Give your woman an orgasm she won’t forget!

A woman’s orgasm is one of the biggest mysteries in the history of mankind. What works for one doesn’t work for the other. What works once for a woman may not work the second time around. Well, the biggest secret is that the one organ that ought to be stimulated in a woman is her mind. Play games with her, tantalize her, surprise her and you’ll have her asking you for more! Here are a few tips that should do it for you -

1.      Dress her up… or down!
Every woman wants to feel and look sexy for her man and she’ll go to great lengths to please him. But how about making her look great for a change? Ditch the stuffed bear and buy her some sultry lingerie instead and ask her strut her stuff in front of you. Not only is it a definite turn on for you, but for her too. Time to make your move! 

 2.      Reach for her heart
For a woman, it’s often more important to connect emotionally before establishing a physical connect. Start off with something that you know will touch her heart. Plan a romantic evening – dinner, soft lights, music and wine – the works. Start with the wine to get her relaxed. Pull her close and let the wine and the music do the trick! Before you know it, it’ll be she who unleashes her moves on you!

 3.      Up your wild quotient
Add a little zing to the everyday, mundane activities of life. For instance, the next time you take a shower, pull her in with you. Use soap and a loofa to create a soft-and-rough touch. The unbelievably erotic experience will leave her breathless and she will never be able to help but smile every time she showers after that!

 4.      Hide and seek
Tie a blindfold to each other’s eyes and embark on a glorious exploration! The lack of your visual senses will make your touch even more sensuous because you have no idea which pleasure spot you will hit next! The blind fishing expedition is bound to thrill her to no end!

 5.      Switch Venues
The word ‘sex’ brings to mind only one place – the bedroom. Why not try a different place? Say, the kitchen. Steam up things by creeping up behind her when she’s baking a cake, let your fingers mesh together as you knead the dough. Pretty soon, you will be cooking an entirely different dish! The unexpectedness will send her into a frenzy that will shock you both!

 6.      Kink it up
Most women have at least one fantasy and to make that come true could mean the best orgasm she’s ever had. Ask your woman if she has any deep and dark secret desires – like being handcuffed or even taped! It could be the ultimate sexual experience that leaves her gasping for more.

 7.      Keep it fresh
Get hold of a Kamasutra and surprise her with a new move. A woman’s body is a treasure trove of hidden pleasure points. And if our ancestors swore by the century-old sex guide, it could definitely show your lady love stars in the daylight!

 8.      Tease and tantalize
There’s a chance that she may come on to you first and no man in his right mind would wait to respond. But wait, don’t give in! Tease her a little, play a little hard to get. The game of cat and mouse won’t just make things hotter but also give her a feeling of control – something a lot of women just love!

 9.      Buy her toys
Nope, we aren’t talking about cuddly teddy bears, but sex toys! Experiment with dildos or vibrators to bring in that ‘X’ factor.

 10.  Play games
Change a boring game of monopoly and put in options like “Get a free Swedish massage” or “Free lap dance”. Try it and be prepared for some fun and games between the sheets!
 There you go – 10 surefire ways we thought of to make sure your woman knows you are a sex god! But hey, let your creative juices flow and innovate just for her.

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Do you want to boost your child’s mental development?

 

An exponential growth of technology means that children have stopped reading resulting in  poor mental development. One way to arrest this regression is through DHA-fortified foods. DHA, the acronym for docosahexaenoic acid is a type of omega 3 fatty acids which is vital for brain development. Lack of DHA is linked to slower learning and lesser IQ, temper tantrums, aggressiveness and sleep problems and, in some cases, dyslexia.
A recent study by the University of Oxford showed the intake of algal or vegetarian DHA can significantly improve reading performance and behaviour among school-aged children. ‘The DHA Oxford Learning and Behaviour (DOLAB) trial showed that taking daily algal DHA supplements improved reading performance for the worst readers and helped these children catch up with their peer group,’ said lead investigator Alex Richardson, Ph.D., senior research fellow at the University of Oxford and director of Food and Behaviour (FAB) Research. ‘The study showed that dietary supplementation with DHA can improve the behaviour and attention of normal, healthy children, not just those with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and related conditions,’ Richardson told IANS via e-mail.
The study, funded by DSM Nutritional Products, was conducted on 362 healthy children with low reading scores within the 7-9 year age group from mainstream schools in Britain.
DHA accounts for 97 percent of the brain’s omega-3 fatty acids. According to nutritionists, oily or fatty fish are good sources of DHA. Supplements or foods fortified with algal DHA, derived from the algae the fish consume, can provide sufficient levels of DHA.  Nandita Iyer, a Bangalore-based nutrition and lifestyle counsellor, said school-going children should get some form of supplementation in the form of DHA-rich foods, or in case of vegetarians, algal DHA-fortified drinks. ‘The upper-class Indian children who suffer from malnutrition as a result of eating too much of the wrong kind of foods and getting sluggish in studies and other areas of mental development can really benefit from increased intake of algal DHA,’ Iyer told IANS.
DHA is mainly found in fish, eggs and meat. Oily fish like sardines, mackerel and trout are the richest sources of dietary DHA, having 10-100 times more of the nutrient than non-marine vegetarian sources like green leafy vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Unless a child’s diet is rich in oily fish, the only way to meet the daily requirement of 100 mg is to supplement it in the diet. But the best way to ensure a diet rich in DHA is to consume it directly. Algal DHA is the same source that the fish depend on for their DHA. It is vegetarian, sustainable and is free from ocean-borne contaminants.
‘DHA is of utmost importance to a developing baby during late pregnancy. The placenta extracts it from the mother’s blood and concentrates it in the baby’s circulation. As a result of this, the baby’s levels of DHA are twice as high as its mother’s. If the mother’s levels of DHA are low, some DHA is also obtained from her richest store – her brain,’ said Iyer.
Until four months of age, a human body cannot produce DHA, so the only source is breast milk or DHA-enriched formulas. ‘Mothers who wean their babies early on and replace it with cow’s milk instead of suitably-enriched formulas are creating a negative DHA balance in their children from an early age,’ Iyer added.
Source: IANS

