level of heart.This helps drain fluid and reduces swelling.
Exercises: Simply point your toes and turn your foot in and out or draw circles with it.Move as far as you can without significant pain.These exercises are essential but stop if it hurts too much.Elastic bands exercises, calf-raises, lunges, and step-ups will work to strengthen your ankle muscles.
Exercise to restore balance: Once your ankle gets strong then you need to restore your balance.Try standing on the injured leg, with your hands out on your sides, and hold the position for 30 seconds.Repeat this exercise until balance is achieved.
You can return to normal activities and sports when your strength and balance is restored, there is no more swelling and pain when you exercise or are active and when you can freely move your foot in all directions.
Getting Rid Of Smoking Habit
Smoking is a huge culprit in the onset of a disease and it is one of the toughest addictions to break.For this reason I offer a method for smoking cessation.It is so effective that it often works in just one session.
This method will allow you to free yourself from the types of mental distortions that fuel addiction to smoking like:
- Low self-esteem which can breed ambivalence about living
- Anxiety or depression resulting from too much sacrifice, stress, grief or abuse
- Excessive demands for work and chronic fatigue typical for the working parent
Before you begin you will need to make three lists.In the first, list the things you think you are getting out of smoking.Is it compensating for underlying depression or anxiety?Do you use it to block stress or pain or keep yourself awake?In the second, list all the ways in which your life would be better if you did not smoke.In the third, list all your behaviour connected to smoking: do you smoke at certain times of the day, on breaks from work.
To use this method, turn off the phone, sit back, close your eyes, and begin to monitor your breath.Count backwards from 10 to 1.Then, take 3 minutes to imagine a warm, relaxing feeling flowing in through the tips of your toes.Then meditate for 5 minutes.Now, recall the items in your first list and think about what it is you are blocking by smoking, then spend 5 minutes thinking about more constructive ways to deal with your needs.Next, spend 5 minutes imagining how your life would be better if your did not smoke.
Next think of all your behaviour that is connected to smoking and for each behaviour, think of something that is not harmful and that you can substitute for smoking.Lastly, spend several minutes just imagining how good you are going to feel when you no longer smoke.Then count yourself up from 1 to 5 and open your eyes.Do this daily until you have not smoked for thirty days.
Hot Potato..In A Jacket!
There is something smart about a jacket potato.Made perfectly,this humble root has the potential to satisfy anyone!Many insist that there is only one type of potato that gives us the ideal ‘jacket’, but believe me, any potato will do.The flesh can be transformed into a magical filling thanks to other ingredients like butter and cream!For those of us who do not have the heart to entertain this dish, there is a healthier option as well.Replace the butter with a generous drizzle of olive oil and omit the cream or replace it with some milk or yoghurt-simple.
For the perfect jacket, you need to prick the potato skin all over and bake it in an oven for 1-1/2 hours, depending on the size, until the skin is crisp and the flesh is cooked through.When it cools down a bit, make two incisions horizontally, scoop out the flesh, season with butter, salt, pepper and cream till you reach the desired consistency.
This high fibre, energy boosting root has endless possibilities-here are a few healthy toppings and fillings that you can try.
Sweet chill prawns: Lightly saute one tsp grated ginger and garlic in two tsp olive oil.Then add 100g prawns, season with salt and pepper, then add three tblasp sweet chilli sauce and one tblsp finely sliced green onions.Stir fry the prawns until they are cooked.When done, sprinkle with one tsp sesame seeds, spoon into the jacket potato and serve.
Oriental sticky chicken: Heat two tsp olive oil and stir fry 150g chicken strips with 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder until the chicken is browned.Add 50g diced green pepper and a small handful of bean sprouts and cashew nuts, salt and pepper.Saute till the chicken is cooked through.Then stir in one tbsp soy sauce and two tsp clear honey, adjust seasoning and spoon onto the potato and serve.
Greek topping: Roughly chop two tomatoes and one small red onion.Add 10 whole black olives, 50g crumbled feta, one tsp fresh chopped mint, salt and pepper.Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and mix well.Spoon onto the potato.
Instant fish pie: To the warm seasoned potato flesh add 50g sliced smoked salmon, salt and pepper, one finely chopped red onion, one tsp capers, a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of Tabasco.Spoon the warm mixture into the crisp jackets and serve immediately.
Maintaining A Good Posture
Postures are very important.They convey a lot about the individual’s personality and also affect one’s health.Good postural habits allow one to work longer without fatigue as the muscles work efficiently.Whereas, a sloppy posture will result in a stiff neck, hunched shoulders, weak back muscles and restricted breathing.While slouching makes one look shorter than one look shorter than one actually is.A good posture can add an inch or two to one’s height.
- In a good posture, the appearance is relaxed as the neck, shoulders, knees and ankles are aligned in one straight line.A correct posture maintains the three natural curves of the spine and distributes body weight evenly.
