Hard work really can kill, as longer hours increase risk of stroke

By Telegraph

It is thought that the stress of long hours can trigger biological changes in the body which lead to deadly disease

It is said that hard work never killed anyone, but a new study suggests that staying late at the office could have a deadly impact on health.

Working just one extra hour a day increases the chance of suffering a stroke over the next eight and a half years by 10 per cent while people who toil away for 55 hours raise their risk by a third.

Those who spend longer at work were also more likely to develop heart disease. Worryingly it is heart surgeons who work some of the longest hours in Britain, with the average consultant spending 61.5 hours at their post each week, the longest of any medical professional. Sudden death following long working hours is often caused by stroke, due to long and repeated periods of stress Dr Mike Knapton, British Heart Foundation.

It is thought that the stress of long hours can trigger biological changes in the body which, over time, can lead to deadly disease.

“Health professionals should be aware that working long hours is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke, and perhaps also coronary heart disease,” said Mika Kivimäki, Professor of 

Epidemiology at University College London.

Researchers looked at 25 studies involving more than 600,000 people across Europe, the US and Australia who had been followed for an average of 8.5 years. 

The higher risk remained even when taking into account factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity which are often associated with stressful jobs and longer hours.

Crucially the study showed that the longer people worked the higher their chance of having a stroke became. Compared with people who worked standard hours, those working between 41 and 48 hours had a 10 per cent higher risk of stroke, and those working 49 to 54 hours had a 27 per cent increased risk. Working 55 hours or more per week was linked to a 33 per cent greater risk of stroke.

Although the researchers could only say that long hours were ‘linked’ to strokes, health experts said it was ‘plausible’ that the stress of working too hard was to blame and urged doctors to take extra care to check for signs of heart problems in those with the most demanding jobs. 

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director, British Heart Foundation, said: “This research shows an association between long working hours and an increased risk of having a stroke and heart disease.

“It is plausible that there could be a causal relationship behind the link as sudden death following long working hours is often caused by stroke, due to long and repeated periods of stress, although that was not demonstrated in this study.

"This study highlights to doctors that they need to pay particular attention to cardiovascular risk factors when they advise people who work long hours."

The average Briton works 36.7 hours per week, six hours more than people in the Netherlands. The Greeks put in the longest working week in Europe, averaging around 42 hours.

Previous studies have shown that working long hours can lengthen the time it takes for a woman to get pregnant. The University of California also found that workers who clocked more than 51 hours a week were 29 per cent more likely to have high blood pressure than those who worked 39 hours or fewer.

Dr Tim Chico, Reader in Cardiovascular Medicine / consultant cardiologist, University of Sheffield, added: “For many people, reducing their working hours would be difficult or impossible, and this study does not show that it would reduce the risk of stroke. 

“Most of us could reduce the amount of time we spend sitting down, increase our physical activity and improve our diet while working and this might be more important the more time we spend at work.

“We should all consider how the working environment could be altered to promote healthy behaviour that will reduce strokes, irrespective of how long we work.”

Writing in a linked Comment, Dr Urban Janlert from Umeå University in Sweden said the study showed it was more important than ever for companies to stick to the EU Working Time Directive which limits the working week to 48 hours.

The research was published in medical journal The Lancet.

Female 'Viagra' will take years to reach India

By TOI,

Research on long-term effects of the drug Addyi and social unacceptance will delay the entry of the drug into Indian markets.

While women in the United States rejoice the approval of Addyi, the female 'Viagra', there's no reason for women back home to cheer as the drug may take at least three to four years to be introduced in the Indian market as trials are still on to ascertain its long-term effects, say doctors.

To add to their woes, the existing social unacceptance will further delay the use of the drug, which increases libido in females as has been claimed, say doctors.

"It will take three to four years for the female viagra to come to India as the clearance by the Drugs Controller General of India is a must," JB Sharma, a professor of gynaecology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, tells IANS.

"Also there exists a lot of social unacceptance in the Indian society, which needs to be overcome before making the medicine a success," Sharma says.

He says approximate 20-30% of the Indian female population suffer from problems related to lack of sexual desires.

Addyi is the first drug developed to address low libido conditions in women and to be approved by the US-Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

Under a US FDA-imposed safety plan, doctors will only be able to prescribe Addyi after completing an online certification process that requires counselling patients about the medicine's risks. 

Pharmacists will also need certification and will be required to remind patients not to drink alcohol while taking the drug.

Nupur Gupta, a consultant gynaecologist at Gurgaon-based Paras Hospital, says that as the drug is new and still under trial, the introduction of the medicine in Indian market will take time.

"Sales in India will be slow initially. Although Indian mindset is changing as per world's advancements, we will take time as we still think that treatment is possible without medication," Gupta tells IANS.

Men are happy with the female 'Viagra' for gone are the days of the 'fake headaches' and recurring periods. Women are happy that there's an alternative to oyrsters and champagne. 

