Painkillers Without Dangerous SideEffects

Now There Could Be Painkillers Without Dangerous SideEffects

While health experts have preached about the ill-effects of pain killers umpteen times, sometimes you can't help but depend on them to bring relief. Blame it on the times we live in, every other time one has to tackle some pain issues - headache, back pain, neck pain, stomach pain, the list goes on. Pain killers are said to be bad because they almost always come with side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, constipation, addiction, etc. They impact the opioid receptors in the brain, which prevent the release of neurotransmitters such dopamine, which is a chemical released by the neurons to send signals to other nerve cells. When this happens, the neurotransmitters flood the brain, creating the high and causing side effects.Painkiller addiction or abuse is a serious issue, which is said to kill millions of people worldwide. Those drugs must always be consumed under limited quantities, and only when required. Now thanks to a study done by researchers at an University in Berlin, they have found painkillers without dangerous side effects.

 

The researchers used computational simulation to analyze interactions at opioid receptors - the cell's docking sites for painkillers. When used in an animal model, their prototype of a morphine-like molecule was able to produce substantial pain relief in inflamed tissues. However, healthy tissues remained unaffected, suggesting that the severe side effects currently associated with these types of painkillers might be avoided. The study was published in the journal Science,

There are different categories of painkillers, some mild and some strong, such as opioids. Strong painkillers are mainly used to treat pain associated with tissue damage and inflammation caused by surgery, nerve damage, arthritis or cancer. "By analyzing drug-opioid receptor interactions in damaged tissues, as opposed to healthy tissues, we were hoping to provide useful information for the design of new painkillers without harmful side effects," explained Prof. Dr. Christoph Stein, Head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Critical Care Medicine on Campus Benjamin Franklin.

 

In cooperation with PD Dr. Marcus Weber from the Zuse Institute Berlin, and with the help of innovative computational simulations, the researchers were able to analyze morphine-like molecules and their interactions with opioid receptors. They were able to successfully identify a new mechanism of action, which is capable of producing pain relief only in the desired target tissues - those affected by inflammation. Treating postoperative and chronic inflammatory pain should now be possible without causing side effects.

"In contrast to conventional opioids, our NFEPP-prototype appears to only bind to, and activate, opioid receptors in an acidic environment. This means it produces pain relief only in injured tissues, and without causing respiratory depression, drowsiness, the risk of dependency, or constipation," explained the study's first authors, Dr. Viola Spahn and Dr. Giovanna Del Vecchio. After designing and synthesizing the drug prototype, the researchers subjected it to experimental testing.

 

"We were able to show that the protonation of drugs is a key requirement for the activation of opioid receptors," conclude the authors.

Pre-Pregnancy Stress

Pre-Pregnancy Stress May Lead to Eczema in Infants

Stress is the root cause of many health issues. We have heard it time and time again from health experts, yet we don't pay much heed and continue living our hectic lives carrying out errands and chasing deadlines. It's not okay to keep going non-stop without taking break and letting your mind and body relax. Stress can cause anxiety and lead to various other ailments such as depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease, etc. And it doesn't just stop there. According to a new study done by the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, pre-pregnancy stress can lead to eczema in newborns.Pregnancy is a beautiful phase but there are many precautions that the to-be-mother should take in order to ensure the healthy development of her child. The study is first of its kind to link preconception maternal stress to the risk of atopic eczema in the child. Eczema is a condition which is defined as inflammation of the skin, leading to rashes, itchiness and even blisters.

 

The researchers believe the findings support the concept that eczema partly originates as a baby develops in the womb and could reveal ways of reducing the risk of the skin condition. They assessed the stress levels of women before pregnancy and around 3,000 babies at six and 12 months for eczema.

"We know that maternal stress can release certain hormones that can have an effect on the baby's immune response, leading to an increased risk in conditions like eczema," said Dr Sarah El-Heis, the study's lead researcher.

 

"More than one in six women of the mothers in the Southampton Women's Survey reported that stress affected their health quite a lot or extremely - our analyses showed that their infants had a 20 percent higher likelihood of developing atopic eczema at age 12 months when compared with the remainder of the study cohort," added Dr El-Heis.

Power of Yoga

Power of Yoga: It May Help Keep a Check on Depression

A healthy body is also a reflection of a healthy mind. You cannot separate the two and therefore when you talk about well-being, doctors will always tell you that you are at the best of health only if you have a healthy body, mind and soul. While most often we focus on physical activities like gym, kick-boxing or running to stay fit, we also need to do exercises to de-stress the mind and keep it fresh and active. Yoga is one such art form that combines the two, and beautifully so. It's a practice which focuses on one's breathing and helps in releasing stress in the process of losing inches, increasing stamina and flexibility.

