CALM BREATHING - HEALTH BENEFITS

CALM BREATHING - HEALTH BENEFITS

What is “calm breathing”?

Calm breathing (sometimes called “diaphragmatic breathing”) is a technique that helps you slow down your breathing when feeling stressed or anxious.  Newborn babies naturally breathe this way, and singers, wind instrument players, and yoga practitioners use this type of breathing.


Why is calm breathing important?  

Our breathing changes when we are feeling anxious. We tend to take short, quick, shallow breaths, or even hyperventilate; this is called “overbreathing”.

It is a good idea to learn techniques for managing “overbreathing”, because this type of breathing can actually make you feel even more anxious (e.g., due to a racing heart, dizziness, or headaches)!  

Calm breathing is a great portable tool that you can use whenever you are feeling anxious.

However, it does require some practice.

Key point: Like other anxiety-management skills, the purpose of calm breathing is not to avoid anxiety at all costs, but just to take the edge off or help you “ride out” the feelings.

How to Do It  

Calm breathing involves taking smooth, slow, and regular breaths. Sitting upright is usually better than lying down or slouching, because it can increase the capacity of your lungs to fill with air. It is best to 'take the weight' off your shoulders by supporting your arms on the side-arms of a chair, or on your lap.

1.  Take a slow breath in through the nose, breathing into your lower belly (for about 4 seconds)
2.  Hold your breath for 1 or 2 seconds
3.  Exhale slowly through the mouth (for about 4 seconds)
4.  Wait a few seconds before taking another breath

About 6-8 breathing cycles per minute is often helpful to decrease anxiety, but find your own comfortable breathing rhythm. These cycles regulate the amount of oxygen you take in so that you do not experience the fainting, tingling, and giddy sensations that are sometimes associated with overbreathing.

Helpful Hints:

1. Make sure that you aren’t hyperventitating; it is important to pause for a few seconds after each breath.

2.  Try to breathe from your diaphragm or abdomen. Your shoulders and chest area should be fairly relaxed and still. If this is challenging at first, it can be helpful to first try this exercise by lying down on the floor with one hand on your heart, the other hand on your abdomen.  Watch the hand on your abdomen rise as you fill your lungs with air, expanding your chest. (The hand over your heart should barely move, if at all.)

Rules of practice:

Try calm breathing for at least five minutes twice a day.

You do not need to be feeling anxious to practice - in fact, at first you should practice while feeling relatively calm. You need to be comfortable breathing this way when feeling calm, before you can feel comfortable doing it when anxious.  You’ll gradually master this skill and feel the benefits!

Once you are comfortable with this technique, you can start using it in situations that cause anxiety.

Read More

Peanuts - Health Benefits

Peanuts - Health Benefits

Family: Fabaceae
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), also referred to as groundpeas or groundnuts, are an annual herbaceous legume with an indeterminate growth habit.  As these alternate names imply, this unique plant produces its fruit (peanut) below ground.  Once the small yellow flowers are self-pollinated, the fertilized ovary elongates into a “peg,” which grows downward and penetrates into the soil.  Peanuts develop underground at the ends of the pegs.  The peanut seed is referred to as a kernel and the outer shell is called a pod or hull.

1. Nutrients dense 
HIGHEST in folate, niacin, panthothenic acid and many amino acids (including arginine).
VERY HIGH in fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, thiamin, vitamin E, and choline.
HIGH in calcium, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin B6.

2. Heart health 
May help to lower serum triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol levels.
High in plant protein which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and to lower blood pressure.

3. Weight control and weight loss 
High protein and fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness more than high carbohydrate snacks.
Harvard researchers have shown that it may be easier to lose wright on a moderate fat diet that included peanuts and healthy oils versus a low-fat diet.

4. Diabetes 
Low glycemic index
Emerging research has shown evidence that foods with low glycemic index values may keep blood sugar and insulin levels in optimal ranges and may be beneficial in reducing the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

5. Cancer 
Contain cancer-fighting compounds such as resveratrol and beta-sitosterol Beta-sitosterol has been shown to inhibit breast, prostate, and colon cancer cell growth.

Read More

Pistachio Facts

Pistachio Facts

Pistachios -have been know to be “royalty”. Pistachios are happy and are called “the smiling nut” or “the happy nut” in some cultures. Most people love cracking and eating Pistachios, are intrigued by their color and may say it is their favorite nut. BUT, Pistachios aren’t really nuts! Pistachios are actually “seeds” of red or yellow plum-like fruits. However, everyone calls them nuts because they look like a nut.

