What is Sinusitis?

An infection of one or more of the sinus cavities, often caused by bacteria or an allergy is called Sinusitis. The sinuses are air pockets in the forehead and in the area surrounding the eyes and nose that function to filter and warm the air we breathe. When infected, the lining of the sinus cavity becomes swollen, causing a build up of fluid or mucus. This build up is responsible for symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, headache, pain and sinus pressure, which your child may be experiencing.

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Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - A report

What is avian influenza (Bird flu)?

Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Theses flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Click here to know more on Symptoms and treatment for Bird flu

Watching TV causes obesity, diabetes and sleeplessness

Watching TV is an ideal way to pass time --- it is enjoyable and does not require any effort. Most children plug into the world of television long before they enter school. In India, children between four and 14 years form the largest segment of viewers (23 percent) followed by 15-25 years olds (22 per cent) and 25-35 years old (20 per cent).

Watching TV causes obesity, diabetes and sleeplessness.. click here to know more

Treatment for low back pain

Low Back Pain, which is now one of the most common problems with working men/women can be treated well. Treatment for low back pain without any medication is possible. The most simple way is to work on a few exercises every day.

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Sleeplessness? - Here are a few tips on how to overcome that

There are many ways on how you can get better sleep. You can try any of the below methods to get some good sleep. Sleeplessness leads you to tiredness, confusion and restlessness. A good sound sleep is essential to keep you active in your daily routine.

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Honey for Weight Loss

These are question answers taken from The New Indian Express dated 10th may 2005 (Health Supplementary)

How can I use honey for weight loss. How many spoons of honey and how much cinnamon to add (exact quantity)?

DRINK honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one-cup water daily in the morning on an empty stomach, half an hour before breakfast and at night before sleeping. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body.

Proportion: Take 1 tsp of cinnamon powder. Add to 1 glass of water and reduce it to 1/4 glass. Add 2 tsp of honey and consume twice daily.

For Diabetics: Can honey be used in daily diet of diabetic people?

DIABETICS should take honey with regular monitoring of their sugar levels. Don't take more than 2 -3 tsp of honey/day.

Heart Patient: I am 63, I underwent coronary bypass surgery in Oct 2002. I am alright now. Can I take honey and cinnamon powder? How should I take it? Kindly advise me?

MAKE a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread or chapatti, instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.

Proportion: 1 teaspon of honey and 1 pinch of cinnamon powder.

Strong Body: I am a senior citizen aged 72 years. I have no problem with heart, kidney, liver, stomach, no BP, no sugar, and weigh 70kg. Of late, I get exhausted after walking 200-300 meters and feel a pressure in my chest. Recently I got a complete check up of abdomen and heart done and everything is found to be normal. Last year, I suffered from Mysthernia and showed to the doctor who prescribed medicine and I felt okay. I request you to please tell me how I should take honey and in what manner?

SUGAR content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body.

Proportion: 2 tsp of honey and 1-2 pinches of cinnamon powder.

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Answered by Dr.B.Ranganath

10 Tips to Better Eyes

Computer users suffer from problems like tired eyes, dark circles and headaches.

Studies have shown that stress, active nightlife and above all, the fact that most of us spend maximum time in front of the computer lead to dark circles, puffed and tired eyes.

Specifically with computer users, physical and visual discomfort is experienced by many after just a few hours in front of computers. It appears that PC users suffer from repetitive stress of their eyes and want an immediate solution to revive the tired eyes. Studies show that most computer users start to feel eye-muscle stress after two or more hours at the computer. This usually starts with tired eyes. With more time at the computer, discomfort frequently spreads to the head resulting in headaches, burning of the eyes, blurred vision, loss of focus, double vision, and neck and shoulder pains. Before it is too late, your stressed out eyes need to be relaxed and revitalised so that you feel fresh later in the day.

