First cross-liver transplant in India a success

Nigerian Tot, Mumbai Woman Benefit From Rare Surgery Kounteya Sinha | TNN  New Delhi: Three months ago, nobody could have guessed their fates would be tied, but a little Nigerian boy and a woman from Mumbai were brought together in Delhi by—of all things—terminal liver failure.      Unable to find suitable donors with matching blood types for both 18-month-old Dike Ezeanya and 44-year-old Priya Ahuja, doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital decided to attempt a liver swap, similar to a swap kidney transplant which is now a fairly common procedure. Thus Dike and Priya have become India's first patients to successfully undergo such liver surgery.      Five months after his birth, Dike was diagnosed with Billiary Atresia—a rare condition in newborns in which the common bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or absent. This condition can lead to liver failure, which is exactly what happened to little Dike.      Priya's state was also critical. On top of advanced liver failure due to Hepatitis C infection, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis.      With transplants their only hope, doctors were at a loss when compatible cadaver donors could not be found. It was fortuitous that Drs A K Soin (chief of liver transplant unit), Neelam Mohan (paediatric hepatologist) and Sanjiv Saigal (transplant hepatologist) discovered that Dike's mother Chinwe had the same blood group (A) as Priya, and that Priya's husband Haresh had the Type B blood, as did Dike. Liver swap carried out in 16 hrs in 4 theatres  New Delhi: Doctors at Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital, unable to find suitable liver donors for Nigerian toddler Dike Ezeanya and Mumbai resident Priya Ahuja, decided to attempt a swap liver transplant surgery after learning that Dike's mother Chinwe had the same blood type as Priya, and that Priya's husband Haresh shared the blood group of Dike. A 35-member surgical team then took 50% of Chinwe's liver and transplanted it into Priya, while Haresh gave 20% of his liver to save Dike. Almost two months after the surgery, both Dike and Priya are doing well.      "While the donors' blood groups did not match the recipient they were related to, they were suitable for the other recipient. Dike's father had the same blood group as the kid but he had a fatty liver and wasn't a suitable donor. When we suggested donor exchange—also called paired donation—both families jumped at the opportunity,'' Said Dr Neelam Mohan, paediatric hepatologist at Ganga Ram Hospital.      Dr A K Soin, who heads Ganga Ram Hospital's liver transplant unit, added, "The biggest challenge in paired donation transplants is that both must take place simultaneously, otherwise the donor for the second transplant (first recipient's relative) may refuse to undergo surgery once his own loved one has been transplanted.''      "While donor swaps are common in kidney transplantation, which takes two hours, they have not been previously attempted in liver transplantation as conducting two simultaneous living donor liver transplants (four operations) is a daunting task that takes 10-12 hours per person. The swap transplant was carried out over 16 hours in four operating theatres on June 25,'' Dr Soin said. Dr B K Rao, chairman of Ganga Ram Hospital said, "This swap transplantation is a blessing at the time of acute organ donor shortage. Around 30% of rejected donors can become suitable swap donors, increasing transplant rates by 30%.''      India at present requires 30,000 liver transplants a year. Unfortunately, due to the country's low level of cadaver donation, doctors end up doing just 400-odd transplants a year. Transplant hepatologist Dr Sanjiv Saigal said, "We have now instituted the registration of patients with medically suitable family donors who don't match their own recipients due to inappropriate blood groups or liver size. This opens up opportunities for matching donors and recipients from different families, helping us save more lives." AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER: Eighteen-month-old Dike Ezeanya of Nigeria is the toast of doctors, his mother (L) and the Ahuja couple (R) at Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi

Coorect way of eating Fruits

 

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think It's important to know how and when to eat..

 

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

 

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! - FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

 

If you eat fruit on an empty stomach, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

 

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD - Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit.. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

 

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid.. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

 

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat water-melon I burp, when I eat durian (fruit from Asia with a foul smell yet delicious flavor) my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc. - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

 

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes - all these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

 

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

 

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans.. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste.
Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

 

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it.

 

You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

 

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

 

 

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoid which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

 

 

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

 

 

ORANGE: Sweetest medicine, eating 2 to 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

 

 

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

 

 

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

 

 

10 home remedies to avoid swine flu

Are the rising swine flu casualties giving you jitters? Not sure how you can avoid falling prey to the growing epidemic ? First and foremost,there is absolutely no need to panic. 

