Tuesday, December 4, 2007

FIBRE - RICH AND FAT - FREE
( CHOLESTEROL IS ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS FOR HEART DISEASE)
Cholesterol is a fat that looks like wax,and under the microscope it appears as crystalline long,sharp needles. Cholesterol is synthesised in the body through a complicated process.After being manufactured by the liver, it is absorbed from the intestine and mixed with blood where it remains in solution along with other fatty substances. When blood flows under pressure,tiny droplets of cholesterol are forced into the inner wall of the blood vessels. It later gets precipitated in the vessel wall as needle - like pointed crystals resembling splinters of wood. Thus the role of cholesterol in heart disease is arteriosclerosis, which is a kind of hardening of the arteries caused by fatty deposits called plaques.These deposits contain 70 percent cholesterol. They clog the arteries and thus impede the flow of blood. The result can be angina or heart attack.
DIETARY FATS : Fats combine with cholesterol and proteins to form lipoproteins. Lipoproteins come in two types High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) having more protein than fat; and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) containing more fat than protein. Whereas LDL carries fat and cholesterol to the peripheral tissues where they are used,HDL seems to collect cholesterol from the tissues and carry to the liver for excretion.As HDL clears excess cholesterol from the blood, it is called the 'good' choleterol and because LDL favours build up of cholesterol, it is known as 'bad' cholesterol.
IMPORTANCE OF PUFA :If your diet contains liberal proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids, it helps lower blood cholesterol This happens due to the polyunsaturated acids combining with cholesterol present in the blood to form cholesterol esters. These esters are transported more readily in blood in the form of bile salts into the gut. If your diet does not contain enough PUFA, the cholesterol is not disposed of.It may combine with other substances such as calcium in the body and form a deposit or crust along the walls of the blood vessels. Use of cooking oil that have a higher PUFA content such as safflower and sunflower oil,therefore, helps to keep the cholesterol level low/reduced. POLYUNSATURATED ACID (PUFA) CONTENT IN SOME EDIBLE OILS AND FATS: Fat or oil PUFA content (gm/100gm) Coconut oil - 2; Cottonseed oil - 50;Pure ghee - 4; Groundnut oil - 28;Corn oil -45; Mustard oil -25; Olive oil - 10; Safflower oil -75; Rice bran oil -35; Til oil(sesame/gingellyoil) - 42;Soyabean oil - 55; Vanaspati (hydrogenated oil- Dalda) - 6; Palm oil - 11 ( Source: Nutritive value of Indian Foods - NIN Hyderabad)
SOME DOS AND DON'TS : Foods low in cholesterol include all types of fresh fruits and juices, toned and skimmed milk, buttermilk,Carbonated beverages, coffee, tea, lemon water, egg white,fresh cottage cheese( made of toned milk),Skinless chicken,fish and lean meat, all types of seasonal root and leafy vegetables. Foods that could be avoided are Whole milk, ice cream and preparations of whole milk such as burfi, Indian sweets,cakes pastries,condensed milk and khoya, egg yolk, beef,glandular meats processed cheese,butter, cream,ghee,Dalda,deep - fried foods such as potato chips,pakora, vada,puri, samosa, soups made with butter, cream and dry nuts. Switch to boiling, roasting,baking, steaming food or cook with very small amounts of vegetable oils with a high polyunsaturated content. Eat a diet that is high in fibre, for it helps to flush out cholesterol out of your body.
Writer ....... LILY MADHOK THE HINDU NEWS PAPER.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

