Chief Guest, Mr. Abid Rasool Khan, Chairman Minorities Commission addressing the gathering on the occasion of “Felicitation Function� organised by Hakeem Ahmed Ali Khan Memorial Foundation on 13th February 2014 at Hotel Grand Plaza, Nampally, Hyderabad. Seen in the picture from (L to R) Mr. Mohammed Salman Ahmed Khan, Mr. Mohammed Akbar, Dr. M.A. Waheed, Mr. Anwar Ali Khan and Prof. Dr. Mir Yousuf Ali, Addl. Director AYUSH.
Abid Rasool Khan assures representation for promotion of Unani medicine Hyderabad: Mr Abid Rasool Khan chairman Minorities Commission said the government wanted to promote every system of medicine but some officials and bureaucrats are biased towards Unani system of medicine on the basis of misconception that it belongs to Muslims whereas as a matter of fact it belongs to all humanity and some diseases which are incurable in Allopathy system of medicine, are cured with the Unani medicines. He was addressing a felicitation function organized by Hakeem Ahmed Ali Memorial Foundation to give away awards to some prominent Unani doctors whose services are lauded by one and all. He appreciated the services of the Unani pharmacy Ahmed and Co. that was launched by Hakeem Ahmed Ali Khan during forties and since then it became the leading manufacturing unit for the Unani medicines. He said the government was fair to promote Unani system of medicine. If some project is launched for Unani multi speciality hospital, he would represent to the government to extend financial grant. Dr. M A Waheed director central research institute for the Unani system of medicine, said there is a need to promote the research activities in Unani. The government of India established the research centres for this purpose. He warned the people that diabetes was fast spreading in India and soon in future India would become the first target of
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the disease. He said the Unani system has affective medicine to cure this disease. The managing director of Ahmed and Company Mr Anwar Ali Khan who is also the founder trustee of the trust, gave the brief history of Ahmed and company that was launched by his father Ahmed Ali Khan to serve the people through Unani system of medicine. He said his father conducted free medical camps in Hyderabad and also in districts. He said the trust was established to continue the mission of Hakeem Ahmed Ali Khan and promote Unani system of medicine. He was critical that Unani doctors were prescribing Allopathic medicine that causing a great damage to the system which belonged to them. Prof Mir Yousuf Ali, Additional Director, AYUSH also lauded the services of the Ahmed and Company and asked the Unani doctors to stick to their system which is becoming more and more popular among the patients. Mr Abid Siddiqui, former news editor of DD and senior journalist Mr Hadi Raheel also spoke. Mr Mohd Akbar, organizing secretary of the trust welcomed the gathering. Dr M A Waheed, Prof Hakeem Mir Yousuf Ali, Dr Wasia Naveed , Dr Hakeem Ahsan Farooqui, Dr Mohammad Mukarram and also Mr Abid Rasool Khan were felicitated and given away mementoes on the occasion.
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A legendary expert of traditional Unani medicine Hakeem Ahmed Ali Khan
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Founder: Ahmed & Company
n the year 1942, the then leading & well known Unani practitioner of Hyderabad Hakeem Ahmed Ali Khan established Ahmed & Company, Unani Pharmacy with a aim to revive, invigorate and improve the ancient system of Unani medicine and therapeutics.
