Mums, stop overfeeding your babies!

Mums, stop overfeeding your babies!

    Anew British research says mothers tend to overfeed their children, who are already overweight, simply because they are unable to tell if they are too chubby. The researchers, who observed about 300 mothers, said the women were unable to correctly judge the weight of their toddlers. The tendency, they said, may lead to the kids being obese later.
    Dietician Rebecca Byrne questioned 276 mothers to describe their children — between 12 and 16 months old — as either underweight, normal weight or overweight. Her team then measured the weight and height of the children. They found that 27 per cent of the mothers
thought of their children as being too thin,
whereas only one of the toddlers was actually
underweight.
    Also, while 32 per cent of toddlers were actually overweight, only four per cent (12 of the 276 toddlers) were deemed as too heavy by their mothers. Around 27 per cent of British children are now overweight, as per statistics.
    Weight gain that is rapid before two years of age is associated with a two to threefold increase in the risk of obesity later in life, according to experts. The researchers concluded that mothers need to understand normal child growth and detect if their children are having weight problems.

Feeling grumpy? Here’s how to deal with unexpected factors that can play havoc with your mood

Feeling grumpy?

Here’s how to deal with unexpected factors that can play havoc with your mood

    Everyone has bad days. But there are times when you seem to be in a bad mood for no apparent reason. Well, there are several factors that could be irritating you without you even realising what they are. Here are surprising things that can ruin your mood...
INTOLERANCE TO FOOD While physical symptoms of intolerance to food include nausea and abdominal pain, they can also affect your mood and cause you to be irritable. Other symptoms include mood swings, a short attention span, aggression, nervousness or even anxiety. You can find out if you’re intolerant to certain foods by maintaining a food diary — write down what you eat and how your mood is to see if you can establish a link.
CHOOSE THE
RIGHT COLOUR Colours are known to boost your mood, so try changing the decor of your home every couple of months. Studies say that red can make certain people irritable while yellow inspires happiness and blue helps you relax. Use colours to your benefit and accessorise rooms with colours that enhance your mood. The pictures/paintings you put up in your house also have a role to play. Experts suggest putting up pictures, which make you feel good or evoke positive memories. This will reduce stress and put you in a good mood.
GETTING A PROMOTION While a promotion might mean more money, it also means extra work and responsibility.
Researchers say that most employees reported an increase in stress rather than contentment at having got a job promotion.
NUTRIENT
DEFICIENCIES Depression is caused by several things. However, its symptoms are worsened by what you eat. If you are deficient in vitamins D and B (particularly B6, B12 and folate) or omega-3 fatty acids, it can actually lead to feelings of anxiety. Add foods with these nutrients in your diet.
HAVING LATE NIGHTS While lack of sleep can make you grumpy, researchers also say that the time you sleep also makes a difference. People who sleep late are almost three times more likely to suffer from depression than people who sleep early.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS Experts say that women who take birth control pills are twice as likely to be depressed than women who don’t. It is said that certain birth control medications
lead to mood swings, increased impatience and even lack of interest in sex. Ask your doctor to suggest an alternative.
SUNLIGHT Too much sunlight can cause insomnia, decreased appetite and even depression.
SMOKING While smoking causes various diseases, cigarettes also affect your mental health.
Studies say that people who smoke increase their risk of developing depression.
CERTAIN
FRIENDS While friends can boost your mood, they can also do the opposite. Moods can be contagious — and both positive and negative moods can be transferred, often without you even being aware about it. Recognise moods and make sure they don’t affect you.
LIGHT IN THE BEDROOM
    Are you among those who falls asleep, often, while watching TV or reading? If yes, you should know that this ruins your mood the next day. Studies have proved that nighttime light suppresses the production of melatonin — a mood-regulating hormone produced only when it is dark. So, ensure that you put off all lights at night and switch off the TV when you feel you’re dozing off.

Find out if you’re intolerant to certain foods

FRUIT FACTS Colourful Kiwi

FRUIT FACTS

Colourful Kiwi

    This brown hairy fruit is one of the most naturally available nutritious foods. Named after a flightless bird of the same name, the kiwi is also known by other names like ‘macaque peach’ and ‘chinese gooseberries’. And, did you know that it is the national fruit of China? Here are some health benefits of the kiwi bet you didn’t know:
    Perhaps, the biggest plus point this fruit is that it is abundant source of vitamin C. In fact, they contain twice the amount of vitamin C than that of oranges. This advantage is useful when it comes to boosting the immune system. Also, the abundance of vitamin C helps in fight against the damage of free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of developing cancer. Also, this reduces the signs of ageing through reducing wrinkles, and dark spots.
    It is said that kiwis promote respiratory health as well. This helps in reducing instances of coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, etc. Being a good source for dietary fibre, kiwis are great for reducing problems e constipation and
mprovng digestion. Kiwi fruit also contains a high level of serotonin, which is known as a happy hormone and reduces stress. Who would have thought that kiwis are good for impotence? Arginine, an amino acid is useful for treating impotence in men. Kiwis are great for cardiovascular health. Pectin found in kiwis are known to lower cholesterol. Also, deficiency of magnesium is associated with heart diseases and hypertension.
    Cartenoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidants found in kiwis help prevent oxidation of good cholesterol (HDLs).
    A naturally occurring sugar, inositol plays a factor in regulating diabetes.
    Kiwis are great for people who want to lose weight as it contains healthy fats, healthy sugars and is low in calories.
    If you want to improve eyesight, then you can turn to this fruit. The combination of vitamins A, C and E aid in maintaining a healthy eyesight and preventing the macular degeneration of the eyes.

Take things head on! Here are some simple tips to improve your self confidence

Take things head on!

Here are some simple tips to improve your self confidence

    Experts say that everyone should have a healthy amount of self-confidence. Here are simple steps that will go a long way in improving your self-esteem and boosting your self-confidence...
    List out your successes. Never tell yourself that you aren’t good at something. Everyone has certain unique qualities, you need to discover yours. Focus on your talents. It’s okay to feel proud about what you’re good at and to give yourself credit for your successes.
    Experts say that looking in the mirror and smiling at yourself is a good way to remind yourself how precious you are. Watching your own expressions encourages your brain to register certain emotions. So when you see the mirror, smile at yourself everyday — you will feel confident in the long run.
    When you exercise, you raise your adrenaline levels, which in turn makes you feel healthier and happier.
    Discard feelings of jealousy. Instead turn them into a healthy desire to achieve. Stop wanting what other people have simply because they have it. Instead, seek things because you want them, irrespective of whether someone else has them. Make a list of what you already have and be grateful for it. Read the list often to remind yourself of what you’re blessed with.
    Go in for a wardrobe overhaul — splurge a bit on new clothes, shoes and accessories or even go in for a stylish new haircut.
    Make it a habit to think and talk positively. Whenever something happens that makes you feel like you can’t do it or its difficult, stop and say that you will try and give it your best shot. Because until you don’t try, you never know what you’re capable of doing!
    Never dwell on your past or your limitations. Instead make an effort to improve and get better.
    Ensure that you surround yourself with people, who are positive and who don’t make you feel insecure or run you down.

