aging skin

Premature aging skin is one of the challenges before those who want to keep their skin youthful for longer periods of their lives. People, especially women, take many anti aging measures for skin care so that they may delay the process of aging which is represented by loosened skin. Ayurveda has deeply addressed this issue of aging skin. It says that premature aging of the skin is caused due to the aggravation of vata dosha, which naturally increases with age. Dryness of skin is a predominant trait of a Vata dosha body type constitution. Even in other people, Vata causes dryness of the skin when it is vitiated due to seasonal influences. In fact, skin ages due to both- internal as well as external factors. Internal factors may be listed as inability of skin to retain moisture, low levels of elastin production, lesser production of new skin cells etc. External factors include lifestyle choices and surrounding environment such as smoking, prolonged exposure to sun or extreme cold, poor diet, stress, lack of exercise etc. Here are some herbal remedies for skin. They are, in fact, home remedies for skin tightening which include usage of common household materials found in kitchen as well as some common Indian herbs.

• • Massage face with clarified butter (ghee), almond oil or coconut oil before going to bed. An oil massage is the best remedy for dry skin. Almond and coconut oil are best Ayurvedic remedies for aging skin as they improve complexions, reduce fine lines and wrinkles apart from curing crow's feet. For better absorption, anti-aging oil massages should be done at night.
• • Ghee or clarified butter contains vitamin E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants that prevent cell damage and fight free radicals. Rub ghee all over your body to get it absorbed in the skin. The best way to get benefits of ghee is to include it in your daily diet. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ghee while cooking vegetables, dals etc.
• • Apply fresh Aloe Vera juice to the skin. If you can't get fresh aloe vera, get aloe vera gel from health care shops.
• • There are many benefits of honey, one being its anti aging property. Take 1/2 tablespoon of honey and mix it with 1-2 tablespoon of rose water. Apply this mixture on face, neck, and other dry skin area. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Now wash it off with tepid water. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin. This mixture will clean your skin and tone it to give you a glowing complexion with wrinkle free skin.
• • Take one teaspoon each of egg yolk and honey, and 1-2 teaspoon milk powder. Mix them well to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on face, neck and other dry skin area. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then wash with cold water.
• • Mix one egg yolk, 1 teaspoon each of honey, olive oil and vitamin E oil to make an anti aging lotion to be used as moisturizing facial mask. Apply it to face and other areas and leave for 15 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water.
• • Avoid too much of sun exposure as it is one of the main causes of wrinkles. Use umbrella, scarves or any other protective cover when going out in sun.
• • Quit smoking Cigarette smoke ages skin by releasing an enzyme that breaks down elastin and collagen- vital components of skin.
• • Get adequate sleep. Sleeping position is also important. Try to sleep on your back, as it prevents wrinkle formation. Sleeping on sides may cause wrinkles on chin and cheek and sleeping with face-down will result in furrowed brow.
• • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They have anti-oxidants that help fight damage caused by free radicals. They keep skin younger and radiant.
• • Drink lots of water during the day to provide optimum supply of moisture to the skin.
• • Do not over-wash your face. Washing face too often removes skin off its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles.
• • Basil herb or Ocimum Sanctum (tulsi) has effective anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties. Follow the traditional Ayurvedic method of boiling fresh tulsi leaves and water until the water reduces to half. Then drink the resulting water. The other ayurvedic way of having basil leaves is to eat the crushed herb when it cools.
• • Switch to green tea. Green tea has anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, and healing effects on skin which helps in skin rejuvenation.

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Causes of Acne to Occur

Who doesn't wants to have clear and beautiful skin? but almost all of us experience acne at some or the other time in our lives. Acne outburst on any part of the body, be it your face, neck or back, is always irritating. So, it is always advisable to get acne treatment at the initial stages of the outburst and keep the acne at bay.

Causes of Acne to Occur
Always remember that when something is wrong with the internal organs of the body, the complaint regarding their malfunctioning is exhibited through the skin. The digestive organs only react to what we have given to them. It has been revealed that the combination of rich carbohydrates and protein in large amounts, forces the toxins to the surface of the skin and form acne and pimples, which later on leaves acne scars. So, if you think that applying a lotion will do, it will not, some of them will disappear but host of other pimples are readying themselves for the attack on the surface of the skin, they may however change the strategy and appear on other parts of the body.

