We’ve come a full circle. At least in India. Well, not really full circle, but we are slowly getting there. What is this antibiotic, anyway? Its simply something that prevents the growth of certain micro organisms. Why do we need an awareness week for that? It’s because rampant use of antibiotics has been a bane in our country. More than rampant use, improper and unmonitored use has been the problem.

 

 

PC:www.dailytimesgazette.com

Remember we evolved – from Stone Age, to industrial age, to digital age. Not everything went perfectly though. We defeated tuberculosis, and then HIV came in. We started defeating cancer, and then lifestyle diseases started coming in. We live a sort of paradox where we seem to be the best position in the history of time with cutting edge medical technology, but many studies have established that we have the highest percentage of unhealthy people in history. Paradox. Advanced medicines, but unhealthier people.

We are in a super fast mode. When we fall sick, we don’t want to give our bodies the time it needs to heal. So we decide to take the fast route and tell the doctor to give you a medicine and make you better in a few hours so that you can get to work and not use up a ‘sick holiday.’ Because ideally we’d rather save up those days to take that vacation! While it may not always apply, I’m amused when friends and patients abroad call me to ask what antibiotic to take. When I tell them to see a doctor locally to get examined, their quick response is, “Hey, the doctor here is not giving medicines. He is asking me to take leave for three days.” “So how will you buy in there without prescription?” “That’s okay. I brought lots of antibiotics from India.” – True maybe, but is it ok?

 

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But what we forget, is this – bacteria and other microorganisms have evolved too! Don’t want to complete your five-day antibiotics course that your doctor prescribed because you got better on the third day? Does more good for the bacteria than for you! Since it was not eliminated completely, it started getting stronger. More virulent. And going to attack more people when you give it to them. And so we are now in an era of antibiotic resistance. Good old antibiotics are not working like they should. And that is leading us to newer and more expensive antibiotics.

So the next time you tell your doctor (or buy it straight off the pharmacy) to give you the most powerful antibiotic so that you can attend that meeting or the golf game, think twice.

There are times you need those antibiotics. So during those times, do not let this article (or any other source) prevent you from taking medicines that you need. Sometimes not taking medicines when you need it, is as bad as taking it when you need it! Usually the best person to decide is a good doctor who knows what he’s talking about.

 

*I’ve used the blanket term antibiotics for anti fungals etc, though really it means medicines that work only against bacteria.

 

The author,Dr. Wasim Mohideen is preventive care and wellness physician. A medical professional with an MBA and Post Graduate training in Allopathy as well as Alternative medicine, he strives to bridge the gap between modern medicine, traditional treatments and healthcare management.

It is not rocket science to know that Diwali brings a delightful spread of yummy food with it. Indulging in all the snacks and sweets can leave you with a bloated, heavy feeling, and can also leave your digestive system in a state of disarray. A useful thing to do would be to detoxify yourself and get rid of out the food induced stress on your body.

Eating around festivals means that there is a lot of oil, spice and sugar in your diet. Processed foods are also a large part of festive diets. Here are some ways to ensure that you stay healthy after a heavy meal for Diwali!

1. Drink hot water and honey first thing in the morning, to clear your system of any toxins. It is the best way to flush out your system.

 2. Drink lots of green tea! A cup of chamomile or jasmine green tea will give your system the perfect way to detoxify. Green tea will give you antioxidants to help flush out the toxins.

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3. Lime Juice when taken without sugar or salt, cleanses your system well from within. It is a good way to help address acidity – for lemons and lime are actually acidic only in the tongue, while alkaline in the stomach.

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4. Drink Wheat Grass shakes to help increase your liver’s functional capacity and to digest your food well.

5. Ginger, especially in tea or even as chewable pieces is a fantastic detoxifier. It helps you shake off the effects of heavy oil and spice.

6. Plain hot water when taken in intervals in the day can help keep your system in balance.

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7. Drinking a warm glass of milk with a few crushed peppercorns and some turmeric will help your throat settle down in an otherwise rainy festive season.

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8. Indulge in a good long yoga and meditation routine, and get your body back on track with a good indulgence in routines for your health to get back on track.