So much goodness packed into something so small! Bite into this tasty nut and treat yourself to a highly satisfying, body loving snack. Indulgence with intelligence.

Nutrient dense 
1. Carotenoids
2. ONLY nut that contain significant amounts of the lutein and zeaxanthin, which has been associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in Americans over 65.
3. Highest fiber content (3 g/oz.). Provide 12% of Daily Value which puts it on par with oatmeal.
4. Highest protein compared with other nuts (6 gram/oz).
5. Excellent sources of copper, manganese and vitamin B6.
6. Copper is a major component of many important proteins and enzymes in the proper  development of connective tissues, nerve coverings and skin pigment.  Is also important in heart health.
7. Manganese is important for bone formation and nutrients metabolism.
8. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the immune system, red blood cell metabolism and hemoglobin productions, and nerve cell communication.
9. Good source of phosphorus, thiamin.

Heart health 
A. No trans fat.
B. Very rich in  phytosterols (plant sterols  that compete with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the body). Plant sterols occur naturally in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, grain products, vegetable oils and nuts such as pistachios.
C. According to a study from Harran University, Turkey, groups who replaced 20% of their calorie intake with pistachios for three weeks showed a decrease in total cholesterol, the  total cholesterol to HDL ratio, and the LDL to HDL ratio.

Antioxidants 
Provides 464 mg GAE (Gallic Acid Equivalents) of Phenolic in 1 ounce of pistachio nuts, which ranked second after pecans among all nuts. Phenolic is believed to account for a major portion of the antioxidant capacity of many plants foods.

Weight control and maintenance 
A research from University of California, Los Angeles showed that patients who  substitute pistachio  nuts for food such as candy bars, dairy products, microwave popcorn, buttered popcorn, and potato chips  with pistachios accounting for 20% of  total calories for three weeks, did not gain body weight.
Significant amount of protein, healthy fat and dietary fiber in pistachios promote feeling of fullness and help people maintain their weight by keeping hunger at bay.

Fun FActs
In America, pistachios were once dyed red to disguise shell imperfections and make the nuts stand out in vending machines.
February 26th is recognized by pistachio lovers as World Pistachio Day; a day to honor the historical nut.
Historically, they were considered a rare delicacy and a favorite of the Queen of Sheba.

Read More

PRICKS AND SCARS

PRICKS AND SCARS

A prick is a condition where there is the entry of a pointed foreign body particle (stone, thorn, glass, etc.) into the skin, giving rise to a pricking pain with bleeding and inflammation. A "scar" is a mark on the skin that is a result of the body's healing process in response to an injury (which is usually penetrating in nature), in which the normal structures are permanently replaced by fibrous tissue. In certain people there is a tendency for excessive formation of scar tissue, leading to formation of either "hypertrophic scars or keloids", which are not very pleasant to look at.  In cases of a prick, first remove the pointed particle, if it is still present and then wash the part with soap and cold water. Also in cases of a scab, it is important to ask the patient not to keep picking at the scab formed after the injury or else the scar would be deeper and more prominent. 

HOME REMEDIES 

1. Massaging the scar area with vitamin E oil can help reduce the scar mark.

2. Vitamin C speeds up the healing process and so food items rich in this vitamin should be taken during this period.

3. A mixture of quicklime and turmeric has antiseptic properties and so the mixture helps to disintegrate any speck of the foreign body that may be left inside the injured part.

4. In case of a glass splinter not completely  removed from the skin, apply a paste of potato and ginger over the spot  or  press tobacco dust and then dress the spot. This should be done repeatedly for a few times and then the speck usually comes out successfully.

5. Rub cocoa butter on the scar tissue twice daily.

6. For healthy scar formation, increase the protein and zinc intake in the diet by taking in more of fish, lean meat, low-fat dairy products, soyabeans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, whole-grain breads etc.

Read More

DIETARY ZINC

DIETARY ZINC

Zinc is vital in the absorption and action of many vitamins. It is essential for the maintenance of growth, development, cell division, protein and DNA synthesis. It is a component of insulin and is necessary for proper skin, nail and hair growth and appearance. Zinc is also very useful for the fast and healthy healing of cuts and burns because we need zinc in so many enzymatic activities in repair work. Zinc supplements are
needed in diabetes, hearing affections and brain functions.  The sources of zinc are brewer‟s yeast, egg yolk, fish, lamb chops, legumes, lima beans, liver, meat, mushrooms, oysters, pecans, poultry, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafood, soybeans and whole grains. Indications of deficiency include:
1.   Fatigue. 
2.   Prolonged healing of wounds. 
3.   Smell and taste dysfunctions.  
4.   Stretch marks on the skin. 
5.   White spots on the fingernails. 
6.   It causes dwarfism since it retards growth and maturity and produces anemia. 

