GLAUCOMA OF THE EYE

GLAUCOMA OF THE EYE

·         It is a sight-threatening problem wherein the optic nerve, which carries visual information between the eye and the brain, becomes damaged or injured, causing changes in the transmission of visual information resulting in impaired vision.

·         It is the second leading cause of blindness in India, after cataract, affecting any age group, including newborn, infants, children and elderly.

·         It can occur in either or both eyes, though it cannot spread from one eye to the other.

·         Patients with glaucoma may be unaware of any change in their vision until late in the course of the disease as it is a progressive condition.

·         Blindness from glaucoma is irreversible, and its early detection is of utmost importance.

·         Steroid-induced glaucoma is the change in intraocular pressure (eye fluid pressure) due to steroid administration, eventually resulting in damage to the optic nerve.

·         Eye fluid (aqueous humor) nourishes the cornea, iris and lens by circulating, and then draining out of the eye.

·         Increased intraocular pressure due to steroids causes the drainage system to get clogged, thereby increasing the pressure inside the eye, which starts damaging the optic fibre.

INDIVIDUALS AT RISK

·         Over 40 years of age.

·         Those with diabetes, thyroid disease, or hypertension.

·         Those with family history of glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension and short-sightedness.

·         Have received steroid-containing tablets, drops, ointments, puffs or injections.

·         Frequent use of steroid eye drops purchased from chemists without doctor’s diagnosis.

·         Take medication for sleep, anxiety, depression, asthma or parkinsonism.

·         Have had an injury to the face or eye myopia.

SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA

·         Rainbow coloured rings (halos) around bright light.

·         Headaches.

·         Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

·         Difficulty in driving.

TREATMENT

·         As glaucoma is a progressive eye disease, the course of treatment is lifelong.

·         Like diabetes, if the treatment is left midway, the condition worsens.

·         There are 2 types of glaucoma – open angle and closed angle.

·         In open angle glaucoma, resistance to the flow of eye fluid is increased, while in closed angle glaucoma, there is physical obstruction to the flow of eye fluid.

·         On an average, closed angle glaucoma patients are nearly 10 years younger than the open angle patients, with a greater damage.

·         By the time a patient is detected to be having glaucoma, 90% have lost 50% of their eyesight.

·         Opting for periodic glaucoma screening early in life can help in starting treatments early to improve the chance of halting and slowing down the continuous damage significantly.

PARTY-PERFECT SKIN CARE TIPS

PARTY-PERFECT SKIN CARE TIPS

  

1. CLEANSING, TONING & MOISTURISING

·         Choose a milk-based face cleanser according to your skin type.

·         Rub it in circular motions and don’t stretch or pull your skin.

·         Wash with normal or tepid water, and avoid using hot water.

·         Use a toner, then a hydrating and nourishing moisturizer daily.

·         A toner hydrates your skin and restores the pH balance.

·         A moisturizer has constituents that refill the skin’s natural ingredients.

·         Before going to bed, use a makeup remover and then cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser.

2. SUNSCREEN

·         Use a sunscreen lotion of SPF30 or more, 2 to 3 times a day.

·         Even small amounts of exposure to harmful UV radiation of the sun rays, whether it is cloudy or you are indoors, can cause dark spots and wrinkles, and sometimes damage skin permanently.

3. SKIN LIGHTENING CREAM

·         Regularly use a dermatologist-recommended skin lightening cream at night.

·         It will help you tackle skin blemishes and imperfections, besides toning your skin.

4. EXFOLIATE

·         Use a mild exfoliating scrub, to get rid of dead skin cells and impurities, once a week.

·         You can also choose a clay-based mask which will pull out the dirt and grime.

·         Don’t overdo exfoliation on your face, to avoid skin damage.

·         Facial exfoliation, even with a mild exfoliator, should not be done more than twice a week.

·         You can use exfoliating agents on your knees and elbows too.

5. EATING

·         Antioxidants in berries – blueberries, cranberries, aloe vera – can help keep your skin vibrant.

·         Taking nutritional supplements can help tackle free radicals that cause premature ageing.

6. WATER

·         Drink about 8 glasses of water everyday to keep the body hydrated all the time.

·         Wash your face and apply a moisturizer regularly.

