Summer 2014
HEALTH& HAPPINESS 4 You
One in three in UK have prediabetes
Happiness increases productivity Calculate your water intake
HOW TO DO MEDITATION
Memory boosting tips
Eating fruits and veg reduces stroke risk
Healthy eating in Ramadan
NHS IS THE WORLD'S BEST HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Cutting back 3g of salt a day could save 10,000 lives a year in the UK
CONTENTS Summer 2014, Issue 13
According to Heart Matters, the journal of British Heart Foundation, if everyone in the UK cut back by 3g of salt a day, it would prevent 10,000 deaths and a further 10,000 events such as heart attack and stroke each year. Most of us eat more salt than we need. And around three-quarters of this salt comes from processed foods such as ready meals, canned vegetables and soups, preserved meats, hard cheese, and salty snacks. Processed foods are the biggest source of salt in our diets, so read food labels and choose lower-salt options, or make food from scratch instead of buying ready-made versions. A low-salt diet means eating less than 6 grams (or 1 teaspoon) of table salt a day. This is the same as 2.4 grams of sodium. On average, adults in the UK eat about 7 grams to 10 grams of salt a day. So, cutting down to 3 grams means you might have to cut out a large amount of the salt you eat at the moment.
Vijay Rana
5 - NHS is world's best healthcare service 6 - Sharp rise in prediabetes in the UK 7 - Understanding low GI diet 8 - How not to get sick in flight 8 - How much water you need to drink 9 - Movies could make you drink more 10 - Healthy eating during Ramadan 12 - To fight memory loss smile 13 - 25 minutes of daily exercise pays off later in life 14 - Fruits and veg reduce the risk of stroke 15 - How to do mindfulness meditation 15 - Memory boosting tips 16 - Bilingual people can stave off dementia 18 - Happiness makes you 12% more productive
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HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU
is a voluntary group dedicated to spreading the message of positive health and wellbeing. Disclaimer: The information available in this magazine is for general awareness only. It is NOT a substitute for the knowledge and judgment of qualified medical experts. We make no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information. Should you have any medical condition, you are strongly advised to consult a qualified health care professional. Views expressed by our contributors are their own and we take no responsibility for their views.
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NHS is the world's best healthcare system During the opening ceremony of 2012 London Olympics director Danny Boyle presented a dramatic vision of the NHS. He reminded us and the rest of the world that the NHS presents one of the finest chapters on our national story. He was absolutely right. Now the NHS has been declared the world's best healthcare system by an international panel of experts. "The United Kingdom ranks first overall, scoring highest on quality, access and efficiency," says a report published by the Commonwealth Fund, a Washington-based foundation which is respected around the world for its analysis of the performance of different countries' health systems. Their findings amount to a huge endorsement of the health service, especially as it spends the secondlowest amount on healthcare among the 11 – just £2,008 per head, less than half the £5,017 in the US. Only New Zealand, with £1,876, spent less. It examined evidence about performance in 11 countries, including detailed data from patients, doctors and the World Health Organisation. In the Commonwealth Fund study the UK came first out of the 11 countries in eight of the 11 measures of care
the authors looked at. It got top place on measures including providing effective care, safe care, coordinated care and patient-centred care. The fund also rated the NHS as the best for giving access to care and for efficient use of resources. The study criticised healthcare provision in the US as the worst globally. Despite putting the most money into health, America denies care to many patients in need because they do not have health insurance and is also the poorest at saving the lives of people who fall ill. The NHS also outperforms the other countries – which include France, Germany and Canada – in managing the care of people who are chronically ill, the report said. Dr Mark Porter, leader of the doctors' union, the British Medical Association, said the fund's findings were "clear evidence that our much-maligned NHS is one of the top-performing healthcare systems in the world." However, he warned that the service's achievements were now at risk. "We should not be complacent... A combination of rising patient demand, staff shortages and falling funding is undermining the very foundations of the NHS, as is the constant short-term interference from politicians of all colours."