According to a new study done by Boston University School of Medicine in the US, participating in yoga and deep breathing classes twice a week along with home practice may effectively reduce the symptoms of depression. Depression is one of the major mental diseases that is affecting millions of people worldwide.The findings provide support for the use of yoga-based interventions as an alternative or supplement to pharmacologic treatments for depression, researchers said.

 

"This study supports the use of a yoga and coherent breathing intervention in major depressive disorder in people who are not on antidepressants and in those who have been on a stable dose of antidepressants and have not achieved a resolution of their symptoms," said Chris Streeter, associate professor at Boston University School of Medicine.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common, recurrent, chronic and disabling. Due in part to its prevalence, depression is globally responsible for more years lost to disability than any other disease, researchers said. Up to 40 per cent of individuals treated with antidepressant medications for MDD do not achieve full remission.

The study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, used lyengar yoga that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of posture and breath control. Individuals with MDD were randomised to the high dose group, three 90-minute classes a week along with home practice, or the low dose group, two 90-minute classes a week, plus home practice. Both groups had significant decreases in their depressive symptoms and no significant differences in compliance.

Although a greater number of subjects in the high dose group had less depressive symptoms, the researchers believe attending twice weekly classes (plus home practice) may constitute a less burdensome but still effective way to gain the mood benefits from the intervention.

According to Streeter compared with mood altering medications, this intervention has the advantages of avoiding additional drug side effects and drug interactions.

 

"While most pharmacologic treatment for depression target monoamine systems, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, this intervention targets the parasympathetic and gamma aminobutyric acid system and provides a new avenue for treatment," said Streeter, who is also a psychiatrist at Boston Medical Centre.

Killing More Than Million Children

Air Pollution is Killing More Than Million Children EachYear: WHO

Pollution - we are reading about it in papers, we are watching about it on our televisions, movies and documentaries, we are also doing our bit to curtail it as much as we can. But are we succeeding? Are we too late in preventing the world from its doom? Yes and No both. In another report on how pollution has become a cause of menace for the environment in past few decades, the World Health Organization has dropped a bomb of a revelation; each year, up to 1.7 million children under five years of age die because of air pollution. The report, however, also suggests a few precautionary measures as to how we can save our children from the exposure.

It is no hidden fact that air pollution is on the rise to alarming levels, with the capability of putting us all at health risks. Every other time there seems to be reports of how it's increasing respiratory illnesses across the globe, causing severe allergies and even death. While there have been initiatives implemented to cut down the toxic levels of air pollutants, they seem to be moving in a tortoise-like pace. Much like air-conditioners, air purifiers have now started to become a must-have appliance at home.

 

While there is no escaping the clutches of air pollution completely, one can still take adequate precautions to curb down the ill-effects. In the WHO report, the causes of death are attributed to factors such as lack of sanitation, poor hygiene practices, unsafe water, injuries as well as outdoor and indoor air pollution and second hand smoke. The latter two can also lead to an increased risk of pneumonia during childhood, as well chronic respiratory chronic respiratory diseases like asthma for the rest of their lives.Margaret Chan, the director general of WHO, remarked that exposure to a polluted environment can prove to be a "deadly" deal particularly for young children. "Their developing organs and immune systems, and smaller bodies and airways, make them especially vulnerable to dirty air and water" she added.

Increased risk of heart diseases, stroke and cancer on exposure to air pollutants, were amongst the other risks highlighted in the report.

The statistics are a cause of distress to the entire world, which is struggling each day to cut down on the levels of pollution. Environmentalists and scientists across the globe are spending days and nights to come up with measures in curtailing the rise of pollution. The report also came in with handy precautionary measures.

