Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk

Women who drink alcohol with strangers or people they met just 24 hours back are at a higher risk of facing sexual assault.</EM> <P>According to a Danish study, over 40 percent of women had consumed more than five units of alcohol before they were sexually assaulted by a stranger or someone they met within 24 hours prior to the assault.</P><P>It found that 66 percent of the women were aged 15-24 years old and 75 percent had met the perpetrator before the sexual assault.</P>Nearly 50 percent reported that the perpetrator was a current or former boyfriend, family member or someone they considered a friend. <P>"Women with no previous contact or knowledge of their perpetrator were more likely to report to the police and were at a higher risk of sustaining an injury," said Mie-Louise Larsen from the University of Copenhagen.</P><P>Besides, a physical injury was found in 53 percent of the cases and 33 percent of the victims had suffered a previous sexual assault.</P><P>"Our results challenge the typical stereotype of a violent rape attack by a stranger which is important in creating an environment where women are not reluctant to seek help after a sexual assault," added Larsen.</P><P>The Danish study used data from all women attending the specialised Centre for Victims of Sexual assault in Copenhagen for sexual assault or attempted sexual assault between March 2001 and December 2010.</P><P>A total of 2,541 women were included in the sample.</P><P>"The results suggest that young age and drinking alcohol were risk factors for sexual assault," researchers concluded.</P><P>The paper appeared in BJOG</EM>: An international journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG</EM>). </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Drinking-with-strangers-ups-sexual-assault-risk/articleshow/44834630.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk

Women who drink alcohol with strangers or people they met just 24 hours back are at a higher risk of facing sexual assault. According to a...

Read more »

Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk

Women who drink alcohol with strangers or people they met just 24 hours back are at a higher risk of facing sexual assault.</EM> <P>According to a Danish study, over 40 percent of women had consumed more than five units of alcohol before they were sexually assaulted by a stranger or someone they met within 24 hours prior to the assault.</P><P>It found that 66 percent of the women were aged 15-24 years old and 75 percent had met the perpetrator before the sexual assault.</P>Nearly 50 percent reported that the perpetrator was a current or former boyfriend, family member or someone they considered a friend. <P>"Women with no previous contact or knowledge of their perpetrator were more likely to report to the police and were at a higher risk of sustaining an injury," said Mie-Louise Larsen from the University of Copenhagen.</P><P>Besides, a physical injury was found in 53 percent of the cases and 33 percent of the victims had suffered a previous sexual assault.</P><P>"Our results challenge the typical stereotype of a violent rape attack by a stranger which is important in creating an environment where women are not reluctant to seek help after a sexual assault," added Larsen.</P><P>The Danish study used data from all women attending the specialised Centre for Victims of Sexual assault in Copenhagen for sexual assault or attempted sexual assault between March 2001 and December 2010.</P><P>A total of 2,541 women were included in the sample.</P><P>"The results suggest that young age and drinking alcohol were risk factors for sexual assault," researchers concluded.</P><P>The paper appeared in BJOG</EM>: An international journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG</EM>). </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Drinking-with-strangers-ups-sexual-assault-risk/articleshow/44834630.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk

Women who drink alcohol with strangers or people they met just 24 hours back are at a higher risk of facing sexual assault. According to a...

Read more »

Cling to a fine sight

This 'World Sight Day,' we talk about healthy eyes and small measures to be taken to avoid eye problems.</EM><BR>Celebrated around the globe, World Sight Day observed on October 9, is intended to raise awareness of blindness and vision impairment as well as ways to help people with these conditions. It is impor tant to reach out to key areas with unmet vision care needs and get timely care to identify eye problems. Cataract and Glaucoma are some of the diseases that are commonly noticed in people. It is highly recommended to regularly go for an eye check-up in order to timely diagnose the vision impairment issues and take corrective measures. <P>This years' call to action for World Sight Day was 'No More Avoidable Blindness' and according to World Health Organization (WHO), around 285 million people are estimated to be visually impaired worldwide out of which about 39 million are blind and about 246 have low vision. The major causes of visual impairment observed are uncorrected refractive errors, cataract and glaucoma.</P><P>With an increasing elderly population in many countries, more people will be at the risk of visual impairment due to chronic eye diseases and ageing. We need to understand the importance of timely detection of the disease in order to fight with it. With the theme of 'Universal Eye Health,' let's pledge to keep a healthy vision to a better world.<BR></P><BR>With inputs from Dr Shobhit Chawla and Dr Rajat Dhesi</EM> <br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Cling-to-a-fine-sight/articleshow/44876748.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Cling to a fine sight

This 'World Sight Day,' we talk about healthy eyes and small measures to be taken to avoid eye problems. Celebrated around the glob...

Read more »

A new drug soon to treat heart attack

Some scar-forming cells in the heart have the ability to turn into cells that form blood vessels, which are required to boosts the heart's ability to heal after an injury, an Indian-origin researcher has found, suggesting a new approach to treat heart attack.</EM> <P>The team of researchers he led also found that a drug could enhance this phenomenon - turning the scar-forming cells in the heart, known as fibroblasts to endothelial cells that form blood vessels - and improve the repair process after a heart attack.</P><P>"Our findings suggest the possibility of coaxing scar-forming cells in the heart to change their identity into blood vessel-forming cells, which could potentially be a useful approach for better heart repair," said the study's senior author Arjun Deb, associate professor of medicine at the University of California-Los Angeles in the US.</P>"It is well known that increasing the number of blood vessels in the injured heart following a heart attack improves its ability to heal," Deb added. <P>Through experiments on mice in which scar-forming cells in the heart were genetically labelled, the researchers discovered that many of the fibroblasts in the heart's injured region changed into endothelial cells.</P><P>This process contributed directly to blood vessel formation - a phenomenon they called mesenchymal-endothelial transition or MEndoT.</P><P>The researchers also identified a molecular mechanism that regulated MEndoT and found that administering a small molecule to augment MEndoT led to less scarring and allowed the heart to heal more completely.</P><P>The study appeared in the journal Nature.</EM> </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/A-new-drug-soon-to-treat-heart-attack/articleshow/44834264.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

A new drug soon to treat heart attack

Some scar-forming cells in the heart have the ability to turn into cells that form blood vessels, which are required to boosts the heart...

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Internet addiction on the rise in Hyderabad

He has three profiles on social networking sites, uses multiple e-mail ids, knows the latest games on the market. His fingers race on the mobile phone and they keep twitching, pressing the buttons faster than you can keep up. </EM><P>The only time he meets his family is when they serve food on a plate in the dining room. He then again retreats to his bedroom, with all his gadgets in hand. "We realised something was wrong when he stopped talking to his sister and all his conversations were restricted to grunts and nods," says Rekha S, talking about her 18-year-old, son who's pursuing engineering. "We are at our wits end about what to do. Even when I take these gadgets into our bedroom, I wake up to find him on the family computer, typing furiously or giggling. I don't know what to do," confesses Rekha, who has a busy schedule as a consultant for emigration.</P><P><STRONG>Rekha's son is not alone — experts say that Internet</STRONG><BR>addiction is on the rise. In fact, NIMHANS, Bengaluru recently set up a specialised section to deal with Internet Addiction. "We are seeing one or two patients every week in the outpatient section. But the numbers are surely on the rise across the country as Internet is rapidly expanding its footprint. Children as young as eight, nine and 10 years are getting hooked on to internet to an extent that they lose control over their daily activities like what they do, food, speech and sleep," says Dr Vivek Benegal from the institute.<BR></P>Talking about Rekha's son's case, he explains, "Internet addiction is not a vice. It is neither good nor bad, but the boy has apparently lost control over his habit. It can be treated with a few counseling sessions and medication. Some of the children who are addicted to internet are highly creative, but may have difficulty in concentration." <P>But psychiatrists appear divided about Internet Addiction. It has not been included as a clinical diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recently, after a 31-year-old patient checked into a hospital in the UK saying that he uses a digital device for 18 hours and cannot live without it, the doctors are not so sure.</P><P>So, what's the difference between excessive use and addiction? "Addiction is when it starts having an adverse<BR>impact on relationships and health. Work-wise, the person may even do better. Sleeping, eating and conversations get affected. Obsessive compulsive tendencies take over and the person is lost in the virtual world," says Rahul Luther, who runs a rehab centre for net addiction. "Obviously the cases are on the rise as more and more people are getting on the Internet. And some people don't know where to draw the line about its use," he says.</P><P>"We are seeing rising number of cases as the digital devices are getting increasingly affordable and smaller. The youngest person who was brought in by his parents for net addiction was 13. He had the constant urge to be on the net, access it on phone or play a game. Most of the youngsters we are dealing with are in the age group of 17-20. There is no great difference between an Internet addict and an alcohol addict. Both find it difficult to live without them. Adolescents are more at risk," says psychiatrist Dr Srilakshmi, who is part of a counseling team that runs a suicide helpline.</P><P>"Parents have to be on alert for behaviourial change in their children. Families usually bring their children after noticing a difference in their behaviour that includes sleeplessness, lack of appetite, socially withdrawn. The onus is on the parents," says Dr Srilakashmi, about tackling the spreading pandemic of internet addiction. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Internet-addiction-on-the-rise-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/44853008.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Internet addiction on the rise in Hyderabad

He has three profiles on social networking sites, uses multiple e-mail ids, knows the latest games on the market. His fingers race on the m...