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One in three in UK have PreDiabetes
Prevalence of prediabetes has tripled in eight years. One in three adults have borderline diabetes. Diabetes alone could bankrupt the NHS. type 2 diabetes within a year. Over five years, 15%-30% More than a third of adults in England are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, according to research which paints an will become diabetic unless their behaviour changes. This is the first study to look at the prediabetes rate in alarming scenario for individual health and the finances England, even though type 2 diabetes rates have been of the NHS. going up steadily. Studies in the US have shown The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, reveals prediabetes running at 36.2% that the proportion of people in 2010, while in China, with a who have prediabetes – prediabetes prevalence of higher than normal blood 50.1%, half the adult glucose levels but not yet º The cost of diabetes to the NHS is over population is now at risk. high enough to cause diabetes £1.5m an hour or over £25,000 being spent All groups in the population – has tripled in eight years. were affected but, say the The levels have risen from on diabetes every minute. authors, "minority ethnic 11.6% in 2003 to 35.3% in º 10% of the NHS budget for England and groups are particularly 2011, according to the latest Wales is spent on diabetes. affected, as are the figures available. These º In total, an estimated £14 billion pounds is socioeconomically deprived". people are at high risk of spent a year on treating diabetes and related People with prediabetes were developing the disease, which likely to be older and can cause serious disability conditions. overweight or obese, with high and early death. º Diabetes alone could bankrupt the NHS. blood pressure and high The study was carried out source: Diabetes.co.uk cholesterol. by the University of Florida, Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said, in collaboration with the University of Leicester. Lead author Arch Mainous, professor of community health and "Unless we make people aware of their risk of type 2 diabetes and support them in changing their lifestyles, we family medicine in Florida, said, "The rise is substantial. could see an even greater increase in the number of There is no other way to describe it. Something must be people with the condition than we are already expecting." done to address this or there will be a substantial rise in the prevalence of diabetes in the UK." 6 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU Up to one in 10 people with prediabetes will develop
COST OF DIABETES
Diabetes
Low Glycemic Index Diet
Low GI foods are those that are broken down more slowly by the body. Low GI diets are diets which incorporate foods which are more slowly converted into energy by the body. The NHS notes that low GI diets can be a suitable option for people with diabetes as they can help to stabilise blood glucose levels compared to diets based around high GI foods. A low Glycemic index diet can be particularly effective for people with diabetes if portion control is also applied to those foods with higher carbohydrate content.
What does low and high GI mean?
compared to high GI foods and therefore they are a better option for keeping stable blood glucose levels. Favouring low GI foods over high GI foods leaves you feeling more satisfied over a longer period of time, and less likely to feel hungry before the next meal.
What do high GI foods do in relation to diabetes?
High GI foods break down very quickly causing blood glucose levels to rise sharply. People with diabetes refer to The Glycemic Index ranks food depending on the rate sharp rises in blood sugar levels as ‘spikes’ in blood sugar. at which the body breaks it down to form glucose. High Furthermore, for those who produce their own insulin, GI foods are those that are quickly broken down into high GI foods can force the body to try to produce a surge glucose. Typical examples of high GI foods include white of insulin to counteract the quick acting carbohydrates and bread, sweetened drinks, biscuits, potatoes and oranges. a common consequence of this is a feeling of hunger Low GI foods are those that are broken down more within 2 to 3 hours, which can leave the dieter craving slowly by the body. Typical examples of low GI foods more food. include whole grain bread, milk, beans, leafy vegetables For people with diabetes, this can be particularly and berries. dangerous as the ability of the body to control blood glucose levels is reduced or non-existent. For this reason, people with diabetes have to be careful when it comes to eating high GI foods. From Diabetes.co.uk As low GI foods tend to break down more slowly, they are 7 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU less likely to cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels
What do low GI foods do in relation to diabetes?