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Blood tests: Understanding the basics

 
Blood plays a vital role in keeping us alive, hale and hearty. It supplies nutrients and oxygen to various organs, muscles and tissues and transports waste products and carbon dioxide away from them. Blood pressure is considered one of the ‘vital signs’ from a physiological angle and blood tests (however gory they maybe) can provide tons of important information about your health and well-being.
Before understanding why blood tests are done, it is important to know about its different components. An increase/decrease in number/volume, change in their shape or size can indicate abnormalities:
Red Blood Cells (RBCs or erythrocytes) are the most abundant cells in blood. They contain haemoglobin, an iron-containing protein, which is responsible for oxygen transportation around the body.
White Blood Cells (WBCs or Leukocytes) form part of the body’s immune system and help defend the body against infection. They are characterized as granulocytes or agranulocytes. There are three types of granulocytes – Neutrophils, Eosinophil and Basophils and two types of agranulocytes – Monocytes and Lymphocytes.
Platelets (Thrombocytes) are cells that help the blood to clot (thicken) when you cut yourself
Plasma - constitute 55% of blood fluid and contains proteins, glucose, mineral ions, hormones, carbon dioxide, platelets and blood cells. Plasma proteins also help blood to clot.
Blood tests form the fulcrum of diagnosis in modern medicine. A sample of blood from your vein can help doctors

• Assess general state of your health
• Determine whether you have certain diseases and conditions
• Check the function of organs like liver and kidney
• Identify risk factors for heart disease
• Check whether medicines taken are working
• Grow the infectious organisms (causing an illness) on blood samples and identify them through a microscope
• Obtain DNA sample for genetic testing

How does a blood test work?
During a blood test, a small amount of blood is taken from your body, usually from a vein in your arm or rarely from an artery in your wrist, using a needle. A finger prick may also be used.
First a tight band (tourniquet) is tied around the upper arm to make the vein prominent. The site of the injection is wiped with an antiseptic wipe. A needle attached to a syringe or to a special blood collecting container is pricked into the vein. The syringe is used to draw out a sample of your blood. When the necessary amount of blood has been taken, the needle is removed. Pressure is applied for a few minutes to site of injection on your skin using a cotton pad to stop the bleeding. A plaster may be put keep it clean and prevent infection. The blood sample will be put into a bottle labelled with your name and sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope or tested with chemicals.
Are there any risks involved with blood tests?
Blood tests have few risks. Only a small amount of blood is taken during a blood test, so you will not feel ill from the loss of blood. There may be minor complications which subside shortly after the tests are done.

• If you are very sensitive to needles and the sight of your own blood, you may feel dizzy when a blood sample is taken. This can be reduced by sitting or lying down while the sample is taken.
• After a blood test, you may have a small bruised area on your skin where the needle was inserted. Bruises are the result of bleeding under the skin. They can be painful but are harmless and they are most commonly caused by lack of pressure at the site of the needle prick till the bleeding has stopped or a blood vessel being damaged by the needle during its insertion
• If you develop redness or swelling (inflammation) at the site, you may have an infection. Consult your doctor.
• There is a risk of getting HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C  if a contaminated needle is used during a blood test. Make sure a new syringe is being used when you have your blood taken for tests.

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How you can prevent Tuberculosis

On World Tuberculosis Day 2012 we tell you more about this deadly disease which accounts for half a million deaths in South East Asia every year. TB is an air-borne disease which affects people whose immunity is compromised. eg: Infants, old people, pregnant women, women who have recently delivered, people living in unsanitary conditions, uncontrolled diabetes patients, cancer patients, HIV positive people.  Also, if you are in close contact (living together/working together) with people suffering from TB, you have more risk of developing TB. Alcoholics, people using illegal drugs and narcotics and people who weigh 10% lower than the recommended body weight are also predisposed to develop TB.
Avoid close contact with people affected with TB. If you cannot avoid contact with them, wear protective masks and gloves.If you work at a hospital, wear good-quality microfilteration masks. Wash your hands with a disinfectant cleanser after contact with the patient.
Avoid crowded, stuffy and unhygienic places.
Work on improving your immunity by including diet rich in antioxidants. Have atleast 4-5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits everyday. If you cannot have it due to certain practical constraints, make sure you take your daily dose of antioxidants/multivitamins after consulting your doctor. Anti-oxidants help fight free radicals produced in the body due to any kind of disease/stress and help in cell repair.
Include atleast 2 good servings of protein in your daily diet. They are the building blocks of all our cells and help in cell repair too.
Do not go on a low-carb diet. You require a good mix of all the elements of food to be healthy. Carbs, protiens, vitamins and fats all have their place in maintaining your immune system.
Get your daily exercise. Walk regularly for atleast 45 minutes at the least. The improved circulation improves your immunity. 
Set aside a few minutes for meditation everyday. This reduces your daily stress which directly has a bearing on the condition of your immune system.
Maintain good hygiene, wherever you are. Washing hands with a good disinfectant soap often is a very under-valued habit. These days, when your exposure to diseases is at one of the highest levels, you just cannot neglect this simple habit.
Just by following these simple rules, one can safely prevent TB.