Read more »

Cling to a fine sight

This 'World Sight Day,' we talk about healthy eyes and small measures to be taken to avoid eye problems.</EM><BR>Celebrated around the globe, World Sight Day observed on October 9, is intended to raise awareness of blindness and vision impairment as well as ways to help people with these conditions. It is impor tant to reach out to key areas with unmet vision care needs and get timely care to identify eye problems. Cataract and Glaucoma are some of the diseases that are commonly noticed in people. It is highly recommended to regularly go for an eye check-up in order to timely diagnose the vision impairment issues and take corrective measures. <P>This years' call to action for World Sight Day was 'No More Avoidable Blindness' and according to World Health Organization (WHO), around 285 million people are estimated to be visually impaired worldwide out of which about 39 million are blind and about 246 have low vision. The major causes of visual impairment observed are uncorrected refractive errors, cataract and glaucoma.</P><P>With an increasing elderly population in many countries, more people will be at the risk of visual impairment due to chronic eye diseases and ageing. We need to understand the importance of timely detection of the disease in order to fight with it. With the theme of 'Universal Eye Health,' let's pledge to keep a healthy vision to a better world.<BR></P><BR>With inputs from Dr Shobhit Chawla and Dr Rajat Dhesi</EM> <br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Cling-to-a-fine-sight/articleshow/44876748.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Cling to a fine sight

This 'World Sight Day,' we talk about healthy eyes and small measures to be taken to avoid eye problems. Celebrated around the glob...

Read more »

A homemade medicine for your upset tummy

One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Diwali, is just around the corner. Everyone is busy shopping for trendy clothes, crackers and designer diyas</EM> to ring in the festival. </EM><P>Elders and youngsters alike are planning parties at home, and women have already started preparing menus and making sweets and savouries that would be served to the guests. While gorging on some mouthwatering delicacies is always fun during the festive season, it's important to ensure you don't end up with an upset tummy because of overindulging. It might be difficult to control your appetite, especially if you are surrounded by yummy food, but here's a sure-fire way by which you can avoid a tummy upset. </P><P>Elders in the family, from a very long time, have prepared a medicinal concoction at home, which is consumed the night before Diwali and also on the big day. In fact, feeding this medicine to youngsters in the family is almost a tradition in most South Indian households. The concoction, prepared using herbs and spices that are easily available, aids in digestion. Once prepared, this medicine can be stored in a container for as many as 15 days, and a small amount of it can be consumed every day in the morning. Here's how this homemade medicine is prepared:</P><P><STRONG>Ingredients</STRONG><BR>- Ginger (a couple of pieces) - Coriander seeds (50g) - Cumin seeds (50g) - Oregano (100g) - Black peppercorns (50g) - Long pepper (a couple of pieces) - Jaggery (sliced, proportionate to the medicinal herbs) - Honey (2 tbsp) - Ghee (4 tsp) - Lemon (one slice)<BR></P><BR><STRONG>Method</STRONG><BR>- Dry the ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, oregano, black peppercorn and long pepper in the sun for a day and pound them all together. Sift the powder through a sieve to make it fine and refined. Heat one cup of water (or as required) in a kadai and add the ground powder when water starts boiling. Keep stirring so that the powder doesn't form lumps. Continue stirring the mixture till it becomes semi-solid, like a fine gravy. <P>- Alternatively, you can shallow roast the above ingredients in a kadai first, and powder them in a mixer with a cup of water till it becomes a paste. Now, transfer this paste on to the kadai again and start heating it up in low flame till it starts becoming semi-solid.</P><P>- Meanwhile, slice a chunk of jaggery, amounting to about one cup, and add the same to this mixture. Continue stirring till the jaggery dissolves.</P><P>- Keep stirring in low flame for about 30 minutes or till the concoction starts solidifying. Once every seven minutes or so, add a teaspoon of ghee and a little bit of honey to the mixture.</P><P>- Once the potion reaches a semi-solid states, squeeze a slice of lemon on it. Switch off the flame and let it cool. To make sure the medicine is in correct form, try rolling it in between your fingers to form a small ball.</P><P>- Remember that as the mixture cools, it will become even more solid. So, keep an eye on it while it's on flame and switch off the gas if you feel it has reached its semi-solid state sooner.</P><P>- Transfer to mixture to a clean container, and store it in a cool, dry place. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/A-homemade-medicine-for-your-upset-tummy/articleshow/44836411.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

A homemade medicine for your upset tummy

One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Diwali, is just around the corner. Everyone is busy shopping for trendy clothes, crackers an...

Read more »

Does Bangalore have unhealthy eating habits?

A recent pan-India survey states that Bangalore is the frontrunner in placing food orders between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is between lunch and dinner. This study, which dealt with comprehending food-ordering trends online, states that 18% of food orders come from the city. The study adds that Italian, Chinese and fast foods are the top three cuisine choices.</EM> <P>While it comes as no surprise that India's IT capital leads the way in online food orders, this habit of snacking on heavy food between meal times is unhealthy, reason experts. Wellness consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy says that this habit of eating heavier meals during snack hour can pose long-term health problems. </P><P>"Unless these orders are for an early dinner or for those who begin their day late and work on a different shift, this is unhealthy. One cannot snack on such heavy food between meals," says Sheela, who believes that even a pizza shared among many doesn't amount to a good tea-time snack. "Soups, salads, fruit platters or even corn cups make better snacking options between lunch and dinner. People should stay away from heavier options like Chinese, Italian and Mughlai," she adds. Fitness expert Wanitha Ashok believes that this is also because a lot of the healthier meal options, which are usually smaller portions, aren't easily offered on these sites. "Ideally, south Indian foods like idli or upma serve as healthy eating options between 4 pm and 6 pm. Italian and Chinese are not adviseable. A calorie is a calorie and any excess deposits as fat in the body. Ideally, carry a fruit with you. Eventually, it comes down to mind over matter, and the matter here is food," says Wanitha. </P>Youngsters who place food orders online in the city seem to echo Wanitha's sentiments. "While we'd prefer ordering smaller snacking options, our office is on the outskirts of the city and there are limited options for healthy eating. The trouble with these portals is that our choice is limited and there is a minimum order that has to be placed, which often leads us to order extra and eating it too," says Rashi M, brand consultant at an IT firm. <br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Does-Bangalore-have-unhealthy-eating-habits/articleshow/44825427.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Does Bangalore have unhealthy eating habits?

A recent pan-India survey states that Bangalore is the frontrunner in placing food orders between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is between lunch and...

Read more »

Does Bangalore have unhealthy eating habits?

A recent pan-India survey states that Bangalore is the frontrunner in placing food orders between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is between lunch and dinner. This study, which dealt with comprehending food-ordering trends online, states that 18% of food orders come from the city. The study adds that Italian, Chinese and fast foods are the top three cuisine choices.</EM> <P>While it comes as no surprise that India's IT capital leads the way in online food orders, this habit of snacking on heavy food between meal times is unhealthy, reason experts. Wellness consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy says that this habit of eating heavier meals during snack hour can pose long-term health problems. </P><P>"Unless these orders are for an early dinner or for those who begin their day late and work on a different shift, this is unhealthy. One cannot snack on such heavy food between meals," says Sheela, who believes that even a pizza shared among many doesn't amount to a good tea-time snack. "Soups, salads, fruit platters or even corn cups make better snacking options between lunch and dinner. People should stay away from heavier options like Chinese, Italian and Mughlai," she adds. Fitness expert Wanitha Ashok believes that this is also because a lot of the healthier meal options, which are usually smaller portions, aren't easily offered on these sites. "Ideally, south Indian foods like idli or upma serve as healthy eating options between 4 pm and 6 pm. Italian and Chinese are not adviseable. A calorie is a calorie and any excess deposits as fat in the body. Ideally, carry a fruit with you. Eventually, it comes down to mind over matter, and the matter here is food," says Wanitha. </P>Youngsters who place food orders online in the city seem to echo Wanitha's sentiments. "While we'd prefer ordering smaller snacking options, our office is on the outskirts of the city and there are limited options for healthy eating. The trouble with these portals is that our choice is limited and there is a minimum order that has to be placed, which often leads us to order extra and eating it too," says Rashi M, brand consultant at an IT firm. <br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Does-Bangalore-have-unhealthy-eating-habits/articleshow/44825427.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Does Bangalore have unhealthy eating habits?

A recent pan-India survey states that Bangalore is the frontrunner in placing food orders between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is between lunch and...