Eat cheese to live longer Roquefort cheese is the secret as to why the French live longer

Eat cheese to live longer

Roquefort cheese is the secret as to why the French live longer

Anew research has revealed the secret to why the French enjoy good health — Roquefort cheese. According to researchers, eating Roquefort cheese could help guard against cardiovascular disease despite its high fat and salt content. They found that the French cheese, known for its mould and green veins, has specific anti-inflammatory properties. The findings could provide clues to the
‘French paradox’ and explain why people who live in the country enjoy good health despite favouring a diet high in saturated fat. Using new technology, the researchers found the properties worked their best when the cheese, one of the world’s oldest, ripened.
    The properties of the blue cheese, which is aged in caves in the south of France, near Toulouse, were found to work best in acidic environments of the body, such as the lining of the stomach or the skin surface. Acidification is also a common process accompanying inflammation such as in joints affected by arthritis or special plaque on an artery wall.
    French women enjoy the joint-longest life expectancy in Europe, at 85.3 years, against 82.3 years for British women. The group of doctors developed the technology, which helps to identify the new antiinflammatory factors. The team suggested the new properties could be extracted to help the fight against cardiovascular disease or in anti-ageing creams. The anti-inflammatory factors found in these cheeses could be extracted and used independently or as a part of today’s pharmaceutical or beauty products, said th researchers. Roquefort cheese, which is thought to have been first eaten in about 79 AD, is noted for its sharp, tangy, salty flavour and its rich, creamy texture.
    ANI

Reduce skin damage by 50%

Reduce skin damage by 50%

A vitamin D-like compound that can reduce the DNA damage that leads to skin cancer discovered

    Australian scientists have discovered a compound similar to vitamin D that cuts down the amount of photo-ageing via wrinkles and dark spots. Too much exposure to harsh sunrays results in photoageing. The study’s statistics show that this vitamin D-like compound can reduce DNA skin damage by 50%. The best part is that this formulae can be incorporated into sunscreen and after screen products.
    The study also found that globally, an increasing number of people aren’t getting sufficient sun exposure in order to produce substantial levels of vitamin D, increasing their risk of falling sick. Besides poor bone health, a deficiency of vitamin D can also linked to multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease and depression.
    Vitamin D is required to maintain strong bones by aiding the body to absorb calcium and is also important for muscle movement, the nervous system and the immune system. Therefore, health experts recommend exposing the arms for just about five to 10 minutes of sunlight during mid-morning or mid-afternoon. On the other hand, individuals with darker skin are recommended 15 to 60 mintues daily. The experts also advise more sun exposure during winters, anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes daily.

Eat these to prevent diabetes

Eat these to prevent diabetes

    Diabetes isn’t known as a silent killer just for kicks. The growing number of people falling prey to this metabolic disease has raised quite an alarm worldwide. Being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and consumption of high calorie, sugary and fatty foods are the reasons that give rise to this lifestyle ailment. Here’s a list of foods that help in preventing diabetes.
Turmeric
    Studies claim that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric may help delay if not prevent diabetes. There more research to be done in
order to determine the longterm effects of turmeric. However, early result show promise.
Strawberries
    Strawberries look and taste delicious. So there’s no reason why you should not eat them regularly. Scientists are of the opinion that consuming strawberries helps activate a protein in the body which reduces LDL cholesterol and blood lipids. Both these things play a factor in the development of diabetes. Also, scientists who conducted experiments on mice found that consuming strawberries is beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels.
Cheese and yogurt
    By this we mean low-fat cheese and yogurt. Experts believe that the healthy bacteria found in these fermented dairy products are responsible for this healthy beneficial side-effect.
Red wine Surprise surprise!
Resveratrol, a compound present in red wine helps in improving the function of blood sugar by regulating the hormone
insulin. However, there’s no reason to get sloshed. Drinking in moderation is the key.
Cinnamon
    Cinnamon has numerous health benefits. It helps in lowering fasting blood glucose. Also, it is known to lower triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity too. Sprinkle some powdered cinnamon in your coffee or toast.
Apples
    Anthocyanin, a compound is found in abundance in apples, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels.
Spinach
    Spinach is rich in many nutrients which makes it so healthy. A British study showed that consuming spinach daily cuts down the risk of diabetes by 14%.

Strawberries are known to lower blood glucose levels

MIND CONTROL Here are eight tips for cutting your chances of dementia later in life