 

The most common causes of child death like malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia can be prevented by measures like using insecticide-treated bed nets, better access to clean water and clean cooking fuels. Removing pests and mould from housing, reduced use of lead paints, good nutrition and sanitation in schools, and an enhanced urban planning accommodating more free space and greenery in concrete-packed cities are other potential pollution control measures suggested in the report

Beware of Hand Sanitisers

Beware of Hand Sanitisers: They Can Be Very Harmful forChildren

We are living in a world where there is no scarcity of germs and harmful viruses to create havoc to our health and well-being. The only way we can stay safeguarded is if we make the conscious effort to stay in a clean environment and use precautions. Our hands are the most exposed parts of the body that are prone to catching germs. We use are hands to carry out various daily activities, most important being eating. Therefore it becomes all the more important to clean our hands constantly to prevent infection. Hand sanitiser as such comes handy to ensure that your hands are germ free and protected. Today, not just adults but children too use hand sanitisers to prevent germs. While we were just about getting used to carrying hand sanitisers, a recent report has come up with shocking revelations.

 

Scientists have discovered that children commonly get tempted to swallow the substances present in hand sanitisers, the outcome of which can have severe repercussions. This temptation arises due to the fact that most alcohol-based sanitisers contain scented substance that causes kids to swallow it, leading to adverse consequences like nausea, abdominal pains and in worse cases, even coma. Researchers from US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention have found out grave after-effects like acidosis, apnea and coma amongst children who swallowed hand sanitisers.In the study, data reported by poison centers among children aged 12 years during 2011 to 2014 were analysed, to study and characterise pediatric alcohol sanitiser exposures in the United States.

Hand sanitisers are of two kinds: alcohol hand sanitisers or a non-alcohol sanitiser. The study revealed that children aged 6-12 years formed the majority of intentional exposures to alcohol hand sanitisers. During 2011-2014, a total of 70,669 hand sanitiser exposures in children aged 12 years were reported, of which 65,293 were 92% alcohol exposures and 5,376 were 8% non-alcohol exposures.

 

As per this set of data, it was also concluded that among older children, exposures occur less frequently during the summer months.

Board Exams 2017

Board Exams 2017: 7 Healthy Study Tips & Techniques ForA Good Score

It's that time of the year again! The exam time! The CBSE exams for class 10 and 12 will begin on March 9, 2017. The exam dates were delayed this year due to elections in five states, Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. With less than a few days to go for the exams, the pressure on all the board aspirants is topping all records. We bring you 10 quick health tips to beat the stress and make the most of these last hours.1) Eat Right

This has to be the most important one. With the pressure mounting each day, as your exam day nears, the biggest blunder you might be committing is neglecting food. Regular intake of food is not only essential for healthy mind and body balance, but a good diet can also help you strengthen your concentration power. Avoid junk food, it tends to slow you down, apart from inducing several other health consequences. Eat plenty of green vegetables and dry fruits. Fish, sprouted grains, fresh fruits also help in releasing tension and focus better.

 

Dr. Ritika Samaddar, Dietics, Max Hospital asks the children to refrain from junk food, she also suggests giving heavier meals during the day and a light supper. 'Eating a heavy dinner will be difficult on your child's digestive system. You want to give your child enough fuel for the entire day, hence give energy dense food items in short intervals throughout the day,' noted Dr. Samaddar.

The Doctor further suggested opting for carbs that are derived from fresh fruits and vegetables and cereals - these are helpful to the brain. Omega 3 fatty acids - found in most nuts and seeds like almonds - are also very good for the brain, and a handful of it should be consumed on a daily basis.

2) Meditate

Meditation not only increases your concentration, but also combats the pre-exam jitters which often undo all your hard work and preparation. Keep your face upward, your palms open, kept on the lap facing upwards. Breathe gently. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes a day, ideally early morning. If done daily, you would also witness a considerable hike in your memory retention.

3) De-clutter and Arrange Your Study

A cluttered study space, can never result in a clear inflow of thought. We understand, how at this point you are going through every book and cluster of notes for the best possible preparation, but sparing 10 minutes to clear and organise your table would only help in better information retention. Also check all your notes are in order, and that you have all the handouts in place before you start off with your preparations.

4) Take Breaks

This might sound blasphemous at this crucial juncture, when you are possibly cramming answers even in your sleep. But this is crucial. Your brain anyway is going to reach a saturation point in about two to three hours of constant study. To ensure your brain is able to absorb and process new information, you need to give yourself breaks regularly.

5) Get Adequate Sleep

Your brain is not a machine. Period. For that matter, even machines need some time to unwind and refuel themselves for better functioning. Sleep deprivation can bring in several health repercussions, especially when coupled with stress. Your brain needs time to assimilate the information you have gathered during the day and a good slumber of 8 hours ensures that it happens smoothly.

6) Drink Plenty of Water and FluidsKeeping yourself hydrated is most essential in these times of stress to ensure your energy rates from dipping. Keep drinking water throughout your revision.

