Health Tips » Prevention

What are different home remedies for stretch marks?

ashish — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:00:20 +0000

- Stretch marks are developed mostly during pregnancy.
- They look like reddish lines across the body.
- With time they will turn white.
- Once the stretch mark develop they will stay with you forever.
- With time they will be less noticeable.
- The only way to avoid stretch marks is preventing them.

Home remedies for Stretch Marks
- It is very important to exercise in order to get rid of stretch marks.
- Toning your muscles helps your skin to firm which prevents stretch marks.
- Your diet should have plenty of protein and foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, they promote good tissue growth.
- Massaging your body with olive oil or Vitamin E.
- Apply a mixture of one ounce of carrier oil (try avocado, sweet almond, and jojoba) with seven drops of lavender and five drops of chamomile.
- Apply cocoa butter and/ or elastin cream though out the body as directed on label.

Some good home remedies are:

1. Ingredient list:
- 1/2 cup virgin olive oil.
- 1/4 cup aloe Vera gel.
- Liquid from 6 capsules of Vitamin E.
- Liquid from 4 capsules of Vitamin A.

Procedure
- Mix all the ingredients together in a blender.
- After that pour the mixture into a jar and store it in the fridge.
- Apply the oil externally all over the places where the stretch marks commonly appear (abdomen, hips, thighs and breasts).
- If you do this consistently every day, you may prevent stretch marks.

2. Ingredient list:
- Sugar,
- Coffee grins,
- Bi card soda,
- Fresh Aloe vera plant,
- Argan oil,
- Vitamin E oil,
- Emu oil,
- Vitamin C powder
- Cocoa butter
- Pure Oils

Procedure
- Mix together coffee, sugar, bi-carb, aloe Vera and enough water to make a paste.
- Massage onto areas and leave for 10-15 mins.
- Wash off in shower.
- Mix SMALL amounts( as a little goes along way!) of Argan oil, Vitamin E oil, Emu oil, Cocoa butter and Vitamin C powder into a consistent liquid then use as a mosturiser.
- Do both steps daily for two weeks.

3. Ingredient list
- 1/2 a cup of baking soda
- 1/4 a cup of water
- a little bit of cocoa butter with shea
- & vitamin E oil

Procedure
- Mix it all up.
- Leave it on the stomach for 30 minutes.
- Do this for a month.

Homemade stretch mark creams
Ingredient list
- 1/2 cup cocoa butter
- 1 Tablespoon wheat germ oil
- 1 Teaspoon apricot kernel oil
- 1 Teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- 2 Teaspoon grated beeswax

Procedure
- Heat mixture until beeswax is just melted.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Apply this cream to your stretch marks until desired results are achieved.

Homemade massage oil
Ingredient list
- 1/2 cup olive oil.
- 1/4 cup aloe Vera gel.
- 4 capsules Vitamin E (remove liquid from capsule and discard casing).
- 2 capsules Vitamin A liquid.

Procedure
- Blend ingredients together.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Apply.

Various Health Benefits of Saffron Spice….

ashish — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:44:28 +0000

Saffron is indeed a very special and a precious spice which has numerous health benefits too and is termed as golden spice. Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus. They are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron is one of the most expensive spices. Its golden-orange color comes from the carotenoids.
The saffron crocus grows from five to nine inches tall, with long thin leaves and lilac colored flowers. Saffron threads were traditionally used to dye cloth as a yellowish-orange color for the yellow-red color of robes for Hindu and Buddhist monks in India, Tibet and China. Powdered saffron is considerably stronger than saffron threads, but the powdered variety is frequently adulterated, so purists stick to the threads.
The carotenoids have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes as well as some types of cancer.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAFFRON

- Saffron has medicinal applications like
healing menstrual pain.
menopausal problems.
depression.
chronic diarrhea.
neuralgia.
treats inflammation.
treat high blood pressure.
Saffron has long been considered an aphrodisiac.
- Studies show that saffron can prevent cancer. Its anti-cancer properties come from a certain carotenoid called crocetin that’s abundant in saffron and has strong anti-oxidant properties.
- Saffron improves your memory and is good for the brain.
- Saffron is used in suji halwa, and kheer. Apart from adding a pleasing color,it also makes the dessert nutritious.
- Saffron tea is used to treat mild to severe abdominal pain and upset stomach.
- Saffron tea has been used to induce vomiting and coughing in order to cause stomach, throat or chest relief.
- Studies have shown that saffron tea is used to treat a number of other maladies, including asthma, coughing, dry skin, shock, gas, heartburn, insomnia and premature ejaculation.
- Compounds in saffron may also have some effects on lowering cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Saffron is also rich in many vital vitamins including vitamin A, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health.