AIRPLANE HYGIENE
How not to get sick in flight In 2007, Charles P. Gerba, a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona, swabbed airplane bathrooms and tray tables on eight flights to see what bugs might be lurking onboard. Four out of six tray tables tested positive for the superbug methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and norovirus, the highly contagious group of viruses that can cause a miserable one- or two-day bout of vomiting, diarrhea and cramping, was found on one tray. Most of the bathrooms he swabbed had E. coli bacteria. Thirty percent of sinks, flush handles and faucet handles had E. coli, as did 20 percent of toilet seats, according to his research. And though many people worry about air quality in planes, it is the shared surfaces touched by passengers throughout the day that often transmit germs. “Cold and flu viruses can survive up to 72 hours on plastic surfaces,” said Dr. Gerba, while noroviruses can survive for two to four weeks.
Bottom line - Buy products that make you feel safer like hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial wipes. - Thoroughly wipe down tray tables, hand rests and TV screens, and remote devices. - Diligently wash your hands or use hand sanitizers before you touch any food. - Avoid putting any food items or half opened water bottles in the seat pockets. - Use anti-bacterial wipes before touching toilet handles, one of the most infected parts of an airplane. - In long haul flights keep essential medicines at hand.
Calculate how much water you need to drink If you do not drink enough water your energy levels might plummet very quickly. Being even slightly dehydrated—as little as 2% of normal fluid loss—takes a toll on energy levels, says Amy Goodson, RD, a dietitian for Texas Health Ben Hogan Sports Medicine. Dehydration causes a reduction in blood volume, explains Goodson, which makes the blood thicker. This requires your heart to pump less efficiently, reducing the speed at which oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles and organs. To
calculate your normal fluid needs, take your weight in pounds, divide in half and drink that number of ounces of fluid a day, Goodson recommends. 8 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU
Movies could make you drink more Alcohol use is widespread in contemporary movies, often portrayed positively or even glamorized. Unlike alcohol advertisements, movies display alcohol in a more subtle way, yet little is known about how these portrayals affect a viewer's experience and engagement in the movie. A study of the effects of alcohol portrayals in movies has found that positive and negative portrayals of alcohol can contribute to viewers' emotional involvement or "transportation," attitude towards, and evaluation of the movie. Results are published in the July 2014 online-only issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research "It is my understanding that alcohol portrayals are depicted in the majority of movies, 80 to 95 percent, and that they are mostly framed or portrayed in a positive manner," remarked Marloes Kleinjan, an assistant professor of developmental psychopathology at Radboud University Nijmegen. "Exposure to alcohol portrayals in the media -- including movies, but also advertisements and digital media such as Facebook -- can encourage drinking in young people. Since movie characters can be regarded as role models by young people, the manner in which these characters portray alcohol use in a movie might have an impact on the beliefs and attitudes toward alcohol use by youngsters themselves." During the research participants were exposed to eight different movie clips containing alcohol (positive or negative context), or no alcohol portrayals, in a controlled lab setting. A total of 159 college students (84 males, 75 females), 18 to 30 years of age, participated in the experiment. Transportation and attitude towards the movie were measured for each participant after each movie clip. "This study provides initial evidence that alcohol and the way in which alcohol is portrayed in movies contributes to how people evaluate and become
transported in movies," said Koordeman. "Participants were more transported into and had a more positive attitude toward movie clips with alcohol portrayals compared to the same movie clips with no alcohol portrayals. In addition, participants were more transported into movie clips with negative alcohol portrayals compared to clips with positive alcohol portrayals. However, participants endorsed more positive attitudes toward clips with positive alcohol portrayals compared to clips with negative alcohol portrayals." Kleinjan added that previous research has found linkages between movie exposure to tobacco and alcohol and actual consumption. "However, stronger restrictions have been placed on marketing tobacco and on the public display of cigarette images," she said. "This is less the case for alcohol use; alcohol use/portrayal is allowed to be more self-regulated by the industry. Given the severe health consequences of excessive alcohol use, one might consider marketing policies similar to tobacco, which might include stricter rules and regulations regarding the depiction of alcohol use in the media. Another possible option is to broadcast movies that portray alcohol use after prime time, which might reduce the chances of young people watching the movie and consequently reduce exposure. Also, educating young people by means of media literacy programs might create more awareness about the effects of alcohol portrayal in the movies.
