Natural way to reduce Blood Sugar: Diabetes

Please note that another name for Lady Finger (Bhindi ) is " OKRA ".

 Last month in one of TV program I learnt of a treatment of Sugar
(Diabetes). Since I am diabetic, I tried it and it was very useful and my
Sugar is in control now. In fact I have already reduced my medicine.

 Take two pieces of Lady Finger (Bhindi) and remove/cut both ends of each
piece. Also put a small cut in the middle and put these two pieces in
glass of water. Cover the glass and keep it at room temperature during
night. Early morning, before breakfast simply remove two pieces of lady
finger (bhindi) from the glass and drink that water.

 Keep doing it on daily basis.

 Within two weeks, you will see remarkable results in reduction of your
SUGAR.

 My sister has got rid of her diabetes. She was on Insulin for a few
years, but after taking the lady fingers every morning for a few months,
she has stopped Insulin but continues to take the lady fingers every
day. But she chops the lady fingers into fine pieces in the night, adds

the water and drinks it all up the next morning. Please. try it as it
will not do you any harm even if it does not do much good to you, but U
have to keep taking it for a few months before U see results, as most
cases might be chronic.

India-US team finds new therapy for pancreatic cancer

Philippine Times
Tuesday 30th December, 2008  
(IANS)

A team of Indian and American scientists has found a new way of treating pancreatic cancer that kills nine in 10 of some 40,000 people diagnosed with the disease in the US each year.

The new personalised therapy involves targeting a receptor whose activation may be responsible for some pancreatic cancers, suggests a study by scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore, Maryland and Institute of Bioinformatics in Bangalore.

The receptor identified by the team is called phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR). It is the activated form of a protein that binds to epidermal growth factor (EGF), which promotes cell growth and differentiation.

When EGF attaches to EGFR, it activates it as a tyrosine kinase enzyme, triggering reactions that cause cells to grow and multiply, according to a press release by the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.

EGFR is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer cells, which may divide excessively in the presence of EGF.

In a new study, published online in the Journal of Proteome Research, the researchers suggest that physicians potentially could test patients for signs of pEGFR, then direct therapies such as EGFR inhibitors directly at the signal pathway it is part of to shrink or prevent pancreatic tumours.

EGFR inhibitors and other targeted cancer therapies that interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer development so far have had limited success clinically.

But that may be because scientists are not hitting the correct molecular target, or applying them to all patients without selecting which ones are most likely to benefit, says senior study author Akilesh Pandey.

'You can't do targeted therapy without knowing that you have the right target,' says Pandey, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.

'We propose that the use of activated EGFR as a predictive tool for clinical response to EGFR inhibitors could lead to an improved outcome of clinical trials while sparing the large majority of the patients who might not benefit from these drugs,' he adds.

For the study, Pandey and colleagues first analysed a series of pancreatic cell lines, looking for tyrosine kinase activity, finding that cells derived from one particular patient showed dramatic response.

Next, they studied these cells in greater detail using quantitative mass spectrometry, finding within the activated tyrosine kinase pathways an unusual activation of the EGFR pathway.

To test whether EGFR signalling was responsible for cell proliferation in the P196 cell line, researchers injected mice with cells from P196 and other pancreatic cell lines to grow tumours, then treated the mice with erlotinib, a drug that inhibits EGFR.

The drug made a dramatic difference in tumours from the cell lines that showed activation of EGFR, shrinking them almost entirely, but had no effect on tumours grown from cell lines that did not show activation of EGFR.

In additional experiments, the scientists used a technique called immunohistochemical labelling to study sections of tumour tissue, looking for presence of pEGFR.

While the sections of untreated tumours showed intense staining for pEGFR, the erlotinib-treated tumours showed no labelling - an indication that the drug had turned off the EGFR signal.

'By combining proteomic analysis with immunohistochemistry, we have shown EGFR as a novel target in a subset of pancreatic cancers,' Pandey said.

'Three of three tumours that responded to erlotinib stained positive for pEGFR, as compared with zero of 11 that did not. This indicates pEGFR positivity is significantly associated with erlotinib sensitivity, and could be used as an efficient screening tool to select patients who are more likely to respond to EGFR inhibitors.'

The study was supported by The Sol Goldman Trust for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Co-authors were H.C. Harsha, Antonio Jimeno, Henrik Molina, Anca B. Mihalas, Michael G. Goggins, Ralph H. Hruban, Richard D. Schulick, Ullas Kamath, Anirban Maitra and Manuel Hidalgo.

Large waist, not weight, better indicator of stroke risk

New York: A large waist circumference, which is known to raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, may also raise the risk of stroke or mini-stroke, researchers from Germany report.
    A large waistline seems to be a better indicator of a person's risk for suffering a stroke or mini-stroke, also known as "transient ischemic attack" or TIA, than a person's overall body weight, they report. Tobias Back at Saxon Hospital Arnsdorf in Arnsdorf/Dresden and colleagues investigated the extent to which various markers of obesity were associated with the risk of stroke or mini-stroke in 379 adults with a history of stroke or TIA and 758 strokefree controls of similar age and gender.
    While being overweight in general (that is, having a high body mass index or BMI) increased the risk of stroke, this association became nonsignificant after the investigators accounted for "confounding" factors, like being physical inactive, smoking, having high blood pressure or diabetes.
    However, being fat around the middle remained strongly associated with an increased risk of stroke or TIA.
    For example, individuals with the highest so-called "waist-to-hip ratio" had a greater than 7-fold increased risk of stroke or TIA compared with those with the lowest waist-to-hip ratio.
    Waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by the circumference of the hips. More belly fat results in higher ratios. "If the waistto-hip ratio values were greater than 0.97 for men and 0.84 for women, then individuals faced 8 times increased risk for stroke compared to individuals with a waist-to-hip ratio less than 0.92 in men or less than 0.78 in women," Back stated.
    A large waistline also showed a strong association with stroke and TIA. If the waist circumference was greater than 40.2 inches for men or 34.6 inches for women, the risk of stroke increased more than 4-fold compared with individuals with a normal waist size, according to the researchers. REUTERS
Whole grains good for heart: Expert
New York: Each serving of whole grains may lessen heart failure risk by 7% among middle-aged African-American and white men and women, according to findings from a long-term study.
    Conversely, each serving of high-fat dairy and egg appear to increase heart failure risk by 8 and 23%, respectively, Jennifer Nettleton, of the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston, and colleagues found.
    "A refined grain here, a full fat yogurt there, and the occasional egg aren't going to result in heart failure, but a continued pattern of such behaviors could," Nettleton said. Heart failure is a chronic disease in which the heart gradually loses its ability to pump blood efficiently, leaving organs starved for oxygen.
    The researchers found lower heart failure risk associated with greater intake of whole grains, and higher risk associated with greater amounts of eggs and high fat dairy. REUTERS