Watching television to keep tabs on the progress of H1N1, particularly in the badly affected areas like Pune, is all right. But don't let the hysterical anchors get under your skin and start wearing a mask each time you step out of the house, unless you are visiting a very crowded area. Then too, the mask will protect you only for a specified period. 

Without giving in to the swine flu panic and creating a stockpile of Tamiflu and N-95 masks at home and enriching pharma companies, there are a number of other measures you can take to ensure that the virus is not able to get you, irrespective of which part of the world you are in. 

It is essential to remember that all kinds of viruses and bacteria can attack you when your immune system is weak, or they can weaken it easily. Hence, building your own defences would be a better, more practical, long-lasting and much more economical idea. 

Here are some easy steps you can take to tackle a flu virus of any kind, including swine flu. It is not necessary to follow all the steps at once. You can pick and choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, if you are already suffering from flu, these measures can help only up to an extent. And, if you have been infected by H1N1, visiting a hospital and staying in solitary confinement is a must. 

1. Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity. 

2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper andsendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri(crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day. 

3. A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month. 

4. Those who can take garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned. 

5. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric). 

6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have an odourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity. 

7. Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as preventive against common flu virus. 

8. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body's resistance against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit. 

9. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays. 

10. Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water..

Fashion Designer

Kasimi Nafees

Baroda

+919724282278

10 foods that make you feel full, without making you fat

FULL STOP More than how much you eat, what you eat determines the satisfaction level of a meal. Nutritionist Sneha Jain lists  1  FATTY FISH  Fatty fish such as  salmon, tuna,  mackerel, herring and sardines contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids which, besides lowering cholesterol, also hasten the metabolism rate. Omega-3 fatty acids alter the level of leptin — a hormone that directly influences metabolism and determines whether you burn calories or store them as fat. Fish also provides ample protein and the best way to eat it is grilled, with steamed vegetables on the side. 2  CITRUS FRUITS  Fruits such as grapefruit,  lemon, sweet lime, papaya,  guava and tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C and fibre. Vitamin C helps the body process fat faster and also stimulates the amino acid known as carnitine — carnitine speeds up the body's fat-burning capacity. Citrus fruits also have high water content and provide around 50 to 75 kcal, leaving us satiated for a longer period of time. 3  GREEN VEGETABLES  Spinach, asparagus and  broccoli have a high thermic effect on the body and a low calorie density. This means that it's almost impossible for them to be stored as fat because most of their calories are burned off in the digestion process. Apart from that, the fibre in these foods provides roughage and contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help you feel full.  4  POPCORN  Popcorn is rich in fibre and  low on calories. Also, since  eating it keeps our mouth busy for a longer time, the satiety levels are high. However stay away from the overly buttered, caramel and cheese cousins.  5  OATMEAL  Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate which takes longer to digest — hence it releases energy slowly, keeping you feeling full for longer. It also keeps blood sugar and insulin levels stable, which helps prevent fat storage. Oatmeal is the most satisfying breakfast cereal, providing more protein per serving than any other grain. Mix it with yoghurt or skimmed milk and it'll keep you full all morning.  6  ALMOND AND WALNUTS  Raw, unsalted nuts, especially almonds and walnuts, provide essential roughage, protein, fat, minerals and micronutrients. Munching on handfuls of these nuts keeps you full and energetic for longer without adding to your waistline.  7  LOW-FAT DAIRY PRODUCTS  Skimmed milk, low fat  cheese and yoghurt are a good source of calcium, which helps break down fat cells. Some studies indicate that not getting enough calcium may trigger the release of calcitrol, a hormone that causes fat storage.  8  BEANS  Beans are  high in fibre  and a good source of protein. They also take longer to digest, making you feel full for a longer time. Also, protein has the highest satiety index (which determines how long will you feel full) than any other element.  9  WHOLE GRAINS  Jowar, bajra and ragi contain  complex carbohydrates,  which release glucose slowly when broken down during digestion. The glucose helps in maintaining your blood sugars levels and combats sugar craving. They are also a rich source of fibre and Vitamin B complex that play an important role in metabolic control.  10  APPLES  High water content and  ample fibre is the reason  why you feel full after eating an apple. An apple's skin contains pectin soluble fibre that is a natural appetite suppressant. Seems like an apple a day keeps the weight away.      — CO-ORDINATED BY SONAL VED