A unique herbal based system of medicines became popular since it has provided relief to millions of sufferers including common folk to kings in those days. Consequently the Unani medicines became popular, since the system is considered as safe without any side effects & reaction. Today the system of From the beginning, Ahmed & Company’s Unani medicine gained more popularity mission has been unwavering: We are and considered to be more effective and committed to providing the highest safe for the patients. quality unani medicines. During the past 72 years, the company has established The business has grown multifold as the itself and make a mark in the Unani demand of Unani medicine is increasing medicines industry. day by day and spreading to various parts of the country. Ahmed & Company With our own manufacturing facility has established its brand and quality in near Hyderabad and conforming to the the field of Unani medicine both in India industry standards; Ahmed & Company and abroad. has one of the largest Unani GMP Certified and ISO 9001:2008 facilities in Managed by Mr. Anwar Ali Khan, who has the world. Ahmed & Company markets inherited the values and skills in the field its products across India and is having of Unani medicines, he has improved and vast marketing & distribution network introduced new products with existing and manufacturing more than 300 Unani one for the business of the company by products. modernising and adopting the better and innovative technology and has taken However, all of this is still recent history. Ahmed & Company to new heights. The basis for our understanding of unani medicines and formulation truly goes Ahmed & Company uses best quality back to many centuries ago in the middle products which includes rare herbs and eastern region of the world. It is a result minerals acquired from their original of decades of observation and research. sources all over the world.
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Treatment and rehabilitation after a paralytic attack Unfortunately, there is no cure for permanent paralysis till date. Treatment in such cases is actually mostly rehabilitation which helps the person to adapt to the compromised life and to become as independent as possible with the help of aids. It also aims to correct the complications such as pressure ulceration (ulcers which arise due to a static position on the bed that arise from paralysis). Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is an inherited disorder in which a person has episodes of muscle weakness and sometimes severe paralysis. Treatment is given to relieve symptoms and prevent further attacks. Potassium helps prevent an attack and is either orally or, in severe cases, intravenously administered. A medicine called acetazolamide prevents attacks in many cases. Triamterene or spironolactone may help prevent attacks in people who do not respond to acetazolamide. A study from California suggested that Topiramate is also effective in cases of children. Advances in surgical management of facial paralysis include artificial muscles for eyelid
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reconstruction, dynamic muscle transfer for the eye, and orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer, as found by the Hopkins researchers in their review. ‘Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy can relieve spastic paralysis after stroke, with better therapeutic effect and no side-effects, but clinical and mechanism studies are still needed,’ say researchers from China. Medication and aids for managing paralysis In most cases, spinal cord injury and paralysis result in the loss of normal bowel and bladder function. So, a catheter is used to empty urine from the bladder. Bowel retraining, enemas, and sometimes colostomy (surgery of the bowel) are done to help people with paralysis empty their bowel. Pain caused by nerve damage is normally relieved through medicines such as amitriptyline or pregabalin, since common painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen are ineffective in such type of pain.
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Is your smartphone affecting your eyesight?
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oday, life without a smartphone is almost unimaginable. And, whether we realise it or not, we’ve become more dependable (or addicted) on smartphones than ever before. So, if that’s the case with you, here’s something you should know - you’re probably straining your eyes a lot. Ophthalmic surgeon Dr Keiki Mehta says, “The problem with smartphones is that you have to hold them very close to the eye. Prolonged near-point activities can lead to symptoms like pain in the eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes from inadequate blinking and headaches.” If you are already wearing spectacles or contact lenses, problems tend to get enhanced. That’s because your eyes have to compensate for the optical aids in addition to the strain caused by the device. Small font size on the phone’s screen also increases strain. Those who text or browse the web for prolonged periods also strain their eyes as do those who continuously use their smartphones in a moving vehicle. “Researchers have shown that while doing work on smartphones for long, users, especially the youth, tend to hold it closer than usual between 10 and 12 inches. This, done in excess, can lead to myopia, especially if you are prone to it. Global reports show a 35% increase in young patients with advancing myopia, which many leading journals have attributed to near-point activity on a smartphone. These problems are compounded by the use of computers on a daily basis,” says Dr Mehta. “Smartphones have now become so ubiquitous that to even say that one can do without them is to deny the obvious advantages. However, one can decrease the time spent on these devices, preferably get a device with a larger screen, do only the minimum required quantum of work
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on a four-inch screen device and restrict the daily e-mail activities to when they sit in front of a larger screen where the risk of strain will decrease significantly,” says Dr Mehta. “Those who use cellphones extensively should cut down on its usage. Take regular intervals and try to maintain a distance from your phones. Also, blink more often as it prevents the eyes from drying. Reading black letters on a white background can decrease eye strain. Increasing font size is also a must,” adds Dr Shroff.