 

Do you have any detoxifying routines that you follow or recommend? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

 

References:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Festival-over-detox-for-a-healthy-you/articleshow/49608432.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Post-festive-detox-you-should-be-following/articleshow/49577431.cms
http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/15-ways-to-lose-the-holiday-flab-and-keep-your-weight-loss-on-track-245430.html

 

World Pneumonia Day is marked annually on November 12, as an attempt to raise awareness about the disease and to promote action towards prevention and treatment, and generate action to fight the illness.

For the uninitiated, pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs, and makes breathing painful. It also limits the extent of oxygen intake. Pneumonia is the biggest killer of children under the age of 5, all over the world. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly one in five global child deaths result from pneumonia every year. Pneumonia is a completely preventable and treatable illness. All it takes are some important steps.

                                                    PC: 3impericalac.uk

1. Pneumonia is airborne. Since this is so, it is important to maintain oral and nasal hygiene. Cover your nose and mouth if you are going into a vulnerable area, and wash your hands every time you return from a vulnerable area.

                                                   PC: texaschildrenblog.org

2. Make sure to vaccinate yourself. As a preventable disease, pneumonia can fully be avoided.

                                                    PC: medimoon.com

3. Contracting pneumonia does not mean that doomsday has arrived. Some sound antibiotic treatment and specific medical attention targeting the symptoms is a sure-shot way of attending to the issue.

                                                   PC:huffingtonpost.com

4. One of the key ways to avoid pneumonia is to ensure improved sanitation. Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rubs to kill germs.

                                              PC: Westaustindentist.com

5. Don’t smoke! Smoking can damage the ability of your lungs to filter out and defend your body against germs.

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6. Keep your immune system strong. Get plenty of rest and physical activity and follow a healthy diet – make sure that you eat enough fruits and vegetables.

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7. Follow an exercise routine that will help keep your lungs at their best vital capacity, and don’t become vulnerable to collapse.

8. If you have pneumonia, or a loved one you know has the disease, make sure that you reduce and limit the extent of contact with family and friends. Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, and get rid of used tissues right away. These actions help keep the infection from spreading. With proper healthcare, pneumonia can be avoidable, especially for small children.

References:

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/pneumonia-day

http://www.pkids.org/diseases/pneumonia.html

Bursting crackers is characteristic of Diwali – young and old alike, cherish the adventurous side that it nurtures. As streets fill up by the hour with cracker-bombs and the skyline is peppered with beautiful fireworks, your lungs might be in trouble. Save them the difficulty of breathing in smoke and struggling with the allergies. Here are a few things you should understand:

1. The reason why smoke allergy sets in is because heavy metals like potassium chlorate, sulphur, arsenic sulphite, aluminium and copper are spread abundantly in the air post-Diwali, from the use of fire crackers.

PC:www.allergypartners.com

2. The smoke released around Diwali can cause a lot of lung and breathing issues, and skin issues – which in turn are allergies.

3. Your best bet would be to avoid coming in contact with firecrackers actively. If you know you have a tendency to become allergic, there is a need to keep away from bursting crackers.

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4. If you know that your exposure is inevitable, make sure that you wear a surgical mask, or cover your nose and mouth with a thin dupatta. This will not obviously take away the smoke, but it will create a temporary filter.

PC:www.asg.org

5. Always carry a nasal spray so that you can clear your nasal passageways. As for your skin, keep aloe vera gel or calamine lotion handy, especially because they help dispel allergic reactions.

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6. You may also take a few handkerchiefs which have a few drops of lavender essential oil in them – and keep smelling them to avoid the impact of the allergic reactions from inhaling smoke.

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7. In general, keep a regular practice of yoga and pranayama as a vital part of your fitness regimen, as it expands your lungs’ vital capacities, and also helps your body breathe in better.

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8. Drink a lot of water – especially in a day packed with the festivities that Diwali is. By hydrating yourself, your lungs are less prone to dehydration. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. Drinking water will also help by clearing up your skin and gives healthy glow.

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9. Pollution and smoke from crackers can irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Always make sure that you cover your face with a cotton cloth while watching or burning crackers. Make it a point to wash your face after you are done, and pat dry your face.