Click here for tips to reduce eyestrain

Courtesy Kaya Health Clinic
Article: The New Indian Express, Tuesday, May 10 2005

Summer Care - Reduce body heat with Fruit Juices

Juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple during summer will help reduce body heat.

SUMMER is one of the six seasons of the year. Every two months will make a season or Ritu. Summer is 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 vata 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 and how to avoid heat exhaustion and reduce body heat? Click here to find free articles to help you manage your summer

Calcium Builds Strong Bones

Minerals and Hormones are involved in bone building process. This can be greatly influenced by dietary factors.

The bone thinning condition called osteoporosis can lead to small and not-so-small fractures. Although many people think of calcium in the diet as good protection for their bones, this is not at all the whole story. To protect your bones you do need calcium in your diet, but you also need to keep calcium in your bones.

How to get Calcium into your bones? and How to reduce Calcium loss in your bones?

How to Combat STRESS

STRESS cannot be done away unless the cause itself is removed. Good health and stress free life is all that one craves for. According to the American Dietary Association, the main hazard of stress is not that we need more nutrients, but that anxiety or pressure can cause us to neglect proper dietary habits. Prolonged periods of stress lead to depletion of Vitamin C, B and D. Food changes our brain chemistry in a way that it influences our moods. The key to our emotion lies in certain chemicals in the blood stream. These are called neuro-transmitters. These are produced from the nutrients in the food. Hence, the need for nutritious and balanced diet is a must to free ourself from the physical and mental diseases.

A balanced diet should be defined from the nutritional point of view. As one which contains different types f food in such qualities and proportions; the micro-nutrients like minerals and vitamins and macro nutrients like proteins, fats and carbohydrates is adequately met. And a small provision is made for extra nutrient to withstand short duration of leanness (infections in the body)

EGG - A Nutritious Food

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Egg is a healthy and nutritious food. Table eggs being non-fertile, as rightly put forth by Mahatma Gandhiji, are 'as vegetarian as milk and honey', for they can never become the chirpy chicks!

Eventhough eggs contain considerable amounts of cholesterol, lecithin in eggs prevents the absorption of cholesterol of egg and other sources too. (Kansas State University Report, 2001) Several Medical studies have shown that eating eggs is not related to body cholesterol levels or cardiovascular problems (University of Connecticut report 2004), recommending 'people with normal cholesterol levels and no family history of cardiovascular diseases, should not worry about eating one or two eggs a day'.

Beaks are just like the nails, and therefore their trimming need not be done under anesthesia. Debeaked chicks resume feed intake within a few hours, and then all along their life would continue to consume feed. Birds are housed with enough space for their comfort and production and the statement "hudreds of birds crammed into one cage" is not true.

The way eggs are produced in India have been a model to many countries and hence today India is world's fourth largest producer of table eggs exporting them even to quality conscious places like the European Union and the Gulf countries. I therefore, strongly recommend the production and consumption of hen eggs from nutrition, health and economic point of view.

- Prof. G. Devegowda (Head, Division of Animal Sciences)

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Fighting Pests

Pest Management

Office building and food dispensing areas are subject to infestation by a wide variety of pests. Some of these pests are just a nuisance and some contaminate and cause health hazards. In other cases, pests may cause damages to electronic equipments. Conckroaches enter computers and cause short circuits. Sometimes body fluids from insect secretions or froma adecomposing insect body will cause corrosion of circuit and destroy sensitive tape heads.

Factors Favouring Pest and Pest Entry

Food and drink from cafeteria or vending machines may serve to introduce pests. Personal possessions of worker may contain pest. Pest may migrate from other areas through cracks and crevices or conduits. Pests may enter through door and windows. Exterior lighting may attract night flying pests.

Factors Favouring Pest Survival

Warm buildings, Food supplies in cafeterias and vending machine. Garbage, Drains in bathrooms and kitchen, Garbage and Cleaning services may be inadequate.