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Do men lose weight faster than women?
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any people believe that when it comes to weight loss, men have an advantage. Anecdotal stories of ladies sweating and struggling to lose a pound or two compare to tales of men cutting back on the junk, hitting the gym and watching the weight drop off. But what’s the real truth? The verdict: Men do lose weight faster than women, at first Men tend to have more lean muscle tissue, which burns more calories than body fat, even during rest. And when men and women cut the same number of calories, men usually do lose more weight -- but it’s short-term. “Over the long-term, the playing field is more equal,” says dietician David Grotto, selfproclaimed “guyatician” and author of “The Best Things You Can Eat.” “It’s not a race to see who can lose weight the fastest. The important thing is that you’re both going in the same direction.” Weight-loss programs often accentuate the difference. When sedentary men and women both start exercise programs, men tend to lose body fat, while many women don’t. In one study out of England, men and women were each put on commercial weight-loss programs such as Atkins, Slim-Fast and Weight Watchers. Two months in, the men had lost twice as much weight as the women -- and three times as much body fat. But by six months, the rate of weight loss had evened out between the genders.
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If you’re a guy, you can thank the testosterone you have -- and the extra estrogen you don’t -for your weight-loss edge. On average, women have between 6 and 11% more body fat than men, an assumed evolutionary adaptation to help during pregnancy. But it’s important to remember that “fat” doesn’t mean “unhealthy.” Yes, women have larger fat stores, but it’s part of their physiology, meaning it’s not extra weight. So if a woman has 11% more body fat than a man, it doesn’t mean she’s 11% “fatter.” A perfectly fit woman will still hold 6 to 11% more body fat than a perfectly fit man. Also, men tend to lose weight where they need it most (read: belly), so it’s often more immediately noticeable when overweight men start trimming down than when women do. Ladies’ fat stores are typically more spread out, which is partly why they tend to lose weight at a slower pace than guys. Even basic, regular exercise -- ideally 30 to 60 minutes a day -- tends to reduce abdominal obesity, even if guys don’t technically lose weight. Of course, ladies also lose abdominal weight quickly -- they just tend to have less of it. “Women with excess fat around the middle will lose it more or less as readily as men,” says upwave review-board member Dr. David Katz, founding director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at the Yale University School of Medicine. “Men are more prone to gain weight around the middle.”
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TAKING ON ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Things that can deflate your erection Depression The brain is an oftenoverlooked erogenous zone. Sexual excitement starts in your head and works its way down. Depression can dampen your desire and can lead to erectile dysfunction. Ironically, many of the drugs used to treat depression can also suppress your sex drive and make it harder to get an erection, and they can cause a delay in your orgasm. Alcohol You might consider having a few drinks to get in the mood, but overindulging could make it harder for you to finish the act. Heavy alcohol use can interfere with erections, but the effects are usually temporary. The good news is that moderate drinking -- one or two drinks a day -- might have health benefits like reducing heart disease risks. And those risks are similar to erectile dysfunction risks.