If you have been struggling with breakouts and still finding new ways to cure pimples then you need to follow a complete skin care regimen that actually works at preventing acne from taking over your face. A reliable daily acne skin care regimen with natural acne remedies followed on a regular basis is the best way to treat acne prone skin.

To treat acne prone skin your acne skin care regimen should have:

• Moisturizers are the best ways to prevent your skin from drying out. But to cure pimples use the one which is not oily, made for sensitive skin. It will be more beneficial if you get one that has salicylic acid along with glycolic acid for more protection against acne all through the day.
  
• Salicylic acid - helps reduce the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Also opens the pores and cleanses the skin having dirt and bacteria.
  
• Astringents and Toners, use them for cleaning with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids because they are great for toning the face and helps to fade away acne scars. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They also helps in exfoliating your skin
  
• SD Alcohol 40 if used on regular basis, will remove excess oil and sebum which will keep your face from looking shiny.
  
• Avoid wearing skin tight clothes, they are known to cause body acne by trapping sweat.
  
• Use make up brand which does not clog the pores.
  
• Use a sun-blocker by wearing a hat.
  
• Dry your face carefully after washing, do not apply pressure.

So, try these tips and include them in your daily regimen, but it will be better if you consult your condition with a dermatologist.

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fire accidents first aid

The University First Aid Policy provides the procedure for responding to accidents where an injury or illness has occurred. The University Policy on First Aid is as follows:

1. When immediate first aid is needed because of an injury or illness, first call the Public Safety Department at 911, then if there are qualified first aiders in your building, seek their assistance. First aiders may render aid for life-threatening conditions such as stopped breathing or excessive bleeding; treatment such as bandaging or splinting should not be attempted except under the supervision of proctors or medical personnel. All proctors are trained first aiders, and render this service as part of their job duties.
2. Persons with severe injuries or illnesses, which require emergency department facilities for treatment, are to be transported directly to the Princeton Medical Center. Persons with less serious injuries or illnesses should obtain treatment at the McCosh Health Center.
3. On the Main Campus, transportation to the McCosh Health Center or the Princeton Medical Center is provided by the University Public Safety Department or the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. On the Forrestal Campus, transportation is provided by the Emergency Services Unit of thePublic Safety Department; however, this unit only transports patients to the Princeton Medical Center unless directed otherwise by a University physician.
4. All first aid supplies maintained by University departments and offices must be kept in sanitary condition. These supplies must be limited to simple household supplies such as band-aids and sterile gauze pads of various sizes which can be used to help in controlling heavy bleeding. In addition, the following personal protective materials are required and should be used when there is potential for exposure to blood or other body fluids:

• At least one pair of large size disposable latex gloves such as surgical or laboratory gloves. 
• An airway resuscitator such as the “Pocket Mask” for use in mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 
• A spill kit containing an appropriate disinfectant and other cleanup and disposal materials for handling spills of blood, vomitus, or other body fluids.

The supplies listed above have been approved by Employee Health as required by OSHA regulations. No other first aid supplies are authorized unless arranged through Employee Health. Treatment requiring more elaborate supplies should be sought at the McCosh Health Center, as indicated above.
Persons who wish to acquire first aid or CPR training are encouraged to avail themselves of local resources such as the Red Cross, local first aid squads,
or University programs when offered.

First Aid Procedures For Chemical Exposure (top)

The following procedures should be followed in the event ofchemical exposure. In all cases, the incident should be reported to your laboratory manager, supervisor or principal investigator, regardless of severity. Consult your department manager to determine whether or not a First Report of Accidental Injury or Occupational Illness form should be completed.

Chemicals on Skin or Clothing

1. Immediately flush with water for no less than 15 minutes (except for Hydrofluoric Acid, Flammable Solids or >10%Phenol). For larger spills, the safety shower should be used.
2. While rinsing, quickly remove all contaminated clothing or jewelry. Seconds count. Do not waste time because of modesty.
3. Use caution when removing pullover shirts or sweaters to prevent contamination of the eyes.
4. Check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to determine if any delayed effects should be expected.
5. Discard contaminated clothing or launder them separately from other clothing. Leather garments or accessories cannot be decontaminated and should be discarded.