What is your preferred allergy-management routine? Share it with us, as you and your family go onto have a happy, safe and prosperous Diwali.

References:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Prevent-yourself-from-allergic-reaction-during-Diwali/articleshow/17172843.cms http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/print/news/prevent-yourself-from-allergic-reaction-during-diwali-5533374385_1.html

With the festival of lights just around the corner, and the rush up to a day that will be filled with delightful eatables – both sweet and savoury, there is a lot of work to be done to stay fit. Whether you want to look good in the new clothes you’ve bought, or if you want to clear out your system and keep your body in check before you indulge in your favourite eats, these ten tips will help you achieve your goals with ease.

1. Make sure you get enough sleep. Sleep is the number one requirement if you want to look good. When you sleep, your body takes the time that you take to rest, to catch up on the processes that take care of your wellbeing. To ensure that your body functions in order, your skin looks good, and your digestion is in order, sleeping well is very important.

2. Keep your exercises going! Diwali’s delectables sure may be great to eat – but as Raj Koothrapalli from The Big Bang Theory says, “It’s a moment on the lips, but a lifetime on the hips.” Keep your body fit and supple, and work out regularly. By exercising regularly, you ensure that your metabolism remains high and allows fat to be dispelled quickly.

 

3. Eat moderately, and eat well. Diwali and its delicious food brings the burden of empty calories being added onto your body. If you follow the policy of eating clean and moderately in your daily life, allowing yourself a Diwali binge will not lead to an adverse impact on your body.

4. Avoid excess salt. Especially because this is the monsoon and cold season, you are less likely to lose much water, and sweat is not as much in this part of the year. Adding salt in excess in your diet can result in a bit of a dilemma, where water retention may lead to bloating.

5. Forget the whites, go for the browns! Cut back on sugar, refined flour, and excess milk. By avoiding too much of the white stuff, your body will be able to avoid calories and cholesterol, and keep you in the clear for Diwali dining.

6. Green Tea, Green Tea, Green Tea! We cannot emphasise enough on how amazing the beverage is. Perfect for all the toxins in your body to be sent packing, the antioxidants in green tea helps your body stay in perfect order.

7. One fruit a day, and lots of vegetables on your menu – are both must-haves in your everyday life. Eating fruits gives your body the comfort of sugar, so keep it to one fruit so that you don’t overdose on sugar. Vegetables are a sure-shot way to keep your nutrients in order.

8. Drink water! Never neglect the power of the beverage – humble as it is, water is your visa to a cleaner internal system, which enables a toxin-free body. You also gain a lot – from muscle strength to good blood circulation, the benefits are plentiful.

9. Keep your protein intake in check. Depending on how much exercise you do, and what your diet is like, it is important that your protein intake is regulated well. Use the simple measure of 0.8 to 2 grams of protein per kilo weight, to assess how much you need. Always go for complete proteins – such as yoghurt, meats, nuts and soya

10. Avoid substance abuse. If you smoke or drink heavily, you are slowly destroying your own health, eroding your body’s ability to even redeem its health. Avoid substance abuse of every kind and invest in your own health for good.
With the festival of lights, invest in your wellbeing today, and make a commitment to yourself to stay healthy lifelong. Tell us what you do to keep fit in the run up to the festival of lights in the comments section. Meanwhile, we wish you, your family and friends a happy, prosperous and safe Diwali!

References:
http://www.indiatimes.com/health/tips-tricks/20-tips-to-get-fit-before-diwali-235982-2.html
http://www.indiaparenting.com/health/325_4296/10-ways-to-cut-down-calories-during-diwali.html
https://www.fitternity.com/article/7-ways-to-stay-healthy-during-diwali

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension is a common condition whereby the force of the blood against your arteries is high enough to cause you health issues such as heart disease. When your heart pumps more and the more narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure becomes. High Blood Pressure can be harmful as it may cause heart attacks, strokes, heart diseases, organ failure and even death, if left untreated. Suffering from high Blood Pressure? There are a lot of things you can do in your everyday lifestyle to help heal from it. We have a bunch of useful food options you can indulge in to keep your blood pressure in check. Here are some of them for you to try out!