Read More

DIETARY IODINE

DIETARY IODINE 

Iodine is associated with the synthesis of thyroxine and thus is required for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine plays a major role in regulating the production of energy and stimulates the rate of metabolism. Persons living in coastal regions usually receive an adequate supply of iodine because of its high content in seafood and kelp. Thus to protect the inland population from "goiter", a small amount of iodine is often added by manufacturers of table salt (called as iodized salt).
Iodine deficiencies may lead to:

1. Obesity.
2. Sluggishness. 
3. Slowed mental reactions. 
4. Hardening of the arteries. 

Read More

CRACKS ON THE SOLES OF THE FEET

CRACKS ON THE SOLES OF THE FEET 

The skin of the soles can crack when they dry up and leave painful slits that occasionally bleed if the cracks are deep. These cracks are ugly to look at. The cracks usually occur on the heel and between the toes and if the spot gets infected, they become very painful and suppurate. Women who wear open-backed high-heeled shoes and those who walk bare feet throughout the day are more prone to these kinds of cracks.

HOME REMEDIES 
1. Soak the feet in warm water twice daily for twenty minutes and then pat them dry.
2. The soles are massaged with sesame or castor oil (arandi) and hot water fomentation is done.
3. Oil from the shell of cashewnut is applied locally.
4. Juice of unripe mango or mango leaves is used as a dressing.

Read More

FEVER - HOME REMEDIES

FEVER - HOME REMEDIES

Source: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

Fever is the body's natural defense mechanism and a good sign to indicate that the body is fighting against invading organisms, but it can also occur from overexposure to heat or cold. When the body temperature goes over the normal level (which is 98.6 degrees F in the mouth and 97.6 degrees F in the armpit), it is termed as 'fever'. Some of the other symptoms which indicate that a person is suffering from fever are - hot, dry or flushed skin, chilliness, shivering, a rapid or slow pulse, malaise, bodyache, decreased appetite, thirst, headache, cold and cough etc.  If the person feels hot and sweaty, taking a lukewarm bath will help the body to cool off slowly. Consult your doctor, if the fever lasts for more than three days or if the temperature is more than 101 degrees F or if the fever is associated with severe headache, stiff neck, rash, confusion, back pain, excessive vomiting, excessive diarrhea, painful urination or in cases where the patient becomes vague or comatose along with the fever.  

HOME REMEDIES 

1. Eat minimum if required, but drink more fluids. Light coffee and tea are useful beverages to bring down the fever and increase the perspiration, because of the caffeine content in it. Give more of warm soups (preferably vegetable and onion juice), ginger ale and diluted fresh fruit juices (especially ones made from apples, oranges, grapes, cherries and pineapple).

2. The juice of half a lemon and a tablespoonful of honey when mixed with some warm water provide energy to the person.

3. Orange juice is the ideal liquid food in fevers, since it provides energy, increases the urine output and thus helps to flush out the toxins from the body naturally. In the start of the fever it is useful to keep the person only on  warm orange juice, given every two hours for a period of twelve hours and then slowly start giving the person all kinds of fruits for a day or two, followed gradually by a well-balanced food diet.

4. Half a glass of fresh grapefruit (chakotra) juice should be taken with an equal quantity of water twice daily. It not only quenches thirst but will also remove the burning sensation produced by the fever.

5. Soak about twenty-five raisins in half a cup of water and then crush them in the same water. They are then strained and the skin discarded. The raisin-water thus prepared becomes a tonic, to which half a teaspoonful of  limejuice is added to enhance its taste and usefulness. This should be taken twice daily.

6. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and take it twice daily.

7. Tea made from fenugreek (methi) seeds is to be taken twice daily. It acts as a useful cleanser and is a soothing drink during fever.

8. Coriander seed (dhania) decoction with little milk and sugar is also useful.

9. Chew a few garlic cloves or have a little bit of garlic juice three to four times daily to decrease the fever.

10. Cumin seeds (jeera), preferably in the powdered form, in combination with old jaggery are given in the form of small pills at bedtime to induce perspiration.

11. Mix a quarter teaspoonful of pepper powder with a teaspoonful of honey and a teaspoon of ginger juice and give it to the patient three to four times daily.

12. The juice of holy basil (tulsi) leaves mixed with some ginger juice should be taken twice daily for relief. Adding crushed ginger to tea during its preparation also helps.

