Elegant Ways for Losing Calories

Breakfast

Have a quick breakfast at early in the morning including one boil-egg without yolk, two slice of brown bread and a cup of hot coffee as this would be an emphatic breakfast for you in reducing your body calories. Moreover, the use of two cups of coffee a day will be very fine in mitigating your body fats and eliminating all the chances of heart diseases.

Lunch

Have a lunch with salads devoid of croutons. The ideal calories reducing lunch will be consisted of vitamins, onions, carrots, minerals, fibers, tomatoes, green peppers, vegetables and pthlides, etc. If you use these lunch items for a period of 15 days, it is guaranteed that your calories would be decreased with that span of time and your chances of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, artery diseases and diabetes will be decreased and lead you into better health conditions.

Dinner

Make a boil fish or chicken at dinner time as this is the best dinner recipe in order to cut-lose the body fats or calories but make sure that fish or chicken must be cooked at 165 degrees F (or 74 degrees C) so that you may have an excellent fatless dinner also with added salads.

Portion control

You should merely eat when you are feeling crave. Have a good breakfast because throughout the night rest you didn’t have a bite in your stomach. Add on coffee along with one brown bread slice during the portion control situation as it’s also not the time for eating like breakfast, dinner and lunch, because portion control situation can be occurred at any time in the day. So, you would be perfectly smart.

Side dishes

This way of reducing the calories includes vegetables, fruits, juices, fish and chicken without using red-meat, cheese and butter. The side dishes add no calories and these dishes make the body smart, healthy and fit if you do have a plan of joining the gymnasium also.

Desserts

The desserts plan consists of corn syrup, dextrose, fruit juice, maltose, maple syrup, molasses and barley malt, etc. Sometimes it contains the ice-cream plan like chocolate which is very good and worthwhile for loosing the calories and better mind and heart conditions.

Freshen your drink

Take at least 20 glasses of water daily as water is the best tonic for loosing the body calories or fats through the urinal system. If you take a fresh glass of apple, it would the real-tonic for your health as it refines the heart and loses the blood pressure and cholesterol. Or you can have a drink of banana, pine apple, orange, pomegranate and mango anytime you feel crave or hunger because it fulfills the required calories of the body.

Snacks

Healthy and calories reducing snacks include fresh grapes, watermelon, skim milk, fresh fruits without ice-cream, fresh vegetable sandwiches, apple, peach, orange, fat free yogurt, salsa, veggies and chocolate.

Be dip-savvy

It contains veggies, salsa and fresh fruits but it is moreover consisted of beans which are the major sources of proteins, fibers and folates. Most calories cutting salsas are about 80 calories a cup. The tomato based alteration are loaded with lycopene which is plant consisting of chemical associated to lower perils of cancer and heart diseases.

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Blood Platelet Disorders/Blood Coagulation Disorders

Another growing problem which we witness everyday is the growing problem of blood platelet disorder. We hear it everyday and yet most of us are not fully aware of what exactly this disease is. Blood platelet disorder is basically the inability to make platelets which help to stop clotting process in blood. Therefore, if a person develops blood platelet disorder, he would normally have a deficiency of producing blood platelets. This represents in quick blood loss. These individuals have a great tendency to loose blood. Therefore if you notice blood staying on skin, you must take that seriously since it is the very first sign of blood platelet disorder.

Causes:
There are many reasons which can lead to blood platelet disorder. However, a major reason for the cause of platelet disorder is the non-functioning of bone marrow. It might be due to the fact that bone marrow is not making proper platelets due to some disease like cancer, HIV or some other severe infection.

Symptoms:
There are many signs which can be taken as the signs for blood platelet disorder. The first one however is the bleeding of the skin and small dots appearing all over the skin. You might observe dots all over the skin. Apart from this the individual might be easily prone to bleeding even when there is a little injury. Bruises also occur very easily. Apart from this the appearing of blood in stool is another sign. In this case you should not confuse it with piles. Therefore refer to your doctor as soon as you observe.

Diagnosis:
However an important point to note is that even if you have all these signs appearing to you, you can still not be sure that this is all due to the platelets. Therefore, it is wise to go see a doctor and undergo a proper check up to find this out. If the doctor sees a decrease in the platelet count (normally 20,000 to 30,000 is regarded as low), he would tell you that you have platelet disorder. Testing a piece of bone marrow is another test for finding out about blood platelet disorder.

Treatment:
If the level of platelets drops to 20,000 or 30,000, the individual is rapidly admitted in a hospital and put under proper treatment. Treatment for blood platelet disorder varies according to the seriousness of disorder.