Read more »

Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk

Women who drink alcohol with strangers or people they met just 24 hours back are at a higher risk of facing sexual assault.</EM> <P>According to a Danish study, over 40 percent of women had consumed more than five units of alcohol before they were sexually assaulted by a stranger or someone they met within 24 hours prior to the assault.</P><P>It found that 66 percent of the women were aged 15-24 years old and 75 percent had met the perpetrator before the sexual assault.</P>Nearly 50 percent reported that the perpetrator was a current or former boyfriend, family member or someone they considered a friend. <P>"Women with no previous contact or knowledge of their perpetrator were more likely to report to the police and were at a higher risk of sustaining an injury," said Mie-Louise Larsen from the University of Copenhagen.</P><P>Besides, a physical injury was found in 53 percent of the cases and 33 percent of the victims had suffered a previous sexual assault.</P><P>"Our results challenge the typical stereotype of a violent rape attack by a stranger which is important in creating an environment where women are not reluctant to seek help after a sexual assault," added Larsen.</P><P>The Danish study used data from all women attending the specialised Centre for Victims of Sexual assault in Copenhagen for sexual assault or attempted sexual assault between March 2001 and December 2010.</P><P>A total of 2,541 women were included in the sample.</P><P>"The results suggest that young age and drinking alcohol were risk factors for sexual assault," researchers concluded.</P><P>The paper appeared in BJOG</EM>: An international journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG</EM>). </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Drinking-with-strangers-ups-sexual-assault-risk/articleshow/44834630.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk

Women who drink alcohol with strangers or people they met just 24 hours back are at a higher risk of facing sexual assault. According to a...

Read more »

Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk

Women who drink alcohol with strangers or people they met just 24 hours back are at a higher risk of facing sexual assault.</EM> <P>According to a Danish study, over 40 percent of women had consumed more than five units of alcohol before they were sexually assaulted by a stranger or someone they met within 24 hours prior to the assault.</P><P>It found that 66 percent of the women were aged 15-24 years old and 75 percent had met the perpetrator before the sexual assault.</P>Nearly 50 percent reported that the perpetrator was a current or former boyfriend, family member or someone they considered a friend. <P>"Women with no previous contact or knowledge of their perpetrator were more likely to report to the police and were at a higher risk of sustaining an injury," said Mie-Louise Larsen from the University of Copenhagen.</P><P>Besides, a physical injury was found in 53 percent of the cases and 33 percent of the victims had suffered a previous sexual assault.</P><P>"Our results challenge the typical stereotype of a violent rape attack by a stranger which is important in creating an environment where women are not reluctant to seek help after a sexual assault," added Larsen.</P><P>The Danish study used data from all women attending the specialised Centre for Victims of Sexual assault in Copenhagen for sexual assault or attempted sexual assault between March 2001 and December 2010.</P><P>A total of 2,541 women were included in the sample.</P><P>"The results suggest that young age and drinking alcohol were risk factors for sexual assault," researchers concluded.</P><P>The paper appeared in BJOG</EM>: An international journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG</EM>). </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Drinking-with-strangers-ups-sexual-assault-risk/articleshow/44834630.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Drinking with strangers ups sexual assault risk

Women who drink alcohol with strangers or people they met just 24 hours back are at a higher risk of facing sexual assault. According to a...

Read more »

A homemade medicine for your upset tummy

One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Diwali, is just around the corner. Everyone is busy shopping for trendy clothes, crackers and designer diyas</EM> to ring in the festival. </EM><P>Elders and youngsters alike are planning parties at home, and women have already started preparing menus and making sweets and savouries that would be served to the guests. While gorging on some mouthwatering delicacies is always fun during the festive season, it's important to ensure you don't end up with an upset tummy because of overindulging. It might be difficult to control your appetite, especially if you are surrounded by yummy food, but here's a sure-fire way by which you can avoid a tummy upset. </P><P>Elders in the family, from a very long time, have prepared a medicinal concoction at home, which is consumed the night before Diwali and also on the big day. In fact, feeding this medicine to youngsters in the family is almost a tradition in most South Indian households. The concoction, prepared using herbs and spices that are easily available, aids in digestion. Once prepared, this medicine can be stored in a container for as many as 15 days, and a small amount of it can be consumed every day in the morning. Here's how this homemade medicine is prepared:</P><P><STRONG>Ingredients</STRONG><BR>- Ginger (a couple of pieces) - Coriander seeds (50g) - Cumin seeds (50g) - Oregano (100g) - Black peppercorns (50g) - Long pepper (a couple of pieces) - Jaggery (sliced, proportionate to the medicinal herbs) - Honey (2 tbsp) - Ghee (4 tsp) - Lemon (one slice)<BR></P><BR><STRONG>Method</STRONG><BR>- Dry the ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, oregano, black peppercorn and long pepper in the sun for a day and pound them all together. Sift the powder through a sieve to make it fine and refined. Heat one cup of water (or as required) in a kadai and add the ground powder when water starts boiling. Keep stirring so that the powder doesn't form lumps. Continue stirring the mixture till it becomes semi-solid, like a fine gravy. <P>- Alternatively, you can shallow roast the above ingredients in a kadai first, and powder them in a mixer with a cup of water till it becomes a paste. Now, transfer this paste on to the kadai again and start heating it up in low flame till it starts becoming semi-solid.</P><P>- Meanwhile, slice a chunk of jaggery, amounting to about one cup, and add the same to this mixture. Continue stirring till the jaggery dissolves.</P><P>- Keep stirring in low flame for about 30 minutes or till the concoction starts solidifying. Once every seven minutes or so, add a teaspoon of ghee and a little bit of honey to the mixture.</P><P>- Once the potion reaches a semi-solid states, squeeze a slice of lemon on it. Switch off the flame and let it cool. To make sure the medicine is in correct form, try rolling it in between your fingers to form a small ball.</P><P>- Remember that as the mixture cools, it will become even more solid. So, keep an eye on it while it's on flame and switch off the gas if you feel it has reached its semi-solid state sooner.</P><P>- Transfer to mixture to a clean container, and store it in a cool, dry place. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/A-homemade-medicine-for-your-upset-tummy/articleshow/44836411.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

A homemade medicine for your upset tummy

One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Diwali, is just around the corner. Everyone is busy shopping for trendy clothes, crackers an...

Read more »

Pregnant? Steer clear from these health hazards

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.<br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Pregnant-Steer-clear-from-these-health-hazards/articleshow/44896133.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Pregnant? Steer clear from these health hazards

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page. View the original article here

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6 ways sitting is killing you

With sitting being deemed the new smoking, we give you a reality check of the damage that over-sitting incurs on you.</EM> <P>That office chair, couch, cushion or bean bag isn't the real culprit. It's your lazy habit of parking yourself in a spot that is silently ringing the death knell for you. It's tough to avoid sitting if you work in an office environment (unless you have a standing desk like some new-age workplaces abroad). On your day off, you tend to laze around the house or, worse, be a smug couch potato, chomping on fast food in front of the television as an excuse for leisure. A recent study found that people who sat for more than 11 hours a day had a 40% higher chance of dying within three years. The risk was much lower for working executives who exercised five hours — or more — a week. However, exercise doesn't negate the following dangers.</P><P><STRONG>Lower body problems:</STRONG> Poor circulation in the legs can lead to swollen ankles, varicose veins and more hazardous DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Health experts also blame the rise in cases of osteoporosis to desk jobs and lack of activities like running that stimulate hip and lower-body bones to grow thicker and stronger. Scientists partially attribute the recent surge in cases of to lack of activity.</P><STRONG>Chronic disease:</STRONG> Did you know that if you sit for more than four hours a day, you are more likely to have a chronic disease like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer? A survey in Australia found that the more time participants spent sitting, the more likely they were to have one of these chronic diseases, regardless of their BMI (body mass index) or even an exercise routine. <P><STRONG>Poor mental well-being:</STRONG> Who doesn't want to unwind on the couch after a taxing day at work? However, it could be counter-productive for your mind. A study analysing the association between mental well-being and a sedentary lifestyle found that non-occupational sitting time — vegetating in front of the TV, watching films on a laptop, for instance — had a negative impact of women's mental health in particular. Mental functioning slows down too.</P><P><STRONG>Kidney disease: </STRONG>Those who sit less have a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. This was found to be especially true for women — when they reduce their sitting time from a full eight-hour workday to only three, their risk for kidney disease falls by 30% while for men it is 15%. The end result could be complete kidney failure.</P><P><STRONG>Adult metabolic syndrome: </STRONG>Obesity is a pretty obvious outcome, but the whammy is Metabolic Syndrome that accompanies it. A combination of obesity, low levels of good cholesterol, high blood pressure or hyperglycaemia puts you at higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which could lead to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The risk is as high as 73%! Researchers found that reducing TV and computer exposure to less than one hour a day outside office could reduce your chances of succumbing to adult metabolic syndrome.</P><P><STRONG>Muscle degeneration:</STRONG> With extended sitting, the glutes get soft since they are used to doing nothing. This can affect your stride. Your abdominal muscles keep you straight when you are standing or walking, but bend forward or slump back in a chair, and your back muscles tighten while your abs go lax. This deadly combination effects the spine's natural arch, leading to hyperlordosis (swayback). Chronic sitters don't use their hip flexor muscles much, so the hips get tight and your range of motion is limited. This affects your movement as well.</P><P><STRONG>Tips to get moving</STRONG><BR>- Try to answer phone calls standing up or walking around.<BR>- If your office doesn't provide a standing desk, find a high table or counter.<BR>- Rather than gathering around the water cooler for a chat with your colleagues, walk around the premises with them.<BR>- Take the stairs as often as you can. Ditching the lift will increase the blood flow to your brain too, energising you instantly.<BR>- Take five-minute breaks to get up from your chair and clear your head every couple of hours. It will help you focus better.<BR>- Walk around your building during lunch time. If you don't have the space, use the footpath outside or find a park nearby.<BR>- Find a corner where you can do stretching exercises. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/6-ways-sitting-is-killing-you/articleshow/44825625.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

6 ways sitting is killing you

With sitting being deemed the new smoking, we give you a reality check of the damage that over-sitting incurs on you. That office chair, c...