Do not use solvents to wash skin. They remove the natural protective oils from the skin and can cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, washing with a solvent may facilitate absorption of a toxic chemical.
For flammable solids on skin, first brush off as much of the solid as possible, then proceed as described above.
For hydrofluoric acid, rinse with water for 5 minutes and apply calcium gluconate gel, then get immediate medical attention.  If no gel is available, rinse for 15 minutes and go immediately to University Health Services at McCosh or Princeton Medical Center.
For phenol concentrations more than 10%, flush with water for 15 minutes or until the affected area turns from white to pink.  Apply polyethylene glycol, if available.  Do not use ethanol.  Proceed as described above.

Chemicals in Eyes

1. Immediately flush eye(s) with water for at least fifteen minutes. The eyes must be forcibly held open to wash, and the eyeballs must be rotated so all surface area is rinsed. The use of an eye wash fountain is desirable so hands are free to hold the eyes open. If an eyewash is not available, pour water on the eye, rinsing from the nose outward to avoid contamination of the unaffected eye.
2. Remove contact lenses while rinsing. Do not lose time removing contact lenses before rinsing. Do not attempt to rinse and reinsert contact lenses.
3. Seek medical attention regardless of the severity or apparent lack of severity. If an ambulance or transportation to McCosh Health Center is needed, contact Public Safety at 911. Explain carefully what chemicals were involved.

Chemical Inhalation

1. Close containers, open windows or otherwise increase ventilation, and move to fresh air.
2. If symptoms, such as headaches, nose or throat irritation, dizziness, or drowsiness persist, seek medical attention by calling Public Safety at 911 or going to University Health Services at McCosh. Explain carefully what chemicals were involved.
3. Review the MSDS to determine what health effects are expected, including delayed effects.

Accidental Ingestion of Chemicals

1. Immediately go to University Health Services at McCoshor contact the Poison Control Center at 800-962-1253 for instructions.

1. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a health care provider.

Accidental Injection of Chemicals

Wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention, if necessary.

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Exposure to Infectious Agents (top)

Intact Skin

1. Remove contaminated clothing. 
2. Vigorously wash contaminated skin for 1 minute with soap and water.

Broken, cut or damaged skin or puncture wound

1. Remove contaminated clothing. 
2. Vigorously wash contaminated skin for 5 minutes with soap and water. 
3. Seek medical attention at McCosh Health Center.

Eye

1. Immediately flush eyes for at least 15 minutes with water, preferably using an eyewash. If no eyewash is available, pour water on the eye(s) for 15 minutes, rinsing from the nose outward to avoid contamination of the unaffected eye. 
2. Hold eyelids away from your eyeball and rotate your eyes so that all surfaces may be washed thoroughly. 
3. Seek medical attention at McCosh Health Center.

Ingestion or Inhalation

1. Seek medical attention at McCosh Health Center. 
2. Do not induce vomiting unless advised to do so by a health care provider.

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Exposure to Radioactive Materials (top)

See the University Radioactive Materials guide here

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Injury/Illness Reporting Procedures (top)

Work related injury or illness must be reported to the Office of Risk Management using the form Employers First Report of Accidental Injury or Occupational Illness. The information on this form may initiate an accident investigation by EHS, where applicable and will provide the information needed for Workers Compensation Insurance and the OSHA Log of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. Forms are available through McCosh Health Center, your department manager, or Risk Management.

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Depression?

What is Depression?
Depression is a medical Illness & not just a feeling of hopelessness. It's more then just feeling sad.

How common is Depression?
It's as common as the Common Cold. According to the World Health Organization, it's the Third Most Common Illness in the World after Infectious diseases & Heart disease. It's the 4th to the 10th most frequent diagnosis made by the family doctor.

Who is at risk to get Depression?
All of us are! An alive human being (with fair intelligence) is the greatest risk!! As confirmed by scientific data ¼ to 1/3 of us are going to have it once in lifetime. Every 3rd female and every 5th male will have it at least once.

What are the causes of Depression?

• » Biological
• » Psychological
• » Social

Biological causes:

I. Chemicals / Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers, which are critical in the transmission of nerve impulses in our brain and nerves. The level of certain neurotransmitters, NORADRENALINE & SEROTONIN are decreased in the brain. Most of the medications used for treating depression (Anti depressants) help in elevating the levels of these chemicals in the brain.

II. Genetic: For every possible physical and mental feature there is a gene in our cells. So is a gene for Depression. The parents of a depressed person are at a higher risk for depression. If a sibling has depressive illness then there is a 15% chance, that it will be there in another sibling .If the onset of depression is after the age of 40 yr. then chance of it being genetically transmitted is less.


