వరఖ్.. ఇది చాలామందికి తెలిసిందే. స్వీట్ల మీద, పాన్‌ల మీద మిలమిల మెరుస్తూ వుండే సిల్వర్ ఫాయిల్‌నే ‘వరఖ్’ అంటారు. వెండి రేకుని ఒక ప్రత్యేక పద్ధతి ద్వారా చాలా పల్చగా, నోట్లో వేసుకుంటే కరిగిపోయేంత పల్చటి పొరలా తయారు చేస్తారు. వీటిని స్వీట్స్ మీద అద్దుతారు. వరఖ్ అద్దిన స్వీట్లని, పాన్లని మనం చాలా ఇష్టంగా తింటూ వుంటాం. వాటి మీద వరఖ్ వుంది కదా అని ఎక్కువ రేటు చెల్లించి మరీ మనం కొంటూ వుంటాం. నిజానికి వరఖ్ వున్న స్వీట్లు, పాన్లు తినడం వల్ల మనకేమైనా మేలు జరుగుతుందా? మేలు సంగతి అటుంచండి.. కీడు జరిగే అవకాశాలు ఎక్కువ అని నిపుణులు చెబుతున్నారు. చూడటానికి చాలా అందంగా కనిపించే ఈ పల్చటి వెండి రేకులు వలన చాలా ప్రమాదాలు ఉన్నాయట. వరఖ్ వాడటం వల్ల స్వీట్లు, పాన్లు చూడగానే ఎట్రాక్టివ్‌గా వుంటాయి. అయితే ఈ అతి పల్చటి వెండి రేకుల్లో హానికారక పదార్ధాలు ఉంటున్నాయని నిపుణులు హెచ్చరిస్తున్నారు. వీటిల్లో క్యాన్సర్ కారక లోహాలు కొన్ని ఉంటున్నాయట. ఈ వరఖ్ మీద ‘ఇండస్ట్రియల్ టాక్సీకాలజీ రిసెర్చ్ సెంటర్’ పరిశోధకులు లక్నోలో ఆ మధ్య ఓ అధ్యయనంలో నిర్వహించారు. వరఖ్‌లో వెండితోపాటు సీసం, కాడ్మియం వంటివి ఉన్నట్టు గుర్తించారు. వరఖ్ తయారీ కోసం శుద్ధమైన వెండిని ఉపయోగించాలి. అయితే వరఖ్ తయారు చేస్తున్నవారు సరిగా శుద్ధి చేసిన వెండిని ఉపయోగించడం వల్లనే సమస్యలు వస్తున్నాయంటున్నారు పరిశోధకులు. ఆహార పదార్ధాలు, కల్తీ నివారణ చట్టం ప్రకారం 99.9 శాతం స్వచ్చమైన వెండిని మాత్రమే వరఖ్తయారీలో ఉపయోగించాలి. కానీ వాస్తవంలో అలా జరగటంలేదుట. ఆహార పదార్ధాలలో వాడే వరఖ్ నాణ్యతపై కచ్చితమైన నియంత్రణలు ఉండాలని సూచిస్తున్నారు వారు. అంచేత ఈసారి వరఖ్ అద్దిన స్వీట్లు, పాన్‌ తినేటప్పుడు ఈ విషయాన్ని గుర్తు చేసుకోండేం! ....రమ

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis seen in about 30% of psoriatic victims. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by frequent episodes of redness and itching; thick, dry, silvery scales on the skin; and nail abnormalities.   The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are varied. In some patients the symptoms may be subtle and gradual in onset while in some they may be abrupt and dramatic. The symptoms includemorning stiffness, discomfort pain, swelling or tenderness in one or more joints; reduced range of motion in joints; pitting or detachment of nails; tenderness, pain, or swelling where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone (enthesitis); inflammation of eye and gray scaly spot over scalp, elbow, knee and lower spine. There are five types of Psoriatic Arthritis : Symmetric - It affects the same joints on both sides of the body, usually occur in multiple parts. It closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis, but a degree milder! Asymmetric - It does not afeect the matching joints on both sides of the body, typically one to three joints are involved. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) - It primarily causes the inflammation and stiffness of small joints of the fingers and toes that are closest to the nails. Spondylitis - It usually causes the inflammation and stiffness of the neck, lower back, spinal vertebrae and pelvic region. But it may mutilate the connective tissue of the joints of limbs also. Arthritis Mutilans - This is a severe, deforming and destructive form of arthritis which affects the small joints of fingers and toes that are closest to the nail, it may be associated with lower back pain and neck pain. It is also called chronic absorptive arthritis, it may be seen in rheumatoid arthritis too. Fortunately, its incidence is very low! Take Care!! Stay Healthy!! >>>>SIRI