Read more »

A homemade medicine for your upset tummy

One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Diwali, is just around the corner. Everyone is busy shopping for trendy clothes, crackers and designer diyas</EM> to ring in the festival. </EM><P>Elders and youngsters alike are planning parties at home, and women have already started preparing menus and making sweets and savouries that would be served to the guests. While gorging on some mouthwatering delicacies is always fun during the festive season, it's important to ensure you don't end up with an upset tummy because of overindulging. It might be difficult to control your appetite, especially if you are surrounded by yummy food, but here's a sure-fire way by which you can avoid a tummy upset. </P><P>Elders in the family, from a very long time, have prepared a medicinal concoction at home, which is consumed the night before Diwali and also on the big day. In fact, feeding this medicine to youngsters in the family is almost a tradition in most South Indian households. The concoction, prepared using herbs and spices that are easily available, aids in digestion. Once prepared, this medicine can be stored in a container for as many as 15 days, and a small amount of it can be consumed every day in the morning. Here's how this homemade medicine is prepared:</P><P><STRONG>Ingredients</STRONG><BR>- Ginger (a couple of pieces) - Coriander seeds (50g) - Cumin seeds (50g) - Oregano (100g) - Black peppercorns (50g) - Long pepper (a couple of pieces) - Jaggery (sliced, proportionate to the medicinal herbs) - Honey (2 tbsp) - Ghee (4 tsp) - Lemon (one slice)<BR></P><BR><STRONG>Method</STRONG><BR>- Dry the ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, oregano, black peppercorn and long pepper in the sun for a day and pound them all together. Sift the powder through a sieve to make it fine and refined. Heat one cup of water (or as required) in a kadai and add the ground powder when water starts boiling. Keep stirring so that the powder doesn't form lumps. Continue stirring the mixture till it becomes semi-solid, like a fine gravy. <P>- Alternatively, you can shallow roast the above ingredients in a kadai first, and powder them in a mixer with a cup of water till it becomes a paste. Now, transfer this paste on to the kadai again and start heating it up in low flame till it starts becoming semi-solid.</P><P>- Meanwhile, slice a chunk of jaggery, amounting to about one cup, and add the same to this mixture. Continue stirring till the jaggery dissolves.</P><P>- Keep stirring in low flame for about 30 minutes or till the concoction starts solidifying. Once every seven minutes or so, add a teaspoon of ghee and a little bit of honey to the mixture.</P><P>- Once the potion reaches a semi-solid states, squeeze a slice of lemon on it. Switch off the flame and let it cool. To make sure the medicine is in correct form, try rolling it in between your fingers to form a small ball.</P><P>- Remember that as the mixture cools, it will become even more solid. So, keep an eye on it while it's on flame and switch off the gas if you feel it has reached its semi-solid state sooner.</P><P>- Transfer to mixture to a clean container, and store it in a cool, dry place. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/A-homemade-medicine-for-your-upset-tummy/articleshow/44836411.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

A homemade medicine for your upset tummy

One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Diwali, is just around the corner. Everyone is busy shopping for trendy clothes, crackers an...

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Women in their 20s suffering from acute hair loss

Physical activity also helps- Yoga, running, jogging, dancing-select something that you truly know</EM> <P>Stress is said to manifest itself by in different ways. And if a recent study is anything to go , women in their 20s seem to be the hardest hit. The study revealed that young women are suffering from a range of hair problems thanks to leading stressful lives.The most common complaints include hair loss and thinning.</P><P>Consultant dermatologist Dr Snehal Sriram says that for the human body, the hair is the least important organ since it isn't vital to the body's survival unlike organs like the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys etc. "Therefore, whenever our body is put through any severe stress, blood supply and nourishment get diverted to vital organs, literally leaving your hair high and dry. This makes your hair enter the premature shedding stage and increases hairfall, which if not controlled early, can lead to hair thinning and, eventually, irreparable damage to the hair roots."</P><STRONG>Common stressors</STRONG><BR>Experts say that an irregular dietary pattern due to work pressures (skipping breakfast and eating heavy meals with large gaps in-between meals), meagre intake of correct nutrients (proteins and micro-nutrients), inadequate sleep, smoking, lack of regular exercise, hormonal imbalances (eg. PCOD or thyroid) and numerous salon treatments that damage hair bonds, all have an adverse impact on hair. <P>"This is why one should refrain from using a lot of chemicals on their hair and avoid constant hairstyling treatments that damage the hair shaft and cause hairfall," says consultant dermatologist Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar.</P><P><STRONG>Addressing this problem</STRONG><BR>Your diet, exercise and hair care regime all play a big role. "Your daily diet should include at least two helpings of proteins (sprouts, egg whites, paneer, yoghurt, etc), two colourful fruits or salads (pomegranates, cherries, berries, carrots, leafy vegetables, etc) and two to three whole walnuts. Ensure regular meals and exercise and at least six to seven hours of sleep. Use a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair and scalp. Opt for hair health promoting treatments that rejuvenate both hair and scalp -these make the hair root and follicles strong and healthy and also help your hair overcome the damage caused by daily stress," says Dr Sriram.</P><P><STRONG>Major causes for hairloss</STRONG><BR>Adds Dr Trasi-Nerurkar, "Sadly young women today are under tremendous pressure as they try to balance work and family life. Add to that other external factors like hair colouring, chemical treatments, hair styling, crash diets, hormonal factors and you have a severe hair loss problem."</P><P>Dr Trasi-Nerurkar says that hair styling should be kept simple without the use of tight hairbands and clips. "Use hair serum after washing your and before combing. Stick to a mild shampoo and conditioner and avoid using air wax, mousse, hair gel, etc."</P><P>Dr Sriram advises women to avoid hair straightening, ironing and colouring etc if they already have hair health concerns. "Work on making your hair and scalp healthy first so that they will withstand damages better. Also, air dry your hair or use the cold mode on your blow-dryer. Treat dandruff promptly with good anti-dandruff shampoos, but remember to keep them on for at least five minutes before rinsing off. Wash your hair at least twice or thrice a week and condition them well. After hair colouring or similar salon treatments, use acidic pH shampoos and conditioners. These preserve the hair cuticle better and reduce damage."</P><P><STRONG>Treating hairfall</STRONG><BR>Experts agree that beginning treatment as early as possible is most effective. "Treatments that work the best are tailor-made treatments with a 360 degree approach that include getting to the root of a person's unique hair and scalp condition, balancing nutrition with special hair nutrients, repairing the damage to hair and scalp with scalp rejuvenation, hair growth treatments that control hairfall and regrow hair again and identifying and treating any hormonal imbalances," advises Dr Sriram.</P><P><STRONG>Increase in reported cases</STRONG><BR>There has been a huge increase in the number of young women coming in with hairfall complaints in the past few years, say experts. Says Dr Sriram, "Some even have hair loss to the extent that their scalp starts showing through the hair and that type hair loss pattern is usually seen in much mature women. The sad part is that this hair loss affects their self-confidence to such an extent that they are not able to face society, especially at an age when they need it the most. The good news is, however, that this can be effectively cured if treatment is started in time." </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Women-in-their-20s-suffering-from-acute-hair-loss/articleshow/44846847.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Women in their 20s suffering from acute hair loss

Physical activity also helps- Yoga, running, jogging, dancing-select something that you truly know Stress is said to manifest itself by in...