7. OIL MASSAGE

·         Oils soften, moisturize and rejuvenate the body, both internally as well as externally.

·         An oil massage will beat skin dryness and keep you nourished.

8. SOME USEFUL TIPS

·         Use hot milk instead of hot water to steam your face, as its lactic acid helps in unclogging pores.

·         Mix a tablespoon of honey with two crushed aspirin tablets to form a thick paste, apply it to the face and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off to get refreshed skin.

·         Aspirins have beta-hydroxy acid, which is an ingredient in a lot of high-end face masks.

·         For normal skin, mix two drops of water with your foundation.

·         For dry skin, add toner in your foundation.

·         For oily skin, add two drops of witch hazel in your foundation.

·         Extend your makeup and skin care regime from your face to your neck, chest and cleavage.

·         Do apply serum, face cream, sunscreen, and exfoliate beyond your jaw line.

·         For pimples, keep a prescribed pimple cream handy.

·         For dry skin, apply a good nourishing moisturizer at all times.

·         For a tan, use a dermatologist-prescribed skin lightening cream.

·         Fit some exercise into your routine, even if it is just brisk walking.

·         Try your best to relax.

WHITE PATCHES ON SKIN

WHITE PATCHES ON SKIN (LEUCODERMA)

·         Vitiligo, also called leucoderma, is a chronic auto-immune pigmentation skin disorder, but is not a contagious disease.

·         It occurs worldwide in 1-2% individuals, may also be hereditary, but does not affect other organs of the body.

·         It is not present at birth and may show up between the ages of 10-30 in about half the people who get it.

·         It also does not affect any physical or mental capability of a person in any manner, being found in many prominent people in various walks of life, and has no connection with leprosy at all.

·         It may sometimes coexist with thyroid problems, eye and ear disorders, anaemia, diabetes and skin cancer.

·         In this condition, melanocytes, or the cells that make the pigment, melanin, which gives our skin its colour, gradually decreased, get destroyed or are unable to function, causing de-pigmentation in patches of skin, or white patches.

·         Sunscreens (SPF 30), with Echinacea, a natural moisturizer, can guard the skin from sunburn and long-term damage.

·         It also minimizes tanning, which makes the contrast between normal and de-pigmented skin less apparent.

·         Treatments, like surgical melanocyte implantation, phototherapy and laser therapy have also been found useful for large patches.

·         Guided medical and homoeopathic treatments may also be effective for white patches, both for easing and removing them.

·         Proper diet rich in anti-oxidants which can be gained from fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, a good lifestyle free of stress also aids in controlling the skin condition.

·         In doing so, they also help the individual to cope optimally at both the emotional and physical levels, thus preventing mental depression, marital problems and suicide attempts.

·         Moreover, people must be educated about vitiligo not being a disease, per se, but a skin condition that can be treated, and that it does not spread through contact.

HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIVER

Liver and its functions
1. Liver is one of the most important organs in the body and plays a vital role in overseeing almost all bodily functions.
2. Weighing about 1.5 kg, the liver stores minerals, vitamins and creates new proteins, when needed.
3. It also produces bile, which aids the process of fat digestion in the stomach and intestines.
4. Liver is responsible for breaking down therapeutic ingredients in
medicine, so that it can be quickly absorbed by the body.
5. Its main function is to digest fat and clean the blood.
6. Its supportive role in building coagulation capability helps in
forming blood clots, which stops blood flow during injury.
7. Liver can almost completely regenerate itself into a fully functional
liver even from only 25% functionality.

Symptoms and diagnosis of liver disease
1. Loss of appetite and nausea are common symptoms.
2. Shades of yellow on skin are a sign of toxins build up in the liver.
3. Extensive skin dryness, leading to itching, could also be a sign.
4. Liver disease can diminish clotting function, leading to bleeding for
an extended time.
5. Swelling or edema, which results from toxin build-up or water retention, is a sign that the liver is unable to perform its functions.
6. Fatigue or exhaustion all the time is a symptom of liver disease.
7. Your urine is colourless and the stool is dark.
8. Only liver function tests (LFT) can confirm if the above symptoms are related to liver disease.
9. Always seek your doctor’s advice before taking any medication.

Seven steps to a healthy liver 

1. Maintain healthy diet
a) A diet rich with magnesium, iron, and carbohydrates will keep the liver healthy and help in detoxifying the body.
b) Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also essential.

