Common Disorders

Dandruff

2009-08-07T15:00:00.001-07:00

Dandruff is condition in which white scales of dead skin are shed by the scalp. The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases.

Consider the following home base remedies for dandruff:

a) Just mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water to make a hair rinse that is a brilliant home remedy for dandruff. You may need more or less of this mixture, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. In fact, you can take an empty gallon jug, preferably plastic, that has a handle which will enable you to grip it while in the shower. You can mix 1/3 of a cup of apple cider vinegar into a quart of water, and keep this jug in your shower so it is ready for you to use. Pour the mixture on your head, and with your fingertips, massage it in gently. Do not rinse! And no, your hair will not smell like vinegar after it dries. It will be soft, easy to manage and most importantly, dandruff free.

b) One teaspoon of lime can do wonder in removing dandruff from hair. It regenerates the lost bounce in hair and prevents further stickiness to set in. You need to mix lime juice one tea spoon while washing your hair, and you need to select a mild herbal shampoo to wash your hair.

c) The most important point in the treatment of dandruff is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to decrease the accumulation of dead cells. The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. Massage the scalp daily using one-finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff and helps in the hair growth.

d) Add six spoonfuls water, two spoonfuls pure vinegar and apply it on the scalp with cotton wool before going to bed.

e) Wash the hair with whey, gram flour and myrobalan soaked in water.

f) Meats, sugar, white flour, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided.

As we grow old our skin loses its charm and elasticity. So we should be wise enough and take necessary steps at the right time

Prostate Cancer

2008-12-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland is an organ that is located at the base or outlet (neck) of the urinary bladder. (See the diagram.) The gland surrounds the first part of the urethra. The urethra is the passage through which urine drains from the bladder to exit from the penis. One function of the prostate gland is to help control urination by pressing directly against the part of the urethra that it surrounds. Another function of the prostate gland is to produce some of the substances that are found in normal semen, such as minerals and sugar. Semen is the fluid that transports the sperm. A man can manage quite well, however, without his prostate gland. (See the section on surgical treatment for prostate cancer.)

In a young man, the normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut. During normal aging, however, the gland usually grows larger. This enlargement with aging is called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), but this condition is not associated with prostate cancer. Both BPH and prostate cancer, however, can cause similar problems in older men. For example, an enlarged prostate gland can squeeze or impinge on the outlet of the bladder or the urethra, leading to difficulty with urination. The resulting symptoms commonly include slowing of the urinary stream and urinating more frequently, particularly at night.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor (growth) that consists of cells from the prostate gland. The tumor usually grows slowly and remains confined to the gland for many years. During this time, the tumor produces little or no symptoms or outward signs (abnormalities on physical examination). As the cancer advances, however, it can spread beyond the prostate into the surrounding tissues (local spread). Moreover, the cancer also can metastasize (spread even farther) throughout other areas of the body, such as the bones, lungs, and liver. Symptoms and signs, therefore, are more often associated with advanced prostate cancer.

Why is prostate cancer important?

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in American men and the second leading cause of deaths from cancer, after lung cancer. Most experts in this field, therefore, recommend that beginning at age 40, all men should undergo yearly screening for prostate cancer

What causes prostate cancer?

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but the cancer is thought not to be related to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The risk (predisposing) factors for prostate cancer include advancing age, genetics (heredity), hormonal influences, and such environmental factors as toxins, chemicals, and industrial products. The chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age. Thus, prostate cancer under age 40 is extremely rare, while it is common in men older than 80 years of age. As a matter of fact, some studies have suggested that among men over 80, between 50 and 80% of them may have prostate cancer!

Genetics (heredity), as just mentioned, plays a role in the risk of developing a prostate cancer. For example, black American men have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer than do Japanese or white American men. Environment, diet, and other unknown factors, however, can modify such genetic predispositions. For example, prostate cancer is uncommon in Japanese men living in their native Japan. However, when these men move to the United States, their incidence of prostate cancer rises significantly. Prostate cancer is also more common among family members of individuals with prostate cancer. Thus, a person whose father, grandfather, or even uncle has prostate cancer is at an increased risk for also developing prostate cancer. To date, however, no specific prostate cancer gene has been identified and verified. (Genes, which are situated on chromosomes within the nucleus of cells, are the chemical compounds that determine specific traits in individuals.)

Testosterone, the male hormone, directly stimulates the growth of both normal prostate tissue and prostate cancer cells. Not surprisingly, therefore, this hormone is thought to be involved in the development and growth of prostate cancer. The important implication of the role of this hormone is that decreasing the level of testosterone should be (and usually is) effective in inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer.

Environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking and diets that are high in saturated fat, seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Additional substances or toxins in the environment or from industrial sources might also promote the development of prostate cancer, but these have not yet been clearly identified.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In the early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms for many years. As a matter of fact, these cancers frequently are first detected by an abnormality on a blood test (the PSA, discussed below) or as a hard nodule (lump) in the prostate gland. Usually, the doctor first feels the nodule during a routine digital (done with the finger) rectal examination. The prostate gland is located immediately in front of the rectum. As the cancer enlarges and presses on the urethra, the flow of urine diminishes and urination becomes more difficult. Patients may also experience burning with urination or blood in the urine. As the tumor continues to grow, it can completely block the flow of urine, resulting in a painfully obstructed and enlarged urinary bladder.

In the later stages, prostate cancer can spread locally into the surrounding tissue or the nearby lymph nodes, called the pelvic nodes. The cancer then can spread even farther (metastasize) to other areas of the body. The doctor on a rectal examination can sometimes detect local spread into the surrounding tissues. That is, the physician can feel a hard, fixed (not moveable) tumor extending from and beyond the gland. Prostate cancer usually metastasizes first to the lower spine or the pelvic bones (the bones connecting the lower spine to the hips), thereby causing back or pelvic pain. The cancer can then spread to the liver and lungs. Metastases (areas to which the cancer has spread) to the liver can cause pain in the abdomen and jaundice (yellow color of the skin) in rare instances. Metastases to the lungs can cause chest pain and coughing.

Pose of the Month: Matsyasana

2008-12-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Walking into an yoga class can sometimes feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The language of asana is often different than the language of everyday life with phrases like “opening our hearts,” “staying with our breath,” and “being in the moment.” In the context of a yoga asana practice, our ability to truly feel these words of guidance sometimes gets lost in the rhetoric of the experience. We are not always able to “feel” what we are told to feel in a specific asana, which can be frustrating and discouraging. But when the feelings that we seek are “opening our hearts” and “awareness of the breath,” Matsyasana or Fish Pose is an indispensable resource.

Matsya was an incarnation of the Lord Vishnu who is the source and the maintainer of the universe and it’s manifestation in the microcosm of our Selves. During a great flood, Lord Vishnu took the form of a fish, Matsya, to warn of the impending danger and carry the family of the sage Manu and seven great rishis to safety. Through its expression in asana, the fish expands the space of the heart and brings a deeper awareness to our breath, the great sustainers of our human life. In this asana we may feel vulnerable as we open our hearts completely, or we may feel strengthened as we focus on the sensation and sound of our breath that is the source of all our experiences.

Matsyasana is meant without question to reveal the expansive quality of the heart, thus uncovering our core of calm that underlies all events in our lives, and by expanding the space of the throat as well, we are drawn into the experience of our moment to moment companion of the breath. As the heart lifts above the space of the head in Fish pose, we are reminded to direct our actions more from the wisdom of the heart and less from the scrutiny of the mind.

Use Matsyasana when we are flooded with the rising waters of our everyday lives, to restore the calm eye of the heart in the middle of the storm of our mind, which will always lead us to higher ground.

—Kelly Golden

Among the many benefits of Matsyasana is the effect on our spine. A common postural misalignment is thoracic kyphosis, exhibited by a rounded upper back, which can lead to rounded shoulders and a forward head. Physical activities such as driving, working at a desk for 6-9 hours a day, a typical gym workout, as well as emotional and energetic responses to low self esteem, lack of confidence, and feeling negative about ourselves can cause us to exhibit this misalignment.

When our spine becomes misaligned into kyphosis, we develop tightness of the muscles of the chest, shoulders and neck (Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis Major and Pectoralis Minor). We also end up with weakness of the muscles that support our upper back, neck and shoulders (Middle and Lower Trapezius and Rhomboids).

These muscular and joint imbalances can lead to compression of the vertebrae of the neck or compression of the nerves that go from the neck and into the arm. Headaches and pain throughout the neck and into the shoulder blades will often result. Compression of the nerves can be the cause of pain down the arm and into the hand (i.e. thoracic outlet syndrome) Matsyasana works to correct the postural misalignments of thoracic kyphosis and to relieve the resulting joint and muscular imbalances.

To provide support in fish pose, you can use two blocks; one placed horizontally under the lower edge of your scapula and one under your head. Make sure the blocks are at a level that allows for a smooth curve of the cervical spine versus having the head in hyperextension, coming at a sharp angle towards the second block. You can also use a bolster or blankets under your thoracic spine either vertically down your spine or horizontally below your shoulder blades. Once in supported fish you can lay your arms out to the side in a “T” position to focus on the Pectoralis Major or bring them overhead towards the floor to focus on the Pectoralis Major and Latissimus Dorsi. If you are practicing Matsyasana without support, you want to make sure not to have too much pressure on your head and not to have your head hyperextended.

Hypnosis

2008-11-30T23:44:00.001-08:00

The rapidly expanding field of contemporary hypnotherapy has a vast variety of safe, powerful applications.

Hypnosis can dramatically assist with improving performance, health, confidence, relationships, recall and creativity. It can help with overcoming habits, fears and phobias, pain control, insomnia, and facilitate self-discovery, stress reduction, healthier self-expression and therapy for past traumas.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that is entered spontaneously every day. It is a state of narrow focus, such as you experience when watching television or are absorbed in a good book. Road hypnosis occurs when you are driving and suddenly realise you have no conscious memory of the kilometres just traveled.

Hypnotherapy is a process of applying, while in a hypnotic state, therapeutic suggestion to replace the negative elements that underlie a particular behaviour or problem - this allows a more beneficial and positive outcome to emerge. In the state of hypnosis, commonly called trance, the 'conscious' mind recedes, allowing the 'subconscious' mind to come to the fore. In a deeply relaxed state, therapeutic suggestion is greatly enhanced and amplified.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be influenced to do something against my will?

No. You are always aware of the suggestions given to you. You have total control over whether you accept or reject the suggestions given to you while in hypnosis. For example, the therapist may induce relaxation by guiding you to imagine you are at a beach - although this feels very 'real', it does not mean you will prepare to plunge into the water!
While in hypnosis you are aware of everything that is said - you are not unconscious. Instead, you are deeply relaxed and mentally very focused, much more than when in a normal waking state. You are able to hear and respond, and actively participate, in the session. The therapist does not have any type of power over you, but instead is a trained professional.

How will hypnosis feel?

During hypnosis, the body and conscious mind are in a relaxed, natural state, while the subconscious mind remains awake and receptive to suggestion.
During hypnosis you are not immobilised - you know exactly where you are the entire time. You can adjust your position, talk to the therapist, scratch, sneeze, or cough. You can open your eyes and bring yourself out of a trance any time you wish. You can still hear the sounds around you, like a passing car or a ringing telephone.

There is no 'right' way to experience hypnosis. One person may have a deep, heavy, restful feeling, whilst another may feel light and floating. Every persons experience is unique.

Why is the unconscious important in hypnosis?

The subconscious mind is the seat of the emotions, imagination, habits, intuition, and memory. It is the core, the essence, of how we experience ourselves and the world. All meaningful personal transformation that has occurred for us, either in or out of therapy, has been brought about by a shift in the unconscious mind. Even when we have been consciously working very hard to make changes there is often the sense of something deep inside that stops us. Hypnosis allows you to change those inside feelings so your conscious mind and subconscious mind are in agreement.

How is hypnosis induced?

Hypnosis can be induced in a number of ways which your therapist will discuss with you. The most popular method of induction is the 'progressive relaxation' technique which allows you to relax all the major muscle groups in the body before going on to relax your mind and drifting comfortably into the hypnotic state.

Anxiety

2008-11-05T03:04:00.000-08:00

What causes anxiety?

Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling, but severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating. Anxiety is often triggered by stress in our lives. some are more vulnerable to anxiety, but even those who become anxious easily can learn to manage it well. We also make ourselves anxious with 'negative self-talk' - a habit of telling ourselves the worse will happen!

How can I recognise anxiety?

As well as feeling apprehensive and worried, you may experience some of the following physical symptoms:
tense muscles - trembling - churning stomach - nausea - diarrhoea - headache - backache - halt palpitations - numbness or pins and needles in arms, hands, or legs - sweating/flushing. It is easy to mistake symptoms of anxiety for physical illness and become worried that you might be suffering a heart attack or stroke. This, of course, increases anxiety.

How can I help my anxiety?

Firstly, avoiding situations which make you anxious might help you in the short time, but the anxiety keeps returning and has a habit of spreading to other situations. This can lead you to avoiding things like shops, crowded places, and so on. Instead of avoiding: Learn to manage the stress in your life. Keep an eye on pressures and deadlines.
Learn a variety of relaxation techniques. physical relaxation really does help. Ask your counsellor or psychologist to help with techniques.
Look after your physical self. Eat healthily, get regular exercise and try to keep a regular sleep pattern, avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs.
Practice deep abdominal breathing. There are helpful techniques to make this really effective - ask your counsellor, psychologist, or medical practitioner.
Learn to replace "negative self-talk" with "coping self-talk". When you catch yourself thinking something negative like "I can't do this", try to change it to something more positive, like "This is hard, but I can get through it". It can be helpful to think of 'changing the tape' that runs through your mind. You could make a list of the negative thoughts you often have and write a list of positive, believable thoughts to replace them.

Over exercise, an addiction

2008-06-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Over exercise, an addiction

A wrestler or weight lifter is stout and over weight but not obese. His body weight is that of his exercised and strongly built muscles and not of mere flesh and fat. He normally consumes food rich in calories. His daily intake of dairy food may amount to two litres of milk and a good quantity of butter, cheese etc. He effortlessly consumes five to six eggs, large quantities of meat and other protein and carbohydrate-rich food in a day. But if he stops his activities as a weight lifter or wrestler his over-exercised body does not adjust itself to inactivity. Slowly and steadily muscle degeneration takes place and fat gets deposited to make him obese. Added to this, he continues to eat the same amount and the same type of food which he once used to eat to keep his body energetic and fit. This is not accepted by his body.
Similarly some people gain weight after quitting sports. In a way these persons are addicted to over-exercise. The withdrawal

from over-exercise they once engaged themselves in, find an outlet in overeating without exercise.

music cause obesity

2008-06-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Can music cause obesity?

Singers who sing for long hours and musicians who play wind¬pipe instruments like flute, clarinet, shehnai, nadaxwaram, etc. are many a time prone to obesity. This is because of the over exertion of their vocal cords. The vocal cord is stretched and exercised continuous])'. The functions of the thyroid glands which are situated on either side of the vocal cord get affected due to this. At first they develop double chin and bloated neck. This further disturbs the secretion of the hormones of this gland which has a direct effect on weight increase and slowly the whole body becomes obese. At the peak of their career, these musicians are exposed to much publicity and social status that some indulge in alcohol to cope with the strain of this kind of life. Drinking when associated with high living has its own role to play in weight gain.

Five Key Elements for a Healthy Body

2008-04-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

With so many different obstacles in our way today it’s essential to do the things that are necessary to keep our bodies in top condition. Between diseases and pollution in our air and water, we must stay tuned into the needs of our bodies in order to assure a long and healthy life. Making the right choices in these areas will allow us to remain happy and productive many years past retirement.

1. Get plenty of sleep

Being well-rested is one of the most important elements in maintaining a healthy body. Sleep deprivation whether purposely or the result of insomnia can cause your body to become tired, fatigued, and run down. This lends its way to an invasion of many infections because of a compromised immune system. Sleep is the body’s best defence, so you need to make sure you obtain what your body needs. Each person requires on average between six and eight hours of sleep nightly, although some may function on as little as five hours while others need up to ten hours.

2. Exercise regularly

Besides having the ability to boost the metabolism, exercise also helps the body sleep most restfully. Whether you do a complete workout or just take a walk several times during the day, you will feel much better by participating in some kind of exercise. That doesn’t mean you have to do something boring—you can swim, bicycle, play tennis, ski, water ski, or do any other type of activity that you enjoy. The important thing is to make sure you do it regularly.

3. Eat healthy foods

In order to maintain a body that is healthy and active all of your life, you need to learn how to eat foods that are good for you. Certainly that high fat, high calorie burger from the local fast food place tastes good, but it is not good for you. You need to develop the habit of eating lean protein, steamed or raw vegetables, fresh fruits, and carbohydrates containing a low glycemic index such as whole grain cereals, brown rice, and wheat bread and pasta. That doesn’t mean you have to give up sweet desserts and snacks for good, but you need to learn to eat them in moderation.

4. Maintain a normal weight

Having excess weight puts a strain on both the heart and the back. In order to assure that you can stay active and do the things you enjoy, you need to make sure your weight is within normal range. If you are overweight but think you are still healthy, you need to review the things you are able to do compared to some of the things you used to be able to do. Certainly you are older which causes some difference, but your weight definitely has a detrimental effect on the level of activities in which you are able to participate.

5. Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential nutrients

No matter how many healthy foods we eat, it is likely we are not getting all of the nutrients we need. This is especially true of the Omega-3 Fatty Acids that help us maintain the health of our hearts. Although this nutrient is found in fish, few of us can eat enough fish to compensate, so we need to supplement this deficiency with fish oil supplements. The same holds true of many other nutrients such as Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid, and the B vitamins just to name a few.

A healthy lifestyle will help us keep our bodies healthy into our golden years, and following these tips will certainly help you in that process. You don’t need to give up your favourite foods to be healthy, but you do need to make sure you eat unhealthy foods in moderation. You also want to make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and supplement your diet with important vitamins and minerals.

WHAT IS THE BEST DIET

2008-04-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS THE BEST DIET

Many people ask me which is the best diet for me to follow, with practically a new diet coming out every year I find myself getting frustrated with the mis- information being put out there. Let me shine some light on some of these fad diets.

Why fad diets don't work

There's no question if you follow these fad diets you will lose weight, but I can also guarantee you will not be able to sustain these so-called diets which is why millions of people follow these diets only to pack back on the pounds again.

The simple answer to this is fad diets do not work, the reason they do not work is because you can only follow such a ridiculous routine for only so long successful long-term weight loss is not necessarily about a diet but it's about long-term happiness.

I even hate that word diets, because it is linked to feelings of restriction and unhappiness but what I do believe in is a sensible nutrition plan which allows you to eat five to six enjoyable small meals a day. To be honest with you I wish all of these fad diets did work then we wouldn't be experiencing the problems we have today such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Before I explain to you the concept of a healthy eating plan I'll cover just a few of these fad diets.

THE ATKINS DIET.

I'm sure you've all heard of the Atkins diet and heard about the supposed success stories. The problem is that most of these fad diets work on the basis of calorie reduction. with the Atkins carbohydrates are severely limited, the atkins diet requires that you get your calories from just protein and fat.

The way this works is by consuming so much fat and protein it sends a signal to your brain saying that your full when in reality you are not, this can result in metabolic disorders. The Atkins diet will allow you to lose weight but at what cost? the side-effects of the Atkins diet is nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and bad breath (urghh)

I would have to say the Atkins diet is a big no-no, a healthy diet is well rounded and borrows from all the food groups such as carbohydrates, protein and good fats. Tricking your body into believing it is full, when it's not, will only can catch up with you and make you feel ill through the lack of nutrients received in you diet.

The weight loss achieved in Atkins is mainly muscle mass, and muscle tissue is what helps speed up your metabolic rate, the more muscle tissue you have the more calories you burn. Which is why when people realise they cannot sustain the Atkins diet any more they put the weight on twice as fast because now they do not have the muscle to combat the fat.

Bear in mind when a new diet hits the market and seems too good to be true, your usually right!

THE ZONE DIET

The zone diet is used by many celebrities such as Jennifer aniston, Renee zellweger, Madonna, Cindy Crawford and Winona Ryder. The main concept of the zone diet is a balanced ratio of carbohydrates (40) and proteins (30%) so on this diet you do actually get to eat, which in my eyes is a good start.

The zone diet works by following recipes with a low-carbohydrate diet plan, it does insist on watching your calorie consumption while eating eg. A meal must not exceed 500 calories and a snack must not exceed 100 calories which they call staying in the zone.

I must say weight loss is not the only benefit of the zone diet you also experience improved energy, improved mental clarity and is also ideal for type 2 diabetes sufferers. This diet was implemented to reduce hunger and compulsion to eat. Zone diet recipes are customized to each individual, based on your sex, activity level and proportion of body fat.

The foods the zone diet encourages are fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts, leafy green vegetables, sufficient protein consumption, and eight glasses of water everyday. How weight loss is achieved with the zone diet is similar to the low gi diet.

By reducing your carbohydrates your body will not produce too much insulin (a hormone that tells your body to store up nutrients) consuming too much carbohydrates causes this to happen which is why carbs are seen as the bad guys. The overload of insulin tells the body to convert the carbohydrates you ate into fat stores around your belly, thighs, buttocks and other areas.

Carbohydrates are not totally the bad guys if you limit them and balance them with low-fat protein this will keep your insulin levels balanced. I like this diet because it's not so much a diet, it's more of a eating plan. The only problem I have with the zone diet is calculating meals and snacks every day is not totally convenient, with 5 hours of exercise a week and a variety of balanced meals consisting of low gi carbs, protein and veg is a simpler formula to lose weight.

THE SOUTH BEACH DIET

The south beach to me is an improved version of the atkins diet because it does allow "good" carbohydrates like fruit and foods with a low glycemic (Gi) index. The south beach diet gives you the freedom to snack all day if you feel the need to and not to worry about counting calories.

