Health Tips # 30 - Yoga for Beauty

Yoga is a wonderful method for gaining physical strength, fitness and beauty in your life.

Yoga helps to reduce excess fat in the body, makes you healthy and brings a shine of confidence on your face.

Yoga makes the body flexible and plays a vital role in overcoming stress and ageing. One should feel good from inside in order to look good.

Sukhasana and Shavasana are the two famous yogasna which provides complete relaxation to your body with mental peace.

Yoga helps you to maintain healthy body as well as mind, thus you can gain physical fitness. It provides flexibility to your body and removes toxins from it, which will make you feel younger.

It helps in thyroid and weight loss problems and thus you can get perfect shape of the body & look beautiful. Pranayams like kapalbhati are very useful to do.

Yoga helps you get perfect oxygen dose for your body which provides glow to skin.

It delays ageing, and you remain active and younger for longer time as compared to others who does not practice yoga.

With yoga you can get toned legs and hands, firm and flat belly which will make you look gorgeous.

It improves blood circulation and helps in balancing the hormones which gives the skin a healthy glow.

It is very useful for woman having wrinkled skin, under eye dark circles and flabby stomach.

For further information on Yoga which you can practice at Office, look at these links:

http://doctorsdunia.in/office-yoga-part-1/

http://doctorsdunia.in/office-yoga-part-2/

http://doctorsdunia.in/office-yoga-part-3/

http://doctorsdunia.in/office-yoga-part-4/

Health Tips # 29 - Tips for healthy, beautiful hair

Here are some simple tips and tricks for healthy soft silky hair.

• Drink plenty of water and take a healthy diet comprising of fruits and vegetables.
• Include cereals, eggs, peas, meat and other essential nutrients in diet for healthy & beautiful hair.
• Take food rich in proteins and minerals.
  
• To add luster to hair, add few drops of lemon juice in water & wash your hair with it.
• Boil dried amla in water and wash your hair with it to make them shiny & healthy.
• Always use a conditioner and shampoo that suits your hair type.
• Avoid excessive use of bleach, hair color, dye etc. as it may make hair rough, brittle and develop spilt ends. Test the dye on arm before applying to avoid scalp allergies.
• Regular trimming will keep your hair in healthy shape and will remove split ends too.
• Hot or warm water is not good for hair so always use cold water for rinsing and washing your hair.
• Give oil massage especially with olive oil as it is a natural moisturizer.
• Apply curd with lemon juice or use some medicated shampoo available to cure dandruff.
• Do not rub your wet or damp hair with towel as the chances of falling hair will increase. You can blow dry your hair occasionally. Also never go to bed with wet hair.
• Protect your hair from direct sunlight and pollution. Always cover your hair with cap or scarf while driving or going out.
• If you are swimming (wear swim cap) or using hairspray then you should wash hair thoroughly later else it will cause split ends and will damage the hair.
  

Health Tips # 28 - Beware of Tattoos

Tattoos have become very fashionable and trendy these days and people are highly attracted towards the exotic art day by day. Art has engulfed everyone in its grip whether it is celebrities, common man, criminals or even animals. Though tattoos look very alluring and attractive then too it can cause severe side effects in the body in the form of allergies.

Allergy Cause

Allergy is caused mainly due to the red and green colored ink used for designing. Dye used in these inks is much unregulated. Ingredients used to make such inks mainly include cobalt, cadmium and nickel. These metals usually cause skin infection or allergies in human which includes itching, raised bumps, skin redness, swelling and irritation. The worst case (oozing) can be dangerous too.

Precautions

You should be aware of the consequences of getting a tattoo as some side effects can lead to hypertension reaction which can be risky for life. Follow some precautions given below before going for a tattoo.

• Get a small test before getting a tattoo. Mark a small amount of ink behind your ear and wait for few minutes to see if there is any allergic reaction. If not you can proceed & get tattoo of your choice.
  
• Sometimes allergies can take place after a week or year also due to change in weather or any sickness. So there is no exact way to know the effect of tattoo on your body.
• Instruct the tattoo artist to use non-latex gloves.
  
• Carefully follow the cleaning tips given by artist, always keep tattoo clean and moisturize the area with wet cloth twice a day.
  
• Keep fresh tattoo away from direct sunlight
  
• Consult your artist about metals used for designing, if you are allergic to those substances do not go for it.
  
• Remember it is always better to be safe before then to regret later.

Health Tips # 27 - Few steps for Mental Health

Here is an insight into a few selected models that assist in development and rejuvenation of Mental Health.

Sahaj Marg

Sahaj Marg, which means "Easy Path", is a system of practical training in spirituality offered by Shri Ram Chandra Mission. It is essentially a remodelled and simplified version of Yoga (Yoga of the Mind).

According to this system, God is simple and also, therefore, the way to reach him must be simple. It believes that one can reailise God within oneself by proper meditation under the guidance of a Guru. There are no dos and don'ts.

The most unique feature of Sahaj Marg is Pranahuti (transmission). As power, through and speech can be transmitted, so too, can spiritually, it believes. The practice consists of mediation sessions in the morning, cleansing (in which all negative thoughts are purged through meditation) in the evening and prayers at night.

What you gain: Right attitude, freedom from stress, peace of mind, work-life balance and normal daily schedule.

Sudarshan Kriya

Nature is replete with various rhythms and cycles-day follows night, night follows day and seasons come and go. Similarly, there are biological rhythms are in sync, we feel a sense of harmony and well-bring.

When stress or illness throws them out of order, we experience discomfort and discontent and feel harmonises the rhythms of the body and emotions and brings them in tune with the rhythms of nature. The breath connects the body and mind.

What you gain: Reduced levels of stress, freedom from depression and anxiety, normal sleep patterns, increased health, well-being and peace of mind and increased fulfillment at work.

Vipassana Meditation

Under the Vippassana system of meditation, each individual is required to attend a 10-days residential course (at Vipassana Centres across the country), which is free of cost.

The programme starts with the individual signing a form agreeing to finish the course and follow the guidelines. For the first nine days, everyone is required to maintain complete silence and follow a strict schedule involving meditation.

During this course of the programme, participants are required to abstain from alcohol, stealing, lying, and sexual activity. Trainers sit with the participants to help them concentrate and meditate. Participants break their silence on the 10th day. The programme teaches people to control their thoughts and look into their inner, selves. The result, therefore, is the cleansing of the mind and an inner, deeper perspective of oneself.