2. Avoid alcohol
a) Consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to three serious conditions – alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver and
alcoholic cirrhosis.
b) Keep your alcohol intake to a bare minimum or avoid altogether.

3. Avoid drugs
a) Recreational drugs severely damage liver cells.
b) Some prescription medicines can also be hepatotoxic, so do not exceed the recommended dosage of medication, unless advised by your doctor.

4. Add organic foods
a) Organic foods and vegetables are high in antioxidants that protect the liver as well as help in its cleansing processes.
b) Always try to include organic foods in your diet.

5. Avoid environmental pollutants
a) Toxic fumes from paint thinners, bug sprays and other aerosols can enter the body through tiny blood vessels in your lungs and then carried to your liver, injuring it.
e) Wear a protective mask when using these products.

6. Exercise
a) Obesity is a major cause for fatty liver disease.
b) Therefore, exercise on a regular basis to reach your ideal weight.

7. Get vaccinated
Remember to vaccinate yourself against viral liver diseases like hepatitis A and B.

HAIR LOSS IN PATCHES

HAIR LOSS IN PATCHES (ALOPECIA AREATA)

·         Alopecia areata, loss of hair in patches, is an auto immune disorder – a condition in which the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and destroys them.

·         The patchy hair loss disorder can also be triggered by certain factors such as

o   Hormonal or thyroid problems,

o   Anaemia

o   Certain conventional drugs and chemicals

o   Emotional stress.

·         It wrecks one’s self-confidence and self-esteem, and can trigger emotional and psycho-social distress.

·         When not treated early or appropriately, it can progress to total loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia areata totalis) or complete loss of hair all over the body (alopecia areata universalis).

HOMOEOPATHY TREATMENT

·         Homoeopathy has been proven to be clinically effective in treating alopecia areata.

·         It stimulates the hair follicles and rejuvenates hair.

·         This is followed by re-growth and improved density of hair in the patchy areas.

·         Homoeopathic medicines such as Fluoric Acid, when administered under professional homoeopathic treatment, are effective in preventing further or future loss of hair.

OTHER USEFUL DO’S

·         De-stressing with relaxation techniques

·         Increasing your intake of proteins (soy, oily fish, eggs and chicken)

·         Increasing intake of whole grains, beans, legumes, flaxseed, fenugreek and pumpkin seeds

·         Giving up smoking.

HOW TO RELAX AT YOUR WORKPLACE?

HOW TO RELAX AT YOUR WORKPLACE?

•          Spare some time for yourself.
•          Schedule around 10 to 15 minutes only for yourself.
•          Take a break from work and utilize this time to walk around the building, grab a cup of coffee or sit quietly in a private spot.
•          Soothe your senses by keeping a bottle (or sachet) of lavender essential oil at your desk and breathe deeply.
•          Midway through the day, give your hands a massage with a soothing lotion.
•          Not only will your skin feel good, but your joints and ligaments will thank you too.
•          Also, make sure your keyboard and chair are in correct positions to avoid any kind of pain or discomfort.
•          Perform a mini meditation.
•          Download your favourite music onto your iPod and spend at least five minutes focusing on your breath.
•          Once you leave office, try and focus on life outside work and what makes you happy.
•          If you really wish to vent out your day’s stress to your spouse or friends, limit the nagging to 10 minutes.
•          Do not go on and on about it as it will only increase your blood pressure. 

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD)

1. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slow, progressive and irreversible destruction of the filtering units of the kidney.
2. It leads to retention of excess water and toxic substances in the blood, affecting all cells of the body.
3. CKD can lead to heart attack, heart failure and paralytic strokes, besides other peripheral vascular diseases.

CAUSES OF CKD
1. The two leading causes of CKD are high blood pressure and diabetes, which are now even found in kids and young adults.
2. Obesity, smoking, use of tobacco products, high salt intake are other risk factors for high BP, CVD and CKD.
3. There are no outward symptoms at the early stage of CKD.
4. The advanced stage, when the filtering power of the kidneys is down to around 10%, is known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
5. At that stage, life can be sustained only through dialysis or kidney
transplantation.