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SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR LAST THREE YEARS
Healthy Eating in Ramadan The underlying message behind Ramadan is selfdiscipline and self-control and this shouldn’t be forgotten at the end of the day. The best way to approach your diet during fasting is similar to the way you should be eating outside Ramadan – keeping to a healthy diet and to eat in moderation. We know that that if you’re South Asian you’re more likely to have diabetes putting you at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).You may also be at increased risk of diabetes and CVD at a lower body mass index than the rest of the UK population. South Asians living in the UK eat more than the recommended daily intake of saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat could increase level of cholesterol which is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. So Ramadan is the perfect time to reflect on your eating and lifestyle habits. Make a change this Ramadan and protect yourself from CVD.
1. Spread your meals out Feasting during the non-fasting hours can be unhealthy. To prevent overeating - especially at suhoor - try and divide your eating into three meals. Have a morning meal before your fast starts; a lighter evening meal when the fast is broken, and then dinner.
foods such as gulab jamun, rasgulla, Kheer, Halwa and balushahi.
5. Eat enough fibre Not enough fibre and too little fluid can be a cause of constipation, a common complaint when fasting. Choose high fibre foods where possible plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole wheat roti, brown rice, daal, beans and nuts. These foods also keep you feeling fuller for longer.
6. Have plenty of fluid Ensure you are drinking enough fluid, particularly as the fast will be long during the long summer hours. Aim for at least 8 cups of fluid. The best choice is water, but sugar free and decaffeinated drinks and low fat milk all count. Too much caffeine can stimulate faster water loss through urination. Keep to one glass of fruit juice a day and limit your intake of sugary drinks like fizzy drinks, squashes and sharbat.
7. Leave out the salt Excess salt can affect your blood pressure and make you feel thirsty. Choose less salty food. Try using, pepper, lemon, herbs and spices to flavour food rather than added salt.
2. Choose filling carbohydrate foods Particularly during Suhoor, base your meal on filling, slowly digested carbohydrate foods that will provide you with enough energy during the fast. These include foods such as barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour and basmati rice.
3. Get your 5 a day Fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals, are relatively low in calories and also contribute to your fibre and fluid intake. Dates and juices that are traditionally eaten during iftar can account towards 2 of your fruit portions, but watch portions sizes.
4. Avoid fatty temptation When you’re fasting it’s tempting to get your calories quickly with fried snacks and sweets. Try baked samosas, chapattis made without ghee or oil, milk puddings made with semi skimmed milk and fruit instead of high-sugar and high-fat
8. Use healthier cooking methods Bake or grill foods instead of frying them. If frying, try measuring the oil in spoonfuls instead of just pouring it from the bottle. A tablespoon of oil should be enough for 4 people. Choose unsaturated fats such as rapeseed, sunflower, olive oil and spreads instead of butter or ghee. And try substituting low fat milk for whole milk and low fat crème fresh or natural yogurt for cream. In 2014, Ramadan in the UK is in the summer months and the length of fasts is very long. If you have any health conditions, such as such as diabetes and heart disease, then you should consult your GP before Ramadan to make sure that you are able to look after yourself properly.
