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Pimples / Acne - Management and Home Remedies

What is Acne/ Pimples ?

Acne is a visible condition in which the skin pores becomes clogged ,leading to eruption. They can get inflamed and infected.

Course of Acne

They are chronic with frequent remissions and exacerbation.There is tendency to flare up in premenstrual period.

Causes

Acne is caused by over-activity of the sebaceous glands that secrete oily substances on surface of the skin. About 80% of teenagers are affected by acne between the ages of 13 and 17 due to increased production of sex hormones.

Excessive use of greasy cosmetics, pomades and detergent are other causes.

Why your Acne are painful ?

Bacteria trapped within a skin pore make the acne pustular and more painful.

What are the aggravating Factors ?

Exposure to dust, Constipation, Gastric intestinal disturbance, Sedentary life, picking and mechanical rubbing the acne spots are known factors that aggravate the condition.

Are my Acne Genetic ?

Yes, they may be as it usually runs in families.

Homoeopathic Management

BOVISTA 30 every 6 hours - Acne due to use of cosmetics, worse in summers.

KALIBROM 30 every 6 hours - Acne, pustular eruption on face,chest,shoulder. Leaves scars mostly in young fleshy person.

ANTIM CRUD- 30 every 6 hours. Cannot bear heat of sun. Tendency to grow fat. Pimples, pustules, and boils on face

BERBERIS AQUA- 5 drops every 8 hours. Pimples, blotches ,dry, rough skin. May clear the complexion.

JUGLANS R-30 every 8 hours . Comedones and red pus filled acne that itch a lot.

CARBO VEG-30 every 6 hours -acne in young persons ,skin perspires a lot.

HOME CARE

Be Happy - Acne person often takes this disturbance very seriously and feels unhappy. He should be relaxed.

Exercise and Yoga

No Replacement to Washing Face - Wash the site of acne twice daily with Valeda Herbal Aloe and Neem Face wash to remove excess oil from the skin.

Face Pack with Natural Juice - At night apply Valeda Herbal Nutmeg Pack for 10 min mixed in fresh fruit juice.

Don't Scrub too Hard - Avoid scrubbing too hard because this can actually irritate the skin and cause acne to worsen.

Don't Touch- Psychogenic stresses particularly the habit of picking, unnecessary squeezing make acne worse.

No Facials and Cosmetics - No facials,and cosmetics, particularly greasy and coloured should be used.

Avoid exposure to dust. Keep the area clean by applying Echinacea tincture - [prepared by mixing 1 part of Echinacea mother tincture with 4 parts of distilled water]

General health should receive attention by following constitutional diet plan.

Fats and carbohydrates have to be reduced in with vegetables and protein.

Sweets of all kinds and nuts to be avoided.

Healthy Diet - Diet should be simple with lots of green vegetables, sprouts and fruits. Avoid starches, chilies,tea, aerated drinks, ice and alcohol.

Check Gastric Ailments - Constipation and other digestive upset aggravate acne and steps must be taken to avoid them

Mild sun is goodfor the skin -An outdoor life and exercise done in fresh open air helps.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. Seema Bali, Homeopath

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Quick Tips on Optimal Oral Hygiene in Ramadan

In the month of Ramadan it is crucial to maintain your dental health in a good condition apart from your routine days. Especially fasting people suffer from bad breath which is very common and its pretty much easier to avoid when you keep in mind few quick tips. Oral health not only helps in chewing process and appearance of one facial personality but also it adds up self esteem and confidence during social interaction.

TIPS:

Practice Brushing your teeth after suhoor/ sehri i.e predawn meal because its very important to clean your mouth by brushing away stuck food particles that leads to teeth decay and use a tongue cleaner to remove residues that form on the tongue which is the main causative agent for bad breath.

Introduce a couple of fruits and boiled veggies at the time of breaking fast that have high fiber content which will help in remineralize your teeth naturally. Because fasting people stay almost 14.5 hours (varies depending upon the location) without eating and drinking water which builds up bad odor in the mouth and dryness that can accelerate decay process when you have sugary foods while breaking fast. So, to reverse the decay process you must have fiber rich food which will deposit minerals in teeth to stay healthy.

Using Miswak a teeth cleaning twig from arak tree during their fasting hours helps to stimulate saliva that prevents dryness of mouth and bad breath. Also it contains effective anti-bacterial action coming up to 60%.

Periodontally compromised and diabetic patients must use chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily in 1:1 ratio to prevent further damage of gums because gums infection gives rise to bad breath. Get oral prophylaxis done before Ramadan begins to make sure gums health must no longer worsen during fasting and avoid bad breath.

Incorporate usage of fluoridated toothpastes (1350ppm) twice daily, because fluoride gives strength to teeth and prevents from demineralization or cavity formation.

People who use dentures should clean them with denture cleaning tablets dissolved in water and then wear during fasting hours because Unclean dentures produces bad breath.

Elderly patients should use powered tooth brush to clean teeth effectively to avoid teeth decay and bad breath.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr.Nashwa sultana omer, Dentist

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Why Japanese Live Long?