III. Hormonal imbalance: Though the exact mechanisms are not understood but imbalance of female sex hormones can lead to depression. Depressions in the postmenopausal and post partum (after delivery) period are the examples.

Psychological causes:

I. Personality/ Attitudes: Following types of personality traits predispose to depressive illness.

• » Very ambitious
• » Anxious
• » Obsessive/perfectionist
• » Setting very high standards for self

Persons having above traits/attitudes are more likely to experience depressive episodes in their lives as compared to people who don't have such type of personality.

II. Coping strategies with life events: How we deal with stressful events like separation/divorce/death, etc. determines how predisposed we are to depression. People who are

• » Impulsive
• » Aggressive
• » Self centered

Are more likely to have depression.

Social causes and social supports:

• » A lot of stressful life events like death/divorce/disease predispose to depression.
  
• » Interpersonal relationships matter a lot - good relations with the friends / spouse / siblings have a positive effect in preventing depression.
  
• » Single people are more prone to depression than couples.
  
• » Similarly, studies have found divorced persons to be more prone to depression.

What are the features of depression?
Most of the people who feel low and depressed are given a lot of advice by friends and relatives. It is automatically assumed that these feelings of low energy / low mood are just a matter of time and would get better if the individual made a little effort to feel good and happy.

Persistence of such feelings of lethargy / low energy / low mood despite all this indicates that the person may be suffering from clinical depression. Following are the features that a depressed individual experiences.

Biological features (duration - 15 day or more)

• » Decreased sleep--- the person gets up very early in the morning say, at 3 am & can't sleep again. Frequent awakenings. Poor quality of sleep.
• » Decreased appetite/ weight
• » Dryness of mouth
• » Constipation
• » Reversed diurnal variation - everybody feels better in the morning but a depressed patient feels worst in morning & slightly better in noon to evening.
• » Generalized body ache - lot of poorly localized pains and aches like headaches, abdominal pains.
• » Easily fatigued & lethargic.
• » Panic features like palpitations and sweating.

Psychological features

I. Sadness of mood

II. Decreased pleasure & interest in activities which they enjoyed previously

III. Decreased attention, forgetfulness, like forgets where he/ she has kept things.

IV. Easily irritated

V. MOST IMPORTANTLY, OCCASIONALLY NO WISH TO LIVE.
BAD NEWS IS THAT THIS CONDITION CAN BE FATAL. 40% OF ALL SUICIDES REPORTED ARE IN PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION.

GOOD NEWS IS, IT IS EASILY DIAGNOSABLE & EASILY TREATABLE.

What are the treatments available for depression?
A number of medicines are available suitable to different Patients. Broadly these are termed as Anti Depressants. These drugs remain the mainstay of therapy for depression.

There are certain important things to be kept in mind regarding anti depressant use:

• » ADEQUATE DOSE, FOR ADEQUATE DURATION IS THE CARDINAL RULE.
  
• » SOMETIMES SMALL DOSES FOR LESS DURATION IS GIVEN BY NON SPECIALISTS It leads to incomplete recovery with frequent relapses.
  
• » Antidepressants are NOT sleeping pills.
  
• » THEY ARE NOT HABIT FORMING.

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Anxiety

All of us have experienced some form of anxiety in our lives; those sweating palms before the start of an examination; the pounding heart on going to the stage are all features of anxiety.
A little anxiety is good in the way that it helps us focus on the task at hand and the body also channels it resources to meet the demands of the job. All of us experience milder forms of anxiety - stress, worry or tension - but when these symptoms collect (or are denied), they can quickly build upto a crescendo. This kind of an anxiety can be severly incapacitating.

Features of Anxiety
People who suffer from anxiety tend to experience physical symptoms such as palpitations, tremors, sweating, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhoea, muscle tension, shortness of breath, blushing and confusion. The first step in diagnosing an anxiety disorder is to rule out a physical cause: asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, inner ear problems and hypothyroidism can all produce symptoms associated with anxiety.

Physical conditions can create or exacerbate anxiety as well. Also, those who suffer from cumulative stress may create a physiological condition (such as insomnia or impotence) that in turn makes the stress worse - initiating a destructive cycle. Over time, stress can raise blood pressure,contribute to ulcers, or impair neuroendocrine regulatory systems in the brain - the very one which control mood and anxiety disorders.

Without early intervention, some anxiety cases can become chronic. But many people - especially men - feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This is true for nearly all anxiety or mental health problems.