MIND CONTROL

Here are eight tips for cutting your chances of dementia later in life

    With people living longer, the number of people suffering from dementia is expected to double in the next 30 years. There are two major types of dementia — Alzheimer’s disease, where parts of the brain waste away and vascular dementia, caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain. Sufferers experience symptoms such as memory loss and personality change. “In some cases, it’s genetic,” says health expert Dr Bob Lister. “Patients with either type of dementia often have parents who suffer from the same condition.”
    There is presently no cure for dementia. But research has uncovered ways we can all decrease our risk. “Whatever your genetics, there are techniques to reduce your chances of developing dementia,” says Dr Lister. “Lifestyle is the most important factor in determining if and when these conditions develop.”
DO AS THE JAPANESE DO Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. “Recent studies have found that nations such as Japan, with diets high in fish, have lower rates of the diseases in addition to longer life expectancies,” says Dr Bob Lister.
    Eat cold-water oily fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines, which are packed full of omega-3, or take a supplement like Boots Pharmaceuticals Omega 3 Fish Oil (60 capsules) — £12.49.
TAKE IT EASY If you’re struggling with stress, it might save your future health if you learn to manage it better. A 2010 study of around 1,500 Swedish women found that those who were more stressed in midlife were more likely to develop dementia later. “The findings highlighted the need for more research in this area,” says Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK. Other studies suggest depression can lead to dementia. If you’re struggling to cope with stress or are feeling down, you should speak to your GP.
GET BETTER SLEEP Getting plenty of shuteye is vital for the health of your brain. Disordered sleep patterns in mid to late life may affect the protein amyloid-beta, which has been
associated with
Alzheimer’s. “Studies have demonstrated an association between insomnia and the early onset of dementia,” according to Dr Lister.
CUT DOWN ON
BOOZE AND FAG According to research, drinking and smoking can bring forward the onset of Alzheimer’s by up to seven years. “Common habits that can kill off your brain cells include smoking and drinking too much,” Dr Lister says.
    Quitting smoking improves circulation in the brain almost straight away. “And when it comes to boozing, make sureyou remember your recommended daily limits — three to four units for men and two to three unitsfor women,” he adds.
Get out and socialise
Maintaining an active social life can help delay the onset of dementia. “Some scientists believe it may help strengthen the brain’s connections so that they’re more resilient to damage later in life,” says Dr Ridley. “Delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s has the potential to improve people’s quality of life and also helps them live independently for longer,” he says.
    If you enjoy socialising, get out and mix with other people more — it could help you live a healthier life.
    Daily Mirror
LIMIT JUNK FOOD According to Dr Lister, a well-balanced diet and a healthy weight are essential in the fight against dementia. Foods like wholegrains and lean meats, which are low in saturated fat, keep cholesterol and blood pressure low. A recent report linked blood sugar diabetes, caused by diets that are high in sugar, and Alzheimer’s disease. “There’s evidence that dietary factors can reduce or delay the onset of dementia,” says Dr Lister.
    So eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and swap chocolate bars for healthier snacks to lower the levels of sugar in your body.
SHARPEN UP YOUR MIND Mental exercise will strengthen the brain — studies have found solving puzzles can reduce dementia onset. Frequent mental activity creates connections between nerve cells in the brain, making them more resistant to deterioration. “Evidence suggests those with higher levels of education develop symptoms later in life,” says Jessica.
    Expand your mind by taking up an instrument or reading a good book.
KEEP YOURSELF ACTIVE Looking after your heart is the first step to protecting your brain. “It’s all about blood flow,” says Alzheimer specialist Jessica Smith. “The brain uses 20% of the oxygen in the blood pumped around your body.”
    Exercise is one way to take care of the heart and brain. But don’t worry about hitting the gym every day. Twenty minutes of any sort of cardiovascular exercise daily will really help improve your health.

Dragonflies have selective attention just like humans

Dragonflies have selective attention just like humans

MELBOURNE Researchers have discovered that dragonflies have brain cells for selective attention, a mechanism which has so far only been demonstrated in primates. Researchers at the University of Adelaide found the first evidence that dragonfly, an invertebrate animal, is capable of higher-level thought processes.
    Using a tiny glass probe with a tip that is only 60 nanometres wide – 1500 times smaller than the width of a human hair – the researchers Steven Wiederman and David O’Carroll have discovered neuron activity in the dragonfly’s brain that enables this selective attention.
    They found that when presented with more than one visual target, the dragonfly brain ‘locks on’ one target and behaves as if the other targets don’t exist.
    “Selective attention is fundamental to humans’ ability to select and respond to one sensory stimulus in the presence of distractions,” Wiederman said.
    “Imagine a tennis player having to pick out a small ball from the crowd when it’s travelling at almost 200kms an hour – you need selective attention in order to hit that ball back into play,” Wiederman said in a statement.
    “The dragonfly hunts for other insects, and these might be part of a swarm – they’re all tiny moving objects. Once the dragonfly has selected a target, its neuron activity filters out all other potential prey. The dragonfly then swoops in on its prey – they get it right 97 per cent of the time,” he added.
    Researchers believe this brain activity makes the dragonfly a more efficient and effective predator. AGENCIES

50 tests results from one drop of blood

50 tests results from one drop of blood

A device the size of a business card could allow healthcare providers to test for insulin, cholesterol, and even signs of viral infections all at the same time with one drop of blood

    Preliminary tests of the device dubbed V-chip, created by scientists at The Methodist Hospital Research Institute and MD Anderson Cancer Center,were published in the journal Nature Communications.
“The V-Chip could make it possible to bring tests to the bedside, remote areas, and other types of point-of-care needs,” said Nanomedicine faculty member Lidong Qin, the project's principal investigator.
“V-Chip is accurate, cheap, and portable. It requires only a drop of a sample, not a vial of blood, and can do 50 different tests in one go.”
    Similar assays are typically done using heavy, large, complex equipment such as mass spectrometers, or require fluoroscopy analysis, which must also be done in a lab.
    The V-chip, short for “volumetric barchart chip,” on the other hand, can be carried around in a pocket.
    It is composed of two thin pieces of glass, about 3-by-2-inches.
    In between are wells for four things: hydrogen peroxide, up to 50 different antibodies to specific proteins, DNA or RNA fragments, or lipids of interest, and the enzyme catalase, serum or other sample, and a dye – any dye will do.
    Initially, the wells are kept separate from each other. A shift in the glass plates brings the wells into contact, creating a contiguous, zig-zagged space from one end of the V-chip to the other. As the substance of interest – say, insulin – binds to antibodies bound to the glass slide, catalase is made active and splits nearby hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. This approach is called ELISA, or enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The oxygen pushes the dye up the column. The more present insulin is, the more oxygen is created, and the farther dye is pushed up the slide. Tests show that distance is more or less proportional to the amount of substrate present, in this example, insulin. The end result is a visual bar chart. Easy to read and accurate, Qin says, though development continues. “The sensitivity of the V-chip can be improved if narrower and longer bar channels are used,” Qin said. “Our next steps are to make the device more user friendly and be so simple to use, it barely needs instructions.”

VIDEO ABOUT THE DEVICE Visit the Web link:
http://bit.ly/UcB4mk
or Use a barcode scanner to watch the video

BIZARRE! Five-year-old boy eats papers, rocks and curtains

BIZARRE!

Five-year-old boy eats papers, rocks and curtains

    Zach Tahir has a rare eating disorder which leaves him craving food by texture rather than taste, and it means his mother Rachel cannot afford to leave any important documents in his reach. She said, “I’ve lost count of the important letters he has eaten that I thought I'd put out of the way. It's going to make a massive difference.” Zach, who is autistic, now has a ‘safe room” which he cannot chew. His new room will feature blinds instead of curtains. Rachel added, “I’m hoping it will be indestructible even when he is 18.”