1. Always make it a point to choose white meat rather than red meat. Red meat tends to spike your blood pressure.

2. If you can help it, avoid meat altogether and opt for fish or poultry as a better option. Combine them with vegetables and you are good to go!

3. Garlic is an important element to help keep your blood pressure in check, and to your cholesterol levels in check.

4. Try a mix of onions and honey as a good antidote to keep your blood pressure within accepted parameters. A tablespoon of onion juice mixed in a cup with two tablespoons of honey is all it takes. Drink this mix everyday for the best results!

5. Indulge in curry leaves. Arguably  one of the least respected elements in cooking, curry leaves are not just empty additives. Instead of discarding them, eat them with your meals so that you gain its nutritional benefits. For still better results, boil some drinking water and add 4 or 5 curry leaves and bring it to a boil. Cool the water down and use it for daily drinking needs.

6. Carrots are rich in resources to help keep your blood pressure in check. Mix up a carrot and some spinach leaves into a tall glass of juice. Drink this twice a day to lower your blood pressure!

7. Beetroots are the perfect way to help lower your blood pressure. Juice it and drink it twice a day, or if you are up to it, eat beets in your everyday diet.

References:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/home-remedies/Home-remedies-to-treat-high-BP/articleshow/19426208.cms 

The rains are on us and it is but a given that everyone is vulnerable to infection in one way or the other. Staying healthy in the monsoon is absolutely important, especially since your immunity might be at a low, what with the heavy rains and exposure to too much wet weather. Here are a couple of ways to stay healthy and keep your immunity in order during the monsoon!

1. Avoid eating street food, especially since they are exposed to contamination, and the use of water in cooking street food may not be clean. Hygienic food made of hygienic ingredients is but essential.

2. Drink your own water. If you know you are going to be out on the road for a fair amount of time, make sure that you carry your own water rather than to rely on water bought from outside, since it may be spurious.

3. Eat heated food in order to ensure that it is free of germs and infection-carrying allergens. Heating to high temperatures kills germs and keeps your food in shape.

4.  Always wear clean and dry clothes – use a talcum powder if it may help. Keeping dry is essential to avoid fungal infections and skin issues.

 

5.  Avoid raw food in the monsoons, especially since they have to be washed and served hygienically. There is a chance that they may not be clean, and this is the quickest way in which infection spreads.

 

PC.www.treeoflifehealthcenter.com

6. Wash your hands often to ensure that you stay away from germs. Use a hand sanitizer if it helps.

 

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7. Wear closed shoes, and if possible, water proof ones. Leptospirosis spreads through slushy water, and you’d do well to keep your toes and feet covered, lest there be an imbibition of the germs through the delicate skin between your toes.

 

References:

http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/tend-to-fall-sick-during-the-monsoons-here%E2%80%99s-how-to-avoid-it-this-year-234259.html

http://lifehackery.com/2008/09/10/health-6/

http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/tend-to-fall-sick-during-the-monsoons-here%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2s-how-to-avoid-it-this-year-234259.html

India accomplished a fantastic feat in eradicating polio – and all it took was a cogent and systematic vaccination plan. Here are a couple of things you should know about Polio on the occasion of World Polio Day!

1. Poliomyelitis, better known as Polio, is a highly infectious viral disease. It mainly affects young children, and leaves lasting impacts on their bodies in the form of deformities.

2. Polio is spread by viruses, and it can be easily transmitted from person to person, and spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route and less frequently, by a common vehicle such as contaminated water or food. The virus multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis.

3. The initial few symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs. In a few cases, polio can causes paralysis, which is often lasting and permanent. According to the World Health Organisation, One in 200 infections lead to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralyzed, 5% to 10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

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4. There is no cure for polio. It can only be prevented by immunization, or vaccination. The vaccine is an orally administered weakened vaccine-virus, and just involves ingesting two drops of a liquid.

5. The World Health Organization says that As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio. Failure to eradicate polio from these last remaining strongholds could result in as many as 200 000 new cases every year, within 10 years, all over the world. Polio cases have decreased by over  99% since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases then, to 416 cases reported cases in 2013. The reduction is the result of the global effort to eradicate the diseases.