While Coffee might seem to be a tempting way to keep your brain alert, it also comes with a host of dehydrating properties. You can opt for tea or green tea and energy drinks for better alternative. Fluids aid mental alertness, concentration and preventing headaches, so make sure your diet is full of food that is high on water content . Coconut water, lassi, buttermilk, chaas, juices and soups are other fluids you can incorporate in your diet.

7) Practice Yoga or Some Other Form of Exercise

20 minutes of Yoga can prove to be a great stress buster. Dr. Rupali Datta, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis-Escorts Hospital shares, 'Catch up on 40 winks regularly. Another way to rest your brain is to exercise. Take short 20 minute breaks during the day and do some light exercise, my favorite was putting on music and dancing my heart out. It refreshes you and puts you in an upbeat mood.'

 

A short walk in the evenings is another way to break between study sessions. Your brain gets a break, your eyes get some rest and your lungs get fresh air!

Remember, while these exams are a significant and you must strive hard to score well, they don't determine the success or failure life has in store for you. And to make most of this life's journey you have to stay healthy forever. So eat well, study well, score well. All the best!

Get Rid of Ants

How to Get Rid of Ants: 8 Home Remedies That Do the Trick

Let's face it, ants in your house can be a big nuisance. It's not only frustrating to have ants running around, but a colony of ants can actually cause a lot of damage as well. It is pretty unhygienic to have ants inside your home. Some ant varieties like Fire and Harvester can even bite humans. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, are known to damage building materials. Ants inside the house certainly contaminate the food. They carry bacteria which they can transfer to food or an open wound. Ants have a diverse family; they are around 12,000 different varieties of ants.Here are some of the home remedies to get rid of ants:

 

1. Chalk

Chalk contains calcium carbonate, which helps in keeping ants away. Spray some powdered chalk in the areas that are the entry points of ants or draw a line of chalk at the entrance.

2. Lemons

Squeeze a lemon or place lemon peels in places from where the ants enter. You can also wash your floors with water that has a little lemon juice added to it. Ants don't like the smell of lemon juice so they will keep away.

3. Oranges

Make a paste of one cup warm water and a few orange peels. Spread this paste around entry points of ants and wipe it afterwards.

4. Pepper

Ants are pretty fond of sugar but they hate pepper. Sprinkle pepper at the areas from where ants enter your house. This is will help getting rid of ants.

5. Salt

Spreading salt near nooks and corners from where ants enter the house will help keeping ants away.

6. White VinegarAnts can't bear the smell of white vinegar. Prepare a solution of equal amounts of water and white vinegar. Add a few drops of essential oil to it and shake well. Store this solution and sprinkle it at the points from where the ants enter. Repeat this once daily.

7. Cinnamon

Put cinnamon and cloves on the entrance of the house and the areas from where you think the ants can enter. This a good method to also keep your house smelling fresh and earthy.

8. Peppermint

Peppermint is an insect repellent, which can help you get rid of ants. Ants don't like the smell of peppermint and are likely to avoid areas that contain traces of it. Prepare a mixture of 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and a cup of water and sprinkle it wherever you find ants. Repeat this twice a day. You can even sprinkle dried peppermint instead of the liquid mixture.

Try these easily available home remedies and say goodbye to ants.

Gall Bladder Cancer

Gall Bladder Cancer: Scientists Identify Gene VariantsCausing its Risk

The gallbladder is an organ in our abdomen, placed below our liver, which acts as a reservoir for bile, also known as gall. This gall is needed for the digestion of food. Human beings can live without gall bladder, which is why when recurrent formation of gallstones starts hindering your system, doctors often suggest removal of the organ from your body. The surgery of removal of gall bladder is called cholecystectomy. In very rare cases, cholecystectomy is also suggested as a measure to prevent gall bladder cancer, but more often than not it is far too late to take the step. If detected early, gall bladder cancer can be treated effectively, and chances of survival increases significantly, but most gallbladder cancers often cause no specific symptoms, which makes it difficult to be detected early.The findings published in the journal The Lancet Oncology shed light on the discovery of two gene variations that has influenced increased risk of gall bladder cancer amongst Indians, and large parts of America and South-east Asia.

 

In the first large scale study of a kind, a team led by Indian and U.S researchers, identified several gene variants which may prompt the development gallbladder cancer in human beings, estimating that's as much as 25 per cent of gallbladder cancer risk could be explained by common genetic variants.