DIABETES
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body uses blood sugar, or glucose,which is your body's main source of fuel. Most of what we eat turns into glucose, and our body uses for energy. A harmone called insulin helps glucose enter into the body's cells. When you have diabetes, your body does not produce or properly use insulin, causing a buildup of the sugars in your blood.
What are the common symptoms? a) Frequent urination b) Excessive thirst c) Unexplained weight loss d) Extreme hunger e) Sudden vision changes f) Tingling or numbness in hands or feet g) Excessive fatigue h) Very dry skin i) Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal j) Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
A person with type 2 diabetes may not have any of these symptoms. That is why it is often called the " Silent Killer." Is diabetes contagious? Unlike the cold or flu, diabetes is not caused by a germ or virus The cause of diabetes contiues to be mystery, scientists believe that autoimune,genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of this disease.
What is Insulin? Insulin is a harmone released from the pancreas. It is the primary substance responsible for stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Insulin allows glucose to be transported into cells so the body can create energy. The rise in blood - sugar levels after eating or drinking stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin,causing blood - sugar levels to fall gradually.
How do you check your blood - sugar levels? Blood - sugar levels are often checked at a routine physical examination . A blood sample is usually taken after you have fasted for about eight hours. Some elevation of blood - sugar levels after eating is normal,but even then, the levels shouldn't be very high.
Is there more than one type of diabetes? There are three types of diabetes characterized by high levels of blood glucose as a result of improper insulin production: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Each type is associated with serious complications.
Who is at greater risk for type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin - dependent diabetes or juvenileonset diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin at all. Most develop the disease before age 30.
Who is at greater risk for type 2? Type 2 diabetes was previously called non - insulin - dependent diabetes, or adultonset. The pancreas continues to manufacture insulin, sometimes at higher than normal levels. But the body develops a resistance to its effects, resulting in an insulin deficiency. This disease commonly begins after the age of 30 and becomes more common with age. Risk factors for type 2 include : older age,obesity, a family history of diabetes prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity.
What is gestational diabetes? This type of diabetes develops in 2 to 5 percent of all pregnancies but disappears when the pregnancy is over.During pregnancy,Gestational diabetes requires treatment to normalize maternal blood - glucose levels to avoid compications in the infant.
What is prediabetes? Before individual develops type 2 diabetes, they almost always have pre - diabetes. In such cases, the blood - glucose levels are higher than normal but are not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. If you have pre - diabetes and take action to manage your blood glucose levels through changes in your diet and increased exercises, research has shown that you can delay or prevent developing type 2 diabetes.
What treatments are available? Managing blood - glucose levels should be planned with a qualified health care team.The main goal is to keep blood - sugar levels within a normal range. Treatment requires constant attention to weight control, exercise and diet.In type 1 diabetes, insulin - replacement therapy must be used. Insulin can be administered via injections or via an insulin pump that patients wear around the clock. Because insulin is destroyed in the stomach, it cannot be taken by mouth.
Is there cure for diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure.
What are the complications? Many people first become aware that they are diabetic after developing one of the following life - threatening complications: a) Heart disease b) Blindness c) Kidney failure d) Need for amputation of a lower extremity other complications can include poor healing and deep infections caused by poor circulation.
** If you weigh the same as or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes.
* At - risk weight chart * Body Mass Index HEIGHT WEIGHT in feet and inches in pounds without without shoes clothing
4' 10" 129
4' 11" 133
5' 0" 138
5' 1" 143
5' 2" 147
5' 3" 152
5' 4" 157
5' 5" 162
5' 6" 167
5' 7" 172
5' 8" 177
5' 9" 182
5' 10" 188
5' 11" 193
6' 0" 199
6' 1" 204
6' 2" 210
6' 3" 216
6' 4" 221
Information : NEWS PAPER DECCAN CHRONICLE HYDERABAD 6 NOVEMBER 2005.
DIABETES