The people in the land of rising sun live longer and we are going to reveal secret behind it. Japan has one of the lowest life expectancies post world war II.Here are some of the secrets which help Japanese people live longer.

Eating vegetables:As lame as it sounds but it is absolutely true. Eating vegetables is something which most of the people do not like. Japanese people eat more vegetables. Japanese people have loads of rice, vegetables and fish. There is one more thing which is very famous in Japan, i.e. fermented soy and seaweed. This makes sure that there is no lack of vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals. Increase in western habits, breads, sweets and refined sugars are some of the reasons which has deteriorated the healthy aspect of Japanese nutrition.

Different ways of cooking:Steaming, grilling, broiling, stir frying, fermenting and slow cooking are some of the methods that Japanese use for cooking. One bowl of soup is the most essential aspect of their meals. They couple veg and fish intake with rice generally which increases fiber content of their meals.

Drinking a lot of tea: Tea is the most commonly drunk beverage in Japan and an important part of Japanese food culture. Various types of tea are widely available and consumed at any point of the day. Green tea is the most common type of tea, and when someone mentions "tea" (, ocha) without specifying the type, it is green tea to which is referred. Green tea is also the central element of the tea ceremony. There is a tea culture in Japan which is one of the factor in ageless population. Most varieties of Japanese tea contain more antioxidants than coffee. More antioxidants help keeping the skin fresh and ageless.

Fresh food: In Japanese cuisine ingredients used are very fresh. It is said that in Japanese market the food is dated by hours instead of days. Eating fresh and seasonal is a secret of being ageless all over the world.Smaller Plates:In Japan you are supposed to eat only 80% of the capacity of your stomach. Using small plates is the etiquette of Japanese culture. Appropriate use of chopsticks and only little garnishing is given more importance. One of the most important aspect of living young is that Japanese stick to their culture.

#Article Written by #Dietician Geetanjali Ahuja (Mengi) #ClinicalNutritionist

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. Geetanjali, Dietitian/Nutritionist

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Best Tips to Make Your Back Strong and Avoid Injuries in Gym

1. Use hot pack if your back is stiff

2. Do spine mobility exercises with the exercise ball first\

3. Do hamstring stretches and piriformis muscle stretches

4. Do pelvic tilting exercises

5.Do pelvic bridging

6. Do alternate prone leg raises

7. Walk everyday for minimum 30 min

8. Avoid sitting more than 30 min continuously

9. Do half squats

10.Do half lunges

11.Do swimming for 20 minutes two to three times a week

11. Avoid jogging, running or any high intensity work out when you have back pain

12. Do cat and camel exercises

For any Further advice /assistance call our expert @ 9953000901

Expert Clinician at Theracare Sports Injury Clinic

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. Anuj Sharma (PT), Physiotherapist

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The Amazing Benefits of Quitting Smoking!

The benefits of tobacco cessation are many. You reduce your risk for hypertension, cancer, cardio-vascular diseases and other serious chronic diseases substantially, at whatever age you quit your nicotine habit. The earlier you quit, the more you benefit.

If you quit before the age of 50, you bring down your risk of dying from smoking-related diseases by 50%. But if youve crossed 60, suffer from heart disease and/or hyper tension, you can manage these diseases better through tobacco cessation.

The risk of the following also reduces significantly stopping tobacco use:

1. Heart disease, cancer especially lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

2. Impotence due to erectile dysfunction in men, and fertility problems in women

3. Optic neuropathy (affects the optic nerve that conducts visual signals from the eyes to the brain)

4. Cataract

5. Macular degeneration (breakdown of the tissue at the back of the eye)

6. Psoriasis

7. Gum disease

8. Losing teeth early

9. Osteoporosis or spongy, thin bones

10. Complications in pregnancy i.e. women who smoke have more complications during pregnancy and have low-birth babies.

11. Your food and drink also tastes better once you kick the tobacco habit.

So, how can you stop smoking? Are there any medications and strategies available? The answer is a definite Yes. Tobacco cessation has been honed into an art these days.

1. Clinics: There are tobacco cessation clinics that help you with tobacco cessation. These are manned by psychiatrists, who can provide detailed information, encouragement, and tips to stop smoking.

2. Medications: You can use many medicines while youre trying to stop smoking. This increases your chance of quitting and including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT can be in the form of gums, sprays, patches, tablets, lozenges, and inhalers. NRT is even available without a prescription.

3. Medicines like Bupropion and Varenicline also very useful.

4. Electronic cigarettes: Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are designed to look and feel like normal cigarettes. These contain a heating element that vapourises a solution and looks like smoke. Some may also contain low levels of nicotine. There is currently controversial evidence on their efficacy.

5. Counselling and behavioural therapy: They are both very effective too, especially if you are being guided by a cessation expert. He or she can help you with a personalised quit plan, including ways to cope with nicotine withdrawal. Apart from this, online support is also available for those who dont have the time or money to engage in personal, face-to-face counseling. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a psychiatrist.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Anuneet Sabharwal, Psychiatrist

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Vaginal Rejuvenation

Empowering your choices & actions

FemTouch- a revolutionary non-invasive laser procedure for intimate disorders of women.