What you gain: Vipassana helps people get in touch with their inner selves and exercise self-control. It also helps people attain higher concentration levels.

Health Tips # 26 - Calling it a day- ideal routine

Here are some more tips for calling it a day, and closing the day in best fashion.

• Don't bring work home.
• Spend quality time with the family.
• Do the following exercises; it will help you wind down and also increase your concentration levels.
• Stand at ease with your feet about 12 inches apart and fold your arms as in prayer. Your neck and shoulders should be relaxed and your body straight.
• Stand completely still, close your eyes and let the 'mental patterns' to stabilize.
• Raise your right knee, turned at an angle of 90 degrees, and place the sole of your feet on the inside of your left leg as high as possible. Try and clear the patterns forming before your mind's eye.
• Lie flat on your back. Bring your knees to your chest; then raise your legs and hips off the ground, supporting your lower back with your hands.
• Straighten your legs and raise your body as shown in the picture.
• Lower your legs gently behind your head and touch the ground with your toes; continue supporting your lower back with your hands.
• Return to sleeping position
  

Ensure that you have a light diet for dinner, and have it typically around 7 PM (or 2 hours before your bed time at the minimum).

Take note that lunch can be had full, but dinner should always be light, as the body is more in standby support mode, and may not have all the energy required for great digestive functioning.

Hence, it is always better to stay low on dinner, and not to embark on binge eating at night.

Health Tips # 25 - Waking up - the ideal routine

Here are some tips to start the day on a positive note, with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and to sustain it throughout the day.

You should ideally wake up by 6 a.m. Start the day with a glass of water.

Your body will probably be a little stiff after the night's sleep. It's time to really "wake it up" , give it a good stretch and get the circulation going.

In Indian thought, early morning is the best time to fill up with life force energy (praana in India, chi or qui in China and ki in Japan).

Do the following exercise:

• Stand straight as if in prayer;
• Stretch your arms over your head, lean back slightly and inhale;
• Bend down, keeping your knees straight and touch the ground with all 10 fingers while exhaling;
• Push your feet back, keep your back and head in a straight line and your abdominal muscles pulled in (in the manner of a dog stretching after a nap);
• Inhale and lunge forward; place your right foot between your arms and left knee on the floor while looking straight ahead;
• Exhale; bring your left foot next to your right (you'll have to bend your knees to keep your hands on the floor);
• Inhale and return to prayer position.
• Repeat this sequences six times, alternating your leading leg in step 5 every time. This exercise stretches the spine, "wakes up" your muscles, stimulates blood flow to the brain and fills you up with positive energy.

If this yoga sequence proves difficult, go for 30 minute walk. The above yoga broadly follows the Surya Namaskar, which was explained in another post.

Have a cup of herbal tea after 15 minutes. A cup of tea or coffee accompanied by low calories, sugar-free biscuits will do equally well.

Eat your breakfast by 8 a.m.; it should be high in proteins, vitamins and minerals, moderate in carbohydrates and low in fats.

Never ever skip your breakfast - that is the number one problem for many diseases.

The next post will focus on how best to close the day and relax .

Health Tips # 24 - Pranayama and its benefits

Pranayama aims at bringing the involuntary functions of the respiratory mechanism within human control.

The term pranayama has been constituted by two words: Prana + Ayama. Prana is the vital force which pervades the whole cosmos. Prana is more subtle than air and can be defined as the energy essence that is within everything in the universe. Prana is the principle of development and sustenance both of the nervous and cellular tissues of the body and the mind.

In the process of breathing when the prana air is inhaled, definite action takes place. One is related to the ingestion of oxygen into the alveoli and the other to the ingestion of the nervous energy into the brain system.

Ayama means to control or to give a rhythm or a definite flow. In this sense Pranayama may be defined as a process and technique through which vital energy can be stimulated and increased: and this brings about perfect control over the flow of Prana within the body.

Pranayama is an exact science. Regulation of breathing, as a matter of fact, is natural. It hardly offers any scope of artificiality. The breath enters through the nose and depending on ones general health and strength of the lungs; it is retained inside and then is exhaled. This natural condition of intake and outflow of the breath goes on continuously and it is on this process that human life depends.

The difference between this natural process and the 'Pranayama' is that in the former the inhalation and exhalation is not necessarily connected with the mind ; that process continues owing to the natural functioning of the heart and lungs. The inhalation and the exhalation are, hence, not of any set duration. In some person the inhalation may take a longer time than the exhalation and in some others the opposite may occur.

In Pranayama, however, there is a systematic regulation of both the inhalation and exhalation. This is for the reason that the mind is joined to the action of inhalation and exhalation known as Puraka and Rechaka respectively in practicing the Pranayama. Hence their longer and shorter duration within a specified time has to be controlled. The result of this controlled inhalation and exhalation, both in respect of speed and time has a mere beneficial effect on the mind and the body than that of the natural process.

Most of us who largely depend on the natural process will derive immense benefit on falling ill by controlled inhalation and exhalation. Such person should inhale slowly and exhale equally slowly in the beginning for 5 to 10 times depending on their strength and continue doing this morning and evening for 25 to 30 day.

The natural inhalation is hence called "SWASHANA" or breathing and that inhalation and exhalation which is done extending time limit by applying the power of mind is called "DEERGHASWASHANA" or Pranayama.

BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA

He who practices Pranayama will have good appetite, cheerfulness, handsome figure, good strength, courage, and enthusiasm, a high standard of health, vigor and vitality and good concentration of mind. Pranayama is quite suitable for the Westerners also.

A Yogi measures the span of his life not by the number of years but by the number of his breaths. You can take in a certain amount of energy or Prana from the atmospheric air along with each breath. Vital capacity is the capacity shown by the largest quantity of air a man can inhale after the deepest possible exhalation. A man takes fifteen breaths in a minute. The total number of breaths comes to 21,600 times per day.

Other benefits are as follows:-

• It makes the life meaningful and social.
• It keeps the man balanced in all the conditions and situations.
  
• It helps in understanding the real nature of man and its relationships with the community.
  
• It manages psycho physical diseases.
  
• It put chain on the senses.
  
• It makes the body healthy.
  
• It helps in controlling the modalities of mind.
  
• It gives opportunities to soul to flourish.
  
• Intellectual development is accelerated.
  
• Will power becomes strong through its practice.
• It develops feelings of national and international well-being.

As said earlier on my previous post, never attempt Yoga on your own, or by following books. Please take the help of a good Guru and take it forward from there.