Prevention of Implants and Surgical Methods

With the help of modern science and never ending research being carried out in field of the medical, there are more and more medical solutions being invented. A common practice which has been carried out since a considerable amount of time is implantation. Implantation has been a significant factor of medical studies since a long period of time. This is the process of which a lot of pregnant women face when they already had missed their period. Implantation is the process whereby the embryo attaches itself to the wall inside the uterus. Although, it does not get fully attached to the wall of uterus, in fact it only tries to do so.

At this time the embryo is in shape of a blastocyst, therefore the adhesion forces the embryo to burst and therefore the little blood cells are flown out. This would be very different from the normal blood loss that you have during you periods. The color of this blood would rather be pinkish or pale red. One thing that you need to know is that you should not panic when implantation occurs. Many women take greats tress when they find about implantation. They confuse it with their periods and often take unwanted stress.

Implantation is a very normal thing and can occur with any woman. However, there is no set rule for which women are normally prone to implantation. Preventing implantation is one question that many women usually ask. Some believe that there are herbs which can help to control the implantation while others believe that implantation can be cured if you move around and do regular exercise. None of this is true. Actually, implantation does not have any specific prevention and you do not even need prevention. This is a very normal case which indicates that you are on the road to pregnancy.

There are some surgical methods which can also cause implantation. The doctors have to be careful while inserting surgical tools through vagina. This can hurt the delicate walls and thus, cause implantation. However, implantation is normal and can happen to any woman so you do not have to be worried about implantation coming to you.

Honey for Heart Disease

Honey has marvellous properties to prevent all sorts of heart disease. It tones up the heart and improves the circulation. It is also effective in cardiac pain and palpitation of the heart. One tablespoon daily after food is sufficient to prevent all sorts of heart troubles.

A side-effect of this therapy will be the strengthening of the skin. Scaly skin, dry skin, infections of the skin all disappear with the consumption of honey every day for several months.

What is Visually Handicapped ?

What is Visually Handicapped ?

The Blind are those who suffer from either of the following conditions:

• Total absence of sight
• Visual acuity not exceeding 6/60 or 20/200 (snellen) in the better eye with correcting lenses.
• Limitation of the field of vision subtending an angle of 20 degrees or worse.

The Partially Sighted are those who suffer visual acuity between 20/200 and 70/200 (snellen) in the better eye after the best possible corrections to the nearest point.

Typhoid Fever Prevention Tips

What is typhoid fever?

It is an illness caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi and is contracted by drinking water or eating food contaminated by Salmonella. There are about 107 different strains of the bacteria.

What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?

• Continuous Fever;
• Headache;
• Nausea and / or anorexia;
• Constipation or diarrhoea;
• Hoarse cough.

Three simple rules fro preventing dysentery?

• Cook your food.
• Boil or add bleach to your drinking water.
• Wash your hands.

Tuberculosis (tb) Prevention Tips

Overview

Tuberculosis remains a very common disease throughout the world. Tuberculosis, or TB, is a chronic bacterial infection. Rarely, it can produce disease within several weeks and commonly it can lay dormant for many years before producing symptoms.

Exposure to the infection is usually through the lungs. Within several months of exposure, there is often a spot that develops on the x-ray of the lungs. The spread of the disease is generally limited. However, the disease sometimes becomes reactivated. This can occur when the immune system is compromised. Chronic illness, alcoholism, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, AIDS and cancer can all produce this situation.

Yellow Fever Prevention Tips

Yellow Fever Info

What Is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease common in sub-Saharan Africa. Illness ranges in severity from an influenza-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever. Although it is quite rare for travelers to get yellow fever most countries have regulations and requirements for yellow fever vaccination that must be met prior to entering the country.

How Can I Get Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease so you can get infected through a mosquito bite. It is most common at the end of the rainy season in West and Central Africa.

How Can I Avoid It?

If you are traveling in an area where yellow fever is endemic (see map) you should get the vaccination and also avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Wear long sleeves and long pants, use an insect repellent containing DIET, sleep under a mosquito net at night and try and stay in rooms with air-conditioning or a fan. Burning a mosquito coil at night is also very effective at keeping the mosquitoes away.

Symptoms of Yellow Fever

In mild cases the symptoms are similar to influenza, but serious cases develop a high fever and may lead to internal bleeding, kidney failure and meningitis. A classic feature of yellow fever is hepatitis, which is the reason for the yellow coloring of the skin (jaundice) and the name of the disease.