The magic of belonging and believing

Ihave been actively involved with the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, following its phenomenal growth over the years and observing the influence and effect it has had on our city of Mumbai. Its magic galvanizes the entire city, the machinery that governs the city kicks into overdrive to showcase Mumbai's best face to the world. For that one day, Mumbai's streets are converted into one of the world's largest sporting stages, a unique platform shared with the other major metros around the world like New York, London, Berlin, Tokyo, to name a few.
    So what is this magic that transforms the city? What turns Mumbai from a city that's busy and frenetic, into one that breaks barriers amongst strangers and promotes health and fitness? What is this magic that makes people give of themselves for people they never meet and will never know… to give of themselves irrespective of social standing, background or age… to get together on one platform, in order to better the lives of those less privileged? Quite simply, it's the magic of belonging and believing.
    In the short span of five years, the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon has made every Mumbaikar fiercely proud of the fact that such an incredible event belongs to their city. It has also helped them believe that by participating in the event they are not only making a huge positive change in their own lives but are helping bring about a change for the better in the lives of so many others by helping raise money for charity.
    Mumbai is witnessing a health and fitness revolution like never before with people, for whom exercise was an alien concept, now following a supervised training schedule to meet their goals on Race Day. Families, friends, social groups, offices, corporates, and what have you, are all coming together to run in the event and raise money for causes of their choice.
    It is relatively easier to dig into one's own pocket and donate some money for charity, but it requires much more commitment and drive to train hard and run for a cause, even while convincing friends and acquaintances to donate money for charity, a unique concept the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon espouses.
    The event has raised in excess of Rs 28 crore over five years and as the final preparations are on to host the sixth edition of the event in January 18, 2009, I am sure there are thousands of committed individuals who are striving hard to add another substantial chunk to that figure from this year.
    While registrations for the event closed some months ago, there is still scope for people to imbibe the magic of Race Day by coming out in huge numbers to cheer on the elite athletes from all over the world and India as well as the thousands of participants who are fighting personal battles by hoping to cross the finishing line of the events they choose.
    I will definitely be there on Race Day. How about you?

Music helps lower cholesterol

MELODIOUS MEDICINE

'Madonna's Songs Boost Endurance, Symphonies Improve Mental Focus'

Los Angeles: Take a tune and come back to see me in the morning. Doctors have found that prescribing music can improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels.
    Their research found that if a patient listens to 30 minutes a day of their favourite music, it can go far beyond simply relaxing them mentally — it benefits them physically by expanding and clearing blood vessels.
    Doctors have tried the method on some patients in America and it has been welcomed by British experts. It is believed to work by triggering the release into the bloodstream of nitric oxide, which helps prevent the build-up of blood clots and harmful cholesterol.
    The findings are part of a growing body of research into the effects of music on the human body. Scientists have found that songs by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Madonna can improve endurance, while 18th century symphonies can improve mental focus.
    When it comes to the effect on the bloodstream, however, the key is not the type of music but what the listener prefers. The same is true of volume and tempo.
    "The music effect only lasts in the bloodstream for a few seconds but the accumulative benefit of favourite tunes lasts and can be very positive in people of all ages," said Michael Miller, director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at Maryland University, who carried out the research. He added: "We were looking for cheaper, non-pharmacological aids to help us improve our patients' heart health, and we think this is the prescription."
    The Maryland study, based on healthy non-smoking men and women with an average age of 36, found the diameter of blood vessels in the upper arm expanded by 26% in volunteers listening to music they found enjoyable.
    Miller said blood vessel expansion indicated that nitric oxide is being released throughout the body, reducing clots and LDL, a form of cholesterol linked to heart attacks. He also warned that listening to stressful music can shrink blood vessels by 6% — the same effect, according to previous studies, as eating a large hamburger.
    His findings follow a study by Brunel University, west London, confirmed that music can improve mood and boost athletic performance.
    In experiments on 30 volunteers, the researcher, Costas Karageorghis, found that tracks from Madonna and Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as Queen and the R&B singer Rihanna, increased endurance on a treadmill by up to 15% and most participants did not realise they were working harder.
    Music may "pump" the brain and the body. At Stanford University, near San Francisco, researchers found that listening to 18th century symphonies improved listeners' focus between movements, when they mentally updated shopping lists. SUNDAY TIMES

More facts about cholesterol

Cholesterol can build up on the walls of the blood vessels that feed the heart and the brain. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which is a type of arteriosclerosis, says Dr H K Chopra