Rejoice women, the magic pill, the pill that makes your little man in the boat float, is now a thing of reality. The much-awaited female 'Viagra' is finally available for you to purchase in hushed (slightly sheepish) tones over seedy counters. (The crowd cheers and all the women raise ecstatic toasts to the FDA approval of the little pink pill that promises sexual bliss. Men heave a sigh of relief that all those 'fake headache' days are a thing of the past. Or are they?).

It is unfair that Viagra, the blue diamond-shaped magic pill crafted by Jupiter himself, has been giving out a helping hand for about three decades, but no counterpart for the fairer sex has been found. (Viagra never worked on us girls. Well, we've always been notoriously difficult to please. Am I right guys?)

Before you start making plans for the night and get your poor man's hopes up, know this: Addyi tablets, produced by the wise hakims at Sprout Pharmacy (and we hate to be the bearers of bad news here, by the way. It gives us no pleasure at all doing this) DO NOT work the same way as Viagra. Cue the silence.

But don't get us wrong. It's going to take a lot more than pedantic nomenclature from stopping us calling it female 'Viagra' (because Aphrodite knows we've waited too long).

It's always been different for men. Like everything else man-related, their libido is also not that complicated. Viagra helps them get an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. It really is that simple. As long as real emotions aren't involved, guys are happy. Am I right again?

But flibanserin, the generic drug which is packaged as Addyi, works differently. It essentially increases sexual desire in women, which may sound like a win-win situation for both sexes.  So you've heard about that weird 'fact' that a text notification on your phone sends a rush of dopamine (the sexy hormone) to your brain? That's basically what this pill does.

So there's my man, perched on his elbow on the side of the bed, a thousand-dollar grin plastered across his smug face and then there's little old me, faking my third period of the month. You know he'll buy it. Stupid man. He's even bought some scented candles and tried his hand at what he thinks is 'foreplay'.

So logic dictates I pop the pill right? That's what you thought too, right? WRONG! Stupid woman. That Addyi, unlike Viagra, does not work instantly might come as a MILD disappointment if you thought that all it took to turn up the kink was popping one of those pills. Don't lose hope ladies, you stand to gain a staggering half an orgasm a month(read: 'sexually satisfying experience') and that's when you pop the pill daily for 30 days. The number might dramatically increase to one (that's one added orgasm for you) if you're one of God's chosen few. (Wow!)

To put it boringly, sexual desire is, after all, a mere game of hormones and a slight tweak of hormones can do no one any harm.

Yeah you might faint or feel drowsy once in a while. (Side-effects are worse if combined with alcohol or other medications. There goes the occasional glass of wine. Ah, but who cares if there's pure sexual bliss to be had. We'd sacrifice entire wine cellars for that).

Meanwhile, it would be perfectly understandable if you wanted to congratulate Even the Score, a women's group, for bringing justice to women. It was on this group's insistence that the FDA, an organisation they described as sexist, approved Addyi, because approving a drug is all about sexual discrimination. Medical research is secondary when it comes to gender equality.

And how can we not thank Sprout Pharmacy for creating the wonder drug, and funding Even the Score (happy coincidence?)

Here's your reality check. Sexual desire is an important factor in a relationship but not the core of it.
Desire is a strong emotional attraction and not a hormonal kick induced by a shady pink pill.

Let us not forget we live in a society where women are advised (often by great-great-grand-aunts) to keep their men sexually satisfied otherwise the innocent men could fall prey to other 'attractions'.

Meanwhile oysters (or goat testicles, for that matter) are good commonly acknowledged aphrodisiacs, or so we've been told.

Get your beauty fix from the benefits of seaweed

By Ismat Tahseen,  Want some TLC for your skin? Forget that exotic Moroccan rose soak or a mint chocolate wrap.

Of late, the new skin pampering comes in the way of seaweed. More people are waking up to the benefits of the stringy, green algae that may look gross, but has powerful ingredients that help to tone and repair the skin. Here's what's the lure is about...

Party quick-fix
Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton reportedly pampers herself with seaweed facials. Closer home, several people in Mumbai are going in for a 'seaweed wrap' before a night out, reveals skin expert, Dr Rashmi Shetty. "It's a no-harm quick-fix for the skin and people are trying this just before they have to get into their dress for a party or walk the red carpet. The wrap is applied to the body and as it's warming, it causes the person to sweat. During this process, the body eliminates excess toxins, urea creatinine and water. This temporarily reduces puffiness and redness (if any), as well as the appearance of cellulite. You feel lighter and drop half an inch all over. But to see extended benefits, one has to try this more often — once a week is quite safe to do so," she says.