Small changes in daily eating habits aid weight loss

Small changes in daily eating habits aid weight loss

    Arecent study has claimed that making small easy changes to eating habits on a consistent basis — 25 days or more per month — can lead to sustainable weight loss. But the challenge is to figure out which changes work for specific individuals and how to stick with changes long enough to make them second-nature.
    To explore this issue, researchers launched an online healthy eating and weight-loss programme that focused on simple eating behaviour changes, instead of dieting. Participants, after answering questions about their eating goals, background and well-being, were sent three customised tips to follow for a month. They could download a checklist to track their adherence to tips and receive email reminders to keep them on track. At the end of each month, they were expected to send in a follow-up survey. Of the 504 participants who completed at least one follow-up survey, over two-thirds (42%) either lost weight or maintained their weight (27%). Weight loss was highest among people who made changes consistently. According to the study, common barriers that prevented people from making changes included personally unsuitable tips, forgetting, being too busy, unusual circumstances such as vacations and emotional eating.
   
Keep counters clear of all foods but the healthy ones. Never eat directly from a package — always portion food out on to a dish. Eat something hot for breakfast within the first hour of waking up. Avoid going more than thee or four hours without having something to eat. Put down your utensils between bites to slow down your eating.

Running mistakes you probably didn’t know you made...

Running mistakes you probably didn’t know you made...     When you run, it’s obvious that you can’t see yourself. Unless, of course, you’re running next to a fulllength mirror. Therefore, it becomes difficult to see if your posture is correct. Have you suddenly started getting back pain? Are you running correctly? Here are five of the most common issues runners patients face... Asymmetrical running pattern This means landing harder on one side of the body than the other. It is one of the first things you need to recognise. Listen to the sound of your running. The sound can tell you a lot about the way you run. If you come down harder on your right side than the left, or vice versa, it could signal an inbuilt mechanical flaw of the running style, which can cause you pain. Inward knee collapse Many people often face the problem of knees, which collapse inward when they run. This is caused by weak gluteus muscles. Remember that when you run, your knees are supposed to stay in line with your hips. However, if your hip muscles are weak and don’t support your body weight, the weight will go to your knees and cause them to bow inward. To rectify this, you need to do exercises to build up the posterior gluteus medius and the gluteus maximus — two key muscles in your butt. Running on your fore-foot although you’re a rear-foot runner Are you a rear-foot runner or a fore-front runner? Rear-foot runners strike down harder on the rear part of the feet, while forefoot runners strike down harder on the front part of their feet. While neither running style is better than the other, the impact forces may be different between the two running styles. Rear-foot runners usually tend to have a higher amount of force exerted on their feet when they run as compared to forefoot runners. The problem with forefoot running sometimes is that many people don’t have strong enough feet to support their weight. So, if you’re planning to change to forefoot or barefoot running, make the progression gradually so that you can increase the strength of your foot. Over-swinging Do you swing your arms wildly when you run/ jog? Over-swinging your arms can cause you back pain when you run. These movements in the long term can contribute to stress on your back. Even over-striding, which happens when the steps you take are too big for your body size, can cause excessive rotation since the pelvis and spine move in one direction more than the other. When you run, swinging one arm further back than the other also leads to back pain. Wear the right-size shoes Wearing shoes that aren’t appropriate for your foot type can spell doom for your back, hips and knee. If you can’t go in for custommade shoes, opt for special running shoes. Wearing the right shoes is important if you don’t want to injure yourself

Treat your chicken the right way

Treat your chicken the right way

The key to your family’s good health lies in how you wash, cut and cook your poultry

    Arecent report from Australia’s Food Safety Information Council’s chairman, Dr Michael Eyles, surprised many when it cautioned home cooks against washing chicken before cooking. Researchers pointed out that washing chicken puts you at a higher risk of food poisoning due to cross contamination as it leads to spreading of bacteria around the kitchen. Instead, doctors advised mopping up excess moisture with a paper towel. “Cooking poultry right through kills these bacteria, making it safe,” Dr Eyles said in the report. We thought why not venture out and find out if there’s more to cooking chicken the right way, and there were quite a few eye openers.
If you really have to wash your chicken Most home cooks in India don’t pick up frozen or packaged chicken, but order for fresh poultry. In this case, washing off all the gore becomes necessary. Make sure that you don’t have a cluttered counter to minimise contamination on clean utensils or food while you wash the raw chicken. Once you are done, transfer the chicken in a pan, wash your hands thoroughly, and wipe down your counter with hot soapy water.
Use a wooden cutting board A quick hand wash is all that’s needed in case of a wooden cutting board. But if you place raw meats on a plastic cutting board, it needs to be sanitised.
You can’t refrigerate forever You’ll be forced to toss out your chicken in the bin if it’s in the fridge for more than two days, as home fridges are warmer than the ones in stores. Deep freezing your chicken for longer is okay though.
Thaw it right Researchers suggest defrosting frozen poultry right through to the centre in the fridge or microwave in a sealed container before cooking. If you keep it out, bacteria are sure to have a field day multiplying.
Chicken fat is good Most home cooks snip every bit of fat off the chicken. However, chicken fat could be good for you. Firstly, poultry fat is low in polyunsaturated fatty acids, thus more stable than other fats at higher heat. And it’s high in palmitoleic acid, an immune booster, and a source of oleic acid, which is good cholesterol.
MUST DOS Always wash and dry hands and clean surfaces after contact with raw poultry Be careful not to let raw poultry juices contaminate other foods, especially desserts or salads, which won’t be cooked again Don’t place cooked food back on the same plate or cutting board that previously held raw poultry

Safe to take up the baby yoga trend?

Safe to take up the baby yoga trend?

In a new exercise fad, mothers are practising yoga with their infants as young as a month to a year old

    It’s making quite a splash abroad — yoga studios that have infant classes, where mothers get into yoga poses with their little ones. The idea? The exercise is aimed at improving tots’ bodily functions. It features warm-up sessions, stretches, postures and more so as to tone up the muscles and make sure the body gets relaxed too. It’s not the regular class, that adults have, of course. Considering the age of the infants, a typical session is just 10-15 minutes for three to six-month-olds going upto half an hour for older kids.
    Says an expert, “This is a new way for moms to bond with their babies. Mild forms of exercise like this could stimulate his or her digestive system. It is said to also help a child to sleep well at night. But, one has to be very careful while doing such an exercise. It must be done under supervision and must not exceed limits. Swinging a child around which was reported to happen as part of this yoga, is very alarming and can be extremely dangerous. Some classes might come up only for publicity so one must take of these fads that come up.”
    Ismat Tahseen
OTHER EXERCISES A BABY CAN BENEFIT FROM: KNEE BENDS Gently press your baby’s knees to his tummy, then straighten them and repeat. Do not force the rhythm.
REACHING FOR YOUR FINGER When your baby is on his or her back, offer your two index fingers. When he grabs them, slowly lift your hands a little higher. In trying to reach for them he will stretch too.
DOING THE BICYCLE MOVEMENT While the baby is on the back, hold his lower legs and gently move his leg towards his chest in a cycling movement. Do this with the other leg too. Stop and repeat.