13. Mix a few teaspoonfuls of onion juice and honey in equal quantities, and add a pinch of black pepper to it and take it thrice daily.

14. A liberal intake of rice starch (liquid) acts as a diuretic and thus reduces the fever after increasing the urination.

15. The juice of tender leaves of tamarind (imli) tree is useful.

Read More

CATARACT - HOME REMEDIES

CATARACT - HOME REMEDIES

Source :http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

The gradual loss of transparency of the lens of the eye, resulting in cloudy or distorted vision (because of blockage of the passage of light through it) due to lack of proper nourishment to the lens, optic nerves and muscles is termed as "cataract". Cataracts are usually common in the elderly but can also occur in newborn babies as a result of some infection. Other causes of cataract are stress and strain; excessive intake of alcoholic drinks, sugar and salt; dietetic errors; smoking; certain physical ailments like gastro-intestinal or gall-bladder disturbances; diabetes; vitamin deficiencies; fatty acid intolerance; aging; radiation; side-effects of drugs like steroids; etc. The first sign that the patient comes with is of blurred vision, which is better in twilight and worse in full daylight. As the disease progresses, the patient may complain of double vision, spots  in the area of vision or both. In advanced stages, objects and persons may appear as mere blobs of light and there is a grayish-white discoloration in the pupil. Avoid exposure to excessive heat and sun.

HOME REMEDIES 

1. The patient is advised to  include the following items in daily diet -rice, wheat, moong dal, banana (both ripe and green), methi, spinach (palak), patola, drumsticks (saijan ki phalli), ladyfingers, grapes, pomegranate (anar), apples and oranges. Pungent, bitter, sour and salty food preparations should be avoided. Do not use sea-salt; use only rock salt and that too in small quantities. Cow's ghee, milk and butter in limited amounts are useful. Potatoes (especially if boiled), white bread, cream, refined cereals, alcoholic drinks, strong tea or coffee, pickles and sauces should be avoided.

2. Taking a lot of fresh fruits (especially citrus fruits like oranges, grapes and lemons) and vegetables (like carrots, broccoli) help in providing the necessary vitamins, which prove to be useful.

3. Increase your intake of Vitamin E (found in vegetable oils, wheat germ and nuts); beta-carotene (found in yellow, orange and green leafy vegetables) and selenium (found in whole-grain cereals, brown rice and oatmeal).

4. In the initial stages, when the cataract starts developing, use juice of lemon as an eye drop twice a day for several days.

5. A mixture of carrot and beetroot juice, taken twice daily, is an efficacious remedy for cataract.

6. Garlic cloves if chewed raw daily can clear the crystalline lens of the eye.

7. A few drops of pure unprocessed honey if taken orally or if put in the eye tends to be useful.

8. Spread the peeled, grated raw potato between pieces of gauze and place it over the eyelid for an hour or more each day.

9. Place two drops of linseed oil or cod liver oil in the affected eye each night.

10. Take about seven to eight kernels of almonds and ground it into a powder along with half a gram of black pepper in half a cup of water and add a teaspoonful of sugar to it. This drink will help regain the vision to some extent.

11. An equal quantity of aniseed (saunf)and coriander powder is mixed with one teaspoonful of brown sugar and taken twice daily to improve vision.

Read More

STYE - HOME REMEDIES

STYE - HOME REMEDIES

A 'stye' is a small, painful, red boil or abscess, which is the result of an inflamed and infected hair follicle or an infection of one or more of the sebaceous glands lining the edge of the eyelid. This condition can occur by itself or it can be associated with inflammation of the conjunctiva or the iris. The staphylococcus organism is the one of the most common causative factors for this condition.  

Plucking the infected eyelash or applying warm, moist compresses usually helps to break open the stye and drain out the pus. Avoid applying any eye makeup since that will hamper the healing process. The patient should give proper rest to his eyes and not remain awake for long at night. He should avoid reading and straining his eyes too much. 

HOME REMEDIES

1. Take a lot of fresh juicy fruits and raw  or  lightly cooked green vegetables and some nuts and dry fruits like walnuts, dates, raisins, figs (anjeer), etc.

2. Soak a few almonds overnight and then the next morning grind it into a paste and take this regularly after meals for a few days.

3. Adding a few drops of rose water in the eye proves to be soothing.

4. Make a poultice of black tea and place it moist over the eye especially at night on going off to sleep.

5. Applying a paste made from cloves (lavang) over the stye helps.

6. A paste made from red sandalwood known as raktachandan when applied locally over the stye, acts as an astringent and has a cooling effect.

