hangover and holidays

Drinking lighter colored drinks isn't a good method of hangover prevention — but it may help a little. A hangover is caused by several things, including chemicals in alcoholic drinks other than alcohol. Among the compounds linked to a hangover are products of alcohol fermentation called congeners. Congeners are found in larger amounts in dark liquors, such as brandy, whiskey, darker beer and red wine, than they are in clear liquors, such as vodka, gin and lighter beers. One particular congener — methanol — breaks down into the toxins formaldehyde and formic acid, which can worsen a hangover.

Several studies have investigated hangovers, but none has found an effective method of hangover prevention. While lighter colored drinks may slightly help with hangover prevention, drinking too many alcoholic beverages of any color will still make you feel bad the morning after. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause dehydration, low blood sugar, digestive irritation and disturbed sleep — all factors that lead to hangover symptoms.

The only sure way to prevent a hangover is to drink in moderation or not drink at all. Moderate drinking is considered two drinks a day if you're a man 65 or younger and one drink a day if you're a woman or a man over 65. A drink is defined as 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine or 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof distilled spirits. Be careful though — some drinks may contain more alcohol than you realize. Often drinks are larger at bars and restaurants. And, some drinks of the same size may contain more alcohol than others. For example, many dark beers contain a significantly higher percentage of alcohol than do lighter beers, and some liquors contain a higher percentage of alcohol than do others

ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS

commonly called HIBISCUS MOSCHUS

LOCALLY CALLED -- musk dana

An indian plant, grown annually in hotter parts of india like West Bengal.

A safe homeopathic medicine - used in mother tincture form.

Homeopathic tincture is made from the seeds of the plant.

benefits of banana

1. banana are fruits high in fiber, thus ideal remedy for constipation instead of laxatives. 2. banana contains amino acid tryptophan. tryptophan is converted by body into serotonin which relaxes a person and improves the mood. 3. Bananas are considered to be a natural solution for hangovers. A banana milk shake with honey will help to calm the stomach and build up depleted blood sugar levels at the same time. 4. Bananas are natural antaacids. they give relief to the person from heartburn. 5. the inside of banana skin rubbed on mosquito bites is found to reduce the swelling and irritation. 6. Bananas are ideal diet for who are quitting smoking. this is because of the combination of vitamin c, A1, B6, B12 that helps the body to recover from the effects of smoking withdrawl. 7. due to high level of potassium in them, banans are considered excellent snack when a person is highly stressed or working late at the office. 8. research shows regular intake of banana can help reduce possibility of stroke by upto forty percent. 9. bananas are ideal fruit to be eaten when a person is suffering from ulcers. This id due to the soft texture of the fruit which makes it easily digestible, combined with its capacity to neutralize acidity.

shoe shopping tips

Shopping for shoes?

For healthier and more comfortable feet, try these shoe-shopping tips:

1. Don't buy shoes with pointed toes or high heels. You'll spare yourself cramped toes and back pain.

2. Select laced shoes. Laced shoes generally offer more room and adjustable support. 3. Choose shoes made of soft leather. Good choices include calfskin or suede.

4. Shop for shoes in the early afternoon. Your feet may swell as the day goes on.

5. Have your feet measured. Shoe size can change as you age or gain weight.

prevention of HAY FEVER

Prevention

There's no proven way to avoid getting hay fever — but you can prevent allergy symptoms by avoiding the things that trigger your reactions.

While the evidence isn't clear yet, doctors think reducing a child's exposure to allergy-causing substances such as dust mites may help delay or prevent hay fever. This may be especially true in children with a family history of allergies.

Minimize your exposure 
It's not possible to completely avoid allergens, but you can reduce your signs and symptoms by taking some steps to limit your exposure to them. It helps to know exactly what you're allergic to so that you can take steps to avoid your specific triggers.