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Health Tips # 23 - Benefits of Almonds

Almonds, apart from being a tasty, quick snack also hosts a large range of health benefits including getting relief from cough, hearth disorders, constipation, respiratory disorders, anemia, impotency, and diabetes. It also helps in hair care, skin care (psoriasis), and dental care.

Found in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Israel, almond is a very nutritious nut. It is a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Almonds contain the most nutrients in comparison to all other nuts.

You can eat almonds directly, preferably eat it empty stomach to ensure absorption of their nutrients. You can soak them in water overnight and eat in the morning. You can also garnish various dishes with crushed almonds. Few of the benefits of almonds are given below.

Good for brain: Almond is a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain. Almond induces high intellectual level and has been considered as an essential food item for growing children. Many mothers give almonds soaked in water to their children daily in the morning.

Regulates cholesterol: Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol.

Good for heart: Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation.

Skin care: The benefits of almond for skin care are well known, and hence a massage with almond oil is often recommended for new born babies. Almond milk is also added in some soaps as almonds help in improving the complexion of the skin.

Regulates blood pressure: Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.

Prevention of cancer: Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.

Protection against diabetes: Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.

Good in pregnancy: Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.

Weight loss: Unsweetened almond milk helps one to reduce weight. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their weight.

Prevention of constipation: Almonds are rich in fibre. Like most other fibre rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. Make sure you drink good amount of water after eating almonds.

Boosts energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.

One avoids the risk of Alzheimer's disease by consuming almonds. But just like any other food, even almonds have their cons. They contain oxalates and excessive oxalates can cause crystallization. So people having kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid eating almonds.

Health Tips # 22 - Benefits of Oats

Eating oats in your diet provides a wide range of important health benefits. New scientific research is also revealing exciting new information about the benefits of oats, some of it surprising.

Weight Control

As the soluble fiber of oats is digested, it forms a gel, which causes the viscosity of the contents of the stomach and small intestine to be increased. The gel delays stomach emptying making you feel full longer which helps with weight loss.

Athletic Performance

Oats, like other cereal grains, are valued primarily as a source of carbohydrates which provide calories for energy needs. Oats have been shown in scientific studies to favorably alter metabolism and enhance performance when ingested 45 minutes to 1 hour before exercise of moderate intensity.

Cholesterol and Heart

Oatmeal and oat bran are significant sources of dietary fiber. This fiber contains a mixture of about half soluble and half insoluble fibers. One component of the soluble fibre found in oats is beta-glucans, a soluble fiber which has proven effective in lowering blood cholesterol.

The accumulation of cholesterol is implicated in many types of cardiovascular disease. Oats, like all cholesterol-lowering agents, are most effective when consumed as part of a low-fat, high-fiber diet taken together with plenty of exercise. The beneficial health effects of oats are best if ½-1 cup (1½-3 ounces) of oats are eaten every day.

Blood Sugars

Eating oats can spread the rise in blood sugars over a longer time period. Control of blood glucose and insulin levels is essential in preventing many of the complications associated with diabetes. Oat beta-glucan slows the rise in blood glucose levels following a meal and delays its decline to pre-meal levels. Other sources of soluble fiber are grains, fresh fuit and vegetables.

Anti Cancer

Oats, like other grains and vegetables, contain hundreds of phytochemicals (plant chemicals). Many phytochemicals are thought to reduce a person's risk of getting cancer. Phytoestrogen compounds, called lignans, in oats have been linked to decreased risk of hormone-related diseases such as breast cancer, prostate, endometrium and ovarian cancer.

Blood Pressure

A daily serving of whole oats rich in soluble fibre can reduce hypertension, or high blood pressure, and so reduce the need for anti-hypertensive medication.

Bowel Function

Oats have a high fiber content. Fiber is necessary in keeping bowel movements regular. Oats are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It is spongy and absorbs many times its own weight of liquid. It makes stools heavier and speeds their passage through the gut, relieving constipation.

With such a big bowl of benefits available, do not delay anymore - start eating a bowl of oats from today!

Health Tips # 21 - Some good reasons to become a vegetarian

Here are some extracts from few interesting articles and doctor's opinions, on why you should become a vegetarian, and remain one such for life. Being a vegetarian is certainly one of the best ways to stay healthy throughout your life.

1. Vegetarians live longer, healthier lives. That's a fact. Modern medicine can prolong life and medical science is keeping people alive who would die without transplants, bypasses etc; but what of the quality of life? It's simpler not to eat meat.

2. The more plant foods you eat the less room you have for meat food, which clogs the arteries with cholesterol and strain the kidneys with excess protein and burden the heart with saturated fat.

3. Farm animals receive 30 times the antibiotics than people do. This is not so much to prevent infection - although the cramped factory farm conditions do lead to much sickness but to promote more growth an less feed. We ingest these and the hormones through the flesh we consume.

4. Meat production turns abundance into scarcity. You need an average 16lbs of grain to produce one pound of beef, 6 pounds of grain to produce 1 pound of park, 3 pounds of grain to produce one pound of chicken and 5.3 pounds of fishmeal to produce 1 pound of farmed fish, Doesn't it make sense to eat the grain and feed more people? .

5. The iron in animal foods is more readily absorbed than the iron in plant foods. Once this was seen as an advantage but like protein it can be a case of too much of a good thing. Excess iron can be a catalyst in the formation of free radicals, Overloading the body with iron can lead to an increased risk of cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, diabetes and infertility. A vegetarian is likely to have safer revels stored iron.

6. Dead flesh (meat) contains saturated fats, cholesterol, hormones, antibiotics, toxins and absolutely no fibre.

7. Vegetarians have lower incidence of diabetes, kidney disease and gallstones.

8. Animal foods are high in sodium, which causes the blood to retain water. They also cause plaque to build up in the arteries. One in four people in the Singapore has high blood pressure.

9. Your body is designed for a vegetarian diet. The human intestines are 16-29 feet long and winds round and round. This is typical of a herbivore (grass eaters). Carnivores always have short, straight intestines. This means they pass out the write from the meat before it rots. In humans it remains in the digestive system too long.

10. Osteoporosis is a disease of calcium deficiency, which leaves the bones brittle and weak, Yet it is not a disease of low calcium intake but rather a case of losing too much. Excess protein will leach calcium from the bones.

11. Efforts to persuade us to eat fish as an alternative healthier substitute for meat should not let us overlook the fact that fish is still a high fat, high calorie food with no fibre. Fish are often, laden with dangerous toxins, which they absorb from a polluted water environment. Bigger fish eat smaller ones so the toxins build up.