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How the birth season can trigger mood disorders

The risk of developing mood disorders is impacted by the season in which you are born in, a research showed.</EM> <P>People born at certain times of year may have a greater chance of developing certain types of affective temperaments which, in turn, could lead to mood disorders ( affective disorders).</P><P>"Biochemical studies have shown that the season in which you are born has an influence on certain monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which is detectable even in adult life. This led us to believe that birth season may have a longer-lasting effect," said Xenia Gonda, assistant professor from the department of clinical and theoretical mental health at the Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.</P>The team looked at over 400 participants and matched their birth season to personality types in later life. <P>The group found that cyclothymic temperament (characterised by rapid, frequent swings between sad and cheerful moods), is significantly higher in those born during summer in comparison with those born during winter.</P><P>"Hyperthymic temperament - a tendency to be excessively positive - were significantly higher in those born in spring and summer," Gonda added.</P><P>Those born during winter were significantly less prone to irritable temperament than those born at other times of the year.</P><P>While those born during autumn show a significantly lower tendency to depressive temperament than those born during winter, the researchers noted.</P><P>"Temperaments are not disorders but biologically-driven behavioural and emotional trends. Although both genetic and environmental factors are involved in one's temperament, now we know that the season at birth plays a role too," concluded professor Eduard Vieta from the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CNP).</P><P>This work was presented at the European College of CNP Congress in Berlin recently. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/How-the-birth-season-can-trigger-mood-disorders/articleshow/44885640.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

How the birth season can trigger mood disorders

The risk of developing mood disorders is impacted by the season in which you are born in, a research showed. People born at certain times ...

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Women in their 20s suffering from acute hair loss

Physical activity also helps- Yoga, running, jogging, dancing-select something that you truly know</EM> <P>Stress is said to manifest itself by in different ways. And if a recent study is anything to go , women in their 20s seem to be the hardest hit. The study revealed that young women are suffering from a range of hair problems thanks to leading stressful lives.The most common complaints include hair loss and thinning.</P><P>Consultant dermatologist Dr Snehal Sriram says that for the human body, the hair is the least important organ since it isn't vital to the body's survival unlike organs like the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys etc. "Therefore, whenever our body is put through any severe stress, blood supply and nourishment get diverted to vital organs, literally leaving your hair high and dry. This makes your hair enter the premature shedding stage and increases hairfall, which if not controlled early, can lead to hair thinning and, eventually, irreparable damage to the hair roots."</P><STRONG>Common stressors</STRONG><BR>Experts say that an irregular dietary pattern due to work pressures (skipping breakfast and eating heavy meals with large gaps in-between meals), meagre intake of correct nutrients (proteins and micro-nutrients), inadequate sleep, smoking, lack of regular exercise, hormonal imbalances (eg. PCOD or thyroid) and numerous salon treatments that damage hair bonds, all have an adverse impact on hair. <P>"This is why one should refrain from using a lot of chemicals on their hair and avoid constant hairstyling treatments that damage the hair shaft and cause hairfall," says consultant dermatologist Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar.</P><P><STRONG>Addressing this problem</STRONG><BR>Your diet, exercise and hair care regime all play a big role. "Your daily diet should include at least two helpings of proteins (sprouts, egg whites, paneer, yoghurt, etc), two colourful fruits or salads (pomegranates, cherries, berries, carrots, leafy vegetables, etc) and two to three whole walnuts. Ensure regular meals and exercise and at least six to seven hours of sleep. Use a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair and scalp. Opt for hair health promoting treatments that rejuvenate both hair and scalp -these make the hair root and follicles strong and healthy and also help your hair overcome the damage caused by daily stress," says Dr Sriram.</P><P><STRONG>Major causes for hairloss</STRONG><BR>Adds Dr Trasi-Nerurkar, "Sadly young women today are under tremendous pressure as they try to balance work and family life. Add to that other external factors like hair colouring, chemical treatments, hair styling, crash diets, hormonal factors and you have a severe hair loss problem."</P><P>Dr Trasi-Nerurkar says that hair styling should be kept simple without the use of tight hairbands and clips. "Use hair serum after washing your and before combing. Stick to a mild shampoo and conditioner and avoid using air wax, mousse, hair gel, etc."</P><P>Dr Sriram advises women to avoid hair straightening, ironing and colouring etc if they already have hair health concerns. "Work on making your hair and scalp healthy first so that they will withstand damages better. Also, air dry your hair or use the cold mode on your blow-dryer. Treat dandruff promptly with good anti-dandruff shampoos, but remember to keep them on for at least five minutes before rinsing off. Wash your hair at least twice or thrice a week and condition them well. After hair colouring or similar salon treatments, use acidic pH shampoos and conditioners. These preserve the hair cuticle better and reduce damage."</P><P><STRONG>Treating hairfall</STRONG><BR>Experts agree that beginning treatment as early as possible is most effective. "Treatments that work the best are tailor-made treatments with a 360 degree approach that include getting to the root of a person's unique hair and scalp condition, balancing nutrition with special hair nutrients, repairing the damage to hair and scalp with scalp rejuvenation, hair growth treatments that control hairfall and regrow hair again and identifying and treating any hormonal imbalances," advises Dr Sriram.</P><P><STRONG>Increase in reported cases</STRONG><BR>There has been a huge increase in the number of young women coming in with hairfall complaints in the past few years, say experts. Says Dr Sriram, "Some even have hair loss to the extent that their scalp starts showing through the hair and that type hair loss pattern is usually seen in much mature women. The sad part is that this hair loss affects their self-confidence to such an extent that they are not able to face society, especially at an age when they need it the most. The good news is, however, that this can be effectively cured if treatment is started in time." </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Women-in-their-20s-suffering-from-acute-hair-loss/articleshow/44846847.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Women in their 20s suffering from acute hair loss

Physical activity also helps- Yoga, running, jogging, dancing-select something that you truly know Stress is said to manifest itself by in...

Read more »

6 ways sitting is killing you

With sitting being deemed the new smoking, we give you a reality check of the damage that over-sitting incurs on you.</EM> <P>That office chair, couch, cushion or bean bag isn't the real culprit. It's your lazy habit of parking yourself in a spot that is silently ringing the death knell for you. It's tough to avoid sitting if you work in an office environment (unless you have a standing desk like some new-age workplaces abroad). On your day off, you tend to laze around the house or, worse, be a smug couch potato, chomping on fast food in front of the television as an excuse for leisure. A recent study found that people who sat for more than 11 hours a day had a 40% higher chance of dying within three years. The risk was much lower for working executives who exercised five hours — or more — a week. However, exercise doesn't negate the following dangers.</P><P><STRONG>Lower body problems:</STRONG> Poor circulation in the legs can lead to swollen ankles, varicose veins and more hazardous DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Health experts also blame the rise in cases of osteoporosis to desk jobs and lack of activities like running that stimulate hip and lower-body bones to grow thicker and stronger. Scientists partially attribute the recent surge in cases of to lack of activity.</P><STRONG>Chronic disease:</STRONG> Did you know that if you sit for more than four hours a day, you are more likely to have a chronic disease like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer? A survey in Australia found that the more time participants spent sitting, the more likely they were to have one of these chronic diseases, regardless of their BMI (body mass index) or even an exercise routine. <P><STRONG>Poor mental well-being:</STRONG> Who doesn't want to unwind on the couch after a taxing day at work? However, it could be counter-productive for your mind. A study analysing the association between mental well-being and a sedentary lifestyle found that non-occupational sitting time — vegetating in front of the TV, watching films on a laptop, for instance — had a negative impact of women's mental health in particular. Mental functioning slows down too.</P><P><STRONG>Kidney disease: </STRONG>Those who sit less have a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. This was found to be especially true for women — when they reduce their sitting time from a full eight-hour workday to only three, their risk for kidney disease falls by 30% while for men it is 15%. The end result could be complete kidney failure.</P><P><STRONG>Adult metabolic syndrome: </STRONG>Obesity is a pretty obvious outcome, but the whammy is Metabolic Syndrome that accompanies it. A combination of obesity, low levels of good cholesterol, high blood pressure or hyperglycaemia puts you at higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which could lead to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The risk is as high as 73%! Researchers found that reducing TV and computer exposure to less than one hour a day outside office could reduce your chances of succumbing to adult metabolic syndrome.</P><P><STRONG>Muscle degeneration:</STRONG> With extended sitting, the glutes get soft since they are used to doing nothing. This can affect your stride. Your abdominal muscles keep you straight when you are standing or walking, but bend forward or slump back in a chair, and your back muscles tighten while your abs go lax. This deadly combination effects the spine's natural arch, leading to hyperlordosis (swayback). Chronic sitters don't use their hip flexor muscles much, so the hips get tight and your range of motion is limited. This affects your movement as well.</P><P><STRONG>Tips to get moving</STRONG><BR>- Try to answer phone calls standing up or walking around.<BR>- If your office doesn't provide a standing desk, find a high table or counter.<BR>- Rather than gathering around the water cooler for a chat with your colleagues, walk around the premises with them.<BR>- Take the stairs as often as you can. Ditching the lift will increase the blood flow to your brain too, energising you instantly.<BR>- Take five-minute breaks to get up from your chair and clear your head every couple of hours. It will help you focus better.<BR>- Walk around your building during lunch time. If you don't have the space, use the footpath outside or find a park nearby.<BR>- Find a corner where you can do stretching exercises. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/6-ways-sitting-is-killing-you/articleshow/44825625.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

6 ways sitting is killing you

With sitting being deemed the new smoking, we give you a reality check of the damage that over-sitting incurs on you. That office chair, c...