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Why popping pills is dangerous for you

 
Scene 1: My annoying headache refuses to go away, so I’ll just take an extra painkiller – after all what harm could one tablet cause? 
Scene 2: Nowadays I don’t have time to eat a proper meal, so I should start having more multivitamin and supplement capsules.
Scene 3: Tomorrow’s big exam requires a night-out, so let me try the magic tablets that increase a person’s focus and learning speed.
Scene 4: I am very nervous about the presentation tomorrow, should I consider taking an anti-anxiety medication to calm my nerves?
Scene 5: Its 1 am and sleep is nowhere in sight, perhaps a couple of sleeping pills will do the trick.
Have you experienced any or all of the above scenarios? Individually, each circumstance can lead to the harmful slippery slope of random over-medication and combined these situations may have dangerous results.

The term “popping pills” refers to the accidental or intentional intake of more-than-recommended dose of a drug. A drug is a chemical substance that changes the way a body functions and is used for medical (treat diseases), performance enhancing (modify physical features) or recreational (alter mental behavior) purpose. The most frequently overused or abused drugs include over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers, anti-depressants, vitamins, supplements, weight loss aids and performance enhancing drugs. 

Why is over-medication a problem?
 A person’s ability to “handle” any medication depends on his or her weight and health status as well as the strength of the drug. All medications have a limit in terms of the amounts in which they can be consumed over a given period of time. Overdosing occurs when a person takes one or more drugs in quantities that the body is unable to process and may lead to fatal disruption in the functioning of the brain or heart and other side effects.
Accidental medication overdose in children is tragic and often preventable.
The table below outlines commonly over-used drugs and their serious side-effects.

Type of Drug/Medication	Overdose Symptoms
Painkillers (acetaminophen, hydrocodone)	High-level drowsiness, unable to concentrate, low energy, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, constipation, nausea, trouble in breathing, convulsions
Antidepressants (sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping-inducing pills popularly known as ‘sleeping pills’)	Slow breathing, low blood pressure, vomiting, irregular heart rate, confusion, lethargy, seizures, loss of consciousness, shock, death
Narcotics (popularly known as ‘drugs’ e.g. opiates such as heroin, morphine, codeine)	Pinpoint pupils, sleepiness, low blood pressure, reduced heart rate and breathing
Vitamins and Supplements	Specific to the vitamin or supplement, for example, bleeding (vitamin E), diarrhoea (vitamin C, zinc), nausea, blurred vision, dizziness (vitamin A), hair loss, nerve damage (selenium)
Psychostimulants (used to treat attention deficit disorders e.g. Ritalin)	Abdominal cramps, aggressiveness, confusion, depression, fatigue, hallucinations, high fever, irregular blood pressure and heartbeat, nausea, panic, rapid breathing, restlessness, diarrhoea, vomiting, tremor, convulsions or coma
Performance enhancing drugs (steroids, growth hormones, creatine)	Severe dehydration, abnormal physical growth, emotional instability, liver damage, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke
Diet Pills	Tremors, convulsions, confusion, hallucinations, breathing problems, kidney failure, heart attack
Birth control pills or oral contraceptives (prescription medicines to prevent pregnancy)	Tenderness in the breast, change in urine color, sleepiness, extreme vaginal bleeding, headache, disturbed mind, nausea and rashes.

If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms stop taking the pills and immediately contact a medical care professional.

How is drug over-dosage diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a careful evaluation of the patient’s medical and personal history in terms of health conditions, list of medications, diet and lifestyle habits. Often medications taken in combination with alcohol or certain foods increase the level of damage. Blood and screening tests are performed to determine the level of drugs present in the body, changes in critical elements such as calcium and potassium as well as the extent of injury to the liver and kidney.

How is drug over-dosage treated?
Immediate course of treatment includes removing the drug from the patient’s body. Vomiting is induced – only in a conscious patient – to eliminate remaining drug from the stomach. Activated charcoal may be applied to soak-up the left over drug. The patient’s stomach may be “pumped”, that is, the contents are removed via a tube and the stomach is rinsed with salt water. Faster clearance of the drug from the body is aided by inducing urination or defecation.
Other emergency actions include restoring breathing and blood pressure. Intravenous (IV) fluids such as saline (salt water), dextrose (sugar water) and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate solution) are given to re-establish the body’s fluid and mineral balance. Hemodialysis, filtering of the blood through a machine, may be performed to remove drugs from the blood – especially if there is extensive damage to the kidneys.
Antidotes, medications that neutralize or reduce effects of the overdosed drug, are specific to the overdosed drugs. Some examples of antidotes are N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose and Naloxone for narcotic (heroin, morphine, codeine) poisoning.
The patient also requires a psychological assessment to determine underlying mental conditions that may have resulted in excessive use of medications.
Community-based awareness and education programs are essential in the prevention of (accidental or intentional) medication overdose. Overuse of medications and supplements can be stopped by building an understanding of how drugs affect the body plus safe approaches to increasing mental and physical well-being.