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

There is a deeper meaning to festive fasting than traditions. There's a theory behind the traditions and a possible clue to why we're seeing a big increase in cases of obesity and diabetes Ishi Khosla      Globally, annual 'hungry' seasons or seasonal famines have been a part of agricultural societies. All ancient populations have been subjected to selective pressure by famine. According to research, it is proposed that these seasons are associated with decline in fertility.  ARE GENES THE CULPRIT?  It is proposed that there is an adaptation of the body in response to the lowering energy consumption (thriftiness). This causes a deposition of body fat (as a source of energy) in times of plenty so that individuals could survive the periods of starvation. This is called the 'thrifty gene hypothesis'.      Proponents of this theory, use it to explain why certain populations, particularly the developing agricultural economies, have a genetic predisposition towards obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. Such societies are especially  vulnerable to the influences of typically western urbanised obesogenic lifestyle.  SOME EVIDENCE IN FESTIVALS  Perhaps Navratris (nine nights) could be rooted in such agricultural cycle and is symbolic of famine followed by plenty. Navratris, in India is observed with 8-9 days of fasting, prayers and rituals for the Gods. It is observed twice a year (usually April and October) and is calculated on the basis of the lunar calendar.      While, there must be an astrological significance, its occurrence with harvest time may not be a coincidence. The period before harvest in agricultural societies was marked with frugality and associated with shortage of food. According to the agricultural calendar, these times are followed by times of plenty or good times.  THE REASON BEHIND THE FASTING FOOD  During Navratris, perhaps a pre-harvest time, alternate grains are eaten and the traditional staples like wheat, rice, pulses and vegetables are prohibited. A sort of fast is observed with alternative feeding practices. This includes a variety of foods (alternatives to routinely consumed ones) such as sago (sabudana), buckwheat (kuttu ka atta), water chest nut (singhara ka atta), khus khus, nuts, seeds, coconut, lotus seeds (makhana), potatoes, colocasia (arbi), special rice for fasting (samak), rock salt, fruits, milk and yoghurt. Even those who do not observe fasts avoid fish, poultry and meat and some even stop eating garlic, onion, and alcohol during this period.  WHAT DOES THE THRIFTY GENE SAY  It must be stressed that the thrifty gene concept lacks experimental validation. However, it is interesting if evolution is to be blamed for our susceptibility to obesity and diabetes mellitus. Such knowledge surely, could help public health messages and government initiatives to combat obesity, particularly in countries like ours where double burden of obesity and starvation co-exist.  CAN FASTING HELP DETOX  Contrary to popular belief that fasting is a way of cleansing and detoxification, there is little evidence to support this, especially when followed by feasting. In fact, some may end up gaining extra kilograms after completion of this sort of fasting and feasting cycle.      However, sound fasting programme, which includes plenty of fluids, fresh fruits and vegetables, may in fact be valuable if practised on regular basis. This technique conforms to the scientific principles of balance in nutrition. Balancing practiced on a regular long-term basis, whether religious or selfwilled, can indeed prove to be a healthy practice.

Nutritionist Richa Anand tells you how to correct your diet pattern

DAMAGE CONTROL

Nutritionist Richa Anand tells you how to correct your diet pattern after giving in to those sinful yet oh-so-tempting treats