This diet is a complete waste of time because if you give people in search of losing weight the go-ahead to eat a portion as big as they like, they probably will, I know I would if I didn't know any better. Even eating the healthiest foods if you consume too much you will still put on weight.

WEIGHT WATCHERS

Weight watchers have created their own brand of foods with low calories from full dinners to ice cream. I must say weight watchers have tried to make counting calories as simple as they can here by running a points system.

Their point system runs something like this: each food has a point value ranging from 0 for jelly to 8 for pizza. Depending on your bodyweight, you are allowed a certain amount of points daily, if you stay under your points you lose weight.

With weight watchers you are allowed to bank points and use them over days, exercise also earns you points. When you're feeling down in the dumps or lacking in the motivation department you can go to daily weight watchers meetings and get great tips and motivation from others who have overcome their obstacles and achieved there goals.

I believe weight watchers has stood the test of time because they focus more on long term healthy eating rather than restrictive dieting, we are all human and sometimes we desire some of our favorite dessert or pizza without having to feel like a failure. I feel this is totally acceptable and is a good approach to achieving your goals.

THE GI DIET

This diet definitely takes the No.1 spot for me, because it's more of a eating plan than a restrictive diet. The GI diet also teaches you that carbs are not the bad guys after all, it's the type of carbs you eat that is important.

Put simply the GI diet is a scale which charts how quickly a food is converted into sugar in the body. Foods that chart as a high G.I number are converted into sugar more quickly than foods that have a low G.I number, the scale is based on a rating of 1 to 100.

So why is the G.I number important?

If a food is rated high on the G.I scale your body is more likely to store fat, this is due to insulin which is the primary storage hormone in your body and is used to help get nutrients into the different cells of your body. High G.I foods raise our blood sugar so rapidly that insulin has to be released in our body to bring our blood sugar down to a normal baseline, in order for insulin to bring our blood sugar levels down it has to store the sugar

It's a simple stimulus - response system that works to keep blood sugar levels in balance in the body.

So how does this affect your fat loss?

I'll tell you how, just remember when insulin is present in your bloodstream, your body is in STORAGE mode and will NOT release fat from your fat cells to burn. So when your blood sugar levels are high, your body isn't burning fat.

Another thing is when your blood sugar is high, your body is using that blood sugar for energy instead of using fat. Sugar is the preferred fuel for your body because it's easier to use, but it confuses the body so the body takes a guess and always releases too much insulin to bring your blood sugar level down but too much insulin results in bringing your blood sugar levels too low leaving you feeling dizzy and lethargic craving for more sugary foods to perk yourself up again, this is where the vicious cycle starts.

How do you stop this cycle?

To stop this vicious cycle you need keep your blood sugar levels stable so your body stays in fat burning mode instead of STORAGE mode. You accomplish this by focusing on eating low G.I carbs (every G.I diet book gives you a list of low G.I foods)

When you eat low G.I foods, the carbs are converted into sugar at a slower, steadier rate into the body, this way your body doesn't have to panick and send out extra reserves of insulin in an emergency response, also your blood sugar levels will not drop so suddenly leaving you craving for more sugar an hour later.

The steady state you recieve from consuming low G.I foods will allow your body to access stored bodyfat and use this fat for energy instead of constantly relying on blood sugar. The bonus… you don't get as hungry and you feel more energised throughout the day with a leaner body to go with it.

G.I diet: A eating plan for life

Another advantage of the G.I diet is that it focuses on good amounts of protein, healthy fats and fiber, which is a well balanced diet.

The concept of the G.I diet is scientifically sound because it works and can be maintained for the rest of your life unlike many fad diets which cannot. Eating low G.I foods for fat loss can have a positive impact not only on your fat loss but on your mood and well being as well.

A diet that focuses on natural, unprocessed foods such as whole grains, quality lean proteins, healthy fats and lots of fiber is no doubt going to be a effective diet

Parents are at Fault(obesity)

2008-04-10T02:44:00.000-07:00

Parents are at fault

A pertinent observation about such behavior in children is that the blame should entirely lie on the parents. Moderation in every thing is never considered a virtue. A show of leniency towards their loved one's tantrums and behavior are mistakenly thought to be the immense love they have for their children. Sweets are used as bribe as well as reward to make them do things and when they do things without being told. Young children at school are encouraged to distribute toffees and chocolates on their birthdays in almost all schools with the consent of parents as well as teachers. This practice has become a way of school going children's life even in villages.
Many children are fond of eating fried-salty snacks, cakes, pastries and biscuits frequently, especially when they watch their favorite programmes on the television. This type of wrong eating encourages and results in overeating and consequent obesity. In many families parents themselves have such eating habits from whom the children pick them up easily.

Games devoid of exercise in children

Education combined with entertainment, most of which are more of brain-work than physical activity, has taken hold of young children's time. In every home children spend hours together confined to a place. Video games and a variety of games and puzzles deprive them of the opportunity to engage in outdoor exercise and sports.
Some children are also found to gain weight after the removal of the tonsils. This is more so in girls than in boys.

An emotionally insecure child also eats frequently to gain reassurance and comfort when under pressure either at home or school.

Obesity in Different Age Groups

2008-02-27T22:10:00.000-08:00

Obesity in Different Age Groups

Obesity and children

Obesity in children is something which we are coming across more and more nowadays. This, to a very great extent, could be attributed to heredity. It is commonly found that a child born to overweight parents, has a 90% chance to become obese.

Why heredity causes obesity in children

The question that may cross any one's mind is. why does heredity cause overweight ? It is because in most of the cases the chi Id simply inherits good appetite and they are not discouraged from eating anything and everything at any time and all the time. This results in faulty digestion and poor absorption, culminating in obesity.

It is also found that children born to mothers who are over-fed with more of artificial and fatty food lacking in nutrition during their last three months of pregnancy, give birth to over-weight children. It is also wrongiy believed by most mothers that an over-weight child must be fed more because the size of the stomach seems large. The child is trained to overeat at a very young age and the weight keeps increasing alarmingly.

Sweets and obesity — Inseparable companions

Young children are fond of sweets. This tendency makes them eat sweets at the beginning of their meals. This brings on a false sense of satisfied appetite. This satisfaction is achieved before they eat sufficient food thai supply nutritive needs. The sight of vegetables and other nutritive food, at such times, make them turn away from them. Consequently they return, after a little while, with hunger and insist on having the same type of food that they had earlier.

If discipline is not instil led in children right from the beginning, to consume nutritive food like vegetables, milk etc., they will end up eating food only of their choice which is harmful to their health. Many of those children who indulge in eating sweets often, rarely relish their food unless it is excessively sweetened.

There are some children who also enjoy natural food like fruits, but only when they are included in salads, ice-creams and custard that are sweetened. But some may argue that children who are extremely thin do relish sweets with the same interest. These children generally are over-active for their age, so the extra calories they consume get converted into energy. But their over indulgence in such type of food saps their body reserve and though they do not become obese, they become prone to many deficiencies. In such children during their childhood bad teeth, stomach and intestinal disorders occur frequently due to bad digestion and assimilation' of what they eat. As a result they remain thin uplo their adolescence. But as they grow into their youth there comes a sudden appearance of flesh around their waist and abdomen. A steady increase in their weight which never abates as he or she grows older, is the unfortunate result.

HAL ASANA

2008-01-31T06:09:00.000-08:00

HAL ASANA (The Plough Posture)

Technique

• Lie flat on the back full length.
• Place arms on both sides of the floor, palms facing the ground.
• Join both legs and lift them up slowly as you inhale. Do not bend your legs.
• Slowly raise the hips and lumbar region of the back.
• Lower the legs until the toes touch the floor beyond the head.
• Keep legs straight.
• Relax the body and remain in the final posture for a comfortable period of time.
(Picture 25)
Another variation of this posture is to stretch both the hands behind the back. (Posture 26)

Hal Asana

HalAsana (Another Variation)

Synchronisation of Breath

• Inhale when raising the legs.
• Exhale when lowering legs to the floor,
• Ensure normal breathing in the final posture.

Benefits

According to Tantra Yoga, this Asana is one of the best to hone sexual powers. It invigorates and nourishes all sexual glands and thereby improves sexual potential to a considerable extent. It also corrects impotence, frigidity and lack of sexual powers.

Activates functioning of abdominal organs, especially the kidneys and pancreas.

Eliminates constipation, cures dyspepsia and improves digestion. J Regulates activities of the thyroid and ensures agility and energy.

The spine receives an extra supply of blood due to the forward bend and this relieves backache.

Improves blood circulation in the brain, thereby contributing to intelligence, alertness and good memory.

Cures certain types of diabetes as it helps to improve secretion of all glands in the abdomen.

Corrects menstrual disorders in women.

Prevents early ossification of vertebral bones.

Cures enlargement of liver and spleen.

Activates abdominal and rectal muscles as well as the thighs.

Reduces fat from all parts of the body, especially the waist. Makes the body lighter and more active.

Reduces muscular tension.

Cures gastric and other stomach troubles.

Eliminates piles.

Reduces tendency towards high blood pressure.

Activate the Subconscious Mind

The benefits derived from this Asana are varied, so the practitioner may pick any benefit he would like to derive and concentrate on that particular aspect while performing this Asana. However, women suffering from frequent menstrual disorders may suggest to themselves that they are being cured of their menstrual problems after performing this Asana regularly. While doing this Asana, it is also good to suggest improvement in all sexual aspects.

Suitability

Suitable for all.

Precautions

Aged persons and those suffering from back pain and high blood pressure should not do this Asana.

MATSYA ASANA

2007-12-27T08:54:00.000-08:00

MATSYA ASANA (The Fish Posture)

Technique

Matsya Asana

Matey a Asana (Second Variation)

• Sit in Padma Asana. (Picture 63)
• Gradually bend backwards and lie on the back.
• Do not raise the knees locked up in Padma Asana. Rest the elbows on the floor.
• Then bend the head backwards and make an arch form by bending the backbone.
• After bending the backbone in an arch, rest the head on the floor.
• For making a bigger arch exert more pull on the thighs and more twist on the
neck and back. But do not strain to achieve.
• After making an arch of the body, stay in this position for ten to fifteen seconds.
(Picture 23)
• An advanced way of doing this Asana is to bring the right hand below the body
to the opposite side and catch the right big toe.
• Similarly the left hand should be brought below near the hip to catch the left big
toe. (Picture 24)

Synchronisation of Breath

Maintain normal breathing.

Benefits

1.Activates the spine and all muscles of the back.
2.Gives massage effect to facial tissues and face wrinkles disappear, thereby ensuring a youthful look.
a Removes stiffness of the neck and back and brings flexibility to the whole upper area of the body.
3.As the chest is thrown open, deep breathing is possible. Helps to remove spasm from bronchial tubes and thereby relieves asthma.
4.Backward pressure of the head causes a brisk flow of blood to all areas of the neck.
5.An excellent Asana for colds and purulent tonsils.
6.Thyroids and parathyroids receive lot of blood.
a Gives strength to the waist, back and neck.
7.Tones up pituitary and pineal glands that are located in the brain.
8.Eliminates constipation and massages abdominal organs.
9.Good for women as it stimulates pelvic organs, especially genital ones and the
ovaries in particular.
10.roadens the chest, corrects a hunchback and thereby ensures body symmetry.
11.Good for wrestlers in preventing defeat by pin fall.
12.Reduces fat from buttocks and stomach.
13. Imparts lightness and activity to the body as a whole.
14.Useful for abdominal illness.
15.Helps diabetics by improving general metabolism.
16.Relieves inflamed and bleeding piles.

Activates the Subconscious Mind

Since this Asana ensures varied benefits one should mentally repeat any statement suited to his needs.

Suitability

Suitable for all.

Precautions

None.

Yoga Video 5

2007-12-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

Yoga video 4

2007-12-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

Yoga Video 3

2007-12-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

Yoga video 2

2007-12-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

Yoga video 1

2007-12-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

YOGA VIDEOS 2

YOGA VIDEOS 3

YOGA VIDEOS 4

YOGA VIDEOS 5

Yoga Videos Links

2007-12-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

YOGA VIDEOS 1

YOGA VIDEOS 2

YOGA VIDEOS 3

YOGA VIDEOS 4

YOGA VIDEOS 5

The tale of the eight limbed girl

2007-12-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

Obesity & eating pattern

2007-12-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

Obesity & eating pattern

That luxurious eating habits and lifestyles confine only to royal families, is no more true today. People who are unable to make two ends meet, try to imitate them even at the cost of incurring debts. Trying to keep up with the Joneses, be it a marriage party or any other function, encourages people to serve readily available food items rich in calories and refined carbohydrates. Catering services have become a thriving business. Tailor-made lunch and dinner kept warm on spirit lamps to retain heat constantly to be served fresh further make the food more refined and add more calories to it.

A Royal disease

Obesity can be called a Royal disease. From among the various terminologies under "Royal", we will for our purpose take the example of only two, i.e. "Royal Games" and "Royal Road".
Royal games include games like Chess which donot provide any physical exercise to the players and is generally played indoors. In those days, kings and nawabs played chess-whenever they were in need of diversion and relaxation. The present generation has found exposure in abundance to such games (video games being one of them} and these breed in the children and youngsters the tendency to avoid other sports and outdoor games which give physical exercise.

Royal Road, which stands for a short and easy way to overcome difficulties, has come to play its own role. Progress and advancement towards better living conditions of the people all over the world, has brought with it many disadvantages too. Comfortable and luxurious lifestyle of living influenced by the television network and magazines, constantly keeps projecting all labour saving devices one could acquire for their day-to-day living. People least realise that by falling a prey to these devices, they are gradually getting alienated from much needed normal exer¬cise, which these chores provide.

Feast and festivals

An important destabilising factor is the celebration of festivals in our country. We have festivals for the asking throughout the year and at such occasions more than the real significance behind celebration of such festivals what most commonly occurs is indiscrete consumption of rich, fatty and refined food at untimely hours. Even festivals that advocate complete fast have been modified by eating sweets and savories made out of sugar, ghee etc. Birthday parties of even infants are celebrated with a lavish dinner where ice-creams, cold-drinks and cakes are served and consumedeven during the very cold winter months. Overloading the stomach under these circumstances on a very regular basis cannot but make one put on more weight.

COMPLEXION LOTIONS/ SUNSCREEN LOTIONS FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

2007-11-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

COMPLEXION LOTIONS/ SUNSCREEN LOTIONS FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

Since much importance is attached to the fair complexion in our society every woman wants to look fair and charming. Complexion lotions not only improve the colour of your skin but also protect it from the harmful effects of the sun by providing a screen between skin and the sunrays. Therefore they are generally known as sunscreen lotions. We give below a few complexion lotions which you can make yourself at home. Try one of these to look prettier than before.

Lime Complexion Lotion

Lime flowers 25 gm
Distilled water 250 ml
Sodium benzoate V4 tsp

Put the lime flowers in boiling water for an hour. Strain and let the mixture cool. Add sodium benzoate to it. This is a very good complexion lotion and for better results add equal part of rose water to it. Keep it under refrigeration and use it with the help of cotton buds.

Lavender Complexion Lotion

Borax powder 1 Tsp
Rose water 1 Cup
Olive oil 2 Tbsp
Lavender extract 1/2 Cup

Mix borax powder in rose water and add boiling oil to the mixture. Keep stirring, when cool add lavender extract too. It can be kept under refrigeration for more than 2 months.

Almond Complexion Lotion

Almond oil 1 tbsp
Cucumber/carrot juice 1 tsp
Glycerine 2 tsp
Liquid paraffin 1 tsp
Extract of cornflower 1 tsp

Heat the almond oil and paraffin together and add all the other ingredients to it. Shake it well, apply it and let it remain till it dries. Rinse off with cold water preceded by washing with lukewarm water. It leaves the skin looking fairer and smoother.

Sesame Complexion Lotion

Sesame oil 40 ml
Olive oil 10 ml
Almond oil 10 ml

Mix all the oils together and apply it on the face and neck. It is an exclusive tonic to protect the skin from scorching heat of sun and is a very effective measure to get rid of suntanning.

Brook Lime Complexion Lotion

Leaves/stems of brook lime 50 gm
Distilled water 500 ml
Sodium benzoate !/2 tsp
Witch Hazel Complexion Lotion
Borax powder Distilled water

Boil the water and put the brook lime leaves/stems in it. Leave it for an hour. Strain and let it cool. Now mix sodium benzoate in it. Apply it on the face and neck with cotton. It removes the spots and blackheads. It can be kept under refrigeration for more than 2 months.

15 gm 500 ml
Alcohol 1 cup
Witch hazel extract l/2 cup
Dissolve the borax powder in water over a low flame. Let it cool, then stir with rest of the ingredients. Pour the mixture into an airtight bottle and keep under refrigeration.

SKIN SOOTHING ROUTINE

Very often after the day's work you feel quite tired. Especially in summer when you go out, you sweat a lot, which causes a deficiency of essential salts in your body. This results in a feeling of tiredness and weariness in you. Apply one of the following preparations on your face and you will feel quite fresh.

Cucumber Skin Soothing Preparation
Cucumber Lemon
1 medium
V2

Feel and chop the cucumber and place the slices in a bowl. Squeeze the lemon over cucumber and let it stand for an hour. Then rub the cucumber slices all over the face avoiding the area encircling the eyes. Leave it so for 30 minutes and wash off with cold water. It is an extra luxurious preparation for oily skin.

Yoghurt Skin Soothing Preparation

Cucumber 1 small
Yoghurt 100 gm
Put the cucumber through a blender and mix it with the yoghurt. Apply the paste on the face and neck. Leave to dry and then wash off with cold water. This is a good preparation for normal and sensitive skin.

Witch Hazel Skin Soothing Preparation

Cucumber 1 small
Honey 1 tsp
Witch hazel extract 1 tsp
Grind the cucumber and mix honey and witch hazel to the pulp of cucumber. Apply on the face and neck, and leave it on for 20 minutes. When dry wash off with cold water. This gives a fabulous touch to the dry skin.

SARVANGAASANA

2007-11-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

SARVANGAASANA
(The Shoulder Stand Posture)

Assume a lying down position on the seat with the back to the ground.
Slowly raise the legs with slow, gradual and constant inhalation. (Preparatory Posture - Picture 20)

The legs must be in a straight line with the trunk and the hips.
Support the back on the sides with your hands.
Start exhaling and raise legs upwards towards the sky.
The trunks and legs should extend straight upwards with the neck forming a right angle, the chest pressing against the chin. (Final Posture - Picture 21)

Avoid jerking and do this Asana very gracefully. The whole weight of the body should be thrown on the shoulders. Remain in this posture for as long as possible, breathing normally. As in Sirsha Asana, you may do Padma Sarvanga Asana. (Picture 22)

After tliis, exhale and gradually bring down your legs. Release the hands, lie flat

Synchronisation of Breath

As explained in the above example.

Benefits

Improves flow of blood to the brain.

Stimulates the thyroid gland and keeps it in healthy condition, which results in
healthy functioning of all organs of the body.

Tones up the nervous and reproductive systems.

Adjusts improper body growth.

Brings relief from congestion in the abdominal and pelvic regions.

Helps cure ailments like constipation, dyspepsia, headache, etc.

Keeps the vertebral column in an elastic and pliable condition.

Averts calcification of body parts and thereby youth is preserved for longer time.

Improves functioning of chords and thereby improves the voice of singers.

Aids in awakening Kundalini Shakti.

All parts of the body are exercised, energised and activated.

Removes respiratory defects in the lungs through internal activation.

Gives asthma patients relief.

Energises all sex glands and thereby improves sexual activity in both males and
females.

Ensures great relief from functional disorders of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.
a Cures appendicitis, gastrointestinal disorders and varicose veins.

The face receives extra supply of blood, especially over the forehead and the scalp and thereby helps prevent lines and wrinkles in the face. This preserves the youthful look in both men and women.

This Asana has medicinal value for curing impotence, frigidity, lack of sexual power and various other defects of the sexual organs.

The heart gets rest as long as you remain in this Asana. This insures one against all heart troubles.

For women, this Asana banishes the ever-present menace of irritation and catarrh of the uterus.

Improves mental faculty considerably.

Activate the Subconscious Mind

This is one of the best Asanas conferring many benefits on practitioners. However, this is particularly designed to stimulate the thyroid gland and activate the vocal chords.
Since the thyroid gland is responsible for healthy functioning of all organs in the body, it is possible to maintain perfect health throughout one's life by consistent practise of this Asana. Therefore, while doing this Asana, one may suggest the following to activate the subconscious mind:
"My general health is improving to a great extent by doing this Asana."

As this Asana also activates the functioning of the vocal chords, orators, teachers and singers may suggest that their voice has improved considerably by doing this Asana.

Suitability

Suitable for all practitioners.

Precautions

This Asana should not be attempted by persons suffering from high blood pressure, heart ailments, enlarged thyroid, liver or spleen problems.

The Importance

This is a good substitute for Sirsha Asana. Those who are not able to perform Sirsha Asana can very well do this and derive the same benefits of Sirsha Asana. If Sirsha Asana is not done properly the practitioner may have some adverse effect on his health, whereas Sarvanga Asana can easily be done by anybody without any harmful effects. This Asana is particularly good for persons who are taking up Yoga after the age of 40.

Reward of Prosperity and Change of Lifestyle

2007-11-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

Reward of Prosperity and Change of Lifestyle

In the developed countries people enjoy the fruits of develop¬ment and technological advancement. For almost all routine chores, mechanisation is available to them because of their affluence. This leads to their gelling minimum physical exercise. This is the first step towards obesity.

Sometime back, there was a report in the newspapers that in one of the advanced countries, mini-cars were being used for going about within their expansive offices and work areas. In many homes three to four conneclions of telephones, intercoms, re¬mote controls etc., restrict even the bare minimum movement of even young chil¬dren. Time and labour saving devices have denied us good health and a trim body.

