Health is Wealth

Cholesterol Range by Age

2012-06-01T10:49:00.001+05:30

Cholesterol Range by Age

Cholesterol is found in each and every cell of our body. Cholesterol is a water repelling compound and so it does not get dissolved in the bloodstream. It is a waxy steroid metabolite. It is required for the proper functioning of the body. It is required for the production of vitamin D, hormones and bile juices. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol are the two types of cholesterol. Simple blood test helps measure cholesterol levels in the body. The ideal LDL:HDL ratio and the ideal cholesterol levels are same for all ages. As you are looking for cholesterol range by age, here is the required information regarding normal cholesterol range.

Normal Cholesterol Range
According to the The American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines, the cholesterol numbers that indicate normal, borderline and high cholesterol in the body are:

* Normal Blood Cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL
* Borderline High: 200 - 239 mg/dL
* High Cholesterol: >240 mg/dL

But knowing this much is not enough. You need to maintain a correct LDL:HDL ratio. So the following cholesterol level charts explain the desired and undesired numbers regarding LDL, HDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol in the body.

LDL Cholesterol Range Chart
Excessive LDL cholesterol or low density lipoprotein sticks to the walls of arteries, leading to atherosclerosis or heart diseases. Obstruction in blood circulation can cause heart attacks and strokes. Following a low cholesterol diet is necessary if you have high LDL cholesterol. Here is a LDL cholesterol range chart.

LDL Cholesterol Range Chart
Less than 100	Optimal Level
100 - 129	Close to Optimal
130 - 159	Borderline High
160 - 189	High
190 or higher	Very High

HDL Cholesterol Range Chart
Along with aging, you are supposed to raise the HDL cholesterol. HDL plays an important role in lowering the bad cholesterol or LDL levels in the body. People diagnosed with obesity, coronary heart diseases or diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. They especially need to increase HDL levels to reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes.

HDL Cholesterol Range Chart
60 or Higher	Optimal
40 - 59	Close to Optimal
Less than 40	High Risk

Triglycerides Range Chart
Levels of Triglycerides (TG) are always tested along with cholesterol levels. High levels of triglycerides also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Though they help in blood clotting, triglycerides lower the levels of HDL in the body.

Triglycerides Range Chart
Less than 150	Optimal Goal
150 - 199	Borderline High
200 - 499	High
500 or Higher	Very High

Total Cholesterol Range Chart
The total amount of LDL, HDL, and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) constitute total cholesterol in the body.

Total Cholesterol Range Chart
Less than 200	Optimal Goal
200 - 239	Borderline High
240 or Higher	High

LDL Cholesterol Goals and Risk Factors
Maintaining low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL is essential if you want to lead a healthy and active life. High levels of LDL increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and stroke. The ideal cholesterol range by age may vary slightly as your LDL cholesterol goal depends on how many other risk factors (diabetes, coronary heart diseases, obesity, etc.) you have. The risk of high cholesterol is ascertained by taking into account your age, sex, family history, weight, blood pressure and lifestyle habits. Along with aging, the influence of risk factors increases. Therefore healthy cholesterol levels by age may differ slightly. But there cannot be a fixed cholesterol chart by age or fixed numbers indicating cholesterol range by age. Children with diabetes or heart problems or obese children also need to watch for LDL, HDL levels.

Risk Factors	LDL Cholesterol Goal
No coronary heart disease, No diabetes, Have one or no other risk factors	Less than 160 mg/dL
No coronary heart disease, No diabetes, Have two or more risk factors	Less than 130 mg/dL.
Have coronary heart disease or diabetes	Less than 100 mg/dL

Cholesterol Ratio
There cannot be cholesterol ratio by age. The desired cholesterol ratio may change slightly according to the risk factors, as explained above. Here follows the information regarding ideal cholesterol ratio:

Total Cholesterol/HDL: The ideal cholesterol ratio of total cholesterol and HDL is 3.5:1.

HDL/LDL: 0.4:1 is the ideal cholesterol ratio for HDL/LDL.

LDL/HDL: The ideal cholesterol ratio of LDL/HDL is 2.5:1

High cholesterol levels in the blood is the major cause of heart diseases. Reducing the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and total fat in the diet can help maintain healthy cholesterol range. Aging and lifestyle affect blood cholesterol levels.

Follow a healthy low fat, low sugar diet, get regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight. You may refer to a list of good cholesterol sources and take necessary steps to control diabetes, blood pressure, etc. Minimizing the risk factors can prove to be beneficial while maintaining normal cholesterol levels.

Normal Cholesterol Levels Chart

2012-06-01T10:30:00.000+05:30

Normal Cholesterol Levels Chart

1. The cholesterol numbers shown above are established by the American Heart Association.

2. The scales are linear.

3. The vertical alignment of the scales is arbitrary, and was done to align the white borderline areas,

in order to facilitate comparisons.

4. The LDL levels shown with an asterisk are recommended for certain high-risk subjects.

5. As you can see, my cholesterol levels remained fairly stable over a 7-year period.

Do you need to lower your high cholesterol numbers? You may need to take statin drugs.

Cholesterol Numbers Table - Cholesterol Testing Guidelines
Total Cholesterol Test - $12 at ~~Longs Drugs~~ (CVS does NOT offer testing - Testing now available at Whole Foods)
	-	Normal	Borderline	Too High	Very High	Notes
1. Total Cholesterol	-	<200	200-239	240	280	milligrams per deciliter Reduce saturated fat 240 = twice risk than at 200.
	Very Low	Too Low	Borderline	Normal	-
2. HDL (normal risk group)	<35	36 - 39	40 - 59	>60	-	Good Cholesterol - Higher is better Can't be too High
(high risk group)	-	<35	35 - 45	>45	-	Good Cholesterol - Higher is better Can't be too High

Total Lipids Test - $32 at ~~Longs Drugs~~ (CVS does NOT offer testing - Testing now available at Whole Foods)
	-	Normal	Borderline	Too High	Very High	Notes
1. Total Cholesterol	-	<200	200-239	240	280	milligrams per deciliter Reduce saturated fat 240 = twice risk than at 200.
	Very Low	Too Low	Borderline	Normal	-
2. HDL (normal risk group)	<35	36 - 39	40 - 59	>60	-	Good Cholesterol - Higher is better Can't be too High
(high risk group)	-	<35	35 - 45	>45	-	Good Cholesterol - Higher is better Can't be too High
	-	Normal	Borderline	Too High	Very High
3. LDL	70 - 100	100 - 129	130-159	160 - 189	190 - Up	Bad Cholesterol - Lower is better. Can't be too Low
	-	Normal	Borderline	Too High	Very High
4. Cholesterol Ratio	3 to 1	4 to 1	5 to 1	6 to 1	7 to 1	Total Cholesterol / HDL

Triglyceride Test - $10 at ~~Longs Drugs~~ - Fasting for 12 hours is required (CVS does NOT offer testing - Testing now available at Whole Foods)
	-	Normal	Borderline	Too High	Very High	Notes
5. Triglycerides	-	<150	150-199	200 - 499	500 - Up	Must fast 12 hours before testing - drink only water.
(low risk group)	-	<200	200 - 400	400 - Up	-	Must fast 12 hours before testing - drink only water.
	Green background = Good			Violet background = Bad

The tests above were made at Longs Drug Stores (now CVS Pharmacy)
by Heart Watch,
specialists in Corporate and Public Health Screenings.
Visit their website at WestCoastHealthServices.com,
to find the next testing date in a California city near you.
CVS Pharmacy bought Long's Drugs, but they do NOT offer the testing.
This same testing is now offered at Whole Foods.

You should have your cholesterol numbers tested periodically.
If the LDL test numbers are too high, take action.
Test again after a few months.

You can reduce your high cholesterol naturally,
but it takes DILIGENCE!
You just have to try hard.

Blood Fats Control
What I Do To Lower My Cholesterol Levels

My Daily Regimen
Fish Oil - 3 capsules
Flax seed oil - 1 tbl
Psyllium (plantago husks)
Lecithin granules
More fish, less meat
Green Tea

Avoid TFAs - trans fatty acids.
Hydrogenated = Plasticized
Partially hydrogenated = partial plastification, PLUS resultant, unpredictable Trans Fatty Acid production.

Every day, I prestir together (dry) -
2 heaping tsp of bulk psylliumhusks, and 2 heaping tsp of SOYlecithin granules -

Then, I stir vigorously while adding 8 ounces of lukewarm water - take a deep breath, and swallow the mixture in about 12-14 swallows. Great for the bowels and great for the arteries.

READ the Ingredient LABELS like crazy.
If the word "hydrogenated"appears in ANY form, don't eat it .
The worst offenders - Cakes, candy bars, cookies, corn chips, crackers, cup-o-noodles, doughnuts, fish sticks, french fries, microwave popcorn, pastry, pies, potato chips, vegetable oil, vegetable shortening, frozen waffles, etc., to name a few.

Here is an excellent in-depth discussion of Trans-Fats in Foods.

Did you have time for, and appreciate the link above? Got more time? Wanna be blown away by official government data?Everything Added to Food in the United States - an EAFUS PDF - over 3,000 additives.

.Tactics to Reduce Cholesterol

Stop Smoking
Exercise Daily
Reduce Weight
Eat a low cholesterol diet
- more fruits and vegetables, less red meat

Reduce Saturated Fat Intake - Fast food, prepared food
- NO TFAs! (trans fatty acids)
- NO hydrogenated anything
- NO partially-hydrogenated anything

TYPES OF DIABETES

2012-05-31T10:12:00.000+05:30

TYPES OF DIABETES

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called insulin-dependent, immune-mediated or juvenile-onset diabetes. It is caused by an auto-immune reaction where the body’s defence system attacks the insulin-producing cells. The reason why this occurs is not fully understood. People with type 1 diabetes produce very little or no insulin. The disease can affect people of any age, but usually occurs in children or young adults. People with this form of diabetes need injections of insulin every day in order to control the levels of glucose in their blood. If people with type 1 diabetes do not have access to insulin, they will die.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for at least 90% of all cases of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, and accounts for at least 90% of all cases of diabetes. It is characterised by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, either of which may be present at the time that diabetes becomes clinically manifest. The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes usually occurs after the age of 40 but can occur earlier, especially in populations with high diabetes prevalence. Type 2 diabetes can remain undetected for many years and the diagnosis is often made from associated complications or incidentally through an abnormal blood or urine glucose test. It is often, but not always, associated with obesity, which itself can cause insulin resistance and lead to elevated blood glucose levels.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a form of diabetes consisting of high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. It develops in one in 25 pregnancies worldwide and is associated with complications in the period immediately before and after birth. GDM usually disappears after pregnancy but women with GDM and their offspring are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Approximately half of women with a history of GDM go on to develop type 2 diabetes within five to ten years after delivery.

