The Hair Story

The Hair Story

The hair shaft is made of a hard protein called keratin and is made in three layers. This protein is actually dead, so the hair that you see is not a living structure. The inner layer is the medulla. The second layer is the cortex and the outer layer is the cuticle. The cortex makes up the majority of the hair shaft. The cuticle is a tightly formed structure made of shingle-like overlapping scales. It is both the cortex and the medulla that holds the hair's pigment, giving it its color.

Hair is more than just a head wrap. It performs a host of biological functions, apart from being a cover up for most parts of the body.

Hair protects your head. It keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. It protects against sunburn. Eyelashes and nasal hair prevent dust and foreign particles from entering your eyes and nose. Hair has nerve endings which give you that 'feel good' factor after a head massage.

Treat your hair well and it will remain with you forever - as your crowning glory and essential part of your good looks.

Here are simple ways of preventing or stopping hair loss:

No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid excessive colouring, styling, heat and chemical treatments.

Regular exercise: Integrate Yoga, Meditation and Jogging in your daily routine. Try jogging, cycling, or just taking long walks to release endorphins and de-stress yourself.

Mineral-Rich foods Include food items in your diet which are rich in Silica, Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium and Omega fatty acids as these are important for hair strength and growth.

Protein-Rich Foods: Include eggs and Dairy Products like milk, yogurt, cheese, etc in your daily breakfast. These are rich in Proteins, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Iron which are important for healthy hair.

Herbs: There are many herbs like Amla, Bhringraj, Fenugreek (Methi), Hibiscus, Horsetail, Rosemary, Shikakai and Thyme which are known from centuries to treat hair problems.

Food Supplements: Some food supplements like flax seeds oil, pumpkin seeds oil and particularly Saw Palmetto extract are very commonly used to support hair growth.

Be Healthy……….

Keep Smiling Always……...

Myths about Pregnancy

- DO NOT EAT PAPAYA IN PREGNANCY

This is not true at all. Raw papaya when consumed in high quantities may cause abortions. However, ripe papaya can be eaten safely during pregnancy as it helps in relieving constipation.

- A PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD EAT FOR TWO

This is false. In pregnancy, the woman required 300 extra calories above her normal diet. Overeating will only add excess weight that will be difficult to shed later.

- SOLAR OR LUNAR ECLIPSE (GRAHAN) WILL CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS AND UGLY BIRTH MARKS

Women are made to lie down for the entire period or made to walk continuously indoors till the eclipse is over. There is no truth in this; however looking at an eclipse is bad for all.

- IT IS A GOOD THING FOR PREGNANT WOMAN TO HAVE SWELLING IN HER FEET! ( PAO BHAARI)

Due to this myth women with swelling do not visit the hospital. This can have disastrous results as it may be an indicator of high blood pressure. It left untreated it can cause fits and coma.

- IF YOU LOOK AT PICTURES OF LOVELY BABIES YOU WILL HAVE ONE YOURSELF

There is no truth to this. The baby’s looks and complexion depend on the genes that he/she inherits from his parents and not on external factors.

- ONE SHOULD NOT HAVE SEX DURING PREGNANCY

This is not true at all. Unless your doctor has advised you due to any medical reasons like bleeding, or history of previous abortions or preterm labor, it is absolutely safe to have sex in pregnancy.

Be aware………

Keep Smiling Always…….

PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S TEETH THIS FESTIVE SEASON

10 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S TEETH THIS FESTIVE SEASON

In India we have a long festive season which begins with Raksha Bandhan encompasses Shri Krishna Janma - Astmi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid, Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, etc. The entire country is tinged with colours of celebrations and enthusiasm. However studies show that there is a more than 50 percent increase in consumption of sweets (mithai) and chocolates during this period. What we often forget is that apart from the festive season being tough on our wallets and waist lines; it can also be tough on our teeth. Maintaining a good oral hygiene in children as well as adults is imperative. I have noticed a trend in lack of oral hygiene during this season. Children tend to skip their brushing routine and even parents get busy in organizing and attending parties and celebrations along with which there is a massive consumption of alcohol and sweets.