Refrigerator — The culprit

Refrigerator was invented for utility pur¬pose. If vegetables, dairy products or medicines are stored and preserved, it would certainly be considered a neces¬sity rather than a luxury. But what we find generally is that a fridge is converted into a store-house for all sorts of left-overs of cooked food items, cold drinks, and ice¬creams. While refrigeration destroys the nutritional value of cooked food, soft drinks, ice-creams, cakes, puddings and [he like, it often results in many avoidable maladies, obesity being one of them. Storing food items gives an easy access to them and encourages frequent eating habits.

TIPS FOR SKIN CARE

2007-11-23T01:28:00.000-08:00

TIPS FOR SKIN CARE

If you have the proper knowledge about your skin you can take its proper care and keep it free from problems. On the one hand, to keep the skin intact, healthy and glowing, we ought to take good diet to provide the vitamins required fey our skin; on the other hand, to deal with the harmful effects of atmosphere we have to take the help of external applications known as cosmetics. Cosmetics claim to do everything from ensuring safe tanning to reversing the ageing process.

Avoid too much of sweets, fried foods, alcohols and cakes because they cause blemishes and blotchiness on the skins surface.

Eat one seasonal fruit in the morning, preferably before eating anything else. Also eat vegetables, especially raw ones.

Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water everyday.

Avoid the sun. If you have to go out either cover your head with a chunni or take an umbrella. Also apply sunscreen lotion (refer page 8).

Avoid smoking, specially passive smoking, that is, inhaling the air polluted by somebody's smoking.

Use bathing oil to soften your skin. For making your own bathing oil take 1 cup each of palm, almond and olive oils and half cup of wheatgerrn oil. Mix them well and keep it in a bottle in the dark. Take a little of it and massage into the whole body before bathing or swimming.

• Try to keep your bathroom warm so that the increase in temperature
will encourage the skin pores to open. Bathrooms can be kept warm
by installing a heater at a place where it is out of the hazards of
causing electric shocks.
• Use a body brush to break down the more fleshy skin tissues of the
body.
• A bath brush and a pumice stone help to soften hard skin often found
on the feet, knees and elbows.
• Cleanse your skin, once in the morning and again in the evening
before going to sleep, with products suiting your skin type (refer page
12).
• Use face mask suiting your skin type (refer page 12) atleast once a
week.
• Massage your body (take someone's help) atleast once a month.

SIRSHA ASANA

2007-11-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

SIRSHA ASANA (The Headstand Posture)

Technique

Sirsha Amna (Second Posture)

• Assume the position of Vajra Asana. (Refer to Picture 40)
• Bring the head down and place it on the ground.
• Interlock the hands and keep them on the backside of your head. (Preparatory
Posture: Picture 14)
• Slowly raise your legs together and stretch them straight on the ground as much
as possible. (Second Posture: Picture 15)
• This is a preparatory posture for Sirsha Asana.
• The distance between the elbows should be equal to the distance between the
head and elbow of each arm.
• Palms should support the back portion of the head.
• Hands should not support the weight of the body throughout the Asana.
• After assuming the preparatory position slowly bend the knees and raise them
upwards.
• The weight of the body is borne by the head supported by the interlocked hands
behind and the forearms in the front.
• In the final posture the body should be perfectly straight and exactly vertical.
(Final Posture: Picture 16)

• The most important point to be remembered in the final posture is that neither
the forehead nor the back of the head should rest on the ground but only the
crown of the head.
• In the initial stages, beginners should try to do this Asana with the help of a
friend. In the absence of anybody, practise this Asana against the corner of a wall
so as to prevent falling down.
• The duration of stay in the final posture differs from person to person, depend¬
ing upon experience and the purpose for which Yogic practices are being
undertaken.
• Beginners may stay in the final posture for about 15 to 30 seconds.
• The duration may be extended gradually.
• While raising the body or staying in the final posture the eyes should never
become bloodshot. If they do, the posture is presumed to be faulty.

« An advanced way of doing this Asana is to bring both the legs down and form the Padma Asana. This is called Padma Sirsha Asana. (Picture 17)

Synchronisation of Breath

Breathe in while lifting the legs up. Maintain normal breathing in the final posture.

How to End

The termination of Sirsha Asana must be slow and gentle. Both legs should be brought down simultaneously with the Padma Asana posture. (Picture 18)

On termination of this posture, maintain the kneeling position with the head on the floor for at least 30 seconds.

As a sort of counter-pose of this Asana, do Tada Asana for five rounds. This is performed as follows:

TADA ASANA

• Stand erect, interlocking the hands.
* Inhale deeply and simultaneously raise both the heels and the
interlocked hands.
* Be in the posture with inner retention for a few seconds. (Picture 19)
• Then bring down the raised heels and your hands. Exhale. This is
one round of Tada Asana.
This is to be done to ensure proper functioning of the body, particularly blood circulation, which should readjust to normal conditions.
After completing Tada Asana, do Shava Asana without fail. (Picture 13)

Benefits

By the action of gravity, the brain receives a richer supply of blood at a somewhat increased pressure. This results in dilation of capillaries and also opens capillar¬ies that are blocked.

Due to increased amount of blood to the brain, the brain cells are abundantly nourished and rejuvenated.

Because of the strong flushing action of the blood, the accumulated toxins and waste material are also effectively removed from the brain. This assists in the break-up of cholesterol deposits, which tend to build up on the linings of blood vessels. These deposits are closely related to the occurrence of a blood clot (coronary thrombosis).

Improves and maintains good physical and mental health. Q Affects the body's entire psycho-physiological mechanism. Produces an immedi¬ate and powerful sedation of the nervous system.

Psychic powers like clairvoyance, telepathy etc. are developed if this Asana is performed for a long duration over a considerable number of years

Stagnant or sluggish blood in the abdomen, lungs, and sexual organs is replaced by a good flow of purified blood, which thereby eliminates fatigue caused in these areas.

Functions of the liver and other digestive organs are activated by decongestion, which thereby improves digestive powers through increased blood supply.

Urinary problems are eliminated as the kidneys and large intestine are decon-gested and receive an enhanced blood supply.

As one grows older, the sex glands are liable to accumulate stagnant blood that brings about loss in functional efficiency. Consistent practise of this Asana activates the sex glands and improves performance of sexual activities.

Increases blood .low to the eyes and ears and improves their functioning.

Minor facial wrinkles are eliminated, thereby enabling one to maintain a youthful look.

Regular practise of this Asana over a long period averts the appearance of grey hair.

Downward displacement of abdominal organs (visceroptosis) is adjusted, as there is an upward movement of the diaphragm during this Asana. Abdominal organs like the stomach, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, liver etc. are massaged.

Ensures tranquillity and serenity of mind.

Cures psychosomatic diseases.

Cures other diseases like headache, mild asthma, bad hearing, constipation, dyspepsia, enlarged liver, varicose veins, prolapses of sexual organs, diabetes, arthritis etc.

Female problems during menstruation and menopause and some sexual disor¬ders are remedied.

Persons suffering from insomnia, defective memory and loss of vitality can derive maximum benefit from this Asana. They will become fountains of energy.

Provides resistance power to the lungs for any climatic conditions.

The practitioner is practically relieved from cold, coughs, tonsillitis and bad breath.
Keeps the body warm.

Improves haemoglobin content of the blood.

A regular practitioner gains balance of mind, acquires a sense of self-reliance and improves courage to face untoward situations in life.

Makes the neck, abdominal walls and thighs powerful. The chest is fully expanded.

Revitalises all bodily systems by increasing blood flow to the brain and pituitary gland, which is responsible for rectifying many forms of nervous and glandular disorders.

One of the best Asanas to sublimate sexual energies and help awaken Kundalini Shakti.

Activate the Subconscious Mind

This Asana is considered the King of all Asanas and this is amply proved from the innumerable benefits it confers on the practitioner.
Since this has tremendous therapeutic effects to cure several diseases, patients can conveniently practise this Asana to cure their diseases. They should suggest to themselves as follows while in the final posture:

"I am being cured of my disease."
This is one of the best Asanas to improve memory and intelligence. Therefore, youngsters may use this autosuggestion:

"This Asana improves my memory and intelligence."
In the same manner, the principle of activating the subconscious mind could be applied on the basis of the needs of the individual practitioner.

Precautions

This Asana has to be performed very carefully; otherwise, the practitioner may fall and hurt his body. This should never be attempted without the proper guidance of an expert.
Persons suffering from high blood pressure and heart ailments should not perform this Asana.

Obesity An obstacle

2007-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Obesity An obstacle

Obese persons are referred to as "flesh mountains" or "road rollers". They are often ridiculed and even scorned at. Those who know that obese people lack good health would, however, pity such persons,

A true incident which rook place in a small village, describes how obesity prevented a mother from .saving her child from getting crushed under a speeding truck. The child was playing near the road leading to the highway, when the mother noticed a speeding truck heading directly towards the child, in its attempt to avoid other oncoming traffic. Terrified at the prospect of the child getting crushed, she rushed to save the child but her huge body slowed down her reflexes and movements. She reached the child when it was too late.

It is a common sight to see a stout person boarding an overcrowded bus puffing and panting, making his way through the crowd causing untold discomfort to the other passengers. Some may be bold to remark about the poverty in the country where some people do not get even two square meals a day, whereas some eat themselves to bursting point. Some others offer unso¬licited advice to the conductor to charge the stout man for two persons in view of his bulk.

Herbal Beauty Introduction

2007-11-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

Woman can be beautiful irrespective of her physical attributes, provided she maintains her health

Ensures nourishment to the different body parts, viz. hair, skin and tissues etc. Nature has given us a wide variety of products and these are of immense value as far as the nourishment of our body is concerned.

Although many synthetic cosmetics are available to the Indian women these products are considered out of fashion. But women still buy such cosmetics for the sake of style or for maintaining themselves within their shoe-string budgets. About the effects or the efficacy of these cosmetics, the less said the better.

The herbal products prepared after years of analysis of tropical conditions, body mechanisms and pollution effects are unique blends of several natural ingredients. If you use them you will be amazed at the results. Since many of the products are extracts of rarely available herbs, they are very costly. However, every effort has been made to explain how these costly preparations can be easily prepared at home at relatively cheaper rates. Besides using these herbal cosmetics, women should exercise daily to ensure proper blood circulation, keep the tissues intact and to correct their figure. And we assure you that the combined effect of herbal cosmetics and exercises will simply be amazing.

SURYA NAMASKAR

2007-11-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

SURYA NAMASKAR
(Salutation to the Sun Posture)

Special Remarks

If there is not much time to practise Asanas, Pranayama and meditation, Surya Namaskar alone can ensure the benefits of all types of Yogic practices.

Surya Namaskar combines the benefits of physical exercise, Asanas and Pranayama. It is a multi-stage Asana. Being a combination of 12 Asanas, one can gain the benefits of all the Asanas involved in it.

In this Asana there are 12 spinal positions. The vertebral column is bent forward and backward alternately with deep breathing. There is contraction on the abdomen and diaphragm when the body is bent forward. When the body bends backward the chest expands and deep breathing occurs automatically. In this way, flexibility increases and breathing is corrected.

This Asana is done preferably in the morning while facing the rising sun. If vou are unable to watch the rising sun for one reason or the other, practise Surya Namaskar facing the East. Start doing it thrice only and gradually increase the number.

Technique

Position One - Pranama. Asana (Prayer Posture)

• Stand erect facing the East, with hands relaxed by the sides.
• Inhale and join the palms in Namaskara Mudra on the chest. (Picture 1)
• Breathe normally and concentrate on the rising sun.

Position Two - Hasta Uttan Asana (Raised Arms Posture)

• Inhale and raise the arms high.
• Bend backward as far as possible.
• Hold the breath in. (Picture 2)

Position Three - Pada Hasta Asana (Head to Foot Posture)

• Without bending the knees, bend forward while exhaling till the palms touch the
floor.
• Stay in this posture as long as you feel comfortable. (Picture 3)

Position Four - Ashwasanchalana Asana (Equestrian Posture)

« Without inhaling, bend the left knee and stretch the left leg as far back as possible until the palms rest on the floor.
• The weight of the body should now be supported on the two hands, the left foot,
the right knee and the right toes. Hold your breath. (Picture 4)

Position Five - Parvat Asana (Mountain Posture)

• Exhale as you straighten the left leg to place the left foot beside the right one.
• Raise the buttocks and keep the head up, with the heels touching the floor.
• The body should form two sides of a triangle with the legs and arms unbent.
(Picture 5)

Position Six - Ashtanga Namaskar Asana (Salute with Total Surrender Posture)

• Lower the body to the floor so that the toes of the feet, the knees, the chest, the
hands and the chin touch the floor.
• The hips and the abdomen should be raised.
• Do not breathe. (Picture 6)

Position Seven - Bhujanga Asana (Cobra Posture)

• While inhaling, raise the body from the waist up by straightening the arms
• Bend as far back as possible. The spine should be bent to the maximum.
(Picture 7)

Position Eight - Parvat Asana

This is a repetition of position five.

• Exhale and lift the body.
• Keep the feet and heels flat on the floor. (Picture 8)

Position Nine - Ashwasanchalana Asana

• This posture corresponds to position four with the legs in alternate positions.
• Inhale and bring the right foot in line with the hands. The left foot and knee
should touch the floor.
• Look slightly up. (Picture 9)

Position Ten - Pada Hasta Asana

• Exhale and bring the left leg forward. Keep the knees straight.
• Bring the head to the third position. (Picture 10)

Position Eleven - Hasta Uttan Asana

This is a repetition of position two. (Picture 11)

Position Twelve - Final Posture

• Exhale. Drop the arms and relax. (Picture 12)

Synchronisation of Breath

Mentioned clearly at every step of doing this Asana.

Benefits

Ensures remarkable lightness of body, buoyancy of mind and general feeling of youthfulness.
Strengthens the neck, arms, back, shoulders, thighs, knees, waist, calves and
ankles.
Exercises the legs and arms mildly, thereby increasing blood circulation.

Cures kidney trouble by strengthening the back.

Activates sluggish glands.
Increases chest size and decreases abdominal girth.

Retards obesity.

Boosts blood supply to the entire spinal area and thereby strengthens the heart,
lungs, liver, stomach, kidneys and bowels.
Improves and develops the bust in women and gets rid of menstrual disorders; renders childbearing less painful and improves the quantity and quality of milk in nursing mothers,

Activate the Subconscious Mind

Since it is an excellent Asana for general improvement of health and longevity one may make the following suggestion to oneself while performing this Asana:

"My general health is improving considerably in every respect by doing this Asana. "

Suitability

Suitable for all, particularly women, who can derive considerable benefit from this Asana.

Precautions

Shava Asana

This Asana is to be performed at the time of the rising sun to derive maximum benefits. After performing this Asana it is necessary to relax by doing Shava Asana, (Picture 13) For explanation refer to Asana No. 13.

Synchronisation of Breath in Yoga

2007-11-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

Synchronisation of Breath

The breath should be properly synchronised while performing the Asanas depending upon the manner in which the body is positioned. One of the essential features that distinguish Yogic Asanas from physical exercises is that greater emphasis is placed on the synchronisation of the breath.

While explaining the practical aspects of the individual Asanas in the subsequent pages, specific mention has been made about how the breath must be synchronised.

Points to Ponder

1. Asanas should be performed in a slow and graceful manner without any jerky or violent movements.

2.
Breaths should be properly synchronised with the movement of various parts of the body.
The mind should be calm and relaxed, saturated in sublime and serene thoughts. All negative feelings like envy, jealousy, malice, anger, and hatred should be scrupulously avoided,

4.
Asanas should not be practised in a mechanical way but must be considered a purposeful activity. One should mentally repeat that by doing a particular Asana he would derive certain benefits. Specific mention has been made in the subsequent pages regarding the aspects on which one should utilise autosugges¬tion while doing the Asana. This is mentioned for every Asana under the subtitle Activate the Subconscious Mind.

5. After completion of every posture, relax the entire body by lying down in Shava
Asana for a few seconds and then take up the practise of the next Asana.

6. A set of Asanas should be selected and practised regularly in proper sequence.

Obesity in children

2007-11-13T12:14:00.001-08:00

Obesity in children
While chubby children are loved by everyone, obese children attract no one. Some of these children are by nature very sensitive and such a treatment from their schoolmates and playmates disturbs them mentally which affects their overall interest in all their activities. Many a time they withdraw into themselves or develop a dislike for sports or games and spend most of the time in isolation, eating or nibbling being their only diversion.
Some mentally handicapped children, as in Down's syndrome, are found obese. Though these children have normal weight at birth they tend to become obese as they grow older. There are two reasons for this, wrong eating habits and lack of exercise. Feeding such children is an extremely tiring and time consuming job because of the non-coordination of their muscles and very slow movements of their limbs as well as the inability to chew the food thoroughly before swallowing. Hence they are mostly fed soft food. This deprives them with the need for thorough chewing. Because of the slow movements of their muscles and joints, exercise is also denied to them.

Obesity Causes

2007-11-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

Obesity Causes

A few decades back, obesity was a rare occurrence. It is no more so. At one lime people identified obesity as the cause for some underlying physical disorder or mental disability. So they sought to conlrol excess weight. But later obesity by and large came to be viewed and specified as being the symbol of good health or good personality. Remarks like "How healthy he looks !" "What a personality he has !" are not uncommon. Even in families where no one is obese, we find children who are either obese from childhood or become obese a few years later.

Some still equate obesity with perfect health. If one loses a few pounds of excess weight, people lament often about how good his health was some days ago and how weak he looked after losing weight. Nevertheless today many people are well in¬formed through various health columns, articles and news items published in periodicals and papers about why obesity is not desirable and why one should control excess weight. People now realise that obesity causes a variety of disorders some of which cou!d prove life threatening.

Discrimination of sex

Obesity also affects youngsters who have reached marriageable age. They find difficulty in getting married, as most suitors dislike to get saddled with an obese partner { especially girls }. An overweight male is viewed to be a majestic personality who commands respect and even fear in some cases. However, in case of females they are ridiculed, rejected in marriage alliances and even despised in some cases. This is one of the many reasons why women are more figure conscious than men, always seeking various devices and health programmes to reduce their weight. Some women who are highly sensitive to sarcastic remarks about their figures, decide to even starve many a time in order to reduce weight. This is amply borne out by the innumerable advertisements appearing in matrimonial columns of newspapers and magazines seeking beautiful, attractive, slim girls. There are also several incidences of slim girls being rejected because they put on weight a few weeks after their engagement.

Obesity

2007-11-09T03:55:00.000-08:00

There has been outstanding advancement in the medical Held which has taken place during the last few years, in arresting and finding cures for many incurable maladies, but obesity has so far successfully eluded most of them, us has cancer. The present generation is in constant quest for a remedy for (his malady. New solutions for slimming are coming up every other day, in the form of pills and potions which are also gaining entrance in many physicians' consulting rooms. Ultra modern drugs with tall claims of weight reducing effects are being manufactured by the dozens.

Crash diets arc experimented with very little effect. Stay trim devices are being manufactured and advertised in order to lure those who wish to lose weight, to go in for a trial. Health clubs that advertise fitness and weight reducing programmes are attracting young and old from all corners. Some of these programmes are no doubt effective, but they cost too much and consume a lot of energy. Sometimes except for an overall well being, they never help reduce a single pound.
It is needless to say that most of such crash programmes do not have long lasting effect. People have a genuine fear that if and when they stop such programmes, they would once again gain weight. Such an apprehension itself could prove to be counter¬productive and induce other physical disorders or a reversal to the original bloated status.

Quacks and exploiters do not lag far behind in promising heaven for making a quick buck for themselves. Gullibility being a common virtue in most people, they get lured by one or the other of these, sometimes with drastic results.

Reducing weight can be a natural activity and an enjoyable pastime for those who do not suffer from any other serious disease. They can reduce by adopting a method that suits their physical, mental and psychological needs. However, the proper weight reducing remedies are those which do not leave the individual with any bad or undesirable after effects and at the same time have a lasting effect.

For example, when a person earns wealth in a very short period or without hard work, he starts frittering it away and instead of pleasure, such wealth only gives him unavoidable anxiety. In its wake, i I also brings unwanted worry, whereby he spends most of his life with the thoughts of finding ways and means to preserve it. So the wealth which lie thought would bring him comfort and pleasure, becomes a burden. Whereas wealth earned by hard work and sweat, gives a person lasting pleasure and peace. Knowing its worth, he will not be tempted to fritter it away but put it to proper use and whenever he takes a look at his achieve¬ments in this respect, he would get a sense of satisfaction and peace. So is the case with reducing weight by one's hard efforts and maintaining it. It needs no emphasis that anything which is achieved in a haste can neither be lasting nor can be enjoyed.

Obese people who lead a fairly comfortable and carefree life, may detest the very idea of having to really toil for achieving a thing like a trim figure or good health. Their mistaken conception is, that if external help is available, they can achieve bettcrresults in reducing their weight without themselves doing anything much. Through such help though some modes of treatment is available, they require the actual participation and absolute cooperation of the individual during thecourse of treatment. This is because unless the individual realises that it is his responsibil¬ity to lose weight, the weight reducing treatment will be a total failure.

The perspecti ve of this book is to help persons, who wish to carry out their own programmes through treatment given in this book, in a few self-help methods for reducing weight, instead of depending on external help. Keeping in view the individual's otherwise general health, natural weight reduction can be achieved by some alternative therapies dealt with in this book, depending on the individual's physical requirements.

An attempt is also made in this book to remove the misconcep¬tion that crash programmes can be adopted by one and all without exception. It has also been attempted to enlighten everyone as to why such crash programmes or crash diets are not advisable for all alike, why everyone cannot be benefited by the same programme and how a dangerous situation can arise if they are carried out without caution.

Do you have this???

2007-11-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Q Our 3-year-old son keeps coming into our bed at night. What can we do to stop this without making a big deal of it?

Health Visitor Dawn replies: As soon as your son arrives in your bed, gently take him straight back to his room and his own bed with as little talking as possible. If he needs a cuddle, calming down or reassuring then it's important that you give him this, but wait until you are back in his room before doing so. Let him know that it's time for him to go to sleep now and that his room is a nice place to be.