Baby yoga is said to have asanas that aid an infant’s digestive system

Is your job putting dangerous demands on your health?

Is your job putting dangerous demands on your health?

Almost a quarter of office workers have been living with aches and pains for up to two years, says a new study

    We all know work can sometimes be a pain in the neck. But what if your job caused you actual pain, illness or psychological distress? Almost a quarter of office goers have been living with aches and pains for up to two years, according to a recent report. From obesity to “office knee” and chronic headaches, our working life can cause a whole host of conditions that have a huge impact on our health. Our working life can not only cause health problems — it can also exacerbate ones we already have.
    Health expert Dr Richard Heron explains, “It’s often difficult to differentiate the mix of personal, home and work health issues. Someone may have a preexisting condition and they may also have issues in the workplace. It’s often the combination of these that is ultimately what leads to them becoming ill.” Here’s how to prevent and manage common health problems caused by the stresses and strains of the daily grind.
    Daily Mirror

ACTIVE WORK HEALTH PROBLEMS
Common ailments:
Lower back pain, joint injuries, arthritis, arm pain.
    If your job involves a regular amount of activity such as bending, lifting, stretching and pushing, the good news is this that gives you an excellent chance to take proper charge of your physical health. Sophie Gask, an independent occupational health adviser, says, “An active job where you’re moving around is the healthiest job you can have. But after the age of 50, many employees with active jobs, such as cleaners and bin men, start to feel wear and tear.”
    Whatever our age, jobs that involve movement can sometimes contribute to musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back pain, joint injuries, muscular aches and strains and nonspecific arm pain — a term used to describe pain in the fingers, wrists, forearms neck and shoulders.
How to stay healthy
    Rotate repetitive activities and remember to take your rest periods. Also try taking regular ‘micro-breaks’.
    Adopt neutral work postures whenever you can — always stand upright, maintain the natural curves of your back, keep your arms close to your body and keep your feet hip-distance apart.
    Avoid working in awkward or uncomfortable positions, e.g. working with arms away from your body or with your back bent and twisted.
    Check your posture is good, with your spine, shoulder and hip joints in correct alignment.
    Shockabsorbent shoes are a good idea if you’re on your feet all day.

SEDENTARY WORK HEALTH PROBLEMS
Common ailments:
Lower back pain, joint injuries, arthritis, arm pain.
    Office workers often spend hours sitting still and carrying out repetitive tasks. The human body isn’t designed for this — we’re supposed to be moving around.
    Common causes of sickness absence include musculoskeletal conditions such as lower back pain and “ wo rk - re l eva n t upper limb disorders” such as nonspecific arm pain. Also, office knee is a growing problem, partly due to the rise of the internet and being stuck at a desk all day long.
    Sammy Margo, a spokeswoman a p hy s i o t h e r apy organisation, says, “I have seen a huge surge in the number of people with knee pain and it is down to the sedentary lifestyle we now lead. It is very much people with deskbased jobs — and some of them have been working for 10 to 20 years in these roles.”
    An American study found that staring at the computer for hours rather than having an active job means we are burning 120 to 140 fewer calories a day than 50 years ago.
How to stay healthy
    Rotate your tasks. Alternate computer and telephone use or, even better, go and speak to someone in person.
    Maintain good posture at your computer — don’t slump and slouch. Keep shoulders down, back straight and don’t lean your head forward. And resist crossing your legs.
    Make sure you get out of the office every day for some fresh air. Take quick breaks at least every hour, even if it is just to run up and down the stairs.

STRESS-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Common ailments:
Panic attacks, psychological anxiety, physical tension, depression, insomnia and migraines.
    Stress-related conditions can often come about after changes at work. This could be, for example, the threat of redundancy, high performance expectations or even a workload that you struggle to manage. Sophie Gask says: “As people get older, changes in technology and having to constantly learn new things can be challenging, leading to added stress. Conditions such as insomnia, panic attacks, depression and anxiety can be the result of too much work stress.”
    Studies have shown a fifth of people in suffer with work-related stress, with half a million people reporting that they have become ill as a result. Dr Heron says the problem starts small, but gets worse. He adds, “Initially, stress causes people to be more irritable or just behave unusually. Further along, they can develop severe anxiety and become panicky about work situations, which can end with them being off work for long periods with depression.”
How to stay healthy
    Think about whether your responses are realistic. A lot of stress comes from people’s perception of a situation, but these feelings may actually turn out to be unfounded.
    Work on communication with line managers and colleagues. Often, stress can come from misunderstandings.
    Ask for a weekly one-to-one with your line manager to talk through concerns. After that, try and plan your workload with them.

Now reduce high BP through kidney therapy

Now reduce high BP through kidney therapy A simple procedure that involves exposing the kidneys to radio waves can cure raised blood pressure, especially among hypertension patients     Astudy conducted in Australia has shown that a new procedure can significantly reduce raised blood pressure. This quick and relatively painless procedure sees a catheter inserted into a vein, which then uses a short burst of radio waves to deactivate nerves in the kidneys. The researchers believe that this increases blood flow to the organs, reducing activity of the hormone renin, which has a link with raised blood pressure.     This procedure of exposing the kidneys to radio waves shows that it is safe and effective in lowering blood pressure after implementing the treatment for a year, and poses no threat to the functioning of the kidneys and the heart. When an individual’s blood pressure is higher than 140 over 90, it is termed as hypertension, and it is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Many drug treatments are available to bring high blood pressure under control, but many people who undertake such medication unfortunately are still not able to get it under control.     Professor Murray Esler in Melbourne, Australia, has shown that these patients can be helped with a zap to the kidneys. “Studies will soon determine whether this procedure can cure mild hypertension, producing permanent drug-free normalisation of blood pressure,” he said. The procedure, which is minimally invasive, is known as c at h e t e r- b a s e d renal denervation. It involves the use of a probe passed through the femoral artery in the groin to fire short bursts of intense radio waves at nerves around the kidneys.     The aim of this procedure is to basically destroy nerves that may be overactive in patients with hypertension. The researchers studied 82 patients with d r u g - re s i s t a n t hypertension, who took part in the Symplicity HTN-2 trial. All the patients had blood pressure readings of 160 or higher and had taken three or more antihypertension drugs, while some had other conditions, including diabetes.     After treating the patients for six months with this procedure, systolic blood pressure was reduced by at least 10 millimetres of mercury in 83 per cent of one group of patients. Almost 79% of the same group was able to maintain such reductions for a year. “Participants’ kidneys were not damaged or functionally impaired. We also found no ill effects on long-term health,” Professor Esler said.