Factors Favouring Pest Dispersal

Conduits of water, electricity, cooling systems allow lateral and vertical movement of pest within the building. Elevator shafts and stairways provide vertical access. Corridors allow lateral movement. Ceiling voids allow concealed movement of pests. Food carelessly littered provides pest-feeding opportunities.

Pest Management Programme

Preventive pest control as a programme strategy. Extensive customer education. Low potential liability. Use of pesticides only when exclusion, sanitation etc., are inadequate. Extensive inspection and monitoring. Pesticide application only when needed. Emphasis on trapping, sanitation and exclusion. By and large source reduction as a key strategy.

Home Remedies

It is a little known fact that cock-roaches like high places. If you put wet boric acid powder on top of your kitchen cabinets if space allows between ceiling and cabinets, the cockroaches will take the boric acid powder to their nets, killing all of them. Boric acid is toxic by mouth - keep away from small children.

Spraying cockroaches directly with soapy water will kill them.

In an empty can, place one or two pieces of bread, which have been soaked thoroughly with beer. Place it in areas known to have roach infestation.

ALMOND - Myths and Benefits

Consumption of Almond lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases and gives overall wellness.

In Italy wedding hosts often gave sugar-coated almonds wrapped in shear fabric to their guests symbolising good health, fertility, romance, fortune and happiness.

Throughout history, almonds have maintained religious, ethnic and social significance. Almonds are appreciated as a staple in the Indian culture not only for their crunch, but also for their nutritional qualities and their health sustaining properties.

A seed from the stone fruit family, almonds are a rich source of nutrients, most notably Vitamin E and protein. A research conducted over the past decade has shown strong links of almond consumption with lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases, and overall wellness. Research into nuts has been so extensive that a qualified health claims for certain nuts such as almonds; ability to reduce the risk of heart disease has been approved by the Food and Drug administration in the US.

- Almonds help in fighting diabetes and heart Diseases

The presence of powerful nutrients like proteins, dietary fibre, mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and Vitamin E make almond a rich diet source for combating degenerative diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases.

- Almonds are the best source of alpha-tocopherol form of Vitamin-E

Almonds are among the best whole food sources and the bet nut source of alphatocepherol form of Vitamin E. The U.S. National Academy of Science (NAS) recommends consuming 15 milligrams of alpha tocopherol Vitamin E per day. Alpha-tocopherol is one of the form of Vitamin E that is most effeciciently used by the human body.

- Almonds are a great cholestrol lowering food

Nearly 70 percent of the fat in almonds is mono saturated, a suggested substitute to saturated fats, to reduce the cholesterol levels. Research also shows that almond and almond oil have similar cholesterol-lowering effects. Infact eating almonds consistently lowers total and LDL cholesterol respectively by four and five percent. This cholesterol lowering effect is similar to heart healthy foods such as oats and soy.

Almonds can be consumed in various ways. Their delicious tasty flavour relieves the monotony of the regular diets for diabetic and heart patients. Whereas there are still some myths associated with almonds that part us with the wide range of health benefits that this tiny fruit offers. Some of the common myths and their explanations listed below will help you do away with them.

- Almonds should be soaked and peeled before eating

Ther is no scientific basis linking the practice of soaking almonds. The almond skin contains fibre, which is good for digestion. This is a misconception that you need to peel almonds before consuming but the fact is that the skin of the almonds contributes to a significant part of the fibre content, a nutrient important for regular bowel movement. The kin also contains anti-oxidants.

- Consumption of almonds results in weight gain

Latest research has shown that a moderate-fat almind-containing diet results in greater satiety and sustained weight loss as compared to a low fat diet containing the same amount of daily calories.

- Almonds can be consumed only in winters

Almonds can be consumed throughout the year. Infact, a nutritious diet consisting of almonds has been shown to be beneficial in combating lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. The common belief that almonds cause body heat has not been verified scientifically. But in peak summers, you can also consume almonds in the form of "Badam Sharbat" or "Thandai".