In India there's a taboo discussing vaginal health in public, a condition so prevalent but hardly spoken about. Women go through a lot of biological changes from their pubertal age till menopause, pregnancy a condition where all these changes catapults a woman's biological clock leave an indelible effect on their health especially the vaginal health. Sadly, women who are responsible to bring a new life are often less cared for. India, the youngest nation with almost 60% of population under 25 needs to address this and women need to take care of their vaginal health and be vocal about the intimate disorders.

Intimate disorders like vaginismus,vaginal dryness,post menopausal issues, stress induced urinary incontinence, vaginal - atrophy, hypertrophy and vaginal stenosis can be treated totally by the advent of Co2 Lasers.

FemTouch, a carbon dioxide laser with a wave length of 7.5 nm to 15nm has a miraculous effect on the epithelial tissues of the vagina increasing water absorption, neo-vascularisation thereby leading to collagen remodelling. Laser vaginal rejuvenation is the solution to pre and post-menopausal vaginal atrophy, which can often make sexual intercourse too painful, cause urine leakage, and affect intimacy and quality of life.

Heler Skin Hair & Lifestyle Clinic

How does the FemTouch Treatment Work?

FemTouch is a comfortable lunch time procedure which improves & restores youthful tissue dynamics, including self-lubrication capabilities and improved bladder control. The latest in non-invasive, painless laser vaginal tightening triggers new tissue growth which is needed due to lower estrogen levels after menopause (either natural or induced early), childbirth or following medical treatment. The in-office procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete and is repeated at monthly intervals for three months, with a follow-up session in one year.

Will There Be Any Downtime?

FemTouch is a USFDA approved excellent option for patients who want absolutely no downtime & great results. Most patients are able to resume their regular activities immediately following the treatment. A seventy two hours of sexual abstinence and avoidance of any vaginal douches is all what is required.

Vaginal rejuvenation produces amazing results, including the complete remodeling of the vaginal tissue in addition to re-establishment of firmer, more young-like vaginal tissue, with a tissue structure more deeply embedded with thick and long collagen fibers.

FemTouch Laser Treatment Feel? & How much does it cost?

Most patients say the treatment feels completely pain-free, with nothing more than a mild vibration sensation. It costs between 55 to 70 thousands for 3 to 5 sessions.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. Asif Shaik, Dentist

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Selling Fairness in India - an Unfair Game !

I was being interviewed by a magazine a few days back about the role of fairness creams and their abuse in India and neighboring countries. I am sharing the answers given by me.Would really love to get your inputs.

Q.Can fairness creams really make one fairer ? Is it temporary or permanent?

A.It should be noted that skin color is determined by the amount and type of melanin, the pigment in the skin. Whether you are fair or dark is dependent more on genetic rather than environmental causes. A fairness cream that has side effects can further damage your skin and remove the possibility of enhancing your skin tone.Time and again it has been proved in scientific journals that fairness creams do not make one fair. Here is what they can do --They may help maintain status quoThey may contain sunscreen which controls tanning. They may contain hydroquinone, a chemical that has a bleaching effect.However, fairness creams may also contain chemicals that can be harmful.

Q. If they do not make one fairer, on what basis do all these fairness creams promote their products?

A. Let's face it whether you call it a colonial hangover or plain obsession of getting fairer there is a huge demand for these products and all my reasoning falls onto deaf ears as far as intelligent and well meaning advice to my patients about complexion is concerned. Beauty pageant winners in India are all extraordinarily tall and breathtakingly slim, have light honey-colored skin, and peddle Western ideals of beauty.Advertisements aim to produce a hierarchy of values based on the notion that fairness is an object of desire.The reason why these companies are able to get away with these bogus claims are the well researched sales figures from these markets for these creams.Major markets for fairness creams are : India - is the largest market. Saudi Arabia,Gulf, Africa,Malaysia,Thailand,Far East.Other factors are 24 x 7 ad campaigns whose claims are never checked, these images of a fair girl/man getting a favorable response from the opposite sex, getting better prospective grooms/brides, getting better jobs, getting the respect of their peers etc. These adverts glare at you from the billboards, magazines, newspapers, television and whatever is left through radio channels.They create hype about their product. Many leading manufacturers have expanded their range to include lotions, cold creams, and soaps. Manufacturers of fairness creams advertise their products so aggressively that people really expect a radical change in their complexion. When that doesnt happen, its a huge disappointment. The emotional turmoil is at times greater than the adverse physical effects of using fairness creams.Unsubstantiated claims made by so called beauty clinics (run by unqualified beauticians calling themselves "Doctors" which are run by industrialists calling themselves "Health Barons" whose only motive to be in this line is to maximize profits by hook or crook) These "Quacks" along with the self styled super homeopaths, ayurvedic experts and other so called natural healers (who claim a lot - but in any other part of the world would be on the wrong side of the law except in India) These people have further propagated these false hoods with which the young and the impressionable are swayed and go for these overpriced and sometimes dangerous medications - all in the name of getting fairer.There is no such thing as 100 per cent herbal. Herbal creams should be freshly made and should not have any preservatives or colorants for them to be truly herbal.Herbal creams have the same effect as other fairness creams since the fundamental process is the same hindering the generation of melanin.This can lead to burning, itching and skin irritation.