Other specific types of diabetes also exist.

WARNING SIGNS OF DIABETES

Individuals can experience different warning signs, and sometimes there may be no obvious warning, but some of the signs of diabetes are commonly experienced:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Increased hunger
Weight loss
Tiredness
Lack of interest and concentration
Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)
A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet
Blurred vision
Frequent infections
Slow-healing wounds

The onset of type 1 diabetes is usually sudden and dramatic while the symptoms can often be mild or absent in people with type 2 diabetes, making this type of diabetes gradual in onset and hard to detect.

If you show these signs, consult a health professional.

MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES

Today, there is no cure for diabetes, but effective treatment exists. If you have access to the appropriate medication, quality of care and good medical advice, you should be able to lead an active and healthy life and reduce the risk of developing complications.

Good diabetes control means keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This can be achieved by a combination of the following:

Physical Activity: a goal of at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day (e.g. brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing) on most days of the week.

Body weight: weight loss improves insulin resistance, blood glucose and high lipid levels in the short term, and reduces blood pressure. It is important to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Healthy Eating: avoiding foods high in sugars and saturated fats, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Avoid tobacco: tobacco use is associated with more complications in people with diabetes.

Monitoring for complications: monitoring and early detection of complications is an essential part of good diabetes care. This includes regular foot and eye checks, controlling blood pressure and blood glucose, and assessing risks for cardiovascular and kidney disease.

PREVENTION

At present, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. The environmental triggers that are thought to generate the process that results in the destruction of the body’s insulin-producing cells are still under investigation. Type 2 diabetes, however, can be prevented in many cases by maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active. Studies in China, Finland and the United States have confirmed this.

IDF recommends that all people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes be identified through opportunistic self-screening. People at high risk can be easily identified through a simple questionnaire to assess risk factors such as age, waist circumference, family history, cardiovascular history and gestational history.

Once identified, people at high risk of diabetes should have their plasma glucose levels measured by a health professional to detect Impaired Fasting Glucose or Impaired Glucose Tolerance, both of which indicate an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Prevention efforts should target those at risk in order to delay or avoid the onset of type 2 diabetes.

There is substantial evidence that achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. In primary prevention there is an important role for the diabetes educator to help people understand the risks and set realistic goals to improve health. IDF recommends a goal of at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. Regular walking for at least 30 minutes per day, for example, has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 35-40%.

Click here To get more clarifications

Is Insulin Right for You?

2012-05-31T09:51:00.002+05:30

If you have type 2 diabetes, you have more options to control blood sugar than ever before. But just because one drug—insulin—has been around for 90 years , doesn’t mean it’s less useful or important than other drugs.

Why Insulin Makes Sense for People With Type 2 Diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, you have more options to control blood sugar than ever before, including no less than six classes of oral medication and an injectable drug based on lizard venom,Byetta.

Still, just because one certain drug—insulin—has been around for nearly a century doesn't mean that it should be considered as less useful or less important than other "more modern" medications. In fact, insulin's tried-and-true safety record and ironclad ability to lower blood sugar in all patients make some doctors more likely to recommend it sooner rather than later in some people with type 2 diabetes.

"Insulin is an appropriate choice at any point," says John Buse, MD, PhD, director of the Diabetes Care Center at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, in Chapel Hill. "You can start it as the first therapy for diabetes. In some countries, such as Germany, many doctors advocate that as the best approach."

Insulin therapy has gotten easier over the years, making the drug less painful and simple to use than in the past.

But even if this therapy doesn't seem suitable for you right now, don't be afraid to use it if your doctor thinks it can help control your blood sugar in the future. Elevated blood sugar basically acts as a poison in the body, so if other treatments aren't working, you'll need to do whatever it takes to get it into the safe zone.

Most fears about insulin are unwarranted, or at least outdated, says Dr. Buse.

Why insulin?

About 90% to 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, while 5% to 10% have type 1. Of adults with either type 1 or 2 diabetes, only 14% use insulin, 13% use insulin and oral medication, 57% take oral medication only, and 16% control blood sugar with diet and exercise alone, according to the CDC.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 is sometimes defined by the development of insulin resistance—a loss of sensitivity to the hormone—which causes the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas to work hard to overcome the resistance, and over time, stop functioning at all.

Most people with this type of diabetes eventually stop making natural insulin at some point. (As opposed to early on in the course of the disease, when insulin resistance can cause the pancreas to produce higher-than-normal levels of insulin.)

People with type 2 diabetes can benefit from insulin therapy because it can lower blood sugar by overcoming insulin resistance or supplement their own natural production of insulin—if there is any. It can be used alone or in combination with oral medication to get blood sugar down.

Sometimes oral medications are sufficient to lower blood sugar, but they may not help everyone or may stop working over time, notes Robert Rizza, MD, professor of medicine and executive dean of research at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minn.

"Nearly everyone with type 2 diabetes will eventually need to start taking insulin," says Dr. Rizza.

However, this can depend on how young you were when you were diagnosed with type 2, how well controlled your blood sugar has been over time, or the progression of the condition over time.

The younger a person is when he or she gets diabetes, the more likely that milestone will be reached, Dr. Buse speculates. Someone diagnosed in their 60s, for example, may only have a one-in-three chance of ever needing external insulin.

How safe is insulin?

When blood sugar or hemoglobin A1C tests—a measure of blood sugar control over the previous three months—rise despite oral medications, it is probably time to look for further help.

"Insulin has been around for almost 90 years and we robustly understand its issues," Dr. Buse notes. "On the other hand, there's actually some fear of the unknown with the newer oral therapies." Most oral medications have a very safe track record, but not all. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently restricted Avandia due to a link with heart attacks and strokes.

But insulin has its pros and cons too. It can trigger weight gain, which is not uncommon with diabetes treatments that improve the body's ability to absorb and process blood sugar.

Lifestyle changes and blood sugar monitoring, for example, can usually compensate for any effects on weight. And insulin can cause blood sugar to go too low, a condition known as hypoglycemia. However, this is uncommon, and usually treatable with a source of sugar, such as glucose tablets.

One thing insulin is not, however, is painful. While that may have been true 90 years ago, insulin needles are much smaller and thinner nowadays.

"As a middle-aged man, if you hold the needle up to the face, it's a little hard to even see the width of the needle," says Dr. Buse. "They are very polished and lubricated. It's basically a painless experience—definitely less painful than pricking your finger to get a blood sugar result, which most patients already do at least daily."

There is even evidence to suggest that early insulin therapy can increase the body's natural insulin secretion, although it is not yet clear if this actually benefits patients over the long term.

Going off insulin

And many people also assume that starting insulin therapy means a lifetime of shots. This is not always true. "Lots of people come off insulin after getting the religion," Dr. Buse says, referring to the improvements in insulin sensitivity sparked by weight loss and exercise.

If a patient starts off overweight and sedentary, his or her body might require 100 units of insulin to keep the blood sugar controlled, offers Dr. Rizza. "Maybe their pancreas can secrete 80, so they need to take insulin to top it off," he explains. "But if they lose weight and their requirement subsequently drops to 60 units, they may be able to stop using insulin."

The example of a bariatric surgery patient is even more dramatic, he adds. After losing a substantial amount of weight with the procedure, he or she often no longer needs the outside help of the hormone.

Some patients also hold the misconception that insulin injections lead to an increased risk of diabetic complications. "This, too, results from the old days when we didn't treat the condition as intensely and doctors only put people on insulin after they had recognized problems brewing," Dr. Buse explains.

"We now know that insulin is as, or arguably more, effective than any other therapy as far as preventing the disabling complications of diabetes," he adds. "Insulin doesn't cause complications; it prevents them."

5 Ways to Prevent a Stroke

2012-05-31T09:39:00.001+05:30

People with healthy blood pressure—less than 120/80—have about half the lifetime risk of stroke as those with high blood pressure, or hypertension. “High blood pressure damages blood vessels throughout the body, making them more susceptible to developing clots,” says Lewis Morgenstern, MD, director of the University of Michigan Stroke Program.

Women over 55 are significantly more likely than men to develop hypertension, perhaps because they’ve lost whatever protective effects estrogen might have provided. Here’s how to keep your blood pressure in the safe zone.

Exercise regularly
In a study of more than 47,000 men and women in Finland, moderate and high levels of physical activity were associated with lower stroke risk. Exercise helps reduce blood pressure by making the heart stronger. And the stronger the heart, the less effort it takes to pump blood around the body—so the lower the blood pressure. Physical activity also can help decrease the risk of developing diabetes and control cholesterol levels, both of which up your chances of a stroke.

Drink moderately
Experts aren’t clear on why alcohol raises blood pressure and increases stroke risk, but research from the University of Cincinnati has shown that having more than two drinks a day is associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage, a particularly deadly type of stroke caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the surface of the brain; it tends to strike premenopausal women.

Likewise, Tulane University researchers reported several months ago that the risk of ischemic stroke rises with greater alcohol intake.

Control your weight
Gaining even 22 pounds after the age of 18 is associated with increased risk of stroke.

Eat a healthy diet
Diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol can raise blood-cholesterol levels.

“Cholesterol tends to adhere to the arteries, and blood tends to stick to those spots, increasing the risk of clotting,” Morgenstern says. Excess sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, too. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day may reduce stroke risk.

Stop smoking
Stroke risk decreases significantly two years after quitting and is at the level of nonsmokers by five years, research shows. In fact, recent data from the Women’s Health Study showed that women who smoke a pack a day are at increased risk of hypertension. What’s more, the nicotine and carbon monoxide damage the cardiovascular system, leading to a higher risk of stroke.