Summer Care - Sunstroke and First Aid

SUNSTROKE

Heatstroke (commonly known as sunstroke) is a serious life threatening medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. During heatstroke, the person suddenly becomes cold blooded. The person will not be sweating and the skin will be hot and dry. There will be a sudden rise in body temperature, the pulse may become rapid and strong and the victim may slip into unconsciousness. Heatstroke can also affect a person's behaviour. He starts acting strangely or inappropriately or belligerent. Heatstroke victims should receive immediate medical attention.

FIRST AID FOR SUNSTROKE:

• Move the victim to a coller place.
• Apply cold, wet compresses to the extremities and behind the neck.
• Fan the victim lightly; give small amounts of water.
• Watch for nausea and/or vomiting. If this occurs discontinue immediately. If tolerated increase the water intake.
• Avoid salt water solutions
• Make the victim lie down and rest raising his feet 8 to 12 inches above the ground.
• Get in touch with emergency medical service or a nearby hospital.

Summer Care - What to EAT?

Food and what you eat or drink can make or mar your summer. Always remember to carry a bottle of boiled water. Some in Kerala use herbs while boiling water. This has a cooling effect. You could also try adding a pinch of coriander seeds or cumins while boiling water. Avoid roadside fruit juices or sodas when you are not sure of the water that has been used. Do not take cut fruits or pavement food. Eat vitamin rich foods - large amounts of vitamin C and E seem to make skin more resistant to burning. So do carotenoids (found in green and yellow fruits and vegetables). Include plenty of foods that are rich in these nutrients in your diet. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Go easy on you diet. Replace spicy and oil food with lots of fruits and salads. You will feel and look fresher.

Summer Care - How to Avoid Heat Exhaustion

• Get out of the sun, drink plenty of water. Ideally you should have plenty of water atleast half an hour before you go out into the sun.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. This is because they have fairly high water content and good salt balance. Drink diluted electrolytes.
• People who sweat heavily tend to loose a lot of potassium and sodium. There are many over the counter electrolyte packs.
• Avoid salt tablets, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and do not bare your chest.
• Do not suddenly go out into the sun from an air-conditioned room or do the opposite. Learn to acclimatise slowly.
• Dousing your head and neck with cold water will help if it is hot and dry.
• Use a newspaper, handkerchief or a traditional hand held fan to keep yourself in cool breeze.
• Wear light and light coloured clothes. the preferred coloured is white because it reflects the heat. Use cotton or polyester blends because such cloth material can breathe.
• Use an umbrella or a hat, preferably one that also shades the neck and is well ventilated.

TIPS TO STAY FIT

FOOD: Maintain a balanced diet (which should contain all six tastes) at the correct time and in a moderate quantity. The concept of quantity of food to be taken is that only half of the stomach can be filled with solid food, quarter with fluids and the rest to be kept free for a proper assimilation.

WATER: Drink two to three litres of water everyday. Take it in moderate quantities at regular intervals. Too much water intake delays digestion as it dilutes the digestive juices and too little also delays the digestion as it affects the assimilation of food.

SLEEP: Sleep at least six hours a day. Early to bed and early rise is the best method. Ayurveda insists on getting up in the morning before sunrise as an important routine to keep the health. Avoid sleep during the day is it makes the person lethargic and regular daytime sleep leads to put on weight.

EXERCISE: Regular and moderate exercise is important to keep up the health. Moderate means, any physical movement like stretches, walking, jogging or any oter physical exertion till you sweat. Exercise beyond a limit deteriorates the health and causes emaciation.

SEX: The overall vital glow or ‘Ojus’ is the optimum presence of all seven body tissues including the reproductive fluids (semen for male and ovum and associated secretions in female). Over indulgence in sex causes excessive drainage of these fluids, which leads to deterioration of health and emaciation.

PERSONAL HYGIENE: Keeping the body and the surrounding clean is very important to prevent possible diseases and to keep up the health.

BAD HABITS: Avoid smoking, alcohol, tobacco, gudkas, etc., as they not only affect that individual’s health but are also injurious to his family and society.