10 on the go tips for kids and their parents that will help to maintain oral hygiene through this festive season:

1. Avoid eating sticky and gooey sweets as these stick to the inner surface of your teeth for a long time. Pick up a milk or dark chocolate instead.
2. If brushing and flossing is not possible after consumption of sticky sweets, then drink water and chew on sugarless gum. This will help wash away the bacteria.
3. Sip citrus beverages with a straw to minimize exposure to the enamel.
4. Use a fluoridated anti-cavity mouthwash.
5. Wine has a high acidity which can erode the tooth enamel over time, so avoid swishing the wine around in the mouth and keep drinking water between such beverages.
6. Cracked teeth can occur due to grinding of teeth at night. This occurs due to stress. Speak to your dentist who can make you a night guard to prevent damage to your teeth.
7. Do not use your teeth to cut tape or strings in order to unwrap gifts that you may receive during the festive season. Your teeth may chip or crack while you do this. Always keep scissors handy.
8. Carry along: If you are expected to have a late night make sure you carry the kids toothbrush and toothpaste in a small pouch to brush before they go to bed.
9. Water baby: If there is absolutely nothing handy then make sure kids drink a lot of water and gargle before they call it a night.
10. Lastly, do not ignore your regular check up at the dentist. Because a healthy smile should always be at the top of your wish list.

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DIAGNOSTICS TEST FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS – HBA1C

- The HbA1c test is used as a regular monitoring test for people with diabetes.

- The test gives a good indication of the average blood glucose levels over the past six weeks.

- The test is used along regular blood sugar monitoring to make adjustments in your diabetes medicines.

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Results:

- Normal range is 4% and 5.6% , 5.7% -6.4% indicates increased risk of diabetes and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

- The goal for people with diabetes is a hemoglobin A1c less than 7%.

- People with diabetes should have this test every 3 months to determine whether their blood sugars have reached the target level of control.

- The HbA1c test result does not change with any recent changes in diet, exercise, or medicines.

- Keeping your HbA1c level in your target range can lower your chance for problems.

- The HbA1c test does not replace the need for other regular blood glucose.

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Beat Diabetes….

CAN EATING SWEETS CAUSE DIABETES?

- The common misconception is that eating sugar causes diabetes.

This is not entirely true.

- Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas and destroys them. It occurs mostly at a very young age.

- Type 2 Diabetes is more common and usually occurs in adulthood.

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- In Type 2 Diabetes, the body isn’t able to use insulin in the right way. This is called insulin resistance. As type 2 diabetes gets worse, the pancreas may make less and less insulin leading to insulin deficiency.

- Eating sugar has nothing to do with developing Type 1 Diabetes.

- Intake of sugary drinks should be limited to help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

- One of the biggest risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes is being overweight, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain.

- It is the high calorie content and not the sugar that leads to insulin resistance and diabetes.

- When taking sweets remember that all sweets are not alike. Some have sugar alone and hence contain lesser calories and are safe to eat.

- Sweets containing high khoya content, ghee or oil are high in calories and hence more fattening. These sweets are more likely to result into insulin resistance in long term leading to diabetes.

- Sweets are bad because of calories contained in them.

- Serving sizes make a difference. When you include sweets in your meal, have one chapatti instead of two or have a smaller serving of rice.

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Beat Diabetes…...

SUPER FOODS THAT FIGHT CANCER

Plants based foods are rich in cancer fighting phytonutrients and other special compounds. Try and include 4-5 small servings of all kinds of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet plan, especially these:

BROCCOLI

Helps fight breast, liver, lung, prostate, skin, stomach and bladder cancers

Broccoli is loaded with sulforaphane, a compound that boosts the body’s protective enzymes and flushes out cancer-causing chemicals
The more broccoli you have, the better it is. Add it to your daily salads, omelets and pizza toppings.

GARLIC

Helps fight breast, colon, esophageal and stomach cancers

Most processed foods have nitrates as a preservative. These nitrates are converted into nitrosamines which are cancer causing compounds (carcinogens)
Phytochemicals in garlic have been found to stop the formation of nitrosamines in the stomach and intestines
Chop a clove of fresh, crushed garlic and sprinkle it over soups and sauces.