7. A paste made from red lead (sindoor) moistened with water should be applied locally on the stye.

8. Aloe Vera gel can be applied to the stye several times daily.

Read More

MYOPIA - SHORTSIGHTEDNESS

MYOPIA - SHORTSIGHTEDNESS

Myopia or shortsightedness refers to the inability to see or hazy or blurred vision on seeing things that are at a distance; e.g. the blackboard at school, the screen in a cinema hall or the TV screen may start looking blurred and the eyes of the sufferer may start watering due to the strain on the eyes. There may be itching and heaviness in the eyes and the patient may complain of a mild headache due to the eyestrain. Myopia may
result especially in cases where the child or the person is reading in dim light, reading in moving vehicles or from watching too much of television. The other causes of myopia are mental strain, wrong food habits and improper blood and nerve supply. Mental strain correspondingly puts physical strain on the eyes, their muscles and nerves.

EYE MUSCLE  EXERCISES

A. All eye muscle exercises should be performed while being seated comfortably and in a relaxed atmosphere.

B. Move the eyes up gently and slowly in a circle, then move them down in the reverse direction. Do this four times and then rest for a second or two and repeat the movement two to three times, using minimum effort. Do this a few times daily.

C. Rotate the neck in circles and semi-circles. Move the shoulder clockwise and anti-clockwise briskly, drawing them up as far as possible several times. Bend the head forwards and backwards as far as possible several times. Turn the head to the right and to the left as far as possible several times. These exercises help to loosen up and relax the contracted neck muscles that may restrict blood supply to the head.

D. Keep the head still and relaxed and gently move the eyes up and down six times. Repeat the same movement 2-3 times at two-second intervals. The eyes should move slowly and regularly as far down as possible and then as far up as possible.

E. Move the eyes from side to side as far as possible, without any force or jerky movements six times. Repeat this two to three times daily.

F. Sit on a bench facing the sun with your eyes closed and gently turn the head from side to side several times for about ten minutes. Then open the eyes and blink about ten times at the sun and then look at some greenery. This helps to relieve shortsightedness.

G. Hold the index finger of the right hand about eight inches in front of the eyes, then look from the finger to any other large object ten or more feet away (e.g. the door or  the window). Look from one to the other ten times. Do this exercise frequently throughout the day.

H. Splash plain, cold water several times on the eyes when closed. This helps to cool the eyes and boosts its blood supply.

HOME REMEDIES

1. Natural, uncooked foods especially fresh fruits (like oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, cherries) and fresh green vegetables (like lettuce, cabbage, spinach and turnip tops), root vegetables (like potatoes, turnips, carrots, onions and beetroots), nuts, dry fruits and dairy products should be taken liberally. Jams, pastries, refined and processed products, white bread, tea, coffee, meat, fish and eggs are better to be avoided. Genuine wholemeal bread is useful.

2. Having  a diet rich in vitamin A is of utmost importance. The rich sources of this vitamin are raw spinach (palak), lettuce, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, turnip tops, green peas, soya beans, cod liver oil, fresh milk and its cream, cheese, butter, egg yolk, liver, wheat germ, oranges and dates. If the person wants to just take a supplement, 25,000 IU of Vitamin A is recommended.

3. Two glasses of carrot juice should be taken daily for a few months.

4. Instill two drops of black holy basil (tulsi) juice into the eyes daily at bedtime.

5. Bilberry is a well-known herb for poor vision. It can be taken in the capsule form -one capsule thrice daily or 15-40 drops of the extract of the herb is taken in water or juice thrice daily.

6. Putting a few drops of castor oil (arandi) into  each eye and rubbing some on the top of the scalp before bath helps.

Read More

BED WETTING - HOME REMEDIES

BED WETTING - HOME REMEDIES

Bed-wetting or sleep wetting refers to involuntary passage of urine in sleep, which is usually at night and then is termed as 'nocturnal enuresis'. This is a common problem in children upto the age of five years, but it can occur in children upto the age of fifteen years or more. Women may become incontinent after hysterectomy or after numerous pregnancies (due to the weakened pelvic muscles). An enlarged prostate is often responsible for enuresis in the males. Bedwetting in a child occurs either because of genetic inheritance or because the nervous system is not yet mature enough to control the bladder; but the usual causes of bedwetting  in a child is some kind of fear, stress, anxiety or some other emotional or psychological disturbances. About 5-10% of the cases can result from some pathology like childhood diabetes, paralysis of the spine, epilepsy, urinary tract infections, threadworms, etc. Treating the cause of the enuresis is of utmost importance to stop the habit completely.