Have a very happy and healthy Ramadan. For delicious and healthy recipes please order a copy of ‘Taste of South Asia’ (G606) by calling the BHF orderline on 0870 600 6566 or emailing orderline@bhf.org.uk
To fight memory loss smile The stress hormone cortisol can negatively affect memory and learning ability in the elderly. Researchers found that showing a 20-minute funny video to healthy seniors and seniors with diabetes helped them score better on memory tests and significantly reduced their cortisol levels when compared to non-video watchers. Too much stress can take its toll on the body, mood, and mind. As we age it can contribute to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Recent research has shown that the stress hormone cortisol damages certain neurons in the brain and can negatively affect memory and learning ability in the elderly. Researchers at Loma Linda University have delved deeper into cortisol's relationship to memory and whether humour and laughter -- a well-known stress reliever -- can help lessen the damage that cortisol can cause. Their findings were presented in April at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology meeting. A team of researchers led by Dr Gurinder Singh Bains showed a 20-minute laugh-inducing funny video to a group of healthy elderly individuals and a group of elderly people with diabetes. The groups were then asked to complete a memory assessment that measured their learning, recall, and sight recognition. Their performance was compared to a control group of elderly people who also completed the memory assessment, but were not shown a funny video. Cortisol concentrations for both
groups were also recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment. The research team found a significant decrease in cortisol concentrations among both groups who watched the video. Video-watchers also showed greater improvement in all areas of the memory assessment when compared to controls, with the diabetic group seeing the most dramatic benefit in cortisol level changes and the healthy elderly seeing the most significant changes in memory test scores. "Our research findings offer potential clinical and rehabilitative benefits that can be applied to wellness programs for the elderly," Dr. Bains said. "The cognitive components -- learning ability and delayed recall -become more challenging as we age and are essential to older adults for an improved quality of life: mind, body, and spirit. Although older adults have age-related memory deficits, complimentary, enjoyable, and beneficial humor therapies need to be implemented for these individuals." Study co-author and long-time psychoneuroimmunology humour researcher, Dr. Lee Berk, added, "It's simple, the less stress you have the better your memory. Humor reduces detrimental stress hormones like cortisol that decrease memory hippocampal neurons, lowers your blood pressure, and increases blood flow and your mood state. So, indeed, laughter is turning out to be not only a good medicine, but also a memory enhancer adding to our quality of life." 12 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU
25 minutes of daily exercise pays off in your 70s and 80s Older people who did not exercise received 50 percent more prescriptions and those who regularly exercised were at half the risk of emergency hospital admissions. A new study, published in the journal PLOS ONE in May, reinforces the need for exercise programmes to help older people stay active. It could also reduce reliance on NHS services and potentially lead to cost savings. Researchers from the University of Bristol looked at data from 213 people whose average age was 78. Those who carried out less than 25 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day – such as walking quickly, cycling or swimming - received 50 per cent more prescriptions over the following four to five years than those who were more active. Such physical activity leads to a higher metabolism and better circulation, reducing the risk of conditions and diseases common in older age such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and strokes. The study also found that being physically active reduced the risk of unplanned hospital admissions. Those who were in the most active third of the sample were on average achieving 39 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity and were at half the risk of emergency hospital admissions than those in the low active group. Researchers measured physical activity using accelerometers - small gadgets that monitor all movement throughout the day - alongside elements of physical function including balance, leg strength and walking gait. Medical records were then examined to investigate health service usage over the next four years. This captured visits to primary care, referral for secondary services, unplanned admissions to hospital and the number of prescriptions needed. Being active was not associated with the frequency of visits to the doctor, or referral for other hospital services. The research was co-authored by Dr Bethany
Simmonds and Professor Ken Fox, from Bristol University’s Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, within the School for Policy Studies. Dr Simmonds said: “We know that leading a physically active life has health benefits for all ages, but
this study suggests there may also be economic benefits by reducing reliance on medication and preventing costly emergency hospital admissions. Our findings further support the need for greater availability of community-based programs to increase physical activity and prevent loss of lower limb function.” The results support the recent recommendations from NICE that all GPs should encourage physical activity in their older patients. Professor Ken Fox added: “Until now, very little has been known about the value of physical activity in later life, particularly when people are in their 70s and 80s. This research underlines that keeping older people active brings a whole range of health benefits, as well as reducing reliance on the NHS and potentially leading to major cost savings.” 13 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU
Eating more fruits and vegetables may cut stroke risk worldwide Researchers found that stroke risk decreased by 32 percent with every 200 grams of fruit consumed daily and 11 percent with every 200 grams of vegetables consumed daily.