Some strategies to power up your ability to recall and retain important stuff.

ashish — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:42:27 +0000

TAKE FORTY WINKS

Sleeping is a great way to improve memory performance. it improves the brain’s ability to take in and remember new information. Sleep plays an important and key role in the consolidation of information in a long-term memory storage as well, so that information can be retrieved later on.

EAT BEANS AND GREENS

Both are loaded with magnesium, a mineral that helps regulate a key brain receptor important for learning and memory. Beans and greens shows significant gains in short and long term memory, working memory, and ability to learn. The magnesium supplement increases and strengthens the connections among brain cells. Get your daily allowance of magnesium naturally from dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

MOVE YOUR EYES

moving your eyes from left to right for approximately 30 seconds before learning information can improve recall by 10 percent. Although the underlying reason for improved memory following side-to-side eye movements is unknown, some believe the horizontal movement strengthens memory by engaging both the right and left brain hemispheres in memory tasks.

FOCUS, FOCUS AND FOCUS

Lack of attention and failure to concentrate are important reasons for forgetfulness. Increase the focus by taking a deep breath and spending a few moments concentrating on remembering the spot, looking carefully at the surroundings, and perhaps repeating details about the location out loud.

JUST IMAGINE !

To improve your ability to remember to do something in the future, visualize yourself doing the task you want to remember. It is easier to remember if people imagine something rather than people who had repeatedly recited along the instructions.

ENRICH YOUR ENVIRONMENT

A stimulating environment – rich in novelty, color, sounds, activities, and sensations challenges the brain keeps it sharp and helps keeping memory function strong. Surround yourself with old friends and make new friends; listen to music; hang beautiful pictures on walls; read up on the latest developments; get a massage; enjoy exotic new types of food; or take up a new hobby.

Whooping cough or pertussis – causes, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention

ashish — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:10:14 +0000

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs which is caused by a bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
- It is a disease of respiratory system.
- It is highly contagious.
- It’s characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a “whooping” sound when the person breathes in.
- The whoop originates from the inflammation and swelling of the laryngeal structures that vibrate when there is a rapid inflow of air during inspiration.
- The coughing is the body’s way of trying to get rid of thick mucus (say myoo-kus) from the lungs.
- It begins with cold and a mild cough and effects the respiratory tract and the lungs.
- It may occur to any person of any age but is more common in infants and children below four years of age.
- It is due to bacterial infection in the breathing passage.
- The incubation time is about seven to fourteen days.

Causes of Whooping Cough

- It is caused by micro-bacterial organisms.
- Adino-viruses, respiratory viruses and Para-influenza are conditions that can also affect whooping cough.
- Wrong feeding habits with refined and de-mineralized foods and absence of fresh fruits and vegetables is however the actual cause.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough

- Early symptoms include runny nose, dry cough, and low-grade fever.
- Cough becomes severe with time.
- During the episodes of coughing the face can become red or blue (cyanosis) due to a lack of oxygen.
- Tiredness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Sore throat.
- Symptoms also include vomiting after a coughing episode, coughing up thick phlegm, and fatigue.
- Extreme symptoms can be fractured ribs, hernia, and broken blood vessels in the eyes and on the skin.
- In infants, extreme symptoms may include dehydration, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and respiratory arrest.