The findings are especially significant, because an enhanced understanding of the causes is expected to result in better treatments for the fatal disease.

Nilanjan Chatterjee Co- Leader of the study and Professor at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in the US, said "Using the latest technologies to look at the causes - notably the genetic underpinnings - of this understudied disease just makes a lot of sense"

Further hinting at a strong association with many genetic markers, he added that each of these markers may have small effects, "but in combination they can explain substantial variation in risk", Chatterjee added.

 

As part of their study, investigators, at Tata Memorial Centre gathered blood samples from 1,042 patients who were treated at the Centre's Hospital in Mumbai between September 2010 and June 2015., to study the genes which might contribute to gall bladder cancer. Blood samples of 1709 healthy volunteers with no known cancers who were visiting patients at the hospital was also collected alongside during the same time. A significant association for multiple DNA variants near two genes, ABCB4 and ABCB1 was discovered in the study. These are involved in moving lipids through the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. The findings for the first time concluded, that common inherited variants in this region may prompt gallbladder cancer itself, whatsoever is the gallstone status in your gall bladder.

Prices of Cancer

Prices of Cancer and Diabetes Drugs Are Slashed Down by 86%

It is no secret that there has been a consistent growth in the number of cases of diseases like Cancer and Diabetes in India over the last decade.India is already called the Diabetes capital of the world with more than 50 million people already suffering from Type-2 diabetes. Diabetes is a medical condition where the body is unable to adequately process blood sugar levels resulting in too much sugar in the blood. Type 1 Diabetes is where the body's ability to process blood sugar is impaired and Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where the body produces little or no Insulin at all. Insulin is a hormone which moderates the level of blood sugar in the body. According to experts, at the heart of managing these diseases lies awareness and early detection.In a series of tweets, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority or NPPA on Monday announced just how the authority has come to the rescue of all those spending thousands on treating these chronic diseases. The NPPA - India's drug price regulator - shared that there has been a significant price reduction over the last one year in several Cancer and Diabetic drugs.

The tweets show the earlier and 'revised price' of a lot popular drugs.

 Follow

 Mohamed Anwar Sadat @thisisadat

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority cut cancer drug price by 86% to £49 #India #health #risk #procedure

9:57 AM - 7 Mar 2017

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In some cases major Cancer drug prices have been brought down by more than 85% while some Diabetic drugs saw a price revision of 42%

As per the NPPA, the downward price revisions were held for brands across pharma companies Dr Reddy's Lab, Abbot Healthcare, Micro Labs, Dabur India, Lupin and others.

The price of Iressa of Astrazeneca Pharma India, a major cancer drug, now costs Rs 3,977. The earlier price of this drug was Rs 29. This is a price revision of almost 86 per cent, in favour of the end consumer.

Other commonly used cancer drugs like Nanoxel and Frastim have been slashed by 55 per cent and 51 per cent respectively. Diabetic drugs like Glypride by Sun Pharmaceuticals and Glimy by Dr Reddy's have also seen a revision of prices. Both drugs are down from Rs.91 and Rs.84 to Rs.53 and Rs.50 respectively.

Yoga for Depression

Yoga for Depression: 5 Effective Poses That Can Curb theNegativity

At some point of time in our lives, we have all felt low and depressed. We have often questioned who we really are and whether we are good enough or not. It is very natural to be happy at some point in time and sad at the next. However, the concern arises when these changes in your mood persist for a fairly long period of time and interfere with your daily life. An individual with depression often finds himself spending long hours isolated from family, friends and others who matter. Disturbed sleep patterns, changes in eating habits and excessive mood swings are some of the characteristic symptoms of depression.

While there is medical help available to enable one to tackle with depression, another means of bringing in positivity is yoga. According to a study done by Boston University School of Medicine in the US, joining yoga classes can help patients experience significant reduction in symptoms without the side effects associated with antidepressants. The power of yoga has cured innumerable health problems since time immemorial. With depression too, yoga comes to the rescue of individuals. Often known to improve physical health, yoga works wonders in the case of your mental health and well-being as well. It is a natural and simple way of helping you overcome fears and improving self-esteem and self-worth.

"This study supports the use of yoga and coherent breathing intervention in major depressive disorder in people who are not on antidepressants and in those who have been on a stable dose of antidepressants and have not achieved a resolution of their symptoms," explained corresponding author Chris Streeter, Associate Professor at the University. The findings, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, provide support for the use of yoga-based interventions as an alternative or supplement to pharmacologic treatments for depression

Yoga is believed to relax the mind and lower the heart rate thus reducing anxiety, which comes along with depression. It is built on the philosophy of helping one live in the moment, mitigating negative thoughts and focusing on all good things that life sends our way.

