Epilepsy - Don't Ignore Convulsive Bodily Movements - Part 1

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells or neurons in the brain become abnormal. Neurons normally generate electrochemical impulses that act on other neurons, glands and muscles to produce human thoughts, feelings and action. 

Epilepsy is a treatable brain disorder. Anyone can get epilepsy. One person in every hundred has epilepsy. It takes many forms such as convulsive movements of the limbs and face with loss of consciousness or short lapses of attention or abrupt jerks of the whole body or simple drop attacks or brief episodes of abnormal behaviour.

Causes

Epilepsy is a disorder with many possible causes. Anything that disturbs the normal pattern of neuron activity - from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development can lead to seizures.

Prevention 

When helmets when on two wheeler's. It can save your life and prevent an epileptic attack.

Drive within speed limits and don't hand out of the door when travelling

Wash your hands ! When eggs of the tapeworm get lodged in the brain, it can result in the epileptic seizures. Humans are definite hosts of the tapeworm and pigs intermediate hosts. We self-infect when we do not wash hands before eating and/or when eat pork that is not well cooked and/or when we ingest vegetables that are not washed. Vegetables gather this parasite when they are grown in contaminated soil.

Heed the doctor's advice regarding appropriate antenatal care and safe delivery. When there is lack of oxygen to the brain, it results in scar tissues which can cause seizures. For various reasons, this can happen to the child when in the mother's womb during birth and after. Such complications can be prevented if the mother has adequate nutrition, adequate management during pregnancy and adequate birthing facilities should emergencies occur.

To Be Continued .....

Courtesy : Dr.Girish Nair, Fortis Hospital

Pack It Right - Applying a Face Pack Correctly !!

Many a times, we wonder why our face looks taut and lacklustre despite following every beauty rule in the book ? Here is where you must be going wrong.

With the level of pollution going up, the only way to protect your skin is to keep it clean and hydrated and use regular face packs. Different skin types need to be cared for differently and same is the case for a face pack. But here are a few things that you should know about face packs before blindly applying them : 

1) The first thing that you should know is that any face pack kept on your skin for more than 20 minutes will cause your skin to stretch. This results in open pores, sagging skin and also wrinkles. So please do not go overboard with the pack.

2) The second most important thing that you should keep in mind is that you should apply a pack on alternate days. This is because daily scrubbing results in erosion of the surface of the skin making it dry and devoid of moisture. This may also result in breakouts.

3) Going near heat with the face pack on, results in chemical reaction in the products that go in your face pack. This leaves that skin dark, patchy and with open pores.

4) After washing the face pack and scrubbing, do not forget to apply a little ice on the face. This is because after scrubbing, the skin pores usually open up. Ice helps to close those pores and avoid skin disorders. Rubbing ice also acts in toning the skin.

5) You should preferably remove the face pack when it is partially wet. This prevents the face pack from being harsh on the skin.

6) A lot of us do the mistake of applying the pack near the eyes area. This should be avoided completely since the skin around the eye is very sensitive and thin.

Source : TOI

Learn the Lingo of Diabetes - Part 2

Risk Factors

If you're overweight your chances of developing diabetes is already elevated, but other factors increase your risk. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is above average if :

• You're over age 45

• You have a parent or sibling with diabetes

• You are of Native Alaskan, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American or Pacific Island descent. 

• You have high blood pressure

• You have high LDL ("bad") cholesterol, low HDL ("good") cholesterol and/or high triglyceride levels

• You exercise less than three times per week

• You have had cardiovascular disease

• You have been diagnosed with prediabetes

Concluded

Article By: Joan Raymond; 

Reviewed by: Jessica Smerling

Warning :

This information is solely for informational purposes.  The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.  IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Learn the Lingo of Diabetes - Part 1

Diabetes is a complex illness, especially when you consider the multiple forms and confusing terminology.

Here's a primer to help you get a grasp on the key issues.... Just the Facts

Glucose

Sugar, which the body's cells use for immediate energy and stores for the future. After eating, blood glucose levels rise. Without insulin, blood glucose builds up in the blood.

Insulin

A hormone, produced by the pancreas that helps move glucose from the bloodstream to the cells.

Diagnoses and Conditions

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune disorder that requires insulin to control. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas so that the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Formerly called juvenile diabetes, it often develops in childhood and accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diagnosed cases of diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form of diabetes (90 to 95 percent), in which the body fails to produce enough insulin or the body is insulin resistant; i.e., the cells don't use the insulin properly. Can be controlled with oral meds, or even reversed, with diet, weight loss and exercise.

Insulin Resistance

A precursor of type 2 diabetes. When cells don't respond properly to the insulin that the body produces, sugar cannot move from the bloodstream to the cells. The pancreas produces extra insulin to compensate, but eventually it may be unable to do so.

Prediabetes

Often a precursor to full-blown diabetes, but can be reversible with weight loss and a proper diet. Prediabetes is diagnosed when blood-sugar levels are elevated but not yet defined as diabetic.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions, including high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides and a large midsection (fat deposits at the waistline), which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

To Be Continued....