Post-holiday skin recovery
Seaweed is also increasingly being touted as the solution to ease skin stress after a holiday. "During this time, various factors like harsh climate, humidity levels, water, an erratic lifestyle, even dehydration on flights — all play havoc on the skin. Seaweed helps to re-mineralise the skin and combat the damages due to these conditions. It has a kind of restorative ability," affirms spa expert Nisha Jhaveri. "People use it on the face, but I recommend it more on the body. What's popular is the seaweed body scrub or polish, which removes dead cells and helps even out the skin tone. You can also try the body envelopment, which has seaweed extract."

FIXING OUR BODY OF WORK

By Nasrin Modak Siddiqi, 

 

 Sore wrists, persistent backaches and pain around the shoulders and neck — these are all common effects of sitting in an office chair for too long. Offering solutions and insights, our experts weigh in.

A cursory glance around an office space invariably reveals rows of hunched colleagues. Their posture instantly seems pained. It doesn't come as a surprise that the most common hazard of a desk job is now the 'office bod', a recently coined term that collectively refers to a camel's hump, wide hips, a flat behind and a paunchy midsection. When the number of hours you spend at your desk are more than the hours you spend sleeping in bed at night, the repercussions are evident.

It's perhaps hard to think of your posture with impossible deadlines looming large. Moreover, stretching exercises can never be a viable alternative to social networking. The sad truth, though, is that such neglect is a sure ticket to future suffering. "Most of us spend hours chained to our desks. We forget to sit straight. Taking a short walk seems impractical. But over time, all that slumping and peering takes a toll. Unused muscles weaken, joints lose their lubrication and as a result, your back begins to ache," says Dr Abhay Nene, a senior spine surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital.

If you sit on a chair all day, your body gets so acclimatised that it makes you less adept at standing, walking and running. Physicians point out that our spine was meant for hunting, not sitting. "This is why we must understand the crucial role the spine plays in shock absorption and in holding one's body weight," says Dr Anjana Laungani. When the consultant physiotherapist and rehab specialist started her practice 20 years ago, most of her patients were above the age of 45. Today, most of them are under 30. That fact alone is a fitting representation of modern-day life.

Straightening up

People spend a fortune on ergonomically designed office furniture, but doctors find that they invariably don't know how to sit on it. Laungani, for instance, first does a workstation analysis and asks several key questions. Do you work on a laptop or a desktop? Do you use an inbuilt or an external mouse? How many hours do you spend in front of a screen? To understand a body's slouching pattern, she asks for candid pictures to be taken at different times of the day. A tailormade programme is then designed to correct postures with a mirror demonstration of how one must sit, stand or walk. Languani, though, thinks education is only a start. You need to train your brain to function in accordance with the prescribed postures. "That can be daunting."

Long commutes only add to the damage. Advocating precaution, Nene says, "Adjust the car seat in such a manner that you can reach the pedals without having to bend forward. Also, make sure that your seat allows you to look around without straining your neck. Both hands should be on the steering to avoid additional shoulder strain, Women are also advised to trade their one heavy bag with two lighter ones. To avoid straining one side, they are asked to switch the bag from one shoulder to the next.

One size doesn't fit all

Because a man's body is different to that of a woman's, they react differently to external pressures. "Women are more flexible, which leads to hypermobility. They sag in their posture whereas men's joints and muscles are stiffer. So, if I ask both to look up at the ceiling, a man would only look halfway up, whereas a woman would look too high and both would be in pain," explains Laungani.

Similarly, different frames are affected equally, but the extent of damage depends on the external surroundings like the length of a desk or the height of the chair. "People with heavier chests tend to hunch more than others. The smaller built ones want to look taller and the taller ones often slouch to accommodate themselves on a desk or in a cab. Both aren't good for the spine," says Languani.

Eat all the way back up

If the spinal arteries are clogged, they activate inflammatory chemicals in the back, which trigger nerves to send pain signals to the brain. Thankfully, you don't have to think too much about this because foods that are good for you heart, weight and blood sugar are also good for your back. All you need to do is eat well. "To reduce inflammation, include foods rich in Omega-6 fatty acids, like oily fish and flax seeds. Turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties so add that to your food. Try and include as many different varieties of berries as you can in your diet," says Nene.

Yoga as precaution and cure

Yoga instructor Anshuka Parwani prescribes asanas that could help ease those niggling work-related aches and pains

» Balasana (child's pose) can put the mind at ease and it also opens up the back, hips and shoulders.

» To improve flexibility and make the hips more active, try the Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, a half pigeon pose. This also opens up the chest and shoulders.

» Long hours of commute makes the hip tighter. Try Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose). It will help open the hips and ease sciatica discomfort that can be made worse by sitting for long periods.

» Ananda Balasana (happy baby pose) opens the hips and groin and is also very calming.

» Marjaryasana and Bitilasana (cat and cow tilts) can be effective headache relievers. In addition to opening up the back and stretching the spine, they bring the neck back into position over the spine.

» For most office goers, sore wrists and hands from typing is a common complaint. That soreness even extends to the legs because of the long hours that are spent sitting in front of a computer. To counter this, try the Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog posture). It helps lengthen and strengthen muscles in the body. It reduces tension in the shoulders, relaxes the neck and allows more blood to flow to the brain. It also helps stretch the legs, wrists and hands.