 In this article we take further our understanding of cholesterol and how they affect our health. Cholesterol and other fats can build up on the walls of the blood vessels that feed the heart and the brain. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which is a type of arteriosclerosis. In this case, the fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin build-up in the inner lining of the artery. This build-up is called plaque. These plaques may be vulnerable or nonvulnerable. The vulnerable plaques may rupture, as they have thin fibrous cap, with high lipid core and they promote clot formation. This in turn narrows the arteries and diminishes blood supply to the heart, which causes heart attack. This also reduces blood supply to the brain, causing paralysis and by reducing the blood supply to the lower limbs it can cause problem in the legs too. Cholesterol and other fats are transported in the blood to and from the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are several kinds of lipoproteins. We are most concerned with two of them—Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)—both of which are carriers for cholesterol. Normal range of blood cholesterol is 150-250 mg/dl. Ideally, the recommended levels of blood cholesterol in an adult should be less than 150 mg/dl. The LDL cholesterol levels range from 70-150 mg/dl. Ideally, the recommended levels of LDL in adults should be less than 70 mg/dl. The normal triglyceride level should be less than 150mg/dl. If the level is between 150-199 mg/dl it is a borderline case. The recommended level of VLDL in adults should be 24-45 mg/dl. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are better. The normal HDL cholesterol levels should be more than 40 mg/dl in men and more than 50 mg/dl in women. The cholesterol/HDL ratio should be less than four and LDL/HDL ratio should be less than three The main source of triglycerides is the diet. One should therefore, eat low-fat and low-sugar diet and exercise to maintain good health. High triglycerides are a major risk factor for heart attack and paralysis.

Skipping sleep can trigger heart disease

Just 1 Hour Extra Shuteye Reduces Risk Of Calcium Deposits In Arteries, A Precursor To An Attack, Says Study

Chicago: Just one extra hour of sleep a day appears to lower the risk of developing calcium deposits in the arteries, a precursor to heart disease, US researchers said on Tuesday.
    The finding adds to a growing list of health consequences — including weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure — linked to getting too little sleep. "We found that people who on average slept longer were at reduced risk of developing new coronary artery calcifications over five years," said Diane Lauderdale of the University of Chicago Medical Center, whose study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "It was surprisingly strong." Calcium deposits in the coronary arteries are considered a precursor of future heart disease.
    Unlike other studies looking at the risks of getting too little sleep, which use people's own estimates of their sleep patterns, Lauderdale's team set out to measure actual sleep patterns.
    They fitted 495 people aged 35 to 47 with sophisticated wrist bands that tracked subtle body movements. Information from these recorders was fed into a computer program that was able to detect actual sleep patterns. The team used special computed tomography, or CT, scans to assess the buildup of calcium inside heart arteries, performing one scan at the start of the study and one five years later.
    After accounting for other differences such as age, gender, race, education, smoking and risk for sleep apnea, the team found sleep duration appeared to play a significant role in the development of coronary artery calcification.
    About 12% of the people in the study developed artery calcification during the five-year study period. Among those who had slept less than five hours a night, 27% had developed artery calcification. That dropped to 11% among those who slept five to seven hours, and to 6% among those who slept more than seven hours a night.
    Lauderdale said it is not clear why this difference occurred in people who slept less, but they had some theories. Because blood pressure tends to fall off during sleep, it could be that people who slept longer had lower blood pressure over a 24-hour period.Or, it could be related to reduced exposure to the stress hormone cortisol, which is decreased during sleep.
    Kathy Parker, a sleep researcher from the University of Rochester's School of Nursing in New York, said the study underscores the role sleep plays in health.
    "People think that sleep doesn't matter but clearly it does. Sleep deprivation is a public health problem and studies such as this show how increasing sleep duration can have tremendously positive effects," Parker said. REUTERS

LIVING HEALTHY: During sleep, blood pressure tends to fall and there's less exposure to stress hormone cortisol

Breathing awareness

Evidence shows that stress causes ailments and significantly affects breathing. Changes in breathing pattern can radically alter the internal chemistry of the body, says Dr Vasant Joshi

 The health and happiness of an individual depends on an understanding that body, mind, and consciousness or spirit are intrinsically connected. Healing and wellness is four dimensional — physical wellness, psychological or mental wellness, spiritual wellness and universal wellness. Primarily, physical wellness implies respecting one's body and taking responsibility which may include keeping an exercise routine, eating a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco and other intoxicants. It essentially requires one to be proactive in taking preventive measures for maintaining an overall quality of life. The key to health and wellbeing is awareness. Evidence shows that stress causes ailments and significantly affects breathing. Changes in breathing pattern can radically alter the internal chemistry of the body. Breathing with awareness can substantially enhance the intake of oxygen and discard carbon dioxide from the body. Osho gives the following exercise for breathing awareness:
    Sit on a chair. Take whatever posture you are most comfortable with. Close your eyes and relax the body. Starting from the toe to the head, find out where you are feeling the tension. If it is at the knee then relax the knee. Touch it and say to it, 'Please relax.' Wherever you find tension, touch that place with love and compassion.
    Next, bring your consciousness into your breathing and relax the breathing. The breath is the bridge between the body which is the outermost part, and consciousness which is innermost part. Once the body is relaxed, just close your eyes and see your breathing and relax that too. Talk to your breath and ask it to relax. The moment you do this, there will be a subtle click.
    Now with each relaxation, say, "one." When you breathe in, say nothing. When you breathe out say, "one". As you repeat 'one', you'll find that the whole existence is one, a unity. No need to say that; just saying 'one' will help.

Dr. Kataria's Laughter Yoga Club.

