Plan Your Health

SKIN - Superweapon of your child!

2009-08-04T22:47:00.006+05:30

In the later part of 20th Century Dr. Phenfield was once experimenting over brains of different epileptic patients. He found that when specific area of brain is electrically stimulated, its reaction is seen at a specific organ. He continued experiments and made calculations regarding how much part of brain is reserved for a specific organ and came to conclusion that most of it is reserved for arms then legs and then mouth. He also interpreted that more importance is given to arms and legs because they convey huge amount of information about external environment to brain.

Skin - Skin of your baby is not just an external covering, it is the largest organ of his body with immense functioning ability. It contains about 4 million pain sensors, 0.5 million touch sensors and about 0.2 million temperature sensors. It can identify and differentiate millions of textures. What one can see with eyes can be equally sensed with skin. This skin plays a vital role in brain development of your child. So what you can do to get the maximum benefit -

1. Once your child is old enough, let him wander almost naked. Let him sense cold, warm, lukewarm naturally.

2. Allow him to handle objects of different texture. eg. cotton, wood, steel, animal skin etc

3. To get good amount of oxygen supply to his skin make him exercise regularly.

4. Massaging and Caressing do help a lot.

5. Pay attention to general health of skin. If you observe any patches, rash - consult physician.

6. Diet containing all the essential vitamins especially vit.A, vit.C, vit.E and trace elements like Zinc are equally essential for maintaining the skin healthy.

Though Skin is external and most superficial organ, its roots are deep in the developing brain.

01. Plan your health : Revealing the concept
02. Key To Health - Sound Body and Sound Mind
03. Hot Summer - Cool Fruits and Health
04. Sunburn - Cool Cool Solutions
05. Varicose veins - Do not get panic!
06. Obesity - Say Good Bye!
07. Cultivate Beautiful Mind
08. Sleep Well and Be Healthy!

Sleep Well and Be Healthy!

2009-06-25T22:26:00.006+05:30

Though one third of our life goes on sleeping only, yet a question which arises frequently in our mind is, how much sleep we really need? Commonly we see that young babies sleep for 17-18 hrs, children 9-10 hrs and adults 7-8 hrs. But really speaking not only the quantity but quality of sleep is important. Because we see many people around who are fresh and active with 5-6 hrs sleep, while many feel tired even after 9-10 hrs sleep.

How much sleep one needs depends on several factors including inherited genetic need, sleep hygiene, occupation etc.

There is no doubt that sleep is indispensable and essential for -

1) Performance - As intellectually challenging tasks are learned more effectively after a good sleep.

2) Mood - Inadequate sleep is frequently associated with irritability.

3) Health - Sleep deprivation, in future may lead to various health problems like hypertension, obesity etc.

Normal sleep also enhances normal growth in children as well as repairing cells and tissues.
So are there any ways to improve quality of our sleep?

Stick to the daily schedule of going to bed as far as possible.

Do relaxing activities like listening music before going to bed.

Avoid smoking, alcohol and heavy meal before bed time.

Avoid strenuous exercise 5-6 hrs before sleep.

Avoid reading or watching T.V. while in bed.

Taking a hot bath which reduces body temperature is a good idea.

Remember, exercising regularly and doing things you enjoy will improve your ability to go to sleep and so also the quality.

Related Links :

01. Plan your health : Revealing the concept
02. Key To Health - Sound Body and Sound Mind
03. Hot Summer - Cool Fruits and Health
04. Sunburn - Cool Cool Solutions
05. Varicose veins - Do not get panic!
06. Obesity - Say Good Bye!
07. Cultivate Beautiful Mind

Cultivate Beautiful Mind

2009-06-24T22:41:00.005+05:30

Do you recall ten of your favorite personalities and why they are so? Probably the most common answer will be, there was something in their nature which made you feel close to your heart. We all know beautiful body is only for the time being, it is the beautiful mind which is everlasting. Do you really wish to cultivate the same in you - just think over these things....

Understand emotions - Many a times it happens that we are frustrated or sad and absolutely speechless, still our dearest one recognizes that something is wrong with us. Stalwarts say, before reacting imagine yourself in other person's place. And for that you will have to keep aside your ego.

Be a good listener - For a good and healthy communication listening is as important as speaking. Contrary to common belief, listening should be an active process where you not only pay attention to others but also take interest in what he is saying.

Flexible thoughts - We all have our own beliefs and principles. But it does not mean, we should shut down doors of our mind. By keeping them open we can allow fresh breeze of new ideas to flow through and through which will keep our mind ever young.

Sense of humor - It is quite easy and natural to comment on and make fun of others. But if you see qualities of great people, most of them are able to laugh at themselves even in public. Such thing will keep our face and mind always smiling.

Respect space of others - Life is not always about making merry. Introspection at regular intervals is very necessary and for that you need a bit loneliness - space and so does others.

Be sensible - There are persons who make others happy just by virtue of their company. For that, first you have to be sensible enough. Then people in your vicinity will get attracted to you, as such persons are always wanting and being loved!

Obesity - Say Good Bye!