- Exercise helps in improving postures as it strengthens the muscles.Joint pain and stiffness can mean that the body is not strong and supple.
- Strength training and stretching are important for a good posture.For example, if the upper back muscles are weak, strengthening them will improve the posture.Stretching exercises help realign soft tissue structures, reducing the effort it takes to maintain a good posture in daily activities.
- Sot on the edge of a chair.Now lean slightly forward from the hips.Keep your back, neck and head aligned.Hold weights or water bottles in your palms.Slowly lift your hands up bending at your elbows and then slowly lower them down.
Tips to improve your posture
- Control weight and exercise regularly.Extra weight puts excess pressure on the spine and can weaken the abdominal muscles.
- The mattress should be firm to support the spine while sleeping.
- Sit on a chair that supports the lower back.The height of the seat should allow the feet to rest flat on the floor.
- The screen of the computer should be at eye level so that the back and neck are not strained.
- Take breaks every one hours to stretch and move.Long hours of sitting can tire the muscles.
- Prolonged use of high heeled shoes can affect the body’s centre of gravity straining the knees and spine.
Let The Fur Fly!
Whether you choose to wax, shave, pluck or bleach, getting rid of unwanted hair is a battle women have been fighting for centuries.No longer just a cosmetic issue, women prefer hair-free arms, legs and underarms, as it’s more hygienic too.Whether you want to show off your sexy long legs in a miniskirt or flaunt your tones arms in a halter top, there are several ways to eliminate body hair.What’s the best way to fight the fur!
WAX IT OFF
Waxing is the most common method of hair removal.It’s a more long-lasting method of removing body hair and the areas remain fuzz-free for 2-3 weeks at a stretch.It is not pain-free but it helps in regressing the hair growth.Moisturize your legs regularly after waxing.Also, when in the shower, scrub your legs gently with a pumice stone after applying soap to combat ingrowths.Sensitive skin?Apply ice and lacto calamine lotion on the waxed area.
RAZOR SHARP
If it’s quick and pain-free hair removal that you desire, shaving is the way to go.The market is flooded with various shavers-disposable and otherwise-especially designed for women.But hair grows back within a few days.Before shaving ensure your skin is very wet.Allow your skin and hair to absorb the water for at least 3 minutes.This cause the body hair to swell, making it easier to remove.Change your razor once a week and use plenty of moisturizing shaving cream before using the blade.Soothe your skin from razor burn with chamomile tea.Either out cold, damp tea bags on the area or soak a cloth in strong, cold chamomile tea and apply to the area.
CREAMY CLEAN
For instant, hair-free arms and legs you can try using the various hair removal creams.These contain thioglycolate which dissolves the bond between the hair but the effects don’t last long.Such creams are not good for sensitive skin as they can cause irritation or a rash.But always do a patch test before using the cream.
LASER EFFECT
While temporary hair removal is usually done at the parlour, the laser technique is a medical procedure that ensure long-term hair reduction.Laser removal as a simple and cost-effective method that works on thermal destruction of the hair follicle.This takes affects only the hair that is growing.The laser is attracted to the melanin in the hair which is why the ideal candidate is someone who has thick black hair.Within a few sessions, one can notice the hair becoming lighter and finer.This process is safe enough to do done on the face, underarms, legs and hands.There are no side effects if done under a trained doctor and it’s extremely hygienic unlike waxing.
PASSING THE CURRENT
Electrolysis was used prior to the introduction of laser and involved inserting a needle in the hair follicle.An electric current is passed through the needle on the hair follicle to reduce growth.However, this is a time-consuming process and can be very painful as well.Since the hair follicles are not on the same level it can be a tedious task.It is preferred, though for use on grey or white hair that can’t be treated with the laser.
FACE OFF
There’s nothing more unsightly than hair showing on a woman’s face especially today when you have the choice plucking, bleaching or even threading.Regular threading the prolonged friction can cause darkening of the area.So avoid, doing it very regularly.Bleaching simply and quickly camouflages the hair but can lead to chemical reactions of the skin.Avoid bleaching if you have sensitive skin.So believes that best way to curb facial hair is using the laser technique.So time to get fuzz free, what say?
GO NATURAL
Beat the hairy monster naturally!
- Apply a mixture of beasan and haldi with a little water to your face.When it dries, gently rub it off the remove excess facial hair.
- Lemon is a natural bleach.Add lemon juice to equal parts of honey.Apply this mixture to the face and leave on for 15 minutes to lighten fine facial hair.
- While bathing, gently scrub your hands and legs with a pumice stone using soap.This reduces your hair growth over a period of time and helps to get rid of ingrowth.
- Make wax at home by mixing lemon, sugar and honey.Microwave it for a few minutes and use like regular wax.