» If you are facing troubles with your spine and are suffering aches in you upper and lower back, Bhujangasana (cobra pose) can help. It lengthens the spine, opens up the chest and counters the hunch.

» For stress and anxiety due to work, try the Uttanasana (standing forward fold) as a forward bend provides a soothing feeling of release. The pose is therapeutic. A standing forward bend variation provides a deep shoulder stretch as well. If you have tight shoulders, hold a belt between your hands. This will lessen the intensity of your shoulder stretch.

CLIMAX IS THE BEST PART

By Ektaa Malik

Elusive at times, but always pleasurable, the orgasm is also advantageous for your health. These nine benefits highlight the importance of sexual satisfaction.

Remember that iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally? Meg Ryan holds an entire restaurant captive as she demonstrates an orgasm, albeit a fake one. It might be useful to have more such reminders in today's hectic day and age. Given our high levels of professional stress and a lifestyle that perpetuates too many tasks and affords very little time, orgasms have never been more essential. One might blush, nudge and wink in embarrassment, but the myriad benefits of The Big O are too far-reaching to be ignored.

1 On top of the world

Next time around, don't unwrap the chocolate or watch that soppy rom-com while binge eating a tub of ice cream. You should gift yourself an orgasm instead. The hormones and endorphins that are released after an orgasm helps uplift one's mood. The feeling is that of undeniable happiness, helping one feel entirely satiated and content.

2 Helps with that beauty sleep

People tend to sleep more soundly after they have an orgasm. The sleep is often dreamless. After all the muscles of the body are relaxed, the body falls asleep easily. "The sleep that one has after an orgasm is like that of a child. The feeling is that of sweet intoxication," informs sexologist Dr Rajan Bhonsle from the Heart to Heart Counselling Centre.

3 The new body cleanse

You have tried the water, the juice and the glutenfree cleanse. It's time now to try the orgasmic one. Orgasms are inherently cleansing in nature. "Physically, the whole body is active. The muscles are working. They contract and spasm. The result is much like a satisfying cleanse of the body," says Dr Mahindra Watsa, sexologist and author of It's Normal!

4 Letting all those creative juices flow

Orgasms tend to unleash creativity in many individuals. People have written poetry, painted their best work after a toe-curling orgasm. They feel more creatively inspired. "," shares Dr Prakash Kothari, who teaches sexual medicine at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital.

5 Tackling pms and other aches and pains

Often, women experience lower back pain when burdened with a bout of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Mood swings are also very common. Orgasms help alleviate the pain. "It has been found that orgasms relieve the pain that women suffer during PMS. The pain is psychosomatic. For men, orgasms help relieve the tension that gets built up in the body," says Dr Bhonsle

6 In the mood for love

Orgasms often help in bringing couples closer and strengthening their bond. Having simultaneous orgasms makes them connect on a deeper level. They take care of one another's needs. "An orgasm makes a couple reconnect. One feels loved and also cared for. They are also sharing this pleasurable act together. They are giving top priority to one another," explains Dr Watsa.

7 Bust that stress

Had a tough day at work? Are you facing the brunt of financial troubles? Stuck in your car during peak hour traffic? The stress factors are endless. Orgasms are great stress busters. They wash your worries away. "Orgasms relax one's self. One also feels very refreshed. We feel better prepared to take on the challenges of the world," shares Dr Kothari.

8 Will burn those calories away

Orgasms can sometimes be the fruit of hard work. Your whole body has to labour for it. The side effect — a full body workout. "Orgasms provide a good cardiovascular workout. The heart is beating at 150 beats a minute. The heart is pumping more blood and giving more oxygen to all parts of the body than usual. Orgasms are great for the overall health of the body," informs Dr Bhonsle. Besides, an orgasm is far more pleasurable than an evening run.

9 Anger management

People who are generally aggressive and have anger management issues often feel much calmer after experiencing a good orgasm. Women, who are prone to being abrasive, sometimes turn more accepting. "I had a client who told me that his wife used to be very controlling and angry at all times. But for 1-2 days after an orgasm, she would be in a good mood. She would humble and very loving. Orgasms help people mellow down," shares Dr Bhonsle.

Drinking coffee doesn't trigger diabetes, obesity

IANS  |  London 

Maintain your love with coffee as it does not put you at the risk of developing obesity or diabetes, a gene-based study has said. Danish researchers looked at genes as our genes play a role in how much coffee we drink in the course of a day. So if you have the special coffee genes, you may be drinking more coffee than those not having the genes.

The results showed that coffee neither increases nor decreases the risk of lifestyle diseases like obesity and diabetes.

"We are the first to examine the link of the genes with high consumption of coffee," said Ask Tybjaeg Nordestgaard from the department of clinical biochemistry at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital in Denmark.