Dsypepsia is the medical term for indigestion, where in the digestion is impaired. Although the production of gas is a natural part of the digestive process, but an uncontrollable fart at an inconvenient time can embarass us amongst our peers. Such a problem is important to address!   The person initially complaints of  chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdominal fullness and feeling full earlier than expected when eating. Symptoms of stomach gas include flatulence, bad breath, lack of appetite, a coating on the tongue, abdominal bloating, belching, burning sensation, nausea and even stomach pain. Gas and indigestion are problems occurring from the secretion of the digestive juices in our stomach. When the acid present in the stomach begins to irritate the lining of the stomach or reaches to our oesophagus, commonly known as acid reflux, one experiences discomfort and a burning sensation in chest and stomach. Excess gas in the stomach can be caused by excessive drinking, not chewing the food thoroughly, eating spicy and gas-forming food, too much stress, some kind of bacterial infection, or digestive disorders. At times, the presence of stamach gas may be an indicative of underlying serious problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis or peptic ulcers and occasionally cancer. Besides the drug therapies, some goodies from kitchen also aid in the treatment. Fennel seeds, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, cloves, butter,ilk, herbal tea, lemon and asafoetida(ajwain) are reliable home remedies! Take Care!! Stay Healthy!!

  Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the colon (large intestine). It causes inflammation, sores, bleeding and scarring of the inner walls of the colon. It is an inflammatory disease that occurs continously along the walls rather than patchy appearances. Ulcerative colitis can affects any age group but it is most diagnosed in 15 to 25 years and 45 to 55 years age groups!   The usually presents with diarrhea mixed with mucus and blood, which is of gradual onset and persists over a weeks. Other manifestations are fever, weight loss and painful bowel movements. Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease characterized by T-cells infiltrating the colon. The inflammation starts from rectum and propagates towards colon. It usually involves the rectum and is confined to the colon, with occasional involvement of the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is an unpredictable conditions a persons may have relapses, flare-ups followed by remission, when symptoms recede. During a flare-up, a person may develop bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and weight loss. The person may not be able to lead a normal life, may even need hospitalisation. Severe attacks of ulcerative colitis can be life-threatening too. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colorectal cancer. People suffering with ulcerative colitis should have regular colonoscopies to screen for cancer as advised by doctors. The treatment is intially aimed to induce remission which involves relief of symptoms and mucosal healing of the linning of the colon, then folowed by longer term treatent involving the maintainence of remission and prevention of complications! Alternatively, Ulcerative colitis can be cured by surgically by removing a part or all of the colon. Take Care!! Stay Healthy!!

Health Study:A New research published in the September issue of the British Journal of Nutrition and featured in the just released Global Phytonutrient Report highlights a significant shortfall in fruit and vegetable consumption in people’s diets around the world. The study which was commissioned by the Nutrilite Health Institute of Amway, found that the majority of adults worldwide would have to at least double their current consumption of fruits and vegetables to meet the World Health Organization’s minimum recommendation of five servings (400 grams) per day. Additionally, the vast majority of adults worldwide – 60 to 87 percent across 13 geographic diet regions – are falling short of this recommendation and missing out on crucial nutrition and health benefits. The gap between the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and what adults are actually eating also indicates that most adults worldwide are not receiving the quantity or variety of phytonutrients – organic compounds found in fruits and vegetables – potentially needed to support their health and wellness. While specific recommendations for phytonutrient consumption levels have not yet been established uniformly worldwide, a growing body of research suggests that eating foods rich in phytonutrients may provide a range of health benefits, from promoting eye, bone and heart health, to supporting immune and brain function. Many phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants that can help fight the damage caused to our bodies’ cells over time. Additionally, the research looks at the variety and availability of fruits and vegetables in each of the regions. It shows that phytonutrient intake estimates vary considerably across some regions, a reflection of limited availability of some fruits and vegetables. In the Asian Regions which includes China and India have relatively low intakes of ellagic acid due to the limited availability of berries. Ellagic acid is shown to be vital to cell health. In order to consume a range of phytonutrients people should aim to meet recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables and eat an assortment of fruits and vegetables.  