Blood Type Compatibility Chart

2012-05-03T22:21:00.000+05:30

Sometimes we do not get the required type of blood during emergency need. In that cases we can use compatible blood groups to meet the emergency needs. A list of compatible blood groups are given below. Depending on whether you need only Red Cells, Whole Blood or Plasma, the compatible blood groups may vary. The following chart is for your reference only. Please consult with a qualified doctor for the decision making of blood transfusion.

Blood Group Compatibility Chart
Recipient's Blood group	Can Accept Blood from:
Recipient's Blood group	Red Cells	Whole Blood	Plasma
O +ve	O +ve O -ve	O +ve O -ve	Any O, A, B or AB
O -ve	O -ve	O -ve	Any O, A, B or AB
A +ve	A +ve, A -ve, O +ve or O -ve	A +ve or A -ve	Any A or AB
A -ve	A -ve or O -ve	A -ve	Any A or AB
B +ve	B +ve, B -ve, O +ve or O -ve	B +ve or B -ve	Any B or AB
B -ve	B -ve or O -ve	B -ve	Any B or AB
AB +ve	AB +ve, AB -ve A +ve, A -ve B +ve, B -ve O +ve or O-ve	AB +ve or AB -ve	Any AB
AB -ve	AB -ve, A -ve, B -ve or O -ve	AB -ve	AB

What is your probability of getting blood during emergency need? You can use the following chart to know the distribution and ratio of blood groups or blood types.

TYPES	DISTRIBUTION	RATIOS
O +ve	1 person in 3	38.4%
O -ve	1 person in 15	7.7%
A +ve	1 person in 3	32.3%
A -ve	1 person in 16	6.5%
B +ve	1 person in 12	9.4%
B -ve	1 person in 67	1.7%
AB +ve	1 person in 29	3.2%
AB -ve	1 person in 167	0.7%

What are pneumonia symptoms and signs?

2012-05-03T21:39:00.000+05:30

What are pneumonia symptoms and signs?

Most people who develop pneumonia initially have symptoms of a cold (upper respiratory infection, for example, sneezing, sore throat, cough), which are then followed by a high fever (sometimes as high as 104 F), shaking chills, and a cough with sputum production. The sputum is usually discolored and sometimes bloody. Depending on the location of the infection, certain symptoms are more likely to develop. When the infection settles in the air passages, cough and sputum tend to predominate the symptoms. In some, the spongy tissue of the lungs that contain the air sacs is more involved. In this case, oxygenation of the blood can be impaired, along with stiffening of the lung, which results in shortness of breath. At times, the individual's skin color may change and become dusky or purplish (a condition known as "cyanosis") due to their blood being poorly oxygenated.

The only pain fibers in the lung are on the surface of the lung, in the area known as the pleura. Chest pain may develop if the outer aspects of the lung close to the pleura are involved in the infection. This pain is usually sharp and worsens when taking a deep breath and is known as pleuritic pain or pleurisy. In other cases of pneumonia, depending on the causative organism, there can be a slow onset of symptoms. A worsening cough, headaches, and muscle aches may be the only symptoms.

Children and babies who develop pneumonia often do not have any specific signs of a chest infection but develop a fever, appear quite ill, and can become lethargic. Elderly people may also have few symptoms with pneumonia.

How do people "catch pneumonia"?

Some cases of pneumonia are contracted by breathing in small droplets that contain the organisms that can cause pneumonia. These droplets get into the air when a person infected with these germs coughs or sneezes. In other cases, pneumonia is caused when bacteria or viruses that are normally present in the mouth, throat, or nose inadvertently enter the lung. During sleep, it is quite common for people to aspirate secretions from the mouth, throat, or nose. Normally, the body's reflex response (coughing back up the secretions) and their immune system will prevent the aspirated organisms from causing pneumonia. However, if a person is in a weakened condition from another illness, a severe pneumonia can develop. People with recent viral infections, lung disease, heart disease, and swallowing problems, as well as alcoholics, drug users, and those who have suffered a stroke orseizure are at higher risk for developing pneumonia than the general population. As we age, our swallowing mechanism can become impaired as does our immune system. These factors, along with some of the negative side effects of medications, increase the risk for pneumonia in the elderly.

Once organisms enter the lungs, they usually settle in the air sacs and passages of the lung where they rapidly grow in number. This area of the lung then becomes filled with fluid and pus (the body's inflammatory cells) as the body attempts to fight off the infection.

What is the prognosis of pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be a serious and life-threatening infection. This is true especially in the elderly, children, and those who have other serious medical problems, such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Fortunately, with the discovery of many potent antibiotics, most cases of pneumonia can be successfully treated. In fact, pneumonia can usually be treated with oral antibiotics without the need for hospitalization.

What are some of the organisms that cause pneumonia? What is the treatment for pneumonia? Can pneumonia be prevented?

The most common cause of a bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this form of pneumonia, there is usually an abrupt onset of the illness with shakingchills, fever, and production of a rust-colored sputum. The infection spreads into the blood in 20%-30% of cases (known assepsis), and if this occurs, 20%-30% of these patients die.

Two vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal disease: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23; Pneumovax). The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is part of the routine infant immunization schedule in the U.S. and is recommended for all children < 2 years of age and children 2-4 years of age who have certain medical conditions. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for adults at increased risk for developing pneumococcal pneumonia including the elderly, people who have diabetes, chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease, those with alcoholism, cigarette smokers, and in those people who have had their spleen removed. This vaccination should be repeated every five to seven years, whereas the flu vaccine is given annually.

Antibiotics often used in the treatment of this type of pneumonia includepenicillin, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin, Augmentin XR), and macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone), azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Max), and clarithromycin(Biaxin). Penicillin was formerly the antibiotic of choice in treating this infection. With the advent and widespread use of broader-spectrum antibiotics, significant drug resistance has developed. Penicillin may still be effective in treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia, but it should only be used after cultures of the bacteria confirm their sensitivity to this antibiotic.

Klebsiella pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae are bacteria that often cause pneumonia in people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or alcoholism. Useful antibiotics in this case are the second- and third-generation cephalosporins, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin [Levaquin], moxifloxacin-oral [Avelox], and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim [Bactrim, Septra]).

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that often causes a slowly developing infection. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea, and rash. This bacterium is the principal cause of many pneumonias in the summer and fall months, and the condition often referred to as "atypical pneumonia." Macrolides (erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, and fluoroquinolones) are antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat Mycoplasma pneumonia.

Legionnaire's disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumoniaethat is most often found in contaminated water supplies and air conditioners. It is a potentially fatal infection if not accurately diagnosed. Pneumonia is part of the overall infection, and symptoms include high fever, a relatively slow heart rate, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain. Older men, smokers, and people whose immune systems are suppressed are at higher risk of developing Legionnaire's disease. Fluoroquinolones (see above) are the treatment of choice in this infection. This infection is often diagnosed by a special urine test looking for specific antibodies to the specific organism.

Mycoplasma, Legionnaire's, and another infection, Chlamydia pneumoniae, all cause a syndrome known as "atypical pneumonia." In this syndrome, the chest X-ray shows diffuse abnormalities, yet the patient does not appear severely ill. In the past, this condition was referred to as "walkingpneumonia," a term that is rarely used today. These infections are very difficult to distinguish clinically and often require laboratory evidence for confirmation.

Recently, a study performed in the Netherlands demonstrated that adding a steroid medication, dexamethasone (Decadron), to antibiotic therapy shortens the duration of hospitalization. This medication should be used with caution in patients whom are critically ill or already have a compromised immune system.

Pneumocystis carinii (now known as Pneumocystis jiroveci) pneumonia is another form of pneumonia that usually involves both lungs. It is seen in patients with a compromised immune system, either from chemotherapy forcancer, HIV/AIDS, and those treated with TNF (tumor necrosis factor), such as for rheumatoid arthritis. Once diagnosed, it usually responds well to sulfa-containing antibiotics. Steroids are often additionally used in more severe cases.

Viral pneumonias do not typically respond to antibiotic treatment. These infections can be caused by adenoviruses, rhinovirus, influenza virus (flu),respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus (that also causescroup). These pneumonias usually resolve over time with the body's immune system fighting off the infection. It is important to make sure that a bacterial pneumonia does not secondarily develop. If it does, then the bacterial pneumonia is treated with appropriate antibiotics. In some situations, antiviral therapy is helpful in treating these conditions. More recently, H1N1, swine-origin influenza A, has been associated with very severe pneumonia often resulting in respiratory failure. This disease often requires the use of mechanical ventilation for breathing support. Death is not uncommon when this infection involves the lungs.

Fungal infections that can lead to pneumonia include histoplasmosis, coccidiomycosis, blastomycosis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis. These are responsible for a relatively small percentage of pneumonias in the United States. Each fungus has specific antibiotic treatments, among which are amphotericin B, fluconazole (Diflucan), penicillin, and sulfonamides.

Major concerns have developed in the medical community regarding the overuse of antibiotics. Most sore throats and upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. Though antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, they are often prescribed. This excessive use has resulted in a variety of bacteria that have become resistant to many antibiotics. These resistant organisms are commonly seen in hospitals and nursing homes. In fact, physicians must consider the location when prescribing antibiotics (community-acquired pneumonia, or CAP, versus hospital-acquired pneumonia, or HAP).

The more virulent organisms often come from the health-care environment, either the hospital or nursing homes. These organisms have been exposed to a variety of the strongest antibiotics that we have available. They tend to develop resistance to some of these antibiotics. These organisms are referred to as nosocomial bacteria and can cause what is known as nosocomial pneumonia when the lungs become infected.

Recently, one of these resistant organisms from the hospital has become quite common in the community. In some communities, up to 50% of Staph aureus infections are due to organisms resistant to the antibiotic methicillin. This organism is referred to as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus) and requires special antibiotics when it causes infection. It can cause pneumonia but also frequently causes skin infections. In many hospitals, patients with this infection are placed in contact isolation. Their visitors are often asked to wear gloves, masks, and gowns. This is done to help prevent the spread of this bacteria to other surfaces where they can inadvertently contaminate whatever touches that surface. It is therefore very important to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently to limit further spread of this resistant organism. The situation with MRSA continues to evolve. The community-acquired strain of MRSA tends to be responsive to some of the more commonly used antibiotics whereas the hospital-acquired strains require stronger, more aggressive antibiotic therapies. As this evolution occurs, patients are arriving in the hospital with the community-acquired strains as well as a previous hospital-acquired strain. This further necessitates performing bacterial cultures to determine the best course of action.