Q.Do fairness creams contain bleaching agents? If yes, what damage can they cause to the skin?

A. With the plethora of products and brands available in the fairness cream market, the knowledge of the ingredients, their functions and impact can help consumers make an informed choice. Ingedients of fairness creams include : Hydroquinone --An effective whitening agent, but known to cause skin irritation. Normally used in fairness creams in very small concentration (less than 1 percent) Kojic Acid, a Vitamin C derivative with characteristics to block melanin production in the skin. Melanin is responsible for darkening the complexion. Retinoic Acid, a Vitamin A derivative which helps peel off the surface layers of skin, thereby getting rid of dark pigmented skin cells, is also used sometimes. In the process, the lower layers of the skin, which are somewhat lighter, come up to the surface.Plant extracts -- These which have mild whitening qualities such as liquorice, blackberry, mulberry, grapeseed etc. Steroids,Mercury salts,Bismuth subnitrate Hydrogen peroxide Magnesium peroxide Zinc peroxide.Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) Mixture of US FDA- and EU-approved UV-A and UV-B sunscreens. Ayurvedic herbs Fairness creams usually contain skin-bleaching agents such as hydroquinone, mercury salts, hydrogen peroxide, magnesium peroxide or zinc peroxide. All fairness creams have two to four per cent of hydroquinone. Continued exposure to this can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. A fairness cream inhibits the generation of melanin. But as soon as one stops applying the cream, the skin goes back to its original color and sometimes even becomes a shade darker. Hydroquinonecan induce a pigmentation of its own where there is a deposit in the lower layer of the skin. This is known as ochronosis and the skin becomes bluish black in colour. Moreover, as the creams are not evenly applied on the face, they can lead to uneven pigmentation and a blotchy complexion. Dermatologists claim that there is no such thing as a fairness cream, certainly not without using skin-bleaching agents. Some ingredients used in many fairness creams can cause serious health hazards. Nephrotoxicity orKidney damage.Mercury toxicity -- Mercury toxicity includes effects like metallic taste, increased thirst, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, nephritis, decreased flow of urine, colitis or constipation, tremors, anemia, and skin problems. Mercury has adverse effects on the developing brain of a foetus. Experts say an estimated 40 percent of the users of the creams suffer from various skin abnormalities like facial hair growth, acne, skin thinning, increased skin aging, skin tanning, skin rash, pigmentation, contact allergy, or eczema even cancer.Long-term use of such creams can even lead toleucoderma.Cosmetic manufacturing companies do not declare the ingredients used in fairness creams under the guise of trade secrets. As they are registered under cosmetics license, they are not bound to disclose contents. There are hundreds of fairness products around the world, many of them illegally produced, which promise their users fairness but often end up destroying their skin and causing serious diseases like melanoma or skin cancer and kidney problems.

Posted byDr.Rishi Parashar (www.RishiParashar.in)

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. Rishi Parashar, Dermatologist

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When Should You Throw Away Your Cosmetics?

All medicine have an expiry date and we all follow it religiously but what about your make up ? Have we ever given this a thought.Have you ever thrown away your cosmetics after they have outlived their utility ? Most importantly do you know what are the safety guidelines ? Read on...

There are no regulations or requirements under current United States law that require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products. Manufacturers have the responsibility to determine shelf life for products, as part of their responsibility to substantiate product safety. FDA believes that failure to do so may cause a product to be adulterated or misbranded.

Makeup shelf life guidelines:

First off, if it smells, stinks, has a distinct odor that should not be, throw it away! I am amazed at how long women will keep cosmetics that have a bad odor. Do yourself a favor and trash it. Another good rule of thumb, if you can't remember when you purchased it, trash it. Makeup should not stir up memories from ten years ago. If you makeup bag does, throw it out!

Shelf life of common makeup :

Oil free Foundation : 1 yr

Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months

Concealer :12-18 months

Powder:2 years

Blush and Bronzer: 2 years

Cream Blush: 12-18 months

Powder Eye shadow: 2 years

Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months

Eyeliner : 2 years

Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months

Mascara: 3 months

Lipstick: 2 years

Lip liner: 2 years

Lip gloss: 18-24 months

Nail Color: 1 year

Tips to lessen the contamination of makeup and extend its use:

Use common sense! Basic hygiene is key:

Before applying makeup, wash your face and hands with soap.

Instead of directly touching your makeup by placing your fingers in the product, pour a little into your palm or scoop a little out with a disposable spoon or applicator.

Don't share your makeup with others.Keep makeup containers tightly closed when not in use.

Throw makeup away if the color changes or an odor develops (makeup has preservatives, similar to that in food, which can break down over time).Don't use water or, even worse, saliva, which could introduce bacteria that could easily grow out of control.