On the occasion of the National Bone and Joint Day which was held on Monday, has highlighted the issue of a rise in number of young Indians who are being diagnosed with arthritis and other knee and joint related problems. According to health experts, Arthritis or the damage that sets up in our body joints is considered a problem associated with ageing.  Loss of cartilage, depleting calcium, wear and tear of the ligaments, or excessive weight has contributed to the onset of arthritis amongst the youngsters. Osteoarthritis is also a rising in the younger generation which is indicating a poor and unhealthy lifestyle, dietary habits, lack of calcium and obesity which has become a common problem these days. Rajeev.K. Sharma, senior consultant and orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon at Apollo Hospital says that there is a significant rise in the number of younger patients with osteoarthritis, and highlighted on the need to create awareness among young people to adopt  a healthy lifestyle. Obesity, lack of exercise, injury in bones or muscles, hereditary defects in alignment of legs, faulty lifestyle and absence of physical activity lead to early degeneration of muscles and cartilage around the joints, he added. According to experts, though the number of young patients with arthritis might be barely 10 percent, it is important to encourage youngsters to walk, cycle and perform regular exercise.  

A new study published in the medical journal Heart has revealed that if there are extremely high or low temperatures in the environment  it can cause heart failures or brain strokes. A team of researchers led by Dr. Alexandra Schneider at the Institute of Epidemiology II at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen have confirmed that high temperatures can affect the blood-clotting mechanism and make the blood more viscous, thereby increasing the risk of thrombosis, while decreasing temperatures have an impact on blood pressure, thus increasing risk of death in both cases. The study has also shown that elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions respond particularly sensitively to heat and cold. The findings could also  help in identifying population subgroups who are particularly at risk and take preventive action. The findings show a direct link between air temperature and death rates which causes these deaths and when these people are subjected to extreme conditions are  at greater health risk and it is vital that preventive measures be taken to avoid these deaths.  Source:Heart.

A study on  people trying to kick the habit of cigarette smoking  which  has been published in the Journal Social Science & Medicine says that there are less chances of you quitting smoking if you are in the habit of working for more than 40 hours in a week and you have the habit of smoking. Even if you try hard you may not be able to quit and in fact you may even end up smoking more cigarettes every day, is what the researchers at the Loughborough University are saying. The findings are based on a study of data obtained from the British Household Panel Survey. In all the research team studied the smoking behaviors of 20,000 people spread over a period of 19 years and found a clear link between working hours and cigarette consumption. The reason for this according to the team is that smokers perceive it as a pleasurable and stress-relieving activity and working longer hours increases the craving for more of it. Professor Andy Charlwood from the School of Business and Economics, who led the study said, “When smokers increase their hours above a typical 40 hour working week, the chances they will successfully give up smoking fall, and they become progressively less likely to give up as their working hours increase.” The researchers have also warned further that a person who has quit smoking and takes to working longer hours is at greater risk of getting back into the habit. Source:Journal Social Science & Medicine.  

Acetaminophen, which is also sold as Paracetamol, Tylenol, Brufen and with many other names has been proven to be not that as effective in resolving back pain as it usually recommended for. According to a new study, funded by the Australian government and GlaxoSmithKline Australia , Australian researchers assigned more than 1,600 people with acute lower back pain to either Paracetamol — to a maximum dose of 4,000 mg per day — or a placebo. They found no major difference in the time it took people to recover: Those on paracetamol got better after 17 days while those who took dummy pills recovered after 16 days.  The back pain which was a result of lack of exercise , bad posture and strain  showed that the medicine hardly had any effect and it was more of how physically  active the person was which helped in reducing the pain. “We know exercise helps so people should stay as active as possible,” said Chris Mercer, a physical therapist specializing in back pain and spokesman for Britain’s Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. ” So instead of painkillers start exercising, stretching or try the physio therapy to reduce back pain.

A new health calculator chart created by scientists at the University of Zurich in Switzerland might be able to tell you if you can live beyond 75 for another 10 years. The  prediction of their likelihood to make it to 85 are based on the individuals alcohol consumption, level of physical activity, smoking habits and fruit consumption  and other daily habits. A 75-year old man with the worst possible health habits, per the chart, has a 35% chance of living 10 more years, while a 75-year-old man with the best possible habits has a 67% chance. Elderly women who smoke, drink, eat little fruit and exercise rarely had a 45% chance of living another 10 years, while women who were healthier boosted their odds to 74%. Smoking, bad eating habits, minimal exercise and excessive drinking impacted the  lifestyle and raised the early death risk rate . Based on the chart, a 75-year-old with healthy habits can live longer than a 65-year-old with unhealthy habits, showing age really is just a number. Eating haelthily, quit smoking and consuming fruits is very important.One of the study's authors, Eva Martin-Diener, said that the tool would be especially helpful to doctors to help them give necessary and strategic medical advice to patients and prevent diseases.