Treatment of Yellow Fever

There is no effective treatment against the yellow fever virus. The initial flue-like symptoms can be treated with ibuprofen or aspirin. Serious cases will always have to be hospitalized. The mortality rate for yellow fever ranges from 5 to 40 percent. Best get that vaccine if you are able to.

Women's Health Tips

Women's Health Info

Gynecology

Alcohol Consumption and the Ovaries
Heavy and chronic drinking can lead to inadequate functioning of the ovaries, resulting in hormonal deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, infertility, menstrual irregularities, and early menopause.

Alternatives to Postmenopausal Hormones
All women can adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as not smoking, regular exercise, and good nutrition. In addition, other prescription drugs, such as statins or beta-blockers, are available to lower blood lipid levels or blood pressure levels. A healthy lifestyle can also help decrease a woman's risk of bone loss. In addition, health professionals also recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements as a means of preventing osteoporosis. Other drugs, such as raloxifene, tibolone, alendronate, and risedronate have been shown to prevent bone loss. These drugs increasingly are becoming the treatment of choice for osteoporosis in many postmenopausal women. The investigational drug PTH (parathyroid hormone) is another prevention approach being evaluated in clinical trials.

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Counter PMS
Eat right to counter PMS symptoms.
Studies have shown that certain foods can help ease PMS symptoms. These include complex carbohydrates such as pasta, vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals. Avoid foods that contain caffeine -- cola, coffee and chocolate can all trigger PMS symptoms.

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Device to Treat Fibroids Wins Approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a medical device to shrink non-cancerous uterine fibroid tumors, sparing women from painful surgery to remove them.

The device, meant for women who no longer intend to become pregnant, could also save many from having to have hysterectomies, where the entire uterus is removed.

Made from a material called Embosphere Microspheres, the product is used in less invasive surgeries that involve uterine artery embolization (UAE), designed to block blood flow to the tumors and shrink them.

In clinical trials sponsored by the maker of the device, Biosphere Medical Inc., 132 women with uterine fibroids were treated at seven hospitals throughout the United States. After six months, 65 percent of women implanted had a 50 percent or more reduction in bleeding attributed to the fibroids.

As a condition of approval, the company is required to follow study participants for at least three more years to gauge the long-term effects of the treatment, including whether the fibroids tend to return, the FDA says.

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Easing Hot Flashes During Menopause
To help ease hot flashes during menopause:
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made of natural fibers.
Limit your intake of beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
Avoid eating rich and spicy foods.
Drink lots of cool drinks, especially water.
Avoid drinking hot beverages.

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Easing the Emotional Ups and Downs of Menopause
To ease the emotional ups and downs of menopause:
Exercise regularly for energy and to relieve stress.
Seek out and talk with other women who have or are going through menopause.
Avoid stressful situations whenever possible. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily life. Meditation, yoga and massages can help ease the stress and emotional turmoil you're going through.
Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet and check with your doctor about taking vitamin supplements.

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Easing Vaginal Dryness During Menopause
To ease vaginal dryness during menopause:
Avoid using deodorant soaps or scented products in the vaginal area.
Use water-soluble lubricants during intercourse.
Avoid using oils and petroleum-based products, these can lead to infection.

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Hormone Therapy Doubles Dementia Risk
Combined hormone therapy for women doubles the risk of dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.
Combined hormone therapy also does not protect against mild cognitive impairment, a less severe loss of mental function, and it increases the risk of stroke.

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Hormone Trial Halted Due to Cancer, Heart Risk
Researchers announced that they have halted one of the largest and best-designed studies of hormone replacement therapy because women taking the hormones after menopause had a greater risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke and blood clots than those who did not take the drugs.
More than 6 million women in the US currently take estrogen/progestin combination therapy for a variety of reasons, including relief of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. The hope--and the hype--has been that such hormones would also confer a number of other advantages, including a reduced risk of heart disease. The study suggests that when women take the drugs for more than about 5 years, the risks of the hormones clearly outweigh the benefits.

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Non-Prescription Remedies and Menopause
Many women find relief from short-term menopause-related changes with non-prescription remedies, such as estrogen-containing foods (soy products, whole-grain cereal, seeds, certain fruits and vegetables) and creams, certain herbs such as black cohosh, and vitamin E and vitamin B complexes. Researchers are studying the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Local non-hormonal therapy is available for vaginal dryness and urinary bladder conditions.

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Pap Test Guidelines Revised
The American Cancer Society has revised its guidelines on Pap tests, recommending for the first time that women at low risk for cervical cancer don't need them.

The revisions are designed to spare women from unnecessary, invasive medical procedures.