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Walking for weight loss

 

If there were a question as to which is the most common and non-fussy way of exercise people prefer then there’d be only one answer – walking. While walking is primarily a cardio exercise, many of us resort to it for weight loss as well. But hold your horses for a minute and think – is the way you walk really helping you lose anything except energy?
We attribute pain and injuries to the fact that we haven’t walked in a long time so it’ll obviously hurt a little but be cautious because the real reason may be that you are not striding the right way. Here are a few tips to take into account:

• Smaller steps: Subconsciously we start taking big steps which is almost like lunging ahead so that we can cover more distance but this is a bad idea because it causes a lot of strain on your feet and shins. Instead, take smaller steps – you can quicken your pace though. You can also keep a moderate pace and walk for half an hour to 60 minutes.
• Increase the distance: The more you walk, the more you stand a chance of a better workout. Increase your distance every day by half a kilometre – small enough to be easy. For those who have just begun walking, this will help build your leg muscles.
• Stretch: Before you commence your walk, remember to stretch amply in order to loosen up those muscles – and not just your legs but your entire body. This helps avoid the sore pain the next day. Stretching should also be done after a walk.
• Watch your pace: How quick is quick, you might be wondering. To begin with, don’t stroll. Walk fast enough so that you can still talk but your breathing is harder than usual.  Increase your pace as the week passes because you are stronger now.
• Limb movements: Don’t walk like a robot – let your shoulders move naturally and swing your arms in a natural motion; don’t try to keep them tight by your side. Keep your elbows close to your body. Don’t look down when you walk – keep your chin parallel to the ground.
• Take a break: Don’t push yourself up to walking every single day – your body needs rest so take a break once in a week. If you have to exercise, opt for upper body workouts.
• Watch what you eat: If you are going to exercise, you need to keep an eye on your food intake as well, specifically calories. For women, 1200 calories and for men or active women 1500-1600 calories is the upper limit.
• Track your progress: Get yourself some digital assistance to progress how well you are really doing. A pedometer can help you track your distances and time so that you know how far you’ve walked on any given day.
• Mix it up: If you want some variety in your walking schedule, revise your workout a little. One day you can walk slow but longer distance, the next you can walk fast for a shorter distance. This helps stave off boredom too.
• Go easy on the post-walk eating: Of course you’ve walked a long way and obviously you are hungry – you could probably eat for two tonight – don’t. For the first few days it’ll be difficult ignoring the hunger pangs you get after you’ve begun walking regularly but instead of heavy dinner (if you are an evening walker, that is), have a fruit instead or a salad.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about walking the right way:

• Do I need special shoes?

No, because walking doesn’t need shock absorbents like running shoes do. But if you have had any past foot or knee injuries it’s best to consult your doctor in case you need some special support on your ankle. Apart from that all you need to see is that the shoe fits snugly and not tight or loose. Try walking in them and judge whether they are right for you. Needless to say, flip flops or open sandals aren’t the right footwear.

• Can I jog in intervals instead of walking continuously?

Yes. Warm up with a short walk and break into a slow jog or a run, whichever you like. If you walk for 15 minutes, you can run for 5 mins. However, once you are done jogging, start walking immediately to avoid your legs from tiring. If you take a break, it becomes difficult to run the next time.

• I listen to music while walking – is that ok?

Why not? Find yourself some peppy numbers and be on your way. It’s a great way from keeping walks dull and is a good motivating tool. Very important, however, that you make sure you pay attention to passersby and vehicles.

• Company is good, right?

Not always. While it’s good moral support to have someone along with you, you also need to make sure you don’t dawdle or that your brisk walk turns into a stroll while you gossip. Also don’t be so dependent on your companion that if they can’t walk, you have a ready excuse not to.

• Does walking on tar roads harm my knees?

A lot of experts have said that running on tarred roads does, at least over an extended period of time. This is because of the hardness of the surface the shock of which the knee can’t tolerate. It’s better to be cautious even if you are just walking, especially if you are older. Find a park or any non-tar surface to walk on. If you can find yourself a beach – great! Having a treadmill at home is also a good option but nothing beats the fresh air of outdoors.

• What if I have had a knee operation or any other kind of lower limb surgery/injury?

This cannot be stressed enough: if you have had any kind of injury, however minimal, please don’t push yourself into a walking regimen without consulting a doctor. For all you know, you’ll make it worse. Even if you’ve had a surgery, get a doctor’s opinion (and a second opinion) to make sure you are fit enough to walk. And of course, try to find a soft surface to walk on.
Walking is a great exercise option – no fuss no muss and you can go whenever you want, there’s no equipment or special workout dress code you need to follow – but walking the right way is just as important if you are looking for a weight loss option. Stick by these tips and you’ll see the difference for yourself!

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Hair loss treatment: Medications

 

Have you been noticing your scalp through your hair? Are friends and family pointing out to you that you’re looking older? Maybe it’s time you considered consulting a skin specialist or a trichologist for the problem.
Firstly, you need to understand why you are losing hair. In certain cases like menopause or childbirth in women, the hair growth often returns to normal six months to two years later. For temporary hair loss due to illness (such as fever), radiation therapy, medication use, no treatment is necessary. The hair will usually grow back when the illness has ended or the therapy is completed. If the hair loss isn’t due to any of the causes mentioned above, there are good medical and surgical options for the problem.
When you do visit the trichologist (a doctor who deals with hair and the scalp), a thorough history is often noted down. Depending on your case, your doctor might suggest you get some blood tests done to find out if there are any hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiency etc.
In some cases, where the hair loss isn’t too bad, the doctor may start the treatment more conservatively. He/she may try correcting the hormonal imbalance if any or suggest a high protein and an iron-rich diet.
Click here to read about food items that can prevent hair loss. 
The doctor will also discuss the type of hair loss you have and suggest various treatment options – medical (using medications that can be taken orally or applied on the scalp) or surgical. Here are a few of the medical options:
If you suffer from male pattern baldness (or androgenic alopecia):
Minoxidil: Used for both men and women, it is a solution that is applied directly to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. It slows down hair loss for many men and some even grow new hair.  It works best on the crown compared to the frontal region. However, one needs to be very careful while applying it since application to the face or neck skin can cause unwanted hair growth in those areas! And you may have to continue using it for a really long time since stopping the usage has often been linked to increased hair loss.
Finasteride: It is a pill that blocks the action of natural hormones in scalp hair and reduces hair loss. Approved for use in only men with androgenic hair loss, this drug is found to be safe in postmenopausal women. 
Dutasteride: It  may help in hair loss by blocking the production of or binding of testosterone in the scalp hair follicles. You are not permitted to donate blood before the six-month clearance time after taking this medication.
Prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost): Primarily used for eyelash enhancement, have the potential for hair regrowth in men and women. However, their efficacy in scalp hair loss is yet to be established.
If you suffer from patchy hair loss (or alopecia areata):
This is a very unpredictable condition and hence slightly more difficult to treat.