Read more »

Internet addiction on the rise in Hyderabad

He has three profiles on social networking sites, uses multiple e-mail ids, knows the latest games on the market. His fingers race on the mobile phone and they keep twitching, pressing the buttons faster than you can keep up. </EM><P>The only time he meets his family is when they serve food on a plate in the dining room. He then again retreats to his bedroom, with all his gadgets in hand. "We realised something was wrong when he stopped talking to his sister and all his conversations were restricted to grunts and nods," says Rekha S, talking about her 18-year-old, son who's pursuing engineering. "We are at our wits end about what to do. Even when I take these gadgets into our bedroom, I wake up to find him on the family computer, typing furiously or giggling. I don't know what to do," confesses Rekha, who has a busy schedule as a consultant for emigration.</P><P><STRONG>Rekha's son is not alone — experts say that Internet</STRONG><BR>addiction is on the rise. In fact, NIMHANS, Bengaluru recently set up a specialised section to deal with Internet Addiction. "We are seeing one or two patients every week in the outpatient section. But the numbers are surely on the rise across the country as Internet is rapidly expanding its footprint. Children as young as eight, nine and 10 years are getting hooked on to internet to an extent that they lose control over their daily activities like what they do, food, speech and sleep," says Dr Vivek Benegal from the institute.<BR></P>Talking about Rekha's son's case, he explains, "Internet addiction is not a vice. It is neither good nor bad, but the boy has apparently lost control over his habit. It can be treated with a few counseling sessions and medication. Some of the children who are addicted to internet are highly creative, but may have difficulty in concentration." <P>But psychiatrists appear divided about Internet Addiction. It has not been included as a clinical diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recently, after a 31-year-old patient checked into a hospital in the UK saying that he uses a digital device for 18 hours and cannot live without it, the doctors are not so sure.</P><P>So, what's the difference between excessive use and addiction? "Addiction is when it starts having an adverse<BR>impact on relationships and health. Work-wise, the person may even do better. Sleeping, eating and conversations get affected. Obsessive compulsive tendencies take over and the person is lost in the virtual world," says Rahul Luther, who runs a rehab centre for net addiction. "Obviously the cases are on the rise as more and more people are getting on the Internet. And some people don't know where to draw the line about its use," he says.</P><P>"We are seeing rising number of cases as the digital devices are getting increasingly affordable and smaller. The youngest person who was brought in by his parents for net addiction was 13. He had the constant urge to be on the net, access it on phone or play a game. Most of the youngsters we are dealing with are in the age group of 17-20. There is no great difference between an Internet addict and an alcohol addict. Both find it difficult to live without them. Adolescents are more at risk," says psychiatrist Dr Srilakshmi, who is part of a counseling team that runs a suicide helpline.</P><P>"Parents have to be on alert for behaviourial change in their children. Families usually bring their children after noticing a difference in their behaviour that includes sleeplessness, lack of appetite, socially withdrawn. The onus is on the parents," says Dr Srilakashmi, about tackling the spreading pandemic of internet addiction. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Internet-addiction-on-the-rise-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/44853008.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Internet addiction on the rise in Hyderabad

He has three profiles on social networking sites, uses multiple e-mail ids, knows the latest games on the market. His fingers race on the m...

Read more »

6 ways sitting is killing you

With sitting being deemed the new smoking, we give you a reality check of the damage that over-sitting incurs on you.</EM> <P>That office chair, couch, cushion or bean bag isn't the real culprit. It's your lazy habit of parking yourself in a spot that is silently ringing the death knell for you. It's tough to avoid sitting if you work in an office environment (unless you have a standing desk like some new-age workplaces abroad). On your day off, you tend to laze around the house or, worse, be a smug couch potato, chomping on fast food in front of the television as an excuse for leisure. A recent study found that people who sat for more than 11 hours a day had a 40% higher chance of dying within three years. The risk was much lower for working executives who exercised five hours — or more — a week. However, exercise doesn't negate the following dangers.</P><P><STRONG>Lower body problems:</STRONG> Poor circulation in the legs can lead to swollen ankles, varicose veins and more hazardous DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Health experts also blame the rise in cases of osteoporosis to desk jobs and lack of activities like running that stimulate hip and lower-body bones to grow thicker and stronger. Scientists partially attribute the recent surge in cases of to lack of activity.</P><STRONG>Chronic disease:</STRONG> Did you know that if you sit for more than four hours a day, you are more likely to have a chronic disease like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer? A survey in Australia found that the more time participants spent sitting, the more likely they were to have one of these chronic diseases, regardless of their BMI (body mass index) or even an exercise routine. <P><STRONG>Poor mental well-being:</STRONG> Who doesn't want to unwind on the couch after a taxing day at work? However, it could be counter-productive for your mind. A study analysing the association between mental well-being and a sedentary lifestyle found that non-occupational sitting time — vegetating in front of the TV, watching films on a laptop, for instance — had a negative impact of women's mental health in particular. Mental functioning slows down too.</P><P><STRONG>Kidney disease: </STRONG>Those who sit less have a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. This was found to be especially true for women — when they reduce their sitting time from a full eight-hour workday to only three, their risk for kidney disease falls by 30% while for men it is 15%. The end result could be complete kidney failure.</P><P><STRONG>Adult metabolic syndrome: </STRONG>Obesity is a pretty obvious outcome, but the whammy is Metabolic Syndrome that accompanies it. A combination of obesity, low levels of good cholesterol, high blood pressure or hyperglycaemia puts you at higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which could lead to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The risk is as high as 73%! Researchers found that reducing TV and computer exposure to less than one hour a day outside office could reduce your chances of succumbing to adult metabolic syndrome.</P><P><STRONG>Muscle degeneration:</STRONG> With extended sitting, the glutes get soft since they are used to doing nothing. This can affect your stride. Your abdominal muscles keep you straight when you are standing or walking, but bend forward or slump back in a chair, and your back muscles tighten while your abs go lax. This deadly combination effects the spine's natural arch, leading to hyperlordosis (swayback). Chronic sitters don't use their hip flexor muscles much, so the hips get tight and your range of motion is limited. This affects your movement as well.</P><P><STRONG>Tips to get moving</STRONG><BR>- Try to answer phone calls standing up or walking around.<BR>- If your office doesn't provide a standing desk, find a high table or counter.<BR>- Rather than gathering around the water cooler for a chat with your colleagues, walk around the premises with them.<BR>- Take the stairs as often as you can. Ditching the lift will increase the blood flow to your brain too, energising you instantly.<BR>- Take five-minute breaks to get up from your chair and clear your head every couple of hours. It will help you focus better.<BR>- Walk around your building during lunch time. If you don't have the space, use the footpath outside or find a park nearby.<BR>- Find a corner where you can do stretching exercises. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/6-ways-sitting-is-killing-you/articleshow/44825625.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

6 ways sitting is killing you

With sitting being deemed the new smoking, we give you a reality check of the damage that over-sitting incurs on you. That office chair, c...

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Does Bangalore have unhealthy eating habits?

A recent pan-India survey states that Bangalore is the frontrunner in placing food orders between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is between lunch and dinner. This study, which dealt with comprehending food-ordering trends online, states that 18% of food orders come from the city. The study adds that Italian, Chinese and fast foods are the top three cuisine choices.</EM> <P>While it comes as no surprise that India's IT capital leads the way in online food orders, this habit of snacking on heavy food between meal times is unhealthy, reason experts. Wellness consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy says that this habit of eating heavier meals during snack hour can pose long-term health problems. </P><P>"Unless these orders are for an early dinner or for those who begin their day late and work on a different shift, this is unhealthy. One cannot snack on such heavy food between meals," says Sheela, who believes that even a pizza shared among many doesn't amount to a good tea-time snack. "Soups, salads, fruit platters or even corn cups make better snacking options between lunch and dinner. People should stay away from heavier options like Chinese, Italian and Mughlai," she adds. Fitness expert Wanitha Ashok believes that this is also because a lot of the healthier meal options, which are usually smaller portions, aren't easily offered on these sites. "Ideally, south Indian foods like idli or upma serve as healthy eating options between 4 pm and 6 pm. Italian and Chinese are not adviseable. A calorie is a calorie and any excess deposits as fat in the body. Ideally, carry a fruit with you. Eventually, it comes down to mind over matter, and the matter here is food," says Wanitha. </P>Youngsters who place food orders online in the city seem to echo Wanitha's sentiments. "While we'd prefer ordering smaller snacking options, our office is on the outskirts of the city and there are limited options for healthy eating. The trouble with these portals is that our choice is limited and there is a minimum order that has to be placed, which often leads us to order extra and eating it too," says Rashi M, brand consultant at an IT firm. <br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Does-Bangalore-have-unhealthy-eating-habits/articleshow/44825427.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Does Bangalore have unhealthy eating habits?

A recent pan-India survey states that Bangalore is the frontrunner in placing food orders between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is between lunch and...