 

Lamya Arsiwala, The Yoga House Mumbai, suggests several yoga Asanas that could be practiced to enhance one’s state of mind in case of depression.

1. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly/ Bound Angle Posture)

It is often referred to as the “Cobbler pose”, named after the position cobblers sit in while working. The asana helps strengthen the thighs, knees, hips and the back. It is a great anti-depressant pose and improves emotional stability.

How to do: Sit with an upright back, knees bent and holding your feet tightly together. Deeply inhale and flap your bent legs up and down like a butterfly.

2. Supta Baddha Konasana (Supported Bound Angle Posture)

Supta means reclining. It is often referred to as the “reclined cobbler pose”. This asana helps one become calm and instills a sense of relaxation.

How to do: Lie down straight on the ground with bent knees on either side of the body. Join your feet and bring the heels closer to your groin. Place your palms next to your hips, facing downwards. Slowly exhale and inhale.

3. Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose)This asana relieves fatigue and relaxes the mind. Since it is called the baby pose, the individual practicing the asana really feels the happiness of a baby in that moment.

How to do: Lie down on your back, bringing your knees closer to your stomach. Inhale and hold your feet with your hands. If you have difficulty holding your feet then hold on to your ankles in the beginning and progress towards heel as you continue to do the pose daily. Breathe gently and rock from one side to the other if you feel comfortable.

4. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

It is a great asana for reducing stress and anxiety. It takes the shape of a bridge and hence the name. It also helps maintain normal blood pressure.

 

How to do: Lie flat on the ground, face up and hands on either side. Slowly lift your hips upwards while inhaling. Bring it back down and repeat.

5. Child's Pose

An extremely soothing posture, the child's pose helps achieve peace and is a great relaxation technique.

How to do: Sit on your knees. Slowly exhale and bring your torso down between your thighs. Place your hands on the floor alongside your torso and release the fronts of your shoulders toward the floor

Practicing these asanas on a regular basis will help overcome depression and improve mental health and well-being tremendously.

Children Under Five Are Anaemic

More Than 50% of Our Children Under Five Are Anaemic:National Survey

The recently released family health survey (NFHS 4) has brought forth a grim reality of India and its undernourished children. An alarming estimate of 58% of children below five were found to be anaemic. Anaemia is a blood disorder that is caused by a nutritional deficiency or blood loss. The red blood cells (RBC) carry oxygen through the body using a protein called 'hemoglobin' and any shortage of the cells or hemoglobin causes anaemia. The exalted levels are stark indications of "poor socio-economic conditions" and "suboptimal health and/ or nutritional conditions" as defined by World Health Organisation.Anaemia deters a person's energy levels, leaves him prone to infections, and in worse case affect their brain development. The survey, was carried out in 2015-16 and covered six lakh households, also highlighted that around 38% of children in the same age group were stunted, 21% were wasted and 36% underweight. The WHO defines wasting as low weight for height, stunting as low height for age, and underweight as low weight for age.

 

The internationally accepted markers of children's health have improved since the last such survey in 2005-06 but the levels of undernourishment amongst children especially impoverished is still quite high.

The survey also identified that just over half of all pregnant women were anaemic. This eventually results to their newborn being weak. Overall, 53% of women and 23% of men in the 15-49 age group were found to be anaemic.

The results have been varied amongst the states of India, poorer states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh have registered higher percentage than national average rates on all the markers. States like those in South, and Gujrat fared better but no far from being, considering their economic and social state of welfare. In Tamil Nadu about 51% children are anaemic, and in Kerala over one-third.

Keeping view the on-going elections, data of Uttar Pradesh was not disclosed.

 

Earlier, in a study conducted in 2014 that appeared in the International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutritional Sciences anaemia was found to be extremely common in North Indian children, especially those that fall under the affluent parts of society. Data ranged from a significant 19 percent to a whopping 88 percent across five cities.

The study was conducted in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) region and the parents considered for the study were well aware of the importance of nutrition and were fairly accomplished to bear its cost as well.