From: Dr. Sallaudin Laughter is the best medicine Article By: Dale Ross Join a club whose members gather to laugh? No joke – it can benefit your health. In 1995, Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai, India, created a club whose members gather every day to laugh. He called it Laughter Yoga. Sessions begin with participants clapping rhythmically and chanting "Ho-ho, ha-ha-ha." This faked laughter soon becomes real laughter. (See a clip of Laughter Yoga). Laughter Yoga combines yoga deep breathing and simulated laughter exercises. Dr. Kataria believes that faked laughter has the same benefits as real laughter. "I believe that even if you are faking laughter, your body is not intelligent enough to make out the difference," he says on his website, Laughter Yoga. "Even if you pretend laugh, the same set of happy chemicals (endorphins) are released from your brain cells." The program proved so popular that today there are over 5,000 laughter clubs in more than 50 countries. (For information on Canadian clubs, click here.) Actor/comedian John Cleese, of Monty Python fame, visited a laughter club in India with Dr. Kataria for the BBC TV series Human Face and was moved by the experience. "I'm struck by how laughter connects you with people," Cleese said. "It's almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you're just howling with laughter; laughter is a force for democracy." (Watch the media report.) Important health benefits Laughter can also bring important health benefits. Pent up negative emotions like anger, sadness and frustration can be released in a healthy way. It is also a helpful coping mechanism. Humor can help us view stressful events as "challenges" rather than "threats." As Bill Cosby has said, "If you can laugh at it, you can survive it."         Laughter may even help to prevent heart disease, according to astudy at the University of Maryland. When you laugh you improve the function of the endothelium, which is the inner lining of blood vessels, the study suggested. In fact, viewing laughter-provoking clips from movies like Kingpin(MGM, 1996) relaxed blood vessels in 19 of the 20 study volunteers and increased blood flow by an average of 22 percent. Film clips that caused stress, like the opening scene of Private Ryan(DreamWorks, 1998) narrowed blood vessels in 14 of 20 volunteers and decreased blood flow by an average of 34 percent. "The endothelium is the first line in the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, so, given the results of our study, it is conceivable that laughing may be important to maintain a healthy endothelium, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease," said Michael Miller, M.D., principal investigator of the study. More reasons to laugh Studies by Dr.Lee Berk at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California show that laughter may strengthen the body's immune system and decrease stress hormones. His research also suggests that laughter can boost mood-elevating endorphins and lower blood pressure. "For the most part, when you go and get medical treatment, a clinician is not necessarily going to tell you to take two aspirins and watch Laurel and Hardy," said Berk. "But the reality is that's where we are and it's more real than ever. There's a real science to this. And it's as real as taking a drug." (Source: ocmetro.com) Laughter can also: --reduce physical pain by releasing endorphins --be aerobic for the heart --stimulate both sides of the brain, making learning easier --ease muscle tension       There are lots of easy ways to bring more laughter into your life: • Make a point of watching funny movies and/or TV shows. • Read funny books. • Hang out with happy, upbeat people. • Lighten up; don't take yourself too seriously.

__._,_.___

Way to weight loss

 Dr Shashank Shah, is a laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon of international repute working with Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital. He is a director of Laparo-Obeso Center, an organisation of medical consultants devoted for the field of obesity and metabolic syndrome and interventional treatment for T2DM. According to Dr Shah, obesity is on the rise in India especially in the metros. Genetic predisposition, medical illnesses and environmental factors, which discourage physical activity, promote unhealthy eating, have lead to this rise. Co-morbidities are illnesses associated with obesity i.e. decreasing weight decreases the co-morbidities. The more common co morbidities are diabetes type 2, hypertension and heart diseases at younger age, infertility due to polycystic ovarian disease, sleep apnoea, breathlessness, urinary stress incontinence, gall bladder diseases etc. A correct combination of diet, exercise and a permanent behaviour modification is required to weight loss. Drugs help moderately and temporarily. However only 5 per cent of people achieve long-term success. For the morbidly obese this is just impossible to achieve. Bariatric (obesity) surgery is recommended for those with BMI >33 kgs/m with co-morbidities. It consists of procedures which give satiety in spite of decreased intake. Some procedures have the additional advantage of the restricting the amount of calories absorbed from the food. Experts recommend considering surgical weight loss options for these patients as the risk of death from not having surgery is greater than the risks of surgery. Bariatric surgery is seen to cure and control the associated co morbidities (especially Diabetes type 2). A total of 55 per cent to 90 per cent of the Excess body weight is seen to disappear giving a boost to the self confidence and self esteem with resultant improvement the quality of life of the person and the family. For further details, contact: Dr Jayshree Gangwani : 9702803377 and Manish Joshi: 9819261222. OPD timing is on Wednesday and Saturday between 12 noon to 3.00 p.m. Add: Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital Laparo-Obeso Center, Hillside Avenue, Hiranandani Business Park, Powai. Mumbai – 400 078 Tel: 2576 3300, 2576 3333; Fax: 2576 3344, 2576 3311. E-mail: wecare@hiranadanihospital.org Website: www.hiranandanihospital.org 

Dr Shashank Shah

‘Eggs are safe for your heart’

Washington: If you are really fond of eggs, then you need not worry about relishing one too many. An egg a day's contribution to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy adults is just 1%, according to a new study funded by an industry body.
    Poor diet, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity contribute a whopping 30-40% to heart disease risk, depending on gender.
    The study, funded by the Egg Nutrition Centre and published online in Risk Analysis, substantiates decades of research challenging the myth that the cholesterol in eggs is linked to increased heart disease risk.
    Moreover, the study authors noted that their analysis did not adjust for the health promoting benefits of eggs which may, in fact, decrease heart disease risk.
    For example, research has found that overweight men who eat eggs while on a carbohydrate-restricted diet have
a significant increase in their HDL levels ("good" cholesterol) compared to men who do not eat eggs.
    In a recent study, experts found that eating two eggs for breakfast, as part of a reducedcalorie diet, helped overweight or obese adults lose 65% more weight and reduce their body mass index (BMIs) by 61% more than those eating a bagel breakfast of equal calories. IANS

Snorers 'burn more calories at rest'

LONDON: Believe it or not, snorers burn more calories than non-snorers, even at rest.

A new study has revealed that heavy snoring help burn calories and, in fact, the more severe one's snoring the more calories one regularly burns even while one's awake, reported the 'Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery' journal.

According to researchers, the increased activity in a sufferer's nervous system caused by their snoring could be the reason behind the findings.

The researchers have based their findings on analysis of 212 patients, all of whom snored or had related conditions including sleep apnoea, a disorder in which sufferers actually make snoring noises and stop breathing momentarily during the sleep as their airways close over.