Read more »

6 ways sitting is killing you

With sitting being deemed the new smoking, we give you a reality check of the damage that over-sitting incurs on you.</EM> <P>That office chair, couch, cushion or bean bag isn't the real culprit. It's your lazy habit of parking yourself in a spot that is silently ringing the death knell for you. It's tough to avoid sitting if you work in an office environment (unless you have a standing desk like some new-age workplaces abroad). On your day off, you tend to laze around the house or, worse, be a smug couch potato, chomping on fast food in front of the television as an excuse for leisure. A recent study found that people who sat for more than 11 hours a day had a 40% higher chance of dying within three years. The risk was much lower for working executives who exercised five hours — or more — a week. However, exercise doesn't negate the following dangers.</P><P><STRONG>Lower body problems:</STRONG> Poor circulation in the legs can lead to swollen ankles, varicose veins and more hazardous DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Health experts also blame the rise in cases of osteoporosis to desk jobs and lack of activities like running that stimulate hip and lower-body bones to grow thicker and stronger. Scientists partially attribute the recent surge in cases of to lack of activity.</P><STRONG>Chronic disease:</STRONG> Did you know that if you sit for more than four hours a day, you are more likely to have a chronic disease like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer? A survey in Australia found that the more time participants spent sitting, the more likely they were to have one of these chronic diseases, regardless of their BMI (body mass index) or even an exercise routine. <P><STRONG>Poor mental well-being:</STRONG> Who doesn't want to unwind on the couch after a taxing day at work? However, it could be counter-productive for your mind. A study analysing the association between mental well-being and a sedentary lifestyle found that non-occupational sitting time — vegetating in front of the TV, watching films on a laptop, for instance — had a negative impact of women's mental health in particular. Mental functioning slows down too.</P><P><STRONG>Kidney disease: </STRONG>Those who sit less have a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. This was found to be especially true for women — when they reduce their sitting time from a full eight-hour workday to only three, their risk for kidney disease falls by 30% while for men it is 15%. The end result could be complete kidney failure.</P><P><STRONG>Adult metabolic syndrome: </STRONG>Obesity is a pretty obvious outcome, but the whammy is Metabolic Syndrome that accompanies it. A combination of obesity, low levels of good cholesterol, high blood pressure or hyperglycaemia puts you at higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which could lead to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The risk is as high as 73%! Researchers found that reducing TV and computer exposure to less than one hour a day outside office could reduce your chances of succumbing to adult metabolic syndrome.</P><P><STRONG>Muscle degeneration:</STRONG> With extended sitting, the glutes get soft since they are used to doing nothing. This can affect your stride. Your abdominal muscles keep you straight when you are standing or walking, but bend forward or slump back in a chair, and your back muscles tighten while your abs go lax. This deadly combination effects the spine's natural arch, leading to hyperlordosis (swayback). Chronic sitters don't use their hip flexor muscles much, so the hips get tight and your range of motion is limited. This affects your movement as well.</P><P><STRONG>Tips to get moving</STRONG><BR>- Try to answer phone calls standing up or walking around.<BR>- If your office doesn't provide a standing desk, find a high table or counter.<BR>- Rather than gathering around the water cooler for a chat with your colleagues, walk around the premises with them.<BR>- Take the stairs as often as you can. Ditching the lift will increase the blood flow to your brain too, energising you instantly.<BR>- Take five-minute breaks to get up from your chair and clear your head every couple of hours. It will help you focus better.<BR>- Walk around your building during lunch time. If you don't have the space, use the footpath outside or find a park nearby.<BR>- Find a corner where you can do stretching exercises. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/6-ways-sitting-is-killing-you/articleshow/44825625.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

6 ways sitting is killing you

With sitting being deemed the new smoking, we give you a reality check of the damage that over-sitting incurs on you. That office chair, c...

Read more »

'Hidden' consciousness found in vegetative patients

A team of researchers led by an Indian-origin scientist Srivas Chennu from University of Cambridge has found hidden signatures of consciousness in the brains of people in a vegetative state.</EM> <P>These signatures point to networks that could support consciousness even when a patient appears to be unconscious and unresponsive, thus helping doctors identify patients who are aware despite being unable to communicate. </P><P>"Understanding how consciousness arises from the interactions between networks of brain regions is an elusive but fascinating scientific question. But for patients diagnosed as vegetative and minimally conscious, and their families, this is far more than just an academic question - it takes on a very real significance," explained Chennu from department of clinical neurosciences at University of Cambridge. </P>"Our research could improve clinical assessment and help identify patients who might be covertly aware despite being uncommunicative," he added. <P>The team used high-density electroencephalographs (EEG) and a branch of mathematics known as "graph theory" to study networks of activity in the brains of 32 patients diagnosed as vegetative and minimally conscious and compare them to healthy adults. </P><P>The findings showed that the rich and diversely connected networks that support awareness in the healthy brain are typically - but importantly, not always - impaired in patients in a vegetative state. </P><P>Some vegetative patients had well-preserved brain networks that look similar to those of healthy adults. </P><P>"These patients were those who had shown signs of hidden awareness by following commands such as imagining playing tennis," Chennu noted. </P><P>The findings could help researchers develop a relatively simple way of identifying which patients might be aware whilst in a vegetative state. </P><P>"If a patient's 'awareness' networks are intact then we know that they are likely to be aware of what is going on around them," added Tristan Bekinschtein from department of psychology. </P><P>The paper was published in the journal PLOS Computational Biology</EM>. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Hidden-consciousness-found-in-vegetative-patients/articleshow/44851317.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

'Hidden' consciousness found in vegetative patients

A team of researchers led by an Indian-origin scientist Srivas Chennu from University of Cambridge has found hidden signatures of conscious...

Read more »

'Hidden' consciousness found in vegetative patients

A team of researchers led by an Indian-origin scientist Srivas Chennu from University of Cambridge has found hidden signatures of consciousness in the brains of people in a vegetative state.</EM> <P>These signatures point to networks that could support consciousness even when a patient appears to be unconscious and unresponsive, thus helping doctors identify patients who are aware despite being unable to communicate. </P><P>"Understanding how consciousness arises from the interactions between networks of brain regions is an elusive but fascinating scientific question. But for patients diagnosed as vegetative and minimally conscious, and their families, this is far more than just an academic question - it takes on a very real significance," explained Chennu from department of clinical neurosciences at University of Cambridge. </P>"Our research could improve clinical assessment and help identify patients who might be covertly aware despite being uncommunicative," he added. <P>The team used high-density electroencephalographs (EEG) and a branch of mathematics known as "graph theory" to study networks of activity in the brains of 32 patients diagnosed as vegetative and minimally conscious and compare them to healthy adults. </P><P>The findings showed that the rich and diversely connected networks that support awareness in the healthy brain are typically - but importantly, not always - impaired in patients in a vegetative state. </P><P>Some vegetative patients had well-preserved brain networks that look similar to those of healthy adults. </P><P>"These patients were those who had shown signs of hidden awareness by following commands such as imagining playing tennis," Chennu noted. </P><P>The findings could help researchers develop a relatively simple way of identifying which patients might be aware whilst in a vegetative state. </P><P>"If a patient's 'awareness' networks are intact then we know that they are likely to be aware of what is going on around them," added Tristan Bekinschtein from department of psychology. </P><P>The paper was published in the journal PLOS Computational Biology</EM>. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Hidden-consciousness-found-in-vegetative-patients/articleshow/44851317.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

'Hidden' consciousness found in vegetative patients

A team of researchers led by an Indian-origin scientist Srivas Chennu from University of Cambridge has found hidden signatures of conscious...

Read more »

Does Bangalore have unhealthy eating habits?

A recent pan-India survey states that Bangalore is the frontrunner in placing food orders between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is between lunch and dinner. This study, which dealt with comprehending food-ordering trends online, states that 18% of food orders come from the city. The study adds that Italian, Chinese and fast foods are the top three cuisine choices.</EM> <P>While it comes as no surprise that India's IT capital leads the way in online food orders, this habit of snacking on heavy food between meal times is unhealthy, reason experts. Wellness consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy says that this habit of eating heavier meals during snack hour can pose long-term health problems. </P><P>"Unless these orders are for an early dinner or for those who begin their day late and work on a different shift, this is unhealthy. One cannot snack on such heavy food between meals," says Sheela, who believes that even a pizza shared among many doesn't amount to a good tea-time snack. "Soups, salads, fruit platters or even corn cups make better snacking options between lunch and dinner. People should stay away from heavier options like Chinese, Italian and Mughlai," she adds. Fitness expert Wanitha Ashok believes that this is also because a lot of the healthier meal options, which are usually smaller portions, aren't easily offered on these sites. "Ideally, south Indian foods like idli or upma serve as healthy eating options between 4 pm and 6 pm. Italian and Chinese are not adviseable. A calorie is a calorie and any excess deposits as fat in the body. Ideally, carry a fruit with you. Eventually, it comes down to mind over matter, and the matter here is food," says Wanitha. </P>Youngsters who place food orders online in the city seem to echo Wanitha's sentiments. "While we'd prefer ordering smaller snacking options, our office is on the outskirts of the city and there are limited options for healthy eating. The trouble with these portals is that our choice is limited and there is a minimum order that has to be placed, which often leads us to order extra and eating it too," says Rashi M, brand consultant at an IT firm. <br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Does-Bangalore-have-unhealthy-eating-habits/articleshow/44825427.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Does Bangalore have unhealthy eating habits?