Reduce the amount of fluid just before the child goes to bed. Make the child urinate before he goes off to sleep and also wake him up in the middle of the night to urinate. Do not punish the child or be too overanxious about the problem. Whipping the child or punishing him is no solution to the problem. He should not be humiliated in front of other family members since that will only increase the problem. The child doesn't do it in purpose and has often no control over this problem. He should be shown affection and an atmosphere of friendship should be created amongst his brothers and sisters. The child should be talked to and taken for a walk by the parents every evening to help him overcome any fear if present and make him feel more secure and loved. In cases of bed wetting in elderly children, make them learn exercises and gymnastics to make their will stronger and to make them exercise better control over their bladder.


HOME REMEDIES 

1. The children should not be given food that can increase the quantity of urine, especially in the night; like asparagus, celery, cucumbers, watermelons, etc. Also avoid giving chocolates, tea, coffee, milk, soft drinks and spicy or sour food.

2. Give a small piece of jaggery or jaggery laddoos at bedtime to the child who bed wets.

3. Give a tablespoonful of pure, raw honey at bedtime regularly for a month.

4. Chewing cinnamon (tuj) sticks just before retiring is thought to have an astringent effect on the urinary system and thus prevents any bedwetting.

5. Make a powder from one tablespoonful of black sesame seeds (til) and one teaspoonful of aniseeds (saunf) and mix it with two tablespoonfuls of jaggery and give it to the child twice  daily. This helps to strengthen the bladder.

6. Make the child swallow half teaspoonful of gingelly with quarter teaspoonful of ajwain with a little water.

7. Give two walnuts (akhrot) and a few raisins daily to the child.

Read More

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis

Source: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

'Conjunctivitis' (or pinkeye) is a term used to signify an inflammation of the conjunctiva (a thin membrane covering the white part of the eye) resulting in red, itchy, watery eyes and is also accompanied by a yellowish, crusty discharge. The common causes are entry of some foreign body into the eye like dust or some polluting factors; or an infection resulting from some bacteria or viruses; or some kind of allergy.  It can spread by hand-to-hand contact and so it can be contagious. Also remove the contact lenses once you feel that you have an irritation in the eye since it could aggravate the condition. Wear glasses instead of the lens. Applying a cold compress over the eyes is very soothing and also decreases the irritation in the eyes. In cases where there is some discharge oozing from the eyes make it a point to wash or wipe the eyes with a wet cloth every few hours. The crusty, sticky margins can be cleaned by dipping a cottonball in a solution made by dissolving a quarter teaspoonful of salt in a tablespoonful of warm water and rub it along the eyelash.

HOME REMEDIES

1. Food items rich in Vitamin A (like carrots, green leafy vegetables, mangoes, milk and milk products, papayas, pumpkin, tomatoes, etc.) and Vitamin B2 (almonds, bananas, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, milk, tomatoes, etc.) should be taken in more quantities. Avoid excessive intake of starchy and sugary foods.

2. Drink a glass of lemon juice before breakfast. Also instilling a few drops of limejuice in the eye is useful.

3. Placing a thin slice of raw cucumber  or  raw potato over the eyelids proves to be soothing.

4. A drop  or  two of honey is poured into the inflamed eyes to give immediate relief.

5. Drinking a glass of carrot and spinach (palak) juice in equal quantities daily is useful for the eyes.

6. Apply a cloth-wrapped poultice of warm, cooked apples over the eyelids.

7. A decoction made from coriander seeds (dhania) in water is useful to relieve the burning pain and swelling of conjunctivitis.

8. Applying compresses of moistened, cold tea bags proves to be useful.

9. The juice of Indian gooseberry (amla) mixed with honey is useful when taken twice daily.

10. A decoction of turmeric is cooling to the eyes and so is used as eyewash or as a compress over the eyes.

11. Clear coconut water is a useful eyewash because of its nutritive, non-irritant and soothing effect.

12. For soothing eyewash, stir a quarter teaspoon of baking soda or honey in half a cup of water.

13. An infusion is made from the herb Eyebright and taken in small glassful doses thrice daily.

Read More

IRRITATION IN THE EYE

IRRITATION IN THE EYE

source: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

Irritation of the eye can result from presence of a foreign particle in the eye or due to straining the eye for long. If you are wearing contact lenses, take them out immediately. Do not itch or rub the eyes vigorously since that will only increase the itching and the irritation and lead to further complications. Press gently on the inner corner of the eye towards the nose and at the same time draw the outer corner downwards; this will make the tears flow and wash the foreign substance towards the inner corner, from where it can be easily removed. If the irritation persists for long or if it is associated with watering from the eyes and redness of the eyes, it is better to get it checked by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. 