Pollen or molds

• Close doors and windows during pollen season.
• Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Use air conditioning in your house and car.
• Use an allergy-grade filter in the ventilation system.
• Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
• Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
• Avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves, which stirs up pollen and molds.
• Wear a dust mask when doing outdoor activities such as gardening.

Dust mites

• Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
• Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 F (54 C).
• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce indoor humidity.
• Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter.
• Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you're highly sensitive to dust mites.

Cockroaches

• Block cracks and crevices where roaches can enter.
• Fix leaky faucets and pipes.
• Wash dishes and empty garbage daily.
• Sweep food crumbs from counters and floors.
• Store food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
• Consider professional pest extermination.

Pet dander

• Remove pets from the house, if possible.
• Bathe pets weekly. Using wipes designed to reduce dander also may help.
• Keep your pet out of the bedroom.

YOUR CHILD AND TV

Are you concerned about how much time your child spends watching TV or playing video games? Although some screen time can be educational, it's easy to go overboard. Consider this guide to children and TV, including how to limit your child's screen time.

Children and TV — the effects

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting a child's use of TV, movies, video and computer games to no more than one or two hours a day. Too much screen time has been linked to:

• Obesity. Children who watch more than two hours of TV a day are more likely to be overweight.
• Irregular sleep. The more TV children watch, the more likely they are to resist going to bed and to have trouble falling asleep.
• Behavioral problems. Children who watch excessive amounts of TV are more likely to bully, have attention problems, and show signs of depression or anxiety than children who don't.
• Impaired academic performance. Elementary students who have TVs in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests than those who don't.
• Less time for play. Excessive screen time leaves less time for active, creative play.

How to limit screen time

Your child's total daily screen time may be greater than you realize. Start monitoring it. In the meantime, you can take simple steps to reduce the amount of time your child spends watching TV, movies and videos or playing video or computer games:

• Eliminate background TV. If the TV is turned on — even if it's just in the background — it's likely to draw your child's attention. If you're not actively watching a show, turn off the TV.
• Keep TVs and computers out of the bedroom. Children who have TVs in their bedrooms watch more TV and videos than children who don't. Monitor your child's screen time and the Web sites he or she is visiting by keeping computers in a common area in your house.
• Don't eat in front of the TV. Allowing your child to eat or snack in front of the TV increases his or her screen time. The habit also encourages mindless munching, which can lead to weight gain.
• Set school day rules. Most children have limited free time during the school week. Don't let your child spend all of it in front of a screen.
• Suggest other activities. Rather than relying on screen time for entertainment, help your child find other things to do. Consider classic activities, such as reading, playing a sport or trying a new board game.
• Set a good example. Be a good role model. Limit your own screen time.

Become an active participant

When your child has screen time, make it as engaging as possible:

• Plan what your child watches. Instead of flipping through channels, seek quality videos or use a program guide to select appropriate shows. Pay attention to TV Parental Guidelines — a system that rates programs based on suitability for children. When the program ends, turn off the TV.
• Watch with your child. Whenever possible, watch programs together — and talk about what you see.
• Choose video games that encourage physical activity. Better yet, make the games a family experience.

It may be difficult to start limiting your child's screen time, especially if your child already has a TV in his or her bedroom or your family eats dinner in front of the TV. But by creating new household rules and steadily making small changes in your child's routine, you can make a difference.

CALENDULA AS TINCTURE - MARIGOLD TINCTURE

It contanins natural iodine, salicylic acid, essential oils, caledulin, and organic acid. Its tincture is made from the fresh flowering tops and leaves. it is remarkable healing agent. It is useful for open wounds , parts that not heal, ulcer etc, it promotes healthy granulation of the tissue. it makes the skin soft. 

in homoeopathy calendula tincutre, calendula ointment, and calendula dilutions are available

self care tips for headache management

Headaches: Self-care measures for headache relief

Frequent headaches can interfere with your daily life. But healthy lifestyle choices can help you head off the pain. Start with the basics, including diet, exercise and relaxation.