12. Meat = Madness!! Many people in Britain are still afraid that they will be victims of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (nicknamed Mad Cows Disease) caused by beef cattle being fed brain and nerve tissue of scapie-infected sheep. Apart from the immorality of feeding peaceful grass eaters such rubbish, it resulted in the cows passing a disease which causes the brain to swell and soften. Hundreds of people will face this prospect. Do not think this is an isolated case. Fish that die of disease in fish faun ponds are ground up and fed back to their brothers and sisters.

13. Over 12% of children in Singapore are rated as obese. Many more are overweight. Fast food outlets are blamed by many for this rise because of the high fat content of the meals. Vegetarian fed children are seldom overweight and parents report they are less prone to sickness. They may grow slower but end up the almost the same height and healthier.

14. Would the popular sport of fishing be allowed to continue if our lakes, rivers and seas rang out with the screams of wounded and dying fish? Fish do feel pain. They have a complex nervous system. Imagine your own cheek pierced by a hook that then drags you with the full weight of your body out of your environment to suffocate slowly.

15. Baby chicks are sorted male from female at chicken farms. The male chicks are casually thrown in a sack on top of each other and suffocated because they cannot become layers or meat providers.

16. In a study of the Japanese who were, until recently, well known for their longevity and health, it was shown that when they have moved to the USA they soon develop similar rates of heart disease as the Americans. It was concluded that increase in meat eating was the prime cause.

17. You'll be in good company being a Vegetarian- Pythagoras, Socrates, Leonardo de Vinci, Albert Einstein, George Bernard Shaw, Madonna, Lamina Novratilova, Tina Turner, Vanessa Williams and Paul McCartney to name a few, were or are vegetarians.

18. 24.4% of Singaporeans die of cancer. It has shown that vegetarians worldwide have a lower incidence of cancer especially cancer of the colon.

19. Meat is wasteful. It takes 3.25 acres to satisfy the dietary needs of one meat eater for one year. It only requires one sixth of an acre to feed a full vegetarian for a year.

20. Food poisoning commonly starts from meat or poultry infected with the infamous salmonella and E.coli pathogens. Undercooked meat or reheated meat is full of bacteria. It's safer to eat vegetable, grains, nuts and fruit. How many people do you read of being taken to hospital with food poisoning from an orange?

For more such interesting reasons, please read the content in these links:

http://animalrightskorea.org/vegetarianism/50-good-reasons-to-become-a-vegetarian.html

http://www.flex.com/~jai/articles/101.html

http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/

Health Tips # 20 - Surya Namaskar & its benefits

We have generally heard about the advantages of practicing yoga, pranayama, and meditation to lead healthy life. Surya Namaskar, or the Sun salutation exercise is one of the top recommended Yoga exercises, and is extremely beneficial in many ways. Read on to know the health benefits of Surya Namaskar. It is a great exercise to stay in shape and also helps to purify the mind of its toxins.

Ideal place and time to perform - is in an Open area, full of natural air (may be terrace) and at the time when the Sun is just about getting up in the morning. The gentle morning sunrays would certainly make you feel good. Put on a simple mat and start doing Surya Namaskar and try to add some pranayama and meditation at the end. You will certainly feel very fresh and enthusiastic throughout the day.

Get trained through a proper Guru, or take the assistance of established good Yoga schools like the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centres or of Baba Ramdev's Yogic centres around the world. Do not rush in to a great self-proclaimed Mystic or a generally popular Yoga school charging thousands for simple exercises. Believe me, there is nothing they can do as value-adds for the already precious and great scheme of Yoga, which has been so beautifully set up by Sage Patanjali, and it is still dutifully being taught for nominal prices by many good Yogis.

Surya Namaskar consists of 12 different bodily postures that ought to be performed in particular sequence. Following are the health benefits of practicing Surya Namaskar regularly.

• Practicing Surya Namaskar is beneficial for the health of digestive system. It stretches the abdominal muscles.

• Regular practice of Surya Namaskar helps to lose excessive belly fat and gives flat stomach.

• Surya Namaskar is the ideal exercise to cope with insomnia and related disorders. Surya Namaskar practice calms the mind, thus helps to get sound sleep.

• Surya Namaskar practice regulates irregular menstrual cycles for women. Practicing Surya Namaskar ensures the easy childbirth. It helps to decrease the fear of pregnancy and childbirth.
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  Surya Namaskar practice boosts blood circulation and helps to prevent hair graying, hair fall, and dandruff. It also improves the growth of hair making it long.

• Regular practice of Surya Namaskar helps to lose extra calories and reduce fat. It helps to stay thin. Practicing Surya Namaskar is the easiest way to be in shape.
• 
  Sun salutation exercise helps to add glow on your face making facial skin radiant and ageless. It is the natural solution to prevent onset of wrinkles.

• Regular practice of sun salutation boosts endurance power. It gives vitality and strength. It also reduces the feeling of restlessness and anxiety.
• 
  Daily practice of Surya Namaskar makes body flexible. It improves flexibility in spine and in limbs.
• 
  It is beneficial to practice Surya Namaskar early in the morning. The early morning sunrays are rich source of vitamin D that is necessary to get strong bones and clear vision.
  

Health Tips # 19 - Benefits of Vegetables & Fruits

Human body needs foods regularly for strength and to stay healthy. It would be great to have most of our as vegetables and fruits, as they contain many powerful and important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and also helps reduce the risk of many diseases.

Types of Vegetables and Fruits :

Green foods are particularly good for the blood circulation in the system. Green foods include minerals and vitamins B.

Red foods are specially for reducing internal damage. Red foods include phyto-chemicals so take Watermelon, Tomatoes, Strawberry.

Yellow foods are specially for reducing the risk of developing cataracts. So take Yellow Corn, Oranges, Pineapple.

Orange foods help to prevent cancer. Carrots (Gajar), Pumpkin (Kaddu), Sweet Potatoes (Shakar kand), Apricots (Khubani) and other orange foods are particularly good for our eyes, as they contain vitamin A.

White and green foods contain a variety of minerals. Include Garlic, Onions in your meals which are anti-bacterial and anti fungal.

Red and Blue foods are protecting against heart disease by improving circulation of blood. Add foods in your meals like Apple, Beets (Chukandar), Black Grapes.

Ways to increase Vegetables and Fruits in your meals

• 
  Take fresh fruit in the morning.

• Eat mix fruits salad and one vegetable with lunch.