Additional resources from WebMD Boots UK onPneumonia

REFERENCES:

Hoare, Zara, and Wei Shen Lim. "Pneumonia: Update on Diagnosis and Management." BMJ 332 May 6, 2006: 1077-1079.

Meijvis, Sabine CA, et al. "Dexamethasone and Length of Hospital Stay in Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial." The Lancet. June 1, 2011. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60607-7.

United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Seasonal Influenza (Flu)." June 3, 2011. <http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/>.

How to Interpret Your Thyroid Test Results

2012-04-27T20:32:00.002+05:30

How to Interpret Your Thyroid Test Results

If you want to have a better idea of what your thyroid tests mean, here is some information that can help.

Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

Find out your thyroid test results from your doctor's office.

If you can, get a hard copy printout for your own review and home medical files.

If "normal" or "reference" ranges are not indicated on the lab results, ask your doctor's office to tell you what these ranges are.

Note the level of your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). At most labs in the U.S., up until late 2002, the normal range is from around 0.5 to 5.5. That range changed to .3 to 3 as of early 2003.

If the TSH level is below normal, your doctor may determine that you are hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid.)

If the TSH level is above normal, your doctor may determine that you are hypothyroid (underactive thyroid.)

If your doctor ran a test called Total T4 or Total Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 4.5 to 12.5. If you had a low reading, and a high TSH, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.

If your doctor ran a test called Total T4 or Total Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 4.5 to 12.5. If you had a low reading, and a low TSH, your doctor might look into a pituitary problem.

If your doctor ran a test called Free T4, or Free Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 0.7 to 2.0. If your result was less than 0.7, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.

If your doctor ran a test called Total T3, normal range is approximately 80 to 220. If your result was less than 80, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.

If your doctor ran a test called Free T3, normal range is approximately 2.3 to 4.2. If your result was less than 2.3, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.

If your test results come back "normal" but you have many of the symptoms or risk factors for thyroid disease, make sure you ask for an antibodies test. Some doctors believe in treating thyroid symptoms in the presence of elevated antibodies and normal TSH levels.

If your test results come back "normal" but you have many of the symptoms or risk factors for thyroid disease, consider going to a reputable holistic M.D. or alternative physician for further interpretation and diagnosis.

Thyroid Problems Diagnosis - When to Seek Medical Care

2012-04-24T21:15:00.000+05:30

Thyroid Problems Diagnosis

The medical history and physical exam are important parts of the evaluation for thyroid problems. The health care practitioner will focus on eye, skin, cardiac (heart), and neurologic findings.

Blood tests

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): In most cases, this is the single most useful lab test in diagnosing thyroid disease. When there is an excess of thyroid hormone in the blood, as in hyperthyroidism, the TSH is low. When there is too little thyroid hormone, as in hypothyroidism, the TSH is high.
Free (T4): T4 is one of the thyroid hormones. High T4 may indicate hyperthyroidism. Low T4 may indicate hypothyroidism.
Triiodothyronine (T3): T3 is another one of the thyroid hormones. High T3 may indicate hyperthyroidism. Low T3 may indicate hypothyroidism.
TSH receptor antibody (TSI): This antibody is present in Grave's disease.
Antithyroid antibody: This antibody is present in Hashimoto's and Grave's disease.

Nuclear thyroid scan: During this scan a small amount of radioactive iodine is swallowed or a similar material 99m-technetium, is injected into the blood, and then an imaging study of the thyroid is taken that reveals localization of the radioactivity. Increased uptake of the radioactive material in the thyroid gland indicates hyperthyroidism, while decreased uptake is present in hypothyroidism. This test should not be performed on women who are pregnant.

Thyroid ultrasound: Thyroid ultrasound helps to determine the size and number as well as the different types of nodules in the thyroid gland. This exam can also detect if there are enlarged parathyroid glands or lymph nodes near the thyroid gland.

Fine-needle aspiration: During this procedure, a small needle is inserted into the thyroid gland in order to get a sample of thyroid tissue, usually from a nodule. This test can be done in a health care practitioner's office without special preparations. The tissue is then observed under a microscope by a pathologist to look for any signs of cancer.

Computerized axial tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is occasionally used to look for the extent of a large goiter into the upper chest or to look for narrowing or displacement of the trachea (breathing tube) from the goiter.

When to Seek Medical Care

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism typically develop slowly over a period of weeks to months. If an individual has prolonged symptoms or signs of either condition, call a doctor to be evaluated.

Untreated hypothyroidism may have severe effects on the brain as well as causeintestinal obstruction and inability of the heart to beat effectively. An infection, exposure to cold, trauma, and certain medications may often cause a worsening of hypothyroidism.

Seek immediate attention at a hospital's emergency department if you have these signs and symptoms associated with thyroid problems.

Shortness of breath
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Confusion
Coma

Severe hyperthyroidism, called thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm), may be life-threatening because of the effects it has on the heart and brain. It often occurs in people who are untreated or are receiving inadequate treatment for thyroid problems. A severe infection can also cause a thyrotoxic crisis.

Seek immediate attention at a hospital's emergency department if you have these signs and symptoms associated with thyroid problems.

Chest pain
Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Extreme agitation or irritability
Dizziness
Disorientation (person has no knowledge of the date or location)
Coma

Severe goiter or nodule problem: Seek immediate attention at a hospital's emergency department if you have these signs and symptoms associated with thyroid problems.

Shortness of breath especially with stridor (a whistling sound in your neck when you breathe)
Extreme pain in your thyroid gland that prevents you from swallowing
Sudden enlargement of your thyroid gland, especially if associated with problems breathing or swallowing
Pain and high fever with the thyroid enlargement

Slide show about Thyroid

Signs of a Vision Problem

2012-04-20T15:45:00.000+05:30

Serious Signs of a Vision Problem

One goal of See by Three is to raise awareness about vision disorders. It is important to stress that many common vision problems do not have outward symptoms. Even if none of these problems look familiar, there could still be a problem. If you have any concerns about your child's eyes, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

The three symptoms below are considered "concerning" and if they are present, tell your physician the next time you have a scheduled visit.

Unequal pupils may be a sign of nerve damage or tumor which is visible in one eye. If a child tilts their head, it may be an indication that the child is avoiding double vision. If there appears to be a pupil defect, if the pupil is irregular in shape, it may be an indication that there is a defect inside the eye.

Very Serious Signs of a Vision Problem

If you see the symptoms below in your child, consider notifying your physician within days or weeks as they are considered serious.

If your child's eyes appear to be dancing it could be a sign of a disease of the nervous system anywhere between the eye and the brain. If your child's eyes are tearing, discharging or red, it can be a sign that there is an infection or a blocked tear duct. If your child's eyes turn inward or outward, it could lead to a loss of vision.

Very Serious Signs of a Vision Problem

If you notice the any of the symptoms below, see a physician immediately as they may indicate a very serious vision problem.
If you notice a lump, swelling or drooping of the eye lid, it may be an inflammation which is an emergency if it happens suddenly and the lid is red and hot. It may also be an indication that an eye muscle is weak or there is a tumor causing blockage of vision. A large cornea in one or both eyes can be a sign of glaucoma in both the newboard and infant, especially when the eye waters and avoids light. If you notice a white or cloudy pupil, this can be a sign of a cataract or tumor in the eye.

Beware! Baby food very low in micro-nutrients

2012-04-18T08:30:00.001+05:30

London: Micro-nutrients in readymade baby meals contain less than a fifth of the recommended daily supply of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and other minerals, says a new study.

The research took eight different sample jars produced by four popular brands from the shelves of leading supermarkets and analysed the micro-nutrient content, with a tool called an Inductivity Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer.

The samples included four meat and four vegetable varieties, one with pasta, but specific manufacturers were not identified, the Food Chemistry Journal reports.

The research by the University of Greenwich School of Science showed that infants given one meat jar and one vegetable jar on top of 600 ml of formula milk would not be getting enough calcium, magnesium, copper and selenium. On average, the levels were below 20 percent of the recommended daily supply.
Greenwich's food science and nutrition specialist, Nazanin Zand, who conducted the research, said it was apparent that these complementary baby foods, when added to the daily milk supply, do not meet the recommended daily intake, according to a Greenwich statement.

She added: "This may be one of the reasons why manufacturers of complementary 'ready to eat' infant meals do not declare the micro-nutrient contents of their products. It's so important that babies are weaned from six months onwards with a healthy balance of complementary foods and breast milk, or follow-on formula at times when breast feeding is not possible."

Top Beauty Tips

2012-04-17T10:05:00.000+05:30

FAIRNESS TIPS FOR OILY SKIN

Skin produces oil due to changes in the hormone levels, especially during teen years and causes acne. Oily skin needs special care because they attract the dirt and dust easily and as a result develop other complications easily. Follow our easy and simple tips to deal with excess oil on your face...

Wash your face frequently with cold water and try to apply rose water as this will help to reduce excess oil formation on your skin.
Drink cucumber and karela (bitter gourd ) juice daily in the morning on an empty stomach for controlling oily skin.
Apply a puree of fresh tomatoes on your skin.
Try using a deep-cleaning exfoliant on alternate nights, and following the treatment with a light coating of moisturizer.
Use hot water when washing your face. Hot water dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.

FAIRNESS TIPS FOR DRY SKIN

Apply a mixture of half teaspoon of vitamin E oil with few drops of lemon juice and half teaspoon of glycerin.
Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and honey. Apply this mixture to your face leave it for 15 minutes after rinse with lukewarm water. Cucumber reduces the dark spots.
Apply curd with pinch of turmeric powder to your face. Curd contains zinc and lactic acid. Curd will useful for dry skin.
Massage your skin with olive oil for 15 minutes. Olive oil is helpful for soft and fair skin.
Make a fine paste of one teaspoon of warm olive oil with few drops of lime juice and add 2 to 3 drops of glycerin. Apply this paste your face.
Massage coconut oil to your face about 10 minutes. Coconut oil is very helpful for dry skin.