PREVENTION
1. Avoid unhealthy lifestyle practices, sedentary habits and overeating.
2. Maintain normal body weight according to your BMI.
3. Eat fresh and seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables, and low fat dairy products.
4. Reduce saturated and total fats, sugar and starch.
5. Limit your salt intake to 6 grams a day.
6. Avoid alcohol and smoking, including passive smoking.
7. Do aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes a day regularly.
8. Get a kidney function test (KFT) done regularly, especially if you have risk factors like high BP, diabetes and obesity, or if you smoke, are over 40 years of age, and have a family history of kidney disease, or had high BP during pregnancy.

LIVER DISEASE OF NON-ALCOHOLICS

1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is excess fat deposition in the liver of an individual who does not consume significant amounts of alcohol.
2. NAFLD in India affects males more frequently than females (2:1).
3. It usually manifests after 40 years of age, but can occur even earlier, for example, in those who are obese when young.

REASONS FOR OCCURRENCE
1. Our normal liver has minimal amount of fat, but when more than 5% of the liver weight is due to fat, it is called ‘fatty liver’.
2. The main reason why excess fat gets deposited in the liver is weak metabolism coupled with unhealthy diet.
3. People most predisposed to NAFLD are the ones who have the ‘metabolic syndrome’ – individuals suffering from obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia.
4. The presence of fat alone is not that harmful, but if the liver reacts to the fat it gets inflamed leading to a condition called the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
5. This is a stage when NAFLD progresses to scarring (fibriosis) over
time, finally leading to cirrhosis and many complications.
6. NASH is thus a more severe subgroup of NAFLD and can be very dangerous if not treated early.

NAFLD AND BMI 
1. As NAFLD is closely linked to obesity, it is useful to know the BMI (Body Mass Index) before taking preventive measures.
2. In India, the prevalence is high even in those with ‘normal’ BMI.
3. The BMI is derived by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his/her height in metres squared (kg/m2).
4. In adults, the BMI specifications are:
a) Normal weight – between 20 and 25
b) Overweight – between 25 and 30
c) Obesity – between 30 and 35
d) Significant obesity – between 35 and 40 and
e) Morbid obesity – between 40 and 45.
5. The cut-off BMI levels for NAFLD risk in India may be as low as 22, i.e. waist circumference of 90 cm in men and 80 cm in women, and waist hip ratio of 0.88 in men and 0.8 in women.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS
1. NAFLD and NASH are problems that usually have no symptoms.
2. The diagnosis is made during a routine health check up (ultrasonography and biochemical liver profile) or when the patient undergoes these test for some other reasons.
3. Generally, those who are obese and are predisposed to ‘metabolic syndrome’ will, in all probability, have a fatty liver problem as well.
4. Also, there is an entity loosely called ‘lean NASH’ where the condition occurs even in lean individuals, although the exact mechanism for this occurrence is not fully known.

TREATMENT
1. Treatment should be not just of the condition but the cause too.
2. Treatment for control of obesity or diabetes is a part and parcel of holistic lifestyle management, but even medications such as the UDCA and anti-oxidants are prescribed to protect the liver.

PREVENTION
1. But the most preventive measure you can take is the age-old, time-tested norm of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding the associated lifestyle disorders.
2. You must abstain from alcohol completely.
3. You must get evaluated for other medical disorders that may inflame the liver (e.g. hepatitis B or C) before the diagnosis is confirmed.
4. You may have to consult a gastroenterologist to get a full idea of the entity.
5. You should get moving and start exercising, as only mental activity is not enough.
6. You should give up processed food totally and stick to the normal Indian thali.
7. Improper sleep and smoking can aggravate the condition, hence, try and audit your stress levels.

ARE YOU HAVING STRESS-RELATED PROBLEMS IN YOUR JOB?

ARE YOU HAVING STRESS-RELATED PROBLEMS IN YOUR JOB?