If makeup has lost its original texture or consistency, the preservatives have probably broken down.I

f you are using natural cosmetics, these should be thrown out sooner. Regular cosmetics contain ingredients that do help prolong shelf life. But of course natural cosmetics do not.

Oils and bacteria get trapped in the bristles of the brushes. Wash natural-bristled brushes once a month, and synthetic brushes three to four times a month. Lay the brushes flat to dry so that the bristles don't break, and to maintain the shape of the brushes. There are brush cleansers out there, but you can also use mild soap. You may also use baby shampoo to wash your brushes.

Cosmetic makeup sponges are disposable tools. Wash after every use. Toss within 1 month, or when the sponge begins to tear.

Be vigilant and take care when next you buy your cosmetics (makeup).

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. Rishi Parashar, Dermatologist

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Geriatric Medicine: The Need of the Hour!!!

What is Geriatric Medicine?

It is a specialty that focuses on the healthcare of elderly (Senior Citizen's: 60 years of age and above).

To promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in elderly.

Common myths about ageing and growing old.

The problem scenario:

As per the latest census, population 60 years of age and above has hit an all-time high; increasing from 7.6 crores in 2001 to 10.3 crores in 2011 (35% increase). By 2021, population 60 years and above is expected to be 21% of total population

The elderly pose an unique challenge due to their complex health problems.In addition to decreasing reserves, majority have multiple diseases like Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney failure, asthma, etc. co-existing in them at the same time. Many conditions present atypically or have different presentations in elderly age group compared to young. And to increase to their problems, many take typically more than 5 medicines every day for their health issues.

Who is a Geriatrician?

Geriatrician - An Elderly Care Specialist Physician

A Geriatrician is a physician who specialises in branch of medicine that deals with senior citizen's health issues.

What do Geriatricians do?

They care for full spectrum of diseases seen in General/Internal Medicine; but with focus only on elderly individuals

Geriatricians recognise the importance of maintaining functional independence in older people and focus on providing preventive interventions

They are specifically trained in normal and abnormal physiologic and psychological changes associated with ageing and to recognise the differences in presentation of disease relative to normal ageing.

Geriatricians provide a "One-Stop Solution" to all the health issues in elderly; be it diabetes or blood pressure or bone and joint problems/arthritis or dementia or dizziness and balance problems and falls or Parkinson disease or urinary problems or any other problems. Only if any other specialist intervention may help in the care process, then their expertise is sought.

They also are experts in optimising/decreasing the number of medications taken by elderly and thereby prevent side effects.

Who should consult/see a Geriatrician?

Each and every individual 60 years and above is unique and has different degrees of health, illness and disability.

Ideally, any individual above 60 years should visit a geriatrician, if they want to achieve Healthy Ageing and lead an Active Life.

A Geriatrician should be consulted, if answer to any of the below questions is yes:

Are you suffering from multiple medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems and arthritis, parkinson's disease, heart disease, asthma, depression, or any other health issue?

Are you taking 5 or more medicines everyday or having difficulty managing them?

Are you forgetting things more often than in the past or suffering from Dementia?

Are you having difficulty walking or feeling dizzy or had a fall in past 1 year?

Are you having unintended weight loss or loss of appetite?

Are you suffering from constipation or loose motions or altered bowel habits?

Are you having any sort of urinary problems?

Are you experiencing decrease in your functionality and increasing dependence on others for your daily activities?

Are your family members or caregivers being overburdened in the care process of your or your known-to person?

Prevention is the best cure!!!

Caring for others!!!

We all need to realise that, there is not much difference between small children and the elderly individuals. Both groups have various needs that should to be addressed in an appropriate way. Just like paediatricians are specialised in taking care of children; a new specialty of doctors, trained in the ageing process and elderly care are the utmost need of the present time.

Geriatricians are not a threat to or in competition with any other specialities. Rather, our ultimate motto is to provide the best quality of care for our senior citizens, in collaboration.

There is lack of awareness of this relatively new specialty of Geriatric Medicine and even more so, scarcity of qualified Geriatricians in our country.

But, this situation will improve with time...

Facebook page: Your Geriatrician

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. Sriniwas Thakur, Geriatrician

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Gum Bleeding

What is Gum Disease?

It is an inflammation of gums which progresses to affect the bone that surrounds & supports your teeth. Caused by the bacteria in plaque which is a sticky, colourless film that constantly forming on your teeth.

If not cleaned by daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and gets hardened to calculus ( blackish brown or brown or black color TAR TAR) and the bacterial colonies formed in it infect not only your gums and teeth but bone that support the teeth.

Differentiating about bleeding tendency can be a significant challenge by patient himself

Causes for bleeding:

Improper oral hygiene maintenance

Hormonal changes in females during puberty, pregnancy and menopause

Diabetes

Immunocompromised states such as HIV infections

Some medicines which stop the platelet function in bleeding controlling process

Low levels of platelet count

Liver failure

Severe renal failure

Clotting factor problems

How do we come to know:

Red, swollen or tender gums

Sore and painful gums

Bad breath and bad taste

Receding gums

Loose or shifting of teeth

Excessive or frequent unprovoked bleeding.