It’s the Holy month of Ramzan and the fasting season has begun. That means we need to know what to eat during non-fasting hours which is essential for good health and endurance during the entire month. Presenting a few tips to help you sail through the holy season. Water therapy It is advised to drink as much water as possible in the morning before fast and after the fast ends at sunset. You could also eat water based fruits like water melons and also have juices to make for the loss of fluids during the day. This also prevents the body from constipating and flatulence so pack in as much fluid you can before and after the fast. Break the fast slowly Start with water, small hot appetisers like soups, light salads and yogurts or a small glass of fresh juice as they’re high in fruit sugar, yet nutritious Eat lot of dates and dry fruits laced with honey as they are filled with magnesium, potassium and fibre. Remember this is not meant for losing weight and its necessary to have the right nutrients to help you tide through the fast and sustain the whole month. Power foods Power foods like whole grains, barley, wheat, oats, whole grain rice and legumes such as lentils or beans and fresh produce like fruits, vegetables and potatoes which are low in sugar, and high complex carbohydrates are recommended to be eaten in the morning. They tend to stay in your stomach and remain in your system for longer, lessening the hunger throughout the day. Protein rich sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, milk, nuts or seeds can also help to stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn can help curb hunger cravings. No salty , sugary  & fried foods Foods to avoid are spicy, salty, and processed foods .The faster the body breaks the meal down, the sooner you’ll get hungry. The   fired foods tend to make you thirstier so it’s best to avoid them in the morning session to prevent feeling thirsty. Yes, you can exercise Exercise moderately for  an hour after you break your fast with something light such as walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga. Try to include at least 30 minutes of exercise daily during the month of Ramadan and make sure to drink plenty of water & fluids after the excerices.Its better if you avoid heavy gymming and workout schedules so that it doesn’t tire you out. Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy and happy time with family & friends  during this Ramzan season.

Laser Hair removal treatments have become a popular and widely accepted form of permanent hair removal techniques in the world over. What is described as a harmless, virtually trouble-free technique of removing undesired hair on your body, this permanent Hair removal treatment involves spotlighting a laser beam at the root of the hair follicle, restricting the growth of hair. This method is different to the Intense Pulsed Light system (IPL) which consumes a smaller amount of influential, diffused light waves.   Click here for the complete article  

According to a new  study conducted by the  members of British Gas Swim Britain, a series of fun team swimming relays that take place across Britain every September, found that taking a regular dip at your local pool can make you feel happier as well as healthier, with participants reporting an increase of 35 percent in positivity during a four week study. The results have also shown that the low impact sport is a tonic for everyday life, increasing levels of sleep quality, energy levels and fitness levels during the course of the study. Just a few laps a week can have an almost immediate effect, with those donning their swimsuits seeing an increase of 20 in their overall levels of well-being after just one week. “Swimming is obviously close to my heart and it’s my goal to help the nation rediscover their love of the water, so this research is really good news for the sport, and something I’ve always known anyway,” said Olympic Swimmer, Becky Adlington. “The fact that it has significant benefits both in body and mind is a great reason to get back in the pool and that’s why I am a big fan of British Gas SwimBritain, a fun relay challenge taking place this summer, which is encouraging as many people as possible to give themselves a swimming goal and see the benefits for themselves,” added Adlington.  