Experts believe that some of the fault lies in our culture, in which men aren't supposed to be fearful. Men buy into this myth themselves, say psychologists. They'll insist that it's a medical condition, like a cardiac arrest, even after that's been ruled out. The fact is, with true panic, the experience in the body feels almost the same as a heart attack.

10 ways to cope

• Admit your need, and then seek professional help.
• Have a physician check for a physical cause of anxiety symptoms.
• Practise muscle relaxation and abdominal breathing regularly.
• Engage in regular physical exercise.
• Eat nutritiously. Eliminate caffeine. Stop smoking.
• Practise meditation and creative visualization.
• Learn positive self-talk and disregard negative messages.
• Identify and express your fears.
• Determine what meditation and / or alternative therapies are right for you.
• Explore the deeper side of your anxiety; give meaning to your suffering.

What will help?

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advise

follow the tips regularly ,and be healthy

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healthy Food Recipes

Healthy Food Recipes

Food is one of the basic necessity for life. However, it can even prove detrimental to life if not taken wisely. Food recipes, without any nutritional value can exactly do that. If one wants to stay healthy, s/he must have food that is according to body type as suggested by Ayurveda. This ensures that people live healthy and happily. Healthy food recipes need not be boring. The right mix of ingredients and the right technique of cooking can, in fact, lead to some mouth watering yet healthy food. Here we list for you some Ayurveda food recipes that are not only health recipes but also tasty food that you will love to have. Some of these homemade recipes are quick and easy to make food recipes while others will take a little longer to get prepared but one thing is common in all these healthy recipes- their high nutritional value!

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nutrition

The importance of nutrition in attaining good health can never be ignored. What you eat will determine how long you will live, how obese you become, how often you fall sick, how physically fit you are, and a host of other vital factors. Nutritious food also helps you in maintaining your body weight.

Four major nutrients required by your body are:

• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Protein and
• Water

Carbohydrates: The main form of energy you intake for your body is carbohydrates. Your body has the easiest time digesting carbohydrates like starch and sugar. Carbohydrates are broken down into individual fructose, glucose, units and so they are easy to digest.

Fats: Fats are essential for body to perform many corporal functions. Even saturated fats are indispensable because they help in strengthening your immune system. And they are also good for liver and lungs and help calcium absorption.

Proteins: Proteins are the building block your body uses to create new muscles tissues and repair any injured tissues. If you want to bulk up with muscles, then this is your food.

Water: Water helps in washing out the dangerous toxins that your body takes in, from the air you breathe, the food you eat and the chemicals used in the various products you use on your skin and hair. Water also cushion the joints of your body. Water also carries oxygen and nutrients into all your cells and also helps in regulating the temperature of your body.

Fruits and Vegetables for Maximum Nutrition
Different colored fruits and vegetables signify different nutrients. So, it is always advised to go for different colored fruits and vegetables to have all the required nutrients. Yellow and orange items typically are high in beta-carotene and dark leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin C. Cooking vegetables in oil also drains the nutrients present in vegetables. So, its always better to go for a quick steam with just a slight bit of water rather than boiling. Remember that it hardly matters how healthy your items are, if you drown them in oil.

Vitamins Aerobics

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cancer

What is cancer ?
The word Cancer is Latin word meaning Crab. It denotes a continuous, purposeless, unwanted and uncontrolled growth of cells. In our body, under normal circumstances, the number and growth of all the cells is a highly controlled mechanism. Cancer represents a failure of this system of limiting the growth of a particular type of cells in a tissue.

There is an excessive production of abnormal cells. These cells go into the surrounding tissues and cause damage. Through blood lymph vessels these cells may go to distant parts of the body and make new colonies of proliferating cells.

Is Cancer different from an infection? 
When germs or bacteria invade body tissues they cause an infection. The body launches defense mechanisms against these foreign particles and destroys them.

Cancer is due to proliferation of abnormal cells, which develop from body’s own cells. So they are not recognized as foreign and continue to grow and invade without being attacked by body defenses.

Cancers become dangerous if they are detected late, that is at a stage when they have spread to other organs or have caused destruction to surrounding tissues. The secondary growths interferes with the functioning of the particular organ or site involved.

On the other hand, If the cancer is detected at an early stage, it can often be cured either by means of surgery or be other therapeutic means available.