• If your hair loss is not widespread, the hair is likely to regrow in a few months without treatment.
• For severe forms, small amounts of steroids like triamcinolone may be injected into your affected scalp patches to stimulate hair growth. 
• Other options such as oral steroids, immune-suppressants or ultraviolet light therapy are available for severe cases but they have potential side effects or risks.
• Contact immunotherapy may be the most effective treatment for severe alopecia areata. A medicine is applied on your scalp once a week which irritates the skin and makes it red and scaly. Hair growth may appear within 3 months of beginning treatment. Side effects include a severe rash (contact dermatitis) and swollen lymph nodes.
• Psoralen with Ultraviolet A Light (PUVA) therapy may also be used to treat alopecia areata if you have large areas of skin affected by the disorder or you cannot use other treatments. A medicine, called psoralen, is used to make the scalp more sensitive to ultraviolet A (UVA) light before exposing it to the same.

If you suffer from ringworm of the scalp (or Tinea capitis):
Tinea capitis may be hard to get rid of and it may return after treatment.  Griseofulvin, terbinafine or itraconazole are used for 4 – 8 weeks to treat ringworm in the scalp (Tinea capitis). Keep the area clean. A medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide maybe helpful to slow or stop the spread of infection. However, the shampoo alone cannot get rid of the ringworm. Wash towels in warm, soapy water and dry each time they are used by someone who is infected. Soak combs and brushes for an hour a day in a mixture of one-half bleach and one-half water for 3 days. Do not share combs, hairbrushes, hats, towels, pillowcases, or helmets with other people.

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B-town actresses’ fitness secrets

Ever watched your favorite actress on screen and wanted a body just like hers? Actresses put in a lot of effort into the way they look, and have regimes that keep them healthy and fit all year round. But how do they avoid temptation? Or find time to exercise?
Watch this video to find out how those steamy sirens get their hot bods.

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Get Rid Of Those Acne Scars - Dr Ruchi Agrawal

 
Treating acne requires patience and perseverance. As if dealing with the pimples was not enough, you then have marks that can haunt you as an adult. The good news is that there are many options from ointments to lasers to reduce the appearance of acne scars. The best treatment for you depends on the severity of scarring. Your doctor may refer you to a plastic surgeon.
Treatment for acne scars starts with a proper assessment.  The acne scars could be either brown to black flat spots/marks or pits/depressed scars. The kind of treatment depends on the varying proportion of these two post acne problems.
Treatment for post acne marks
AT HOME

1. Creams containing azaelic acid, kojic acid, arbutin or glycolic acid can be used daily at home.
2. Face wash containing glycolic acid (an exfoliant) is a good option.

IN-OFFICE

1.  Glycolic peels: Excellent for lightening the marks and scars. This procedure exfoliates the dead cells and lightens the pigmentation in the deeper layers of the skin.
2. Microdermabrasion: Aluminum oxide crystals are used to exfoliate dead cells and lighten the scars.

Treatment for acne scars or pits
MILD TO MODERATE SCARS:

1. Glycolic peels combined with microdermabrasion gives an improvement.
2. Dermaroller: This is an advanced scar treatment procedure which gives higher level of scar reduction than peels and microdermabrasion. The doctor uses a hand held device which has multiple fine needles. After numbing the skin, the device is moved on the concerned area in a specific mode. This induces new collagen in the skin and in turn helps fill up the scars. It requires three to six sessions with each session three to four weeks apart.
3. Laser: The commonly used lasers are fractional erbium glass for moderate scars. For severe scars, fractional CO2 (carbon dioxide) can be used after adequate consultation. Lasers help to cause injury as part of treatment and this help newer, better skin to regenerate and induce collagen to fill up the scars. The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the scars.

SEVERE ACNE SCARS:

1. Dermaroller and lasers would be treatment of choice.
2. Subcision: It is a mild surgical procedure to lift up the scars. It gives good results but may require few repeat sessions.
3. Fillers: Hyaluronic acid gels are used to fill up scars temporarily. However, scars need to be judiciously selected for this procedure. It is best done after subcision.

Don’t let acne scars ruin your lives by causing self-doubt and low confidence. You don’t have to live your life in hiding. Consult your dermatologist to bring back radiant, spotless skin.

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Why prayers are good for your health?

 
Prayer is more than meditation. In meditation, the source of strength is one’s self. When one prays, he goes to a source of strength greater than his own – Madame de Stael, Swiss author
A prayer (Sanskrit: prārthanā) can be defined as the act, individual or collective, of communicating with (external) objects of worship – super-beings with a human appearance (deity, god) or scriptures (holy book, god’s words) or the elements of nature. 

Often a prayer is a chant of repetitive, rhyming words (mantra or scripture) or a song in praise of the worshipped entity (bhajan or hymn). Usually a prayer aims to offer thanks for good events, ask forgiveness for misdeeds and/or seek support for a desired result. Since one of the most-valued human desires is to have good health, it isn’t surprising that prayers often include a wish for good health (and harmony).  Prayers, for now putting aside the purely religious aspect, may influence the state of an individual’s health by reducing mental, emotional and physical stress.They may calm the mind and provide emotional support which may in turn trigger positive or neutralizing physiological stress-reducing responses.  