A recent pan-India survey states that Bangalore is the frontrunner in placing food orders between 3 pm and 7 pm, which is between lunch and...

Read more »

How the birth season can trigger mood disorders

The risk of developing mood disorders is impacted by the season in which you are born in, a research showed.</EM> <P>People born at certain times of year may have a greater chance of developing certain types of affective temperaments which, in turn, could lead to mood disorders ( affective disorders).</P><P>"Biochemical studies have shown that the season in which you are born has an influence on certain monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which is detectable even in adult life. This led us to believe that birth season may have a longer-lasting effect," said Xenia Gonda, assistant professor from the department of clinical and theoretical mental health at the Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.</P>The team looked at over 400 participants and matched their birth season to personality types in later life. <P>The group found that cyclothymic temperament (characterised by rapid, frequent swings between sad and cheerful moods), is significantly higher in those born during summer in comparison with those born during winter.</P><P>"Hyperthymic temperament - a tendency to be excessively positive - were significantly higher in those born in spring and summer," Gonda added.</P><P>Those born during winter were significantly less prone to irritable temperament than those born at other times of the year.</P><P>While those born during autumn show a significantly lower tendency to depressive temperament than those born during winter, the researchers noted.</P><P>"Temperaments are not disorders but biologically-driven behavioural and emotional trends. Although both genetic and environmental factors are involved in one's temperament, now we know that the season at birth plays a role too," concluded professor Eduard Vieta from the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CNP).</P><P>This work was presented at the European College of CNP Congress in Berlin recently. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/How-the-birth-season-can-trigger-mood-disorders/articleshow/44885640.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

How the birth season can trigger mood disorders

The risk of developing mood disorders is impacted by the season in which you are born in, a research showed. People born at certain times ...

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An App to keep doctor at bay

An App could soon ensure that people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) get access to specialist care and support when they need it and prevent unnecessary trips to doctor.</EM> <P>MND is a progressive and debilitating condition that causes paralysis of muscles in the body leading to difficulty in walking, moving, talking, swallowing, breathing and eventually ends in death.</P><P>The TiM (telehealth in motor neuron disease) system, is provided in the form of an app on a tablet computer.</P>Weekly updates on mobility and general well-being are sent to the patient's specialist MND care team to swiftly identify problems and points for action. <P>"We hope that the telehealth system will improve the care and support we can offer patients and their carers by enabling us to respond to problems as they arise," said Chris McDermott, who masterminded the telehealth project at University of Sheffield in Britain.</P><P>An initial trial with 40 patients will now start at the Sheffield MND Care Centre to assess how well the telehealth system works.</P><P>If successful, a larger trial will follow with the aim to make this technology widely available to MND patients.</P><P>"This app has the potential to make a huge difference to people with MND, particularly those living in rural areas where travelling to hospital is very difficult and you can feel very isolated," said Emily Goodall whose father suffered from MND.</P><P>Patients were also closely involved in the new web resource which provides essential guidance on the use of vital breathing support for people with MND.</P><P>"We invited members of the public with experience of MND and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) to work with web designers and film makers to create a new information resource, myNIV," McDermott pointed out.</P><P>"The idea being that they could create something that contained all the things they wished they had known about NIV at the start to make it easier to use," he added.</P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/An-App-to-keep-doctor-at-bay/articleshow/44851768.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

An App to keep doctor at bay

An App could soon ensure that people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) get access to specialist care and support when they need it and...

Read more »

An App to keep doctor at bay

An App could soon ensure that people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) get access to specialist care and support when they need it and prevent unnecessary trips to doctor.</EM> <P>MND is a progressive and debilitating condition that causes paralysis of muscles in the body leading to difficulty in walking, moving, talking, swallowing, breathing and eventually ends in death.</P><P>The TiM (telehealth in motor neuron disease) system, is provided in the form of an app on a tablet computer.</P>Weekly updates on mobility and general well-being are sent to the patient's specialist MND care team to swiftly identify problems and points for action. <P>"We hope that the telehealth system will improve the care and support we can offer patients and their carers by enabling us to respond to problems as they arise," said Chris McDermott, who masterminded the telehealth project at University of Sheffield in Britain.</P><P>An initial trial with 40 patients will now start at the Sheffield MND Care Centre to assess how well the telehealth system works.</P><P>If successful, a larger trial will follow with the aim to make this technology widely available to MND patients.</P><P>"This app has the potential to make a huge difference to people with MND, particularly those living in rural areas where travelling to hospital is very difficult and you can feel very isolated," said Emily Goodall whose father suffered from MND.</P><P>Patients were also closely involved in the new web resource which provides essential guidance on the use of vital breathing support for people with MND.</P><P>"We invited members of the public with experience of MND and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) to work with web designers and film makers to create a new information resource, myNIV," McDermott pointed out.</P><P>"The idea being that they could create something that contained all the things they wished they had known about NIV at the start to make it easier to use," he added.</P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/An-App-to-keep-doctor-at-bay/articleshow/44851768.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

An App to keep doctor at bay

An App could soon ensure that people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) get access to specialist care and support when they need it and...

Read more »

Must-haves for a good night's sleep

Take a quick bath or use ear plugs to get sound sleep at night.</EM> <P>Here are a few things you can do to have a comfortable time sleeping, reports huffingtonpost.com.</P><P><STRONG>- A bath:</STRONG> Body temperature naturally dips about two hours before bedtime. A soak in the tub temporarily lifts your temperature resulting in a quick cooldown after you hop out of it - can be relaxing.</P><STRONG>- Ear plugs:</STRONG> These are a simple and inexpensive way to make your sleep even more quiet. They can help block out not only those traffic noises but a snoring bed partner or even the hum of electronics. <P><STRONG>- A good pillow:</STRONG> Most of us can appreciate the value of a good mattress but we don't always place such importance upon our pillows. But, your pillow might be the reason you're not sleeping well. Your sleep style plays a big role in the type of pillow you'll need, since it should ideally fill the gap between your head and shoulders when you lie down, keeping your head in perfect alignment to avoid neck pain.</P><P><STRONG>- An eye mask: </STRONG>Bright light and sleep don't go hand in hand, but the effects may be bigger than you realise. Even the seemingly innocuous glow of an alarm clock can send a message to your brain to stay awake and alert, so covering up with a mask can preserve your sleep haven.</P><P><STRONG>- The right combination of sheets and blankets:</STRONG> Bedding is crucial in maintaining the perfect temperature for sleep, and losing the covers can easily leave you either too hot or too cold on a regular basis. Luckily, you don't have to follow any rules of sheets and blankets, since it's mostly a matter of personal preference, but that does mean it might take some trial and error. </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Must-haves-for-a-good-nights-sleep/articleshow/44834128.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

Must-haves for a good night's sleep

Take a quick bath or use ear plugs to get sound sleep at night. Here are a few things you can do to have a comfortable time sleeping, repo...

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A new drug soon to treat heart attack

Some scar-forming cells in the heart have the ability to turn into cells that form blood vessels, which are required to boosts the heart's ability to heal after an injury, an Indian-origin researcher has found, suggesting a new approach to treat heart attack.</EM> <P>The team of researchers he led also found that a drug could enhance this phenomenon - turning the scar-forming cells in the heart, known as fibroblasts to endothelial cells that form blood vessels - and improve the repair process after a heart attack.</P><P>"Our findings suggest the possibility of coaxing scar-forming cells in the heart to change their identity into blood vessel-forming cells, which could potentially be a useful approach for better heart repair," said the study's senior author Arjun Deb, associate professor of medicine at the University of California-Los Angeles in the US.</P>"It is well known that increasing the number of blood vessels in the injured heart following a heart attack improves its ability to heal," Deb added. <P>Through experiments on mice in which scar-forming cells in the heart were genetically labelled, the researchers discovered that many of the fibroblasts in the heart's injured region changed into endothelial cells.</P><P>This process contributed directly to blood vessel formation - a phenomenon they called mesenchymal-endothelial transition or MEndoT.</P><P>The researchers also identified a molecular mechanism that regulated MEndoT and found that administering a small molecule to augment MEndoT led to less scarring and allowed the heart to heal more completely.</P><P>The study appeared in the journal Nature.</EM> </P><br /><p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/A-new-drug-soon-to-treat-heart-attack/articleshow/44834264.cms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

A new drug soon to treat heart attack

Some scar-forming cells in the heart have the ability to turn into cells that form blood vessels, which are required to boosts the heart...

Read more »