HOME REMEDIES 
1. First of all wash the eye with cold water and then apply a cold compress over the eyes, made by wetting a small gauze-piece with cold water. This compress should be used as frequently as possible and for as long as possible.

2. Splash cool water in the eye till the time the irritation decreases and if it doesn't go, then a few drops of rosewater can be instilled in both the eyes.

3. One drop of ghee or honey in each eye is a good cleanser.

4. In cases of burning in the eye, first rinse it with cool water as described above and then rinse the eye with tea after allowing it to cool upto room temperature. The eyes should then be covered with cold, wet tea bags. The tannic acid in the tea bags will soothe and cool down the itch and the irritation. Wrap the teabags with paper towels to avoid any staining of the eyelid.

5. The eyes can also be covered with slices of raw potato (which help draw the toxins out of the eyes) until the pain reduces.

Read More

INSECT STING OR BITES

INSECT STING OR BITES

Insect bites rarely require medical intervention, except in cases where the bite can be poisonous or where the person reacts immediately to the insect bite and goes into an anaphylactic shock. Usually only minor complaints like swelling, itching, redness, mild pain and slight nausea may occur.

First of all wash the insect bite thoroughly with soap and cool water and try not to scratch the part as this can cause them to become infected. In cases where the swelling and itching is intense a local application of ice every few minutes helps to decrease the inflammation. It is necessary to see a doctor immediately in cases where the bite becomes infected with some pus oozing out or when the patient suddenly develops symptoms like breathing trouble, rash all over the body or if you feel faint.

HOME REMEDIES 

1. Holy basil leaf (tulsi) juice diluted in water is given to drink to the person and also apply the fresh tulsi juice on the spot of the sting or bite.

2. To relieve the itching, dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water, soak a piece of cloth in the solution and bathe the bites.

3. Apply garlic juice externally over the affected part.

4. In cases of a huge swelling of the part due to the insect sting or bite apply a warm paste made by mixing dry ginger and curd.

5. Place a piece of raw apple on the bite.

6. Fresh leaves of Plantain tree when rubbed on the insect stings and bites afford instant relief.

7. Rubbing fenugreek (methi) powder or a piece of raw onion or onion juice or a lime slice over the bite or sting is supposed to remove the harmful effect of the poison.

8. Taking an oatmeal bath in lukewarm water helps to relieve the itching and the swelling.

9. In cases of bee sting, first remove the honeybee stinger and put an ice cube on the sting site. Salt water is applied over the stings. Apply a paste made from baking soda and water over the site. In cases of stings in the mouth  or  the throat, let the patient swallow some salt water or rinse and gargle with it and then suck on some ice.

10.In case of wasp stings that are alkaline, apply vinegar or lemon juice over the bite to neutralize it. Also application of salt water over the bite helps.

11. In cases of mosquito bites that are very painful, apply lemon juice.

12. In case of rat bites, holy basil leaf (tulsi) juice or the juice of Margosa leaves (Neem) is an effective remedy  or apply a mixture  of juice of radish and coconut.

13. In cases of a spider bite, chew a tablespoonful of tiny coconut pieces. The digestive juices that are secreted by the system tend to assimilate any poison that gets into the system.

14. In cases of a scorpion sting, the application of fresh milky juice from an unripe papaya fruit brings instant relief or a thick paste of tamarind (imli) seeds is applied over the sting or apply onion juice to soothe the irritation  or  apply paste made from powdered cumin seeds (jeera), ghee, salt and honey for quick relief.

15. In cases of a snake bite that is not poisonous, rub some salt into the wound. In cases where the bite is poisonous, tie a ribbon, rope or some cloth tightly around the limb, two inches above the bite, to prevent the blood with the poison from going to the heart, and leave it as long as the patient can bear it. Along with a sterilized knife or blade make a cut at the site of bite to let the poison flow out along with the blood. Apply hot iron or coals as close to the wound as the patient can bear. Smear oil, ghee, soap or saliva around the wound for three  or  four inches, and when absorbed, renew it. Whatever is oozing from the wound should be wiped away carefully. Then rub some salt or cigar ashes  or wood ashes onto the wound. Internally some salt water and garlic should be given to the patient. If the patient doesn't get better, give half a teaspoonful of wine  or brandy every two to three minutes, until the symptoms improve.

16. Copper sulphate, which is commonly available in the market, is applied over an insect sting to remove the poisonous effect.

