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There are two good reasons why everybody should know the most basic information about heart attacks. First, odds are high that either you or someone you love will suffer from a heart attack during your lifetime. And second, whether you (or your loved one) survive that heart attack may depend on what you and your doctors do during the first few hours.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) is the death of the heart muscle, caused by blockage in one of the coronary (heart) arteries. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot forms at the site of an atherosclerotic plaque (fatty deposition) in a coronary artery. The clot blocks the artery, and the blood flow stops. The muscle becomes starved of oxygen and if blood flow is not restored within few hours, the heart muscle dies. Plaque ruptures are the most common cause of heart attacks. Plaque formation (fatty deposition) in the artery wall develops gradually over time and it can start around the age of 20.

Symptoms of heart attack

It is very important to know the symptoms of heart attack because the sooner you recognize them the chances of good recovery are better. Read the rest of this entry »

How to get clear skin? Having clean, clear, blemish-free and beautiful complexion is a rarity these days. There are several factors that could mar skin texture, such as air and water pollution, cosmetics and bad food and drink choices.

An increasing consumption of aerated drinks, packed juices and rich creamy coffees instead of water, and fat-rich foods like snacks, pastries, chocolates and fast food is in fact a major culprit that comes in the way of skin care.

There is a school of thought that diet and acne are not interconnected, but I believe that you are what you eat and your skin reflects just how much fat is consumed in your daily diet. Though severe cases of acne may require medical attention, the condition can to a large extent be checked with adequate diet control. So, let’s get to work and clean up the menu.

For starters, advise those in charge of the cooking at home to cut down on the oil that is used. Minimise the use of coconut in cooking and avoid coconut chutney as far as possible. Read the rest of this entry »

The winter brings relief from the sweltering summer days, but can wreak havoc on your skin. One of the common skin problems in the winter are fungal infections. This is obvious as the humidity will be more and fungal activity will be at its peak! To prevent it, avoid wearing damp clothing and socks as this can predispose you to fungal infections.Those who are prone to fungal infections should keep clean and dry, use an anti fungal soap, and use a prophylactic anti fungal dusting powder in the groin areas and feet. Carry an extra set of clothing or keep a spare change at your workplace to avoid staying in damp clothing for prolonged periods of time as this can lead to fungal infections.

Basic Skin Care

Your skin tends to be oily in this humid season and basic skin care products may need to be modified to suit the season.
Use a medicated face wash suited for oily skin as it is beneficial to prevent acne break-outs

1. Use oil-free moisturizers as your skin still needs hydration, but avoid heavy, oily creams in this humid season
2. Use oil-free sunscreens
3. If your skin tends to be too oily, use an astringent or toner
4. A mild exfoliating scrub may be done gently once or twice a week

Read the rest of this entry »

There are several common beliefs associated with the right diet plan for a diabetic person. Trouble is, not all are true. There are some who believe that all vegetables and fruits are ideal to keep blood sugar levels under control which even help in weight loss, while others maintain that maida (all purpose flour) and rava, being derivatives of wheat, are safe food items. Some even avoid rice, but eat rice flakes instead.
Eating right is essential for any person with diabetes melitus, because certain choices of food can significantly reduce sugar levels.

Any food item high on fibre content is the best choice. For example, wholewheat, broken wheat and atta are better choices than maida, rava, sevia, noodles, pasta, etc. Since the skin of wholewheat is difficult to digest, the body has to work harder to digest it, bringing the blood sugar levels down. Similarly, wholewheat or atta chappati, wholewheat bread and wheat puttu are better than rice, idli, rice puttu and rice flakes (aval), which are made of fibee-less polished rice. Ragi puttu, ragi dosa, ragi porridge, oats porridge and cornflakes are better food options for a diabetic than rice items.

As for a vegetarian diet – vegetables and fruits, diabetics should pick those that are high on fiber and low on starch. For instance, all greens, cabbage, cauliflower, okra, beans, brinjal, Read the rest of this entry »

It’s said we spend half of our lives sleeping. But if improper postures and other wrong sleeping habits are impairing this cycle it could be messing up with your health, and that of your partner.

Remember, you are a healthy, sound sleeper only if:

• You have a good sleep cycle
• You sleep on your back for most part of the night
• You do not wake up often in the night
• You wake up feeling fresh

QUANTITY

Many workaholics believe that sleep is a waste of time. But the signs of fatigue will be too obvious to ignore. Problems also occur when you Read the rest of this entry »