Soothe your eyes

Soothe your eyes

Using the computer or laptop for long is bound to cause eye strain. Here’s how to deal with it

   Spending umpteen hours in front of a laptop or PC is bound to cause eye strain, sooner or later. So, does your vision get blurry after working on the computer for a few hours? Do you suffer from frequent headaches while working? Are you having trouble reading street signs? If yes, there’s no doubt your eyes are getting strained. Read on to find out how to combat the problem. 

Increase eye flexibility Whenever your eyes are tired or the edges of your vision blur, do a couple of eye flexibility exercises. Move your eyes up and down and from side to side in an open space. Move your eyes slowly, as if you are making an ‘8’. Gently massage the areas around your eyes to relax the muscles. 

Take a break Looking at the computer continuously is bad. You need to take breaks in between, even if it means keeping a reminder on your phone. Go for a short walk around the office. If you can’t, look out of the window and do some flexibility and strength exercises. 

Get some light Go out in the sun (not in the scorching heat, but warm sunlight), close your eyes and slowly turn your head from side to side with the sun shining on your face. It is relaxing. 

E ye - s t re n g t h e n i n g exercises These require practice and gradually, they will reduce the blurring. Begin by holding your thumb a few inches in front of you. Focus first on your thumb and then on something that’s at a distance of 20 feet. Focussing your eyes simultaneously on short and long-distance objects strengthens them. Also, blink rapidly when your eyes are weary. This helps the muscles relax and also reduces blurred vision. 

Adjust screen settings Decrease the brightness of your computer screen and increase the font size. The longer we spend on devices, the more our eyes get strained. Do not neglect your eye problems for long.

Decrease the brightness of your computer screen and increase the font size

Soothe your eyes

Using the computer or laptop for long is bound to cause eye strain. Here’s how to deal with it

    Spending umpteen hours in front of a laptop or PC is bound to cause eye strain, sooner or later. So, does your vision get blurry after working on the computer for a few hours? Do you suffer from frequent headaches while working? Are you having trouble reading street signs? If yes, there’s no doubt your eyes are getting strained. Read on to find out how to combat the problem.
Increase eye flexibility Whenever your eyes are tired or the edges of your vision blur, do a couple of eye flexibility exercises. Move your eyes up and down and from side to side in an open space. Move your eyes slowly, as if you are making an ‘8’. Gently massage the areas around your eyes to relax the muscles.
Take a break Looking at the computer continuously is bad. You need to take breaks in between, even if it means keeping a reminder on your phone. Go for a short walk around the office. If you can’t, look out of the window and do some flexibility and strength exercises.
Get some light Go out in the sun (not in the scorching heat, but warm sunlight), close your eyes and slowly turn your head from side to side with the sun shining on your face. It is relaxing.
E ye - s t re n g t h e n i n g exercises These require practice and gradually, they will reduce the blurring. Begin by holding your thumb a few inches in front of you. Focus first on your thumb and then on something that’s at a distance of 20 feet. Focussing your eyes simultaneously on short and long-distance objects strengthens them. Also, blink rapidly when your eyes are weary. This helps the muscles relax and also reduces blurred vision.
Adjust screen settings Decrease the brightness of your computer screen and increase the font size. The longer we spend on devices, the more our eyes get strained. Do not neglect your eye problems for long.

Decrease the brightness of your computer screen and increase the font size

Soothe your eyes

Using the computer or laptop for long is bound to cause eye strain. Here’s how to deal with it

    Spending umpteen hours in front of a laptop or PC is bound to cause eye strain, sooner or later. So, does your vision get blurry after working on the computer for a few hours? Do you suffer from frequent headaches while working? Are you having trouble reading street signs? If yes, there’s no doubt your eyes are getting strained. Read on to find out how to combat the problem.
Increase eye flexibility Whenever your eyes are tired or the edges of your vision blur, do a couple of eye flexibility exercises. Move your eyes up and down and from side to side in an open space. Move your eyes slowly, as if you are making an ‘8’. Gently massage the areas around your eyes to relax the muscles.
Take a break Looking at the computer continuously is bad. You need to take breaks in between, even if it means keeping a reminder on your phone. Go for a short walk around the office. If you can’t, look out of the window and do some flexibility and strength exercises.
Get some light Go out in the sun (not in the scorching heat, but warm sunlight), close your eyes and slowly turn your head from side to side with the sun shining on your face. It is relaxing.
E ye - s t re n g t h e n i n g exercises These require practice and gradually, they will reduce the blurring. Begin by holding your thumb a few inches in front of you. Focus first on your thumb and then on something that’s at a distance of 20 feet. Focussing your eyes simultaneously on short and long-distance objects strengthens them. Also, blink rapidly when your eyes are weary. This helps the muscles relax and also reduces blurred vision.
Adjust screen settings Decrease the brightness of your computer screen and increase the font size. The longer we spend on devices, the more our eyes get strained. Do not neglect your eye problems for long.