Beauty tips for glowing skin

2012-04-17T09:54:00.001+05:30

Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it with lukewarm water after it gets dry.
Make a face mask of curd and cucumber juice and apply it at least once a week.
Make a paste of powdered mango peels and 1 teaspoon of milk powder. Scrub it over the area that is widely exposed to sun or cold weather. The dryness or oil vanishes and skin starts glowing.
Mash avocados, smooth it onto your face, and rinse off after 20 minutes. It is a great treatment for dry skin to glow.
Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil for a great home made moisturizer for your dry skin. Apply this concoction for 10 minutes.
For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes and wash off.
Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth and glowing skin.
Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the skin. This will make your skin glow.
Boil cabbage in water. Strain it and use the water to wash your face to make your skin look radiant.
Mix yoghurt with cucumber water. Apply on your face and wash it off.
Take half a cup of coconut milk. Use half of it to apply it over the face and body. Mix the rest with red sandalwood powder; apply the paste on the face. It can also be applied all over the body. It exfoliates your skin.
Mix coconut water and thick pineapple juice. Add multani mitti and apply it over your face and body. Do not scrub vigorously; wash it off with ice cubes or cold water.
Mix one-teaspoon vinegar with one-teaspoon rosewater. Apply on skin and leave for 10 minutes. Wash it off with ordinary water.
Mix one-teaspoon honey with one teaspoon tomato juice. Leave it on the face or body for 10 minutes and wash it off with ordinary water.

Acne/Pimple

2012-04-17T09:44:00.000+05:30

Acne Causes

The exact cause of acne is unknown but there are several factors that may contribute to this skin condition.

These factors include:

Genetics (will most likely affect you if other family members had acne)
Hormones (hormonal changes during puberty, or monthly periods)
Infections (germs such as bacteria may cause acne)
Certain medications (steroids, anticonvulsants, hormones or birth control pills may cause acne)
Skin cosmetics (moisturizers, makeup and cosmetics clog the pores of the skin and cause acne)
Environmental conditions (humidity can increase the outbreak of acne)

Acne Symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of acne.

Blackheads
Whiteheads
Pus-filled lesions that may be painful
Nodules (solid, raised bumps)

Tips to prevent Acne

There are a number of tips to help you care for acne and prevent breakouts and scars:

Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or gentle pH balanced cleanser, then apply a moisturizer for acne prone type skin
Eat a healthy, well balanced diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables
Drink eight glasses of water a day to flush the toxins from the body
Exercise regularly to increase oxygen to the skin which can help to reduce acne
Reduce your caffeine intake
Avoid touching your face with your fingers and never pop pimples as this will only lead to swelling and scarring
Remove make-up before going to bed as it clogs the pores
Shampoo hair more regularly and keep it out of your face to prevent oil and dirt from clogging the pores
Shower after exercise and workouts because the sweat and the oils in the skin traps dirt and bacteria
Avoid wearing clothes that may irritate the skin if acne develops on your body
Wear a sunscreen when you go outside
Stop smoking as it worsens acne

Acne Home Remedies

Here are the some of the useful acne home remedies for home treatment.

Yellow Indian cucumber (dosakaya) juice apply on the face helps to remove acne and remove its scars.
Take one apple and grated the apple and add 1 spoon of honey and mix well. Apply to the face, leave it 15 minutes and wash with luke warm water. It helps to remove acne or pimples.
Take 2 spoons of oat meal, small amount of honey, water and mix well. Apply to the face. After some time it will be tighten and remove with light hot water with one smooth cloth. it helps to control the acne.
Take 1 spoon pineapple juice with 1 pinch turmeric powder and mix well and apply to the face. Leave it 15 minutes and wash with cool water, it removes acne and black spots.
Take some curd, add 1 spoon oats, 4 drops lemon juice and mix well. Apply to the face. After some time remove the mask with cool water, it removes acne.
Once in every 3 days apply honey to the face and leave it 30 minutes. When you remove the mask with luke warm water, It removes acne.
Take mint juice with 1 pinch turmeric powder and apply to face, It removes acne and the block spots.
Take rose water, mix with 4 drops of lemon juice and mix well. Take some cotton and make a small round balls and dip in to the juice. Pace the balls over the spots and remove after 15 minutes. It removes acne scars.
Take almond (badham) powder and mix with castor oil and apply to face and then massage it. Leave it some time and then wash with luke warm water. It helps to control the pimples and helps to skin glow.
Take 2 spoons of water and mix with 1 spoon of olive oil and mix well, then apply to face, leave it some time. It is good for acne control and skin glow.
Take keera juice and mix with honey and stored in fridge, It will store up to 1 week, then apply paste to face with cotton. It helps to skin health and control acne.
Take 1/4 spoon honey and 1 table spoon face wash, small amount of glycerine and mix well, then apply the paste to face and leave it some time. Then clean with luke warm water, it helps to remove acne and dead skin.
Take white fluid in the egg and mix with honey and apply to face as a mask and leave it some time, then wash the face with light hot water. It removes acne and it is also good for skin tightening.
Take 1 table spoon of ground nut oil with 1 tbsp lime juice, then apply to face. It is good for prevent to formation of pimples.
Toothpaste removes Acne
Some times pimples have itching, that time to prevent for itching use this tip. Take toothpaste or calamine lotion and apply over the pimple and leave it some hours. It dried the pimple.
Take some pods of cloves and then fry them without oil and make a fine form of powder, then add curd and make a paste. Applying over the pimples helps to dry the pimples.
Applying papaya milk on face helps to remove acne or pimples.
Make a fine form of paste of Saunf and then add lemon juice to it. Applying of this mixture to the face daily helps to remove acne or pimples. Your face will glow naturally. This is very useful homemade home remedy for acne or pimples.
Sandalwood paste applied on the face helps to overcome Acne and remove its scars.
Cucumber (Kheera) juice mixed with lemon juice applied on the pimples helps to get relief from acne and acne scars.
Acne treatment using Pudina
Mint (Pudina) juice applied on the face also helps to get relief from acne and acne scars.
Water boiled with neem leaves used for taking steam helps in reducing acne and acne Scars.
Gram Flour (Besan) mixed with butter milk applied on the face reduces acne and acne scars.
Note: Does gram flour irritate acne skin ? - The answer is no. As the gram flour is good ingredient for skin shining and also helps in the treatment of acne skin.
Raw Papaya (papita) paste applied on the face helps to cure acne.
Nutmeg (Joy Phal) grinded with milk applied on the face helps a lot in reducing acne and acne scars. So nutmeg and milk cure acne very fast.
Powdered dry orange skin applied as a paste or orange skin rubbed on the face helps to remove acne scars.
Does neem cure scar on face ?
Water boiled with neem leaves used for washing face removes extra oil from the face and reduces pimple or acne scar on face.
Tomato rubbed on the face or tomato juice applied on the face helps to remove acne scars.
Aloe vera (Gwar Patha) is a best medicine for pimples or acne. Aloe vera leaf rubbed on the face removes acne and acne scars.
Carom seeds (Ajwain) grinded with curd applied on the face also helps to get rid of acne or pimples.
Fenugreek (Menthi) paste also helps in getting rid of acne and its scars.
Basil Leaves (Tulsi) rubbed on the face helps to remove acne scars.
Lemon juice applied on the pimples also helps to remove acne and its scars.
Does tender coconut water helps preventing acne ?
Washing face with tender coconut water is a good remedy to overcome acne scars and preventing acne.
Coriander (Dhania) juice mixed with lemon juice applied on the face also removes acne and its scars.
Fresh leaf of fenugreek crushed and ground to form a fine paste could be applied on a face and allowed to remain overnight and washed off in the morning.
Neem powder or oil is very effective in relieving us from acne.

Quick n Easy Home Remedies Tips:

2012-04-17T09:37:00.006+05:30

Easy Home Remedies for Acne/Pimples - Always keep your face clean & make sure to clean with light cold water when you came from outside. - Don't eat spicy food till your acne or pimples cure. Checkout more home remedies to cure Acne / Pimples	Easy Home Remedies for Acidity - Take one glass of butter milk before going to bed every night. - Have one glass of sugar water (add 3 table spoons of sugar to 250 ml of water) for every 6 hours.
Easy Home Remedies for Body Care - Apply coconut oil to your body before going to bed. - Don't take food items which contains high in salt.	Easy Home Remedies for Hair Loss - Apply Cocunut milk to your hair and wash after some time helps to prevent hair loss. - Apply egg yolk and massage slowly to hair and wait for an hour and wash it.
Home Remedies for Ears - If you have ear infection, fill 3 to 5 drops of coconut oil in your infected ear and close with cotton before going to bed. - Clean your ears daily with water while taking bath, which will prevents you from ear ache & infections.	Home Remedies for Eyes - Always wash your eyes with cold water when you feel your eyes are tired. - Place cucumber slices on your closed eyes for about 1 hour for eyes care.
Home Remedies for Cold - Take hot ginger tea twice a daily - Take 5 litres of water in a large bowl and add 50 grams of turmeric to it and boil it. Keep that boild water bowl on floor and sit a side and cover the blanket on you & hot water and now breathe that hot vapours for 5 mins, it will give instant relief to your nozzles & feels like free from cold. If you do twice a day will relieves you from cold.
Browse complete list of homemade natural Home Remedies for natural causes

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

2012-04-16T08:50:00.000+05:30

High blood pressure or hypertension is a disease of the modern age. It is regarded as silent killer. The fast pace of life and the mental and physical pressure increase the adrenaline in the blood stream and this causes the pressure of the blood to rise. The force exerted by the heart as it pumps the blood the blood into the large arteries creates a pressure within them and this is known as blood pressure. A certain level of blood pressure is important to keep the blood circulating in the body. When the pressure becomes high, it causes high blood pressure, which is further caused by narrowing of the small blood vessels known as capillaries. The narrowing puts more stress on the heart to pump blood through the blood vessels.