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body uses blood sugar, or glucose,which is your body's main source of fuel. Most of what we eat turns into glucose, and our body uses for energy. A harmone called insulin helps glucose enter into the body's cells. When you have diabetes, your body does not produce or properly use insulin, causing a buildup of the sugars in your blood.
What are the common symptoms? a) Frequent urination b) Excessive thirst c) Unexplained weight loss d) Extreme hunger e) Sudden vision changes f) Tingling or numbness in hands or feet g) Excessive fatigue h) Very dry skin i) Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal j) Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
A person with type 2 diabetes may not have any of these symptoms. That is why it is often called the " Silent Killer." Is diabetes contagious? Unlike the cold or flu, diabetes is not caused by a germ or virus The cause of diabetes contiues to be mystery, scientists believe that autoimune,genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of this disease.
What is Insulin? Insulin is a harmone released from the pancreas. It is the primary substance responsible for stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Insulin allows glucose to be transported into cells so the body can create energy. The rise in blood - sugar levels after eating or drinking stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin,causing blood - sugar levels to fall gradually.
How do you check your blood - sugar levels? Blood - sugar levels are often checked at a routine physical examination . A blood sample is usually taken after you have fasted for about eight hours. Some elevation of blood - sugar levels after eating is normal,but even then, the levels shouldn't be very high.
Is there more than one type of diabetes? There are three types of diabetes characterized by high levels of blood glucose as a result of improper insulin production: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Each type is associated with serious complications.
Who is at greater risk for type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin - dependent diabetes or juvenileonset diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin at all. Most develop the disease before age 30.
Who is at greater risk for type 2? Type 2 diabetes was previously called non - insulin - dependent diabetes, or adultonset. The pancreas continues to manufacture insulin, sometimes at higher than normal levels. But the body develops a resistance to its effects, resulting in an insulin deficiency. This disease commonly begins after the age of 30 and becomes more common with age. Risk factors for type 2 include : older age,obesity, a family history of diabetes prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity.
What is gestational diabetes? This type of diabetes develops in 2 to 5 percent of all pregnancies but disappears when the pregnancy is over.During pregnancy,Gestational diabetes requires treatment to normalize maternal blood - glucose levels to avoid compications in the infant.
What is prediabetes? Before individual develops type 2 diabetes, they almost always have pre - diabetes. In such cases, the blood - glucose levels are higher than normal but are not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. If you have pre - diabetes and take action to manage your blood glucose levels through changes in your diet and increased exercises, research has shown that you can delay or prevent developing type 2 diabetes.
What treatments are available? Managing blood - glucose levels should be planned with a qualified health care team.The main goal is to keep blood - sugar levels within a normal range. Treatment requires constant attention to weight control, exercise and diet.In type 1 diabetes, insulin - replacement therapy must be used. Insulin can be administered via injections or via an insulin pump that patients wear around the clock. Because insulin is destroyed in the stomach, it cannot be taken by mouth.
Is there cure for diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure.
What are the complications? Many people first become aware that they are diabetic after developing one of the following life - threatening complications: a) Heart disease b) Blindness c) Kidney failure d) Need for amputation of a lower extremity other complications can include poor healing and deep infections caused by poor circulation.
** If you weigh the same as or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes.
* At - risk weight chart * Body Mass Index HEIGHT WEIGHT in feet and inches in pounds without without shoes clothing
4' 10" 129
4' 11" 133
5' 0" 138
5' 1" 143
5' 2" 147
5' 3" 152
5' 4" 157
5' 5" 162
5' 6" 167
5' 7" 172
5' 8" 177
5' 9" 182
5' 10" 188
5' 11" 193
6' 0" 199
6' 1" 204
6' 2" 210
6' 3" 216
6' 4" 221
Information : NEWS PAPER DECCAN CHRONICLE HYDERABAD 6 NOVEMBER 2005.

DANCE HAS ITS REASONS

DANCE has its reasons
Dancing is an incredible exercise and a regular regime can make one forget that he or she supposed to get old. Effective anti- ageing properties and its fitness - utility has made the activity assume the pride of place in the scheme of things with fitness freaks. To lose a few calories or enhance cardiovascular endurance by experiencing the charm of belly dancing or a salsa. Or do a Rumba to reduce sugar - levels. Dancing is great because it is an any time fitness routine whether it is to start your day right way or to destress after a hectic day. Builds strength in self and boosts confidence naturally. Daily practising one hour dance causes happiness and keeps health fitness. " Dance interweaves exercise for each and every part of the body, or isolated muscle movements - that help to tone the hips, thighs and abdomen," explains physiotherapist, Dr. Anil Benjamin. Many who suffer from obesity - related ailments are increasingly advised to lose weight naturally by dancing. Knocking off a few kilos or calories is a by - product, what is more valuable is the joy and pleasure that is a direct effect of dancing. Says R.prithviraj , choreographer, STEPS, " Dancing will always score browni points over aerobics or gym activities because of the feel - good factor. A dance is an expression of inner joy and dancers are always smiling, - genuinely having fun in the privacy of their homes or in dance studios.And believe us , dance is a persuasive tool to improve mental health through graceful non- impact movements." " Dance reduces rigidity and results in fluidity, which means one tends to let go off the egotitic conduct, and becomes more selfless innature," says Madhuri Biswas of prima Donna dance studio in Jubilee Hills. Let's peek inside a dance class : A few couples are holding each other,some are curled, while others are in semi seated posture - to action. The music comes on and something hysterical takes over them, as they pirouette in perfect synchronisation on the dance floor, swinging and grooving to the hip - hop beat of Blue. A lot of hip-hop is actually Indian yoga - an age old ritual to sound health. says call centre manager, Gopika who's learnt ballet at Swingers, " Dance is adaptable for all fitness levels. It is an exercise for both the body and soul." What's really important about dancing anyway? But do the right thing dance.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