"These genes are completely independent of other lifestyle factors, and, therefore, drinking coffee in itself is not associated with lifestyle diseases," Nordestgaard added in a paper published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

Along with researchers from University of Copenhagen, Nordestgaard analysed DNA and information about coffee drinking and lifestyle diseases from 93,000 Danes from the Copenhagen General Population Study.

The researchers studied the number of genes that affect our desire for coffee and examined whether a higher coffee consumption increases or decreases the risk of developing lifestyle diseases.

"We can see that the coffee genes are surprisingly not associated with a risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or obesity," they said.

"This suggests that drinking coffee neither causes nor protects against these lifestyle diseases," added Boerge Nordestgaard, clinical professor from University of Copenhagen.

Reasons you are not able to shed off weight

You're following a strict exercise routine, counting your calorie intake and doing everything possible to not succumb to too many sinful cheat meals!

But despite all you sincere efforts, you still haven't been able to break the weight-loss plateau and lose those extra pounds as quickly as you wish to. If you find yourself in this dilemma, research has proven there are a number of reasons behind this. We explore them...

 

Following a repetitive workout

Are you following the same exercise routine day in and day out for months? While it might seem convenient and easy, you need to break this mundane habit and introduce some newer forms of exercise in your workout. Why? Because the muscles in your body become familiar with the same exercise, making it less effective as time passes. Add some resistance or increase repetitions of any particular exercise. Be careful when you incorporate high-intensity exercises into your daily routine.

 

 

Eating poorly

Many people still believe that starving is the quickest way to lose weight. But your body needs nutrients to perform functions. This primarily includes metabolism; and not eating properly could affect it. Also, eating less could lead you to feel famished and hungry, thus resulting in unhealthy bingeing at the wrong time.

 

Not recovering from your exercise routine

In their fixation to lose weight, many people become obsessed about their exercise routines and land up overdoing it. Though going to the gym daily is essential, you need to also give your body enough time to rest and recover at least once a week. If you're constantly exercising, you are putting your body under immense physical strain. It won't get time to repair the wear and tear, and this will affect your everyday functions. Also, exercising excessively can increase hunger, making you indulge in eating at odd hours.

 

Long gaps between meals

People avoid eating snacks because they think snacking between any of the main meals is unhealthy. But it's not necessarily a bad thing if you eat the right kind of foods. Mini meals are a great way to keep your energy levels up and your metabolism on an optimum level. The most important snack is usually between lunch and dinner, so keep it healthy with by balancing between carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fat.

 

Too much cardio

While doing cardio exercises like running on the treadmill is necessary if you are looking to lose weight, you need to also focus on weight lifting and resistance training for better results. Don't just do too much cardio, indulge in weight lifting as it will strengthen the joints, build muscle mass and increase the metabolic rate of your body.

 

You're not consistent

Consistency — whether it's following a strict diet or doing a particular workout — is key, especially if you're trying to lose the last few kilos. If you're religiously following a health plan for weeks, but suddenly decide to take a break from it for a few days, this inconsistency will hamper your weight-loss progress and you will be back to square one. If this happens very happen, it could be the reason why you are unable to lose weight.

 

Lack of sleep

Not getting the essential eight hours of sleep a day is detrimental to your health, and impacts weight loss. You must ensure that you sleep well every night, as it will give you energy to exercise and eat right as well as balance out hormones in the body that control your appetite. Research has linked lack of sleep with weight gain. Skimping on sleep lowers the metabolism and affects hormones related to hunger.

According to some studies, the biggest spike in fat burning hormones occurs during deep sleep.

 

Constantly stressed out

If you're having a high-pressure job, too many family responsibilities and have a hectic lifestyle in general, your stress levels are bound to be high; this can affect your mental as well as physical health. Stress releases the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for health problems that affect weight loss. Take time out to de-stress, if you want to achieve that svelte frame!

 

Not drinking enough water

Many a time, you mistake thirst for hunger. By drinking 3-4 litres of water daily, you will ward off the tendency to overeat, as water will make you feel fuller. Water is also essential to burn off excess fat because your body needs this liquid to break down fat. So next time you think you're hungry between lunch and dinner, drink a glass of water.

 

Overeating 'healthy' food

You may have smartly substituted all the unhealthy items in your meals with healthy, low-calorie options, but if you're going to eat larger portions of these, it will defeat the purpose of changing your diet. For example, items like nuts, whole wheat pasta, olive oil, dark chocolate etc. though healthy, are loaded with calories. You need to regulate the quantity of 'health' food you are consuming. Practice portion control; misjudging your portion size will only cause you to retain any excess weight.

Drink Green Tea, use light cooking oil to increase immunity

New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) Weak immunity reduces our metabolic rate and thus, suppresses the body's ability to fight diseases. A lower metabolic rate also means that our digestive system's ability to break down and absorb food is weaker, leading to stomach ailments like constipation and bloating. Stay hydrated and increase fiber intake to increase immunity, says an expert.