Those who suffered from the most serious snoring problems expended around 2,000 calories while resting every day, while those who tended to snore lightly and less often burned an average of 1,626 calories a day resting, they found.

And, according to the researchers, resting energy expenditure may be affected by increased reactions in nervous system caused by snoring and snoring-related disorders.

However, they have strictly warned that snoring could cause other problems, which could make sufferers gain weight, despite the fact that they are expending more calories while at rest.

Lead researcher Eric J Kezirian of the University of California was quoted by 'The Daily Telegraph' as saying: "First, sleep-disordered breathing often results in fatigue

and other (changes) in daytime functioning that can limit physical activity.

"Second this (study) does not specifically incorporate the emerging evidence that suggests sleep-disordered breathing may alter energy intake, whether through hormonal or other mechanisms."

BAD HYGIENE AT ROOT OF TEETHING TROUBLES

A fast-paced lifestyle and poor awareness has resulted in a marked deterioration in the city's dental health, finds a study

Sharad Vyas & Madhavi Rajadhyaksha | TNN

Mumbai: Mumbaikars have a poor level of oral hygiene, that could be blamed perhaps on their busy schedules and little dental awareness, finds a recent survey.
    A study by the BMC-run Nair Dental College released last week revealed that out of a lakh patients who visited the hospital in the last one year, a growing number suffered from cavities, gum diseases and oral cancers, with dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontitis (inflammation of gums) emerging as the most common problems.
    Dentists said most people not only lack awareness about oral hygiene, but don't even have the time in their fastpaced lives to brush their teeth before going to bed. "Some don't have time even to brush their teeth once in a day, and they are not aware of its consequences. This is the reason why the life expectancy of our teeth is going down,'' said Dr Suhasini J Nagda, dean of Nair, the oldest dental hospital in the city.
    Dean of the Government Dental College, Dr Mansingh Pawar, echoed her concerns: "We find that there is low awareness about dental health among most people, particularly because dental diseases don't affect daily routine till the problem is really severe,'' he said. He felt the changing food habits — increased consumption of sweets, chocolates, ice-creams and biscuits, is resulting in the higher incidence of oral caries.
    Dr Pawar observed another trend, pointing out there were more cases of caries among city-dwellers whereas rural folk turned up with more of gum diseases. "This is because wrong eating habits are more prevalent among city-dwellers, while the rural population have issues of hygiene,'' he said.
    The survey also revealed that an increased number of patients are opting for minor cosmetic surgery to improve their smile and looks. About 4,000 patients admitted at Nair alone underwent various treatments like bleaching, giving veneers, reducing gaps between teeth — all to change the character of their smiles. Most of them wanted a confident smile and model-like teeth, said doctors.
    In fact earlier this year, Nair Hospital had celebrated Oral Hygiene Day on August 1 to spread awareness. As part of an extensive drive, several students conducted street plays and skits propagating the importance of oral hygiene and discouraging dangerous habits such as smoking and tobacco chewing. "We work with a simple motto — Teeth for a lifetime,'' Nagda added.
    Moreover, the hospital's community dentistry programmes were regularly held at institutions, schools, prisons and public areas. A mobile dental van reached out to more than 3000 patients through as many as 133 visits.
    The hospital's community awareness drive also focused on the underprivileged sections of society, with some 4,544 street children and prostitutes treated at various camps. Among them, gingivitis and tooth decay were found to be the two most common diseases.
COMMON DISEASES
CARIES What is it? It is tooth decay due to multiple growth of microbes. Causes: Wrong eating habits particularly overdose of foods containing refined carbohydrates such as sweets, biscuits, chocolates, icecreams and sticky packaged foods Symptoms: Initial chalky white appearance on teeth which subsequently turns black if left unattended. It may further deteriorate to dental cavities and increased sensitivity
GROSSLY AFFECTED TEETH
What is it? Severe form of teeth decay in which enamel and dental tissues are destroyed, generally seen in the grinders (teeth at the back of the mouth) Causes: Wrong food habits Symptoms: Change in appearance of teeth.
GINGIVITIS What is it? External gum disease
Causes: Bad oral hygiene. People at risk include those who don't gargle after eating or don't brush their teeth properly.
Symptoms: Gums turn red and may show signs of swelling or bleeding. If it progresses it could result in the loss of teeth
PERIODONTITIS What is it? Internal gum disease, a severe form of Gingivitis.
Causes: Bad oral hygiene. Symptoms: Decay in the soft tissues around the teeth.
DENTAL INFECTIONS
The most common form is oral cancer which accounts for nearly 45 per cent of all cancers. Causes: Consumption of tobacco and tobacco products particularly chewing tobacco (gutka) Symptoms: Shows up as lesions in the mouth.
FOR PEARLY WHITES
Brush your teeth atleast twice a day.
Gargle after every meal or snack
Avoid eating excessive sweets, particularly chocolates, icecreams and food stuffs containing refined carbohydrates
Visit dentists for preventive checks, just as you would your family doctor.