A common cold can be a pain in the neck to deal with – especially if you have enough and more in the form of work and family commitments to juggle! Come monsoon or the fall, you invariably become a lot more vulnerable to catching a cold every time anyone around you sneezes! Here are a few things you can do to curb a cold or avoid getting a cold:

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1. Inhale steam! Colds cause stuffy and a blocked nose that can be really difficult to deal with. Everything from breathing to smelling things becomes difficult. Steam inhalation is a great mitigating agent that helps clear blocked nostrils, and alleviates stuffy head colds. Add a dab of eucalyptus oil in hot water so that the steam inhalation is also healing at the same

2. Use Honey. Honey is known to have a soothing effect on the throat. Adding a dab of cinnamon powder will help keep your immune system in great shape. Try it as part of your everyday dosage – perhaps thrice a day will do you good!

3. Ajwain seeds and Tulsi leaves are great remedies that can keep sore throats, coughs and bad colds in check. It also helps avoid building up a chest congestion, and keeps your health in order when you have a cold.

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4. Massaging the neck, throat, chest and back with a mix of mustard oil and garlic can help alleviate the impact of a cold, and calm down the system.

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5. Stay hydrated throughout the time you have a cold. Drinking water at regular intervals can help flush out the infection and reduce the inflammation in the throat. Vitamin C drinks, citrus juices and boiled water that is warmed to a drinkable temperature, will do wonders.

PC: www.ayurhealth.info

6. Gargling in salt will help ease the sore throat. Gargling a glass of hot water with a teaspoon of salt, or a few peppercorns ground into it will help soothe throat pain.

PC: www.greenkitchenstories.com

7. Drinkin turmeric milk at bed time is a great way to mitigate the impact of a cold. Owing to its antiseptic properties, turmeric is known to treat viral infections such as coughs and colds. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk is more than enough to relieve a bad cold. It provides instant relief for an aching throat and runny nose. Since it is a rich source of calcium, milk also provides energy – which you need in plenty when you have a cold.

References:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/home-remedies/7-home-remedies-to-curb-cold-and-cough/articleshow/33649274.cms

 

The thought of a massage might be relaxing, undoubtedly. But the Indian Head Massage is a whole different ball game altogether – it redefines the quintessence of relaxation altogether, and makes for a wonderful way to kick your feet up and cool your heels. Here are seven benefits from indulging in an Indian head massage routine!

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1. It helps keep your emotional and physical problems at bay by easing your stress levels.

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2. It helps by preventing migraines, headaches and sever back pains. When there is tension in the upper back or the neck and head, there can be migraines, headaches and back pain. These can be difficult to lead an everyday life with, and can be incomparably challenging. The Indian head massage will help alleviate these issues by applying pressure to points on the upper back, the arms and shoulders. It will help release muscles and knots, and reduce headache-causing blockages.

PC: www.healthcareonline.org

3. The head massage encourages better circulation of the cerebral fluid, which helps you get rid of depression, nervousness and anxiety, and alleviates stress

4. The head massage is also a wonderful tool for hair growth. The massage routine increases the extent of nourishment and oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles, which in turn will stimulate hair growth.

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5. A good long massage of the head in Indian style helps detoxify the body, and also encourages lymphatic drainage. It improves the extent of flow of blood to the neck and head, and helps eliminate wastes.

PC: www.massagetheraphy.com

6. A good hour’s worth of Indian head massage can help relieve one of sleeplessness, restlessness and insomnia.

7. It also helps renew and alleviate energy levels, and keep the body refreshed and rested. Since it is built on the philosophies of Ayurveda, that helps healing and places emphasis on balance, the chakras are stabilized and the health of both, body and mind is restored.

8. It helps boost your memory! An hour’s worth of Indian head massage will help clear your mind of all clutter and stress, and help log and collect thoughts and to keep your mind in good shape.

References:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/Benefits-of-a-head-massage/articleshow/48514345.cms
http://www.relaxationcentre.co.uk/2014/08/05/7-benefits-of-indian-head-massage/