The new guidelines say testing isn't needed for young women who are not sexually active; women 70 or older who have had normal Pap tests in the past; and women who have had hysterectomies for non-cancer-related reasons. They also recommend that sexually active women begin getting Pap tests within three years of the start of sexual activity, but no later than age 21.

The problem with Pap tests, according to the experts who wrote the new guidelines, is that they detect non-cancerous lesions, causing doctors to perform additional tests that needlessly worry patients, cost money and sometimes have harmful effects, such as reduced fertility.

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Risk Factor for Gynecologic Cancers
A big risk factor associated with gynecologic cancers is not bearing children.

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RU 486
After years of waiting, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally approved the abortion pill - aka mifepristone (or RU 486) and within the month, doctors may be able to prescribe the drug to women in their first seven weeks of pregnancy. But getting RU 486 won't be as easy as, say, getting your Rx for allergy pills filled. The FDA has ruled that each prescription must be accompanied by an RU 486 brochure. Also, physicians who prescribe it must be able to perform a surgical abortion or make prior arrangements with a doctor who can in case the mifepristone regimen fails, as it does in about 5% of cases. Treatment with the drug (sold as Mifeprex) involves three doctor visits. Here's the breakdown:

Step 1: The patient takes three mifepristone tablets, which block the action of progesterone, the hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Step 2: Two days later, the patient takes another drug to start the uterine contractions that will expel the fertilized egg. (Pain, bleeding and discomfort are possible side effects.)

Step 3: The patient has a follow-up visit with her doctor two weeks later to confirm the abortion is complete.

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STD and Cancer
Get out your condoms: Doctors have recently linked chlamydia, a very common STD, to an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. While human papillomavirus (HPV) has long been recognized as the leading cause of this cancer -- which currently strikes 13,000 women a year -- the role played by chlamydia was less clear. Chlamydia is the most prevalent bacterial STD, with 4 million to 8 million new cases diagnosed each year. Unlike HPV, it can be treated with antibiotics, but since the infection often produces no symptoms, many women carry the disease without knowing it. This finding gives doctors new reason to screen women for chlamydia as part of their annual gynecological checkups.

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STD Complications
Some STDs can spread into the uterus (womb) and Fallopian tubes to cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which in turn is a major cause of both infertility and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. The latter can be fatal.
STDs in women also may be associated with cervical cancer. One STD, human papillomavirus infection (HPV), causes genital warts and cervical and other genital cancers.
STDs can be passed from a mother to her baby before, during, or immediately after birth; some of these infections of the newborn can be cured easily, but others may cause a baby to be permanently disabled or even die.

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Tampons and STD Diagnosis
STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) testing just got easier and a lot less embarrassing. South African researchers have begun using tampons to diagnose the sexually transmitted disease trichomoniasis, which causes itching and vaginal discharge and can increase a woman's chances of having a premature or low birth weight baby. Some 1,000 women inserted an ordinary tampon for 15 minutes. The tampons were then stored in a saline solution and transported to a lab where they were tested. The tampon test was highly effective at not only detecting trich, but chlamydia and gonorrhea as well.

Weight Gain Tips

How to Gain Weight

Eat More Than You Burn

Pay close attention to how many calories you are ingesting and how many you burn. Use a pedometer to measure your daily activity and keep a food journal to measure your daily categories. Track any changes you make to your activity or your diet so you can measure the effectiveness of your weight gain program.

Snack Away

Cheese, Peanut Butter, fruit, pretzels, oatmeal, a glass of milk - all this can be yours! Plan ahead and bring a snack with you for mid morning and mid afternoon. Chances are you can use the energy boost any of these snacks will provide and you will be getting closer and closer to achieving your weight gain goal! Once you have attained your goal weight, you don't have to eliminate snacks, just introduce celery or popcorn and you get your snack, without so many calories!

Frozen Shoulders

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Visualize and Aim For Your Goal

Don't obsess over your BMI or your weight number. Focus on a weight at which you are comfortable and is within rough healthy guidelines. You and your doctor can assess the right weight range for your height and frame and once you have, visualize a more healthy you at that goal. Keep it in mind if you are struggling or just sick of your weight gain program. Make sure you surround yourself with supportive people and not those who will be insensitive to your unique health or self worth issues.

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Be Consistent

Healthy weight gain is not a quick fix. You need to be patient and consistent. This doesn't mean you have to eat the same thing day in and day out. Be creative, invent new dishes, spice up old favorites and indulge yourself in some high calorie treats. There is nothing wrong with an ice cream prescription for what ails you!