Decrease the brightness of your computer screen and increase the font size

It’s official: Sex addiction to soon become a mental health condition

It’s official: Sex addiction to soon become a mental health condition

Experts have come out with a set of criteria to define hypersexual disorder

    Sex addiction will no longer be a loosely used term. A team of experts from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have now tested a proposed set of criteria to define hypersexual disorder — more popularly known as sex addiction — as a new mental health condition.
    Senior sex therapist and counsellor Dr (Prof.) Rajan Bhonsle defines addiction as a compulsive ‘preoccupation’ with any activity. “When any obsession starts affecting major aspects of a person’s life and relationships, it is classified as an addiction. Sexual addiction, therefore, implies an inability to control one’s sexual behaviour despite its negative consequences. It leaves a person dysfunctional in all other areas of life such as study, work, relationships, social obligations, family life and personal health and hygiene. Some people have a higher libido. As long as it doesn’t make them dysfunctional in any aspect of their life, it is not an addiction. But if they have conflicts over it, or worse, are doing things on the sly, then it is a case of sex addiction,” says Dr Bhonsle.
    Adds clinical psychologist Seema Hingorrany, “Sex addiction is when a person has a markedly increased amount of sex to feel sexually fulfilled. He/she also shows a persistent desire to spend abnormal amounts of time fulfilling sexual cravings. This obsession, or intense desire for sex, increases each day and a person struggles to cut down or control his behaviour in spite of the damage it causes .”
DIAGNOSIS Diagnosis is made by a trained and experienced therapist, purely on the basis of a patient’s detailed case history, which is compiled after talking to the person and/or his close relatives and friends. “There are no tests to diagnose sex addiction. It is as prevalent in India as it is in the West or any other part of the world,” says Dr Bhonsle.
TREATMENT Counselling and psychotherapy (multimodal approach) should be done by a trained therapist. “The multimodal approach, which includes the Robert Carkhuff model of counselling, a combination of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), has been found effective. Pharmacotherapy is advised for primary or secondary emotional problems while family therapy studies and manages the stress factors at home. It also involves close family members in the therapy,”says Dr Bhonsle.
“For successful treatment, it is important that the therapist is fully trained. Eye movement
desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help those who have been sexually abused and have developed the disorder because of that trauma,” explains Hingorrany.
BEING SUPPORTIVE Family support is an important part of the treatment plan. “A psychologist explains to the patient’s spouse how sex addiction is a treatable disorder of the mind. Patience and support from the spouse really helps,

SYMPTOMS
Compulsive masturbation (self-stimulation) Excessive thoughts about sex Multiple affairs (extra-marital affairs) Multiple or anonymous sexual partners and/or one-night stands Persistent use of pornography Unsafe sex Phone or computer sex (cybersex) Indulging in prostitution or visiting prostitutes Obsessive dating through personal ads Voyeurism and/or stalking Sexual harassment, molestation and rape (in extreme cases)

Why peanut butter is good for you Not only is it filling and healthy, it is also great if you’re trying to lose weight

Why peanut butter is good for you

Not only is it filling and healthy, it is also great if you’re trying to lose weight 

    If you thought that peanut butter sandwiches were only for kids, here’s something you should know. Peanut butter has several health benefits — it has the enviable combination of fibre and protein, which makes it filling. This makes you feel full longer, so you end up eating less overall. It is also packed with nutrition because a serving of peanut butter has 3 mg of the powerful antioxidant vitamin E, 49 mg of bone-building mag-Thinkstock
nesium, 208 mg of musclefriendly potassium, and 0.17 mg of immunity-boosting vitamin B6. Studies have also shown that having peanuts can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other types of chronic health conditions. One study even found that consuming one ounce of nuts or two tablespoons of peanut butter about five times a week can lower the risk of developing diabetes by a whopping 30%.
    Peanut butter is also high with monounsaturated fat, which is good for the heart. Researchers say that insulin-resistant
adults who ate a diet high in monounsaturated fat had less belly fat than people who ate more carbohydrates or saturated fat. Peanuts contain high concentrations of poly-phenolic antioxidants, which reduce the risk of stomach cancer by reducing the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. They are also an excellent source of resveratrol, an antioxidant, which has protective function against cancers, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and viral/ fungal infections.

Peanut butter has several health benefits

 

HEAL WITH HOMEOPATHY Survey shows success in hair loss treatment

HEAL WITH HOMEOPATHY

Survey shows success in hair loss treatment

    Twenty-eight-year-old Sunita (name changed) first visited our clinic, looking for what our 700,000 hair patients regard as the ‘most preferred’ and scientifically ‘proven’ solution for alopecia areata — or, bald spots on the scalp. It was not Sunita who spotted her first bald spots; it was her hairdresser. Sunita could not believe when she heard it. She thought, “Oh, God, am I going to lose all my hair?” She quickly consulted a local doctor who referred her to us. Sunita reported that she experienced recurrent joint pains with migraine. She also spoke of having a stressful job and feeling awfully depressed. Although she described herself as a confident and optimistic individual, she confided that she would often brood over small things. For someone who kept her feelings under wraps, it was apparent that her suppressed emotions were likely the cause of her health problems, including hair fall.
    We prescribed Sunita the homeopathic remedy, Fluoric Acid, which corresponded with her personality, presenting symptoms and hair loss. In a span of four to five months, tiny, new hair strands started filling up her bald. Her other health problems, too, reduced. Six months later, her world changed. In her words, “I am happy that I opted for treatment at Dr Batra’s and saved myself from the frightful prospect of going embarrassingly bald.”
    A recent study, conducted at Dr Batra’s on 190,000 patients taking treatment for hair loss, showed ‘improvement’ in 94.1% of cases; ‘no change’ in 4.3% of cases; and, ‘not better, in spite of treatment’ in 1.6% of cases. These figures are in agreement with authenticated survey results, published by reputed external sources, such as A C Nielsen and American Quality Assessors.
Call: 022 - 6678 9899, Toll-Free: 1800-3001 Sms: DB to 09757070707 Log on www.drbatras.com Suggested remedies are indicative. To be taken under competent medical supervision only

Dr Mukesh Batra

Skin hangovers on the rise in party season

Skin hangovers on the rise in party season

    Skin hangovers come as part of the package in the party season. Binging and sleeping at odd hours definitely has a downside especially on the skin. With Mumbai partying as it is, it isn’t just the city’s late-twenties crowd that look for respite from post-party rash and acne and other skin toxin issues... in some cases, even 15-yearolds go for quick fixes.
SKIN RESCUES “Suddenly everyone wants a skin rescue,” affirms a Mumbai cosmetologist, “There has been almost a 100% increase in those who suffer from acne, spots, rashes — all visible symptoms of post-party skin. Huge alcohol intake, greasy food, and constant makeup lead to a toxic buildup. And instead of altering their regimen, people just demand a quick way out.”
    A skin expert reveals that high heel rescues are in demand as well. “The therapy is for aching feet, tired legs, ankles and calves due to wearing heels all the time. Also popular is the detox envelopment that helps disperse energy-sapping toxins.”
VITAMIN ‘JABS’ UNSAFE While pop singer Geri Halliwell started off the trend of vitamin injections to keep energy levels high, the practice has already found its way to Mumbai. But experts are denouncing the ‘jabs’, with the British Nutrition Foundation calling the fad “extreme and dangerous”. A city dermatologist says, “Everyone is asking for these multivitamin and hyaluronic jabs; they look at intradermal vitamins as a kind of cureall. The refrain is, ‘I want a picture perfect’ look. It acts as a quick-fix glow and we warn people that it’s a bad idea as it can give viral infection, but they are adamant. They don’t want to opt for a non-toxic, balanced diet and stop partying. The situation is set to turn worse.”
HOW MUCH ‘PARTY FIXES’ COST Vitamin jabs 5,000- 10,000 per session High heel rescue 2,500 plus taxes Lymphatic drainage facial 3,500 plus taxes Detox envelopment 4,500 plus taxes