Tanned Skin

Tanned Skin May Look Cool But Can Lead to Skin Ageing andEven Cancer

Some people can kill for that bronze-like skin colour or the so-called dusky look. So much is the craze that they don't mind spending hours sun tanning. While people around the world hit the beach or poolside to get a beautiful skin tan, a recent study claims that this obsession can cause major skin damage in the long run. Wrinkles and sagging skin are two of the most significant repercussions of the skin tanning routine most people willingly undertake. In a statement released by the American Academy of Dermatology, Arianne Shadi Kourosh from the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, US said that the ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning beds tend to increase the risk of skin cancer and also contribute to skin ageing.The statement further read, "Moreover, other forms of radiation, such as heat and visible light, can negatively impact the skin, as can pollution, so protecting your skin from the environment can benefit both your health and appearance,"

 

Further elaborating the significance of an apt sunblock cream Karoush asserted, that since both kinds of Ultra Violet rays- long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB)-canbe equally damaging to the skin. It is essential for one to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection, with an Sun Protection Factor(SPF) of 30 or higher.

These harmful rays are not at all good for an exposed skin and can damage the skin in multiple ways. UVB rays can cause sunburn and uneven pigmentation, whereas UVA and infrared radiation penetrating deeper into your skin can further damage existing collagen and reduce collagen production, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin, Karoush added.

 

Not only this, habitual UV exposure can also lead to blood vessels becoming more prominent, which would increase skin redness. Apart from this, visible light and air pollution can cause uneven skin tone.

Early Periods

Early Periods May Increase Women's Risk of GestationalDiabetes

We all know the diabetes is a disease, which arises due to the body's inability to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin, the hormone responsible for converting blood sugar into energy, is unable to carry out its function and as such the patient's blood sugar levels spike up causing various health issues. Now there are various factors that can cause diabetes - unhealthy diets, no physical activity, genetics, so on and so forth. Sometimes, women who are not diabetic can show signs of the disease while undergoing pregnancy. This condition is commonly known as gestational diabetes, which is dangerous, with risks of complications. Though experts pinpoint obesity or being overweight as one of the major causes, a recent study states that early periods could also play a role.

 

The normal age for onset of periods is considered to be 13 and above, However, there are many cases when girls get what is known as 'first periods' as early as 11 years or lesser. According to a research done by University of Queensland, girls who start their first period at age 11 or younger are 50 per cent more likely to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy than those who experienced it at the age of 13.

"Early puberty in girls had now been shown to be a significant marker for several adverse health outcomes, including gestational diabetes," said Gita Mishra, professor at University of Queensland.Gestational diabetes is an increasingly common pregnancy complication and can have long-lasting health consequences for mothers and their children. "Research into this topic is of particular public health importance due to global trends of girls starting their menstrual cycles at a younger age," said Mishra.

The significant association with gestational diabetes risk remained even after researchers took into account body mass index and childhood, reproductive and lifestyle factors.

For the study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the team analysed data from more than 4,700 women and found a higher number of women who reported having their first period at a younger age had later developed gestational diabetes.

"The finding could mean that health professionals will start asking women when they had their first period to identify those at higher risk of gestational diabnetes," said Danielle Schoenaker, researcher at University of Queensland.

 

A large number of women who develop diabetes during pregnancy are overweight or obese. Encouraging those who have early puberty to control their weight before pregnancy may help to lower their risk of gestational diabetes, said Schoenaker.

Saturated Fats

Why Saturated Fats are Vital for Balancing Hormones

When it comes to weight loss or improving health, we generally focus on cutting calories or a power packed workout. Whereas, when it comes to health, hormones have a much greater impact than most people realise. Hormones in the body affect everything, from our weight to our bowel health, mood, skin condition, acne, bloating, PCOS, thyroid, ovulation, reproduction, pregnancy, fatigue, sleep disorders and the list goes on. Endocrine glands are responsible for secreting hormones, which are like the chemical messengers in the body. Hormones travel through the blood and control all the metabolic processes in the body. This is why balancing hormones is vital for our health.

 

When I consult my clients, I see hormonal disturbances in all age groups and as early as thirteen years of age. In the zest to lose weight, we have cut down on traditional fatty foods that have been part of our diets for generations. Over the years natural unrefined oils like desi ghee, coconut oils and mustard oils have been replaced by refined hydrogenated oils due to its economic appeal and longer shelf life. These oils are promoted daily on the basis of health claims. Our bodies are made up of natural substances and are not designed to consume man-made fats from vegetable oils.