Bleeding while brushing even with soft bristled brush

Stages of gum diseases

Gingivitis- least serious

Periodontitis- serious

Advanced periodontitis- most serious

Treatment:

Scaling (teeth cleaning)

Root planing

Curettage

Flap surgery

Precautions:

Maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing, flossing.

Healthy diet.

Checking up of the teeth by dentist once in six months.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. N Srinivas, Dentist

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How the Size of Your Plate Impacts Your Waistline!

When it comes to nutrition, weight loss, and weight management, two of the most important factors to consider are portion sizes and food choices. People consistently consume more food and drink (i.e., more calories) when offered larger-sized portions compared to when smaller-sized portions are offered. In fact, researchers found that adults, on an average, consume about 15% more, or about 250 calories, when offered larger serving sizes. An excess of such calorie equals to about 5 kgs of weight gain over the course of a year!So its obvious, size matters, and one way to influence your portion sizes is by using smaller plates. People tend to over-serve on larger plates, and on average, people eat about 92% of what they put on their plates. Simply put, larger plates mean greater food intake. Controlling portion sizes at home is the easiest. Choose a medium size plate for your meals. Imagine a mid section line dividing the plate in two halves. Half should be covered with vegetables, a quarter with serving of protein and a quarter with brown rice. Check your utensils too, use a smaller spoon. Another productive way of controlling portion size at home would be to serve foods directly from the kitchen itself onto the plates and not from the dining table as this encourages a second serving. At restaurants, deliberately ask for half portions, as sometimes their portions can suffice for more than two people. If you are still in doubt, take your portion size by the judgement of your palm size. Avoid eating at buffets. The more we are served, the more we eat, and the effect can be tough on your body. A'la carte would be easier on the wallet as well as on your stomach. Do not eat directly from the bag or box, people tend to eat 50% more chips / pretzels when they eat directly from bag. For cocktails / mocktail, use tall and thin glasses. Turn off the TV and put your smart phone away while you eat. Control portion and feel full on fewer calories. Again, it seems simple, but its true, and by reducing from 12-inch to 10-inch plates, you could reduce the number of calories served by over 20%. If the average dinner is 800 calories, that little change could result in a weight loss of more than 1.5 Kgs in just 3 months.--

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Dr. Renu Garg, Homeopath

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Is Vitamin Deficiency Leading Your Way??

Back pain, knee pain problems are increasing day by day. From child to an adult they all complain for such problems. This is due to lack of vitamin and minerals deficiency in body. The common vitamin which are lagging behind are vitamin-d, Vitamin-B 12,and the macro-nutrient Calcium.

Due to vitamin-D deficiency calcium can't be absorbed properly in our body and due to less calcium in body one complaints for knee and back pain.

Vitamin-B 12 is also deficient in most of the person. vitamin-B 12 is known to be powerhouse and it also helps in making DNA, blood cell and is also important for healthy immune system. Your metabolism does not stay on track if there is lack of vitamin-B 12 in body. Due to poor metabolism people who are are on weight loss program usually face problems while reducing weight.

By bringing change in your lifestyle and modification in your plate one can bring a change in his life and weight.

Few tips for a better lifestyle:

First of all sit in sunlight for at least 20-25 minutes. Early morning sunlight is the best. sitting in sunlight will help in calcium absorption as it will provide you with enough of vitamin-D. It will also help n strengthening of bones.

Include calcium rich foods in your diet. sources of calcium are: low fat milk and milk product, green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, ragi,soybean, seeds like seseme seeds. But make sure you are having enough of water during calcium rich diet to avoid formation of renal stones. This nutrient is of special significance during pregnancy and lactation. Avoid colas and aerated drinks if you want your bones to be strong and healthy.

Include vitamin-D rich foods i your diet. Sources of vitamin-D are mushrooms, eggs, fish

A 45 minute of walk, yoga, swimming or any physical activity is required or i can say is must as it will keep your bones and joint movement active.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Ms. Raminder Kaur Deshmukh, Dietitian/Nutritionist

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Summer Foods

Just as the body needs more energy to combat the winters, it needs less supply of energy during the summer time. It is the season for light food and lots of fluids. This is the season when ice-cold fresh lime juice is more popular than coffee and tea, unless it is cold coffee or ice-tea. This is also the time of year for salads and cold soups like the Russian salad.

"cool as cucumber" cucumber are known to have a cooling effect on the body and provide the much needed water content to keep the normal hydration balance in the body. Melons, gourds, mango and lemons are available in plenty. These have high water content and are cooling in nature.

Summer foods should contain the least oil and fat, as the body already excretes a lot of sweat.

Pulses which are lighter in nature like moong or masoor should be eaten while the heavier ones should be avoided.

Whole grains like makkai and bajra are definitely to be avoided and so should whole pulses like rajma and chana, simply because they are difficult to digest.