The highest pressure reached during each heartbeat is called systolic pressure and the lowest between two beats is known as diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure gives the pressure of the contraction of the heart as it pushes the blood throughout the body. The diastolic pressure gives the pressure present in the artery when the heart is relaxed and shows the condition of the blood vessels. The individuals having diastolic blood pressure 90 mmHg and systolic 105mmHg are considered as mildly hypertensive. Diastolic blood pressure above 95 mmHg and systolic above 160 mmHg are considered moderate hypertensive and diastolic above 110 and systolic above 200 mmHg as severely hypertensive.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

The various causes of high blood pressure are:

Obesity

Stress

Hormonal changes in women

High intake of sodium

below are a few with the more widespread indications to find:

Repeated severe headaches

Dizziness

Feeling sick

Distress

Tiredness

Sleeping disorders

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Natural remedy for high blood pressure - Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective home remedy in lowering the blood pressure. It is excellent for thrombosis, hardening of arteries and high blood cholesterol. (Garlic Pills available at www.AyurvedicCure.com)

Indian gooseberry (amla) is another effective home remedy for high blood pressure. One tablespoonful each of fresh amla juice and honey mixed together should be taken every morning.

Watermelon is another safeguard against hypertension.

In half of the cup of lukewarm water add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Drink it when needed. This is also one of the effective home remedies for high blood pressure.

Grind equal amounts of watermelon seeds and khas khas and keep together. Take one teaspoonful with an empty stomach and one in the evening with water for lowering blood pressure. This can be taken 3-4 weeks according to the requirement. This is very useful home remedy for high blood pressure.

Squeeze half a lemon in 100 grams of water and drink it every two hours for immediate relief.

Take one teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds morning and evening with an empty stomach for 10-15 days with water. This is one of the good home remedies for high blood pressure.

One or two pieces of garlic rolled in raisin also lower blood pressure.

Take four leaves of Tulsi (Holy Basil) and two leaves of Neem with 2-4 teaspoonfuls of water, empty stomach for 5-7 days. This will reduce high blood pressure.

Take fresh papayas daily on an empty stomach for a month regularly. This is also effective home remedy for high blood pressure.

Take Spiegel seeds in 1-2 teaspoons of curd. This is a good diet for high blood pressure.

Amla taken along with milk daily helps in lowering the blood pressure.

Walking barefoot on green grass for 15-20 minutes daily also improves blood circulation and helps to maintain the blood pressure at normal. This is a good high blood pressure remedy.

Hot foot or leg bath for 10 minutes and hot compress over the heart are the water treatments that have been proved beneficial. This is also effective high blood pressure treatment.

Take fennel seeds, cumin seeds and sugar in equal quantities and make a powdered mixture. Then add one teaspoonful of this powdered mixture in a glassful of water and drink. Do this ne time in every morning and every evening. This will be helpful to people who have problem of hypertension. This remedy is very effective home remedy for high blood pressure.

High blood pressure treatment - Yogic asanas such as suryanamaskar, makarasana, matsyasana, vajrasana, ardhpadmasana, pavanmuktasana, shavasana and simple pranayama like anuloma-viloma and abdominal breathing are beneficial.

Mix half onion juice and half honey. Take 2 tablespoons twice daily to lower the blood pressure. This is one of the effective and simple natural remedy for high blood pressure.

Baked potatoes are best for lowering the blood pressure.

The vitamin P content in grapefruit is helpful in toning up the arteries and lowers the blood pressure. This is a good remedy for high blood pressure.

For more Helpful Information Read Article Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Read the ebook: Get Natural! Drop Your Blood Pressure. A Step-by-step 12-week Program To Lower Blood Pressure Naturally. Easy And Common Sense.

Amazing facts while you breathe

2012-04-13T22:48:00.000+05:30

We breathe 16-20 times per minute and 22,000 times in a day. Find out how many breaths have your lungs clocked since your birth. The calculation may leave you breathless!

Amazing facts

With every breath we take in about a pint(473.176473 milliliters) of air.
In average lifetime we take in about 288 million pints.
We breathe about 600 million times during our lifetime.
In a lifetime we would have inhaled about 48 lbs of dust.
The x-ray of the lungs of a person living in a city differs from that of someone living in a less polluted region of the world.

How To Prevent Stroke

2012-04-13T22:29:00.003+05:30

by Dr. Reeja Tharu on December 09, 2008 at 2:15 PM Health In Focus

Stroke, the most common cause of adult disability, has the power to transform lives permanently. It impacts the victims and their families by robbing them of their independence. Stroke is the third leading cause of adult deaths in the United States.

A stroke, also referred to as "brain attack”, results when the blood supply to the brain is obstructed. A decreased blood supply is synonymous with low levels of oxygen which leads to the death of brain cells and, finally, stroke.

Types

Stroke can be largely categorized into two types:-

• Ischemic strokes are those that result due to a blockage of blood vessel in the neck or brain. 80% of strokes are ischemic. This blockage may be due to:

- The formation of a clot, denovo, (thrombosis), within a blood vessel of the brain or neck.

- The movement of a clot from another location within the body to the neck or the brain (embolism).

- Stenosis (or narrowing) of an artery inside the brain or leading to it.

• Hemorrhagic strokes are those that result from internal bleeding into the brain or into the spaces surrounding the brain.

How to handle Stroke

There are two sure ways of minimizing a person’s risk of dying from a stroke. They are:-

• Understanding the symptoms / signs and risk factors of stroke

• Controlling the risk factors

Symptoms and Signs of Stroke

If any of the following symptoms are experienced you may be at a risk for Stroke. At such time do not hesitate to seek medical help.

• Sudden numbness / weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side
• Sudden confusion
• Sudden difficulty in speaking /comprehending
• Sudden trouble in vision in either one or both eyes
• Double vision
• Sudden headache with no apparent cause
• Sudden difficulty in walking
• Dizziness, nausea, vomiting
• Loss of balance / coordination

Sometimes these signs may last for a few minutes and then disappear. These miniscule episodes are called ‘Transient Ischemic Attacks’ (TIAs), or ‘mini-strokes’. The brevity of these mini strokes should not deter a person from seeking medical help as they are indicative of a grave underlying condition.

Please listen to these signs to save your life!

Stroke Risk Factors

A risk factor is a medical condition or a behavioral trait that is observed in those whose chances of getting a disease is high.

Stroke is universal—it affects people - of all age groups, of both genders—who belong to all the races all through the world. The ethnicity of the African American makes them more prone to stroke compared to other ethnic groups, within the United States.

Stroke can even affect a fetus inside its mother’s womb.

Age is another factor which makes an individual more prone to get a stroke.

But there are other treatable risk factors for stroke that can be identified, monitored and controlled. They are:-

• Hypertension or increased blood pressure is not known as ‘silent killer’ for nothing. It is the most severe cause of stroke.

IVF Grants Miracle Baby to Senior and His Young Wife

2012-04-13T22:12:00.003+05:30

by Dr. Reeja Tharu on April 09, 2012 at 4:21 PM Health In Focus

A sixty seven year old man, who survived 12 heart attacks, has fathered a baby girl with his thirty one year old wife of eleven years through in vitro fertilization.

Malcolm Lawrence, a retired nurse, almost had another heart attack when his wife Ann-Marie told him that she was pregnant with their child.

Lawrence always thought that he was too old for fatherhood with his young wife. However, he decided to undergo IVF treatment, through the NHS, to help his wife conceive a baby of her own.

The couple underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, where Malcolm’s single frozen sperm was thawed out and injected directly into one of Ann-Marie’s denuded eggs with microscopic assistance.

To the couple’s utter glee they were blessed with a 7-pound healthy baby girl, Cerys–May, on March 10, 2012!

Lawrence said, ”It was a real shock. I still can’t believe it has happened. There have been some people who say things like, “You are too old to be a father” and others saying my health isn’t good enough. But I’ve proved them all wrong by giving my wife what she always wanted – a child of her own.”

The new father, who is also a proud grandfather, lives in Bridgend, South Wales and already has grown-up children from his previous marriage. His only son Gavin, 29, has two children of his own.

Malcolm Lawrence, met Ann-Marie when she was 19, and married her nine years ago when he was 57. The couple could not have a child naturally as Malcolm had a bladder operation, 30 years ago, which prevented him from fathering a child by natural means. At this point, Ann-Marie was too young for IVF. But Malcolm had already frozen and stored his sperm at a University hospital of Wales at Cardiff where it had remained for the next ten years.

Last year the couple was called upon to start their IVF treatment. Ann-Marie became pregnant at the first try and later on, became the proud mother of a baby girl who was born at the Princess of Wales Hospital, Cardiff.

Now the couple plans to try again for a sibling for Cerys-May in a year’s time, as they are allowed two cycles with IVF treatment.

Sadly, Malcolm Lawrence is not a very healthy man. He had suffered twelve heart attacks, has a bad back and pain in his hips, and also suffers from a chronic lung disorder.

His wife said, “I’m not bothered about the age difference and I try not to worry about the future too much. I’m just happy to have a daughter”. Malcolm’s son Kevin, too, is overjoyed that there is a new addition to their home.

Baby Cerys-May’s birth is an IVF success story indeed.

Read more: IVF Grants Miracle Baby to Senior and His Young Wife | MedIndia http://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/ivf-grants-miracle-baby-to-senior-and-his-young-wife-99898-1.htm#ixzz1rwJ3bvJI

Health Insurance

2012-04-13T15:55:00.003+05:30

What is Health Insurance?

Health insurance (popularly known as Medical Insurance or Mediclaim) protects you and your dependents against any financial constraints arising on account of a medical emergency. It sometimes includes disability and long term medical needs. In Mediclaim, you pay a premium and in return the insurer commits to pay a predetermined sum of money to meet the claims. Health insurance is new in Indian context and is slowly catching up with the consumers. Consumers understand the objective of health insurance and it’s offering to cover the ever rising medical expenses.

The term health insurance is a type of insurance that covers your medical expenses.The concept of health insurance is new in India but its awareness is growing fast. Health insurance comes in handy in case of severe emergencies. Life is unpredictable, insurance can make it safe and secure from bearing huge financial loss. A health insurance policy is a contract between an insurance company and an individual. Sometimes it is associated with covering disability and custodial needs. The contract is renewable annually.

Health insurance is affordable and carries the assurance and freedom from insecurities that threaten normalcy now and then. The type and amount of health care costs that will be covered by the health plan are specified in advance. Health plans are available in two formats, individual and group plans. In an individual policy you are personally the owner of the policy. While in a group plan, the sponsor owns the policy and the people covered under it are called its members.

Why Health Insurance?