The findings, published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, came from a compilation of 20 studies published in the last 19 years, providing data from 760,629 men and women who had 16,981 strokes. “Improving diet and lifestyle is critical for heart and stroke risk reduction in the general population,” said Yan Qu, M.D., the study’s senior author, director of the intensive care unit at Qingdao Municipal Hospital and professor at the Medical College of Qingdao University in Qingdao, China. “In particular, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is highly recommended because it meets micronutrient and macronutrient and fiber requirements without adding substantially to overall energy requirements.” Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins and fats that give our bodies energy, and micronutrients provide vitamins and minerals. High fruit and vegetable consumption may reduce stroke risk by lowering blood pressure and improving microvascular function, researchers said. It also has a good effect on body mass index, waist circumference, cholesterol, inflammation and oxidative stress, factors that can affect stroke risk. Low fruit and vegetable consumption is prevalent worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries, said researchers. Increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables up to 600 grams a day could reduce the burden of stroke caused by clots by 19 percent
globally, according to the World Health Organization. In China, stroke is the leading cause of death, claiming an estimated 1.7 million people in 2010. In the United States, stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability. The American Heart Association advises the average adult to eat four to five servings each of fruits and vegetables daily, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. A diet rich in a variety of colors and types of vegetables and fruits is a way of getting important nutrients that most people don’t get enough of, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are also naturally low in saturated fat.
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How to do Mindfulness Meditation According to the experts from Harvard Medical School learning to focus the mind can be a powerful antidote to the stresses and strains of our on-the-go lives. The ability to pay attention to what you're experiencing from moment to moment — without drifting into thoughts of the past or concerns about the future, or getting caught up in opinions about what is going on — is called mindfulness. This basic mindfulness meditation exercise is easy to learn and practice. 1. Sit on a straight-backed chair, or cross-legged on the floor. 2. Focus on an aspect of your breathing, such as the sensations of air flowing into your nostrils and out of your mouth, or your belly rising and falling as you inhale and exhale. 3. Once you've narrowed your concentration in this way, begin to widen your focus. Become aware of sounds, sensations, and ideas. 4. Embrace and consider each thought or sensation without judging it as good or bad. If your mind starts to race, return your focus to your breathing. Then expand your awareness again. The effects of mindfulness meditation tend to be doserelated — the more you practice it, the more benefits you usually experience. A less formal approach can also help you stay in the present and fully engage in your life. You can practice mindfulness at any time or during any task, whether you
are eating, showering, walking, touching a partner, or playing with a child. Here's how: 1. Start by bringing your attention to the sensations in your body. 2. Breathe in through your nose, allowing the air to move downward into your lower belly. Let your abdomen expand fully. Then breathe out through your mouth. 3. Notice the sensations of each inhalation and exhalation. Proceed with the task at hand slowly and with full deliberation. Engage your senses fully. Notice each sight, touch, and sound so that you savour every sensation. When you notice that your mind has wandered from the task at hand, gently bring your attention back to the sensations of the moment.
Memory-boosting tips “Most people get a little more forgetful with aging, but there are some simple things you can do to prevent memory slips and help your brain to learn and remember better,” says Dr. Anne Fabiny, chief of geriatrics at Cambridge Health Alliance and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Fabiny suggests the following tips and tricks: •
Follow routines, such as leaving your car keys, glasses, and cell phone in the same place every day, so that finding them becomes a “no brainer.”