Most people don't like gourds like the bottle gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd, etc. One should include them in their diet as they are high in moisture content and have a cooling nature. That is the reason that nature has provided them to help us tide over the harsh months of summer.

Radish has cooling thermal nature. In summers some people suffer from nose bleeding and headache and body rashes. In such conditions, radish juice is very useful as it helps in detoxification and cleansing of the body toxins.

The intake of cool drinks like coconut water, buttermilk and lime juice needs to be increased, while caffeine containing beverages like coffee and tea should be minimized.

FEW HEALTHY DRINKS WHICH ONE CAN INCLUDE IN THEIR DIET:

coconut water with pineaple

fruit yogurt smoothie

fruit shake with chia seeds

lemon water rose milk

fresh fruit punch

Dry fruit shake with chia seed

Fresh vegetable juice, etc.

Enjoy journey to health.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Ms. Raminder Kaur Deshmukh, Dietitian/Nutritionist

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Fruitful Facts

Nature has given us a bountiful of gifts in form of fruits and vegetables. Each fruit has it's own benefits. Fruits should never be peeled,cooked or preserved. They are best taken in the raw form. They should not be taken in juice form as when they are juiced the fiber benefits are lost and when cooked they loose a large part of their energy providing sugar and carbs.

Here are some gems from the fruit basket:

APPLE: Apples are rich in fiber and iron. They contain large amount of pectin which helps in curing all kinds of intestinal disturbances. Apples are known to be blood purifiers, body cleanser and bowel regulators apart form being invaluable in cosmetic uses.

AMLA: It is richest natural source of vitamin-C which is assimilated easily by human system and is useful in curing hemorrhage, diarrhea and dysentery. It is also an effective laxative.

BANANA:A popular and easy available fruit. It;s alkaline nature corrects the acid balance and helps in curing problems like constipation. They are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus,iron,etc. Due to it's nutritive value it is known as an excellent body builder fruit and is recommended for sportsmen, athletes and those involved in hard manual labor. Banana is the only fruit that can be taken by patients of chronic ulcers.

PAPAYA:It is a delicious fruit with invaluable medicinal properties. It is one of the most alkaline foods which help in maintaining the body's alkaline balance. It also contain vitamin A,B and C as well as traces of vitamin-D. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The digestive enzymes present in papaya helps in getting relieved from constipation, digestive disorders and kidney stones.

ORANGES: Oranges are known for their protective effects against various diseases. They are rich in vitamin-B, C and calcium. They are also useful in maintaining the digestive organs, kidneys, blood vessels and nervous system. The high content of minerals like lime and magnesium, bone building elements make it very valuable for growth of children. The fiber in this fruit act as digestive tract cleaner.

LEMON: Lemons are loaded with citric acid, alkaline minerals and vitamin-C. It improves the liver functions by increasing the flow of bile. It is also rich in calcium and the acid contained in it helps in curing digestive problems. The high percentage of citric acid makes lemon an invaluable medicine in many ailments. It also contains potash and vitamin-B.

POMEGRANATE: They are rich in sugar and citric acid. They are also rich source of iron. This fruit is good during diarrhea.

PINEAPPLE: It contains an active digestive enzyme known as bromalin. This fruit helps in digestion of animal and plant protein. Pineapple raises the alkaline content of blood and helps in getting rid of excess water in cases of edema. In bronchitis pineapple juice has been found to be an excellent medicine in softening the mucus.

MANGOES: Mangoes provide wholesome nourishment to body because they are rich in sugar, vitamin-A,C. They are known to be good laxatives and diuretics.

RASPBERRIES: These contain almost all essential elements required for the body. For example, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc. They have a high vitamin-B and C content too.

Enjoy journey to health..!!

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Ms. Raminder Kaur Deshmukh, Dietitian/Nutritionist

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5 Foods for Better Health

Want to look great and live longer?? The secret is not a new miracle or any surgical treatment. It is not even a new exercise program..No the real secret can be found in the foods you eat. Here are five foods that will help in preventing the diseases and make you look and feel great.

SOYBEAN: fantastic food for our health. It helps in lowering down the cholesterol levels and it reduces the incidense of osteoporosis as well as breast cancer and heart diseases. Soy is not just tofu.. you can find it in soy nuts, which are a great snack food and good for sprinkling on a salad or soy burger.

SALADS AND VEGGIES:Certain salad ingredients are going to do more for your body than others. For example, using green leafy vegetables such as spinach as your base rather than lettuce is going to increase your intake of follic acid. Folic acid is extremely important for pregnant women and women in child bearing years. If you include carrots in that salad you're getting a powerful anti-oxidant that reduces the risk of heart disease and caner. Broccoli should also make an appearance as it is a great source of calcium and vitamin-C. A salad is not a salad without tomatoes so add tomatoes in your salad as they are full of anti-oxidants.

FISH: Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are extremely good for the body. They decrease the incidence of heart disease and breast cancer. When selecting a fresh piece of fish at the market look for a firm fillet. Fish is very easy to prepare. The best way to maintain omega-3 fatty acids is to poach the fish. Season it with little bit parsley and some freshly ground pepper.