2009-05-12T21:18:00.007+05:30

With advancements in all aspects of life in this century, incidences of obesity are increasing day by day. Actually who does not want to be in a good shape? But overeating, lack of physical activity, hormonal imbalance or genetic causes will make you out of shape. Gastric bypass surgery or liposuction are the last resorts but case is not that serious always. With following guidelines you can still get in a better shape.

Rather than being ashamed of, have a strong determination that I will reduce my weight. If it is not the case no medicine will work for you. Make sincere efforts to avoid or curb negative feelings like anxiety, fear, hostility, insecurity.

Have 2 tsf of honey mixed in 1 glass of warm water in the morning.

Regular use of carrot juice also will help you.

Eat one tomato in the morning before breakfast.

Use vegetable oil instead of butter in cooking.

Eat boiled vegetables rather than fried ones.

Take at least 3 small meals rather than 2 full meals.

Drink more water before meal, moderate water during meal and least afterward.

Drink ginger tea or green tea twice a day.

Replace curd by buttermilk.

Drink 8 - 10 glasses of water per day.

Take 1 tsf Triphala Churna with one glass of warm water before going to bed.

Avoid excessive sweets, salts, chocolates, ice-creams, ghee, butter, potato, smoking and alcohol.

Plan regular exercise with consultation of your physician.

Brisk walking in the morning - 5 to 6 kms in 40 minutes will definitely help you in reducing weight. Swimming and jogging are also better options.

Learn Yoga: - Sarvangasan, Halasan, Shalabhasan, Dhanurasan prove beneficial.

These and many more such efforts should not be directed to reduce weight initially but to sustain the reduced weight and avoiding gaining it again.
Though we see that obese persons are more jovial, obesity is frequently associated with hyperlipidimia, coronary artery disease, diabetes, allergies etc. So stay away from it, be in a good shape - active and enjoy health.

Related Links :

01. Plan your health : Revealing the concept
02. Key To Health - Sound Body and Sound Mind
03. Hot Summer - Cool Fruits and Health
04. Sunburn - Cool Cool Solutions
05. Varicose veins - Do not get panic!

Varicose veins - Do not get panic!

2009-05-10T21:57:00.007+05:30

Dilated, tortuous, greenish looking veins on the legs is not a situation to become panic. Though it is not a cosmetic problem, it is not a dangerous situation too. It is just because of the inability of veins in the legs to pump the blood back to the heart. Frankly speaking medicines have a very limited role to play in helping you out of this, and Laser treatment
cannot be afforded by everybody.

So here are few Tips with which you can definitely conquer this problem -

Do not hide - Accept the fact that this is a disease and you need to do something. Do not mask pains with painkillers as it is not going to help you at all.

Lift your feet - If you are not a heart patient lift your legs with help of pillows above the hip level. You also can raise foot-end of your bed a few inches while sleeping.

Support stockings - Have a pair of elastic stockings, wear them upto the knees before getting up from bed in the morning.

Check your weight - Obese persons often suffer from this problem, reduce your weight by 20% planning sensible diet and exercise and you will see the difference.

Avoid tight garments - Do not use tight garments especially panty and brief at groin area as they act as a tourniquet and hamper the blood flow.

Hormonal pills - Hormonal imbalance e.g. contraceptive pills may cause this problem. If you can make out that your problem started after using such pills consult your physician.

Diet - Avoid excessive sweets, tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking.

Eat high fiber diet which includes fruits, green vegetables, cherries, blackberries etc.

Its good idea to have only fruit diet at least twice a week.

Mixture of carrot and spinach juice does help a lot.

Take vitamin C and vitamin E capsules daily.

Keep walking - Prolonged sitting or standing can be a cause behind varicose veins. Take a break after every two hours and have a walk for 5 to 10 minutes which will strengthen veins in the legs.

Exercise - Sarvangasan - Lie flat on the ground, elevate your legs, support your hips with both the hands so that your body weight is supported by head and shoulders. Doing it regularly will minimize your problem.

Massage - Massage the affected area with rosemary oil. This will make you comfortable and will ease your problem.

CAUTION - If affected area becomes very painful, sore and tender or if unfortunately any of veins gets ruptured seek help of your doctor immediately.

Sunburn - Cool Cool Solutions

2009-05-06T19:24:00.005+05:30

Are you a fair skinned person? Then this is probably a bad news for you. In this hot summer weather you are more likely to get Sunburn compared to dark skinned person. Actually you know all about sunscreens and other protective measures to prevent Sunburn. But eventually if you have missed any of these, then you are going to face a painful problem.

Do not panic! Here are some easy ways -

Soothing Compresses - As skin is red and inflamed cool it with cloth dipped in -

cold water + ice cubes . Repeat every few minutes as cloth gets warm.

Skimmed milk - 1 part of skimmed milk + 4 parts of water + ice cubes. Repeat every two to three hours.

Oatmeal - Wrap dry oatmeal in a gauze, run cold water through it, discard the oatmeal, soak cloth in liquid and apply every 2 to 3 hours.

Do not forget to apply moisturizer after soothing compresses.

Relieve The Pain - Here a cool bath will work wonderfully. You can add one cup of white vinegar or baking soda or few drops of rose water into a tub of cool water. Do not rub the skin after bath, gently pat it to dry.