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Build Muscles

The most common way that men combat being a "skinny guy" is with weight training. Not only do you gain weight, but you get bigger muscles, more definition and you feel great. Stick to free weights and big muscle groups. Work hard and fast but don't over train. With an extra calorie boost and the energy that comes with it, you will bulk up in no time!

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More Meals, More of the Time

Don't try to binge three times a day. Don't try to eat huge meals. Eat several small meals a day, of high calorie, nutrient rich foods. Even though this may increase your metabolism, but it will be an easy and slow weight gain, your ideal goal!

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Vegetarians can Gain Weight Too

Just because you don't eat meat doesn't mean you can't create a successful weight gain program. Vegetarians and Vegans often have trouble consuming sufficient calories and nutrients but you can gain weight in a healthy way and maintain that healthy weight. Look to lactose free weight gain supplements and try to integrate more foods like avocado, cheese, nuts, rice, pasta and legumes into your diet. Use olive oil and other natural fats in your cooking.

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Be Creative

Like weight loss, a weight gain regimen can be tedious if you don't get creative. Introduce new recipes and ideas into your program. Go back to basics in your cooking - make some delicious home made fried chicken if you never have, or make some cheesy lasagna or baked macaroni and cheese. Also, vary your activity. Even if it means you need to eat more, you don't have to live a sedentary lifestyle!

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Keep Track

Document your progress and your process. If you are under the care of a physician, they may want you to keep track anyway, but you need to get to know your body. You may be one of those lucky few who can keep all that caloric data and calorie burning in your head, but if you are like the rest of us, you should write it down! You can track which foods and what number of calories is the most effective for your slow and healthy weight gain. You can also write down which food gave you the most energy and which made you feel the best.

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Be Healthy

When people think of how to gain weight, they imagine eating piles of pizza, cakes and cookies. Truthfully, you should maintain as healthy a diet as possible with full servings of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and carbohydrates. Some of these foods are not going to have the caloric kick to spark your weight gain, but your health is about achieving a balance - hence trying to gain and maintain a healthy weight in the first place. Be healthy - but don't be afraid to indulge.

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Weight Gain Aids

If you are working out a lot and building muscle, or if you are suffering from a wasting disease, or even if you have a super fast metabolism, you just may not be able to eat enough to gain weight. This is when calorie supplements and weight gain supplements like weight gain shakes come in handy. They can give you the boost you need without the hassle of another big meal. Look out for weight gain pills though, they probably don't contain the caloric punch of a powder supplement that can be mixed in with other foods or liquids.

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Plan Ahead

Plan your meals for the week ahead of time to ensure you have all of the necessary ingredients and healthy weight gain foods in the house. Don't be tempted to run to the corner store for a snickers bar, have some peanut butter on whole grain bread or an extra piece of your extra cheesy lasagna to support your weight gain program. Also stock up on a variety of ingredients for weight gain shakes and weight gain smoothies which can make a huge impact on the success of your weight gain program.

Vomiting Prevention Tips

Vomiting

Vomiting can be an exhausting and unpleasant experience, caused by a number of conditions. The term 'vomiting' refers to the forceful ejection of contents of stomach through the mouth. Popularly known as 'being sick' or throwing up', vomiting is a reflex action caused by stimulation of vomiting center in the brain stem.

Causes of Vomiting
1. Stomach irritation: Irritation of the lining of stomach is the commonest cause of vomiting.
A multitude of reasons may cause this:

• Gastritis
• Gastroenteritis
• Peritonitis
• Appendicitis
• Ulcers (Gastric and Duodenal)
• Tonsillitis (especially in young children)
• Excessive drinking
• Excessive intake of contaminated food

2. Motion sickness
3. Head injury
4. Certain diseases like meningitis, fever, whopping cough, jaundice etc
5. Pregnancy (Morning sickness)
6. Deliberate vomiting (by putting finger in the mouth)

First Aid:

* Avoid solid foods as they will make you more sick and induce further vomiting.
* Take plenty of bland fluids - water, diluted milk or squashes but no aerated or alcoholic
drinks.
* Suck ice cubes if you find it impossible to keep fluids down.
* A teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda diluted in a teacup of water or milk can also be helpful.
* As the patient feels better, he can shift to semi solid diets like soups, custards, daliya etc.
* Work back to normal diet over three to four days.

Is Tea Harmful?

Is Tea Harmful?

Nobody knows exactly, where or when, the first cup of tea was brewed. According to folklore, Emperor "Shen Nung" who reigned over China in 2732 BC discovered the stimulating effect of tea accidentally when wild tea leaves fell into his pot of boiling drinking water.