• Eat minimum two vegetables with dinner.

• Include Beans ( Fali ) and Sprouted Peas in salads.
  

Health Tips # 18 - The wonder fruit called Sour Sop

A good old friend of mine sent me these pieces of info to share with all on the Blog - this is about a fruit called Sour Sop which is claimed to be highly effective for cancer treatments.

Apparently, this is the same fruit that is called Mullan Chakka or Lakshmana Pazham in Malayalam, and is grown in Kerala. The fruit is in high demand and supposedly very difficult to get, owing to its medicinal properties.

Here are some insights into the medical facts - please take note and forward to people who are affected by cancer.

PLANT DESCRIPTION

A small erect tree grows up to 6 meters in height. Leaves simple alternate, acute, oval-oblong, glossy dark green colored, glabrous above and hairy below. Flowers arises from main stem and from tender stems, thick petellate, greenish yellow and heart shaped. Fruits large, with abundant prickles or bristles, containing numerous long brown colored seeds embedded in the whitish pulp.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, constipation, burning sensation, bacterial infections, parasites, hypertension, depression, fever, viral infections, malignancy and general tonic. Root decoction is a powerful purgative. Powdered seed kills body and hair lice on external application.

Useful part : Leaves, Fruit, Root, Bark, Seed.

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

English : Soursop tree

Hindi : Lakshman phal

Sanskrit: Lakshmanaphala

Malayalam : Mullan chakka, Lakshmanapazam.

Botanical name : Annona muricata Linn (Annona macrocarpa Wercklé)

Family : Annonaceae

Distribution – Cultivated throughout warmer parts of India, as well as growing wild.

For further details, please visit these links:

http://ayurvedicmedicinalplants.com/plants/125.html

http://www.chinese-herbs.org/graviola/

Health Tips # 17 - Honey, honey and honey..

Today's post is focused on a special food - Honey, which is a favorite food for many kids and grown-up kids too.

But there is always a lot of confusion around whether too much of Honey would result in weight gain. Hence, this article is specifically aimed at listing down the benefits of honey and its medicinal value, and usage guide for various intended results.

As everyone is aware, honey is a sweet food made by some insects using nectar from flowers. Honey will digest very quickly and mix in blood. We can have Honey with milk, yogurt, tea, cream, water, vegetables, fruit juices etc. In winter we can take honey with hot drinks and in summer with cold drink. We should never end up directly heating honey, and avoid using artificial glucose-based honey as well.

Here are the medicinal uses.

Obesity: Mix honey in warm Water and take in morning to lose weight.

Gain weight: And if you want to gain fat, drink Milk with Honey.

General Weakness: Honey contains vitamin “A” and “B” so it enhances the vision of eyes. It also increases appetite and removes the weakness.

Constipation: Drink two teaspoons of honey with water in morning & evening. It helps to reduce the constipation.

Energy: Take lemon and honey in hot water in morning. You will get a booster dose of energy.

Pregnancy: If a pregnant woman takes two teaspoons of honey every day she will not face problem related to blood storage and foetal development.

Teeth: Children’s teeth develops easily if we keep applying honey on their gums.

Sleep: Take honey with lemon juice for good sleep.

Throat congestion: Mix one teaspoon of honey in warm water and gargle for throat congestion relief.

Vomiting: Mix two teaspoons of onion juice with two teaspoons of honey, have it to stop vomiting.

Health Tips # 16 - Benefits of Buttermilk

There is lot of misconception amongst people that buttermilk is too fatty as its name has word “butter”. But this is completely baseless and wrong assumption.

Buttermilk actually contains less fat and calories than regular milk. It is very useful in reducing body heat and therefore can be consumed in large quantities now - being summer.

Buttermilk is produced by culture, the milk is turned into curd and then this curd is churned to produced buttermilk and cream.

Buttermilk is very good for body and has more lactic acid and less fat as compared to regular milk. It is a very good carminative (prevents formation of gas in the GI tract) and digestive drink as described by Ayurveda.

Buttermilk is useful in complicated digestive disorders and also in treating obesity.

People facing digestion problems can have buttermilk with little rock salt as it gets digested easily and quickly. It is useful drink for all calorie conscious people with rich essential nutrients. Buttermilk is rich in vitamins (B12), potassium, phosphorous and calcium.

Buttermilk helps in:

• Overcoming obesity
• Improving digestion
• Providing protection against various diseases
• Providing valuable vitamins & minerals
• Increasing immunity

It is advised by physicians to consume buttermilk more instead of milk due to all such benefits.

It can be taken anytime as a refreshing and healthy drink!

Health Tips # 15 - Weight Loss - Diet Chart

Based on the good (!!) feedback I received from friends on the GM Diet, am now posting here a more practical and realistic diet chart which is easier to follow and implement. All that is required is a little will power, and you will be good to go in applying this.

Remember that a Nutritious Diet is very important even if you are following any approved Weight Loss programs. A balanced diet with all the proteins and nutrients not only helps in preventing weight gain but also helps in the prevention and cure of various diseases.

The Diet Chart below may help you to get Weight Loss quickly. Start by following the simple Guidelines below (recommended Vegetarian only)

Breakfast

1: One cup of Tea or Coffee with a Little Milk coupled with Bread (No Butter, Jam or Sauce)

2: Fresh vegetables like Tomatoes or Fruits.

Lunch

1: Two or three small Cucumbers (Kakdi), Chana, Mung or Green Salads.

2: Two small Chapatti with Green Vegetable, Sour Milk (Dahi).

3: Small bowl of Rice and Daal can be taken.

Dinner

1: Soup ( Tomato, Palak and Sweet Corn ) and Papad (dry roasted, not fried) can be taken.

2: One small bowl of a Vegetable and two Chapatti.

It is also important that the above mentioned diets are taken at proper time, avoid eating Dinner after 7:00 pm.

During the day, if you feel hungry, you can have some handful of fresh vegetable salads or some Bhel (plain Bhel - not as Bhel puri) which can help you feel energized.

Health Tips # 14 - Skin care tips for Men

Skin is the body’s first line of protection against infection, germs, and diseases but it is rare for a man to devote time to his skin.

As you age, your skin loses its elastic nature, you get wrinkles and lines. Thus proper skin care is essential for the present and the future. Here are some good tips for Men.

• Apply some mild soap on your body. Do not use strong soap, like deodorant soaps. Use cold water during wash.

