Thursday, October 15, 2009

How to avoid kidney stones

What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in a kidney.
Kidney stones (or calculi) are hard stones that can form in one or both of the kidneys.




Types of Kidney Stones :
Primary stones are formed in acidic urine. alcoholism, excess intake of nitrogenous rich food.
Secondary stones arise in alkaline medium and are formed due to local infection.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones :
Painful urination, blood in your urine.
Frequent urination and presence of blood in the urine.
Extreme pain in your back and side.
Chill, shock, vomiting, nausea and sweating.
Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy.
Burning feeling when you urinate.

Causes of Kidney Stones :
Insufficient intake of fluids.
Excess intake of Vitamin D and lack of Vitamin C.
Excess intake of meat,condiment and spices,white flour and sugar. products, tea and coffee.
Overeating can lead to formation of stones.
Have a family history of kidney stones

Treatment of Kidney Stones :
Avoid foods that irritate the kidneys.
Try to drink 12 full glasses of water a day. Drinking lots of water helps to flush away the substances that form stones in the kidneys.
You can also drink lemon-lime sodas, and fruit juices.
If you are prone to forming calcium oxalate stones, you may need to limit foods that are high in oxalate.
Kidney beans are effective remedy for kidney stones and other kidney problems
Celery can be used regularly to prevent stone formation.
Restrict protein diet.
Yoga is also very beneficial.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Swine Flu Virus - Symptoms and Treatment

The Swine Flu H1N1 Virus symptoms are just like ordinary flu but more severe. Even without treatment, most cases recover within a week and do not suffer complications; however, experts point out that the behaviour of this H1N1 virus strain is unpredictable and uncertain.

A Pandemic Is Declared, on June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. As of 26 June 2009, there has been 59,814 reported cases of the H1N1 flu worldwide with 263 deaths. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.

What is swine flu ?


Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.

Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Is the current swine flu virus contagious?

Various international agencies (US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, World Health Organization) have determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

WHO has escalated the world Pandemic Phase from Phase 3 to Phase 4 (in a 6-scale Phase), indicating that a worldwide pandemic due to swine flu H1N1 is possible.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.

Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with live flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus).

However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.

Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.



How can someone with the flu infect someone else?


Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset.

Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Is there a vaccine for Pandemic Flu?

Because the virus is new, there will be no vaccine ready to protect against pandemic flu.

Vaccine against Swine Flu virus H1N1 needs at least 6-12 months to be produced.

Seasonal flu vaccine or past flu immunization will not provide protection.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. The US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses.

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.

If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

The virus can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. The virus can then be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, doorknob, child's toy or phone handset and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

When you wash your hands with soap and warm water that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores.

If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs (next 2 slides), seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal

Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.

Keep surfaces (esp bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, children's toys, phone handles, doorknobs) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Helpful Eye Care Tips

The best way to protect your eyes from that weary look is to have a very short exercise just sitting relaxed on your chair.This exercise can be follow by everyone for there better eye sight and for tired look of eyes

Simple Eye-Care Tips

Vitamins A, B and C is very essential for the good care of the eyes. Carrot, celery, parsley, spinach etc contain a large amount of vitamin A.

8 to 10 hours of sleep is a must for bright eyes.

Blinking your eyes several times

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. It soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.


Roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath Later slowly open your eyes while releasing your breath.

Do not rub the eyes too hard.


Rub your palms against each other until they are warm, just put these warm palms on your closed eyes to feel relaxed.


Splash water on your face to get that relaxing effect.Just do it by blinking eyes. You’ll definitely feel refreshed.


Drink at least 12 glasses of water to avoid any kind of puffiness in the eyes. Drinking lots of water helps to flush out waste from the body.


Insert 2 drops of pure rose water using a dropper to feel refresh.Put it at bedtime.

Always use sunglasses during the peak day time to protect your eyes from sunrays. Direct sunrays cause heavy damage to eyes.


Place a slice of potato or cucumber on both the eyes, after 10 minutes remove and wash the eyes. This helps to avoid and dark circles around the eyes.


Eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products which contain Vitamin A, B and C. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Safety and Health Tips for summer

These days heat is increasing more and more which cause many health problem. To avoid and face this summer there are some helpful tips listed below



Drink plenty of liquids like water, juices, cold shakes, sweet lime-soda etc.

Avoid eating junk and heavy food.

Eat lots of summer-fruits like watermelons, grapefruits etc. Eating plenty of salads with broccoli lettuce, cucumbers etc are also advised.





Protect your eyes from damage; wear sunglasses.


Avoid exposure between 12pm and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Instead have a healthy lunch to refuel and re-hydrate.

Don’t forget to protect your nose, lips, and ears. They tend to burn more easily.

Avoid venturing out too much during the daytime. Try and stay indoors

or in air-conditioned places when possible.

Do not eat out-side or street cooked foods, as the possibility of germs

growing on them is comparatively higher.

Do not eat stale food.


Do not cook food in water that is static for a long time. Use fresh and clean water always.


Avoid eating red-meat during the summers


To keep your body surface clean from dust and sweat take a bath twice everyday.


Apply antiperspirant powders.


Do not use too much of make-up or any oily cream or lotions while venturing out in the sun.


Apply sun screen lotion while going outside.


Eat proper food and also exercise. As these too show a positive effect on your skin.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

cardio exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer

For women’s health, one of the best ways to start working out is by doing cardio exercises.

Cardio could be running, biking, swimming or just long walks at a brisk pace.

Cardio exercises such as running, whether outside or on a treadmill, help manage and control body weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease and illness.

Cardio exercises are best when you do them 3-4 times a week for a minimum of 20-30 minutes during each workout.

A good example is by starting off walking at a slow to normal pace. Once you free from discomfort, you can slowly increase the pace.


Research has shown that cardio exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer almost by 20 percent

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Benefits and Source of vitamin A

Benefits of Vitamin A :

Maintains the health of the specialized tissues such as Ritena.

Helps in growth and health of skin.

Promotes normal development of teeth , soft ,
& skeletal Tissues and helps your eyes adjust to light changes when you come in from outside and also helps keep your eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist.

Source :

Beef liver, Egg yolk, Cheddar cheese, Fortified milk

Eggs , Meat & dairy products.

Beta-carotene, comes from green , leafy vegetables & intensely colored fruits & vegetables.


It's suggest that women consume 800 mcg or 0.8 mg and men consume 1000 mcg or 1 mg of vitamin A daily.

Lemonade Benefits

Lemonade is nothing but a juice which made from lemon which squeeze in water.


lemon
contains an unusually high proportion of citric acid and the aromatic hydrocarbons which provide its flavor.


Fresh lemon with warm water drink in the morning will bring your metabolism up.


Lemons
are best, You might lose some weight too.



TIPS


Drinking lemonade over a long period helps build strong bones and teeth.

It has extensive calcium.

It is also helpful in digestion.

Lemons help clean the blood, lower cholestrol and blood pressure.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

SOUND SLEEP

Sleeping pills are not the best way to solve sleeping problem.For older people, sleep pill can increase the risk of falling

A regular exercise routine will help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed,

Avoid drinking water in greater quantity just before bed and during the night

If you haven't fallen asleep within 30 minutes, then try to Get out of bed and do something relaxing, such as deep breathing or meditative exercises.

Regular meditation for at least 5-10 minutes before sleeping leads to proper sleep, making your breath calm and normal which helps you enjoy a sound sleep.

While children and teenagers generally need eight or more hours sleep every night, by the time people are 40, they usually only need seven hours a night.

TIPS

keep a bunch of fresh flowers in your room. research has shown that inhaling pleasant fragrances of flowers help to get pleasent dreams and sound sleep.

ROSE WATER TIPS

Rose water is a totally pure and natural product which does not contain any preservatives,

It has been found to be a very useful skin tonic and is used cosmetically as a facial cleanser and toner.

Rose water is made from distilled water of the roses.

Rose water is used as an important ingredient in many body creams due to its pleasant fragrance.

Rose water is also a very useful toner.

Rose water also has certain antiseptic and anti bacterial properties. This is because it is useful to cure certain skin problems as well



TIPs


To cure burning of eyes, put two to three drops of pure rose water into the effected eye.