Chinese have probably been drinking tea in some form or the other since the fourth century AD and considering that wild tea grew in many parts of Assam, it is not unknowingly that tea drinking in India too is as old as in China. The raw material for tea manufacture normally consists of two young leaves and an unopened leaf bud-the famous "two leaves and a bud" formula, but, plucking of longer shoots containing 3 or even 4 leaves is not uncommon. The freshly harvested tea shoots can be processed into the various kinds of tea, namely,black tea, green tea, oolong tea and instant tea. In the manufacture of black tea(the usual tea that we drink),the material undergoes "fermentation" while in the production of green tea, delicate and subtle in flavour,fermentation is purposely omitted.Oolong tea leaves get an intermediate treatment,considered to be "semi-fermented".Instant tea,like instant coffee,is a dehydrated product containing only the soluble constituents of tea.

There is hardly any drink that is not a food too, in terms of calories it provides-tea is no exception. A cup of tea, containing 2 tbsp of milk and a tsp of sugar, yields about 40 calories. Milk contains casein, which makes the tannin in the tea insoluble, thus removing some of its astringency(acidic effect).Apart from the milk and sugar generally added, the tea infusion contains marginal quantities of vitamins and minerals, but no significant quantities of extractable proteins, carbohydrates or fats.

Tea is fairly rich in most of the B group vitamins. Apart from these, it is also a good source of vitamin E and K and Beta-carotene (changes into vitamin A in our body).Tea contains traces of minerals like Copper, Flouride and Manganese too. Fluoride helps in avoiding cavities in the teeth.

The accumulating scientific data on tea and its constituents - the vitamins, caffeine and tannin- and on its antibacterial activity provides a new picture of this popular beverage. Over the past few decades, the list of physiological disorders for which tea is contra-indicated has been steadily decreasing. On the other hand, caffeine is sometimes prescribed therapeutically for the treatment of hypertensive headaches and tea is a legitimate means of supplying this medication. Tannin destroys bacteria and virus, thereby inhibiting the growth of dental plaque. But at the same time, tannin inhibits the absorption of iron, calcium and zinc from the food, when tea is consumed along with food.

Nail Care Tips

Nail Damage and Prevention:

1. The simplest way to avoid nail damage is to wear gloves.
2. If you can't wear gloves, you could at least use a long handled mop-this allows you to keep your hands off water and your nails will definitely benefit.

3. If you do get your hands wet, remember to rinse them well and dry them carefully after the work is done.
4. Then apply ample amounts of a moisturizing cream.
5. You must also take certain other precautions:
A. Use a pencil to operate the dial;
B.Use a tin-opener to open tins;
C.Use gardening gloves;
D.Avoid contact with strong chemicals;
E.Use moisturizers liberally.
6. Wear Polish-It works as a barrier for your nails and use acetone-free nail polish remover.
7. File in one direction only-Filing back and forth is bad because this frays and weakens the nails. File your nails in one direction only for the best results.
8. Keep your nails short.
9. Manicure after a bath. It is best to do your manicure after a bath because your nails are soft.

Pamper Yourself-Manicure & Pedicure:

Cosmetics to Disguise Nail Defects:
If your nails are deformed, the first thing to do is to visit your dermatologist-a number of nail problems are temporary and improve as the new nail appears and only a very few are permanent. The appearance of your nails can also be improved considerably by the use of cosmetics-for instance, ordinary nail enamel can camouflage a number of nail defects. A broken or split nail can be mended using what are called nail-mending fluids. To do this, a piece of thin tissue is placed over the crack or break in the nail. The nail mending fluid is then applied. When the product dries and sets, the nail can be painted with the nail enamel.

Common Nail Problems:

1. Brittle Nails:
Brittle nails and flaking of nails are very common due to excessive dryness of the nail plate. The nail plate is made up of dead keratin cells held together by a natural glue of fats and water. Any loss of fats and water causes the cells to separate and results in flaking and brittleness of the nails.
A.Many of our domestic chores remove the natural fats from the nails resulting in brittle nails, so do wear gloves.
B.Nail polish removers also have a dehydrating effect. If you have brittle nails avoid removing your nail polish too frequently. You can use a colorless polish or a base-coat or a top-coat, because then you can keep touching it up quite happily, without having to use the remover very frequently.
C.Regular massage around the nail-base with cream can have a good effect on brittle nails.
2. Hangnails: Hangnails are tears in the skin of the nailfolds and the cuticle. The cuticle and the nail folds have a tendency to stick to the nail plate as it grows forward; the stretched cuticle may eventually tear. Sometimes the skin of the nail folds also cracks, particularly if it is dry. Nervous nail biting habits, chewing nails, and picking the cuticle all encourage the development of hangnails.
A. To avoid such conditions, keep the cuticles soft by massaging in creams and regularly loosening it from the nail-plate.
B.Clip off existing hangnails.
C.Avoid pulling off slivers as this can be very painful and can even cause infection of the nailfolds.
3. In-Growing Toe-Nails: If the toenail is not cut properly, it penetrates into the nail-fold as it grows, causing redness, swelling and pain.
A. Don’t cut them too short;
B.Don't ever cut down the side of the nail;
C.Always follow the shape of the toe;
D.Once the pain has started, try to push the nail-fold away from the sharp edge of the skin.
4. Fungal Infections of the Nail: When fungus infects the nails, they become thickened, broken and discoloured.Fungal infection can be easily treated- griseofulvin is given for milder infection and ketoconazole for more severe types-but let your doctor treat you

Skin Care Tips

Skin Care Tips

Skin Types and Skin Care:

It is really important for you to be able to identify your skin type. This is to enable you to look after your skin correctly.

Also the selection of your cosmetics is, to a considerable extent, influenced by your skin type. Although no two skins are exactly similar most have characteristics which enable them to be grouped into one of the following types: Dry skin, Normal skin, Combination skin and Oily skin.
To determine your skin type, wash your face with a mild face wash. Then, after 30 minutes, press a clean tissue against your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. If the tissue shows no trace of oil, then you have dry skin. Dry skin looks rough and is prone to premature fine lines and wrinkles. If your skin is oily in some parts but dry in others, then you have combination skin. Normal skin usually looks smooth and is not prone to break outs. Oily skin feels oily to touch and tends to shine. Oily skin is also prone to blackheads and pimples. A sensitive skin needs special care, as it may be sensitive to some ingredients found in popular cosmetics. Those with sensitive skin should always use beauty aids that are hypoallergenic to protect their skin from allergic reactions. A regular skin care programmed, adapted to the needs of your particular skin type, and goes a long way in keeping your skin radiant and problem free.

- Dry Skin: Dry skin needs extra care, as it is prone to fine lines and wrinkles. This is especially true during the winter months when it feels even drier and may feel too taut or may even flake. A few measures help alleviate dryness and keep your skin supple and, at the same time, guard against premature aging.
1. Always wash your face with a mild, soap-free face wash. Never use soap, as that would further strip your skin of natural oil.
2. Always use a moisturizer during the day. Use upward, circular motion to lightly massage the moisturizer into your face. Make sure not to pull or tug your skin.
3. You should consider using a night cream before going to bed at night. It is advisable to use a cream that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids(or AHA's, as they're commonly known).AHA's are derived from sources such as milk, fruit and sugar-cane. These acids gently exfoliate the dry, dead, outermost layers of skin while they moisturize the newly revealed layers. They greatly benefit complexions that look dull, dry or flaky and they give your skin a beautiful glow.
4. Both AHA and Vitamin C help reduce fine lines and other signs of aging. Thus, you may get good results quickly by using a moisturizer or cream that contains Vitamin C during the day and an AHA-based night cream. Most known brands have moisturizers and creams that contain these.
5. If you have dry skin that tends to flake off, looks red and has some itchy patches that scab, consult your doctor to rule out eczema. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is generally considered to be a hereditary condition that can occur throughout the year. Other causes of eczema can be fabrics such as wool, some skin-care products or detergents etc.Your doctor may prescribe a cream to soothe the redness and irritation.Non-irriating fabrics such as cotton also help avoid flare-ups.
6.Many people suffer from weather-related dry skin. If the weather in the winter months is normally drier and this tends to dehydrate your skin, regular use of moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and supple.

Home Remedies For Dry Skin

1. Add 1/2 tsp of rose water to 1 tsp of honey and gently apply to the face. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes, and then wash off with tepid water. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin, and is gentle enough for daily use.

2. Massaging you face regularly with almond oil or olive oil works wonders for dry skin.

3. Take 1/4 of an apple. Peel off the skin and grate. Cool in the refrigerator. Apply it on the skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with cool water. Apple helps soothe dry skin and gives it a pleasant glow.

4. Take 1 tbsp of cream. Stir lightly till it becomes a smooth paste. Apply to face and neck before bath. Cream helps remove suntan and makes your skin silky and supple.