•          It’s often difficult to differentiate the mix of personal, home and work health issues.
•          Someone may have a preexisting condition and they may also have issues in the workplace.
•          It’s often the combination of these that is ultimately what leads to them becoming ill.
•          Common stress-related ailments are: Panic attacks, psychological anxiety, physical tension, depression, insomnia and migraines.
•          Stress-related conditions can often come about after changes at work.
•          This could be, for example, the threat of redundancy, high performance expectations or even a workload that you struggle to manage.
•          As people get older, changes in technology and having to constantly learn new things can be challenging, leading to added stress.
•          Conditions such as insomnia, panic attacks, depression and anxiety can be the result of too much work stress.
•          The problem starts small, but gets worse.
•          Initially, stress causes people to be more irritable or just behave unusually, but further along, they can develop severe anxiety and become panicky about work situations, which can end with them being off work for long periods with depression.
•          Think about whether your responses are realistic.
•          A lot of stress comes from people’s perception of a situation, but these feelings may actually turn out to be unfounded.
•          Work on communication with line managers and colleagues - often, stress can come from misunderstandings.
•          Ask for a weekly one-to-one interaction with your line manager to talk through concerns.
•          After that, try and plan your workload with them.

LIVER DISEASE OF ALCOHOLICS

1. Alcohol is absorbed from the stomach and intestines into the bloodstream.
2. Since blood from the stomach and intestines first goes through the liver and then to other parts of the body, the highest concentration of alcohol is in the blood that’s flowing through the liver.
3. Liver cells contain enzymes which metabolise the alcohol by breaking them into water and carbon dioxide.
4. The liver cells can process only a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
5. Drinking excess alcohol, therefore, can lead to 3 types of alcohol-induced liver disease: fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

FATTY LIVER
1. In this condition, there is excessive accumulation of fat inside the liver cells.
2. It is a common alcohol-induced disorder, in which the liver gets enlarged.
3. This may cause upper abdominal discomfort on the right side.

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS
1. This is an acute inflammation of the liver, accompanied by the destruction of liver cells.
2. Symptoms may include pain, fever and jaundice.

CIRRHOSIS
1. This is a condition where the normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue or fibrosis.
2. The scar tissue affects the normal structure and re-growth of liver cells.
3. These cells become damaged and die as scar tissue gradually develops.
4. The liver gradually loses its ability to function well.
5. Symptoms may include jaundice, blood in vomits or in stool, fluid in tummy (ascites), blood clotting problems, confusion, coma and bleeding in the guts.

LIVER CANCER
1. Alcohol is a risk factor for liver cancer through cirrhosis.
2. About 5% of people with cirrhosis develop liver cancer.
3. The risk of liver cancer is even greater if a person is infected with the hepatitis B or C viruses.
4. One in five people with these viruses develop cirrhosis and liver cancer.
5. People with these infections should avoid alcohol, as even a small amount could damage their liver.
6. The disease can be diagnosed by physical examination, ultra-sonography and a liver-specific blood test.

TREATMENT
1. Abstinence from alcohol is the primary treatment.
2. The liver has a great regenerative power and is often able to repair early stage of liver damage.
3. However, once the liver becomes cirrhotic, it cannot be reversed.
4. Liver replacement is the only curative treatment.

DO YOU HAVE SEDENTARY WORK HEALTH PROBLEMS?

DO YOU HAVE SEDENTARY WORK HEALTH PROBLEMS?

•         Our working life can cause a whole host of conditions that have a huge impact on our health.
•          Our working life can not only cause health problems it can also exacerbate ones we already have.
•          It’s often difficult to differentiate the mix of personal, home and work health issues.
•          Someone may have a preexisting condition and they may also have issues in the workplace.
•          It’s often the combination of these that is ultimately what leads to them becoming ill.
•          Common ailments are: Lower back pain, joint injuries, arthritis, and arm pain.
•          Office workers often spend hours sitting still and carrying out repetitive tasks.
•          The human body isn't designed for this were supposed to be moving around.
•          Common causes of sickness absence include musculo-skeletal conditions such as lower back pain and work-relevant upper limb disorders, such as nonspecific arm pain.
•          Also, office knee is a growing problem, partly due to the rise of the internet and being stuck at a desk all day long.
•          A huge surge in the number of people with knee pain is due to the sedentary lifestyle we now lead.
•          It is also found in people with desk-based jobs, who have been working for 10-20 years in these roles.
•          Staring at the computer for hours rather than having an active job means we are burning 120-140 fewer calories a day than 50 years ago.
•          Rotate your tasks.
•          Alternate computer and telephone use or, even better, go and speak to someone in person.
•          Maintain good posture at your computer, and don’t slump and slouch.
•          Keep shoulders down, back straight and don’t lean your head forward.
•          And resist crossing your legs.
•          Make sure you get out of the office every day for some fresh air.
•          Take quick breaks at least every hour, even if it is just to run up and down the stairs.

HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR ACTIVE WORK HEALTH PROBLEMS?

HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR ACTIVE WORK HEALTH PROBLEMS?

•         We all know work can sometimes be a pain in the neck.
•          But what if your job caused you actual pain, illness or psychological distress?
•          Common ailments are: Lower back pain, joint injuries, arthritis, and arm pain.
•          If your job involves a regular amount of activity such as bending, lifting, stretching and pushing, the good news is this that gives you an excellent chance to take proper charge of your physical health.
•          An active job where you are moving around is the healthiest job you can have.
•          But after the age of 50, many employees with active jobs, such as cleaners and bin men, start to feel wear and tear.
•          Whatever your age, jobs that involve movement can sometimes contribute to musculo-skeletal disorders such as lower back pain, joint injuries, muscular aches and strains, and non-specific arm pain - a term used to describe pain in the fingers, wrists, forearms, neck and shoulders.
•          Rotate repetitive activities and remember to take your rest periods.
•          Also try taking regular micro-breaks.
•          Adopt neutral work postures whenever you can always stand upright, maintain the natural curves of your back, keep your arms close to your body and keep your feet hip-distance apart.
•          Avoid working in awkward or uncomfortable positions, e.g. working with arms away from your body or with your back bent and twisted.
•          Check your posture is good, with your spine, shoulder and hip joints in correct alignment.
•          Shock-absorbent shoes are a good idea if you are on your feet all day.

DO's AND DON'Ts FOR A HEALTHIER HEART

Do’s
1.Eat more of fruit, vegetables, high-fibre, and low-cholesterol food.
2. Try to eat a new healthy recipe each week.
3. When traveling, carry heart-healthy snacks to avoid fast foods.
4. Drink adequate water daily.
5. Exercise regularly and go for a brisk walk for 45 minutes to an hour, 3-4 times a week, to help increase your good cholesterol.
6. Take the stairs routinely.
7. Take the first available parking space and walk the extra distance to office or work.
8. Stop drinking alcohol, or limit it to a peg a day, twice a week.
9. Maintain a healthy body weight.
10. Control your blood glucose level.
11. If you are diabetic, get your lipid profile checked every 3 months.
12. Get a yearly checkup.
13. Sleep for 6-8 hours at a stretch.
14. Practice yoga to keep your lungs and heart healthy along with strengthening your back muscles.
15. Know the symptoms of a heart attack and get help right away.

Don’t’s
1. Don’t eat fried, junk, salty and oily food, and avoid red meat.
2. Don’t give diabetes a chance to increase your heart risk.
3. Don’t take stress for too long, by taking a ‘stress break’ of 15 minutes for relaxation, meditation or a walk.
4. Don’t feel depressed, with the help of a friend or relative.
5. Don’t start exercising without your doctor’s permission.
6. Don’t start late on good lifestyle practices such as walking, jogging, cycling or playing regularly with your children.
7. Quit smoking.
8. Don’t miss your regular appointments with the doctor.

TESTS FOR YOUR HEART
1. Checking your family history for causes of heart diseases.
2. Blood pressure levels (normal is 120 mmHg systolic / 80 mmHg diastolic)
3. Blood sugar level tests (fasting and post-meal).
4. Glucose tolerance test (GTT) and/ or a Glycosylated haemoglobin level test.
5. Lipid profile test (total cholesterol, HDL-good cholesterol, LDL-bad
cholesterol, HDL:cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides).
6. ECG, 2D echo and a stress test.
7. Angiography.