Eating  gluten-free dishes, like pasta made with rice and corn starches, pizzas has become a fad nowadays. Gluten free food is now the order of the day and it was only a decade ago, where only people with  celiac disease, a digestive condition, knew much about the health implications of gluten. But today gluten-free diets , means you are cutting down on gluten or eliminating it entirely from your diet. Diet fads come and go. But observers of nutrition and eating trends in the United States say this food regimen is likely to last longer and have more impact because it comes at a time when food allergies, digestive health, genetic modification of grain and other concerns about the American diet are at an all-time high and food itself is the current cultural currency. Gluten-free eating addresses it all. “We are in this period of cacophony with food, where people are more engaged and more confused,” said Amy Bentley, an associate professor in the department of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University. “It’s touching on very complicated issues in the food system right now.” The number of people for whom eliminating gluten is a medical necessity is small. About 1 percent of the population has been found to have celiac disease, a disorder in which gluten — a protein in barley, rye and wheat — can damage the small intestine. But the diet itself is used by people who want to lose weight, reduce inflammation, curb fatigue and ease other conditions, or because it helps them avoid highly processed grain. Many simply say they feel better without it, though there is not yet much scientific evidence to back up the claims. A gluten-free diet is also unpopular for unexpected reasons. Some question it in light of the many biblical references to grain. In certain immigrant communities, eating the same, traditional food is a way of keeping the culture intact. Rejecting a roti or a flour tortilla can mean feeling like an outcast. In other circles, eating gluten-free is dismissed outright as a trend for the rich, the white and the political left. “There really isn’t much better dietary advice than eating your veggies, exercising and limiting calories,” she said. “People just seem to like making eating difficult for themselves.” Source:NY Times

There’s no need to dedicate hours and hours to working out – short and sweet is fine too. “A lot of people don’t exercise because they think they need lots of free time,” says Sarah O'Neill,  a Personal Trainer & Nutritionist and freelance journalist. “But if you worked out for 10 minutes a day, and were a beginner, you would see results pretty quickly.”  It’s also too easy to procrastinate if you have more time for exercising. “A lot of people just spend an hour in the gym not doing very much. But if you’ve only got 10 minutes, you become more efficient and focused with your workout.” Don’t forget high-intensity interval training (HIIT) – including stretches and a thorough workout, you will be in and out of the door in 30 minutes. Another effective way is to plan your exercise regime for the week and think about your schedule and how you can include some exercise, says Sarah. Whether it’s a trip to the gym, or a brisk walk to the train station, make sure it’s noted in your diary. “Seeing it in black and white turns your plan into a firm commitment to yourself. Make sure you stick to it.”

Getting more protein in your diet, though not red meat, may reduce your risk for stroke, a review of studies found. Scientists reviewed seven prospective studies involving more than 250,000 people and found that after adjusting for various stroke risks and for other nutrients consumed, those who had the highest consumption of protein had a 20 percent decreased risk for stroke compared with those with the lowest. Each increase of 20 grams per day in protein — about the amount in a 3-ounce serving of chicken or fish or a cup of beans — was associated with a 26 percent decrease in risk, a dose-response relationship that further strengthens the association. The finding, published in Neurology Study, does not apply to red meat, which has been shown to increase the risk for stroke and was not evaluated in the studies reviewed. “Moderate dietary protein intake may lower the risk of stroke,” said the senior author, Dr. Xinfeng Liu, a neurologist at the Nanjing University School of Medicine in China. “This does not mean that people should avoid red meat entirely,” he added, but “increasing intake of fish or vegetables is recommended.” Some evidence suggested that animal protein was slightly more effective than vegetable protein, although there was not enough data on vegetable consumption to reach a definitive conclusion about the exact difference. Source:NyTimes  

According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, current artificial knees generally can be expected to last about 15 to 20 years before needing to be replaced again.One of the biggest concerns that someone should have after total or partial knee replacement surgery “is the longevity and health of the replacement,” said Dr. Freddie Fu, the chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. But a patient’s health and habits can affect that time frame significantly. Obesity shortens the life span of replacement knees, so it’s advisable to remain active — or to start exercising — after surgery to avoid weight gain.   The best activities, Dr. Fu said, are low impact. “Biking and swimming are wonderful ways to get your heart pumping while protecting your replacement,” he said. Walking involves somewhat more pounding, but “generally is tolerated by both total and partial replacements,” Dr. Fu said. Similarly, most people can hike and cross-country ski after knee replacement, he said, but cautiously. Stick to flat, nonskid terrain, since moving up- and downhill or falling can strain the knees. As for running, there is little science about its long-term effects on knee replacements, but in Dr. Fu’s clinical experience, “an occasional low-mileage run on a soft surface is a safe activity for modern knee implants.” Intense distance training, on the other hand, is likely to hasten the deterioration of an artificial joint, he said, although different knees respond differently.   “Some patients continue to run for long distances after knee replacement without significant problems,” he said. Once you get the surgery done it is very important talk to your surgeon and Physiotherapist and discuss your exercise regime and how you should go about doing it. Depending on your age the effects of surgery can last from 5 to 20 years based on the patients will to recover faster and proper physio care. Source: NYTimes