Do you have this problem???

2007-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

My 1-year-old daughter’s favourite new word is ‘no’. Every time I offer her something—even something I’m sure she really wants—she shakes her head and responds negatively. She also refuses to hold my hand. I’m finding this quite annoying and I fear we’re going to be constantly at loggerheads.

Therapist Lesley replies: Your daughter's becoming a toddler and saying no often is actually a normal and essential part of her development-even if it doesn't make life easy for you. For the first time, she's able to test limits, exert some power and have her own opinions, which is vital in helping her become her own person. It may seem strange when she rejects treats you know she'd really love, or a helping hand from you, but to her, saying ‘yes' can feel as if she's handing her power over to you. Try to respect her resistance rather than get into battles. A bit of tact will help you steer through most tricky situations, so try giving her choices rather than yes or no options. For example, ask ‘Do you want an apple or a banana?' rather than ‘Here's a banana', or say, ‘Walk or piggy back to bed?' rather than ‘Go to bed'.

Perfection of Performance

2007-11-08T02:51:00.000-08:00

Closed or Open Eyes

In the early stages of the practise of Asanas, it is better to open the eyes, which will enable one to observe whether they are being done perfectly. If the postures are wrong they can be checked and corrected. One can keep the eyes closed only when the performance of a particular Asana is proper and satisfactory. When the eyes are closed, the mind becomes calm and one can look inward and concentrate mainly on the benefits of the Asana.

Perfection of Performance

Many wish to know how to find out whether a person is performing the Asanas correctly. One of the important factors to be remembered in the practise of Yogic Asanas is that it should be done in a gradual manner. Nobody should attempt to master all the Asanas quickly. Therefore, caution is to be exercised to ensure that no pain or discomfort develops in any part of the body. If discomfort is felt while performing an Asana, it may be presumed that the particular Asana was not performed properly. This is an indication to stop the performance of that Asana immediately and switch over to another.

Sequence of Asanas

The Asanas should be practised in perfect sequence or the practitioner will not derive maximum benefit. The sequence should be meticulously observed, particularly in the initial stages.
The order in which the Asanas must be performed depends upon the number of Asanas chosen and the time at the disposal of the practitioner. However, certain general principles can be evolved to formulate the sequence of doing the Asanas. After completing a forward bending Asana it is better to immediately do a backward bending one to act as a counter-posture. This is the main reason why it is generally recommended that Matsya Asana should always be performed immediately after completing Sarvanga Asana. Similarly, Chakra Asana may be done after Hal Asana.Strict adherence to the sequence may be followed in the initial stage. Once mastery is obtained in the performance of the Asanas, one can create one's own sequence on the basis of personal requirements

Time Limit for Asanas

2007-11-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Time Limit for Asanas

There is no time limit for individual Asanas and this is left completely to the convenience of the practitioner. There are two types of Asanas; one is static and the other dynamic. The dynamic Asanas could be repeated a number of times. This can be done without getting tired. As far as the static Asanas are concerned, the practitioner is expected to be in a posture for a prescribed time. There is no stipulated time for individual Asanas. However, if the practitioner feels some pain in any part of the body while performing the Asanas, he should immediately stop.
The time devoted for the individual Asana should be of short duration in the initial stage and this duration should be gradually increased on the basis of the comfort and ease with which a person can perform. The time at the disposal of the practitioner and the objective for which he is practising are the prime determining factors.

Theory and Practise of Asanas

2007-11-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Theory and Practise of Asanas

Yogic Asanas and Physical Exercises

Physical exercises help develop the muscles through mechanical movement, whereas Yogic Asanas cater to the development of both the body and mind. Through constant practise of Yoga one can even have control over involuntary muscles of the body.
Physical exercises are done through fast movement of the muscles, whereas Yogic Asanas should be performed with ease and comfort and all undue strain and exertion of the body must be scrupulously avoided.

Physical exercises do not guarantee a healthy body. The practise of Yogic Asanas ensures a healthy body, which is a state when all the organs of the body function perfectly under intelligent control of the mind.

The heart is put to tremendous strain during the performance of physical exercises, as they involve rapid movement of the muscles. In the practise of Yogic Asanas all movements are slow and gradual with proper breathing and relaxation. This revitalises the heart and does not produce any type of strain.

The main objective of physical exercise is to increase blood circulation and also improve the capacity for intake of oxygen through rapid movement of the muscles and other parts of the body. This can be easily achieved via the practise of Asanas through simple movement of the spine and various joints of the body with deep breathing and without any violent movement of any kind.
One of the most glaring differences between physical exercises and Yogic Asanas is that after the completion of a course of physical exercises one is completely exhausted and tired. On the other hand, the performance of Asanas is done slowly and gradually through rhythmic movement of the body synchronised with the breath. Our forefathers so ingeniously designed the Asanas that while performing the Asanas energy is generated within the body and, therefore, after completion of a series of Yogic Asanas one feels refreshed and energetic. There is no question of fatigue or tiredness after the completion of Yogic Asanas. While performing the Asanas, various limbs of the body are stretched and maintained for a particular duration and then they are released slowly and gracefully. This process of stretching and releasing in a rhythmic manner brings about a wonderful relaxation in the entire body.

Yogic Asanas are meant to tone up the internal organs of the body and to revitalise the working of the endocrine glands. On the other hand, physical exercises are meant to build muscles of the body. Yogic Asanas ensure better health, whereas physical exercises provide good physique. However, Yogic Asanas and physical exercises can be practised simultaneously. The only condition required for the performance of physical exercises is that they should be done after ensuring a break of half an hour on completion of Yogic Asanas. Both should not be continuously practised.

The best way of combining these two aspects is that in the morning Yogic Asanas could be performed and in the evening physical exercises may be done.

Breast Feeding

2007-11-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Breast-feeding

Nourishing your baby can be a daunting task for the first few weeks. Here's a guide to print out and keep at hand during feedings.

How to Breast-feed Your Baby

Breast-feeding may be natural, but that doesn't mean it always comes naturally. It often takes practice, so be patient and persistent -- it's worth the effort. In the first few days, your baby may not be too hungry, but she'll become more interested as her need for nourishment increases.

If you or your baby finds nursing difficult, seek advice from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

Things to Know:

Nurse your newborn as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first hour, and every time she shows signs of hunger thereafter. Watch for increased alertness, mouthing, nuzzling against the breast, or rooting (a reflex in which your baby opens her mouth and turns her head toward something that touches her cheek).

If you follow her cues, you'll probably be breast-feeding every two to three hours around the clock for the first four to six weeks. But do allow your baby to breast-feed more frequently if she wishes.

In the early weeks, if four hours have elapsed since the last feeding, you should rouse your infant by gently moving her arms and legs. If she doesn't awaken enough to nurse after a few minutes, stop and try again in half an hour.

Getting Started:

Settle into a comfortable position: sitting up or lying down, with baby angled across your breasts or alongside you. The baby's entire body should be facing you, not just her head. Use pillows as needed to support your arms, your back, and/or the baby. (Make sure no part of the pillow might impede baby's breathing.)

Ignore distractions and concentrate on the softness of your baby's face against your breasts. If your baby doesn't immediately suckle, you can usually trigger the rooting reflex by gently stroking her cheek with your finger or your nipple.

Help your baby to latch on to your breast correctly. Her mouth should encircle the entire nipple area (called the aureole), not just the nipple itself. Some babies take a while to learn how to do this, but it's essential, because incorrect latching-on quickly leads to sore nipples. Help her by placing your nipple in the center of her mouth, with as much of the as possible aureole within her lips. Press your breast down away from her nose, if necessary, to allow her plenty of breathing space.

Adjust your position and hers as necessary while she's feeding. The more relaxed you feel, the better the feeding will go.

Allow your baby about five minutes on each breast when you first begin. Over the course of the next few days build to ten to fifteen minutes per breast. This depends on your baby's appetite -- and each baby's needs are different. Don't force the issue -- you'll know if you're baby is getting enough nourishment by your pediatrician's weigh-ins and the number of wet diapers (about 5 to 8 per day during the first few days, 6 to 8 per day thereafter).

To break suction so you can switch breasts, simply slide your finger between her mouth and the nipple.

Unless your nipples are sore, it's okay to let her enjoy slowly sucking for as long as she likes.

After she's finished with each breast, burp her by patting gently on her back as you hold her against your shoulder or in some other comfortable position (some babies prefer a sitting up position on your lap). Put baby atop a clean cloth as you do this -- occasionally milk comes up with the burp. Be aware that she won't always burp audibly, but it's important to try to help her get rid of any gas.

NURSING BASICS

BREAST MILK AND SUPPLY

BREAST FEEDING AND PAIN

Breast Feeding and Pain

2007-11-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Pain

Check your latch. I knew I had the latch down when there was no white tip or line across the nipple and it didn't hurt after a few seconds to nurse. The initial pain went away after a few weeks.

Frozen peas aren't just food. A bag of frozen peas [is] awesome as a cold compress for engorgement.

Cabbage combats soreness. Use cabbage leaves for soreness -- they are cooling and feel great! Just place individual cabbage leaves inside your bra (break them apart, wash, separate with paper towels, place in a big plastic bag, and keep them cold in the fridge.)

No biting allowed. The advice I got was to watch while the baby is latched on. If you watch, you can see when the latch is dropped and a bite is coming, so you can pull out before it happens. If you do get bitten, I've been saying "No bite!" and then not letting him back on for a minute so he associates that with not nursing.

Breast Milk and Supply

2007-11-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Breast Milk and Supply

Breast Milk

Give it a swirl. Milk that has been stored in the refrigerator tends to separate and that is normal. So before you give it to your baby, give it a swirl. You'll see that it will come back together.

Don't worry about the consistency. If your milk is watery, you're extracting the foremilk. If it is thicker and whiter, it is the hind milk. You may also find that after your baby drinks your breast milk, the bottle has a residue. Don't worry -- it's the fat of the hind milk left in there.

Milk Supply

Moist heat encourages let down. I was stressed and worried I wouldn't let down. The worst thing for me was hearing everyone tell me to just relax. What helped was moist heat. I put a wet towel in the microwave for a short time. A shower worked as well.

Reading may help you relax. I found that reading or doing a crossword puzzle while pumping would really help. I guess it took my mind off getting enough milk, or pumping for a certain time. It sort of distracted me. Find something you like to do and if possible do it while pumping.

Pump while you nurse to boost output. One way to quickly pump is to pump the boob baby's not nursing on while she nurses on the other. That way, your let-down happens faster. I always had trouble alone, but got a great stash by nursing and pumping together.

Types of Yoga

2007-11-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Types of Yoga

Swami Vivekananda enunciates four types of Yoga: viz., Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga.

Karma Yoga is the Yoga of action performed unselfishly for the welfare of others. A Karma Yogi is one who works incessantly for the good of mankind without any motive. The path of a Karrna Yogi is not to get away from the materialistic world but to live within and learn to enjoy the supreme happiness derived from selfless work. Scientists of the modern world could be considered apt examples of Karma Yogis. The motivating force behind most renowned scientists is neither money nor fame but an irresistible desire to discover the truth hidden in the objective world. It is an attitude of the mind that should be developed consciously.

Bhakti Yoga is the Yoga of love and purity. It is more suitable for those predisposed to an emotional propensity. When Jesus Christ said "Love your enemies", He was preaching Bhakti Yoga. The love of a mother for her child is more a maternal instinct than a gender-based love. But the love between youngsters of both sexes is motivated by the pleasure-seeking instinct. However, true love goes beyond these parameters and pervades entire humanity without any restriction. Mother Teresa of Calcutta could be considered a person who practised Bhakti Yoga in its most exalted form. The methods and techniques of Bhakti Yoga are love and affection toward others without any discrimination. It warrants the elimination of emotions like hatred, jealousy, prejudice, and enmity from one's mental make-up.

Jnana Yoga is the Yoga of knowledge and wisdom. It does not deal with ordinary knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic, but goes deeper into the knowledge of man, his life after death, the ultimate aim of man's life, the creation of the universe, etc. It is suitable for all those who are endowed with the capacity to think and analyse in an objective manner. The deeper they contemplate on the nature of man, life after death and creation of the universe, the greater they are convinced that the whole world is Maya (illusory) and transitory in nature and wonder at the greatness of God who is the ultimate reality. This type of feeling ultimately makes many renounce the world and lead a life of seclusion. In this way, most saints and seers practise Jnana Yoga.
Raja Yoga is the Yoga of growth and development through mental discipline. Fatanjali is the highest authority on Raja Yoga. Of all the other Yogas, only Raja Yoga has prescribed eight steps to practise in a scientific manner for physical, mental and emotional development.

The first step is Yama (social virtues) that deals with:

(a) Ahimsa (non-violence)
(b) Sathya (truthfulness)
(c) Astcya (non-stealing)
(d) Brahmacharya (continence)
(e) Aparigraha (unselfishness)

The second step is Niyama (personal virtues), which insists on:

(f) Soucha (purity of body and mind)
(g) Santosha (contentment)
(h) Tapas (austerity)
(i) Swadhyaya (self-study and improvement)
(j) Ishwara Pranidhana (self-surrender to God)

Yama and Niyama could be considered the Ten Commandments of Yoga meant for controlling the passions and emotions of a person and thereby paving the way for practise of higher levels of Yoga.

The third step is Asana, which refers to body postures, and physical exercises to
restore and refresh the body by better circulation of blood, more effective breathing and muscular relaxation.

The fourth step is Pranayama. It refers to Yogic exercises of breath control used to relax the body and thus recharge the body's batteries. Prana is the generalised manifestation of all forces and power in the universe. Pranayama, therefore, refers to certain exercises through which every part of the body is filled with Prana and from this vital force a certain amount of power is generated in the body. Through Pranayama one is able to exert complete control over his body, mind and emotions.

The fifth step is Prathiyahara. It is control of the senses, the intentional withdrawal from sights, sounds, smells and feelings of the external world, and selective inattention to the senses.
The sixth step is Dharna. It is deep, unrestricted, pinpointed concentration of the mind on a particular object or idea.

The seventh step is Dhyana, which is meditative awareness. For instance, there is a steady flow when oil is poured from one vessel to another; when the flow of concentration (Dharna) is uninterrupted; the state that arises is Dhyana (meditation).
The last step in Raja Yoga is Samadhi, the highest level of meditation and the supreme goal of Yoga. It is oneness - union with the Self (the Divine). In the state of Samadhi, the body and senses are at rest as if one is asleep but at the same time, the faculties of mind and reason are fully alert, like when one is wide-awake.

Nursing Basics

2007-11-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Nursing Basics

Got breastfeeding issues? Get advice from the experts -- moms who got it right. Paid pros, like lactation consultants, are great, but sometimes mom-to-mom tips ("this worked for me") are the ones that really click.

Avoid comparisons. I think the biggest mistake nursing mamas make (I did this too) is compare themselves to what other nursing mamas are doing. Each nursing relationship is unique. I expected my nursing experience to be like my sister's and we are worlds apart: she had too much milk, I had too little.

Trust yourself. Before you quit, give yourself time (6 to 8 weeks) to adjust to breastfeeding.

Keep well hydrated. Get a water bottle with a straw (my hospital gave me one), and keep it filled to the brim. You never know when you'll get thirsty, and it might not be a convenient time [like while you're nursing] to get more water.

Get a Boppy. I love my Boppy. I still use it for my 9-month-old. To me, it just makes it easier to have one hand free while you nurse.

Your pump can help with problems. If you have inverted nipples, I found that pumping a few minutes to draw them out helped.

Keep at it even if you have a cold. Your breast milk will [help] keep your child from catching your cold. I learned this from my midwife and after trying it during the winter months when I got sick. And even when my baby did get a cold, I found it was very short lasting.

If you need to, supplement. You can do both -- breast feed and formula feed. It doesn't have to be only breast milk, but every drop your child gets is beneficial.

Don't worry if your baby looks tiny. My doctor told me babies don't start looking chubby until they're into their 8th pound. It took us 6 weeks to get there.

Practice nursing in public. I feel uncomfortable about nursing in public, so my plan is to buy a nursing camisole to cover my tummy and practice in front of a mirror so that I know what people can and can't see. As for other people giving me unpleasant looks, I don't plan on looking up! I will just look lovingly at my daughter.

Diaper Check

The scoop on poop. My pediatrician said after one month, breastfed babies may go up to 10 days without a poop and that is normal. However, in the first month you should see dirty diapers more often. Obviously, they don't magically hit one month and start going longer stretches, but those are the general guidelines. My daughter is 3 months old and usually goes every day, but occasionally goes 36 hours and then has a massive blowout!

Seedy is good. If her poopy diaper [looks like it has] seeds in it, that's leftover hind milk that her body doesn't need. Be happy. Your baby is well fed.

Don't worry if the poop comes in different colors. When I called the pediatrician about my son's stool having different colors, I was told that anything in the yellow, brown, or green hues is not a problem.

How wet is wet? To tell if my daughter's diaper was wet enough, I used to pour 4 tablespoons of water into a clean diaper. That's how I was told I could tell what a wet diaper felt like.

Other Types of Yoga

2007-11-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

Other Types of Yoga

There are some other types of Yoga, which may be considered minor.

(a) Hatha Yoga - also called Bhahiranga Yoga (external Yoga) - aims to conquer
bodily life by a complex of postures (Asanas), breath control (Pranayama),
cleansing process (Shat Karma) and some other secret practices, such as Bhandas
and Mudras. It seeks to heighten the flow of the vital force (Prana) into the body,
thereby freeing the body of all impurities and keeping the nervous system
unclogged and alert. A Hatha Yogi succeeds in maintaining the strength of his
body and youthfulness till a ripe age and develops many supernormal and
psychic powers as he progresses in the performance of advanced Hatha Yoga
practice. In its pure and simple form, this Yoga deals with external practices of
disciplining the body to maintain sound health and increase longevity.

(b) Laya Yoga - also known as Mantra Yoga. It is the opposite of Hatha Yoga. The
latter concentrates on the body, which is gross, whereas the former deals with
the subtle, which is deeper than Hatha. Laya Yoga introduces the techniques of
arresting the mind's attention on internal sound (Anahata Nada), the mental
repetition of a sound symbol (generally a select Mantra) in order to tap the
potential energy embedded in a human being. Transcendental Meditation devel¬
oped and propagated worldwide by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is one of the
simplest techniques of Laya Yoga.

(c) Japa Yoga deals with chanting a Mantra and is also called Mantra Yoga. It deals
with the science of sound and vibration, which includes chanting, incantations, and the repetition of sacred formulae that affect the mind, emotions and health. Laya Yoga deals with internal sounds (Anahata Nada), whereas Japa Yoga is based on chanting Mantras loudly.

(d) Ajapa Yoga is a continuation of Japa Yoga. When Japa Yoga is perfected and the
repetition of a Mantra becomes automatic, it is Ajapa Yoga.

(e) Kundalini Yoga: It is said that the psychic energy of man lies in the lower
abdominal region. This is called Kundalini Shakti and is likened to a serpent
coiled at the base of the spine, blocking a fine channel known as the Sushumna,
which travels up the spine. When the Kundalini Shakti is awakened, it ascends
to join the supreme power at the Sahasrara in the head. The process of
awakening Kundalini Shakti through various Yogic practices is called
Kundalini Yoga.

Suitable Yoga for Beginners

2007-11-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

Suitable Yoga for Beginners

The aim of all Yoga is to make man disciplined in every respect but they differ only in their approaches and techniques. Hal ha Yoga is the most suitable one for beginners.
The practise of Hatha Yoga ensures sound health and tremendous dynamism in a person. This would provide further scope for taking up the advanced practices of Raja Yoga. For the integrated development of one's personality, it is necessary to practise all types of Yoga. The main emphasis should be given to the practise of Asanas, Pranayama, Shat Karma and meditation.

In this site, therefore, an attempt has been made to explain in detail various practices of Hatha Yoga and also to initiate practices of meditation.

Yoga and Spiritual Life

2007-10-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Yoga and Spiritual Life

Spiritual life warrants dedication and detachment. A person willing to lead such a life should be prepared to sacrifice everything for the sake of humanity at large. It is generally considered that this type of life is possible only when a person is not married and leading the life of a sanyasi (celibate). There are many Christian priests and nuns and several swamis and sanyasis of different denominations of Hinduism and Buddhism leading a life of celibacy.

When a person remains unmarried, to a great extent he will go against the natural instinct of sex, which is strongly embedded in every individual who is physically potent. Here, Yoga plays a predominant role in bringing about discipline of both body and mind in the lives of those who are leading a life of celibacy. The techniques evolved in Yoga are so advanced that no other system can match them in sublimating the sexual urge.

Indian sages and seers evolved Yoga techniques some 6,000 years ago primarily to sublimate the sexual urge, so as to enable them to lead a spiritual life in its most exalted form. The process of sublimation takes place when sexual energies are transformed into creative power, which is popularly known in Yogic parlance as the raising of Kundalini Shakti.

Sexual energies in the ordinary life pattern convert matter into a living organism through the process of sexual coitus. This might also be expended through masturbation and other sexual avenues. However, sexual energies could be conserved through certain well-defined techniques of Yoga without much tension and anxiety on the part of the individual in restraining sexual urges and thereby enhancing his creative life.

Yoga and Married Life

2007-10-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Yoga and Married Life

Yogic practices were originally designed by Indian Yogis to attain spiritual emancipation. Sexual restraint was considered the most important prerequisite for spiritual development. Therefore, it is erroneously held by many that practise of Yoga is meant for sanyasis, saints and seers who are supposed to renounce the world and lead a life of celibacy. It is also believed by many married people that the practise of Yoga ultimately diminishes their sex drive and potential, eventually leading to impotence. This is not true.
It has been scientifically proved beyond any iota of doubt that Yoga does not hamper sexual potential. Instead, it revitalises the physical aspect of sex and also reconditions mental defects arising from one's own feeling of incompetence and an inferiority complex regarding sexual activities. Since Yogic practices enhance sexual vigour and vitality there should be no hesitation on the part of married people to practise Yoga.