Body BASICS

Watch out for winter

 Who doesn't like to bask in the winter sun? But the dip in mercury also signals the arrival of the common cold and flu, which often escalate to pneumonia. Try these tips to stay healthy as the mercury dips…
Do's
Keep yourself warm I This indirectly helps keep away bacterial and viral infections. Cold conditions decrease your immune response, increasing chances of colds, flu and pneumonia.
Drink plenty of water I You don't feel as thirsty as in summer, so the water intake tends to decrease. In winter, one tends to consume hot drinks like coffee and tea more often. But, caffeine draws out the water from the system, causing dehydration. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Exercise regularly I With shorter daylight time, we tend to wake up later in winter and generally slow down. Our fitness routine is usually put on the back burner. Make a conscious effort to follow a daily exercise schedule. An extra 20 minutes of physical activity helps to improve circulation and keep those extra pounds at bay.
Massage your hands and feet I To prevent chilblain (small, itchy, blue swellings) in extreme cold temperatures, as are prevalent in North India, massage your palms, fingers, toes and heels with warm vegetable oil.
Get at least eight hours of sleep I Managing the recommended eight hours of sleep is crucial as a lack of it lowers one's immunity and energy levels during winter. Avoid alcohol and nicotine for a good sleep. Take care of hands and feet I This is a must for everyone. Foot care is important for diabetics to avoid infection that can lead to gangrene.
Keep a regular check on your blood sugar I As exercise tends to decrease in winter and infections are on the rise, this is a potential time for elderly diabetics to fall easy prey to obstinate infections that get exaggerated if one's blood sugar is uncontrolled. A regular check of blood sugar is recommended for diabetics.
Get checked for anaemia I Low haemoglobin can predispose you to infections and other winter ailments. Improving haemoglobin adequately keeps you better poised to avoid and confront infections.
Have plenty of vegetables and fruits I
Winter is the season especially in humid cities for good seasonal vegetables and fruits. Feel free to binge on them as they improve immunity and keep the body in supply of its requirements of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Don'ts
Don't forget vitamin D
Those in very cold places are at risk of not getting enough vitamin D during winter, when the UV radiation from the sun's rays is weak. A vitamin D supplement of 200 IU is recommended.
Don't forget to moisturise
That winter wind is damaging to our skin, so the best beauty secret is to moisturise as frequently as possible. Everything from your hair to your skin starts to feel scaly so stock up on thick luxurious moisturisers and use the chapstick! Moisturised wipes will be useful if you have a cold.
Don't get into the "eating only high cal food" loop
When the environs are cold , many of us fall back on carb and fat heavy comfort food like pasta, thick creamy soups, mithai, ghee-soaked parathas. However, this will not only hinder your weight loss goals but also make you lethargic and sleepy.
Don't overlook sunscreen
Summer is not the only time to worry about using sunscreen. Surprisingly, skin damage is a great concern even in a snowsuit. Wearing at least an SPF 15 when outdoors in the winter is recommended. The glare from snow can be so harmful, so it's a good idea to wear goggles.
    (Inputs from Mumbai-based pathologist
    Dr Indumati Gopinathan)

Nuts help cut risk of heart disease

CHICAGO: Here's a health tip in a nutshell: Eating a handful of nuts a day for a year — along with a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fish — may help undo a collection of risk factors for heart disease.

Spanish researchers found that adding nuts worked better than boosting the olive oil in a typical Mediterranean diet. Both regimens cut the heart risks known as metabolic syndrome in more people than a low-fat diet did.

"What's most surprising is they found substantial metabolic benefits in the absence of calorie reduction or weight loss," said JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital.
In the study, the people who improved most were told to eat about three whole walnuts, seven or eight whole hazelnuts and seven or eight whole almonds. They didn't lose weight

, on average, but more of them succeeded in reducing belly fat and improving their cholesterol and blood pressure.

Manson, who wasn't involved in the study, cautioned that adding nuts to a western diet — one packed with too
many calories and junk food — could lead to weight gain and more health risks.

"But using nuts to replace a snack of chips or crackers is a very favorable change to make in your diet," Manson cautioned.

The American Heart Association says that over 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome, a combination of health risks, such as high blood pressure and abdominal obesity.

Nuts help people feel full while also increasing the body's ability to burn fat, said lead author Jordi Salas-Salvado of the University of Rovira i Virgili in Reus, Spain.

"Nuts could have an effect on metabolic syndrome by multiple mechanisms," Salas-Salvado said. Nuts are rich in anti-inflammatory substances, such as fiber, and antioxidants, such as vitamin E

. They are high in unsaturated fat, a healthier fat known to lower blood triglycerides and increase good choleste

Eight hours to healthier cells

All you need to do is get some sleep

 Want healthier cells in just eight hours? Then get some solid shut-eye tonight.
    Your body does important things while you sleep — like healing your cells. But just one night of tossing and turning could trigger cell-damaging inflammation. So turn off the lights, slip on that sleep mask, and get your 40 winks.
Inflamed in the Membrane
    In a recent study, sleep-deprived people — especially women — showed a marked increase in their levels of a protein called NF-kB. That's bad news, because NF-kB plays an essential role in the body's inflammation response. The study may help explain why poor sleep is associated with several inflammation-related disorders, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
Mini Mind-Body Makeovers
    Need help adjusting to the end of daylight saving time? Or getting over jet lag? Or just sleeping through an average night? Doze your way to good health with these tips:
    Refresh yourself on the basics. Find out when to sleep, what temperature is best, and which foods to eat.
    You move, you snooze. You might associate stretching with waking up, but it can help you nod off, too. Stretch yourself to sleep.
    Develop good sleep habits. Fall asleep and stay asleep with a deepsleep plan.

SOUND SLEEP: Develop good sleep habits

How lizard spit aids diabetes

A drug that enables Type 2 diabetics to produce more insulin and lose weight opens a whole new chapter in diabetic management