Prevention of Whooping Cough

- Stay home from school and away from other people.
- See a doctor.
- Take plenty of rest.
- Eat healthy food.
- Drink lots of water.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Diagnosis of Whooping Cough

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination, and culture or DFA (direct fluorescent antibody) testing of nasopharyngeal secretions.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Oral Cancer

ashish — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:31:53 +0000

Cancer of the oral cavity can be symptomatic in the early stages. The common symptoms are patches (white or red) or ulcers in the mouth or lips. Ulcer in the oral cavity which does not heal, bleeding from the ulcer, difficulty in swallowing and speaking, loosening of teeth and lump in the neck are other common symptoms. All these symptoms prompt immediate consultation with a health care professional. Conformation of cancer is done by a biopsy of the lesion and examination of the cells under a microscope. The cancer, when ignored, has a tendency to spread to the lymph nodes in the neck and in later stages to distant organs such as lungs, bone and liver. X-ray of the jaw bone and chest, computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the head, neck and chest and ultrasound of the abdomen can be done to detect the areas affected by the disease.

Surgical removal is usually preferred and is adequate for most patients with early stages of cancer. The functional and cosmetic results of excision are usually good. Surgery for patients with advanced stage cancer can be technically demanding because the cancer tends to involve vital structures. Depending on the site of the tumour, the surgery may include removal of part of the tongue, lip, jaw bone or cheek bone. The residual defect following surgery is rectified by replacing it with tissue from other parts of the body. These patients also require radiotherapy and chemotherapy to prevent recurrence of cancer. Following treatment rehabilitation of the patient is often necessary to improve chewing, swallowing and speech for which speech therapists are involved. Even though full treatment has been instituted the patient may be at a risk of developing cancer at some other site in their upper aero-digestive system. Therefore, the patient must go for check-ups regularly and inform the doctor if new symptoms develop.

Eliminating the causative agents like tobacco and alcohol is essential to reduce the cases of oral cancer. early detection and treatment will help in improving the chances of survival for patients with oral cancer.

Prevention and Diagnosis of Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)

ashish — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:38:26 +0000

Since amblyopia usually occurs in one eye only, many parents and children may be unaware of the condition. Parents fail to take their infants and toddlers in for an early comprehensive vision examination and many children go undiagnosed until they have their eyes examined at the eye doctor’s office at a later age.
The most important diagnostic tools are the special visual acuity tests other than the 20/20 letter charts currently used by schools, pediatricians and eye doctors. Examination with cycloplegic drops can be necessary to detect this condition in the young.
Early detection of lazy eye is very important in increasing the probability that the disorder will be completely corrected with no permanent vision damage. Since lazy eye tends to be present from birth, it is very important that infants receive a complete eye examination before they turn 6 months old. A child suffering from amblyopia has the best chance of being cured if the disease is diagnosed and treated before the age of 2.

How can we prevent and diagnose Osteoporosis

ashish — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:02:03 +0000

To reach optimal peak bone mass and continue building new bone tissue as you age, you should consider several factors.
- Calcium: An inadequate supply of calcium over a lifetime contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Food sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream; dark green, leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, collard greens, bok choy, and spinach; sardines and salmon with bones; tofu; almonds; and foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice, cereals, and breads.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health. It is synthesized in the skin through exposure to sunlight. Food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, saltwater fish, and liver.
- Smoking: Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared with nonsmokers, and they often go through menopause earlier. Smokers also may absorb less calcium from their diets.
- Exercise: Like muscle, bone is living tissue that responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Weight-bearing exercise is the best for your bones because it forces you to work against gravity.
- Alcohol: Regular consumption of 2 to 3 ounces a day of alcohol may be damaging to the skeleton, even in young women and men.
- Medications that cause bone loss: The long-term use of glucocorticoids (medications prescribed for a wide range of diseases, including arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and other diseases of the lungs, kidneys, and liver) can lead to a loss of bone density and fracture.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

Women who have had a fracture due to fragility are diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and have a high risk for another fracture. Early diagnosis can prevent fractures and slow deterioration of bone tissue.
If the doctor suspects osteoporosis, a bone scan would be suggested. – A common test that measures bone density is called a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This test measures the density of the bones in your hips, spine and wrist, which are all places likely to be affected by osteoporosis.
- Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measures bone density in the hip and spine and produces a three-dimensional image that shows true volume density. QCT has the capacity to isolate an area for testing. The radiation level in QCT is 10 times higher than in DEXA.
- Peripheral bone density testing uses ultrasound to identify bone loss in a localized area such as the heel or hand.
Doctor may also order an ultrasound or a computerized tomography (CT) scan to help check the density of your bones.