OSTEOPOROSIS THE SILENT THIEF

OSTEOPOROSIS, THE SILENT THIEF
What is Osteoporosis ?

'Osteo' means bone. Osteoporosis literally means 'Porous bones'. Osteoporosis is thinning of the bones that occur with age. Bones become weak and fragile, until even a slight impact may cause them to break.

What happens to bones during Osteoporosis ?

By about 20, the average woman has acquired 98% of her skeletal mass. This Process of bone acquisition slows down as you get older. Between ages 35 -40, you begin to lose bone mass, remains reasonably stable until age 50 and then declines progressively.This loss, if severe, can lead to Osteoporosis.
How does a person know that he/she has Osteoporosis ?

Osteoporosis is difficult to detect at an early stage. Most people don't realise that they have it. The disease slowly and silently steals bone, often giving no pain or sign, until the first fracture. Therefore, the disease is also reffered to as "silent thief". Fractures of the spine, wrist or hip in old age could be due to Osteoporosis.
What are the signs and symptoms of Osteoporosis ?
a) Bone pain in the hip, arm or wrist
b) Low back pain
c) Loss of height and a stooped posture
d) Fractures of the hip, spine, back or wrist, sometimes without falling How widespread is Osteoporosis ?
Osteoporosis is quite common. While it is estimated that 25 - 30% of all women are prone to fracture because of osteoporosis, it is believed that 50% of women over 75 have Osteoporosis.

Who are more affected by Osteoporosis - men or women ?

Both men and women are prone to Osteoporosis. after the age of 65 - 70 years, men begin to lose bone rapidly. Women begin to lose bone once they reach menopause, between 40 -45 years, when harmone (ostrogen) levels fall. Women are nearly four times likely than men to suffer an Osteoporosis - related fracture.
What are the risk factors ?
The following risk factors may trigger Osteoporosis :
a) Family history b) Low calcium diet c) Lack of physical exercise d) Being underweight e)Alcohol consumption f) smoking g) Medicines such as corticosteroids,diuretics, medications for blood pressure,etc. h) Early menopause i) Women whose ovaries are surgically removed.
Is there a cure for Osteoporosis ?

First of all, prevention is best.Osteoporosis has no cure, but some mass can be maintained and even increased to some extent. It depends on the amount of bone mass you have already lost, but your doctor can discuss treatment options that can actually increase bone mass and decrease your chances of fractures.
How to prevent Osteoporosis ?
1) Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are necessary to develop and preserve healthy bones throughout your life.
2) Good sources of calcium - dairy products such as milk,cheese, yogurt, green leafy vegetables, nuts especially almonds, and seafood like fish.
3) Vitamin D may be obtained from eggs, liver, or by spending 15 minutes in the sun 2-3 times a week.
4) 15-20 minutes walking daily helps stop further weakening of bones.
5) Weight- bearing exercises such as low -impact aerobics,stair climbing, running and swimming helps keep your bones strong.
6) Muscle - building exercises are not recommmended for people with Osteoporosis.
7) avoid smoking.
8) Cut excessive alcohol intake.
9) Daily practise compulsorily Yoga,pranayama(breathing exercises) and meditation

MEASUREMENTS RESULTS
T-Score upto - 1 - Normal
T-Score between - 1.1 & - 2.5 - Osteopenia
T-Score below - -2.6 - Osteoporosis
Writer...... The Himalaya Drug company
Makali, Bangalore 562 123, India Tel:080- 23714444 Fax: 080 - 23714474
E-mail: write.to.us@himalayahealthcare.com Website : www.himalayahealthcare.com