A year ago, when 58-year-old retiree B S Wig, saw the scales tip at 149 kg, he was dismayed. He was diabetic and also increasingly obese. His blood sugar hit a dismal 350 mg/dl after meals. The normal should be under 140 mg/dl. ''I had become weak and refused to socialise. My life had gone haywire,'' says Wig. Till he was put on to a new drug, which not only reduced his weight to a healthy 118 kg, but his sugar levels to normal. ''I can now be dated,'' he says happily.
    Wig is lucky. Most diabetics have difficult lives, with an unending cycle of ill health, weakness and obesity as the pancreas produce little or no insulin, the hormone that converts glucose to energy. Plus, diabetic drugs usually make the patient obese, which adds to the risk of high BP, heart problems and strokes. So it's essential to have drugs which control sugar levels and reduce weight.
    And that's what a new injectable drug, Byetta, does, say experts. It's made from the saliva of the Gila monster, a venomous lizard found in Southwest America. It's the first in a new range of anti-diabetic medicines and is FDAapproved. However, it can be used only on Type 2 diabetics.
    It came to India exactly a year back and now, experts can quantify its success. By 2009, an upgraded version may be available.
    Unlike Type 1 diabetes where there's no insulin secretion, in Type 2, insulin production from the beta cells of the pancreas isn't sufficient. And for Byetta to work, viable beta cells are needed, says Dr Ambrish Mithal, senior endocrinologist, Apollo Hospital, Delhi.
    It works in three ways: It signals the pancreas to make the right amount of insulin after a meal; stops the liver from making too much glucose when the body does not need it, reduces appetite and the amount of food eaten and slows the rate at which glucose leaves the stomach.
    Type 2 diabetics form 90% of the estimated 40 million diabetic cases in India. Almost 80% of them are obese, says Mithal. Adds Dr Pradeep Talwalkar, professor, diabetology, Raheja Hospital, Mumbai. ''It suppresses rise in sugar levels by suppressing glucogon, a hormone which has the opposite effect of insulin.''
    ''Byetta'' says Mithal, ''can produce nausea and vomiting in some patients. It is a niche drug, not for all diabetics, but is a good choice for those who need to lose weight with high post-meal blood sugar rises that remain uncontrolled even on oral medicines.''
    ''Byetta also carries a lower risk than insulin of causing hypoglycaemia, a dangerous condition where the patient can lose consciousness and slip into coma as insulin drops to very low levels,'' says Talwalkar.
    Wig's case is an ideal example. ''I was not judicious about my medicines and kept oscillating between oral medicines and insulin. Meanwhile, my weight and sugar levels went for a toss till I started taking Byetta,'' he says.
    It's important for obese diabetics to lose weight, says Chennai-based Dr A Ramachandran, president, India Diabetics Research Foundation, as obesity makes them resistant to diabetic treatment. ''It is, in fact, an analog for hormones which produce insulin called incretin.'' A weight reduction of 5-6 kg a year is good, says Mithal. Byetta is normally given with oral medicines.
    But it's expensive — around Rs 7,500 monthly. Rimi Dasgupta, a 41-year-old diabetic, who lost 12 kg and with sugar levels which came down to 140 mg/dl from 390 mg/dl, says, ''It's easy to inject, but I don't know how long I can take it as it's expensive. I hope to continue it for a year.''
    Byetta comes in a prefilled injection pen which uses a small needle. This pen contains pre-measured doses, so the patient doesn't have to adjust the dose. It's injected twice daily before morning and evening meals.
    Generally, the patient is started off on a dose of 5 micrograms (mcg) twice a day for at least 30 days, but this could be increased to 10 mcg based on individual results. In clinical trials, it was found that on an average, patients lost five pounds in 30 weeks. However, Byetta cannot be used simply for weight reduction.
    Though there are other new medicines which stimulate the pancreas to make insulin without producing hypoglycaemia such as Januvia and Glavus, says Ramachandran, these don't make a patient lose weight.
    Byetta could just be that shot that makes a difference.

8 Steps for Aging Gracefully

The suggestions in this gallery are intended to help you become more aware of your spiritual self. Any activity that makes you feel more alive, more connected to others and to nature, less isolated, more comfortable with change, is beneficial. It will enhance your physical and mental health. It will help you accept the fact of your aging. It will help you to age gracefully. 1 PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BREATH Many cultures identify breath with spirit, seeing the breath cycle as the movement of spirit in the physical body. Simply minding the breath is a way of expanding consciousness beyond the ego, of experiencing transcendence. 2 CONNECT WITH NATURE You can do this by walking or sitting in a natural setting; a city park will do just fine.Allow yourself to slow down, drop your usual routines, and just absorb the influence of the place. 3 SPEND TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES Make a list of people in your life in whose company you feel more alive, happy, and optimistic. Make an effort to spend more time with them. Our spiritual selves resonate with others, and that connection is healing. 4 REMEMBER THE LITTLE THINGS Bring flowers into your home and enjoy their beauty. 5 SOOTHE YOUR SOUL WITH SOUND Listen to music that you find inspirational and uplifting. 6 SEEK OUT BEAUTY Admire a work of art that raises your spirits: a painting, sculpture, or work of architecture. 7 MAKE AMENDS Reach out and try to resume connection with someone from whom you are estranged; practice forgiveness. 8 DO SERVICE WORK Give some of your time and energy to help others.The possibilities are endless, and there are so many ways to help in addition to writing a check to charity.

Amrita turns soyaholic

 Amrita Arora is an ultimate combination of a charming face and hot body. When we asked her how she manages to be so svelte, the actress said, "I am high on soya milk these days! I am so addicted to it that I keep having it at a regular interval throughout the day. It's an energy drink that I just can't part with as it's healthy sans calories and it keeps me full." Well, now if you ever see the actress with a bottle in hand you know what it is.

HEALTH FREAK: Amrita Arora

HAIR, YOUR CROWNING GLORY!