Dolly Kumar, director of GAIA Herbs, shares tips to increase immunity and the metabolic rate and not miss out on monsoon activities:

* Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and water-based drinks such as green tea during monsoon season because the increased humidity makes us sweat more and leaves our bodies dehydrated and makes us more susceptible to falling ill. 

* Increase fiber intake: Increase consumption of light fibrous grains such as oats, brown rice, and barley that are easy to absorb by the body. Avoid watery cereals such as curried rice which can cause bloating during monsoon.

* Switch to light cooking oils: As much as you love eating pakoras during monsoon, avoid deep fried foods as they can make one feel heavy and are difficult to digest. If you still want to indulge in a few monsoon munchies, use lighter oils such as corn oil or olive oil instead of heavy cooking oils like mustard.

* Use natural immunity boosters: Turmeric powder and Fenugreek seeds boost metabolic rate and are natural antibiotics. 

* Lime and honey: To further boost metabolic rate and immunity, have lemon juice and honey as they assist in the digestion process and help the intestines carry out their functions properly and effectively.

Cigar smoking not a safe alternative

IANS | Apr 24, 2015

If you thought smoking cigars is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, your are wrong. New research associates many of the same fatal conditions as cigarette smoking.

 

Researchers from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carried out a systematic review of studies about cigar smoking and all-cause and smoking-related mortality to gain more comprehensive information about the long-term public health implications of cigar use.

 

"The results reinforce the fact that cigar smoking carries many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking.

 

"Cigar smoking is linked to fatal oral, esophageal, pancreatic, laryngeal, and lung cancers, as well as heart disease and aortic aneurysm," said lead researcher Cindy Chang from Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

Consumption of cigars in the USA doubled from 6.2 billion cigars in 2000 to more than 13.7 billion in 2011. This contrasts with a 33% reduction in cigarette consumption over the same period.

 

There is particular concern about cigar use in youth and young adults. The team wanted to examine the health risks to current cigar smokers compared to those who never smoked cigarettes or never used any tobacco, so they excluded any study that involved current cigarette smokers.

 

As such, 22 studies were analysed that were primarily conducted in the USA, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

The authors also report that those who exclusively smoked cigars and had never smoked other tobacco products also had an increased risk of all-cause mortality.

 

The risk of death from oral, oesophageal and lung cancers was found to increase with inhalation of cigar smoke.

 

Even in those who reported not inhaling cigar smoke, there was an increased risk of death caused by oral, laryngeal and oesophageal cancer.

5 Ways to Actually Help Someone Dealing With Loss

When someone you love loses someone they love, it's nearly impossible to know what to do for them. The first thing I said to the first person I told about the loss of my baby boy was, "I know, there's nothing you can say." There were no words that would make me feel better and wanted to let her off the hook.

My experience of losing my 5-week-old son to SIDS has taught me a few things about how to help other people who are dealing with loss of any kind. I've come up with a list of the best ways to really help someone in the emotionally taxing situation of losing a loved one, in hopes of helping you navigate those complicated waters.

1. Write something memorable in their card.
The only thing I really wanted from other people was to know that they were thinking about me and my family. Whether someone sent a card, flowers, a text, or email, it was so great to know that they had us in their thoughts and prayers. Knowing so many people were thinking about us and praying for our comfort really helped me cope with those raw, early days following my son's death.

2. Make them a meal.
For me, the grief from my loss was so consuming, simple things like making meals and cleaning the house were tasks I just could not do on a regular basis. For the first several months, every day was completely unpredictable and I would never know if I'd be able to function that day or be stuck in my bed under the covers all day. I remember the meals the most and appreciated them immensely because of the amount of time, effort and thought someone had put into that simple act. It's easy for you but could mean the world to them.

3. Give them your phone number.
I had a lot of people I could call when I had bad days, I just usually chose not to. Still, when someone just gave me their phone number or email address and said, "Call or email me anytime" I was beyond grateful. The gesture meant so much to me, whether I used them as a resource or not. Then, when days came up that threatened to take me down, I would have a network of people to help with my daughter when I encountered an emotional crisis. Some of the numbers I got saved me several times.
 
4. Check in regularly.
Right after the death of my son, everyone was wonderful. Condolences were numerous and hugs were plentiful. Then, a few weeks after the funeral, the calls and contact became few and far between. This was extremely hard for me because I felt like I had no support. My suggestion to you is to set a reminder on your phone for every two weeks (or whatever amount of time you are comfortable with) to call, text or visit the person who recently lost someone. You thinking about them long after the hubbub of the funeral will mean the world to them.

5. Be genuine.
When talking to them, be as sincere as possible. Look them in the eyes and convey your genuine sympathies. Keeping in mind the constitution of the person, you can hug them or give their arm or hand a squeeze. They will appreciate it so much more than pointless platitudes and standoffish behavior, both of which do them no good. Most of all, DO NOT tell them they'll get over it or time will heal their wounds. They know that already. They just need your support.