BASICS OF CANCER (PART 3 OF 3)

F. Food and lifestyle changes
1. Quit smoking as it has been clearly linked with higher risk of cancer.
2. Take an aspirin or baby aspirin every day.
3. Because of potential side effects, you should consult your doctor first.
4. Take a safe dose of folic acid (for example, 1 mg) every day.
5. Engage in physical activity every day. 6. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables everyday.
7. Curcumin, a common spice derived from turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that inhibits genes involved in the growth and spread of cancer.
8. It also creates a gastrointestinal environment favourable to colon
health by reducing levels of natural secretions that contribute to colon cancer risk.
9. Garlic reduces carcinogenic potential of compounds such as nitrosamines and exerts anti-proliferative effects.
10. Aged garlic extract reduces the formation of pre-cancerous adenomas. 11. Key compounds in ginger limit the oxidative damage to cells caused by free radicals.
12. They also lower levels of cytokines that provoke an inflammatory response.
13. This dual action inhibits initiation of carcinogenesis and limits expansion of existing malignancies.
14. Red meat consumption should be avoided as it leads to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
15. Green tea extract is known to have anti-cancer actions on growth, survival, angiogenesis and metastatic processes of cancer cells.
16. Heavy drinking increases your risk of colorectal cancer.
17. Exercise cuts the risk of colon cancer and polyps, and sedentary
living increases it.
18. Cardio work speeds up gut transit, the time taken for digested food to pass through the colon, and reduces the time carcinogens are around to mutate healthy cells.

G. Support Groups and Counseling
1. Many people feel anxious and depressed, some angry and resentful, while others feel helpless and defeated. 2. For most people with cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns with friends, family members and co-sufferers helps.
3. Support groups of people with cancer may be available through the medical center where you are receiving your treatment.
4. The Indian Cancer Society also has information about support groups all over India.

BASICS OF CANCER (PART 2 OF 3)

D. How much do you know about cancer?
1. More than half of all people diagnosed with cancer are cured.
2. In this century, scientists have come to understand what cancer is and how it grows.
3. Thanks to advances in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, people who face a cancer diagnosis have great
reason to hope.
4. Some forms of the disease remain difficult to treat, but there are treatments available to improve quality of life in those cases.
5. There are warning signs, and illness comes gradually.
6. There are some symptoms that may indicate cancer, including change in a wart or mole; a sore that doesn't heal; persistent cough or hoarseness; change in bowel or bladder habits; chronic indigestion or difficulty swallowing;
unusual bleeding or discharge; unexplained loss of weight or appetite; persistent fatigue, low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, or bone pain; thickening or lumps in the tissue; and repeat infections.
7. Most cancers are not hereditary.
8. For many cancers, there is no known cause, but some of the most common cancers are linked to environmental factors like smoking, sun exposure, and
diet.
9. These environmental factors, combined with your age, heredity, and overall health seems to contribute to your cancer risk.
10. Cancer treatments are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
11. Surgery and radiation are used to remove or destroy cancerous cells from localized areas, such as in the case of a cancerous breast lump.
12. Chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells that may have spread, or metastasized, throughout the body.
13. Hormone therapy may be used to slow the growth of certain types of cancer.
14. A well-balanced diet reduces side effects during treatment.
15. People with good nutrition seem to respond better to cancer treatment and ward off weight loss and malnutrition,
common problems for cancer patients.
16. In particular, patients who follow a vegetarian diet report feeling better.
17. However, no particular diet has been shown to slow or cure cancer.

E. Prevention
1. Your best prevention is to detect cancer and treat it early in its formation.
2. Quit smoking as it has been clearly linked with higher risk of cancer.
3. Take an aspirin or baby aspirin every day.
4. Because of potential side effects, you should consult your doctor first.
5. Take a safe dose of folic acid (for example, 1 mg) every day.
6. Engage in physical activity every day. 7. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

BASICS OF CANCER (PART 1 OF 3)

A. What is cancer?
1. Cancer is the transformation of normal cells.
2. The transformed cells grow and multiply abnormally.
3. Left untreated, these cancers grow and eventually spread.
4. Cancers are dangerous because of their unbridled growth.
5. They destroy healthy cells, tissues, and organs by taking their oxygen, nutrients, and space.

B. What are the Seven Warning Signs of Cancer?
To remember the seven early warning signs of cancer, think of the
word CAUTION:
1. C hange in bowel or bladder habits.
2. A sore that does not heal.
3. U nusual bleeding or discharge.
4. T hickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere.
5. I ndigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
6. O bvious change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole, or mouth sore.
7. N agging cough or hoarseness.