 There is no food that can be classified as good or bad as long as moderation is the key, but it is indulgence that wears the devil's horns. While most of us are quick to succumb to temptation, adopting a 'strict control formula' is not exactly practical either. Dietician Richa Anand gives you tips on setting things right, once you have indulged to your heart's content.
CHEESY PIZZA WHY IS IT BAD?
The pizza base is made out of flour, which has little or no fibre. This causes a rise in the body's sugar level. Secondly, the butter (coating the base) and the cheese (layered on top) get coated on the inner lining of the arteries because of their high fat and cholesterol content.
KICK IT OUT
Your next meal should be a plain bowl of steamed vegetables to compensate for the fibre. You can couple it with some brown rice or multi-grain bread. Combat the increase in sugar levels with a small glass of bottle gourd or celery juice.
CHOCOLATE CAKE WHY IS IT BAD?
The gooey chocolate cake craving is one of most difficult to deal with. Be it a depressing result or a happy celebration — the brain imm e d i a t e l y starts sending signals and your hand is dialing the nearest bakery! The chocolate cake has more devils than you can count. Butter, flour, eggs, cream, sugar, chocolate…the list goes on. All of these ingredients are high on calories, low on fibre and take a long time to get digested.
KICK IT OUT
The best meal to beat the constipation caused by a chocolate cake is a bowl of piping hot vegetable stew teamed with whole grain bread or jowar/bajra rotis or barley soup.
AERATED DRINKS WHY IS IT BAD?
These are best avoided. Most aerated drinks have harmful chemicals that can cause severe acidity and teeth erosion. Their diet version thankfully has the goodness of being sugar free but the chemical level does not change.
KICK IT OUT
Beat the acidity by drinking gallons of water throughout the day. You could also have a tall glass of butter milk, cold milk, coconut water or apple juice. These will help relive the stomach uneasiness.
CHAAT
WHY IS IT BAD?
A foolproof way to invite stomach infection is to gorge on street food chaat. Most chaat items have at least one fried ingredient, either the papadi or samosa or sev. These are high on cholesterol that will choke your arteries in the long run. Secondly the chutneys are seldom made with pure water. Eating chaat can lead to stomach distension and acidity.
KICK IT OUT
A plain glass of cold milk will help fight the acidity. Your next meal should be a bowl a moong dal khichdi or sprouts salad. These foods contain Vitamin B and E that help eliminate acids out of the body.
ICE CREAM
WHY IS IT BAD?
Ice-cream ranks first in our comfort food list. But apart from the temporary satisfaction, it does nothing for your system. Unless your ice-cream swears to be made from real milk (in which case it's a good source of class one protein). Else, you are just adding to your fat intake. Secondly most ice-creams have colour and p r e s e r v a t i v e s that meddle with the digestive juices, making it difficult to process.
KICK IT OUT
Gulp down a glass of masala chaas with a hint of ginger or jaljeera — these will aid digestion. Your next meal should be a bowl of palak soup with a slice of rye bread which will ensure smooth bowel movements.
CHINESE FOOD
WHY IS IT BAD?
Most Chinese meals are cooked with a generous sprinkling of ajinomoto whose hazards are wellknown. Apart from being chemically active, ajinomoto's reported to have a deteriorating effect on the brain. Secondly Chinese food is high on sodium and the rice or noodles are generally polished, so the fibre is lost. It can lead to water retention, constipation and even acidity.
KICK IT OUT
Water and green tea is the best way to detox the body. Balance the excessive salt intake by consuming a glass of coconut water. Make sure you end your day with a bowl of mixed fruits. Fruits such as papaya, peach, musk melon and pear too help ward off severe acidity.
(Richa Anand is a consultant dietician at Dr LH Hiranandani hospital, Powai)