Yoga and Sex

The mind plays a tremendous role in our life. The urge for sexual activity first and foremost occurs in the mind of a human being. Yoga takes care of the mind. It streamlines the nervous system that is responsible for the physical aspect of sexual life. Hence, practise of Yoga would definitely contribute in removing any weaknesses in sexual behaviour.

Yoga and Removing Sexual Defects

2007-10-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Removing Sexual Defects

Indolence and lethargy are important causes that shatter physical and mental discipline. To attain efficiency, discipline is a prerequisite. Even to improve sexual efficiency, discipline is a must. One who is prone to sloth and lethargy cannot improve sexual potential. Therefore, everyone should endeavour to conquer indolence. Yoga definitely helps in bringing vitality and dynamism in a person, which in turn drives away sloth and indolence and thereby improves potential.

Psychosomatic techniques are applied in both Yoga and sex. Both take into consideration the physical, mental and emotional aspects of man. For example, Yoga gives importance to Asanas that are physical in nature. But through the practise of Pranayama and meditation, the mental and emotional nature of man is also substantially enhanced. Similarly, sex undoubtedly deals with the physical aspect in the form of various sex plays culminating in coitus. At the same time, the mental and emotional aspects in the form of love and affection between the married partners should also be given due place in sexual life. Particularly in married life, genuine love and affection between married partners are too important an aspect to be minimised by anybody. If sincere love were not exhibited in married life through sexual activities the entire life of married couples would end in despair.

The practise of Yoga will definitely improve the neurom uscular and psychosomatic machinery. Yoga generally promotes certain positive qualities like tolerance, forgiveness, cheerfulness, concern for others, etc., which are very conducive to a happy married life.

Setting Right Sexual Disharmonies

2007-10-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Setting Right Sexual Disharmonies

The major causes for the increase in sexual disharmonies are tension, insecurity and emotional conflicts created by modern life. There are two important factors that determine human sexual behaviour viz., instinctive drives and social influences. Our sex conduct has been predominantly controlled and determined by modern society, which usually results in an emotional conflict between desire and inhibitions. Among primitive people, where social life and sexual standards are simple and natural, sexual inadequacies are not encountered. In our culture, however, the tension of daily living may lead to many disharmonies in the sexual life of a couple.
Yoga stresses physical and mental poise to accelerate relaxation through reduction of tension and clarity of mind. Once mental and emotional equanimity is achieved through constant practise of Yoga, sexual disharmonies among married partners would disappear.

Yoga for Impotence

2007-10-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

Yoga for Impotence

In simple terms, impotence may be defined as the inability to have satisfactory sexual relations with the opposite sex. At times, the terms 'impotence' and 'infertility' are misconstrued. A man may be highly potent but not necessarily fertile. Similarly, a man may be fertile but may not be sexually potent.

The causes for impotence may be due to constitutional disorders like hormone deficiency of the sex organs or other constitutional factors that lead to diminution of sexual desire.
There are a number of psychological factors too causing impotence in men. In most cases, it is caused by emotional factors like mental conflicts, various fears and anxieties, neurotic tendencies and negative influences in childhood and certain teachings condemning sex as obscene and vulgar. These factors result in an aversion to sex.

Yoga can definitely remedy impotence caused by constitutional disorders as well as psychological factors. The practise of certain Asanas would invigorate the functions of various ductless glands, particularly the sex gland, and thereby vigorously activate all organs connected with sex. In this way, constitutional disorders causing impotence are remedied through regular practise of certain Asanas. For details refer to the section on 'Practise of Asanas'.

Similarly, psychological factors causing impotence can also be remedied through the practise of Pranayama and meditation. Pranayama particularly helps tone up the nervous system and thereby ensures mental equilibrium. Similarly, regular practise of meditation tremendously improves emotional stability and ultimately removes psychological factors causing impotence.

There are certain subtle techniques in Yoga that are quite simple to perform but very effective in boosting the sexual urge to a considerable extent. These techniques are kept highly confidential by many Yogis in India and are therefore not explained in any of the books on Yoga, nor are they disclosed in public. The Guru passes on these techniques orally to the disciple after ascertaining his sincerity and honesty to ensure he will not misuse the techniques.

Students and Yoga

2007-10-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Students and Yoga

Present-day students are future citizens of the country. So, a strong nation, both in intellect and discipline, has to be moulded from these students.

The aim of education is not mere transmission of ideas and information from one to another. It involves the creation of a full-fledged personality, both in mind and body.

Students have a lot of energy. So, it is the duty of educationists to channel this energy for productive purposes. The main problem faced by students is controlling their minds to channelise them for concentrated learning and productive utilisation of energy. Most students are adolescents and there is every chance of their brimming enthusiasm being diverted from the main objective of learning to stray activities. It is here that Yoga can do tremendous good. When students are made to practise certain Yogic Asanas and Pranayama, they get into the habit of a disciplined system of life. This leads to the control of body and mind, creates awareness and helps them become responsible citizens. Yoga helps a wandering mind concentrate on a specific task with single-minded devotion. It inculcates a positive approach to life.

Also, if students regularly practise Pranayama, their nervous system gets toned up and memory, concentration, intelligence and imagination will develop substantially.

Thus, practise of Yoga by students not only helps them control their body, mind and emotions, but also improves mental, emotional and other faculties.

Yoga for Youthfulness

2007-10-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Yoga for Youthfulness

Scientists are curious to know whether old age can be put off through deliberate and conscious efforts. They have discovered various factors that promote ageing. In order to "grow old youthfully" or gracefully, the elasticity of the body must be maintained. As one ages, hardened mineral substances replace the bone cartilages of childhood. These mineral substances are lime salts and calcium phosphate. When the percentage of these mineral matter increase, the cartilages gradually begin to ossify and become more and more brittle. In advanced years, on reaching an abnormal proportion, the mineral deposits in the bones cause old age.

Old age is also caused due to certain chemical changes in the circulatory system. As the years advance, an accumulation of sedimentary mineral deposits occurs in the circulatory system, leading to non-elastkity of the body in general and arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries) in particular. This process hastens old age.

Similarly, as a person advances in age, his muscular tissues harden, leading to stiffness and non-elasticity in the muscular system. Moreover, hardening of muscular

tissues results in loss of normal tone and pliancy. These factors ultimately disturb the natural harmony between various internal organs and always end in some form of physical deterioration vaguely called old age.

In order to maintain youthfulness and postpone old age, the natural elasticity, balance and coordination between various parts of the body and the internal organs has to be maintained in perfect condition. The most desirable aspect in maintaining youthfulness is the preservation of a child-like adaptation of every part of the body, which upholds the relative harmony between and within the internal organs.

In his book, Old Age - Its Causes and Prevention, Samford Bennet explained the difference between the young and the old in the following words:

"The elasticity of the youth gives place to the non-elasticity of old age. The only difference between a young body and an old one. seems to be the elasticity of the former and the non-elasticity of the latter."

Thus, in order to maintain youth and defer old age, one must develop suppleness of the body. All the Yogic Asanas are designed to make each and every limb of the body supple and elastic. Moreover, most of the static as well as dynamic Asanas provide a massaging effect to alt the internal organs and thereby invigorate their functions to the optimum level, which generally brings about sound health in a person and promotes the maintenance of energy and a spirit of youthfulness in the practitioner.

It is now scientifically proved that the whole world is saturated with electromagnetic waves, composed of positive and negative forces. We receive electromagnerically charged cosmic radiations from outer space. Our life itself is a manifestation of the electric current in one form or another expressed in terms of the cellular, cerebral and nervous system operating in the human organism. The human body receives certain subtle electrical magnetism that travels from the sky to the earth and from the earth to the sky. Ordinarily, when a person is in an upright position, these waves flow from head to foot, but when the body is inverted, these currents reverse their normal direction in the body.

The harmonious interplay of positive and negative electric currents in the human body is responsible for its good health. Illness or disease of the human body is the result of these currents going out of balance. If these currents are made to change their directions, they can regain equilibrium and, thereby, the physical and mental health of the person is restored. All the topsy-turvy Asanas perform this function of making the positive and negative currents in the body operate in harmonious fashion. Therefore, a person consistently practising topsy-turvy Asanas like Sanvanga Asana and Sirsha Asana maintains sound health throughout his life and postpones the ageing process for a considerable length of time.

Moreover, the process of ageing and direction of time is associated with the upright position and the normal flow of these currents. When the position of the body is reversed, as when performing topsy-turvy Asanas, the ageing process and time is also reversed. In this way, the usual direction of human development is reversed and youthfulness is regained and maintained.

Yoga for Curing Diseases

2007-10-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yoga for Curing Diseases

It has been proved scientifically that practise of Yoga eliminates chronic and incurable diseases. The process of cure may be slow but the result is certain and permanent,
provided the practitioner meticulously follows the prescribed methods and techniques of Yoga.
Doctors in the field of psychosomatic medicine and psychiatry suggest Yogic therapy to their patients. They have realised that Yoga helps eliminate psychophysical tensions that linger among patients even after their recovery from mental and nervous disorders.

Modern society forces us into unnatural and artificial ways of living. We don't eat, drink, sleep, breathe or clothe ourselves properly, resulting in diseases, disorders and ailments. Faulty ways of living, bad habits, improper food, and wrong thinking all give rise to negative emotions such as fear, hatred, prejudice, and despair, causing short term as well as prolonged malfunctioning of the human system.

Since the root cause of all diseases are wrong habits and mistakes committed by an individual, the cure lies in correcting them. The approach of Yogic therapy is therefore based on the principle that diseases can be cured by the patient's own efforts - self-control, patience and perseverance. It does not believe in medicines and surgery that are mostly external in nature. It emphasises the practise of Yogic Asanas, Pranayama, meditation and proper diet for curing all types of disease. Under Yogic treatment the patient has to strive hard himself for curing his disease without depending on doctors. The Yoga expert who acts as a doctor will inform and, if necessary, demonstrate the methods and techniques of Yoga suitable for the particular disease and it is left to patients to practise them and observe the prescribed diet.

Many medical men practising Yoga have expressed their conviction that there is something in Yoga that cannot be provided by any other system of medicine.
The approach of modern medicine, by and large, is only to remove symptoms of the
disease temporarily and it rarely attempts removing the root cause of the disease. When a man suffers from headache he is given a pill that quickly relieves the pain. Unfortunately, the pain returns with greater intensity after a few days. This is due to the piecemeal treatment of symptoms and not the disease. For example, asthma, diabetes etc. are not easily amenable to modem medical treatment. A chronic disease is deep-rooted in the organism of an individual and so symptomatic treatment cannot help to remove it totally but may only provide some relief from pain and discomfort.

On the other hand, Yogic therapy cures all types of diseases, including chronic ones, because it revitalises the entire'human system through the following processes:

1. Constipation is one of the root causes for most diseases. Most Asanas aredesigned to remove constipation. Further, the Asanas render the body light andsupple, which are indicators of sound health.

2. Hatha Yoga has evolved six purificatory processes known as Shat Karma. Theirpractise ensures purification of the entire system through removal of toxins inthe body. For most chronic diseases, Shat Karma is advised.

3. Pranayama revitalises the nervous system and removes all defects in therespiratory system. It also paves the way for toning the circulatory system. Mostdiseases of the respiratory system are cured through Pranayama.

4. Meditation brings about mental poise, emotional balance and a dispassionateoutlook towards life. Worldwide, doctors and scientists have scientificallyproved the contribution of meditation in removing physical and psychologicalstress.

Thus the approach of Yogic therapy is practical and natural and the cure is permanent, though the process may sometimes be slow and time-consuming.
Generally, the approach of Yoga is curative as well as preventive. Regular practise of Yoga ensures sound health throughout life for an individual and also provides insurance against the onslaughts of chronic diseases in the later part of one's life.

Yoga a First-hand Experience

2007-10-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

A First-hand Experience

I was a sickly child with a weak constitution. Indigestion, dyspepsia, asthma, arthritis, stomach pain, headache, fever, etc. were my regular lot. Poor digestion and low energy were a constant problem.

At the age of 37, on the recommendation of an allopathic doctor, Dr Dhananjaya, I began practising Yogic Asanas, Pranayama, Shat Karma and meditation. Within four to five months my health improved considerably. Thereafter, I took serious interest in Yoga and followed a set regimen and my health continued to improve day by day.

I now advocate Yoga with religious fervour to all participants of my training programmes for the development of an integrated personality. Now I am in my late sixties, but wake up between 3 and 4 in the morning and continue to work till 11 in the night without an iota of tiredness. My energy levels are very high. I attribute my superb health to the practise of Yoga.

Baby Bottle Toxic or Not?

2007-10-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Your baby's bottles may not be as safe as they seem. According to a new report from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, certain types of plastic bottles contain a potentially dangerous chemical called bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to a number of health conditions in animals, including early onset of puberty, increased diabetes risk, hyperactivity, and certain cancers. Freaked out a little? So were we. Because it can be downright scary and confusing to digest these health risks (especially amid conflicting statements from the plastics industry), we tapped expert researchers to understand the real deal. Here, answers to your major concerns:

Q. Why the sudden bad rap for bottles?

A. Here's what we know for sure: BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical found in hard, clear plastic baby bottles; over time, it can seep into the containers and into your baby's milk. Here's what we don't know: "We haven't yet found definitive long-term health consequences in people," says Rebecca Roberts, PhD, an associate professor of biology at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, who studies BPA. Yet there are enough tangible risks -- especially for young babies and children, because they're still developing -- to be concerned. "I'm a mom too, and I believe it's important to balance your lifestyle with what the science says," Roberts says. "I can't say that my kid lives a completely BPA-free life, but I can minimize her contact."

Q. How can I tell if the bottles we use contain BPA?

A. Flip them over, says Roberts. Often, polycarbonate plastics -- the ones that contain BPA -- are marked by the recycling symbols #7 or PC. But the absence of these marks is not a guarantee of safety -- if the bottle is hard and clear, check with the manufacturer to be sure.

Q. What can I do to reduce my baby's exposure?

A. Consider BPA-free alternatives, like glass or softer, cloudy-looking plastic bottles (check out our finds below). "And if you are using bottles made with BPA, try not to microwave them or put them in the dishwasher," says Roberts, since heat can break down the plastic and trigger the chemicals to leach more readily. Also, toss bottles when they start to look scratched -- another sign of plastic degrading. According to one recent report, BPA may leach after as few as 50 to100 washings.

Q. Are there any other sources of BPA that could affect my baby?

A. There is some evidence that BPA is found in the lining of metal cans, including ready-to-feed formula. "To lessen the risk, it's best to opt for powdered formula, which is usually not sold in metal cans," says Sonya Lunder, MPH, an analyst at the Environmental Working Group. In a paper separate from the NIEHS study, the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit found detected some BPA in liquid formula packaged in steel cans from companies including Enfamil and Similac. (Even though powdered formula containers may look like they're metal, most are actually made from a very stiff paperboard material). But if you're not sure whether your container is safe, then hold a magnet up to it, says Lunder. "If it sticks, then the can is metal and you should try to avoid it."

Q. I'm pregnant. Should I be worried?

A. BPA isn't just a baby bottles issue, says Phillip Landrigan, MD, a Parents advisory board member and a professor of pediatrics and community and preventive medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. "The chemical can cross the placenta, so if you're exposed during pregnancy, there's a chance it can impact your developing fetus." The best ways to protect your health while you're expecting: Avoid heating and dishwashing food containers made from polycarbonate (flip the storage container and look for the recycling symbols #1, #2, or #5 instead -- all safer forms of plastic) and Nalgene water bottles. "Luckily, BPA is not everywhere," says Roberts. "And there are plastic alternatives that are totally fine for moms and babies to use."

Help for making sure baby gets better.

2007-10-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

Help for making sure baby gets better.

When you're giving medication to your baby, make sure to follow all of your doctor's directions as well as these additional safety tips:

Take the whole course of an antibiotic as prescribed, even if your child seems cured after a few days.
Don't reuse a prescription left over from a previous illness, even if you suspect it's another bout of the same sickness.
Measure medicine carefully -- even the difference of a mere milliliter can overdose a baby -- and use an appropriate dosing device rather than a kitchen spoon.
Don't call medicine "candy."
Don't forcibly squirt medicine down the back of your child's throat. A portion can get into the lungs, causing her to gag.
Call your doctor if the medicine doesn't seem to be working, your child's condition worsens, or you notice unexpected side effects.

Yoga and Religion

2007-10-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

Yoga and Religion

Yoga is not a religion but just a science expounding certain methods and techniques for all-round development of the personality. Therefore, what is required in Yoga is not faith in a particular religion but practise with conviction.

Yoga is very well known as one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. It was specially evolved by Hindu saints and monks. However, it has nothing to do with any religious doctrines or dogmas. It is primarily concerned with the practise of some techniques and methods suited to develop the physical, mental and emotional faculties of man. Therefore, it should be viewed as a Science of Man dealing with disciplining the body, mind and emotion. It does not attempt to advocate the faith of any particular religion. There are various branches of science dealing with different aspects of man such as physiology, sociology etc. We do not make any demarcation of these sciences, viz., Hindu physiology, Christian anatomy and Muslim psychology. Similarly, there is no question of Hindu Yoga or Christian Yoga.

Unfortunately, some devout Christians, particularly Catholics, are often opposed to the very word 'Yoga', thinking it is one of the doctrines of Hinduism. They are apprehensive that the practise of Yoga is against Christian faith. In his book Christian Yoga, Rev. Fr. J.M. Dechanet, O.S.B., a veteran Catholic priest, explained how the techniques of Yoga would enhance Christian life to a considerable extent. He said: "Every day the exercises, and indeed the whole ascetic discipline of Yoga, make it easier for the grace of Christ to flow in me. I feel my hunger for God growing and my thirst for righteousness, and my desire to be a Christian in the full strength of the word - to be for Christ, to be of Christ, without any half-measures or reservations... There shall be no compromise; but only borrowing of methods to be adopted immediately and introduced into an ascetic discipline authentically Christian in tenor and spirit."

He further narrated his initial experiences with Yoga in the following words:

"What I then read about Yoga and about some of its aims simply encouraged me to embark on, and then go through zvith, an experiment about the appropriateness of which I became convinced at the very first attempt. Yoga, I found, rvas first of all a particular way of fashioning oneself, the way of the man who by means of certain disciplines, both physiological (postures and breath-control) and psychical (focussing of thought), was joined; that is to say, in a condition of coherence in accordance with vital functions, and in a state of balance such that life could be controlled and made effective, Tfiis is therefore the opposite of fragmented living, of naive incoherence, impotence and unawareness... On the physical plane, the problems of general health disappeared; I no longer suffered from those fits of tiredness and temperature that pointed clearly to oi'erwork. I found myself possessed of an extremely supple body, ready to serve me and the life of the spirit..."

After the publication of this book, the outlook of the Christian community underwent a thorough change regarding Yoga. Many Catholic priests and nuns started showing keen interest in Yoga. I had several opportunities to conduct Yoga courses exclusively for these people all over the world.My personal experience is almost identical with that of Fr. Dechanet. Consistent practise of Yoga has brought tremendous improvement in my health, as mentioned earlier. Considerable change has also occurred in my behavioural pattern. A calm and serene feeling has set within me permanently and I do not feel inclined to even get angry with anybody for anything. I certainly feel that it is possible for me to love my enemies. And I sincerely feel that regular practise of Yoga has enabled me to lead a better Christian life. All sincere and regular practitioners of Yoga can have the same experience

Yoga and Vegetarianism

2007-10-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

Yoga and Vegetarianism

It may be observed that many Yogis in India staunchly advocate that practitioners take only vegetarian food. Yogis consider wilful adoption of a vegetarian diet implies a moral act that strengthens control over oneself in the first instance and then over one's environment. This need for exercising self-control arises only in the case of born non-vegetarians and not for born vegetarians. Hence it facilitates vegetarians practising Yoga

without exercising any self-control, whereas many non-vegetarians feel hesitant to practise Yoga as long as they continue to eat non-vegetarian food.
In the past, vegetarianism evolved as an Indian philosophy based purely on the principle of Ahimsa, which is one of the tenets of Raja Yoga. Thus, vegetarianism becomes not a mere dietetic principle but a religious doctrine.

Here, the words of Swami Vivekananda, a noted exponent of Yoga, are worth quoting:

"The test of Ahimsa is absence of jealousy. Any man may do a good deed or make a good gift on the spur of the moment, or under the pressure of some superstition or priest craft, but the real lover of mankind is he who is jealous of none. The so-called great man of the world may all be seen to become jealous of each other for a small name, for a little fame and for a few bits of gold. So long as this jealousy exists in a heart, it is far away from the perfection of Ahimsa. The cow does not eat meat nor does the sheep. Are they great Yogis, great non-injurers (Ahimsakas)? Any fool may abstain from eating this or that; surely that gives him no more distinction than to herbivorous animals. The man who will mercilessly cheat widows and orphans, and do the vilest deeds for money is worse than any brute even if he lives entirely on grass. The man whose heart never cherishes even the thought of injury to anyone, who rejoices at the prosperity of even his greatest enemy, thai man is the Bhakta, he is the Yogi, he is the Guru of all, even though he lives every day of his life on the flesh of swine. Therefore, we must always remember that external practices have value only as it helps to develop internal purity. It is better to have internal purity alone, when attention to external observances is not practicable. But woe unto the man and woe unto the nation that forgets the real, internal, spiritual essentials of religion and mechanically clutches with death-like grasp at all external forms and never lets them go. The forms have value only so far as they are expressions of the life, within. If they have ceased to express life, crush them out without mercy."

From the above words of Swami Vivekananda, we may now understand that vegetarianism is only an external practice, which does not have much relevance to the real practise of Yoga.
Many non-vegetarians are hesitant to practise Yoga believing that non-vegetarian diet coupled with the practise of Yoga would harm their health. There is no scientific evidence to prove this. The practitioner of Yoga is always advised to be moderate in everything. The Bhagavad Gita states:

"Yoga is not possible for him who eats too much or for him who abstains too much from eating; it is not for him who sleeps too much or too little. For him who is moderate in eating and recreation, temperate in his actions, who is regulated in sleep and wakefulness."