NATURAL URGES: Never hold back naural urges such as flatus, urine, sneeze, thirst, hunger, sleep, cough, yawning, vomiting and semen. Hold back mental urges of greed, envy, hatred, jealousy, love (desire), etc.

ATTITUDE: Be positive always. It enhances the mental and physical well being. Note that mind and body are not two nits. Any mild problem affecting the mind affects the physical health and vice versa.

Life after Tsunami - Pure Water; Source of Sustenance

The deadly and devastating tsunami has struck and gone leaving behind its scrawling signature of death and maimed lives across the southern east coast of India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In one swoosh, the sky-scraping death waves on December 26 last year piled up a mountain of dead bodies and grief. The post-tsunami days are going to be more deadly than the killer waves. Health hazards are likely to bring another wave of death unless precautionary steps are taken. Those in the tsunami hit areas and people going to the region need to be extremely careful about their health. Here are some lurking hazards and steps to prevent an outbreak of disease and death.

3 Agents of Death – Cholera, Diarrhoea and Malaria

Most areas in the tsunami hit regions do not have pure drinking water. Standing water can be as deadly as moving water or waves.

• Ensure that you take only your drinking water. Avoid all surface water. If you are going to the region, take a load of bottled drinking water.
• Any natural disaster will activate the three agents of death: cholera, diarrhea and malaria. (See below on the agents of death)
• Beware of respiratory-tract infection
• Avoid taking non-vegetarian food, especially fish.
• Look out for fever or a churning in your stomach.
• Many, especially children, may suffer from phobias. They would need proper counseling (See below on the phobias)
• Many may suffer from post-traumatic Stress Disorder (See Below)

Agents of Death

DIARRHOEA
Diarrhoea involves frequent and loose motions. The major cause is infection. Fever (high temperature) occurs with the diarrhea. Initial first aid approaches to this involve fluid replacement, with electrolyte solutions and sponging down with tepid water. Paracetamol may be tolerated, but might possible irritate the bowel more.

CHOLERA
Cholera is usually transmitted through contaminated water or food. Patients with cholera typically develop acute, watery diarrhea and dehydration. Cholera can be successfully treated by rapid oral or intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement.

It can be prevented by educating the public about food and water safety, the importance of hand washing, and the need to use latrines or toilets. Because cholera can spread swiftly through a population particularly when you are in a relief camp. Early detection of cases is necessary in order to start education and sanitation activities rapidly and to identify possible sources of infection. Foods which can tansmit cholera include raw or under cooked seafood, particularly shellfish, and raw fruits and vegetables. Acidifying foods with lemons, tomatoes, yogurt, or fermented milk helps to inhibit vibrio cholerae growth.

MALARIA
Malaria epidemics tend to occur in areas of unstable malaria, where communities have little acquired immunity, leading to widespread morbidity and mortality. Malaria epidemics cause suffering to displaced populations and refugees. Prevention is based on: evaluating the risk of exposure to infection preventing mosquito bites by using DEET mosquito repellent, bed nets, and clothing that covers most of the body.

PHOBIAS

General situational phobias involve specific kinds of anxious feelings triggered in situations with common physical or environmental elements.

AGORAPHOBIA: Agoraphobics feel unnerving pre-panic-attack sensations and anxieties when they perceive they are cut off from exits, sources of safety, or when alone.

CLAUSTROPHOBICS react similarly in situations that appear physically confining or crowded.

NECREPHOBIA: Fear of death

HYDROPHOBIA: Fear of water

SUBASTONOPHOBIA: Fear of sound

THALASSPHOBIA: Fear of the sea

POST –TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening events. People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flash-backs, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged, and these symptoms can be sever enough and last long enough to significantly impair the person’s daily life. PTSD IS marked by clear biological changes as well as psychological symptoms.

PTSD occurs in conjunction with related disorders such as depression, substance abuse, problems of memory and cognition, and other problems of physical and mental health.