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Medications The contents of your medicine cabinet could affect your performance in the bedroom. A long list of common drugs can cause ED, including certain blood pressure drugs, pain medications, and antidepressants. Street drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana can cause sexual problems in men, too. Stress It’s not easy to get in the mood when you’re overwhelmed by responsibilities at work and home. Stress can take its toll on many different parts of your body, including your penis. Deal with stress by making lifestyle changes that promote well-being and relaxation, such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and seeking professional help when appropriate. Anger Anger can make the blood rush to your face, but not to the one place you need it when you want to have sex. It’s not easy to feel romantic when you’re raging, whether your anger is directed at your partner or not. Unexpressed anger or improperly expressed anger can contribute to performance problems in the bedroom. Anxiety Worrying that you won’t be able to perform in bed can make it harder for you to do just that. Anxiety from other parts of your life can also spill
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over into the bedroom. All that worry can make you fear and avoid intimacy, which can spiral into a vicious cycle that puts a big strain on your sex life -- and relationship. Middle-Aged Spread Carrying extra pounds can impact your sexual performance, and not just by lowering your selfesteem. Obese men have lower levels of the male hormone testosterone, which is important for sexual desire and producing an erection. Being overweight is also linked to high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the penis. Self-Image When you don’t like what you see in the mirror, it’s easy to assume your partner isn’t going to like the view, either. A negative self-image can make you worry not only about how you look, but also how well you’re going to perform in bed. That performance anxiety can make you too anxious to even attempt sex. Your Health Many different health conditions can affect the nerves, muscles, or blood flow that is needed to have an erection. Diabetes, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis can contribute to ED. Surgery to treat prostate or bladder problems can also affect the nerves and blood vessels that control an erection. Watch what you eat A diet that’s bad for a man’s heart is also not good for his ability to have erections. Research has shown that the same eating patterns that can cause heart attacks due to restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries can also impede blood flow to and within the penis. The blood flow is needed for the penis to become erect. Diets that include very few fruits and vegetables along with lots of fatty, fried, and processed foods can contribute to decreased
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blood circulation throughout the body. Anything that is bad for a man’s heart is also bad for his penis, says Andrew McCullough, MD, associate professor of clinical urology and director of the male sexual health program at New York University Langone Medical Center. Recent studies show that ED is relatively uncommon among men who eat a traditional Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy fats including nuts and olive oil, fish, and wine, particularly red. “The link between the Mediterranean diet and improved sexual function has been scientifically established,” says Irwin Goldstein, MD, director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego. Being overweight can bring many health problems, including type 2 diabetes, which can cause nerve damage throughout the body. If the diabetes affects the nerves that supply the penis, ED can result. How to Solve Erection Problems It can be embarrassing to talk to your doctor about your sex life, but it’s the best way to get treated and get back to being intimate with your partner. Your doctor can pinpoint the source of the problem and may recommend lifestyle interventions like quitting smoking or losing weight.
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Diabetes Mellitus
A major risk factor for cardiovascular disease
Abundant evidence shows that patients with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes are at high risk for several cardiovascular disorders: coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. Cardiovascular complications are now the leading causes of diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. The public health impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with diabetes is already enormous and is increasing. Several explanations are behind this increase. First, the incidence of diabetes rises with advancing age, and the number of older people in the United States is growing rapidly. Second, insulin treatment for persons with type 1 diabetes has prolonged their lives significantly, and with each year of additional life comes an increased risk for CVD complications. Third, type 2 diabetes occurs at an earlier age in obese and overweight persons, and the prevalence of obesity is rising in the United States. The risk for diabetes in overweight persons is heightened by physical inactivity; unfortunately, the majority of Americans engage in little regular or sustained physical activity. Fourth, the populations that are particularly susceptible to diabetes—African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Asians—are growing in this country. Fifth, improved medical care, particularly when extended to susceptible populations, will bring an increasing number of patients with type 2 diabetes into the medical care system. All of these factors will lead to an absolute increase in the number of patients who will require medical intervention to prevent the complications of diabetes. Diabetes has long been recognized to be an independent risk factor for CVD. Prospective studies, such as the Framingham, Honolulu, and
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San Antonio Heart Studies, as well as numerous more recent population studies in the United States and other countries, have documented the excess CVD risk in patients with diabetes from multiple racial and ethnic groups. The adverse influence of diabetes extends to all components of the cardiovascular system: the microvasculature, the larger arteries, and the heart, as well as the kidneys. Because of the increasing prevalence of diabetes in our society, it now rivals cigarette smoking, hypertension, and cholesterol disorders as major risk factors for CVD. It is a particularly strong risk factor among women and among the growing elderly population. In recent years, the National Institutes of Health, through programs of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, has substantially increased research on cardiovascular complications of diabetes. They have also noted the special risk of CVD among diabetic patients in guidelines and educational programs. The American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes
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Foundation International have long emphasized the importance of identifying and applying interventions that help patients with diabetes reduce their risk for CVD. In addition, the growing importance of diabetes as a cause of CVD has led the American Heart Association (AHA) to formally designate diabetes as a major risk factor for CVD. This will place diabetes on a coequal status with cigarette smoking, hypertension, and cholesterol disorders as major CVD risk factors. In recognition of this, the AHA will adjust its agenda and allocate its resources so that its programs may be expanded and broadened to address the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes and to gain a better understanding of the causes of the diabetes-specific excess CVD risk. In the accompanying article in Circulation, the AHA has published a formal statement for healthcare professionals on diabetes and CVD.1 The common recognition of diabetes as a major CVD risk factor that will continue to increase in importance comes at a time when surveys indicate that approaches proven to reduce CVD in diabetic patients are frequently not emphasized in clinical care. This makes it particularly important for organizations that fund diabetes-related research and provide public education and guidelines to coordinate their efforts to educate both health professionals and the public on what needs to be done. Among these organizations are the American Diabetes Association, the AHA, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. In this article, these organizations affirm their commitment to work together for the prevention and treatment of the cardiovascular complications of diabetes. An important reason to become more aggressive about the cardiovascular complications of diabetes resides in the positive results achieved in recent clinical trials. Recent controlled trials of cholesterol-lowering therapy, particularly secondary prevention trials, showed that reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels results in a striking decrease in major coronary events in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Blood pressure–lowering trials, such as the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), likewise have shown a reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes comparable to benefits found in those without diabetes. The Diabetes Control and Complication Trial (DCCT) showed that improved glycemic control can prevent or reduce microvascular disease and may reduce macrovascular disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. The UKPDS demonstrated similar benefits in decreasing microvascular disease by controlling hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and also reported that glycemic control probably reduces macrovascular disease. These positive results call for the cardiovascular community to aggressively treat the cardiovascular risk factors often seen in people with diabetes as well as to ensure that their patients with diabetes are supported in their efforts to maintain tight control of their blood glucose. Overall, results of these trials provide strong evidence that comprehensive risk factor control with drugs and other methods available today will substantially reduce the macrovascular complications of diabetes. The ultimate goal of public health and clinical intervention is the prevention of diabetes and its complications. All of the signatory organizations reaffirm their commitment to efforts to better understand the causes and unique factors that contribute to excess risk for premature CVD and to develop and implement improved interventions. All will emphasize the prevention of type 2 diabetes through their efforts to reduce obesity and promote physical activity in the general population. In addition to prevention, however, is the need to increase the use of currently available tools in the management of diabetes, in part through control of risk factors to prevent or mitigate the complications of the disease and in part through better treatment of these complications. As a result, the organizations listed above will initiate new collaborative research and new educational programs that focus on CVD and diabetes. Source: American Heart Association
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Almonds
For weight loss, skin, hair and overall health Almonds are a superfood, which are high in vitamin E and good fats, which are beneficial for the hair, skin and the body. Great for hair Almonds are a rich source of vitamin D and magnesium and it are used in a variety of cosmetics and creams. Deficiency of magnesium in the body can lead to hair fall. Almond oil applied once in a week can help to moisturise the scalp, improve the hair quality and reduce hair fall. Superb for skin Almonds can benefit the complexion as they contains a good amount of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which helps in preventing cell damage and also helps in preventing the damage caused by the sun’s rays. Almond milk is also rich in proteins and vitamins and helps hydrate and soften the skin. Marvelous for memory Almonds are a rich vitamins and minerals may help improve
source of B a n d t o
memory. B vitamins also help in improving the communication between the brain cells. Good for hangovers Almonds are high in fat and will slowdown the absorption of alcohol in the blood and are a good cure for hangovers. Fit for weight loss If you are trying to lose weight and have no time to hit the gym, try munching on a handful of almonds. According to a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity, ‘Almonds may help you shed those unwanted pounds’. These nuts are healthy and are rich in healthy fats which offer a high level of satiety. Besides, they are also loaded with numerous nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which will help you to lower your carbohydrate cravings and so, help you lose weight. Almonds are also rich in minerals like manganese, copper and magnesium and B-complex vitamins like niacin and biotin, which help to activate the energy production in our bodies. So, the more active your body is, the more it will burn calories. So, if you are hungry in the evening and are trying to lose weight, grab a handful of these nuts, because they will not only help you maintain a healthy weight but also boost your heart health.