• Wash your face with some cleanser and warm water twice in a week. Take a soft cloth and wet it just a bit, and softly work in the cleanser in a round motion. Your pores will be cleaned out and your skin will feel better. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Apply a moisturizing lotion or aloe vera lotion.
• 
  When you shave, apply the cream few minutes to soft the hair. Use a sharp razor that has a double blade attached to it. Rinse with cold water, not hot. According to your skin use after shave lotion.

• Use some sunscreen if you are going to be outside for a long time.

• Eat balanced diet, include more fruits and vegetables in your diet which contain lots of anti-oxidants that can delay skin damage.

• Do not intake much greasy and fried food. Use olive oil in place of butter. It helps your skin to keep its elasticity longer.

• Drink at least 10 glass of water per day.

• Exercise maintains physical fitness, overall health and fight heart disease. It will clear your pores, increase metabolism and you feel better.

• Use natural body lotion according to your skin.
  

Health Tips # 13 - Lose weight - the GM Diet - Part 2 of 2

(Continued..)

G.M.'S Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Additional Comments

Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.

You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible.

You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :

Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
Club Soda is OK.
Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

How and Why It Works

Day One: you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.

Day Two: starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.

Day Three: eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.

Day Four: bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.

Day Five: Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.

Day Six: is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.

Day Seven: finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.

Personally, I have heard positives about this program from a lot of my friends, though I have not mustered the guts to try this rigorous schedule as yet. But just thought I should share this secret recipe, so that someone someday gets to benefit.. Do post in your comments, if you succeed with this. All the best.

Health Tips # 12 - Lose weight - the GM Diet - Part 1 of 2

Introduction:

The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management's intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.

This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.

The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

But be careful and watchful about your energy levels throughout - if there is excessive fatigue or tiredness, please consult your doctor without any delay.

Plan details:

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol. You must drink 10 glasses of water each day. Follow these in addition:

Day One: All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two: All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three: A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four: Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five: Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six: Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven: Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine.

Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.

(Continued..)

Health Tips # 11 - Summer special tips..

Summery :)

Beat the heat with Fruit Juices - try out juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple during summer. Consumption of fruits and juices reduces body heat and benefits in controlling body temperature.

Now for the details:

Summer is one of the six seasons of the year. Every two months will make a season or Ritu (Sanskrit). Peak Summer is typically in between the 16th May to 15th July. The strength of the body will be lost during this period.

People feel tired and exhausted during the season due to extensive heat rays of the sun, the watery portion (or Kapha) of the body of people, animals, plants, foods and the entire environment will become dry and the Vaata will become more in the body and the atmosphere. The skin will become dry and may precipitate skin diseases as eczema.

What to Drink and Eat

One must drink the juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple. This is to say foods and juices of sweet and cold and easily digestible must be consumed. The preparations of sugar, barely/green gram, sharbats, buttermilk with sugar candy are to be used daily to cool the body. One must take the food of white rice with meat soup of meat of animals reared in cold areas.

The juices of dry grapes, cucumber, kharjura with Dalchini, Cardamom must be drunk along with pure cold water kept in a pot or a freezer or these must be kept at night in moon light and used along with buffalo's milk. Water with parijatha flowers and usheera can also be used for drinking.

- One must not take foods of pungent, sour, dry and salty foods. Foods of rice with milk, sugar candy, butter milk, lassie are good for good health. Ghee can be used.

- In this season satvic type of foods is advocated to promote and to preserve good health.

- Coffee and tea are not all good as they stimulate the central nervous system. Taking them on empty stomach is harmful as they mix with acid and circulated all over the body producing several diseases.

- Alcohol is a hot drink and must not be used druing this season, either avoid it or drink it with plenty of water.

What to do and what not to do?

One must spend time in a place surrounded by water and green trees, or mountains, with the family and children. Must sleep during day, if possible (not during office hours). Swimming is also advisable in a pond, lake or river. Stay exposed to moon's rays at night. Should wear light cotton clothes.

Wear Pearls and flower garlands. Body must be anointed with sandal and usheera paste which cools the body. Cold-water bath is good for the body. Exercise must be limited. Avoid exposure to sun's rays especially during peak hot time.

Health Tips # 10 - Posture tips for Software Professionals

Here are some tips for maintaining good posture and avoid injuries - specially for the Software Professionals:

1) Stop using the computer whenever you start to notice pain or fatigue.

2) Watch your posture. Don't hunch your head and neck forward. Keep your back straight, your feet flat on the floor, and your arms parallel to the floor.

3) Take regular breaks. One option is to install software that reminds you to take breaks.

4) Hold your wrists straight, neither resting on a pad, nor bent upwards, downwards, or sideways. Installing a keyboard platform that can be adjusted up or down, as well as tilted forward or back, will help you keep you wrists straight.

5) Get plenty of sleep and do YOGA, PRANAYAMA, OR AEROBIC EXERCISES to keep in shape.

6) Learn a technique such as progressive muscle relaxation to keep neck and shoulder muscles relaxed.

7) Use proper lighting to reduce eyestrain and avoid glare. When using a computer for long periods, you should reduce room lighting to about half that used in most offices. Close blinds or curtains to lessen glare from external light.

8) Place the monitor directly in front of you, not off to one side, about 20 to 26 inches away from you.

9) Adjust brightness of the computer screen to obtain optimal contrast between background and characters on the screen

10) When transcribing printed or written pages, put the document on a lighted copy stand next to the monitor.

11) Take 10 to 15 minute breaks every hour. In addition, every five to 10 minutes, look away from the computer screen and focus on a distant object for five to 10 seconds.

12) If your eyes tend to dry out in the frequently bone-dry environment of the modern office building, use artificial tears or eye drops. Dry eyes may also be exacerbated by the decreased blinking that accompanies staring at a computer.

Health Tips # 9 - Something for the Software Professionals

Here is something for the Software professionals to read through and understand carefully. I do not know the source of this information, got this as a mail forward way back in 2008 - but this certainly deserves a careful review.

Six software professionals under the age of 33 have died and 2 top executives from renowned software companies have become paralyzed because of stress-related heart ailments in the last six months (read as Apr-Sep 2008) in Chennai, says a study by Mitran Foundation, a Bangalore-based voluntary association of practicing doctors.

"All the six who died, and the two who became invalid, had no family history of heart attacks or any pre-history of heart ailments or paralysis. They were all in their prime, between 27 and 33 years, and handled challenging projects at work in their respective companies. They worked long and continuous hours. The end struck them very suddenly, and it looked as if their hearts refused to take any more stress," said Dr Dwarakanath, director of Mitran Foundation, who has studied stress components in 40 software companies in Chennai during the last six months.