C. What are the symptoms of cancer?
1. In its early stages, cancer usually has no symptoms, but eventually a malignant tumor will grow large enough to be detected.
2. As it continues to grow, it may press on nerves and produce pain, penetrate blood vessels and cause bleeding, or interfere with the function of a body organ or system.
3. The other symptoms that may also signal the presence of some form of cancer are:
a) Persistent headaches
b) Unexplained loss of weight or appetite
c) Chronic pain in bones
d) Persistent fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
e) Persistent low-grade fever, either constant or intermittent
f) Repeated instances of infection
4. Call your doctor about cancer if you develop symptoms that may signal cancer, are not clearly linked to another cause, and persist for more than two weeks.
5. You should schedule a medical examination, as an early diagnosis
and treatment will offer a better chance of cure.

YOUR GUIDE FOR WEARING TIES

YOUR GUIDE FOR WEARING TIES

·         A tie can be a tricky fashion accessory to pull off, but if worn the right way, it can make a powerful statement.

·         You can wear it to work, if you want to get an edge over other employees or at formal parties to get a dapper look.

1. Seasonal: 

·         For summer, it is best to opt for a good linen or cotton tie.

·         Woollen, knitted, velvet and other warmer material ties are good choices for winter.

·         Use pastels and pale shades during summer and richer jewel tones for autumn and winter. 

2. Fabrics:

·         Apart from usual materials like silk, polyester, wool, cotton, linen and rayon, ties are available in various other unique fabrics today.

·         The latest entrant is the ‘vegan’ tie.

·         If you cringe at the thought of using real silk that is spun by silkworms, you can opt for synthetic silk ties which are man-made from vegan fabrics.

·         You can also buy ties made from bamboo.

·         This fabric looks and feels very similar to cotton, but is more eco-friendly and sustainable. 

3. Prints and weaves: 

·         Printed ties are popular because they are less expensive than woven ties.

·         They are available in paisley motifs, cartoon designs, polka dots, animal prints, pin dots, checkered, stripes, floral and many more.

·         In woven ties, the weaving adds an element of texture, weight, and sophistication.

·         They are heavier, more substantial, and make bigger knots when tied.

·         The texture also gives the tie’s design a 3D effect. 

4. Sizes: 

·         A lot of men don’t realise that ties are not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ kind of accessory.

·         There are ties made for short men, as well as extra-long ties that fit tall men or those with longer torsos.

5. The must-haves 

·         Classic ties in colours include blacks, blues, greens, reds, and gold.

·         Conventional patterns are striped, dots, plaid, club, foulard, and paisley that start with simple solids and stripes.

·         When you move past half-a-dozen ties in your wardrobe, you can start buying brighter and more complex patterned neckwear. 

6. For office:

·         Pinstripes, pin dots and intricate ones. 

7. For a party: 

·         You can glam it up by experimenting with different fabrics and textures.

·         Eye-catching prints work well. 

8. How to tie a fancy eldredge knot

·         Make sure the wide end of the tie ends at the midpoint of your belt because you will tie this entire knot with the little end. 

·         While holding the big end in place, create a dimple, swing the little end over the front of the big end and go around the back.

·         Bring the little end up and over the front of the loop.

·         Bring the little end through the loop and towards the right side (make sure the knot is tight). 

·         Now bring that little end over the centre (of the knot) to the other side and bring it towards the back again. 

·         Bring the little end up over the top of the knot (make sure the knot is tight). 

·         This is when it gets a little tricky.

·         Keep this part loose.

·         Create a loose knot by bringing the little end behind and through the loop. 

·         Pull the little end through and tighten till you get a tight knot.

·         Bring the little end behind the loop. 

·         Swing it up in front again.

·         And over the top towards the back and to the opposite end. 

·         Go through the loop (keep it loose).

·         Pull through and tighten the knot. 

·         Hide the remaining little end of the tie behind your loop. 

9. TIPS 

·         Don’t wear your tie too long or too short.

·         The length should be anywhere between just below the navel to where your belt begins. 

·         Avoid a big knot or one too triangular.

·         Also, the knot should be clean and tidy. 

·         While removing your tie, instead of hastily yanking it from your neck, repeat all the steps you followed to tie your tie, but in reverse order. 

·         Keep away from big and bold prints or checks, if you want a sharp look.

·         Also, men with dusky complexion should not wear very bright or neon colours, as it will take attention away from them completely. 

·         Never iron your tie; instead give it a light steam with a garment steamer.