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SUNLIGHT
Protecting your child’s skin skin do the following things: --protect against the sun’s harmful rays (UV rays) --protect against sunburn help prevent sunrelated skin changes such as wrinkles, pigment (skin colour) changes, and skin cancer --Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB, which are the damaging components of sunlight. --Sun protection factor (SPF) refers to the degree of protection from UVB rays. It does not include protection against UVA rays.
Too much sun exposure can cause severe sunburns, including blisters, illness, shivering, and fever. In the long term, too much sun exposure can cause early aging of the skin and even skin cancer. It is important to protect your child’s skin from the sun. This can include applying sunscreens, wearing sun-protective clothing, and avoiding the sun completely. The fairer your child’s skin is, the greater chance your child will get a sunburn. On days that are cloudy or overcast, the sun’s rays can still reach your child. The sun’s rays are at their strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.. Babies under 6 months should avoid the sun, because sunscreens are not recommended in this age group. Keep them in the shade at all times. Sunscreen agents that your child can use on the
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Chemicals that protect the skin against UVA include: --oxybenzone --avobenzone --ecamsule Sunscreens that contain substances such as titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide protect against both UVA and UVB. Follow these steps when choosing and using sunscreen: --Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. --Apply sunscreen liberally and often to all parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, especially the face and neck. --Apply and re-apply every 2 to 3 hours, especially when your child does outdoor activities or after water activities or swimming. --Avoid going out in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is when UV radiation is the strongest. Participate in outdoor activities earlier or later in the day. --Avoid sunbathing. --Look for areas that are shaded or covered instead of sitting in the direct sun.
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Pomegranates for overall health Pomegranate is known to be a popular superfood because it is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Also known for its medicinal properties, pomegranates help ease stomach upsets, hot flashes, haemorrhoids, conjunctivitis and several other ailments. Here are some of its benefits... -Experts say that pomegranate peel is good for your heart and blood vessels. -Pomegranate juice is especially beneficial for diabetics since it contains fructose but doesn’t elevate blood sugar levels as other fruit juices do. -If you suffer from high blood pressure, make sure that pomegranates are a regular part of your diet. The fruit’s juice is known to reduce lesions and inflammation of blood vessels in those suffering from heart problems. It also keeps blood from coagulating and forming blood clots and acts as a blood thinner. -Suffering from an upset stomach? Pomegranate juice will sooth your tummy when you suffer from indigestion because it helps in the secretion of enzymes, which aids proper digestion. -Anaemia is caused when there is a deficiency of red blood cells in your body. Pomegranates contain high levels
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of iron that help increase red blood cells. -Experts say that pomegranate juice is excellent for pregnant women since it contains a number of vitamins and minerals including folic acid — absolutely essential for expecting mothers. The juice ensures a healthy blood flow, which is important for the overall development of the foetus.
Cloves - A natural mouthwash
ou can use cloves to make natural mouthwash. When you steep them in warm water, you will have an excellent antibacterial mouthwash that destroys bacteria successfully. Cloves contain powerful antioxidants which have great anti-inflammatory abilities. Cloves can also help to prevent inflammation. Eating raw fruits and vegetables help in scraping off build up inside the gaps of your teeth.