‘Docs kept dead man in ICU as cover-up’

‘Docs kept dead man in ICU as cover-up’  In a twist to a negligence case at the state-run St George Hospital where a patient died on Saturday, preliminary findings show that junior doctors kept the deceased in the ICU for two hours to cover up for their laxity. An inquiry by a three-member committee is yet to be completed.     The panel is investigating the “mysterious” death of Bhiku Tambe (65), who had been undergoing treatment at St George Hospital since December 4 for breathlessness. On Saturday, he was taken to GT Hospital for a pulmonary CT angiography; a little over an hour of going through the examination, Tambe collapsed at the hospital’s casualty ward. Around 3.50pm, doctors in the ward declared him dead and it was confirmed by an ECG test later.     But St George doctors, who barged into GT Hospital soon after hearing the death news, took Tambe’s body back to their hospital, said doctors from GT. Moreover, junior doctors allegedly used an ambu bag—a resuscitator used for patients who have difficulty in breathing—despite knowing the patient had already died, the doctors added. A senior doctor from St George confirmed that Tambe was taken to St George’s ICU and put on ventilator for two hours. “After two hours, the doctors informed Tambe’s relatives that he had died. They broke the news to the relatives around 6.50pm when he had actually died at 3.50pm,” said the doctor.     St George’s medical superintendent Dr D R Kulkarni said he would comment only after the inquiry was over.     The four who have come under the scanner of the inquiry committee are a chief, senior and junior resident doctors and a lecturer. The inquiry indicated that none of the senior doctors or administrators from either hospital was informed of the sequence of events.     The committee members are now listing the carelessness on the part of the doctors, the first being that none of them accompanied the patient who had a serious lung condition and a weak heart and was at the risk of collapsing during or after a CT scan. No one arranged for an ambulance though it was mandatory under government norms, said a source. Staffers at the imaging centre told the committee that Tambe was made to wait outside for over 30 minutes to check for any reactions. “We sent him away when he said he was feeling fine. The patient himself hailed a taxi to return to St George Hospital but returned half-way when he felt unwell,” an official from the imaging centre told TOI. This was corroborated by GT Hospital doctors. The doctors even handed over Tambe’s body to the family without conducting post-mortem, which is compulsory in a medico-legal case.     Since according to the initial rumours, Tambe had died of an infection caused by the dye used for CT scans, an FDA team on Monday collected samples of the dye. They have also taken samples of an injection given to Tambe.

No hurry to lose baby weight: Barrymore

 No hurry to lose baby weight: Barrymore

    Drew Barrymore has admitted that she gained “about 40 pounds” (18 kilos) during her pregnancy, as she was constantly craving cheeseburgers and ice cream, but insisted that she won’t throw herself into a vigorous fitness plan to lose it as she doesn’t want to waste her time. The Charlie’s Angels star said she would rather spend all her spare time with her baby daughter Olive than worry about regaining her pre-baby body.
“My new motto is: Impossible expectations are impossible. Look, with my luck, I will starve myself, work out and then the next day get hit by a bus. And think, ‘Why did I waste my time doing that?’ I’m the last person anyone should look at for workout tips. I don’t have them. I don’t care,” a website quoted her as telling a magazine. But the actress reveals keeping the tot entertained is helping her stay active. “Her first smiles (of the day) are just the greatest. I’ll jump up and down and dance and sing as much as it takes to get those smiles,” she was quoted as saying by a website.
    ANI

Drew Barrymore

Holistic health for beauty queens

Holistic health for beauty queens    Counted among the foremost yoga experts in Mumbai, Cosmic Fusion’s founder members Payal Gidwani Tiwari and Manish Tiwari say that they are glad to be a part of the Pond’s Femina Miss India beauty pageant, as it enters its 50th year.     The duo are on board as the fitness experts of the Miss India 2013 pageant and will be guiding and training the finalists to achieve the perfect body with the help of yoga and distinguished fitness regimes. “We are looking forward to train the winners and help them get the desired shape for the finale. We will also be guiding them to develop a holistic body and soul for the international pageants,” they say.     The couple, who run the Cosmic Fusion Yoga Wellness Studio, are consulted by the who’s who of the glamour industry like Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Farhan Akhtar, among others. Kareena, in fact, credits Payal as the person who “has helped me challenge my genes and transform my body.” Sridevi also has words of praise. “Payal’s form of yoga neither strains nor exhausts your body and mind. I am so satisfied that I have even introduced my children to yoga,” she says. Manish Tiwari with Payal Gidwani Tiwari

Guavas are good for you

Preventing cataracts

Protect the eyes from the potential side effects of certain medications. Prolonged use of steroids, tranquilizers, and psoriasis medication may cause cataracts when taken in large doses over a long period of time.

Those suffering from diabetes should keep their blood sugar under control. This is because diabetics tend to develop cataracts faster and at an earlier age than other adults.

Protect your eyes from ultraviolet sun rays as these rays speed up the development of cataracts. Whenever out in the sun, wear sunglasses.

udies have shown that antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene slow the development of cataracts. Make sure your body doesn't lack any of these vitamins and if it does, take supplements.

If there is uncontrolled diabetes, injury to the eye, or visual symptoms of decreased reading vision, consult an ophthalmologist to evaluate the problem to help restore sight and prevent blindness.

Foods like butter, oils (except olive oil) and salt, and increased fat consumption in general has been associated with a higher risk of developing cataracts. So, avoid using or limit the intake of such foods.

A diet rich in spinach, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli), tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruits and melons help prevent cataracts.

Avoid exposure to heavy metals, particularly cadmium, copper, lead, iron and nickel as they may also increase cataract formation as these metals have been found in cataractous lenses.

Cataracts that occur due to the ageing process cannot be prevented as the ageing process itself cannot be prevented.