Read More

Tips for Gaining Weight- the HEALTHY Way

Tips for Gaining Weight- the HEALTHY Way

Gaining weight should be “simple.”  Eat more calories than you expend and you’re sure to gain weight, right?  Gaining weight in a healthy way, though, can be a bit more challenging.  Here are 11 steps to help you assure that you are doing what’s best for you and your body as you pursue your weight gain goals.

1.  Set attainable goals.  Face it, very few people are destined to appear on the cover of a fitness magazine.  Our body shape and size is determined primarily by genetics and secondly by our lifestyle.  Healthy weight gain is a slow process that requires patience and realistic goal-setting.

2.  Eat breakfast.  Every day.  A well balanced breakfast is an excellent way to wake up your metabolism and your appetite.  Make sure you have a grain, some protein, and a fruit to start your day.  Try a yogurt berry parfait with granola OR a bagel sandwich with eggs & cheese and some juice.  In a hurry?  Grab a fruit smoothie OR cereal with milk and
berries.

3.  Follow basic nutrition recommendations.  Contrary to popular belief, living on fast food, pizza, and milkshakes is not the best approach to weight gain.  Although these foods can be incorporated into your meal plan, be sure to balance them with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of protein sources, such as meat, nuts, beans, and dairy.    

4.  Plan to eat 5-6 times/ day, at least.  Prevent excessive fullness by eating reasonable portions spread throughout the entire day.  Plan to have 3-4 meals each day with several snacks in between.  At the end of the day, your “energy in” must be greater than your “energy out” in order to gain weight.

5.  Vary your diet, especially the protein.  Eating the same foods every day can be boring.  Get creative and try something new.  Start with a variety of protein sources: cheese, nuts, beef, fish, yogurt, pork, beans, chicken, yogurt, turkey, cottage cheese, lamb, eggs, etc.

6.  Pack snacks to-go for extra calories.  Trail mix, granola bars, fruit with peanut butter, chips, dried fruit, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, nuts, smoothies, sunflower seeds, and cookies are portable options that can help you keep up with your needs throughout the day.  Cereal with milk, ice cream, and hot chocolate can be great snacks to end your day.

7.  Choose caloric beverages.  You’re going to drink something, so pick fluids with calories.  Juices, milk, and even an occasional soda (non-diet, of course) will do the trick.  Drink plenty of fluids that supply calories like juice, milk, milkshakes, and sports beverages. For example, drinking 1 quart of grape or cranberry juice supplies 1000 calories. 1 quart of 2% milk supplies 720 calories.

8.  Consider high-calorie nutritional supplements.  Energy-dense, high-quality nutrition can be hard to come by, but Ensure Plus, Boost Plus, and Carnation Instant Breakfast provide quick and easy calories with the added bonus of vitamins and minerals.  Consider using these products as your “nutrition medicine” on the days you’re not feeling hungry, but know you still need to eat.

9.  Balance cardio, flexibility, and strength-training exercises.  Exercise, especially cardio work-outs, burns calories that you must replace by eating more.  However, it can help to stimulate your appetite and assure that you build an appropriate amount of muscle.  3-5 days of physical activity each week can assure optimal outcomes.
(Note: Severe malnutrition can require a period of inactivity as the body heals and repairs.  Consultation with a medical provider and/or dietitian can help to establish a safe plan in these situations.)

10. Get regular sleep
The human body needs adequate rest in order to “keep up.”  On average, most people need 8 hours of sleep/ night.  However, some people function well on 6 hours/night while others need 10+ hr/ night to feel fully rested.  Bottom line, listen to your body and get the sleep you need.

11. Set realistic goals
Genetic factors can play a large role in physique. You are not going to look like Arnold if your parents look like Pee Wee Herman.

Read More

Ten commandments to prevent alcoholism

Ten commandments to prevent alcoholism

Offered by psychiatrist Dr. William B. Terhune. 
These are :
1. Never drink when you ‘ need one’
2. Sip slowly 
3. Space your drinks, taking a second drink 30 minutes after the first and a third an hour after the second 
4. Dilute your alcohol
5. Keep an accurate and truthful record of the amount and number of drinks you take 
6. Never conceal the amount of alcohol you drink ;
7. Do not drink on an empty stomach ;
8. Stop drinking on ‘signal ‘ ( signals are lunch, dinner, fatigue, sex stimulation, boredom, frustration and bedtime);
9. Make it a rule never to take a drink to escape discomfort - either physical or mental  and
10. Never, never take a drink in the morning thinking it will cure a hangover.

Read More