Paste of Cornstarch, Slices of raw cucumber or potato, yogurt, onion juice - all can help in relieving pain.

Just break off Aloe vera leaf, take out the juice and apply on burnt area to get instant relief.

Rehydrate yourself - Drink plenty of water to counteract drying effect of sunburn. Eat lots of juicy fruits like watermelon, oranges, sweet lime.

If you have got blisters do not drain them hesitantly. It is better to consult Doctor.
After a Sunburn extra care is needed for next 6 months as this is the time required to return your skin to normal. Follow these Tips -

Use sunscreen at least half hour before going into sun
Protect lips, hands and ears.
Use hat and good quality goggles.
Take extra care between 10 am to 3 pm.

See if you are photosensitive, if yes consult the doctor and follow his advice so that you will not have to repent or just kick yourself.

Hot Summer - Cool Fruits and Health

2009-05-06T08:37:00.011+05:30

With the onset of May, Mercury is touching higher and higher markers on thermometer especially in South Asian Countries. Students already enjoying summer vacations are definitely demanding summer delicacies like Ice-creams and Cold drinks. Now you as a parent cannot say them no.

Sun draining out every trace of water from our body, re hydration is the basic Mantra. It's astonishing how nature creates so many juicy fruits in this absolutely dry weather! You can enjoy them with an open mind to keep yourself fit and fine. Here are some Tips -

Mango - Much coveted and favorite delicacy of summer. Before extracting its juice, dip the mangoes for two three hours in water, add two to three teaspoon of ghee in the juice and then have it. It not only alleviates dryness but also increases Hemoglobin and refreshes Mind.

Grapes - Blessing of Summer. Fully ripe sweet grapes satisfy the thirst, counteract sunstroke, relieves acidity, generalized weakness and burning urination. But before having them dip them in a water and add pinch of salt in it.

Coconut - Have it regularly. Coconut water is sweet and nutritious. It easily get absorbed in body, fulfills thirst, relieves burning urination and calms down restless Mind. It is a better option for tea and coffee in this season.

Lemon - Though available throughout the year it is especially useful now. It is good for decreased appetite, deranged digestion, diarrhoea due to increased acidity. Regular use of lemon juice with sugar, salt and cumin seeds added in it is one of the best household medicine.

Pomegranate - Sweet pomegranate relieves acidity, headache, nausea, satisfies thirst and prevents frequency of urination.

Watermelon - With heat becoming even worse in the noon, watermelon juice with pinch of black salt will make you comfortable. It is sweet and nutritious. It is also good for diarrhoea and acidity.

Key To Health - Sound Body and Sound Mind

2009-05-04T22:15:00.009+05:30

Is there any difference between muscular body and strong body? A person with good economic condition but little knowledge of dietics is likely to eat so called nutritious food which probably makes him muscular but not strong enough.

Besides balanced diet Yoga and Exercise are the two basic things which makes a strong and thereby healthy. But we people even after understanding importance of exercise, always give excuses of not having time, stress and strain at work, at house, festivals etc. But if we look at those persons who daily make fixed time for minimum exercise, then a question arises whether they were not having these problems? So to keep equilibrium among Mind, Body and Soul there cannot be excuses, all we need is a very strong determination.

It's a myth and absolutely false conception that, to make body strong we have to go to gym and spend thousands of bucks. There are ample of options available regarding exercise, right from Suryanamaskar upto Pranayam which will not cost you a single penny. Only thing is that, there should be consistency in whatever you do. Brisk walking is one such option and can be tried by everybody.

As exercise is superior to diet, so the mind is to body. We should provide appropriate exercises to our mind and cultivate rich values like selflessness, honesty and optimism. Being social, having good friend circle, participating in festivals do nurture our mind. Music, Dance and Sports do help a lot. Meditation and Introspection are really good exercises for mind.

A person with sound body and sound mind will not only be healthy but also successful in life. Society needs such people who will also make the nation strong.

Related Links :

01. Plan your health : Revealing the concept

Plan your health : Revealing the concept

2009-05-01T00:18:00.010+05:30

Health is Wealth - a very popular saying! But how serious we are in maintaining and increasing this wealth? In today's era of rat race pure healthy life has become a rarity; from coryza to cancer and from anxiety to depression, problems are increasing day by day.

Every now and then we are running from post to pillars, from doctor to doctors in search of the perfect solution for our disease. We get examination and investigations done, diagnosis of our disease, prescription in our hand and wallet in doctor's, assuming that now I will be cured.

You will wonder in olden days it was moral and legal responsibility of doctor to keep everybody in his vicinity in good health and he was supposed to pay if anything wrong happened. That is doctor was only being paid till people used to be healthy, not when they get diseased!

With fading concept of family doctor today and our insistence to visit specialist for every little problem, probably we have forgotten the basic - PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

Here with our wide clinical experience in medical profession and health research, I along with my better half hope to provide you better yet simpler ways to prevent sickness. Even if they occur how to regain your health with natural and easier techniques. We are sure if followed these advices you definitely can enjoy being healthy!