By Melanie McKinnon

Pondering Weighty Matters

What's the most efficient way to get rid of that girth? Should you do away with carbohydrates entirely or eliminate fats from your diet? What is a fad and what is fact?

 

One of the ongoing problems of the human race is the battle of the bulge. No doctor's day is complete without at least one patient who brings in a recommended diet to seek advice. Through the years I have seen many such suggestions, often confounding and many without grounding in firm scientific fact. 

 

Besides this, one is often asked advice on various supplements or even ayurvedic cures or homeopathic medicines or herbal remedies for weight loss.

 

Some of the herbs contain thermogenic material that fasten the heart rate and raises the blood pressure — the Chinese herb Ma Huang, for instance. I have known a young individual who took ayurvedic medication for weight loss and ended up with kidney failure. This was presumably because of the metal content in the medication, which induced the kidneys to fail resulting in premature death. 

 

It is for these various reasons that doctors are not keen to endorse products of which they have little knowledge. Many of these have scant scientific background as well. Dietetics today is a well developed science and therefore many doctors, particularly diabetologists, will have service as dieticians.

 

Also traditionally through time doctors will give you broad dietetic principles and will leave you to sort the rest out on your own. Many consider this important advice as out of the realm of medical consultation because they feel advice is restricted to medication. 

 

I must admit I am often confused with the dietetic advice that patients bring in. In essence one must understand that there is no easy way to lose weight. If there were an easy way we would never see an obese individual. The issue of reaching a goal is not as difficult as maintaining it. Being obsessed with weight loss and weighing yourself twice a day is certainly not the best thing to do. I would consider girth as or even more important than weight. In today's times obesity is measured as a basis of body mass index, which is the weight in kg divided by the height in square metre.

 

When one looks broadly at dietetics we have mainly carbohydrate food such as rice, bread, protein food such as chicken, meat, tofu, and fats such as butter.

 

Among the several popular fads, which I first heard about from patients, was the South Beach diet created by cardiologist Arthur Agatston. It basically is a diet that restricts carbohydrates and is higher in protein and healthy fats. It restricts the carbohydrates with a high glycemic index: those carbohydrates that tend to increase your blood sugar faster. Twenty eight per cent of your daily calories is derived from carbohydrates. This diet is modified into three phases. Phase one lasting two weeks where you cut all carbohydrates and eat lean protein, such as sea food and lean poultry. In phase two you add some of the carbohydrates such as whole grain bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta. Phase three is one of maintenance: you follow a healthy mix of the two. The South Beach diet also recommends exercise.

 

In fact, if you consider the overall picture, restricting caloric intake will result in weight loss. In the final analysis all food translates into calories. This is not as simple as that, foods contain nutritional value as well, not just calories; by that token, alcohol, which provides us 7 kcal/gm, would serve as a food. This is the reason most weight loss diets restrict or deny you any alcohol. The Mayo Clinic diet lets you enjoying the types and amounts of food featured in the diet, improves you overall eating habits and makes you change your unhealthy life style habits for healthy one.

 

Among the revolutionary diets that exist, the Atkins diet comes to mind because of the controversies it created. Though it was originally created in 1958, it did not come into popularity till it was modified by Robert Atkins himself in 1972 and 2002. In fact the diet is based on the following simple logical analysis. The body burns carbohydrates as its preferred fuel. If carbohydrates are not available fats are burnt. If fats are not available protein are consumed and you lose muscle mass. This is basically what one sees in a starvation-affected population. There is first loss of fat followed by muscle mass. 

 

The Atkins diet basically consists of cutting carbohydrates to an extent that fats burn as fuel and the body expends more energy burning this fat. There was significant controversy in the medical fraternity regarding this diet and the American Heart Association warned that it increased the risk of heart disease, but a 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, countered this claim. In May 2009 the Annals of Internal Medicine reported minor adverse affects such as diarrhoea, general weakness, rashes and muscle cramps with such diets.

 

So the question continues as to what to cut: fat or carbohydrate to lose weight. In a recent article published in the Annals of Internal Medicine a low carbohydrate diet seems better than a low fat diet. In a study done involving 75 participants on a low-carbohydrate diet as compared to 73 on a low-fat diet, the former group showed significantly greater weight loss. 

 

In addition, the fears with a low-carbohydrate diet of a change in cholesterol and heart disease could not be borne out. In fact, the total and LDL cholesterol and sugar levels did not change in either group, nor did the blood pressure. Those in the low-carbohydrate group had lower levels of C Reactive Protein and inflammatory marker risk for a heart attack.

 

It appears then that it is easier to lose weight by cutting carbohydrates rather than fat, at least so it seems from this recent study. 

 

By Altaf Patel, Bangalore.

Are superfoods really that good for you?