Nearly everyone experiences occasional tension headaches. But frequent tension headaches can interfere with your daily life. Aside from over-the-counter or prescription medication, do you wonder what else you can do to stop the pain? The answer may be as simple as taking good care of yourself.

Make healthy lifestyle choices

The same lifestyle choices that promote good health may reduce the frequency and severity of your tension headaches. Consider the basics:

• Eat healthy foods. Don't skip meals — especially breakfast.
• Exercise regularly. During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. If your doctor agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking, swimming and cycling are often good choices. But it's important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger some types of headaches.
• Get enough sleep. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day — even on weekends. Relax before you go to bed. If you don't fall asleep within 15 minutes, get up. Read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy. Keep in mind that medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants, including some headache medications, may interfere with sleep.
• Avoid excess caffeine. Sometimes caffeine helps curb headaches. In fact, many headache medications contain caffeine. But heavy daily caffeine use — more than 600 milligrams of caffeine a day, or about four to seven cups of coffee — can cause headaches and irritability.

Keep stress under control

Stress and tension headaches often go hand in hand. To reduce stress, try these simple tips:

• Simplify your life. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out.
• Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day — both at work and at home. Delegate what you can, and break large projects into manageable chunks.
• Take a break. If you feel overwhelmed, a few slow stretches or a quick walk may renew your energy for the task at hand.
• Adjust your attitude. Stay positive. If you find yourself thinking, "This can't be done," switch gears. Think instead, "This will be tough. But I can make it work."
• Let go. Don't worry about things you can't control.

Ease muscle tension

Muscle tension can trigger tension headaches. If you're feeling tense, apply heat or ice to soothe sore neck and shoulder muscles. Use a heating pad set on low, a hot-water bottle, a warm compress or a hot towel. A hot bath or shower may help, too. If you'd rather use ice, wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin.

Massage also can relieve muscle tension — and sometimes headache pain. Gently massage your temples, scalp, neck and shoulders with your fingertips. Or ask someone else to do the honors.

Relax

Take time to unwind every day. Try this deep-breathing exercise:

• Lie down on your back or sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor.
• Rest one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest. This will help you feel the natural movements of your breathing.
• Inhale through your nose or mouth while pushing out your abdominal muscles.
• Slowly exhale while gently relaxing your abdomen.
• Repeat the cycle several times.

It may also help to consciously relax your muscles, one group at a time. When you're done, sit quietly for a minute or two.

Keep a headache diary

A diary may help you determine what triggers your tension headaches. Note when your headaches start, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief. With the help of a headache diary, you may begin to notice patterns in your daily life that may contribute to your tension headaches. You may also note the benefits of healthy lifestyle changes.

Weight training: Improve your muscular fitness

Weight training can help you tone your muscles, improve your appearance and fight age-related muscle loss. Better yet, weight training doesn't take as long as you might think.

Your friends enjoy using the weight machines and free weights at the fitness center. And you see the results of their hard work — toned muscles and an overall improved physique. You'd like to start a weight training program, but you're not sure you have the time. Think again! Weight training might not be as time-consuming as you think.

Weight training 

Weight training is a type of strength training that uses weights for resistance. Weight training challenges your muscles by forcing them to adapt to the stress of the weights. Consider basic weight training principles:

§       Learn proper technique. For best results, proper technique is essential. If you're not sure whether you're doing a particular exercise correctly, ask a personal trainer or other fitness specialist for help.

§       Do a single set of repetitions. Theories on the best way to approach weight training abound, including countless repetitions and hours at the gym. But research shows that a single set of 12 repetitions with the proper weight can build muscle just as efficiently as can three sets of the same exercise. So what's the proper weight? One that's heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions. You should be just barely able to finish the last repetition.

§       Start slowly. If you're a beginner, you may find that you're able to lift only a few pounds. That's OK. Once your muscles, tendons and ligaments get used to weight training exercises, you may be surprised at how quickly you progress. Once you can easily do 12 repetitions with a particular weight, gradually increase the weight.