In 1999, a UK-based study, published in British Journal of Health Psychology, reported that praying reduced the risk of developing depression and anxiety. Also, individual prayer had a higher probability of a positive effect than attending a place of worship for socializing. The study investigators stated that people who pray recognize themselves as a part of a wider universe and have a coping mechanism to deal with day-to-day stresses. The non-spiritual explanation is that praying simply offers people some quiet and personal time to focus on themselves and thus reduce mental stress. From either perspective, regular praying appears to result in a more calm, orderly and in-control-of-life personality. 

In 2011, Dr. Howard Friedman (psychiatrist at University of California, Riverside) shared some insights from his research that address the main question at hand – does prayer lead to better health and longer life? His answer in a nutshell is – Yes, prayer, individual or in a group, does indeed enhance the health and longevity of a person but not because of their “religiosity” but because of their sense of community. Several studies have found a positive link between praying and physiological responses. Dr. Herbert Benson (cardiovascular specialist at Harvard Medical School) reported a relaxation response during prayer and meditation which lowers metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure. The body in this relaxed state makes a person feel calm, in-control and peaceful. Such a state of mental, emotional and physical well-being is significant as many health disorders are stress-related – for example depression, hypertension, ulcers and migraines. Dr. Benson’s latest research focus is to study the ability of long-term daily spiritual practices to switch off genes that control cellular inflammation and death.

Another study by Dr. Andrew Newberg, Department of Psychiatry at University of Pennsylvania, found that meditating Buddhists and praying nuns displayed a lower activity in the brain areas linked to the ego and higher levels of dopamine – these factors increased their sense of happiness.  There are many other studies that link the beneficial effects of regular prayers to lower high blood pressure, higher post-heart surgery recovery rates, reduced asthma symptoms, improved immunity and longer lives. Although, scientific studies evaluating the benefits of praying for other people (Intercessory prayer or IP) such as friends and family has yielded mixed results.  

Evidence from modern day scientific methods that people who regularly pray or meditate are healthier with longer lives is welcome, though all the effects of prayers are not quantifiable. Besides, for a religious person, prayer is more than just a method to improve their physical health.  In summary, for optimal health, along with healthy food, exercise and sleep, start the day with a few quiet moments of prayer – chant, hymn, omkara or just thank you – it may or may not help you attain your heart’s desire but the feel-good factor will still benefit your body. 
One of the most common prayers heard in Hindu households:
 Om Bhur Bhuva Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat
[On the absolute reality and its planes, On that finest spiritual light,
We meditate, as remover of obstacles, That it may inspire and enlighten us.]
 Gayatri mantra, first recorded in the Rig Veda (iii, 62, 10), composed in Sanskrit about 1500b – 2500 years ago.

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Why Proteins: How safe are they?

 
The fact that a highly influential individual like former Maha CM Vilasorao Deshmukh passed away while waiting for a liver and kidney donor, points out how difficult it is to find an organ in time in India. So why is organ donation such a troublesome procedure in India?
There are basically two types of organ donations:

1. Living organ donation – where an individual donates a part of an organ or a renewable organ. These are possible in cases of organs which are either regenerative or surplus (skin, liver, blood).
2. Cadaver donations – organs from patients who are brain dead. Organs which can be harvested include – heart, eye, liver, lungs, kidneys, etc. Brain death usually occurs six to ten minutes after cardiac arrest and the person can be kept on ventilator support (so all other bodily functions are running) till the organs can be retrieved. Incidentally, brain death is an irreversible end of all brain activity and different from a coma or vegetative state.

Skewed demand and supply
It is estimated that around 200,000 kidneys and 100,000 livers are needed every year in India and only about 2-3% get it. By conservative estimates about 90,000 Indians die in road accidents every year and 40% of those people are left ‘brain dead’. Dr Sunil Shroff of the MOHAN foundation estimates that 50% of all organ donation needs could be met by simply using organs from road accident casualties.
Sadly there’s a distinct lack of awareness about organ donation. Think about it yourself, if your loved one has just passed away how receptive would you be to a procedure like organ donation? The only way to improve this scenario is by educating people about organ donation and putting in place an easymechanism which will allow people to donate their organs upon death.

To donate or not to donate?
Various organisations like MOHAN (Multiple Organ Harvesting Aid Network) and the ZTCC, Mumbai (Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre) are working to increase awareness among the common man. One way to do this is by having driving licenses to double up as donor cards, a practice that’s followed in various Western countries. The Central Government  is currently working on a new draft of the Human Organ Rules 2012 in which the health ministry has suggested that all people applying for driving licenses be asked whether they’re willing to donate their organs upon death or not. This belief is echoed by Dr Ashwin Mallya, a surgeon from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi who feels that since most cadaver donors are deaths from road accidents having their assent on their driving licenses would go a long way in fulfilling organ demands.

Lack of facilities…
Another issue is the lack of facilities; there are only 120 centres all over India which are deemed capable of organ transplant. One way to counter this would be to follow the Maha govt’s recent move to increase organ donation. This move has made it compulsory for all non-transplant hospitals equipped with an ICU and operation theatre’ to retrieve organs for harvesting and made it mandatory for them to officially identify brain dead patients. This would allow hospitals which don’t have organ transplant facilities to at least harvest organs from brain dead patients for use by the facilities which can at least increase the availability of organs.