Therefore, it is not the type of food that one takes but the manner and attitude with which it is taken that is of paramount importance. However, it may be stressed that the practitioner of Yoga should always have proper control over food habits. Do also remember that we eat to live and not live to eat.

Guidance from the Guru for Yoga

2007-10-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Guidance from the Guru for Yoga

There cannot be two opinions regarding the preferability of having a competent Guru (teacher) to teach Yoga, It is always advantageous and beneficial to attend classes in schools or colleges to learn any art or science than to undertake self-study through books or correspondence.

Even though the benefits of Yoga are widely acknowledged, competent teachers are unfortunately not available in required numbers. However, if a proper Guru is not available, a person sincerely interested in learning Yoga may try to initiate the practice by referring to some standard books on Yoga. Initially, he may start with very simple Asanas and only when he wants to learn advanced techniques would he require the guidance of a competent Guru.

It is not good to remain passive just because a Guru is not available to teach Yoga. If a person is very earnest in his approach he will definitely find a suitable Guru. Therefore, one need not wait for a Guru to take up Yoga. In this context, Swami Sivananda's words are worth quoting:
"Do not hesitate. Do not wait to get a Guru who will sit by your side and watch you daily... If you are sincere, regular and systematic and if you follow the rules and instructions of this book very carefully, there, will not be trouble at all. You will get success. Slight errors may crop up in the beginning, but it does not matter. Do not unnecessarily be alarmed. Do not give up the practices. You will learn how to adjust. Common sense, instinct, the still inner voice of the soul will help you on the path. Everything will come out smoothly in the end. Start the practice this very second in right earnest and become a real Yogi "

(The Science of Pranayama, the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy, 1962, pp. 105.)

Yoga and the Elderly

2007-10-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yoga and the Elderly

Authorities on Yoga have different views on this aspect. Some say that Yoga should be taken up only after the age of nine and others advocate that even children above the age of three can practise simple Yogic Asanas.

The real problem arises only with elderly persons after the age of 40. As a person grows older, his body stiffens and flexibility of the limbs decreases. Hence, an elderly person taking up Yoga finds it difficult to perform certain Asanas well. However, they may attempt to practise simple Asanas without making any strong and jerky movements. Over some time, they may be able to attain flexibility and suppleness of body.

Yoga is not confined only to Yoga Asanas, The practices include Pranayama, Mudras, Bhandas, Shat Karmas and meditation. Elderly persons who cannot perform Yogic Asanas can very well take up Pranayama and Meditation, There is absolutely no age restriction for anybody to take up Yoga. But the practise should be continuous and there is no need to stop it at any age. As long as a person is capable of performing the Asanas comfortably, he can go ahead.

However, as a person advances beyond 60 years, he may restrict his time for practising Asanas and devote more time for Pranayama and meditation. I have seen many elderly persons even beyond the age of 70 performing some of the difficult Asanas with ease. This depends upon regular practise over a long period.

Best Place and Time to Practise Yoga

2007-10-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Best Time to Practise

In order to derive maximum benefit, Yoga should be practised early in the morning before sunrise. One should develop the habit of waking up at least before 5 A.M. Since the mind is fresh in the morning, meditation can be taken up first. Then Asanas, Pranayama, Mudras and Bhandas could follow.

Usually, the limbs are stiff in the morning. So, it is difficult to perform advanced Asanas. These can be performed with ease and comfort in the evening. The stress and strain of the day can be removed if Asanas and Pranayama are done in the evening.

The Best Place to Practise

Yoga should be practised in a well-ventilated, clean and airy room, free from insects and noise. The floor of the room must be even. The room should be spacious enough for free movement of all limbs. Greater benefits could be derived if Yoga is practised on the sands of rivers, in open places or by the seaside.

Cold Water Bath and Yoga

2007-10-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Cold Water Bath and Yoga

Most people practising Yoga prefer to take bath in cold water. A cold water bath invigorates the nervous system and promotes effective blood circulation. However, it is not necessary to take a bath in cold water. When the weather is cold, it is better to take bath in warm water. This can be varied according to individual requirements.

I take bath in cold water. When the weather is very cold, I then take bath in warm water. I practise Yoga after bath. The body gains flexibility after bath and Yoga should be practised preferably after bath. Taking bath both before and after doing Yoga refreshes the body and mind.

Smoking, Drinking and Yoga

2007-10-15T10:08:00.001-07:00

Smoking, Drinking and Yoga

Many people are under the impression that Yoga is something mysterious and supernatural, therefore, certain habits like smoking and drinking should be avoided before taking up Yoga. A person may feel it is better not to practise Yoga rather than to stop smoking or drinking in order to take up Yoga. Advising a person to do so is not required. It is akin to advising a person to learn swimming first before plunging into the water.

My simple suggestion to all those who are addicted to smoking or drinking is that they need not worry about their habits, but simply start practising Yoga in a milder form to begin with. In course of time they will gain better health, steadiness of mind, self-control over themselves and achieve emotional balance and, soon, it will not be surprising if they give up these habits effortlessly.

Regularity

There is no scientific evidence that Yoga has harmful effects if it is stopped abruptly. In order to derive complete and full benefits from Yoga, one should be regular and consistent in the practice. Many start with enthusiasm but stop later. Such persons do not suffer any harmful effects at al], but they do not derive the full benefits of Yoga,

Common diseases

2007-10-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

Osteoporosis

A condition in which the amount of bone mass decreases to the point where the bones are fragile and easily fractured, affecting twice as many women as men. Women are particularly risk from the osteoporosis as they have a lower density of bone, because of smaller body size than men. The risk increases those who have a premature menopause, early hysterectomy, previous anorexia nervosa etc. Also women who smoke or drink excessively are at the greater risk. Weight-bearing exercise , a diet rich in calcium, Vitamin D and other minerals, and not smoking can help to prevent bone loss. Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective preventive treatment but is not suitable for all women. Physiotherapy and acupunture can help to relieve pain. Osteoporosis can be detected by doing Bone Density Test

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

It is an inflammation of the Fallopian Tubes, ovaries and Uterus. The disease can be acute or chronic. Acute PID causes severe abdominal pains, high fever , chills, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and abdominal tenderness. PID is a result of bacterial infection, but chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are responsible for mini cases. Treatment is by means of antibiotics and bed rest. The condition usually improve within two weeks. But if not, another antibiotics is given. If 3 courses of antibiotics do not clear the infection, then the disease is deemed to have become chronic, Chronic PID results in a low level of infection that can continue for weeks or months.
Symptoms are persistent abdominal pain or cramps, fatigue, weakness and very heavy menstrual periods. Some mild cases have few or no symptoms but can cause partial or total infertility.

Gonorrhoea

It is an extremely common venereal or sexually transmitted disease, that is caused by the bacterium Neissera-gonorrhoeae. The bacteria are found in the Mucous Membrances of the Vagina, Urethra, throat and mouth. If gonorrhoea is not treated it can damage and inflame the Fallopian Tubes and other pelvic organs, and this can arise after only 8-10 weeks. Other possible damage includes eye infection that can cause blindness, septicaemia (blood poisoning), Gonococcal Arthritis, it may occur in conjunction with a painful skin rash and inflammation of heart valves. Symptoms of gonorrheoa include vaginal discharge (green or yellow in colour), Dysuria, possible inflammation of the rectum and a sore throat . To diagnose the disease, swabs of the discharge are obtained and organisms grown are identified in the laboratory. Treatment is by a single , very large dose of penicillin, or tetracycline if the organisms is resistant to penicillin.

Mastitis inflammation of the breast

It occurs usually because of bacterial infection during breast feeding. Symptoms include, pain in the affected breast, tenderness, swelling, fever and possibly a chill. Treatment with warm compress and antibiotics normally resolves the condition. If the inflammation does not subside then a breast abscess may form.

Menorrhagia

It is menstruation with abnormally heavy or prolonged blood flow. This may be frequent periods, one that continuous for 7 days or more, or one with exceptionally heavy flow over two to three days. Menorrhagia can occur because of fibroids, inflammation in the pelvic cavity, an Intrauterine device (IUD) or hormonal imbalance.
The bleeding can cause anaemia with pallor fatigue, which can be treated with iron supplements. Treatment depends on the cause and may include a D and C, the combined contraceptive pill, removal of an IUD, or danazol, a drug that inhibits the hormones produced by the pituitary gland.

Major Ladies Disease

2007-10-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Amenorrhoea (Absence of periods)

It is a failure to have periods, which may be described as primary or secondary . Primary amenorrhoea is the failure to menstruate by age 16, and the main cause is the late onset of puberty. A girl may have the other signs of puberty but lack of periods. this may be a cause of a pituitary tumor, which can be found via a skull X -ray , or because of cryptomenorrohea, where menstrual bleedings does occur but it is held inside the vagina by an obstruction such as imperforate Hymen. The condition may arise because parts of the female reproductive system are missing. The most common reason for primary amenorrhoea is disruption of the relationship between the ovaries and the pituitary gland.
Secondary amenorrhoea occurs when a woman stops menstruating for 3 months or more after normal menstrual periods have been established but before the onset of the Menopause. It may arise as a result of stress, chronic diseases. Stopping the contraceptive pill, which affects hormone production in the brain , can cause amenorrhoea for up to a year, and it may arise after child birth and breast feeding. Failure of ovaries, prompting a premature menopause before the age of 40, is another cause. Amenorrhoea is permanent after the menopause or if the uterus is removed in a Hysterectomy

Acne

It is a common inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects the face, neck, chest and upper back. it is caused by an interaction between hormones, bacteria and sebum produced by the comedones (pimples), pustiles (lesions filled with pus) and occasionally CYSTS. This is possibly caused by changing hormone levels.

Mild cases may be eased by washing the face with a gentle toilet soap or by drying agents such as benzoyl peroxide. Severe acne may need oral treatment with antibiotics such as tetracycline or hormone therapy such as Dianette, which also acts as a Contraceptive.

Very severe acne can be treated using a derivative of Vitamin A, called tretinoin or Retin A. This cream is applied in each night and takes about 3 weeks to be effective. An oral version called Ro- accutane is very good against severe acne but carries serious risks of foetal abnormality

Leucorrhoea

A discharge of white-yellow coloured mucus from the vagina. it may be normal condition, increasing before and after menstruation, but a copious vaginal discharge, especially if it has a strong smell, probably indicates an infection in the genital tract. A common cause is thrush, but it may also be because of Gonorrhoea or some other sexually transmitted disease

Understanding Birth Defects

2007-10-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

Understanding Birth Defects

The vast majority of babies born in this country are healthy. But if your child is one of the 3 in 100 infants born with a congenital (acquired after conception) or hereditary birth defect, how can you ensure her long-term health?

While some defects are treatable with drugs or surgery, it's usually your family's efforts to create a positive environment for your child that help minimize the disability.

First Steps

The first thing you should do if your child is diagnosed with a birth defect is get a second (or more) opinion. Start with your pediatrician or obstetrician, who can refer you to appropriate specialists. In addition to appointments with specialists, you should also keep up with regularly scheduled well-baby visits, because many birth defect complications can be treated through early detection and intervention.

Here are some of the most common birth defects in the U.S. and the impact they may have on your baby and you.

9 BIRTH DEFECTS AND TREATMENTS

FRAGILE X SYNDROME

SPINA BIFIDA

DOWN SYNDROME

BABY CLEFT LIP

PKUPHENYLKETONURIA

CLUBFOOT

SICKLE CELL DISEASE

INFANT CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS

UNDEVELOPED LIMBS

Fragile X Syndrome

2007-10-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

A Chromosomal Birth Defect

Prevalence:

Fragile X syndrome primarily affects males (1 in 1,500). Although 1 in 1,000 females is a carrier, only one in three shows outward signs of having the defect, including intellectual impairment. The range of retardation varies from mild to severe.

Symptoms:

The physical characteristics of Fragile X syndrome may include large ears, an elongated face, poor muscle tone, flat feet, large testicles, overcrowded teeth, cleft palate, heart problems, and autistic-like tendencies. Affected children may also suffer seizures.

However, many children with Fragile X syndrome appear to be physically normal at birth, so a diagnosis may not be made until the ages of 18 months and 2 years. At that time, a lack of language development coupled with other developmental delays usually prompts testing.

Treatment:

As with Down syndrome, children with Fragile X syndrome can be expected to do most things that any young child can do, although they also generally learn these things later than unaffected children. And, as with most of these birth defects, early-intervention programs begun in infancy can help maximize the child's development.

Down Syndrome

2007-10-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Chromosomal Birth Defects

Two of the most common abnormalities, Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, are also frequent causes of mental retardation. Both can be diagnosed before birth. While neither defect is curable, early intervention allows a child to develop to his full potential.

Down Syndrome

Prevalence:

Though Down syndrome occurs in 1 in 800 births overall, the incidence is much higher in older mothers.

Symptoms:

A child with Down syndrome generally has characteristic physical features, including slanted eyes; small ears that fold over at the top; a small mouth, which makes the tongue appear larger; a small nose with a flattened nasal bridge; a short neck; and small hands with short fingers.

More than 50 percent of children with this defect have visual or hearing impairments. Ear infections, heart defects, and intestinal malformations are also common among children with this defect.

Though children with Down syndrome have some degree of mental retardation, most can be expected to do many of the same things that any young child can do -- including walking, talking, and being toilet trained -- although generally they learn how to do so later than unaffected children.

PKU(phenylketonuria)

2007-10-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

A Biochemical Birth Defect

Prevalence:

PKU (phenylketonuria) is an inherited metabolic disorder that occurs in 1 in 15,000 births (less commonly among African-Americans and people of Jewish descent).

Detection:

All babies in the U.S. are tested for the disease soon after birth.

Symptoms:

A child with PKU is missing a crucial enzyme that breaks down a protein called phenylalanine that is found in many goods. If PKU is left untreated, this protein can rise to high concentrations in the body and cause mental retardation.

Treatment:

Children born with PKU can live a normal life if put on a strict diet. Usually started before the fourth week of life, this diet is low in foods that contain phenylalanine, including breast milk and cow's milk. Instead, an affected child must be fed a special formula.

As the baby gets older, however, she can eat certain vegetables, fruits, and grain products but usually must avoid cheese, meat, fish, and eggs. Regular blood tests of phenylalanine levels can help determine what an affected child can and can't eat.

Sickle-Cell Disease

2007-10-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Biochemical Birth Defects

Sometimes certain substances essential to a baby's proper body functioning are either abnormal or completely absent. Without intervention, deficiencies like the following can be devastating (and often even fatal) because they affect many bodily systems.

Sickle-Cell Disease

Prevalence:

Sickle-cell disease occurs in around 1 in 625 births, mostly affecting African-Americans and Hispanics of Caribbean ancestry.

Detection: Because of its prevalence, 30 states require that newborns be given the blood test that detects the disorder.

Symptoms:

The disease can cause debilitating bouts of pain and damage to vital organs and can sometimes be fatal. Sickle-cell disease affects the hemoglobin (a protein inside the red blood cells) in such a way that the cells become distorted: Instead of their normal, round shape, they look like bananas or sickles (hence the name).

These misformed cells then become trapped in and destroyed by the liver and spleen, resulting in anemia. In severe cases, an affected child may be pale, have shortness of breath, and tire easily. The episodes of pain, called crises, happen when the cells become stuck, blocking tiny blood vessels and cutting off the oxygen supply to various parts of the child's body.

Another complication of sickle-cell disease, noticeable mostly in infants and young children, is vulnerability to severe bacterial infections. Two weapons against this risk are immunization (the usual vaccines, as well as pneumonia and flu shots) and daily preventative penicillin treatments.

Treatment:

Although the disease can't be cured, a number of new therapies that reduce the severity and frequency of crises are being studied. Acupressure is very effective

baby Missing or Undeveloped Limbs

2007-10-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

An Anatomical Abnormality

Causes:

Unfortunately, the cause of this birth defect is largely unknown. Some experts believe that maternal exposure during pregnancy to a chemical or virus that only mildly affects the mother might be possible causes.

Treatment:

When a child is born with a limb anomaly, the doctor refers the parents to an orthopedic specialist and a physical therapist. The child is then fitted with a prosthesis (artificial body part) as soon as possible so that he becomes comfortable with it early on.

He will also undergo intensive physical therapy so that he learns to use the prosthesis much as other children learn to control their body parts.

Spina Bifida

2007-10-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

An Anatomical Abnormality

Prevalence:

Spina bifida occurs in about 1 in 2,000 births, most frequently among Caucasians of European extraction.

Causes:

It's caused by a malformation of a neural tube (the embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spine) that prevents the backbone from closing completely during fetal development. Some cases of neural-tube defects can be detected through tests given to the mother during pregnancy. When one is suspected, the baby usually is delivered by cesarean section so specialists can be on hand during and after the birth.

Symptoms:

Spina bifida ranges in severity from practically harmless to causing leg paralysis and bladder- and bowel-control problems.

Treatment:

In the most severe cases, the baby is operated on within 48 hours of birth (or in-utero through a new technique that is not yet widely available). Parents then learn how to exercise the baby's legs and feet to prepare her for walking with leg braces and crutches. Some children will eventually need to use a wheelchair. The child will also work with specialists in orthopedics and urology.

Baby Cleft Lip or Palate

2007-10-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

An Anatomical Abnormality

Prevalence:

Cleft lip or palate appears in about 1 in 700 Caucasian babies, more often among Asians and certain groups of Native Americans, and less frequently among African-Americans.

Causes: The exact cause is hard to determine, but it's likely that genetic and environmental factors interact to prevent either the hard palate (the roof of the mouth), the soft palate (the tissue at the back of the mouth), or the upper lip, all of which normally are split early in fetal development, from closing.

Symptoms:

The cleft can be mild (a notch on the upper lip) or severe (involving the lip, the floor of the nostril, and the dental arch). A child with a cleft palate usually needs a speech pathologist. Language development can be affected not only by the structure of the lip and palate but also by the side effects of middle-ear infections, which are common in babies and toddlers with this defect (probably because their ears don't drain properly).

Babies with a cleft palate may also need help with feeding. (Those with a cleft lip generally don't have problems in this area.) Because they have trouble sucking, they must be fed in a sitting position with a special bottle. Depending on the severity of the condition, mothers who breastfeed may have to express milk and bottlefeed baby until the cleft is repaired.

Treatment:

Surgical repair for a cleft lip should be done by about 3 months of age. Surgery to repair a cleft palate, which restores the partition between the nose and the mouth, is usually done later -- between 6 and 12 months of age -- to allow for some normal growth of the child's face.

Though follow-up treatment is sometimes necessary, repair of a cleft lip or palate almost always leaves the child with only minimal scarring and a face that looks like that of most other children.

Clubfoot

2007-10-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

An Anatomical Abnormality

Prevalence: Clubfoot occurs in approximately 1 in 400 newborns -- affecting boys about twice as often as girls -- and includes several kinds of ankle and foot deformities. The exact cause of clubfoot isn't clear, but it's probably a combination of heredity and environmental factors that affect fetal growth.

Symptoms:

Clubfoot can be mild or severe and can affect one or both feet. Mild clubfoot is not painful and won't bother the baby until he begins to stand or talk.

Treatment:

For a mild case, treatment starts immediately after diagnosis and involves gently forcing the foot into the correct position and helping the child do special exercises.

Often, however, the baby needs more drastic treatment, such as plaster casts, bandaging with splints followed by time in special shoes, or surgery followed by exercises. The process may take three to six months, which checkups for several years after.

Infant Congenital Heart Defects

2007-10-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

An Anatomical Abnormality

Prevalence: Congenital heart defects occur in about 1 in 110 births and have a variety of causes, including genetic abnormalities or a mistake during fetal development. Some may be so mild that they have no visible symptoms.

Detection: In such cases the doctor usually discovers the problem when she detects an abnormal heart sound -- called a murmur -- during a routine examination. Some murmurs are meaningless; further tests are usually required to determine whether your baby's is due to a heart defect.

Serious heart defects are outwardly detectable and, if left untreated, can cause congestive heart failure, in which the heart becomes incapable of pumping enough blood to the lungs or other parts of the body.

Symptoms:

Rapid heartbeat
Breathing difficulties
Feeding problems (which result in inadequate weight gain)
Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or about the eyes
Pale grey or bluish skin

Treatment: Most heart defects can be corrected or at least improved through surgery, drugs, or a mechanical aid like a pacemaker.

Infant Anemia

2007-10-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

The most common cause of anemia in babies is iron deficiency. This usually can be corrected pretty easily with supplemental iron. Supplements are quite safe at that age, at the appropriate dose, which is about 3mg of iron per kg of body weight. The iron drops are usually given for about a month and then the blood test is repeated.

If the anemia isn't much better, it's time to consider reasons other than iron deficiency for his anemia. He may just have a normal hgb at that level, for instance, and not need any treatment at all.

If the anemia has improved, kids usually stay on the iron for another two months or so. He should also have a careful physical, if he did not have one recently, to be certain that his development is proceeding on course.

Iron in the diet is great, but forcing kids to eat, pushing them, or even coaxing them with fun airplane noises usually does not improve eating. Offer foods, but if he is happy, growing well, and making plenty of wet diapers, it's okay not to take much in the way of solids. Kids get most of their nutrition at that age from what they drink, not what they eat. The solids are mostly for the experience.

Baby Sleep Problems and Solutions 1

2007-10-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Rocker

Sleep Scenario #1

My baby is 5 months old. I've always rocked her to sleep, but I'd like to be able to lay her down and have her fall asleep on her own. How can I make this happen without a lot of trauma and tears for either of us?

In order for a baby to transition from falling asleep while rocking in your arms to falling asleep on her own, she has to master two smaller skills -- the ability to fall asleep someplace other than in your arms, and the ability to fall asleep without being rocked, explains Ann Douglas, author of Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler (Wiley).