What should I do if I have an attack of cystitis?

ashish — Sun, 09 May 2010 04:07:44 +0000

Almost all people who have recurring cystitis have nothing seriously wrong. People with more than three bouts a year may need to see a urologist.
Many people who suffer recurring bouts may simply do common things that make them more susceptible. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent cystitis:

- Drink as much fluid as you can to flush out the system, dilute the urine and reduce any stinging.
- For the first four hours try to drink a pint of water every hour even if the attack starts in the middle of the night.
- Then drink half a pint every two hours for the next eight hours.
- Drink bland fluids such as water, weak tea or fruit squash (avoid orange juice and carbonated drinks).
- Making the urine less acid will reduce any discomfort. Try a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in a glass of water or preparations containing citrate.
- Women with high blood pressure or heart trouble should not take either bicarbonate of soda citrate without first consulting their doctor.
- Go to the lavatory as much as you need to, don’t try to ‘hold on’.
- Keep warm and place a well-covered hot water bottle over your tummy or between your thighs. A second one hot water bottle at your lower back may also help.
- Take one or two aspirin or paracetamol tablets for the pain.
- Avoid alcohol and sexual intercourse until you feel better.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Avoid vaginal deodorants and douches, perfumed soaps, bubble bath and talc, these may irritate the urethra. Showering rather than bathing may be helpful.
- Avoid tight trousers or underwear, especially if they’re made from artificial fibres. Choose cotton underwear with stockings and looser clothes such as skirts.
- Wipe from front to back.
- Anything that obstructs or blocks the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone, can lead to repeated attacks of cystitis. Certain tests can detect these conditions. Treating the underlying cause may solve the problem.
- Any damage to the lower back area can affect the nerves connecting to the bladder and make it impossible to empty it completely.
- Change immediately from wet clothes like after swimming.

Basal Cell Carcinoma – Type of skin cancer

ashish — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:30:18 +0000

There are a number of different types of skin cancers depending on the type of skin cell from which they arise. Each kind of skin cancer has its own distinctive appearance. Certain skin cancers also tend to develop in specific areas of the body.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA : This cancer is the most common type, and is the type of skin cancer that 90% of US citizen are diagnosed with.
- Basal cell carcinoma arises from the basal cells in the bottom layer of the epiderrmis – stratum basale.
- Basal cell carcinoma does not metastasize like the other skin cancers, but can still badly damage the area they occupy.
- It resembles a small nodule that is red in color, and located on the face, hands, or sometimes the torso. Occasionally, these nodules appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths.
- Basal cell carcinoma can lead to the loss of organ function on such external organs as the ears or eyes.
- Although most cases of basal cell carcinoma are caused by the sun, other exposures can have the same results. Arsenic, severe burns, tattooing, vaccinations, and radiation can all cause basal cell carcinoma.

The variety in which basal cell carcinoma can appear makes for hard diagnosis. It can hide itself in the form of a mosquito bite, wart, rash, or cyst. For these reasons it is important for one to see a physician if any area of sun exposed skin looks unusual or has had prolonged pain.

Article: High blood sugar levels during pregnancy risky for later

ashish — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:52:08 +0000

Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) is of concern to the doctors who treat pregnant mothers, since there is a need to be more careful during the time of pregnancy. However, another study claims that even for those women who do not develop gestational pregnancy, variations in blood sugar levels can be dangerous, indicative of developing diabetes later in life (link to article):

A Canadian study suggests that even mild abnormalities in blood sugar levels during pregnancy, previously thought not to have any clinical significance, makes women more prone to type 2 diabetes. Scientists at the Toronto-based Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), who led the study, found that women with mild abnormalities in their blood sugar during pregnancy were 2.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes as compared to those who had completely normal glucose testing.
“These results show that even a mild abnormality in glucose testing during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of diabetes later in life. Although we already know that women who”ve had gestational diabetes need to be monitored, the study suggests that even women with mild glucose abnormalities might benefit from diabetes prevention and detection strategies,” says Baiju Shah, ICES researcher.

In the era of diabetes care and prevention, it means that pregnant ladies need to take extra care during pregnancy, and even after their pregnancy, they need to be careful of blood sugar and ensure that any symptom of diabetes is checked out periodically.

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