Is recession hitting your hairline? Karan Agrawal finds out that trichologists can help

"Global recession,global heating and global hair loss!"exclaims Dr Apoorva Shah,the pioneer of Trichology in India,who along with his wife Dr Sonal Shah are India's first certified Trichologists.We are living in a world of diminishing returns as far as hair is concerned!
    The need for good hair is universal, beyond all boundaries.Hair is your crowning glory and also a measure of your self-image,prestige and confidence.Hair is also your body's barometer indicating good health or lack of it. Many times hair problem are the first signs that something is wrong with you internally! On the eve of bad hair day the mantra to get a bounty full hair on your head is to know the basic fact about your hair.That is why this article.
What is Trichology?
Trichology is the science of hair and scalp in health and disease.It was developed in 1902 in London and since then has used the wonders of science to detect and effectively treat hair and scalp diseases.
Role of Trichologist
Trichologist is the specialist for hair and scalp problems.When confronted with a hair problem a Trichologist would first conduct tricho analysis of the hair and scalp to diagnose the problem before choosing from an array of scientific tools to deal with it.Today there are around 400 Trichologist all over the world.
Significance of Trichology
An early indication of many disorders.
Very often hair problems are the first signs that show that something is going wrong internally.
Hair loss can indicate:
    Thyroid problems
    Anemia
    Dietary and mineral deficiency
    Hormonal imbalance
    Ovarian Cyst disease
Psychological Importance of Hair
    Hair loss can be devastating and should never be trivialized.
    It can lead to body dysmorphic disorder,which leads to destruction of self- image,prestige and confidence as hair and skin are the two most visible parts of the body.
Emotional Effect
    Trichotillomania
It is commonly known,is an impulse control disorder or form of self-injury characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair,eyelashes or other body hair,sometimes resulting in noticeable bald patches.It is caused severe emotional stress mostly in children,but also seen in adults.
    Tricophagia
It is the advanced stage of Trichotillomania.Characterized by pulling hair and eating it.
Hair facts
    Function of hair
Apart from imparting you with diva looks,hair has a far more essential
function.It's our protective shield and essentially serves to protect that part of the organ where it grows out.Our eyes are protected from dust by eyelashes.Eyebrows disallow sweat and rain from entering into eyes and causing irritation.Nose hair protects from dust particles from air to entering respiratory passages.Hair on our head apart from adding beauty also protects the skull and the brain.Hair on body helps in keeping the body warm.
Growth cycle of hair
Hair follows its own growth pattern which is spread over a certain period of time and consists of three basic stages: Anagen Phase – Growth Phase The Anagen phase or growth phase lasts for about three years.Approximately 85 per cent of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time. Catagen Phase – Transitional phase At the end of the Anagen phase the hairs enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about one month and makes the end of growth period.On an average 1 per cent of follicle are in this stage. Telogen Phase – Resting phase The resting phase follows the catagen phase and normally lasts about three months.During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle.Approximately 10-15 percent of all hair are in this phase at one time.At the end of the Telogen phase the hair follicle re-enters the Anagen phase.
Some interesting hair facts
    Palms and soles are the only two parts in the body which do not have hair.
    Number of hair follicales are formed in the third month from inception and are the same till the time of death, hence there can never be a before and after picture.
Correct diagnosis
Following three ways for correct diagnosis:
A.Trichologist is well trained to correctly diagnosis hair and scalp problems by physical examination of hair and scalp
B.Tricho analysis: A Trichogram helps in determining the A/ T ratio of hair , the grade of hair loss and the structure of hair.
C.Scalp analysis
    Capilloscopy identifies the state of the scalp and hair follicles.
    Densitometry is used to identify the volume and density of hair.
Impact of modern lifestyle on hair and scalp
    Stress: A physical or emotional stress can cause hair to prematurely enter in falling stages leading to Telogen effluviums, a type of sever hair loss. Stress can also caused a type of auto immune disorders on the scalp called alopecia which starts as a 25 paisa coin baldness and then spreads all over the scalp.
    Fashion: today our lives seem to be dictated by changing trends, straightening perming and colouring. All these chemical processes take a high toll on our hair. Tricchoxerrhis nodosa , or hair breakage due to chronic weakness is a common problem caused by chemical treatment.
    Pollution: pollution takes its toll on your hair as well as the rest of your body.It affects by breaking disulphide and hydrogen bonds of the hair it makes your hair dry,brittle,tangled and matted.
    Diet: today's fast food diet which consist of high-fat,high-animal protein and high-salt diet damages the kidneys and creates acidic blood,thereby leading to hair loss,This lifestyle leads to vitamin deficiency,which is another cause of hair loss.And thanks to the globalization of fast food chains,we're importing hair loss from overseas.
Hair tips
+ The first step to beautiful hair is cleanliness.Wash your hair every alternate day or even daily with a mild shampoo formulated for daily use, if necessary. + Eliminate or cut back on smoking, caffeine and carbonated sodas which weaken the body and block maximum hair growing potential. + Excessive blow drying can damaged hair in the long term , making it brittle and causing spilts ends. + Cumin, turmeric and black pepper are some 'hair- friendly' spices. + While drying your hair with towel, use blotting technique instead of rubbing it vigorously. + Use a wide toothcomb to avoid pulling the hair.

London-based team provides holistic healing

Mumbai: Lying on a mat in a dimly lit room, tender hands make sure your body is at ease. With gentle strokes, they expertly locate the tension zones in your body, and then heal them within 15 minutes. The blockages in your body disappear; the fears and anxiety you once felt have disappeared. With an increasing number of Mumbaikars showing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, help is coming in from all quarters. Two experts from the Ki Healing Centre in London—Pradnya Ranade and Master Choong—were in Mumbai for two days to lend a hand. They believe that their brand of natural healing helps people receive vital energy that has been depleted after being hit by physical and mental pain.
    On Saturday, they held a post-trauma session at the Health Awareness Centre in Bandra, where people affected by the terror strikes, either directly or indirectly, were given a first-hand experience of the healing process. "There is a lot of anxiety, and many fears remain shut inside the system. They should be released as soon as possible; it is best to nurse fresh wounds immediately,'' said Ranade, who had also treated those affected by the London blasts. "Ki Healing techniques help people overcome their physical and emotional suffering. We provide revitalising acupressure and energy treatments for individuals,'' she added.
    Shilpa Chawala of the Health Awareness Centre recollects a 65-year-old man's visit to the clinic. "He said he had never felt so scared before, never felt so afraid that he couldn't step out of his house. And he had only seen it on television. Posttrauma treatment for these people is extremely crucial, so they can let go of the fears they harbour,'' she said.

THE NATURAL WAY: Pradnya and Choong treat a trauma patient