If you aren't comfortable with making your baby learn to put herself to sleep "cold turkey," you can try substituting what Harvey Karp, MD, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block (Bantam) and an American Baby advisor, calls a new sleep association. From being inside your body, babies are born accustomed to drifting off to sleep amid noise, tactile stimulation, and rocking. Gradually replace rocking with white noise (you can play a CD), Dr. Karp recommends. If you play the sounds while you're rocking the baby to sleep for four or five consecutive nights, she will begin to create a new association with sleep, and her transition from falling asleep in your arms to falling asleep in the crib will be easier, Dr. Karp says. "The idea is to create other sleep associations that don't require your presence to help the baby fall asleep," he adds.

Be prepared for your baby to put up a big fuss the first few times you lay her down awake. Some sleep-training techniques instruct parents not to pick up a crying baby but to come into the room at set intervals (every five minutes, for example) and talk to her in a reassuring voice.

But that approach doesn't work for all babies or parents. Christine George, of Lansing, Michigan, tried that method with her 6-month-old, Kayleigh, but the crying didn't stop, even after 10 or 15 minutes. Instead, Kayleigh became more and more upset until she was screaming, red faced, and gagging. "After two nights of becoming almost as upset as my baby was," George says, "I decided that technique just wasn't going to work for me."

What did work? "We'd walk around the room with her for a few minutes until she was drowsy, and when we laid her in the crib, we'd gently bounce the mattress with one hand while pressing her belly with the other hand and saying 'Shhhh' for a minute or two until she fell asleep," George says. "After a while, we were able to do it without the hand on the belly, and then without the bounce, and finally we were able to lay her down awake and she'd fall asleep." The process took two weeks.

Remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach, advises Claire Lerner, LCSW, an American Baby advisor and the director of parenting resources at Zero to Three, the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. "With some babies, you can pat them or just sit there so they can see you, but for a lot of babies that's just confusing," she says. But even if you choose to walk away from her bed, the crying isn't likely to last more than a few nights. "The more consistent you are, the quicker she'll learn," Lerner says.

Chickenpox for Baby

2007-09-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is one of the most common childhood illnesses. Before the vaccine was approved in March, 1995, there were 4 million cases of it appearing in the United States every year. In fact, 95 percent of adults in America today had chickenpox before the age of 18. It occurs most often in the late winter/early spring and in children between the ages of 6 and 10.

Chickenpox is caused by Varicella zoster virus and is highly contagious. About 90 percent of people who never had chickenpox (or the vaccine) will catch it if a family member has it. A person with chickenpox is contagious from one to two days before the rash starts until about five days after the rash appears. It can be spread by direct contact (through lesions or sores) or through the air. Children with chickenpox have to stay home from childcare or school until they are no longer contagious.

A child who catches chickenpox may not show symptoms for 10 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus. At that point, the characteristic symptom usually appears -- an itchy rash, which usually develops first on a child's scalp and body, and then spreads to his face, arms, and legs over the next three to four days. In total, a child with chickenpox will have 250 to 500 itchy blisters that dry up into scabs two to four days later.

While the rash is the most well-known symptom of chickenpox, it's not the only one. Here are some other symptoms that often accompany chickenpox:

A mild fever for one or two days before the rash appears

General malaise

Coughing

Fussiness

Lack of appetite

Once someone has had chickenpox, the virus stays in her body permanently. This is usually a form of immunity -- she will probably never suffer from chickenpox again. But in about 10 to 20 percent of the population, the virus will reappear later in life (usually over the age of 50) and cause shingles. Shingles typically causes numbness and itching or severe pain in various areas of the skin. Within three to four days, clusters of blister-like sores develop and last for two to three weeks.

Thyroid Disorders

2007-09-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

The thyroid gland produces various hormones used by the body and thyroid disorders cause various symptoms. The two main types are hypothyroidism (too little hormone) such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and hyperthyroidism (too much hormone) such as Graves' disease. Both conditions can be difficult to diagnose because they product relatively mild symptoms. Hence, thyroid disorders are often misdiagnosed as depression, aging, or other causes of tiredness, fatigue, or forgetfulness. Therefore, a thyroid disorder is a possibility that must be ruled out in diagnoses of conditions such as depression, fibromyalgia, lupus, sleep disorders, and various other conditions. Fortunately, diagnosis of thyroid problems is relatively specific by blood tests of thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid disorders are treatable, but can be serious if untreated, so any suspicion of thyroid problems needs to be confirmed promptly by a doctor.

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Thyroid disorders includes the 33 symptoms listed below:

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
Insomnia
Irritability
Nervousness
Unexplained weight loss
Heat sensitivity
Increased perspiration
Thinning of your skin
Warm skin
Fine hair
Brittle hair
Thinning hair
Muscular weakness
Eye changes
Lighter menstrual flow
Decreased menstruation
Rapid heart beat
Hand tremors
Shaky hands
Eye changes
Weak leg muscles
Symptoms of hypothyroidism:
Vague symptoms
Thyroid deficiency
Sluggishness
Cold sensitivity
Depression
Forgetfulness
Dry hair
Dry skin
Constipation
Increased menstrual flow
Weight gain

Hearing Loss Babies

2007-09-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hearing loss is surprisingly common in babies -- but a shocking number of children aren't diagnosed or treated until much too late.

The Most Common Birth Defect

Beth Trama, of Smithtown, New York, was watching her son, Luca, sleep peacefully in the hospital nursery, when the newborn next to him let out a loud, high-pitched scream. Luca didn't wake up. Trama couldn't believe that the noise didn't startle him, but she assumed he'd just gotten used to being with all those crying babies -- until he failed his hearing screening the next day.

You're probably surprised to find out that hearing loss is the most common birth defect. Every day, about 33 babies are born in the U.S. with a hearing impairment. But the news hasn't gotten through to parents -- in fact, only 1 percent of new and expectant moms ranked hearing loss as their top concern about their child's health, according to a survey by the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, in Washington, D.C.

A Recessive Gene

Many parents figure their baby isn't at risk if they don't have a history of deafness in their family. However, about 90 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents. Deafness can be caused by a dominant gene -- meaning one or both parents are deaf -- or by a recessive gene, so a child can inherit the trait even if no family members are hearing-impaired. That's what happened to Luca. After his diagnosis, doctors discovered that both of his parents had a recessive gene for a genetic disorder that damages the hair cells in the inner ear so they can't carry sound to the auditory nerve. As a result, Luca is severely deaf in both ears.

Hearing loss can also be caused by many nonhereditary factors, including infections, prematurity, severe jaundice, or a lack of oxygen during delivery, says Ellen M. Friedman, MD, chief of pediatric otolaryngology at Texas Children's Hospital, in Houston. Unfortunately, most of these causes aren't preventable.

2007-09-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

PAEDIATRIC DISORDERS

Children are the gift of god to parents. They need care, affection and sympathy. It is the duty of parents to take care of every problem of their child. When the children are diseased, it is a difficult situation for the parents. The paediatric branch of medical science deals in child health. Though the diseases are the same, the treatment, management and dosage differ. There are several diseases which occur in childhood only. So we go to paediatricians for the treatment of our children because up to the age of twelve, it is the paediatrician who looks after the ailments of our child. Hence the little of this site Paediatric Disorders.

This site will give you all the information about the paediatric disorders which makes the parents suffer, and good remedies for treating those paediatric disorders.children are the gift of god and its our obligation to protect them from the paediatric disorders.

PERMATURITY

BABY MASSAGE

BABY BATHING

BABY CRY AND SLEEP

BABY GROWTH

BABY DIET

INFANT HEIGHT

BABY WEIGHT

INFANT DENTAL DEVELOPMENT

INFANT DENTAL COMPLICATIONS

INFANT WEEPING

INFANT NASAL BLOCKAGE

PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID

Heart Failure

2007-09-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Introduction: All Disease Categories

Major disease categories include cancer, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, urogenital, respiratory, infectious, metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases. Drug manufacturers often look at diseases as categories in order to determine the most profitable targets for research.

Right Heart Failure

Decreased flow Tetralogy of Fallot Peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (or stenoses) Unilateral absence or stenosis of pulmonary artery Vascular disease Pulmonary thromboembolic disease Primary pulmonary hypertension Hepatic cirrhosis and/or partial thrombosis Chemically induced (e.g., aminorex) Persistent fetal circulation Pulmonary arteritis Peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis Unilateral stenosis or absence of pulmonary artery Without pulmonary hypertension Pulmonic stenosis Tricuspid stenosis (nonrheumatic) Tricuspid regurgitation not associated with pulmonary hypertension Decreased right ventricular compliance Ebstein's anomaly Atrial myxoma

Associated with pulmonary venous hypertension (postcapillary) Cardiac disease (see previous Left Heart Failure) Pulmonary venous disease Mediastinal neoplasm or granuloma Mediastinitis and fibrosis Anomalous pulmonary venous return Congenital pulmonary venous stenosis Idiopathic pulmonary veno-occlusive disease Associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (precapillary) Lung and pleural disease Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma Granulomatous disease (e.g., sarcoidosis) Pneumonia Fibrotic disease Neoplasm Chronic suppurative disease (e.g., bronchiectasis) Cystic fibrosis Collagen-vascular disease Other restrictive processes After lung resection Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Fibrothorax Chest wall deformity Kyphoscoliosis Thoracoplasty Congenital pulmonary hypoplasia (Down syndrome) Alveolar hypoventilation Neuromuscular Primary alveolar hypoventilation Obesity Sleep apnea syndrome High-altitude pulmonary hypertension Intracardiac disease Increased flow associated with large left-to-right shunt Patent ductus arteriosus Atrial septal defect Ventricular septal defect Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm

Left Heart Failure

Acute rheumatic fever Traumatic heart disease Thyrotoxicosis Thiamine deficiency Anemia Arteriovenous fistula (e.g., Paget's disease) Neoplastic heart disease Toxic shock syndrome Pulmonary thromboembolism Postcardioversion Pregnancy Left atrial thrombus

Hypertensive heart disease Coronary artery disease Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction Acute myocardial infarction Aortic and mitral valvular disease Cardiomyopathy Pericardial disease Arrhythmias Congenital heart disease Endocarditis Cardiotoxic drugs (e.g., Adriamycin) Myocarditis

SIDS Q&A

2007-09-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

SIDS Q&A

The memory of losing her infant son, Colton, is still unbearable to Kristen Marr nearly seven years later. "He was 2 months old and in perfect health when I put him down on his back for a nap," she recalls. But when she tiptoed into the nursery of her home in Crofton, Maryland, to check on him, Colton had stopped breathing. Marr dialed 911 and tried to perform CPR on her infant. But it was too late. Doctors later concluded that Colton was a victim of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While its incidence has dropped by half since the launch of the Back to Sleep campaign in 1994, SIDS is still linked to about 2,500 baby deaths every year. And even taking the right precautions (as Marr did) doesn't guarantee that your child will be protected. But here's some reassuring news: Recent research is revealing more ways than ever to reduce your child's risk. Are you doing everything you can to fend off SIDS? Here are answers to your top questions.

Q: What causes infants to stop breathing while they sleep?

A: Experts believe SIDS victims have an immature arousal center in the brain. Put simply, they can't wake themselves up when they're having trouble breathing. Infants who sleep on their stomach are particularly vulnerable to SIDS. One theory is that this position increases the likelihood that they will re-inhale oxygen-depleted air. "The peak danger is between 2 and 4 months," says Marian Willinger, Ph.D., special assistant for SIDS at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in Bethesda, Maryland. However, you should continue to safeguard your child until he turns 1.

Q: Who's most at risk?

A: Three out of five SIDS victims are boys. African-American and Native American infants are two to three times more prone to the syndrome. Other groups at increased risk include preemies, low-birthweight babies, and infants who are exposed to cigarette smoke.

Q: Is putting my baby down on her back really that important?

A: It's vital. Back-sleeping increases a baby's access to fresh air and makes her less likely to get overheated (another factor linked to SIDS). But not all new mothers are getting the message: Eighteen percent of Parents readers say they usually put their infants to sleep on their stomach, and another 13 percent do so some of the time. "Some exhausted new parents may do it out of desperation, because infants tend to sleep better and more deeply on their stomach," says Parents advisor Jodi Mindell, Ph.D., author of Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep. "But having your baby sleep on her tummy is a no-no."

Q: I put my child to sleep on his back at night, but can I let this rule slide for a short nap?

A: It's not worth the risk. Babies who normally sleep on their back are 18 times more likely to die of SIDS when placed down on their tummy for a snooze. "Infants seem to have difficulty adjusting to the change," says Rachel Moon, M.D., a SIDS researcher at the Children's National Medical Center, in Washington, D.C.

Q: Is side-sleeping safe?

A: No. Studies show that putting a baby down on her side rather than on her back doubles the SIDS risk. "It's easier for an infant to roll onto her tummy from her side than from her back," says John Kattwinkel, M.D., chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Task Force on SIDS. "And she may not yet have the skills to roll back in the other direction."

Q: My baby has a flat spot on his head from sleeping on his back. Will it go away?

A: That depends. Flattened-head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, occurs when the back of an infant's pliable skull is reshaped from constantly lying in the same position. By some estimates, the incidence has jumped sixfold during the past decade. Yet back-sleeping isn't entirely to blame. "This condition is preventable," says John Persing, M.D., a craniofacial specialist at Yale-New Haven Hospital, in Connecticut. "Most babies with this problem spend way too much time on their back when they're awake." To correct (or prevent) a flat spot, give your baby several supervised "tummy time" sessions every day. You can also position your baby's head when you put him down to sleep -- one night to the left, the next night to the right -- to help balance the shape of his head. And don't let your child spend too much time in car seats, bouncy seats, or infant swings. If the flattening doesn't show significant improvement by the time he's 6 months old, consult a pediatric craniofacial specialist.

Q: I'm worried about my baby getting cold. Is it safe to cover her with a blanket?

A: Wait until her first birthday. Blankets, pillows, comforters, and stuffed toys can hinder your child's breathing; even soft or improperly fitting mattresses can be dangerous. If you're worried that your little one may get chilly, swaddle her in a receiving blanket or use a sleep sack. According to a Belgian study, swaddling helps fussy infants sleep better on their back and may protect them from SIDS by causing them to startle more easily. But make sure you don't overheat your baby. "A nursery that's too warm substantially increases an infant's SIDS risk," says Warren Guntheroth, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, in Seattle. Set the thermostat at 68 degrees, don't put the crib near a radiator, and dress your child in light layers that you can remove easily if she gets hot.

Q: Is it dangerous to give my baby a pacifier?

A: Not at all. Binkies actually reduce the risk of SIDS, possibly by preventing babies from falling into an extremely deep sleep. The AAP now recommends that you consider giving your child a pacifier at night and for naps during his first year. Note: If you're breastfeeding, don't introduce a Binky until your infant is 1 month old and nursing well.

Q: My baby has started to flip onto her stomach during the night. How can I stop this?

A: You can't -- but don't worry. "Once a baby can roll over by herself, her brain is mature enough to alert her to breathing dangers," says Dr. Moon. "And by the time she's 6 months old, her improved motor skills will help her to rescue herself, so the SIDS risk is greatly reduced."

Q: My baby sleeps better in my bed. What's the big danger of co sleeping?

A: Actually, there are lots of them. Your infant could be suffocated by a pillow or a loose blanket. His air supply may be cut off if you or your spouse inadvertently rolls over onto him. And he could be strangled if his head gets trapped between the headboard and mattress.

Despite numerous studies that confirm the heightened SIDS risk caused by co sleeping, many moms continue to do it. According to a parents.com poll, 52 percent of readers do it all or some of the time, citing the added convenience for nighttime feedings and the security of having their infants next to them.

If you decide to co sleep, don't put your baby right in the bed. Instead, get a co sleeping crib that clamps onto the frame of your bed. Or you might simply try moving your baby's crib into your room. Several studies show this sleeping arrangement reduces the SIDS risk (presumably because you're more likely to hear your baby if he's in distress).

HOW COMMON IS BINGE EATING DISORDER, AND WHO IS AT RISK?

2007-09-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Although it has only recently been recognized as a distinct condition, binge eating disorder is probably the most common eating disorder. Most people with binge eating disorder are obese (more than 20 percent above a healthy body weight), but normal-weight people also can be affected. Binge eating disorder probably affects 2 percent of all adults, or about 1 million to 2 million Americans. Among mildly obese people in self-help or commercial weight loss programs, 10 to 15 percent have binge eating disorder. The disorder is even more common in those with severe obesity.

Binge eating disorder is slightly more common in women, with three women affected for every two men. The disorder affects blacks as often as whites; its frequency in other ethnic groups is not yet known. Obese people with binge eating disorder often became overweight at a younger age than those without the disorder. They also may have more frequent episodes of losing and regaining weight (yo-yo dieting).

What causes binge eating disorder?

The causes of binge eating disorder are still unknown. Up to half of all people with binge eating disorder have a history of depression. Whether depression is a cause or effect of binge eating disorder is unclear. It may be unrelated. Many people report that anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety or other negative emotions can trigger a binge episode. Impulsive behavior and certain other psychological problems may be more common in people with binge eating disorder.
Dieting's effect on binge eating disorder is also unclear. While findings vary, early research suggests that about half of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to diet. Still, strict dieting may worsen binge eating in some people.

Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body burns calories) affect binge eating disorder. These areas of research are still in the early stages.
What are the complications of binge eating disorder? The major complications of binge eating disorder are the diseases that accompany obesity. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, gallbladder disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
People with binge eating disorder are extremely distressed by their binge eating. Most have tried to control it on their own but have not succeeded for very long. Some people miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat. Obese people with binge eating disorder often feel bad about themselves, are preoccupied with their appearance, and may avoid social gatherings. Most feel ashamed and try to hide their problem. Often they are so successful that close family members and friends don't know they binge eat.

Should people with binge eating disorder try to diet?

People who are not overweight or only mildly obese should probably avoid dieting, since strict dieting may worsen binge eating. However, many people with binge eating disorder are severely obese and have medical problems related to their weight. For these people, losing weight and keeping it off are important treatment goals. Most people with binge eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight, may benefit from treatment that addresses their eating behavior.
What treatment is available for people with binge eating disorder? Several studies have found that people with binge eating disorder may find it harder than other people to stay in weight loss treatment. Binge eaters also may be more likely to regain weight quickly. For these reasons, people with the disorder may require treatment that focuses on their binge eating before they try to lose weight. Even those who are not overweight are frequently distressed by their binge eating and may benefit from treatment.

Several methods are being used to treat binge eating disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients techniques to monitor and change their eating habits as well as to change the way they respond to difficult situations.

Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people examine their relationships with friends and family and to make changes in problem areas.

Treatment with medications such as antidepressants may be helpful for some individuals. Self-help groups also may be a source of support.

Researchers are still trying to determine which method or combination of methods is the most effective in controlling binge eating disorder. The type of treatment that is best for an individual is a matter for discussion between the patient and his or her health care provider.
If you believe you have binge eating disorder, it's important you realize that you are not alone. Most people who have the disorder have tried unsuccessfully to control it on their own. You may want to seek professional treatment.

When Your Baby Puts Everything in His Mouth

2007-09-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

Why baby puts things in his mouth -- and how to keep them out!

Babies putting things in their mouths, otherwise known as mouthing, is not only normal, but also signals a growing interest in the world around them. In the first year, children explore their surroundings through their senses -- seeing, touching, hearing, smelling, and tasting. The more they explore, the more they learn.

While your baby is learning to master his hand movements -- reaching, grabbing, and swatting -- he's not yet so adept at using his fingers. So when a baby grasps what he desires and wants to investigate further ("Is it soft or hard? Can I eat it? Does it make a sound?"), this often means putting it in his mouth. Mouthing helps babies learn all about different shapes and textures. They also learn what feels good and tastes good, and what doesn't -- so your child will only mouth a wool blanket once.

Could he choke?

Although mouthing is a positive experience for your child, you want to ensure his safety. To reduce the risk of choking, pediatricians recommend that children be allowed to play only with objects that are too big to fit all the way into their mouth. One easy way to check this is to make sure a toy or object can't fit through the opening of a toilet-paper tube. If it does, your child can choke on it, and the item is not safe. Also, be sure that an object is smooth enough not to scratch your child and doesn't have pieces that can break off. Take a few moments to do an inspection of your home at your child's eye level to identify any unsafe objects he may be tempted to put in his mouth.

What about all the germs?

Rest assured that when your baby picks up and licks the ball that rolled across the floor, there is little chance it will make him sick (though we wouldn't recommend doing that). Kids get sick from viruses and bacteria, not dust. So make sure he is not sharing toys with a child who is sick and can pass on germs. (Washing hands and toys frequently is also key.) That said, group play is very hands-on at this age. Children tend to bump into one another, touch one another's faces, and give kisses. So while it's smart to be cautious, parents simply can't protect their children from everything -- germs included.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

GOUT and TREATMENT

2007-09-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Gout (also called metabolic arthritis) is a disease due to a congenital disorder of uric acid metabolism. In this condition, monosodium urate or uric acid crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the blood stream. This provokes an inflammatory reaction of these tissues. These deposits often increase in size and burst through the skin to form sinuses discharging a chalky white material

Gout Traditional Treatment

Prescription medical treatment is typically not advised for asymptomatic hyperuricaemia (high uric acid levels with no gout attack symptoms). These traditional medical drugs are only used by informed doctors when there are gout attacks or kidney stones present. The unwanted side effects associated with these drugs and the damage that they may do to the organs does not warrant their use simply because of high uric acid levels in the blood. GC on the other hand can be used by both gout sufferers and people with high levels of uric acid. GC is safe and only has positive side effects from its use for anyone with or without uric acid problems. In fact, GC has a positive effect on type 2 diabetics by aiding to lower their insulin needs and can possibly even control border line cases to remain off insulin all together.