Are there any specific factors, which cause cancer? 
No single cause has been responsible for all cancers. It has been suggested that cancer factors, interfere with the body’s ability to check abnormal proliferation of cells. Agents, which cause cancer, can cause changes in the genetic constitution of cells. These oncogenes, as they are called, can change the nature of the life giving protein component of the cell (DNA or deoxy ribonucleic acid) which may then lead to impairment of the switching off mechanism.

Certain established carcinogenic factors are-

• Tobacco smoking – associated with cancers of lung, mouth, throat and larynx and also esophagus, stomach kidney & bladder.
  
• Ultra violet light from strong sunlight is responsible for increased incidence of skin cancers.
  
• Viruses like Epstein Bar virus is associated with increased incidence of cancer of nasopharynx.
  
• Betel nut, paan, gutkas chewing is associated with cancer of mouth.
  
• Chronically irritated & damaged tissues are more likely to develop a malignant change.

Is cancer contagious? 
NO, cancer cannot be passed from one individual to another. But there are certain cancers like liver cancer, which occurs more commonly in people infected with hepatitis B or hepatic C, which can spread easily from person to person. Also persons affected by HIV/AIDS, have a lowered immune defense mechanism and have a high incidence of cancer.

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Asthma

Asthma is a disease of the airways of the lungs which is characterized by increased sensitivity of the airways to a variety of triggers. It is generally an episodic disease, i.e., acute attacks followed by symptom free periods. Though most attacks are generally short lived, sometimes serious conditions occur in which severe Asthma is unrelieved for many hours or even days, like in status asthmaticus.

Who is affected? It occurs in all age groups, but is found to be more common in children. It tends to affect both sexes equally.

Types of Asthma: There are two types of Asthma--- Allergic and Idiosyncratic. Allergic Asthma: This type is often associated with personal or family history of other types of allergic diseases like hay fever, rhinitis, eczema etc.

The offending agents causing Asthma:

1. Environment and air pollution.
2. Certain drugs like Aspirin.
3. Occupational factors like working with animal skins, chemicals, stone dust etc.
4. Infections of the chest or Upper respiratory Tract can bring about an acute attack of Asthma.
5. Exercise and emotional stress.

Clinical Features: The most characteristic features of Asthma are--- breathlessness, cough and wheezing. The attack often occurs at night but may also occur abruptly due to one of the precipitating factors mentioned above.

The patient often experiences a tight sensation in the chest along with dry cough. Sometimes a long standing dry cough maybe the only indication of Asthma.

When is Asthma really bad?
1. If the wheezing was audible periodically suddenly stops and the patient is still feeling severely out of breath.

2. If the muscles of the neck and those above the collar bone stand out in effort with every act of respiration.

3. If the attack is continuing unabated for several hours or even days with no symptom free periods in between.

What to do:
1. Most of the known cases of Asthma keep 'inhalers' with them, these are devices which ensure direct delivery of the drugs to the lungs and thereby bringing about a rapid relief.

2. Avoiding known triggers which bring about an attack helps, like avoiding strenuous exercises, going out in the cold, etc.

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eye care

Routine testing a stroke patients:

• • Full blood count, ESR
• • Serological tests for syphilis
• • Blood glucose
• • Blood urea, electrolytes, proteins
• • Chest radiograph
• • ECG
• • CTscan

• • Anatomy and functioning of eye
• • Refractive errors and treatment
  1. - Refractive surgeries
  2. - Laser surgery
  3. - FAQs regarding refractive surgeries and lasers
• • Cataract
  • - Cataract in Child
  • - Surgeries for Cataract
  • - Phacoemulsification
  • - What happens during Surgery?
  • - Post-operative care
  • - Complication of Cataract Surgery
  • - FAQ-Cataract
• • Poor vision in a child
• • Squint (Strabismus)
• • Retinoblastoma
• • Amblyopia(Lazy Eye)
• • Diabetes & Eye
  • - Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
  • - FAQ Diabetes & Eye
• • Thyroid disease and eye
• • Hypertension and eye

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emergencies

(Myocardial Infarction)
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is the death of heart muscle due to the loss of blood supply. Usually, the loss of blood supply is caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery(an artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle) by a blood clot.

What are the features of a heart attack?
Pain: is the cardinal symptom of a heart attack. The pain is often described as a tightness or heaviness in the chest. It is often severe enough to be the worst pain that can be experienced. the usual location of the pain is in the center of the chest but it frequently radiates to the left arm or the jaw.