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All in all, a meticulous oral hygiene routine will help you getting rid of bad breath easily.
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Treatment for haemorrhoids
aemorrhoids or piles is hardly spoken about as most people are embarrassed by this condition. So, we explore the treatment for haemorrhoids with Dr Subhash Aggarwal, HOD of Department of General, Laparoscopic, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery from Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. Piles and unhealthy lifestyle: Did you know haemorrhoids develop due to an unhealthy lifestyle? Dr Subhash Aggarwal reiterates this point, “Piles or haemorrhoids mainly occur due to unhealthy lifestyle. So, awareness should be created in order to let people know that one can prevent this lifestyle disease if some lifestyle modifications are made in their otherwise sedentary life.”
Diet to prevent haemorrhoids: One way to reduce the risks of piles is with a healthy diet. Dr Subhash guides you through it, “A major change in one’s lifestyle can be brought about by regulating one’s diet. The diet should include high-fibre foods like wheat flour, kidney beans, salad, vegetables, fruits and also plenty of fluids. Fast food and fried food should be eaten in limited quantities.” Fitness to prevent haemorrhoids: “Morning walks and exercises can go a long way in keeping the bowels moving and minimise your chances of getting haemorrhoids because one of the main reasons for developing piles is severe constipation or frequent loose motions,” explains Head of Department of Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Dr Subhash. Habits to prevent haemorrhoids: Sleep, diet, fitness and mental health are important to ward off lifestyle diseases. Dr
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Subhash suggests, “Adequate sleep is important to keep one’s anxiety levels low. Obesity can also be a factor for aggravating this problem.” “Haemorrhoids are also sometimes referred to as ‘sitting and eating disease’. So, one should always engage in physical activity, especially if one works for long hours.” He further adds, “All the above are preventive measures that one should take to avoid getting piles.” Piles treatment: Dr Subhash Aggarwal, HOD of Department of General, Laparoscopic, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery lists out ways to treat piles. Injection treatment: This is recommended to patients who are in Stage I of the disease and are complaining only of bleeding. In this process, 5 percent phenol in almond oil is injected into the anal canal.” Rubber band ligation: In this procedure, the haemorrhoid is tied off at its base with rubber bands, which helps in cutting off the blood flow to the haemorrhoid. So, the haemorrhoid dies and falls off in some weeks. Infra red radiation: Radiation is used to locate the blood vessels and then ligate them. For advanced cases, this surgery is recommended. In this process, the pile mass is brought together in a compressed form inside the stapler. When the stapler is fired, it cuts and the titanium staples seal simultaneously, causing only minimal bleeding. This is gaining popularity as there is minimal pain associated with the procedure. Also, the recovery process is very quick and one can resume normal work after 48 hours.
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Benefits of hugging
Hugging therapy is said to be a powerful way of healing
Research shows that hugging is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress. Here are listed some of the positive effects of hugging: 1. The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication. 2. Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one’s serotonin levels, elevating mood leading to happiness. 3. Hugging boosts self-esteem. Everybody wants to be loved and treated special. The associations of self-worth from our early years are still embedded in our nervous system as adults. The hugs and cuddle we received from our near and dear ones while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self love. 4. Hugging relaxes muscles. Hugs release tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain;
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they soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues. 5. Hugs balance out the nervous system. 6. Hugs teach us how to give and receive. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive to warmth, as to giving and sharing. Hugs educate us how love flows both ways. 7. Hugs are like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath. 8. The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding.
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Anxiety can put women over 60 in hospital Women over the age of 60 are likelier to be admitted to hospital for anxiety, health authority figures have shown. According to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), in the 12 months to November last year, 28 per cent of anxiety admissions in hospitals in the UK were women aged 60 and over, the BBC reported. The report is part of an analysis of information from hospitals in England, which has been commissioned by the NHS. It analysed 8,720
admissions to hospital for anxiety, and 4,840 for stress, between December 2012 and November 2013. Women were likelier than men to be admitted to hospital for anxiety, the study found, making up three out of every five admissions.