The study, conducted at a cost of Rs 45 lakhs, covered more than 4,000 software professionals from 80 companies who were in service for a minimum of three years. The email responses were scientifically tabulated and the findings were ready in 2002.

Dr Dwarakanath, who was the late Dhirubhai Ambani's personal stress management consultant, said questionnaires extracting every minute detail were sent to the respondents. The personal background, family history and personal characteristics of these individuals were assessed and it was found that the stress in these professionals was only due to work pressure. All other factors were eliminated.

"Our study confirmed that the number of suicides, divorces, heart ailments, BP and diabetes patients and mental depression are the highest in the software industry. The fancy salaries of software professionals are no longer something to rejoice about," Dr Dwarakanath said.

"We found that the software industry has simply no routine. Deadlines hang before them and every day they chase new problems. During weekends more than 60 per cent of the vehicles are found parked in the office complexes. There is no physical exercise and new food habits favoured by pizza culture fuel the problem. Cervical spondilitis and wrist problems due to uncomfortable handling of the computer mouse, eye problems and discomfort in bowel movements are common. The stress for couples where both are employed in the IT industry is the worst. The simple step of taking time off from work for three months allowed an IT couple wanting a child for years to conceive one," Dr Dwarakanath said.

M. T. R. Venukopalan, senior training coordinator, Covansys India, acknowledged that IT professionals were the most stressed individuals. "Even if the company sponsors a movie or self-care lecture, not many attend them," he said. Jyothsana, a travel coordinator for Temenos India Pvt Ltd, expressed concern for the young employees who complain of back and knee pains. She acknowledged that IT professionals require a specific eating and physical exercise routine to ease their stress. "Our lives are becoming mechanical, guided only by deadlines," she said. So think again if you are staying late in the office regularly. Think again about your family. Think again about your social life and health.

Work is essential. Your contribution to the goal should be great. But, please don't make it a habit to stay late.

Don't skip your Break Fast /Lunch/Dinner. None of these are equated by Pizza, Biscuits / Wafers / Chat items/ Sandwiches.

Health Tips # 8 - Hair loss - the reasons.

As a part of our life, we experience some hair shed every day (up to 100 is considered normal). Some people experience a high level of hair loss and later it result to baldness.

The pattern of hair growth and loss in men and women is different. Different factors affect the loss of hair, including hormonal imbalances. If the thyroid gland is overactive or under active it could lead to hair loss. Significant fluctuations in the level of androgen and estrogens could also cause hair loss.

Sometimes medicines can also cause hair fall. The medicines which are generally used for blood pressure, birth control etc fall in this category - they contain some ingredients that reduce the growth of hair.

Over styling is yet another serious cause for hair loss. Hair coloring, hair straightening and perking give a negative effect, because these treatments use chemicals and excessive heat. Chemicals and over heat will affect the normal growth and health of hair.

In youngsters, because of the excessive tension and stress that is present today, we can see significant hair loss.

Some infections also cause hair loss. Certain fungal infections and presence of dandruff is another cause for the hair loss.

Proper care of hair will reduce the amount of hair loss. We have to keep the hair properly shampooed, cleaned and conditioned using the natural ingredients (as much as possible) which would ensure the hair loss is kept under control.

Health Tips # 7 - Extra Hours @ Office? Take care..

Watch out, those of you, who spend long hours at Office.

A new study by University College London has found that those who spend more than 11 hours at work, compared with seven or eight-hour a day, increase their chance of having a heart attack by two thirds.

For their study, the researchers tracked 7,095 civil servants, aged 39 to 62, over a period of 11 years and established how many hours they worked on average a day.

Over the period, a total of 192 had suffered a heart attack. But the study found that those who worked more than 11 hours a day were 67 per cent more likely to have one than those who had a "nine-to-five" job.

The study concluded that information on working hours could be useful to GPs (general practitioners) alongside other factors like blood pressure, diabetes and smoking when deciding on the mode of treatment.

Professor Mika Kivimäki, who led the study, was quoted by the British media as saying, "We have shown that working long days is associated with a remarkable increase in risk of heart disease.

"Considering that including a measurement of working hours in a GP (general practitioner) interview is so simple and useful, our research presents a strong case that it should become standard practice.

This new information should help improve decisions regarding medication for heart disease. It could also be a wake-up call for people who overwork themselves, especially if they already have other risk factors."

The findings have been published in the 'Annals of Internal Medicine' journal. Full details of the article can be had from this link.

Health Tips # 6 - Depression Management

There are many signs and symptoms of depression for a person who is suffering from the disorder of depression.

Following are some of the signs and symptoms:

First of all, the person will be highly agitated. We cannot predict the behavior of the person who is under depression.

The depressed person would be restless. He will be doing unnecessary things.

Another symptom is irritation. He can be furious with little matters easily.

One other noticeable symptom is change in eating habits. That is, he may either eat more food or less food than a normal, stable person. So he will be either gaining or losing weight accordingly.

Yet another sign is difficulty in concentrating. He cannot concentrate in his studies, works or other activities.

He will feel fatigue and exhausted easily than normal. He will feel weaker than earlier.

He will lose his confidence for doing work or any other tasks. He will be feeling too sleepy or could have inadequate sleep as well.

If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is high time that you immediately consult an appropriate doctor and get this sorted out.

But this does not mean that you should get on a knee-jerk reaction every time you are unable to concentrate, or every time you are exhausted - just focus on yourself much more carefully and you will know when you are getting out of control, internally.

Health Tips # 5 - Stress Management

Stress is defined as the reaction of the body against the adjustment in the physical or mental change or action taking place.

Stress can be very dangerous some times. But it can overcome easily if we take certain precautions or measurements.

There are many ways of managing stress.

Relaxation is considered as the primary one. Find time for relaxing by the means of meditation, listening to music, or by taking a bath.

Another way to overcome stress is sticking to the daily routine. If you are a person suffering from stress, don’t add too much works. This technique is also considered as one of the best in the many ways of managing stress.

Eating a healthy diet will also help in managing the stress. The diet should include fruits and vegetables.

Avoiding of the food items like fatty type foods will give a better result.

Exercising daily will also help you a lot. This will help in boosting the energy of the person, and will be better for heart, lungs and mind too. This is considered as the one of the best and practical in the several ways of managing stress.

Without any doubt, laughing is the best of all ways of managing of stress. The person should be involved in the activities he should be getting relaxed and entertained.