- Normal Skin Normal skin is usually trouble-free and needs simple care to keep it healthy and glowing. Normal skin also tolerates most popular lotions and creams as well. A regular skin-care program combined with a balanced, healthy diet helps keep normal skin stay supple and young. Regular care for normal skin should include a few simple steps.
1. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing daily keeps normal skin in great shape for a long time. It is advisable to use natural products on your skin.
2. It’s easy to take trouble-free skin for granted. But, if neglected, it will begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles. So always remember to nourish and moisturize your skin.
3. Creams and lotions that contain vitamin A, C and E help improve the texture of your skin, making it smoother and softer. Moreover, these vitamins counter the effects of free radicals.
4. Even if your skin is normal, you still have to give it regular care. Your skin, like any other skin type, is constantly assaulted by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules formed in the skin when it is exposed to the environment, pollution, or sunlight.

Home Remedies For Normal Skin

- Mash 1/4 of a ripe banana. Apply on the face, taking care to avoid the areas under the eye. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash off with cool water. Banana is excellent to do away with dead skin that makes your skin look lifeless. Regular use of banana gives your skin a fresh, healthy glow.

- Combination Skin: Skin that is oily in some parts but dry or normal in others is considered as combination skin. The oily skin is concentrated on the T-zone, which is across the forehead, down the nose and chin. Whenever you wash your face, you may find that some areas of your face feel tight after washing; and that these parts look dull or feel dry and rough whereas the T-zone looks shiny, feels oily to touch and is prone to pimples and blackheads. Combination skin needs special attention because the dry parts of your face need to be considered, whereas the oily parts need to be kept clean to avoid breakouts. Follow these simple tips each day and see what a difference they make to your skin.
1. Cleanse your entire face twice a day. Always use a mild cleanser to gently remove dirt, grime and make-up from your face.
2. The dry areas of your face need to be moisturized to prevent the formation of premature wrinkles. Use a good moisturizer on the dry parts of your face, and if possible, use an oil-free moisturizer on your T-zone.
3. If you use make-up, try and use oil-free/shine control type of make-up on the T-zone. These products are easily available in the market today and help absorb all the excess oil secretion and control the shine.
4. If you have a combination skin, your skin will greatly benefit from AHA and Vitamin C moisturizers and creams. Products that contain AHA tend to normalize the skin.

Home Remedies For Combination Skin

1. Always keep a small bottle of rose water in the refrigerator. Saturate a bit of clean cotton with cool rose water and dab liberally on your face. Enjoy the fresh feeling.

2. Take 3-4 tbsp of ripe, deseeded papaya pulp. Mash well and cool in the refrigerator. Apply on face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash off with cool water. Papaya helps normalize combination or oily skin and gives it a beautiful healthy glow.

- Oily Skin Skin that looks oily, feels greasy to touch and is prone to blackheads and pimples is known as oily skin. It is imperative to keep oily skin clean and to control the excess secretion of oil. On the positive side, oily skin tends to age more gradually as compared to other skin types, as natural oil protects oily skin from fine lines and wrinkles. A simple but regular skin-care programmed coupled with a well-balanced, healthy diet helps manage oily skin and minimizes skin break-outs.
1.It is essential to cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at bedtime. Always use a mild cleanser. They help prevent clogged pores and reduce pimples..
2. Follow up the cleanser with an astringent as this will remove all excess oil. It is best to avoid an alcohol-based astringent. Instead, it is advisable to use natural products. Alcohol-based products strip too much oil from the face.
3.If your skin does break out, do not touch or squeeze the pimples. Pimples, if squeezed, may leave permanent scars. There are a number of effective pimple creams available in the market today. Consult a dermatologist to know which one is best suited for you.
4. If possible, get your face professionally cleansed once a month.
5. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day. Water helps flush out toxins from the body.
6. Avoid fried foods and chocolates.
7. Make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet which includes fruits and green leafy vegetables daily.

Home Remedies For Oily Skin

1. Keep a bowl of water in the fridge and splash this cold water on your face 3-4 times a day. Cold water will not only leave you feeling refreshed but will also tighten the pores.

2. Neem leaves are excellent for pimples. Crush washed neem leaves to form a paste and apply this to the affected parts. Leave it on for at least an hour.Neem will help the pimples dry up faster.

3. For marks and blemishes left behind by pimples use calamine lotion. Just dab some lotion on the blemishes at bedtime and they will gradually fade away.

4. A great pack for oily skin is the chilled cucumber. Finely grate cucumber or blends a cucumber in the blender to form a paste. Chill in the fridge. Apply it on the face and relax for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water. For best results, repeat twice a week, on a clean, cleansed face.