§       Take time to rest. To give your muscles time to recover, rest one full day between exercising each specific muscle group. You might choose to work the major muscle groups at a single session two or three times a week — or plan daily sessions for specific muscle groups. For example, on Monday work your arms and shoulders, on Tuesday work your legs, and so on.

For most people, short weight training sessions several times a week are more practical than are extended daily workouts. "You can see significant improvement in your strength with just two or three 20- or 30-minute weight training sessions a week."

Reap the rewards

Lean muscle mass naturally decreases with age. If you don't do anything to replace the muscle loss, it'll be replaced with fat. But weight training can help you reverse the trend — at any age. As your muscle mass increases, you'll be able to work harder and longer before you get tired. You'll maintain joint flexibility, increase bone density and better manage your weight. Get started today!

 

CHOLESTEROL TEST WHY IT IS DONE

CHOLESTEROL TEST WHY IT IS DONE
Why it's done
Cholesterol and triglycerides are substances that naturally circulate in your blood. Although these substances are necessary for your body to function normally, too much fat in your blood increases your risk of heart disease, a stroke, or narrowed arteries in your arms or legs (peripheral artery disease).
What's measured in a cholesterol test? A complete cholesterol test, referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, includes the measurement of four types of fats (lipids) in your blood:
§ Total cholesterol. This is a sum of your blood's cholesterol content.
§ High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and your blood flowing more freely.
§ Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. These plaques sometimes rupture and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
§ Triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. High triglyceride levels usually mean you regularly eat more calories than you burn. High levels are also seen in overweight people, in those consuming too many sweets or too much alcohol, and in people with diabetes who have elevated blood sugar levels.
Who should get a cholesterol test? All adults age 20 or older should have a cholesterol test once every five years. Ideally, you should begin having your cholesterol checked in your early twenties. You should have your cholesterol measured when you're relatively healthy. An acute illness, a heart attack or severe stress can affect cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol testing is very important if you:
§ Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
§ Are overweight
§ Are physically inactive
§ Have diabetes
§ Eat a high-fat diet
These factors put you at increased risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease.
If you have high cholesterol levels, your doctor may want you to get tested more often. Discuss with your doctor how often you should have a cholesterol test if your cholesterol levels are abnormal.
Cholesterol is often high during pregnancy, so pregnant women should wait at least six weeks after giving birth to have their cholesterol measured.
Children and cholesterol testing Children as young as age 2 can have high cholesterol, but not all children need to be screened for high cholesterol. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a cholesterol test only for children between the ages of 2 and 10 who have a known family history of high cholesterol or premature coronary artery disease. Your child's doctor may recommend retesting if your child's first test shows he or she has normal cholesterol levels.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends testing if the child's family history for high cholesterol is unknown, but the child has risk factors for high cholesterol, such as obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes

prevention of common cold

Prevention

No vaccine has been developed for the common cold, which can be caused by many different viruses. But you can take some common-sense precautions to slow the spread of cold viruses:

• Wash your hands. Clean your hands thoroughly and often, and teach your children the importance of hand washing. Carry a bottle of alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60 percent alcohol for times when soap and water aren't available. These gels kill most germs, and are safe for older children to use themselves.
• Scrub your stuff. Keep kitchen and bathroom countertops clean, especially when someone in your family has a common cold. Wash children's toys after play.
• Use tissues. Always sneeze and cough into tissues. Discard used tissues right away, and then wash your hands carefully. Teach children to sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow when they don't have a tissue. That way they cover their mouth without using their hands.
• Don't share. Don't share drinking glasses or utensils with other family members. Use your own glass or disposable cups when you or someone else is sick. Label the cup or glass with the name of the person with the cold.
• Steer clear of colds. Avoid close, prolonged contact with anyone who has a cold.
• Choose your child care center wisely. Look for a child care setting with good hygiene practices and clear policies about keeping sick children at home. The number of children in the center directly relates to the number of colds to which your child will be exposed.