Don’t forget to keep a positive attitude always. This is a good way to reduce the stress.

Taking the problems to a trustable person can also control one’s stress.

Doing Yoga, especially a routine, regular session would be enormously helpful in controlling stress.

Extreme levels of stress can ultimately lead one to the stage of depression. So it is vital that you plan and control your stress through the more positive steps.

Health Tips # 4 - Thulasi and its benefits

The herb "Thulasi" (or Brinda or Basil as it is known to few people) is well known for its action on lungs and associated problems. The lungs are affected due to cold, phlegm, cough, sneezing, runny nose etc.

In case of phlegm in chest, gather a handful of basil leaves, clean them and add a teaspoon of pepper to it. Add a glass of water and heat the combination. Reduce it to half glass, and then filter the water. Add honey to this water and drink it three times a day.

Another alternative is to take 1-2 teaspoon of thulasi leaf juice once every four hours.

In case of allergy that results in sneezing, runny nose etc the following preparation is found to be useful. Powder of dried thulasi leaves 100 gm, powdered clove 100 gm, powdered cardamom 100 gm all these mixed thoroughly and stored in a bottle. Take a pinch of this mixture to a teaspoon of honey and take it morning and night after food. Regular intake can cure this annoying problem.

For people suffering from asthma, thulasi leaves 6 nos, pepper corn 6 nos and vilva leaf 6 nos are taken together raw first thing in the morning. Chew the combination and swallow down the juice such that it passes down the throat slowly. This will help relieve the attendant uneasiness.

For smokers cough, thulasi is an excellent remedy. A handful of thulasi leaves, toothuvalai leaves and kandakathiri leaves are collected. Put all these leaves in a litre of water. Now add 5 gm each of dried ginger (chukku), pepper and thippili to this and heat it. Reduce it to half and then let it cool. Add honey and take it twice a day.

Do this for 21 days, preparing this combination fresh each day. This can help cure smokers cough.

Health Tips # 3 - Sleep disorders - how to address

With the current hectic life that people lead in today’s time, reducing stress is the most important thing, as it could have a clear negative impact on your sleep.

There could be different types of stress such as work stress, school stress, family stress, teen stress, parent stress, etc. If your life is full of stress then your night time sleep could be hampered also therefore it is really important to follow some important tips to reduce stress and sleep better.

Getting sufficient amount of sleep at night is very important to get rid of stress. You should keep your mind free from problematic thoughts before sleeping.

Having a proper and relaxing shower can help you get away from the stress that you gathered through out the day.

Here are the important tips to reduce stress and sleep better-

Do not over sleep - It is not right to build a habit of over sleeping because it can hamper your regular sleeping habit. Always try to have sufficient sleep but that does not mean excessive.

Exercise - Exercise is a great habit. Exercise like swimming, jogging and walking could be the best solution for sleeping disorders.

If you are a senior citizen category, then you can go for a light walk at the evening. It will help to have a nice sleep during the night.

If you are highly addicted to caffeine or alcohol then you must cut off these things from your regular chart.

If you maintain these tips to reduce stress and sleep better then you will definitely get the real result that you want.

Health Tips # 2 - Osteporosis & Pumpkin seeds

The problem of brittle bone is very rampant today and more precisely known as osteoporosis.

If you eat pumpkin seed you can increase the protection against this problem. The zinc content is very high in seed and this is sure to make strong impact.

The good work of seeds do not end here, you can reduce inflammation without any drugs. In fact, Pumpkin seeds are an amazing source of good health.

Next time when you buy pumpkin don’t forget to scoop out the seeds and preserve them for your health. Don’t make a mistake to throw the seeds away.

You can fry them in frying pan and grinned them until powder is produced. Here are the benefits for our health.

The seed has in store for us such as, if you are facing problem in urination then you must increase the amount of consumption.

This will improve the bladder function.

Person who is undergoing depression are advised to eat this seed. The consumption of this seed has shown tremendous benefits and this is proved that seed contains L-tryptohan which is naturally used to kill depression. If you are suffering from any kind of depression, you must eat and see the amazing result.

Tapeworms are another problem where you hardly can find some good effective medicines but you can ensure if you take pumpkin seeds. This act as parasite killer as well.

You can prevent cancer if you eat regularly; the seed has anti-cholesterol substance which acts as strong weapon against health problems.

The hidden secrete of pumpkin seeds has been revealed, so, grab the opportunity and protect yourself from any health menace.

Health Tips # 1 - Eye care

This month of April, am going to focus completely on Health Tips. April 1 marks the beginning of a new financial year in India, and we hope to start a completely new episode in the lives of many people by getting them to understand that "Health is wealth".

As an eye opener for this brand new topic, the first article today is going to focus purely on Eye care.

Enough bragging, let me get to the topic straight.

================================

Long hours in front of the Computer ? Read this..

A lot of people experience eye pain, eye redness, excess watering, headache and tiredness for working long hours in front of the computer. Its caused by constant gazing at computer screen kept at a near distance, and decreased blinking.

Remember it is not because of the harmful radiations from the computer (computer does not emit harmful rays or radiations) but because of wrong work habits.

Follow the tips given below:

• Place the computer screen about 2 to 3 feet away from the eyes.
• Stop looking at the screen continuously.
• Take the eyes off the screen every 5 to 10 minutes.
• Every half-an-hour take a break for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Every hour take a 5 minute break by walking around or doing some other work.
• Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently.
• If necessary, use eye drops 3 to 4 times a day to lubricate the eye; however, it is best to consult your ophthalmologist before putting any medicine on the eye.

Exercises for the eyes:

Eyes often get tired due to working on the computers, heavy reading or writing. Regular exercise helps in the blood circulation which than relaxes the eye.

• Sit upright on a chair and look at a far off small object.
• Then hold a pen at level with your eyes and at an arm's length and look at its tip.
• Gradually bring the pen close to your eyes to a point where you feel a mild strain on your eyes. The tip of the pen should remain clear and single in appearance. Hold the pen in this position for about half a minute and then again gradually take it back to an arms length. Hold it here again for about half a minute, and then again bring the pen close to your eyes.

Repeat all the above three steps 10 times.

In the beginning this exercise should be done for 5 to 10 minutes just once a day in the morning at a time when you are fresh and rested.

After one week it should be increased to twice daily and after two weeks thrice a day. Avoid the exercise when you are tired or are having eye pain or headache. Continue the exercise routine for 2 months to build good eye muscle strength.