Medical expenses are sky high these days. An appointment with a doctor might churn out big bucks. The elaborate medical treatment expenses could eat into your savings meant for the future. Health insurance policy kicks in to ensure that you get the required treatment and your pocket is still under control. Having health insurance is important because the coverage helps people get timely medical care and improve lives and health. It covers the risk of financial difficulties in the event of long illness. The awareness has been enormous in the last couple of years. This must have been in response to the series of uncertainties people have observed in recent times like the terror attacks.
BENEFITS:
Benefit depends on the policy you choose and the coverage it provides. Here is a list of basic coverage provided by most of the health policies.

It helps securing a better future by paying a fraction as an expense today called the premium.
It reduces saving huge amount of financial losses, risk of financial breakdown in case of expensive medical and post-illness care.
It definitely induces a sense of security to the insured.
It provides financial security to the family members.
It covers your hospitalization and medical bills.
It also covers disability and custodial bills.
You can avail tax benefits on the premium paid under section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
The best factor, you can also opt for health insurance policies even after the age of 60.

Saving on Health Insurance Premiums

Nobody likes paying more than its worth. Getting the most appropriate and affordable Health insurance is dependent on a few aspects like your choices, capability to choose and of course the health conditions of the policy buyer. But by following a few steps you can save a good lot on your health insurance premium.

Smoker’s health is always at risk, so people with smoking habits will end up paying more premium than a non smoker. So in order to reduce the premium, one has to quit smoking.
High blood pressure is not a good sign and is advisable to keep it under control. Keeping control on high blood pressure can help you reduce the premium cost.
If you are in good health, then automatically your premium cost will be lower than the people whose have health problems.
Avail your no claim benefits. Discounts on claim free years will also help reducing the premium at the time of renewal.
Comparing the quotes from various insurers is an important aspect to save on health insurance premium. Though you need to shop for a while to have an idea. Make sure you get some affordable online health insurance quotes.
Compare the benefits of various health insurance plans. Perform deep research to find out what discounts you can avail for in various appropriate policies.
Make your choices for cover very carefully, take only the coverage you require. Your random selection might end you up paying out more than actually required. So a right decision making is important.

How to file a health insurance claim

Taking health insurance and paying premium is one story and filing for claim is another. Claiming benefits can be quiet tricky at times so you have to be smart and careful while filing for the claim. To file a Health Insurance claim with your Insurance company one has to keep the following things in mind.

Claim form duly filled and signed by the claimant.
Discharge Certificate from the hospital
All documents pertaining to the illness starting from the date it was first detected i.e. Doctor's consultation reports/history
Bills, Receipts, Cash Memos from hospital supported by proper prescription.
Receipt and diagnostic test report supported by a note from the attending medical practitioner/surgeon justifying such diagnostics.
Attending doctor’s certificate stating the nature of the operation performed, bill and receipt. Attending consultant's / specialist's / anesthetist's bill and receipt, and certificate regarding diagnosis.
Certificate from the attending medical practitioner / surgeon that the patient is fully cured.
Details of previous policies if the details are not already with TPA except in the case of accidents.

For a Planned Hospitalization
Contact the Third-Party Administrator for your Health Insurance Policy and inform them of the planned hospitalization. Also verify the coverage terms of your policy and ensure that the Hospital / Medical Facility where you are planning to get treatment is in the Insurance company's Network. In case of a hospital that is not in the network understand the costs that will be covered. If your Insurance company offers cash-less facility then ask the TPA about the process to follow.

In case of an Unplanned Hospitalization
Inform the TPA as soon as possible to get the Claim forms and understand the procedures for filing a claim. Keep in mind that your claim form and all supporting documents should be filed within 7 days of completion of treatment.

Once treatment is complete get all the necessary documentation from the hospital and surgeon. You will have to settle all bills out of your own pocket and get reimbursed by the Insurance Company. Check your policy to understand where pre and post-hospitalization expenses are also covered. Complete the Claim form, attach all supporting documentation and mail/fax to the TPA.

In certain cases your claim maybe rejected if the treatment is not covered by your Health Insurance policy. If your claim is denied make sure you write to the Insurance company within 15 days and lodge a complaint. In case of partial payments, check with your TPA for the reasons. In most cases providing additional documentation might help recover the rest of your claim.

Absence of Heartbeat

2012-04-13T10:03:00.000+05:30

A heart which has stopped beating can sometimes be made to start again by a
technique called chest compression.

Adults
Giving Chest Compression to an Adult

Give two breaths of mouth-to-mouth ventilation (see Absence of Breathing).
Place the heel of one of your hands two fingers' width above the junction of the ribs and the breastbone.
Place the other hand on top and interlock the fingers. Keeping your arms straight and your fingers off the chest, press down about 4 to 5 cm (around 2 inches), then release the pressure, keeping your hands in place.
Repeat the compressions 15 times, aiming at a rate of 80 per minute.

Children
Treating a baby (under 1 year of age)

Place the baby on a firm surface. Locate a position one finger's width below the nipple line, in the middle of the chest.
Use two fingers to press the chest down by 2cm (a bit less than 1 inch).
Press five times ,at a rate of 100 comressions per minute (almost twice a second).
Continue mouth-to-mouth ventilation (see Absence of Breathing). Five
compressions to one breath without stopping until help arrives.
Only if the baby's colour improves, check the pulse. If the pulse is present
and above 60 per minute, stop the chest compression but continue to ventilate the
lungs if necessary.

Treating a child (over 1 year of age)

Place one hand two finger's width above the junction of the ribs and the breastbone.
Use the heel of that hand to press the chest down by 3cm (just over 1 inch)
Press five times ,at a rate of 100 compression per minute.
After five compressions, blow gently into the lungs once. Continue mouth-to-mouth ventilatation (see Absence of Breathing), giving five compressions to each breath
without stopping until help arrives.
Only if the baby's colour improves, check the pulse. If the pulse is present, stop the
chest compressions, but continue to ventilate if necessary.

Absence of Breathing

2012-04-13T08:59:00.001+05:30

Absence of Breathing

If someone's breathing has stopped, mouth-to-mouth ventilation is needed.

Causes:

Heart attacks, drowning, electric shocks, poisoning, suffocation, etc..


No rise and fall chest movement
The face becomes bluish grey







Adults




Mouth-To-Mouth Ventilation for Adults





Open and clear the airway by carefully removing any objects from mouth with your finger.

Place two fingers under the point of the chin and place your other hand on the victim's forehead. At the same time, lift the chin and gently tilt the head back.
Close the victim's nostrils, then take a deep breath and seal your mouth around his/her mouth. Blow into the mouth until his/her chest rises.
Remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall. Give 10 breaths and then check the person's pulse. If the pulse is not present, CPR may be needed.

Continue the process at the rate of 10 breaths per minute.

Mouth-To-Nose Ventilation for Adults

It is needed when mouth is not easily breathed into.

Review steps 1 and 2 in Mouth-To-Mouth Ventilation.

Take a deep breath and seal your mouth around the victim's nose.

Cover the person's mouth and blow strongly into the nose.

Remove your mouth and open the person's mouth with your hand, holding it open to allow air to escape.

Continue the process at the rate of 10 breaths per minute.

Children

Mouth-To-Mouth Ventilation for a Baby ( under 1 year of age)

Open airway and seal your lips around the baby's mouth and nose.

Blow gently (keep in mind that a baby's lungs are very tiny, so blow only the amount of air that you can hold in your cheeks into the baby's lungs). As you breathe out, look along the chest.

As you see the chest rise, stop blowing and allow the chest to fall again.

Give one breath every three seconds.

After every 20 breaths, check pulse. Continue mouth-to-mouth ventilation if pulse above 60 per minute. If it is lower than that , start CPR (see Absence of Heartbeat).

Continue giving mouth-to-mouth ventilation until help arrives.

Mouth-To-Mouth Ventilation for a Child (over 1 year of age)

Review steps 1 and 2 in Mouth-To-Mouth Ventilation for adults.
Blow gently (keep in mind a child's lungs are small, so take shallow breaths only). As you breath out, look along the chest.
When you see the child's chest rise, stop blowing. Allow the chest to fall again.
Give one breath every three seconds.
After every 20 breaths, check pulse. If present, continue mouth-to-mouth ventilation.
If absent, start CPR (see Absence of Heartbeat).
Continue to give mouth-to-mouth ventilation until help arrives.

Acupressure - Martial Art's Acupressure

2012-04-12T19:17:00.000+05:30

ACUPRESSURE!

“ Martial Art Acupressure “(This therapy is also called “KORYO SOOJICHIM THERAPY” ) Martial Art Acupressure is a healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing.

What is the different between Martial Art Acupressure & Acupuncture ?

The word Acupuncture comes from Latin and means to pierce the skin with a needle, the Chinese focused more attention on Acupuncture. Acupuncture employs needles, while Martial Art Acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands on vital points (and even feet). Foremost among the advantages of Martial Art Acupressure is that, there are no side effects from drugs, because there are no drugs.

My clinical experiences over the past Twenty-one years have shown me that Martial Art Acupressure can be effective in helping relieves of the followings:-

Asthma & Migraine,
Arthritis & Muscle Aches,
Bronchitis & Obesity,
Back pain & Paralysis,
Body-Pain & Rheumatism,
Cerebral-Palsy & Sinus,
Chest-pain & Spondylities,
Diabetes & Shoulder Pain,
Eyestrain & Sciatica,
Headaches & Slip-disc,
Hypertension & Thyroid,
Knee-pain & Tension due to stress & Muscular Dystrophy

How Martial Art Acupressure Works ?

Because Martial Art Acupressure inhibits the pain signals sent to the brain through a mild, fairly painless stimulation, it has been described as closing the "gates" of the pain-signaling system, preventing painful sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain. Besides relieving pain, Martial Art Acupressure can help rebalance the body by dissolving tensions and stresses that keep it from functioning smoothly and that inhibit the immune system. Martial Art Acupressure enables the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. As a point is pressed, the muscle tension yields to the finger pressure, enabling the fibers to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas. This increases the body's resistance to illness and promotes a longer, healthier, more vital life. When the blood and bioelectrical energy circulate properly, we have a greater sense of harmony, health, and well-being.