• Slow down and pay attention to what you are doing to give your brain’s memory systems enough time to create an enduring memory. • Avoid multitasking and distracting or noisy environments, two major memory busters in today’s fast-
paced society. Get enough sleep, reduce stress, and check with your doctor to see if any of your medications could affect your memory — all three are potential memory spoilers. 15 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU
Bilingual people can stave off dementia by five years Having the ability to speak a second language may help stave off the onset of dementia at least by five years. "Are you from India?"...An operation theatre nurse asked me as I was trying to reduce a fracture of both bones forearm in a 10 year old child at around 2 AM on an emergency list, back in 1994, when I was in South Shields, Tyne&Wear. (We don't operate after 9 PM these days unless an injury is life or limb threatening) After manipulating the fracture into good alignment under image intensifier control, I said, "Let us go for POP, please get the plaster trolley" "Are you from India?" , she asked me again, as I was tenderly holding on to the arm so that I wouldn't lose the reduction. "Yes, I am from India" "Do you speak Indian?" "Ooops." I was not expecting that question, it totally took me by surprise, so much so that my grip on the child's forearm came loose resulting in loss of reduction of the fracture. "What?!" "We have just lost the reduction on the fracture, I have to re-do it". "So…….. Do you speak Indian?", she pursued. As I started to manipulate the fracture again, I was also thinking about how to answer that question. I could understand the logic behind her question. If you are from Russia, you speak Russian. If you are from China you speak Chinese. So if you are from India, you must speak Indian. I did not want to continue the conversation further as I had more important things on my hand, literally. "Aah, yes....I..I....do... speak..... Indian." There is no such language as Indian though there are several languages spoken in India. Hindi is officially the National language. Almost every state has its own regional language and English often serves as a link language. Most Indians speak at least two languages, but does that put them at an advantage as far as dementia is concerned? They can easily switch from one language to the other. They in fact masterfully blend the two languages into one sentence. When Hindi and English are mixed together as is very common in Bollywood movies, it is referred to as Hinglish. They also mix other vernaculars with English very effectively. Recently a joint study involving Scottish and Indian
researchers found that bilingual people tend to develop dementia five years later than others. Researchers found that the benefits extended to people who were illiterate - suggesting they do not stem directly from formal education. The findings, reported in the journal Neurology come from a study of some 648 people in India diagnosed with dementia. Some 391 of these were bilingual. Researcher Dr Suvarna Alladi, of Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India, said: “Our study is the first to report an advantage of speaking two languages in people who are unable to read, suggesting that a person’s level of education is not a sufficient explanation for this difference. “Speaking more than one language is thought to lead to better development of the areas of the brain that handle executive functions and attention tasks, which may help protect from the onset of dementia.” He added: “These results offer strong evidence for the protective effect of bilingualism against dementia in a population very different from those studied so far in terms of its ethnicity, culture and patterns of language use." Fellow researcher Thomas Bak, a neurologist at the University of Edinburgh, said, "Bilingualism combines a lot of different mental activities. You have to switch sounds, concepts, grammatical structures, cultural concepts. It stimulates your brain all the time." I shall close with a quote by Mark Forsyth - "Ask not what you can do for your language, but what your language can do for you."
By Mr Victor Babu MB BS, D Orth, MS, FRCS (Edin), FRCS Orth, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, West Middlesex Hospital, London 16 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU
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Happiness makes you 12% more productive We work harder when we are happy Happiness makes people more productive at work, according to the latest research from the University of Warwick. Economists carried out a number of experiments to test the idea that happy employees work harder. In the laboratory, they found happiness made people around 12% more productive. Professor Andrew Oswald, Dr Eugenio Proto and Dr Daniel Sgroi from the Department of Economics at the University of Warwick led the research. The study, to be published in the Journal of Labor Economics, included four different experiments with more than 700 participants. During the experiments a number of participants were either shown a comedy movie clip or treated to free chocolate, drinks and fruit. Others were questioned about recent family tragedies, such as bereavements, to assess whether lower levels of happiness were later associated with lower levels of productivity.
Professor Oswald said: “Companies like Google have invested more in employee support and employee satisfaction has risen as a result. For Google, it rose by 37%, they know what they are talking about. Under scientifically controlled conditions, making workers happier really pays off.” Dr Sgroi added: “The driving force seems to be that happier workers use the time they have more effectively, increasing the pace at which they can work without sacrificing quality.” Dr Proto said the research had implications for employers and promotion policies. He said: “We have shown that happier subjects are more productive, the same pattern appears in four different experiments. This research will provide some guidance for management in all kinds of organizations, they should strive to make their workplaces emotionally healthy for their workforce.”
Wash your hands to Fight germs and diarrhoea The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that using good old soap and water to wash your hands could lower diarrheal disease-related deaths as much as 50 percent. To properly wash your hands, wet them with water, apply soap, and then lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing with water. Do not forget to wash between your fingers, under your nails and the tops of your hands. 18 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 4 YOU
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