Article By: Joan Raymond; 

Reviewed by: Jessica Smerling

Rain Game - Skin & Hair Care for Monsoons - Part 2

HAIR CARE

Hair are exposed to sudden showers and are often not completely dried. As a result, dandruff is rampant in this season. Rain water has the tendency to seep into the hair and penetrate into the hair shaft, thus making it weak.

DOs and DON'Ts

• Just as you massage oil, massage raw milk in your hair. Wash off after an hour.
• Grandma's advice still holds good. Give your hair a hundred strokes with a brush, before going to bed to increase the blood circulation
• Heat olive oil and massage into hair, this helps get rid of split-ends.
• A paste of jaggery, curd and multanni mitti applied on the scalp before shampooing keeps dandruff at bay.

DIET

• Avoid sugar as it promotes inflammation in skin and scalp.
• Biotin is very essential for hair care. Intake of tomatoes, leafy sources such as spinach and cabbages; milk products; and walnuts and almonds ensures it.
• Sprouts and soya proteins are the good options for vegetarians; while non vegetarians can have meat, chicken and eggs.
• Avoid leaving your hair open in rain.

Warning :

The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Concluded

Rain Game - Skin & Hair Care for Monsoons - Part 1

The Rainy Season has started over the Indian Continent and will slowly move over the North-East way.

Before you let your guard down as the breezy monsoon with its pleasant chill drives away the scorching sun, hang on! No matter how much we relish the advent of the rains, remember that it comes with its own set of troubles. It is important to take care of your skin during the rains as the skin can develop bacterial infection due to constant humidity. This can cause the skin to become oilier then usual which results in grime and dirt sticking to it.

Since rains make your skin susceptible to water-borne bacteria, it's advisable to use anti-bacterial face wash for proper cleansing action. One should adhere to the regular regime of cleansing / scrubbing, toning and moisturizing.

SKIN CARE

DOs and DON'Ts

• Go light on make-up.
• Dry your feet to prevent fungal infections. Regular pedicures and manicures will help.
• Don't give a kick to the sunscreen lotion.
• Rub an ice cube on your face at least twice a day to keep it fresh.
• Switch to water-based moisturizers. Cleanse your face just before going to bed.

DIET

• Eat salads and have a lot of vegetable soup, which will keep you warm and healthy.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid vegetables like radish, spinach and cabbage because they might have worms. 
• Eat protein rich food like grams, almonds, cottage cheese, etc.
• Have fresh citrus fruit juices. Even sugar cane juice or apple juice are good sources of vitamins.
• Consume lots of garlic, bitter gourd, basil leaves, fenugreek, turmeric, etc to enhance immunity. 
• Stay from too much animal protein which is hard to digest.

To Be Continued.... 

Handy Tips to Keep Dandruff - Part 2

We learnt "What To Do" in our yesterday's article, now...

What To Avoid :

1.   Do not brush wet hair as it will only cause the hair to stretch and finally break. Finger-dry, or use a wide-toothed comb instead of brush to gently remove the knots.

2.   Avoid gels and hair sprays that contain alcohol. Since alcohol can dry out your scalp, it can be one of the causes for dandruff.

3.   Never wash your hair with very hot or very cold water, as it has the chance of drying up scalp and in turn causing dandruff.

4.   Avoid citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed or tinned fruits.

Home Remedies To Try :

1.   After you shampoo your hair, you could use one teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse. This will not only help reduce dandruff but also add shine to your hair.

2.   Also try applying a peel of lime immersed in coconut milk or hot oil.

3.   Crushed beet root in henna paste is also known to reduce dandruff.

4.   Apply pure apple juice.

Warning :

The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Concluded

Handy Tips to Keep Dandruff - Part 1

Countries like China, India, etc have nearly 70% people who suffer from Dandruff. Dandruff has very little to do with the length of girth of hair, contrary to popular belief. Dandruff control hair spas used on regular basis can curb the flakes. An overall wellness and home remedies will help maintain beautiful hair.

Dandruff can be of two type - waxy & dry, both equally frightening and unfortunately there is no quick-fix to it. Dandruff keeps coming back and nothing can be done to curb it instantly. Dandruff can also be a hygiene issue. The flakes are excessive dead skin of the scalp. The best way to fix it right is to wash your hair every other day, although there are a lot of medicines available as well. But one needs to know the right way to shampoo the hair, the shampoo needs to stay on the scalp for 5 to 10 minutes. What most people do not know is that dandruff could also lead to itchy pimples on the face.

What to do :

1.   Start off with drinking plenty of water to keep your body well hydrated. If your skin is well hydrated, you lower the risk of dry scalp and hence reduce the possibility of dandruff

2.   Use tea tree oil to massage your scalp.

3.   Use peppermint detox shampoo.

4.   Egg yolk, liver, milk, soy, barley, known to contain biotin, can be consumed.

5.   Go for water-soluble B vitamin that breaks down fats, carbs, and protein.

To Be Continued ....