WHOLE GRAINS:Adding whole grain food in your meal will keep you full. One should include complex carbohydrates which will provide you with fiber and keep you full as it will slow down the digestion process which will keep you full.Aim for at least 30 g of fiber per day. For example, brown rice, oats, multi grain bread, multi grain flour, etc

BERRIES:Berries are particularly a desert item, so its fun to include them as a healthy part of your diet. cranberries are used to reduce incidence of urinary tract infections. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries are full of anti-oxidants which help in reducing risk of many cancers as well as things like memory loss. They are considered to be memory boosting foods. They also help in weight loss.

Enjoy journey to health.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Ms. Raminder Kaur Deshmukh, Dietitian/Nutritionist

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Facts About Aloevera

Aloevera is filled fully with surprising health benefits. There are two types of aloevera plants a) medicated and b) normal aloevera.

Following are the health benefits of aloevera:

Aloevera helps in improving digestive system. It cures intestinal bowel syndrome and keep constipation, pile and other gastrointestinal condition from damaging our system.

Aloevera at the same time helps in improving and strengthening our immune system which will protect us from several diseases.

Aloevera helps in reducing arthritis and joint pain.

Aloevera also helps in lowering down the blood glucose levels.

Aloevera also helps in lowering down the triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Fresh aloevera gel is also beneficial for our skin and skin related problems as it will give you soothing effect.

Aloevera gel helps in promoting hair growth. One can apply its gel on entire scalp for hair treatment.

Aloevera also helps in curing menstrual cramps. Intake of its juice lowers down the pain.

Aloevera is rich in vitamin-B 12, vitamin-B 2, vitamin-B 1, vitamin-B 6, vitamin-A, vitamin-E, vitamin-C, niacin and olic acid.

Aloevera also helps in delaying the aging process as it helps in removing the wrinkles and patches from skin which will make your skin glow.

HOW TO USE ALOEVERA?

Aloevera can be taken in many ways.. It can be taken in form of smoothies, juices, can be applied directly.

For example,

Aloevera juice with lemon

Aloevera can be taken with kale in form of smoothie.

Aloevera gel can be mixed with besan and can be used as face mask.

Aloevera juice can be mixed with 1 glass of warm water and can be taken in morning empty stomach which will also help in weight loss.

It can also be taken with bottle gourd, cucumber and flax seed in a smoothie form. One can add ginger to it also.

Alovera also comes in capsule form. For proper capsule dosage consult a doctor.

WHEN TO AVOID:

Don't take aloevera if you have colitis, appendicitis, intestinal problems or crohn's disease.

Pregnant ladies, kids, breast feeding moms should not take aloevera.

Don't take it in large doses as large doses will cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and dehydration.

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Ms. Raminder Kaur Deshmukh, Dietitian/Nutritionist

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8 Healthy Choices for a Healthy Stomach

Due to poor dietary habits you feel with bloated stomach, nausea, constipation,etc. By changing your dietary habits one can get relief from such symptoms.

Here are some few tips to get rid of these symptoms:

HIGH FIBER DIET : Increase fiber in the diet by adding green veggies and seasonal fruits in your daily diet. Include fiber of both the kinds that is soluble and insoluble as it will help retain the water in the gut resulting in softer stools. Include Cereals like daliya, oats, multi grain flour,etc in your diet .

AVOID FRIED FOODS : Keeping diet low in fat will not only keep your waist line in check but also keep your tummy healthy. Frying the food changes oil composition of the food which is harmful for stomach. So better go for grilled, baked, sauteed and steamed varieties of food.

LEAN MEATS : Chicken and fish are easily digested as compared to mutton due to low fat content in them. Try chicken and fish varieties in the form of salads for daily requirement of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

PRO-BIOTICS AND FERMENTED FOODS : Our digestive system has presence of good bacteria. They not only help in digestion and better nutrient absorption but also strengthen immunity.

REGULAR INTERVALS : For a healthy gut one should always eat on time and at regular intervals. The absorption of nutrients is higher. Also these helps in keeping the weight in check and also helps in increasing your metabolism.

WATER : It keeps you hydrated, helps in flushing out the toxins from body and ensures that one is not constipated. make sure that it is cleaned and filtered properly otherwise contaminated water can harm the gut.

PROCESSED AND JUNK FOOD : Due to urbanization and food technology advancement, our food is highly processed . Avoid refined and junk food as it contains maida and maida will cause constipation and other digestive issues. Refined and processed food also contains other food adulterates which are not good for body.

CHEW THOROUGHLY : Every bite you eat should be chewed properly. Enjoy the taste of the food without any distraction and stress .Small portion sizes help in aiding digestion process. Rather than eating large meals at one go. Smaller meals keeps the gut healthy.

Avoid excess of alcohol, tea, coffee and packaged drinks as they interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

Avoid distractions while eating.

Enjoy journey to health..!!

This article was originally published on Practo Health Feed by Ms. Raminder Kaur Deshmukh, Dietitian/Nutritionist

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