The fat content in our body is saturated fat and only 3% coming from other types. This ratio is absolutely important to know for our health and well-being. Moreover, these new oils like canola, soybean are very high in Omega 6 fats and low in Omega 3. This imbalance affects our endocrine system and further creates hormonal disturbance.

So, let's add these saturated superfats back in your diet:

Coconut Oil

As we know now that the human body is made of natural saturated fats, we need to add it back into our diets. The medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil do not raise blood sugar and reduces hypoglycemic symptoms. These fats do not circulate in the blood streams and are immediately used up for energy. Whereas vegetable oils depress thyroid functions, lowering metabolic active unlike coconut oil. The bio directional affect of coconut oil heals metabolic disorders, helping you to lose weight. The Journal ofIndian Medical Association has reported that since Indians have abandoned traditional oils - like coconut oils, mustard oil and pure ghee - the prevalence of type 2 diabetes have increased and is on the rise.

Pure Ghee

This prestigious golden elixir is rich in Vitamin K2 which builds hormones along with Vitamin A, D, E & K. Now we know the reason for the yummy tadkas in our dals that were not just adding flavour. Butter and ghee from organic sources support metabolism, digestion, immunity, thyroid function and gut health. So ditch the low fat diet for these saturated fats that are actually good for you. Vegetable oils disguised as healthy are only benefiting the commercial biggies. These oils are usually derived from genetically modified seeds and are highly processed and refined.

 

So go ahead and cook with coconut oil, which has a very high heat point, and slather your parathas with some ghee. These natural fats will balance hormones and speed up metabolism, which in turn will help you lose weight!

About the Author:Shilpa Arora ND is a renowned Health Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach. She has to her credit Doctorate in Natural Medicine. She is currently based in Delhi NCR region, successfully running her Nutrition Studio with individual consultations, offering life style programs supported by the most up-to-date clinical research.

Effective Home Remedies

7 Most Effective Home Remedies for Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Sarcoptes scabiei is a parasitic mite that infests and attacks the skin to cause this skin disease. Symptoms of scabies include itching and a pimple-like rash. The itching usually becomes severe at night.Anyone can get scabies and the disease usually spreads by direct skin to skin contact with an infected person. The scabies' mite can only survive without human contact for 48-72 hours. But once the mites are on a human being, they can survive for almost 2 months. The symptoms usually take two to six weeks to show when a person is infected for the first time. When somebody develops this infection for the second time, the symptoms may begin within a day. Rashes are normally seen around the wrists, elbows, finger webs, skin around the nails and buttocks.

Scabies usually occurs in the people with a poor immune system. Crusted scabies is commonly seen in elderly people and people who already have an impaired immune system due to HIV or cancer.

 

According to dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, there are no home remedies for scabies and we should aim to get rid of the mites. There are, though, some remedies which can provide relief from itches and rashes.

Let's go through some simple home remedies that can be useful to get rid of scabies symptoms:

1. Neem

Neem is one medicinal tree with a multitude of benefits. A paste of neem and turmeric proves to be very helpful for scabies. Even neem oil can help provide relief.

2. Clove Oil

Studies have found that clove oil helps in getting rid of scabies because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. But, experts advise against using clove oil in its undiluted form. Instead, mix it with coconut oil and apply it on your skin before bathing. Do this for 2-3 weeks.

3. Turmeric

We've already mentioned above how turmeric makes an excellent home remedy for scabies when mixed with neem oil. Here is another way to use turmeric for relief from severe itching. Add a few drops of lemon juice to one tablespoon of turmeric and form a smooth paste before applying it. Apply the paste and leave for a little while and wash it off.

4. White Vinegar

Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water thoroughly in a bowl. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the affected skin and leave it on for a few minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat three times daily for 10 to 15 days to fight the infection completely. White vinegar has an acidic nature which helps to change the pH levels of skin and the changes in pH levels cause mites to die.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has many medicinal properties which can accelerate the healing process of scabies. Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the affected skin. Leave it on for half an hour and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat two or three times daily for a few days and you will begin to notice an improvement in the skin condition.

6. Bleach

Bleach helps in killing mites. Mix together one part of bleach and four parts of water and spray this solution on the affected area twice daily. Repeat the process for a few days.

7. Curd and Fish

Include curd and fish in your diet, they prove to be a relief from all the itchiness and rashes.

These are a few simple and easily available home remedies that will help you reduce the itchiness and rashes associated with scabies. Dr. Deepali also suggests taking a bath twice daily with a transparent soap which contains glycerin and wearing linen clothes.