…and superstitious beliefs
Another major hurdle in India is the superstition attached to death and reincarnation in India. Many people believe in afterlife and feel that organ donation could lead to the body not being ‘whole’. The only way to counter this is to raise the level of awareness about organ donation. It’s important to note that none of the world’s major religions – Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam – are opposed to organ donation and in fact consider it to be a deeply altruistic gesture.
Two recommendations that have been made include following the Spanish model of recovering all brain dead patients’ organs and the Singaporean model which looks to legalise the sale of organs. However, both initiatives are seen as too radical in India. The latter would in fact bolster the already rampant organ trade feels Dr Mallya. “It would be better to increase media involvement and target youngster, who’d be more receptive to the idea,” he adds.
 
Where can I donate my organs?
The most common and least hassle-free option is to print a donor card. Many NGOs have the option to simply print an organ donor card in which it’s explicitly written which organs you’d like to donate. At least until driving licenses start doubling up as donor cards this remains the best option to ensure that your organs are donated. Click here to download the MOHAN foundation’s donor card.
It’s very easy to make and takes barely one minute of your time. It’s also important to let your near and dear ones know, that you’re open to organ donation so that they can inform the concerned authorities during the time of a mishap. Pledge your organs today and you can save lives too!

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Indoor Cycling – A Great Way To Stay Fit!

If there’s one thing most of us despise, it is exercising. Mainly because you have to do it (since you paid for that gym membership) and it’s boring. What if exercising was fun and instead of dreading it, you actually looked forward to it? Don’t scoff, it happens! Welcome to the world of indoor cycling – and no, it doesn’t mean you stand in the centre of a room and start indoor cycling to lose kilos (wish that worked though).

What is Indoor cycling and why is it fun?

Picture this – a huge gym studio lined with at least thirty exercise bikes. You and your fellow gym mates climb atop each and begin gradually and easily enough. What can you not do without? Music! So there’s some funky energetic music to enthuse you. The lights are slowly dimmed and the music really starts pumping up as everyone cycles together. Are you feeling the collective energy yet? To top it off, there’s an instructor shouting out instructions to buck up or slow down.

Exercising can be really mundane but when you do it in a group, it not only boosts you but you help boost others too. The rush of endorphins from copious sweating, good music and company – what’s not to love?

How old do I need to be for Indoor cycling?

You could be teenager, a middle-aged housewife looking to get a fit body or a 60-yr-old man wanting to be healthier – it doesn’t matter.

What do I need for the session?

A strong will, first and foremost! Apart from your regular workout apparel, just a bottle of water and a hand towel because you will sweat. A lot.

Will it help me lose weight?

Indoor cycling is a form of cardiovascular exercise meant to make you stronger and tone your body. A person weighing 68 kilos can burn upto 500 calories in a 45 minute session. Of course it will help you lose weight but it’s not meant to shed kilos as much as keeping your weight in check.

If you are looking to lose flab, it’s best to combine Indoor cycling with other types of exercise routines.

Indoor cycling helps strengthen your heart, improve blood circulation and increases your body stamina – this will go a long way in cutting your risk for chronic health conditions.

Pros and cons

Apart from the obvious health benefits, indoor cycling can prove to be addictive (which is a good thing!). Beginners who opt for these sessions find them great motivators – some even purchase their own bikes for outdoor cycling.

The cons, though not many, are that it is after all not a real bike, which is a put off for some. So the classes can become monotonous. But that’s it. And it is more than compensated by the energetic atmosphere in the studio!

So, now that you know so much about Indoor cycling as a great form of exercise, go out and enrol yourself for some trial sessions.  Cycle your way to fitness!

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Teeth whitening: What you need to know before opting for the procedure

Have you always wanted those shiny, pearly whites you see on the silver screen?  You’ve probably already considered or are talking to your dentist about teeth whitening or dental bleaching. However, before you opt for it, here are some points you need to think about:

1. Reduce or eliminate the cause of discoloration of teeth.
– Certain stains caused by foods or drink, poor dental hygiene etc are usually taken care of by a good round of scaling/professional cleaning. Discuss this with your dentist.
– If the stains are caused due to tobacco, make sure you have made up your mind about kicking the butt or stopping tobacco usage in any form before you decide to go for teeth whitening.
– Discuss with your dentist about your medical history and any medications that were prescribed to you for a prolonged period. Some of them may be responsible for the discoloration of your teeth.
– If you have any large amalgam restorations (silver fillings), they can cast a greyish black tinge to your teeth. Your dentist might advice you to replace the filling with a more cosmetic alternative.

2. Tooth whitening is not a one-time procedure: You may need more than a sitting to get the desired results. Even after multiple sittings, the effects of the whitening last only for a period of one to two years depending on many factors.

3. Teeth whitening requires maintenance too: If you thought you could go back to how you treated your teeth before your teeth whitening days, you are wrong. If you choose the more popular and effective whitening procedure done by a dental surgeon at his clinic, you will be advised to avoid food and drinks which may cause stains. Irrespective of mode of whitening, either at home or in dental clinic, smoking or chewing tobacco should be avoided. Make sure you brush at least twice a day and floss regularly to maintain whiter teeth for longer.

4. Not everyone can opt for teeth whitening: You are not a candidate for the procedure if

• You are pregnant or a lactating mother
• You have very sensitive teeth or gums
• You have large cavities or fillings in your teeth
• You have receded gums and exposed roots
• You grind your teeth and have worn enamel
• You have any developmental anomalies of teeth
• You currently have ulcers in your mouth

5. Dental bleaching products do not bleach dental materials used in fillings, veneers, crowns and bridges. If you are not replacing them, it is better not to opt for too drastic a shade change for your teeth. If you choose to get new dental work done, it is advisable wait for a few days until the colour of your teeth settles after the bleaching procedure.