Some heart attacks though can pass unrecognized; these painless attacks are called as ‘silent infarcts’ and are particularly common in diabetics.

Anxiety: fear of impending death.
Breathlessness,
Nausea and vomiting, 
Sweating, pallor and a fast pulse.

Sudden death: loss of blood supply disturbs the orderly transmission of electrical impulses in the heart and as a result the heart stops to effectively pump blood. Permanent brain damage and death can occur unless oxygenated blood flow is restored within five minutes. Approximately 40% of people suffering a heart attack die before reaching to the hospital.


What causes a heart attack?
A heart attack is almost always caused by the formation of a blood clot on a cholesterol plaque located on the inner wall of an artery to the heart (coronary artery). It is believed that the process of formation of these plaques starts in the late teens. Over a period of time the accumulation of cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries; a process called atherosclerosis.

Many factors have been found to influence this plaque formation. It can be accelerated by smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes. Whereas, factors like exercise, low fat diet, avoiding stress seem to help in retarding this process.

Ultimately, the arteries narrow to an extent where they are unable to supply enough blood to the heart muscle during periods of increased demand like during exercise or excitement. This results in a condition called ischemia which leads to chest pain called as angina.

Occasionally, however, for unknown reasons, the surface of the cholesterol plaque can become sticky, causing blood clotting. When a blood clot forms on top of this plaque, the artery becomes completely blocked, causing death of the heart muscle (heart attack).

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family planning

Considering the population explosion, increasing inflation and scarcity of resources, the family trends have shifted to nuclear families with number of children limited to one or two. Family planning refers to the natural and artificial birth control methods that allow you to control the size of your family and the gap between your children.

Advantages of Family Planning 
Family planning helps you prevent conception and reduce the risk of pregnancy. The biggest advantage of family planning tools is that they save you from the hassles of pregnancy termination and abortion. Adopting a family plan directly effects a woman's health in a good way by preventing unwanted and unplanned pregnancies and subsequent abortions. Restricting the family size allows more resources for bringing up your children and sustaining a family in a balanced way. Adopting family planning methods helps couples to let their children have a more focused upbringing, better education and other amenities.
Family planning perspectives are being given serious thought worldwide, and so, important birth control FAQ are being referred more often than ever for effective family planning.

Birth Control Options: Family Planning Tools 
Family planning tools are broadly categorized into two : Natural Family Planning Methods & the Artificial Family Planning Methods.

Natural family planning is based on avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of women. This method is based on physical signs of ovulation like basal body temperature and certain changes in mucus consistency.

Artificial family planning signifies various contraception methods that include hormonal methods like birth control pills and Norplant implant, barrier methods like condoms which act as foremost male contraception, cervical caps and diaphragms, and sterilization or permanent contraception. Another popular hormonal birth control method is the IUD (Intrauterine device). This is a small metal device which is inserted inside the uterus of women of reproductive age. IUD prevents unwanted pregnancy and is an effective birth control device.

Birth control effectiveness is an issue that is fast gaining importance nowadays. For those who are looking for more family planning information and knowledge on birth control methods, welcome to this complete family planning guide for all your queries, doubts and apprehensions about family planning.

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Alternative Medicine

In general terms Alternative therapy is all those modalities and techniques of healthcare that are not provided by your conventional allopathic practitioner. Alternative medicines are actually used for healing treatments that are not part of conventional medical training. It is an encompassing term for systems of medicine like ayurveda, acupuncture, homeopathy, Reiki etc.

Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the prevention of illness and maintaining good health by balancing one's life in terms of positive frame of mind, a healthy diet and lifestyle. Moreover, ayurveda also advocates the use of herbs and it is used for weight loss, impotency, liver or heart disease, and other common ailments. Also, ayurveda recognizes three main types of energy within the body known as kapha, pitta and vata.

Homeopathy is another excellent first-aid system and it is also one of the superb methods in the treatment of minor ailments such as the common cold, earaches and flu. Homeopathy is again based on the treatment of the individual and when practiced by a knowledgeable practitioner can also be very effective in the cure of conditions such as digestive problems, respiratory infections, hay fever and rheumatoid arthritis.

Acupuncture is one of the famous chinese art of healing. It involves inserting sterile, fine and disposable needles into specific body parts. Acupuncture stimulates the body's immune and healing systems. Other acupuncture techniques include moxabustion, chinese massage, exercise, diet, herbs, and cupping.
Reiki is a well known Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is carried out by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. And if one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

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