Tips to Stay cool in Hot Summer... - Part 2

Useful tips to beat the Heat.. Continued

3)   Diet : Eat cool

Take electrol twice a day. Mix it with coconut water, khus sharbat or lemonade. This will replenish minerals lost due to excessive sweating.

Have more succulent veggies that rehydrate bottle gourd, turai, pumpkin, lotus stem and the like.

Avoid heavy, deep fried stuff. They contain transfatty acids that aggravate acidity.

Adopt different cooking techniques steaming, grilling, baking and roasting. These don't need too much spices.

Use spices in moderation. If possible avoid jaiphal, cinnamon, cloves as they generate heat.

Avoid coffee as cocoa activates sweat glands further leading to dehydration.

Have poha, porridge, fruits or idli for breakfast instead of dosas and parathas. Khichdi with multi-grain dal, chaas and green chutney is a good option for lunch and dinner.

4)   Clothing : Drape right

The obvious choice of fabric for summer has to be natural ones such as cotton, linen and its derivatives such as mul, voile, or bamboo fabric.

These fabrics are woven in patterns that allow air flow. They absorb perspiration rather than cause it. Fine yarns, such as mul, dyed using natural dyes are even better for the skin.

For the evening, wear mixed fabrics 60 per cent cotton and 40 per cent silk for comfort and sheen.

Open designs allow air circulation.

5)   Beauty : Keep it fresh

Kokum sharbat is the best way to beat prickly heat from the inside.

To remove a tan, powder masoor daal and soak it in milk for an hour or half. Massage it over your body and let dry. Rub it off in circular motions. This bleaches and exfoliates your skin. 

Rice powder does the same wash and dry rice, then powder it. Soak in water for half an hour and rub over yourself. Let it dry and then rub off.

To get rid of a lice infestation, powder naphthalene balls and mix with coconut or any hair oil till it dissolves completely. Divide hair into sections and apply this tip to root. Tie up your hair and cover with a white cloth for three 3 to 4 hours. Some irritation is expected. Be careful not to touch your hair and then touch your mouth or eyes. Shampoo it off.

Put papaya pieces through a mixer and massage the pulp into your hair, section wise. Rinse after two hours to get shiny, smooth hair.

After eating a mango, massage your face with the seed for 10 minutes. The pulp will tighten, clean and moisturise your skin. Wash after 15-20 minutes.

To control over active sebaceous glands, steam your face and gently remove blackheads using a steel remover. Apply a mask of Multani mitti plus besan and turmeric, mixed with honey and rose-water. Let it dry and wash off.

Warning :

The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Concluded

Tips to Stay cool in Hot Summer... - Part 1

Useful tips to beat the Heat..

It's official. Experts say, the temperatures recorded last weekend  have been the highest in five years. The mercury may show no sign of dipping, but you can arm yourself with some of these very useful tips and tricks to brave the heat :

1)   Fitness : A hot workout 

Avoid dark colors while working out as they absorb heat. Wear apparel that's breathable. Give track pants a miss, wear shorts instead. Stop tying your sweat shirts around your hip, you are just trapping heat.

While Exercising, your feet sweat, so avoid wearing synthetic socks.Powder the feet with a prickly heat powder and ensure you dry your shoes after exercise.

Have a glass of water before you start as it takes time for fluids to get absorbed into the system. Ideally, you need 100 ml of water every 20 minutes of exercise.

210-220 celcius is the best temperature at which you should exercise.

Best time to get your body moving is before 8 am or just after sunset. Never exercise mid-morning when you experience the maximum effect of the sun's UV rays.

If you are working out outdoors, try and pace the intensity. 

E.g. if 20 minutes of cardio burns 400 calories, space it out to over 30 or more minutes and do not do it intensely.

Avoid steam and sauna as your normal body temperature is 370 degree C and a sauna will work adversely. 

2)   Health : Grasp ailments 

Headaches and migraines get precipitated by heat. Avoid walking in the sun or wear a hat. Avoid fermented foods  and citrus fruits.

Those who do not sweat a lot are prone to heat-related exhaustion manifested in fatigue, light-headedness, etc. At an extreme level, it leads to a heat stroke or you may be paralysed or unconscious.

Skin allergies like psoriasis too get aggravated because of dehydration.

The body is composed of 60-65 per cent water, distributed 2/3rd in the cells and 1/3rd outside them. When the body is dehydrated, the organs complain through aches and pains. At its worst, dehydration can lead to renal failure and unconsciousness.

Excess sun causes nose bleeds because of excess pressure of heat on the nostrils. Boils and sun burn are also common. 

The best way to counter them is drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and smoking. Have instant energy boosters such as honey, electrolytes or glucose.

Maintain immunity with fruits such as papaya and pineapple.

To Be Continued......