Chat Google Talk: ways2invest Skype: akbar65 Y! messenger: wilint

Contact Me

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

Kids’ health needs tender loving heart

Mumbai: Asmita Walve never realised that a delay in her daughter's heart treatment would have such serious consequences.
    An operation to fix her 18-month-old daughter's malfunctioning heart was delayed due to several external reasons and when it finally took place last month, it resulted in complications that damaged 30% of the child's brain. Today, Sakshi Walve eyes vacuously stare into the space, without a flicker of recognition even when they rest on her parents. "She doesn't even respond to her name being called out or to any other stimulus,'' says Asmita, trying to fight her tears back.
    Sakshi's story is a proof of inadequate paediatric cardiac care in the city. Though 2 lakh children are born every year with congenital heart ailments, the public sector hospitals are too busy with adult heart problems—an epidemic in the country—to handle children's cases. In the private sector, there are only a handful of options and all of them come with a hefty price tag.
    Sakshi's operation was twice scheduled at civic-run KEM Hospital in Parel, but didn't take place. She was finally operated upon at Wockhardt Hospital in Mulund and it took her parents Rs 4.21 lakh. "We have paid Rs 2 lakh that we managed to collect from various sources. But don't know how to raise the rest of the amount,'' said Ajit Walve, who works as an office assistant with a monthly earning Rs 6,550.
    So, what ails paediatric heart care? Dr Prafulla Kerk-ar, head of the cardiology department in KEM Hospital, said, "None of the civic hospitals here has a separate department for paediatric cardiology. We have two senior doctors in our department who perform surgeries on children twice a week.''
    JJ Hospital, on an average, performs 50 pediatric heart surgeries per year. "We need more funds and more surgeons with expertise who can do the job faster,'' said Dr Bansal, head of cardiology in JJ Hospital.
    Long waiting lists are the order of the day. "We deal with a large number of patients whom we treat on the basis of the seriousness of their cases. If a patient needs an operation urgently, we perform it immediately. Otherwise, the number of cases is so large that patient may have to wait for five to eight months for an operation,'' Dr Kerkar added.
    Take Sakshi's case as an example. Her problem was first diagnosed when she was three months old. "The doctors told us she had tetralogy of fallot (a malformed heart that let impure blood contaminate the pure blood). We took her to KEM Hospital in November 2007 and were given a date in May 2008 for the operation,'' said her father Ajit. But Sakshi could not be operated upon at that time due to an infection, as a result of which the surgery was slated for October 2008.
    "In October, we were told to deposit Rs 60,000 or the hospital would not conduct the surgery. As we failed to get that amount, the doctors discharged her and told us to come back after arranging the money,'' said Asmita.
    In early 2009, the family consulted a private doctor who said that any delay would cost Sakshi her life. "It was no use going back to KEM Hospital as they would have given a date some six months later. So we borrowed and sought help from the hospital's social workers to raise the money,'' said Ajit.
    Sakshi was admitted to Wockhardt Hospital on June 29 and was operated upon three days later. But during the operation, her blood pressure dropped to a dangerous level, affecting the flow of oxygen to her brain. "As a result, 30% of her brain was damaged,'' said Asmita.
    Dr Suresh Joshi, chief pediatric heart surgeon in Wockhardt Hospital, said that there were four defects in Sakshi's heart. "We had to perform an open- heart surgery, which should have ideally been done a few months ago,'' he said. However, he added that "in such cases, the patients recover on their own''. The Walves are waiting for the moment Sakshi returns to her normal self, but the bills are mounting.
Andhra govt succour Andhra Pradesh has an insurance scheme for children in BPL families. "The premium for poor families is paid by the government. Each child who needs a heart surgery is paid Rs 2 lakh by the government. They can then get the operation done in a government or a corporate hospital,'' said leading paediatric surgeon Dr K S Murthy from Innova Children's Heart Hospital in Hyderabad.

Sakshi Walve

Chat Google Talk: ways2invest Skype: akbar65 Y! messenger: wilint

Contact Me

EASE YOUR TROUBLES THROUGH YOGA

If the current job situation is getting you down, try going the spiritual way - BHARAT THAKUR, YOGA EXPERT    Recession stress is just a state of mind. Obviously the economy is down and people are losing jobs. But it all depends on how you deal with it. If this recession is making you nervous and giving you sleepless nights, it means that somewhere inside you there is a lot of fear. Pause for a second and try to think this over. If you ever bought a stock in a particular company because it was a good company, and then due to the economy the entire  market falls, what do you do? Do you sell your stock and take a loss? Or do you have faith that if the company is good, the stock will come up at the earliest given point. I am not sure which choice would be wise. But your choice will definitely tell you a lot about you mental condition.      Yoga and meditation is nothing but using techniques to become aware of the modifications of your mind. Patanjali defines yoga as 'yoga chitta vritti nirodha' which means yoga is the process by which we can stop the modifications of the mind. What are the various modifications? There are many like dreaming, wrong thought processes, imagination etc. And only when your mind is silent and calm can you make the right decisions in life. For example, you may have lost your job. Take this as a time to reevaluate your career. Is this what you enjoy doing? Do you have a passion for your job? If yes, then you will certainly be able to find another job. Maybe you need to expand your skill set. If you find yourself demotivated to find another job, maybe you would like to try something different? It all depends on your situation.      The first step of yoga is to leave your worries behind. Meditation is the art of stopping one's mind from thinking and moving inwards into a peaceful state where your situation of life does not affect your mental state. Panic is the worst thing that can happen to you. Fear might be building up and waiting to take you into a panic attack. A simple thing you can practice is to become aware of your breath. According to the yogis, your breath is the clearest indicator of your mental state. If your breath is fast and unsteady, you can do simple breathing exercises to bring it back to normal. If you are tense and your body is stiff, you can do simple stretches and asanas to relax your body. You can practice bandhas (neuromuscular locks) which balance your hormones and bring your entire system to its optimum level.      Just remember that all the economies of the world go through ups and downs. It's part of the natural process like different seasons — summer, monsoon and winter. It's a time to get creative. It's a time to get fit. It's the time to take out time for yourself and get back your focus towards your career.      Remember, every low is a method to prepare you for the next high. Practicingyoga means to never lose your balance – not in a high nor in a low. Stay cool and enjoy the moment for what it offers you. Time will pass and before you know it, the season will have changed.