6. Do not overdo teeth whitening:  Repeating the procedure too often can erode the enamel or the outermost layer of your teeth. This makes them appear more translucent and lifeless. A redo of whitening once in six months to a year should be adequate to keep your pearlies bright and shining!

7. Beware of side effects: You could possibly have sensitive teeth and irritated gums as a side effect of using any bleaching system. But don’t worry, they are usually short lived. Some dentists recommend using a toothpaste to reduce sensitivity several days before the procedure and for a few weeks afterward.

So, as you can see, getting that dazzling smile with really nice and white teeth isn’t so difficult. One needs to be aware of the procedure involved, understand the pros and cons and take the right decision with the help of your dentist.

 -Dr Vijay Salvi

He is a senior implant practitioner in Mumbai with clinical experience of over 30 years and exposure to implantology as practised in US and Europe. He has authored numerous articles on dentistry and implantology and is founder member of Indian Academy of Osseointegration (IAO) and Committee on Dental Office Standards (C–DOS) of Indian Dental Association, Mumbai. Since inception of SCIdent Implant Training Institute (SITI) in February 2008, he has trained close to 250 dental practitioners in implant dentistry. After comprehensive education at SITI, a large number of these practitioners are now placing and restoring implants in their clinical practices. He is a dentist every patient loves to visit and is a strong believer in patient education & empowerment. Through health.india.com, he hopes to reach every online Indian to educate them about Cosmetic dentistry, Dental implants and more. You can reach him at drsalvi@hotmail.com.

*This post was originally posted by india.com. Published for sharing information. All rights reserved

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Nobody Knows Anything: Autism Edition

The novelist and screenwriter William Goldman famously wrote that until a movie opens, "nobody knows anything" about how well it will do at the box office.
This quotation came to mind as I read two recent stories about possible causes of autism in the New York Times. The first, published on the front page Aug. 23, reported on a study that suggested the older a man is when he becomes a father, the more likely his child is to have autism.
Three days later, on the front page of its Sunday Review section, the Times published an article by Moises Velasquez-Manoff that declared autism is an inflammatory disease caused by a faulty immune system. Theorizing that the lack of parasites in the developed world has thrown the human immune system out of whack, Velasquez-Manoff suggests that autism has become more common because the parasites that used to limit inflammation no longer regulate our immune systems. He approvingly mentions a new trial in which autistic adults are being treated with trichuris suis, a type of worm meant to help put the immune system back in balance.
My point in bringing up Goldman's "nobody knows anything" quote is not necessarily to criticize the science in these stories (although, since I've mentioned it, you can find a useful summary of the many problems with the immune system theory here). Rather, I'm struck by the fact that the paper of record gave front page coverage to one possible cause of autism and then days later featured a completely different possible cause in perhaps its most-read Sunday section. Yes, both articles offer caveats that their theories can't account for all autism cases, but that caution disappears under the approving quotations from scientists in the paternal age article and Velasquez-Manoff's confident explanation of his theory.
A casual reader could be forgiven for wondering if science completely changed its mind in the three days between articles. Or, more likely, that reader might conclude that in fact, we don't know anything definitive about the real cause or causes of autism. That is, "nobody knows anything."
A scientist might respond, "So what?" After all, scientific progress might be viewed as a slow journey from "nobody knows anything" to greater and greater knowledge. Along the way, it's necessary to test and debate all sorts of different theories, and it's to be expected that some of those theories won't pan out. Eventually some of them do, and science inches forward.
All of which is true, as far as it goes. But scientific research does not occur in a vacuum. Research priorities are driven by cultural priorities. And within both Times articles are disturbing clues about what our culture's priorities are.
The paternal age story, for example, quotes Alexey S. Kondrashov of the University of Michigan, who wrote that if the study results are confirmed, "then collecting the sperm of young adult men and cold-storing it for later use could be a wise individual decision."
Meanwhile, over in the immune system article, Velasquez-Manoff writes, "Fix the maternal dysregulation [of the immune system], and you've most likely prevented autism."
And there you have it: Despite the many differences between these two theories, the research behind both of them is motivated by a goal of preventing autism. We shouldn't be surprised. Autism is still largely thought of as a tragedy in our culture. There are all sorts of scientifically-untested treatments for autism, and some parents eagerly try each new one (no matter how appalling) as they search desperately for a cure.
Meanwhile, parents are often wracked by guilt, wondering what they did (or didn't) do that caused their child's autism. Indeed, one blogger responded to the paternal age story with a post that celebrated the fact that fathers of autistic children finally have something to feel guilty about.
In such an environment, it's no wonder that our research into autism is designed to prevent it.
I stand with a group of autistic adults and their allies who believe that the best way to support autistic people is to accept them, encourage their strengths, and work with them to find ways to mitigate their disabilities. And I don't see how I can support acceptance and also support research that seeks prevention.
I'm not naïve enough to believe that science would ever call off its search for the causes of autism. And I don't even want that search to be called off. There is value in increasing our scientific knowledge for its own sake, and discovering the causes of autism could offer some benefits to autistic people who are already here.
But good science can be used for bad ends. Prevention of autism can't be our only motive. The message that both Times articles send to readers is that autism should be feared, fought against, and eradicated. That message can do nothing to improve the lives of the hundreds of thousands of autistic people who are with us now.
Science will keep moving forward, slowly increasing our knowledge of autism. But whatever we ultimately discover about the causes of autism, the one thing everyone should know for sure is this: The goal of science should be to help autistic people, not prevent them.
For more by Todd Drezner, click here.
For more on autism, click here.

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