Wood/Earth Water Fire Air Space

These five elements are controlled by the electricity of the body known in the West as Bio-Electricity. The current of Electricity, comes from the non-changeable life battery. This battery has been installed in our body at the time of conception. The white dazzling light generated by this battery can be seen in the middle of one’s forehead with eyes closed, through certain Yogic methods. Out of this battery, electric current passes in the body through the five lines. These lines known as “Meridians” start from the tip of each finger of the right hand go all over the body and end in the toes of the right foot and also on the left side. Thus, Martial Art Acupressure is the science of Nature which cures the diseases through the in-built mechanism of the body, the technique of how to send the current to all the desired parts of the body.

Martial Art Acupressure point actually has two identities and ways of working, a point in the same area where you feel pain or tension, it's called a LOCAL POINT. That same point can also relieve pain in a part of the body that is distant from the point, in which case it is called a TRIGGER POINT. This triggering mechanism works through a human electrical channel called a MERIDIAN. The meridians are pathways that connect the pressure points to each other as well as to the internal organs. Just as blood vessels carry the blood that nourishes the body physically, the Meridians are distinct channels that circulate electrical energy throughout the body. They are thought to be part of a master communications system of universal life energy, connecting the organs with all sensory, physiological, and emotional aspects of the body. This physical network of energy also contains key points that we can use to deepen our spiritual awareness as we heal ourselves.

The healing benefits of Martial Art Acupressure involve both the relaxation of the body and its positive effects on the mind. As tension is released, you not only feel good physically, but you also feel better emotionally and mentally. When your body relaxes, your mind relaxes as well, creating another state of consciousness. This expanded awareness leads to mental clarity and a healthier physical and emotional healing, dissolving the division between the mind and body.

MEDIAL SCIENCE:-

Medical Science believes that, there is no cure for Joint Pain, Migraine, Spondylities, Slip-disc., Hypertension, Muscular Dystrophy, Arthritis, Knee Pain and Paralysis but several diseases that cannot be treated by Medical Science have been successfully treated and cured by “Martial Art Acupressure” No side effects because there are no drugs in used.

Gm. Jimmy R. Jagtiani, 8^th Degree

International Master Degree in the Science of Tkd, (1984) Korea.
Member: World Taekwondo Leader Forum, Kukkiwon, Korea.
Internatioanal Technical Advisor : Kukkiwon, Korea.
First Indian Gm. Inductee in Tkd Hall of Fame, USA.
Founder & Father of Taekwondo in India (Titled by Hall of Fame) USA.
Specialist in: Martial Art Acupressure, Physical Therapy & Body Conditions.
Visits:- http://acupressureclinic.com/

Stroke in front of you, you can save him if you wish

2012-04-11T19:09:00.000+05:30

You can Save someone's life by sharing this.

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T..R ...
My friend sent this to me ...and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance)

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the party . Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this...

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * Ask the individual to SMILE ..
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg 'It is sunny out today').
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A prominent cardiologist says if everyone who gets this status shares it; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

This Fruit Kills Cancer cells...!!!

2012-04-11T18:44:00.002+05:30

ക്യാന്‍സര്‍ കോശങ്ങളെ കൊല്ലുന്ന അത്ഭുത പഴം!!

Graviola Cancer cells Killer fruit Kills Cancer cells !!

ഈ പഴ വൃക്ഷത്തിന്റെ എല്ലാ ഭാഗങ്ങളും ക്യാന്‍സര്‍ അണുക്കളെ കൊല്ലുകയും ശരീര കോശങ്ങള്‍ അതി വേഗം വളരാന്‍ സഹായിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന ഔഷധ ഗുണം ഉള്‍ക്കൊള്ളുന്നു.

തുടര്‍ന്ന് ഇംഗ്ലീഷില്‍ വായിക്കുക: (‘really wished to translate to mlm.. but could not spare time)

For anyone who has a type of cancer, knows someone who does, or knows someone who is on the verge of it, perhaps even yourself, this is worth your read. Please spread the prevention so we can prevent the spreading of cancer.

(കേരളത്തില്‍ ഉണ്ട്) This Fruit is available in Kerala, India (തുടര്‍ന്ന് വായിക്കുക..)

This fruit is freely available in Sri Lanka and possibly in India too. Indian recipients of this kindly comment.

The Sour Sop or the fruit from the graviola tree is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer

10,000 times stronger than Chemo.

Why are we not aware of this? Its because some big corporation want to make back their money spent on years of research by trying to make a synthetic version of it for sale.

So, since you know it now you can help a friend in need by letting him know or just drink some sour sop juice yourself as prevention from time to time. The taste is not bad after all. It’s completely natural and definitely has no side effects. If you have the space, plant one in your garden.

The other parts of the tree are also useful.

The next time you have a fruit juice, ask for a sour sop.

How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?

This tree is low and is called graviola in Brazil, guanabana in Spanish and has the uninspiring name “soursop” in English. The fruit is very large and the subacid sweet white pulp is eaten out of hand or, more commonly, used to make fruit drinks, sherbets and such.

The principal interest in this plant is because of its strong anti-cancer effects. Although it is effective for a number of medical conditions, it is its anti tumor effect that is of most interest. This plant is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types.

Besides being a cancer remedy, graviola is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.

If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it’s the incredible story behind the Graviola tree.

The truth is stunningly simple: Deep within the Amazon Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival. The future has never looked more promising.

Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to:

* Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss

* Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections

* Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment

* Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life

The source of this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America ‘s largest drug manufacturers, the fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970′s! What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing…. Extracts from the tree were shown to:

* Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer..

* The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug!

* What’s more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectivelyhunts

Down and kills only cancer cells. It does not harm healthy cells!

The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched–so why haven’t you heard anything about it? If Graviola extract is as half as promising as it appears to be–why doesn’t every single oncologist at every major hospital insist on using it on all his or her patients?

The spine-chilling answer illustrates just how easily our health–and for many, our very lives(!)–are controlled by money and power.

Graviola–the plant that worked too well

One of America ‘s biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.

Various parts of the Graviola tree–including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds–have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indians in South America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree’s anti-cancerous properties–and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.

Graviola-cancer-cells-killer-fruit

But that’s where the Graviola story nearly ended.

The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree–it’s completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There’s no way to make serious profits from it.

It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to

Synthesize two of the Graviola tree’s most powerful anti-cancer ingredients.. If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they’d be able to patent it and make their money back. Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated. There was no way the company could protect its profits–or even make back the millions it poured into research.

As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt. Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!

Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn’t let him see such atrocity committed. Risking his career, he contacted a company that’s dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.

Miracle unleashed

When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola, they began tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree. Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola–and its shocking cover-up–came in fast and furious….

….The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976. The results showed that Graviola’s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.” Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public…

…Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials–the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a

treatment’s value–were ever initiated…

….A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at “10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin…”

….The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.

…A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung

cancers… Seven years of silence broken–it’s finally here!

A limited supply of Graviola extract, grown and harvested by indigenous people in Brazil , is finally available in America .

The full Graviola Story–including where you can get it and how to use it–is included in Beyond Chemotherapy: New Cancer Killers, Safe as Mother’s Milk, a Health Sciences Institute FREE special bonus report on natural substances that will effectively revolutionize the fight against cancer.

This crucial report (along with five more FREE reports) is yours ABSOLUTELY FREE with a new membership to the Health Sciences Institute. It’s just one example of how absolutely vital each report from the Institute can be to your life and those of your loved ones.

From breakthrough cancer and heart research and revolutionary Amazon Rainforest herbology to world-leading anti-aging research and nutritional medicine, every monthly Health Sciences Institute Member’s Alert puts in your hands today cures the rest of America –including your own doctor(!)–is likely to find out only ten years from now.

Health is Wealth

Cholesterol Range by Age

Cholesterol Range by Age

Normal Cholesterol Levels Chart

TYPES OF DIABETES

TYPES OF DIABETES

WARNING SIGNS OF DIABETES

MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES

PREVENTION

Is Insulin Right for You?

Why Insulin Makes Sense for People With Type 2 Diabetes

Why insulin?

How safe is insulin?

Going off insulin

5 Ways to Prevent a Stroke

Blood Type Compatibility Chart

What are pneumonia symptoms and signs?

What are pneumonia symptoms and signs?

How do people "catch pneumonia"?

What is the prognosis of pneumonia?

What are some of the organisms that cause pneumonia? What is the treatment for pneumonia? Can pneumonia be prevented?

How to Interpret Your Thyroid Test Results

Thyroid Problems Diagnosis - When to Seek Medical Care

Thyroid Problems Diagnosis

When to Seek Medical Care

Signs of a Vision Problem

Serious Signs of a Vision Problem

Very Serious Signs of a Vision Problem

Very Serious Signs of a Vision Problem

Beware! Baby food very low in micro-nutrients

Top Beauty Tips

FAIRNESS TIPS FOR OILY SKIN

FAIRNESS TIPS FOR DRY SKIN

Beauty tips for glowing skin

Acne/Pimple

Acne Causes

The exact cause of acne is unknown but there are several factors that may contribute to this skin condition.

These factors include:

Acne Symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of acne.

Tips to prevent Acne

There are a number of tips to help you care for acne and prevent breakouts and scars:

Acne Home Remedies

Here are the some of the useful acne home remedies for home treatment.

Quick n Easy Home Remedies Tips:

Easy Home Remedies for Acne/Pimples

Easy Home Remedies for Acidity

Easy Home Remedies for Body Care

Easy Home Remedies for Hair Loss

Home Remedies for Ears

Home Remedies for Eyes

Home Remedies for Cold

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

below are a few with the more widespread indications to find:

Amazing facts while you breathe

How To Prevent Stroke

IVF Grants Miracle Baby to Senior and His Young Wife

Health Insurance

Absence of Heartbeat

Absence of Breathing

Absence of Breathing

Causes:

Adults

Mouth-To-Mouth Ventilation for Adults

Mouth-To-Nose Ventilation for Adults

Mouth-To-Mouth Ventilation for a Baby ( under 1 year of age)

Mouth-To-Mouth Ventilation for a Child (over 1 year of age)

Acupressure - Martial Art's Acupressure

Stroke in front of you, you can save him if you wish

This Fruit Kills Cancer cells...!!!