TOMATOES

Help fight endometrial, lung, prostate and stomach cancers

Tomatoes are rich sources of lycopene, a carotenoid
Lycopene has been found to stop cancer cell growth
It is best to have tomatoes in cooked form since the heating process increases the amount of lycopene your body is able to absorb.

PULSES

Help fight breast cancer and colon cancer

Studies show that black beans and dried beans help in fighting breast cancer and colon cancer in animals
Have one katori of cooked pulses to your daily diet in addition to green leafy vegetables.

BERRIES

Help fight colon, esophageal, oral and skin cancers

All berries are packed with cancer-fighting phytonutrients.
Black raspberries contain high content  of phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which slow down the growth of pre-cancerous cells
You can take half a cup size of assorted berries a day to reap the benefits.

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Keep Smiling always...

Breast Cancer : Detaction & Awareness

FACTS

- All breast lumps are not cancerous.
- Less than 5% breast cancers are related to your genes.
- If you have a lump in the breast; do not panic. But be alert and consult your doctor, preferably a  

surgeon.
- The risk of cancer would be higher for any women above forty years of age with a lump in the breast.
- Women less than forty years can also have cancer, so consultation is a must
- Breast Cancer if detected early; has high chances of cure.
- Treatment does not It is not always involve removal of whole breast by surgery.

- It is possible to conserve the breast, and still achieve cure in suitable patients.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BREAST CANCER

- Cancer spreads after needle biopsy or FNAC test
- Breast cancer is not curable
- In all breast cancers, the breast has to be removed
- All breast lumps are cancerous
- If a woman has breast cancer, her daughter surely will develop breast cancer in the future

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER

- Lump in Breast
- Swelling in armpit (Axillary Lump)
- Nipple retraction
- Skin dimpling
- Ulcer over breast
- Blood stained nipple discharge

SCREENING FOR BREAST CANCER

WOMEN WITH NO FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER:

- Screening is recommended annually in all women above 40 years of age.
- It is done by Mammography ( X ray) which helps in detecting cancer at an early stage even before a female develops symptoms.
- Early detection of breast cancer helps in complete cure and recovery from breast cancer

WOMEN WITH FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER:

- Annual clinical examination by a doctor (preferably a Surgeon) is suggested after the age of 25 years.
- Mammography is recommended annually in all women above 40 years of age.

Stay Healthy……..

Keep Smiling Always….

SLEEP BETTER

Not getting a good night’s sleep can create havoc with your physical and mental well being. With today’s fast paced lifestyles and poor sleep habits we are depriving ourselves from the endless benefits that are hidden in a good night’s sleep. Here are simple ways that can dramatically improve your sleep.

Try and sleep in complete darkness. Get rid of night lights and any other light that is coming from outside. This helps in secreting your sleep hormone (melatonin).

Maintain your room temperature at 21°C. Keeping your room temperature too cool or hot leads to restless sleep.

Move alarm clocks and other electronic devices at least 3 feet away from your bed.

Reserve your bed for sleeping. Do not work on your laptops in bed and avoid texting and watching TV in bed.

Avoid staying in bed if you cannot get sleep. Go to another room for 15-20 minutes and engage in a relaxing activity like reading from a book (not your phone or laptop) or meditation.

Do not keep checking the time continuously in bed as this can make you more anxious and delay your sleep further.

Avoid drinking fluids 2 hours before going to bed. This will minimize the frequency of using the washroom and help you get a deep sleep.

Include protein rich food in your dinner. Proteins are rich in L-tryptophan that helps in producing serotonin( relaxing hormone) and melatonin(sleep hormone).

Do not have caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks around bedtime. They release adrenaline and that will make you more wakeful.

Exercise regularly for 30 minutes each day( ay time of the day except around bedtime).

Make sure you spend 15-30 minutes in the morning light. This helps in regulating your sleep/wake cycle.

Keep smiling always…….