What your hair says about your health Hair problems cannot be ignored.
Oily & greasy hair means deficiencies in zinc, folic acid & Vitamin B 6 deficiency
If you notice abnormal hair fall, or growth, or excessive dryness of your hair and scalp and dandruff that refuses to clear, you need to contact a trichologist as soon as possible. Hair problems are the first sign that something is going wrong with you internally.
Coarse hair means deficiency in Protein &Vitamin A and possible hypothyroidism
Different hair conditions such as dull hair, split ends, greasy hair can be early warning signals for a variety of different problems or deficiencies. Therefore, problems with our hair should be taken seriously, because they are reflective of problems within.
Once the signal is recognised and the reason for it determined and treated, the hair goes back to its normal pattern of shedding which is so subtle that we may not even realize it is happening.
Dry & brittle hair could be a sign of deficiencies in protein, vitamin A, zinc, essential fatty acid & Thyroid Issues
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Split ends could be a sign of anaemia, iron deficiency & deficiencies in vitamin B6, magnesium, or zinc Hair is nourished directly by the blood stream and any change in blood content on account of medication, hormones or lack of nutrients results in hair and scalp-related problems. Hair loss is nothing more than a signal of distress within the body.
Disorders of the body like anaemia, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalance and problems related to general health can be diagnosed by doing a hair test.
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Consuming multi-vitamin pills cuts cataract risk Here is some good news for your eyes as researchers have suggested that daily consumption of multi-vitamin supplements can help lower cataract risk in men. Cataract is an eye disease in which the normally clear lens of the eyes become cloudy, leading to a decrease in one’s vision. It occurs mainly related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The research conducted by scientists at Harvard Medical School involved 14,641 US male doctors age 50 and older.
This sample of 14,641 male doctors was then divided into two groups. Half of them were given a common daily multivitamin, as well as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene supplements and the other half took a placebo. The findings suggested that those in the multivitamin group had lower risk of developing cataract. However, the researchers feel that this finding needs to be examined further in other trials of multivitamin pills in both men and women.
Eye exercises you need to know about Looking after your eyes should be your top priority, especially if you spend most of your time in front of the computer, phone or TV screen. Do you stare at the computer for very long? If you do, you probably know how draining and tiring it can be to your entire body, not just your eyes. Exercising your eyes is important “Eye exercises help the eye both mechanically and optically says eye surgeon,” Dr Keki Mehta. He explains, “Exercises improve the mechanical stability of the eye by coordinating and strengthening the eye muscles. They increase the ability of the eyes to focus and optically, they improve the optical image co-ordination between the two eyes. This allows the eyes to relay a three-dimensional accurate image to the brain, which then sends us a signal that allows us to see the image.” While the exercises may not reduce your dependence on spectacles, they are very necessary if you want healthy eyes. Your eyes are just like any other part of your body - they need rest and recuperation after a day’s work to repair
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and strengthen them. One of the most common causes of eye fatigue is staring for long periods at digital devices such as computer screens, smart phones or video games. This type of eye fatigue or eye strain is known as computer vision syndrome. It affects about 50%-90% of computer workers. Exposure to extreme brightness or glare is bad for the eyes. Exercises to refresh your eyes On a roll: Roll your eyes clockwise, then counterclockwise. Repeat this every 30 minutes. This is especially needed, if you are sitting in front of a computer monitor or studying for long hours. Palming: Close your eyes and cover them lightly with your cupped palms. Avoid applying pressure on your eyeballs. This relaxes tired eyes. Focus: Focus on an object far away from you for about half a minute. Try to maintain your focus, then blink rapidly several times. Then focus on a nearby object for about 15 seconds.
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