• By Rosie Hopegood

With so many food fads around, it’s hard to know what will really give your health a boost. We take a look at the latest trends to sort the facts from the fiction…

New laws are now stricter on the use of the word 'superfood'

Did you know eating a bacon buttie can knock half an hour off your life expectancy?
Before you reach for that healthy green salad in a bid to add those 30 minutes back on, let us take a look at what the healthier option really is.

With so many foods claiming superhero status, there’s now a new law banning the use of the word superfood on packaging – unless it can be backed up by hard evidence. Here, we’ve separated the wheat from the chaff…

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has been hailed as a weight loss ally

What is it? Despite containing over 90% saturated fat, coconut oil has been hailed as the latest weight-loss ally. Celebrities are mad for it, with Angelina Jolie starting her day with cereal topped with coconut oil, model Miranda Kerr stirring a spoon into her green tea and Gwyneth Paltrow using it as a mouthwash. It’s no wonder jars of the white stuff (£5.99) are flying off the shelves!

Food facts: "Studies show that coconut helps increase calorie burning and can aid weight loss when consumed in moderation," says nutritionist Kim Pearson. It contains lauric acid, which is known for killing harmful bacteria. It can also be used on skin and hair too. So we’re going to be slim with shiny hair and good skin? Sold.

Verdict: Super

Matcha powder

Matcha contains high levels of anti-ageing antioxidants

What is it? The antioxidant health benefits of drinking green tea are widely known – but the ground down version, matcha, is new on the block.

Celebrities such as Eva Longoria and Dannii Minogue are swapping their soya lattes for this Incredible Hulk-coloured tea, because drinking the powder means you consume all of the goodness of the leaves, rather than just the water they’re steeped in.

Food facts: "Research shows that matcha is 137 times higher in the health-promoting and anti-ageing antioxidants found in other green teas, plus it’s a great energy booster," says Kim. It contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine that increases brain wave activity. But at £25 for 100g, you’ve got to really want those antioxidants for it to be worth it.
 
Verdict: Super expensive

Kale

Kale is a celebrity favorite

What is it? If you’re the sort of person who likes to carry the latest ‘IT’ bag, you’ll have spotted this on fashionable menus everywhere.

Foodies reckon this dark leafy green packs a powerful nutritional punch, with high levels of iron, calcium, vitamins K, A and C – there are even claims it can reduce the signs of ageing.

Food facts: Kale can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, and the high fibre content helps to rev up your metabolism.

"It’s rich in vitamin C and magnesium, and the main advantage is it’s great value compared to other so-called superfoods," says The Food Doctor Ian Marber. 

There’s loads of ways to eat it too, from salads to kale chips. But keep in mind that iron from kale is not absorbed as easily as iron from meat.
Verdict: Semi super

Agave syrup

Agave syrup has long been used as an alternative to sugar

What is it? Once hailed as the sweetener to save us from our sugary sins, agave syrup’s low glycemic index (glucose level) supposedly means that it will prevent your blood sugar levels from spiking – stopping you reaching for unhealthy snacks.

The syrup has been used for thousands of years in Mexico, and has been marketed as a healthy alternative to sugar in baking and hot drinks.

Food facts: Recent studies have suggested that agave may actually play havoc with your metabolism, as it’s a form of over-processed syrup.

"Agave contains fructose," says Ian, "which is the same natural fruit sugar found in juices and honey." Unlike glucose or sucrose, fructose is only metabolised by the liver, and is quickly turned into fat by the body.

Verdict: Not so super

Quinoa

Quinoa is a good addition to any diet

What is it? Quinoa has soared in popularity in recent years, with the health conscious swapping their rice or couscous for this fluffy little grain-like seed. It’s reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and antidepressant effects.

Food facts: "Quinoa contains amino acids as well as fibre and nutrients, so it’s a good addition to any diet," says Ian. NASA scientists searching for the perfect food for long-term space missions declared quinoa to be unbeatable in its nutritional value.

"It’s naturally gluten-free and a rich source of protein, so it’s good for vegans and vegetarians," says healthy eating expert Amelia Freer. But the high fibre content may cause digestive problems for some.

Verdict: Super

The superfoods you may already have in your kitchen

Fresh Tomatoes

Cooked tomatoes contain an easily absorbable form of the antioxidant lycopene, which is important for reviving sun-damaged skin. Who knew a bowl of tomato soup could be the cure for sunburn?

Broccoli is one superfood you can rely on without breaking the bank. This humble staple is packed full of fibre, calcium, iron and vitamins C and A.

Blackberries contain high-levels of vitamin C, which is vital for collagen production. Eat plenty of these sweet treats to plump up your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Garlic releases anti-bacterial photochemicals when crushed, useful for fighting off colds and treating acne. 

Turmeric can be used to treat anything from heartburn, stomach complaints, memory loss and diabetes. "This spice is more of a medicine in my mind," says Amelia.