ALLOPURINOL

(Zyloprim)(a prescription drug) inhibits uric acid synthesis and has been linked to skin eruptions, inflammation of the blood vessels, and liver toxicity. Periodic liver enzymes, renal function tests and complete blood counts should be performed in all patients on allopurinol. Alterations in liver enzymes, including transient elevations of serum alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT, have occurred in some patients. Reversible hepatomegaly, hepatocellular damage (including necrosis), granulomatous changes, hepatitis and jaundice have also occurred.

PREDNISONE

is being prescribed for gout more and more these days. This immunosuppressive drug, though necessary in some cases, is associated with serious long-term side effects such as cataracts, bone loss, weakening of the immune system, and many others. One of the most serious complications from prednisone is the risk of osteoporosis, which occurs from the bone loss. The most commonly reported side effects are increased acid in the stomach, sodium retention, delayed healing, decreased ability to fight infection, bone and muscle problems, acne, night sweats, increased sugar in the blood, and thrush (yeast growth in the mouth which is a very strong indication of the lack of "friendly" bacteria in the body- sources strongly needed to fight infection). As with many other medications, Prednisone will cover up the disease but it is the underlying problem, the cause of the disease, that must be repaired..

COLCHICINE

(a prescription drug) is used to alleviate attacks. This drug can cause serious side effects and toxicity and even death in high doses.Side Effects: 80% of people who take colchicine in doses that are high enough to be effective develop stomach problems, such as cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. Serious side effects of colchicine include bone marrow problems, muscle inflammation, severe anemia, and extremely low white blood counts that can increase the risk of infection developing. Colchicine is usually avoided or the dose adjusted in people who have reduced kidney function

INDOMETHACIN

is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAID's have become the treatment of choice among Doctors and Indomethacin is the most widely used prescription drug for most gout attacks. NSAID's may also have significant toxicity, but if used for the SHORT TERM they are generally well tolerated.

With regard to the above medical published information about Gout, there is no evidence or research that Colchicine, Allopurinol, Indocin, or Prednisone do very much for Gout and it is known that all of the above drugs can be harmful to the patient and their organs over long term use. It is also a fact that most of the drugs above were never intended to be used for Gout in the first place.GC contains herbs that are beneficial to the body and its organs. All of the herbs in GC have been classified as SAFE by the FDA. Two of the herbs are derived from food sources that people most likely consume every day of their lives. You are now being presented with all of the choices on treating your disease and can now make an informed decision. Our cleansing instructions are thorough and vital for proper healing. We boast an over 85% success and reorder rate because of this wonderful information provided for you and our top notch customer service for daily and lifelong guidance is unbeatable. We pride ourselves on the thousands of customers that are now able to lead an everyday GOUT FREE LIFE! All you have to do now is order and follow our recommendations and be sure to e-mail us with ANY questions or problems. Simply follow the instructions to cleanse all the stored uric acid from your system and take your GC daily to remain GOUT FREE.

Fever and Babies

2007-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

It's hard to keep your cool when your kid is burning up. We asked doctors what you should (and shouldn't) do the next time it happens.

Before You... Panic

Remember: A fever is not an illness. It's usually just a sign that your child's immune system is fighting off a bacterial or viral infection, says Michael Devon, MD, a pediatrician in private practice near Philadelphia. Most of the bugs that cause a fever -- such as a cold, the flu, a stomach virus -- aren't dangerous and are treatable at home.

Check your child's other symptoms. How she acts and feels is usually a better indicator of how sick she is. (In fact, if your child has a high fever that doesn't mean she's sicker than if she has a low-grade one.) "If your child is lethargic, irritable, has a sore throat, ear or stomach pain, or pain when she urinates, call your doctor," says Dr. Devon. (Can't find any obvious source of infection? That also warrants a call.) And always get help immediately if you have a feverish baby under 3 months old, no matter what her symptoms are. Infants that young are more susceptible to certain types of infections, so your pediatrician needs to rule out serious illnesses right away.

Before You... Take Your Child's Temp

Ditch your glass thermometer. Those old-school thermometers contain mercury, a potent toxin that affects the brain, spinal cord, liver, and kidneys, and can cause learning disabilities. If it breaks, you risk exposing your family to mercury's harmful vapors. Still have one lurking in your medicine cabinet? Don't just toss it into the trash. Take it to your pediatrician (she can dispose of it safely), or drop it off at your local hazardous-waste collection site.

Pick the right method. For babies, you'll get the most precise reading using a digital rectal thermometer; you can switch to an oral one when your child turns 3. An ear thermometer, although it's fast and convenient, can actually be deceptively tricky to use: You have to place it correctly in the ear canal for an accurate result. (Too much earwax can throw off the reading as well.) Underarm and pacifier varieties are also less reliable than the gold-standard rectal and oral thermometers.

Perfect your technique. To take a rectal temp, first dab petroleum jelly on the bulb of the thermometer. Place your baby belly-down on your lap or on a bed or changing table, then gently insert the bulb 1/2 to 1 inch into your child's rectum. Loosely hold the thermometer in place with two fingers until it beeps. To get an accurate reading using an oral thermometer, wait at least 15 minutes after your child has had anything hot or cold to eat or drink before you take his temperature.

Before You... Give Fever-Reducing Meds

Realize that they're not cures. The main reason to give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen is to make her more comfortable -- not to "break" the fever. Fever is actually a good thing, since it helps the body fight infection. Most illness-causing germs thrive at a person's core body temperature (98.6 F.), so when the immune system detects an infection, it responds by cranking up the body's thermostat to help kill the germs. Just don't expect an immediate recovery. "At most, the meds will bring a fever down a degree or two -- just enough to make your child feel better," says Ari Brown, MD, a Parents advisor and author of Baby 411.

Choose the right fever-reliever. Give acetaminophen to babies under 6 months; ibuprofen isn't approved for kids that young because its safety hasn't been established. For older kids, ibuprofen seems to bring fever down faster, according to a research review in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. But since acetaminophen is less likely to cause stomach upset, it may be a better bet for kids with a sensitive tummy.

Once you've chosen a medication, stick with it. Though a recent Archives study found that alternating doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen is more effective than using just one, some experts warn that mixing meds can be confusing and increase the risk that you'll overmedicate your child.

Read all medication labels carefully. If you're giving your child over-the-counter cold medicine, make sure that it doesn't contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen if she's already taking medication for fever. Otherwise, you could end up giving your child a double dose, says Dr. Devon. And you should never "eyeball" the dose; follow the instructions on the bottle. "Choose the amount that matches your child's current weight, and use the dropper that came in the package," says Dr. Brown. Because fever medications are sold in different strengths, the dropper for one bottle might not be right for another.

What If My Child Has a Seizure?

About 4 percent of children under age 5 have fever-induced seizures (febrile seizures), which are often caused by a sudden spike in body temperature. They seem scary -- your child may lose consciousness, shake, or stiffen -- but they're usually harmless. Most febrile seizures end in a minute or two, though some last just a few seconds or for more than 10 minutes.

If your feverish child starts convulsing, place her on a soft surface and roll her onto her side so she won't choke. Never put anything in her mouth or try to hold her down. When the seizure ends, call your pediatrician -- if this is the first time it's happened, she needs to be evaluated right away. "Once your child has been diagnosed with febrile seizures, you can relax a bit if it happens again -- as long as you know why she has a fever," says Dr. Brown.

What's Hot, What's Not

Your child officially has a fever when the thermometer reads 100.4 F. and above, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. When it warrants a call to your doctor, however, varies by age:

Age

When to Call

Under 2 months

100.4° F

3 to 6 months

101° F

Over 6 months

103° F

Baby Healthy meal Plan

2007-09-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

Make a healthy meal plan for your child.

These are general feeding recommendations meant to assist parents in planning healthy meals.

Birth to 4 months:

5-10 feedings of breast milk or 16-32 oz. of infant formula

4 to 6 months:

4-7 feedings of breast milk or 26-40 oz. of infant formula

Infant cereal (rice, oatmeal, or barley) and infant juice can be introduced.

6 to 8 months:

3-4 feedings of breast milk or 24-32 oz. of infant formula

Strained mashed food, including cooked vegetables (avoid corn and peas), such as carrots and green beans, and fresh or cooked fruit

Infant juices in a cup

8 to 10 months:

3-4 feedings of breast milk or 16-24 oz. of infant formula

Cereal and bread-type foods (2-3 servings daily): infant cereal, Cream of Wheat, oatmeal, toast, bagels, crackers

100 percent juice (4 oz. daily): orange, tomato, pineapple, or infant juices

Cooked or mashed vegetables (1-2 servings daily)

Ripe fruit (fresh or cooked) (1-2 servings daily)

Meat, chicken, fish, egg yolk, plain yogurt, beans, cottage cheese (1-2 tbsp. daily)

10 to 12 months:

3-4 feedings of breast milk or 16-24 oz. of infant formula

Cereal, breads, all varieties of unsweetened cereal, rice, noodles, crackers, spaghetti (2-4 servings daily)

Vitamin C-rich juice (4 oz. daily): orange, grapefruit, pineapple

Cooked or raw vegetables (1-2 servings daily)

Fresh or cooked fruit (1-2 servings daily): ripe peaches, pears, and oranges are good choices

Protein-rich food (1-2 tbsp. twice a day): lamb, beef, pork, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, yogurt, beans, tofu, peanut butter

12 to 24 months:

Cow's milk and cow's milk products can replace some or all of the formula or breast milk feedings after 1 year of age

2-3 feedings of breast milk or 16-24 oz. of formula or 2-4 servings of milk or other calcium-rich food: yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, green leafy vegetables.

Cereal, bread, rice, pasta, noodles (4 or more servings about 1/3 of an adult-size portion)

Vitamin C-rich juice (4 oz. daily)

Vegetables, raw or cooked (2 or more servings)

Fruit (2 or more servings) -- offer at least one citrus fruit daily

Meat, fish, or poultry, eggs, nut butters; beans; tofu (2 servings daily, each portion at least 1/2 ounce)

Dementia

2007-09-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

Diagnostic Criteria

Impairment in short- and long-term memory

At least 1 of the following:

Impairment in abstract thinking

Impaired judgment

Other disturbances of higher cortical function

Personality change

Memory impairment and intellectual impairment caused significant social and occupational
impairments

Absence of occurrence exclusively during the course of Delirium

Either of the following:

Evidence of an organic factor causing this impaired memory and intellect

Impaired memory and intellect cannot be accounted for by any nonorganic mental disorder

Throat Cancer

2007-09-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer is a very serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. When cancer attacks the vocal cords, the voice changes in quality, assuming the characteristics of chronic hoarseness, roughness, or raspiness. These symptoms occur at an early stage in the development of the cancer. It is important to remember that prompt attention to changes in the voice facilitate early diagnosis thus early and successful treatment of vocal cord cancer can be obtained.Persistent hoarseness or change in the voice for longer than two to four weeks in a smoker should prompt evaluation by an otolaryngologist to determine if there is cancer of the larynx (voice box). Different treatment options for this cancer of the voice box include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. When vocal cord cancer is found early, typically only surgery or radiation therapy is required, and the cure rate is high (greater than 90 percent).
Hoarseness or roughness in your voice is often caused by a medical problem. Contact an otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon if you have any sustained changes to your voice.

Absent Penis

2007-09-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

Introduction

"It's a boy!"

When we first glimpse our children in the delivery room, their sex is one of the immediate things we notice. It's also one of the first things we report to family and friends. In the last generation, many of us have seen evidence of our children's sex on ultrasound even before they were born, but still at the birth, we look to see.

How disconcerting to parents when a boy's penis seems to disappear, either at birth or shortly thereafter. The good news is that the outlook is bright.

What is it?

When a penis appears absent or too small, we call the condition inconspicuous penis. I've seen this in a great many boys. Several very different situations are lumped into this category. I will describe webbed penis, concealed penis, trapped penis, micropenis, and absent penis

Who gets it?

Boys can be born with a webbed penis, or the condition can result from an overexuberant circumcision where adhesions form between the scrotal skin and the penile skin. Webbed penis usually causes no problems (unless a routine circumcision is later performed).

Some children are born with a concealed penis (also known as buried penis or hidden penis), and for some it happens after circumcision. It is common in infants and toddlers, and occasionally seen in older children and obese adolescents.

Children are not born with trapped penis; circumcision causes it. Routine circumcision of a webbed penis or circumcision when there is significant scrotal swelling (from a hydrocele or hernia) can lead to trapped penis.

Micropenis is a hormonal problem that takes place sometime after 14 weeks' gestation when the penis has already formed.

Absent penis, or penile agenesis, is very rare, occurring in fewer than one in 20 million boys.

What are the symptoms?

A webbed penis is a normal-size penis where the skin of the scrotal sac extends partway up the shaft of the penis.

A concealed penis is a normal-size penis that lies hidden in the pubic fat pad. This condition is also called buried penis or hidden penis. Often the penis can be easily exposed by gently pulling on it or by pressing down on the surrounding fat pad.

A trapped penis is a normal-size penis that is partially stuck in the pubic fat pad. Scarring or adhesions trap the recessed penis in the fat pad. This condition can predispose children to urinary tract infections or urinary retention. Surgery is usually wise.

All of the above conditions have a penis of normal size. In determining size, the stretched penile length is far more important than the relaxed length. To evaluate penis size, stretch the penis gently and measure from the bone at the base all the way to the tip. Be sure to depress the surrounding fat pad to get all the way to the base. Here are the normal values:

Average Stretched Penile Length

(Adapted from Feldman KW, Smith DW. Journal of Pediatrics. 1975; 86:395)

:Age

Mean +/- 1 SD (inches)

Mean - 2.5 SD (inches)

0-5 months

1.5 +/- 0.3

0.75

6-12 months

1.7 +/- 0.3

0.9

1-2 years

1.9 +/- 0.3

1.0

2-3 years

2.0 +/- 0.4

1.1

3-4 years

2.2 +/- 0.4

1.3

4-5 years

2.2 +/- 0.4

1.4

5-8 years

2.4 +/- 0.4

1.5

8-11 years

2.5 +/- 0.4

1.5

Adult

5.2 +/- 0.6

3.7

Micropenis is a penis that is more than 2.5 standard deviations below the average size for age. In a newborn, a stretched penile length less than 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) is considered a micropenis.

In absent penis, or penile agenesis, the scrotum and testicles usually form normally, but the penis doesn't form at all.

How long does it last?

Without treatment, a webbed penis is unlikely to get better as the child grows.

If the concealed penis can be easily exposed by gently pulling on it or by pressing down on the surrounding fat pad, the situation will usually correct itself over time.

In a trapped penis, scarring or adhesions trap the recessed penis in the fat pad. This condition can predispose children to urinary tract infections or urinary retention.

In micropenis, if the penis grows when a three-month trial of testosterone is given, the outlook is good for normal adult penis size and function.

Absent penis is a permanent condition, although treatment can greatly improve the situation

How is it diagnosed?

When a boy has an inconspicuous penis, the parents' concerns are quite understandable. The penis should be promptly examined and measured, and the parents should be clearly told whether it is normally formed and of normal size. Whenever any question remains, a pediatric urologist is the best person to evaluate the penis and recommend a plan. Consulting a urologist is all the more appropriate when new concerns arise as the boy grows.

How is it treated?

Sometimes surgery is needed for inconspicuous penis, sometimes medical treatments, and often nothing at all.

A webbed penis sometimes requires surgery. Results with surgery, however, are excellent.

Sometimes surgery is needed for concealed penis. Either way, social, urinary and erection results are excellent.

Surgery is usually wise for a trapped penis.

In micropenis, hormone levels need to be checked. A boy's chromosomes should also be checked to see if there is an underlying genetic syndrome. An MRI may be needed to look at the hormone-secreting glands. A trial of testosterone treatment may solve the problem.

If micropenis does not respond to testosterone stimulation, the difficult question of reassigning gender arises. This decision has been made even more difficult by the conflicting and changing recommendations of experts in the field.

At one time, gender reassignment was the routine choice, even though it involves castration, surgical reconstruction, estrogen supplements, and huge emotional issues for the child and family. Many people base their opinions on the case of a baby boy whose penis was accidentally amputated during circumcision. When he was 22 months old, he was castrated and reassigned a female sex. He had surgery to make his genitals appear female. He was raised as a girl. At puberty, he was given estrogens to promote breast growth. Reports said that he had a very good adjustment to the female sex, but it later became clear that from an early age he had rejected the idea that he was a girl. During his teen years, he insisted on switching back to living as a man. He later married as a man.

Recent long-term studies of micropenis have found that even if the penis remains small, most boys raised as boys end up as sexually active, heterosexual males who stand to urinate, have a strong male identity, normal erectile function, and who enjoy sex. Their partners also report sexual satisfaction. Unfortunately, teasing by peers can be a real problem. A penile prosthesis may help.

Adults who have themselves had intersex issues argue strongly against reassignment before the child is old enough to choose. Their opinion should be listened to carefully.

Treating absent penis presents many challenges. A team including a geneticist, endocrinologist, urologist, pediatrician, and mental health experts should be involved.

How can it be prevented?

Often inconspicuous penis cannot be prevented. Avoiding inappropriate circumcisions can reduce the risk of an inconspicuous penis.

Borderline personality disorder

2007-09-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Borderline personality disorder is often a devastating mental condition, both for the people who have it and for those around them.

Perhaps shaped by harmful childhood experiences or brain dysfunctions, people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder live in a world of inner and outer turmoil. They have difficulty regulating their emotions and are often in a state of upheaval. They have distorted images of themselves, often feeling worthless and fundamentally bad or damaged.
And while they yearn for loving relationships, people with borderline personality disorder typically find that their anger, impulsivity, stormy attachments and frequent mood swings push others away.

Over the last 10 years, increasing awareness and research are helping improve the treatment and understanding of borderline personality disorder. At the same time, it remains a controversial condition, particularly since so many more women than men are diagnosed with it, raising questions about gender bias. Although definitive data are lacking, it's estimated that 1 percent to 2 percent of American adults have borderline personality disorder (BPD). It occurs in about one in every 33 women, compared with one in every 100 men, and is usually diagnosed in early adulthood.

Contrary to lingering perceptions, emerging evidence indicates that people with BPD often get better over time and that they can live happy, peaceful lives.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

2007-09-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken. A baby has weak neck muscles and a large, heavy head. Shaking makes the fragile brain bounce back and forth inside the skull and causes bruising, swelling, and bleeding, which can lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. The characteristic injuries of shaken baby syndrome are subdural hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain), retinal hemorrhages (bleeding in the retina), damage to the spinal cord and neck, and fractures of the ribs and bones. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Symptoms of shaken baby syndrome include extreme irritability, lethargy, poor feeding, breathing problems, convulsions, vomiting, and pale or bluish skin. Shaken baby injuries usually occur in children younger than 2 years old, but may be seen in children up to the age of 5.

Is there any treatment?

Emergency treatment for a baby who has been shaken usually includes life-sustaining measures such as respiratory support and surgery to stop internal bleeding and bleeding in the brain. Doctors may use brain scans, such as MRI and CT, to make a more definite diagnosis.

What is the prognosis?

In comparison with accidental traumatic brain injury in infants, shaken baby injuries have a much worse prognosis. Damage to the retina of the eye can cause blindness. The majority of infants who survive severe shaking will have some form of neurological or mental disability, such as cerebral palsy or mental retardation, which may not be fully apparent before 6 years of age. Children with shaken baby syndrome may require lifelong medical care.

What research is being done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conduct research related to shaken baby syndrome in laboratories at the NIH and also support additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to treat and heal medical conditions such as shaken baby syndrome.

Some Important Eye Disorders

2007-06-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Some Important Eye Disorders

CONJUNCTIVITIS

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is a common condition in which the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and lining the eyelids, becomes inflamed. The affected eye becomes red and sore and may look alarming, but the condition is rarely serious. One or both of the eyes may be affected, and in some cases it begins in one eye then spreads to the other.

What Are the Causes?

Conjunctivitis may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or it may result from an allergic reaction or irritation of the conjunctiva for example, by smoke, pollution, or ultraviolet light.
Bacterial conjunctivitis, which is common, may be caused by any of several types of bacteria. Viral conjunctivitis can occur in epidemics caused by one of the viruses responsible for the common cold. It may also be due to the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. Conjunctivitis due to a bacterial or viral infection can be spread by hand-by-eye contact and is usually highly contagious.

Newborn babies sometimes develop conjunctivitis. This can happen if an infection is transmitted to the baby's eyes from the mother's vagina during the birth. This form of conjunctivitis is usually caused by the microorganisms responsible for certain sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydial cervicitis, gonorrhea, and genital herpes.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common feature of hay fever and of allergy to dust, pollen, and other airborne substances. The condition may also be triggered by chemicals found in eye drops, cosmetics, or contact lens solutions. Allergic conjunctivitis often runs in families.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of conjunctivitis usually develop over a few hours and are often first experienced on waking. The symptoms generally include:

• Redness of the white of the eye.
• Gritty and uncomfortable sensation in the eye.
• Swelling and itching of the eyelids.
• Discharge that may be yellowish and thick or clear and watery.

The discharge may dry out during sleep and form crusts on the eyelashes and eyelid margins. As a result, the eyelids sometimes stick together on waking.

What Can I Do?

The symptoms of conjunctivitis can be relieved by bathing the eye with artificial tears. To avoid spreading infection, wash your hands after touching the eye and do not share towels or washcloths. Once the conjunctivitis has cleared up, vision is rarely affected.
If you are susceptible to allergic conjunctivitis, avoid exposure to triggering substances. Antiallergy eye drops can be used to ease the symptoms. If an eye becomes painful and red, you should consult your doctor to rule out the possibility of a more serious condition.

What Might the Doctor Do?

Your doctor probably makes a diagnosis from your symptoms. If infection is suspected, he or she may take a sample of the discharge to identify the cause.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated by applying antibiotic drops or ointment. In such cases, the symptoms usually clear up within 48 hours. However, the treatment should be continued for 2-10
days, even if the symptoms improve, to ensure the eradication of infection. Viral conjunctivitis that occurs because of a herpes infection may be treated with eyedrops containing an antiviral drug. Although other types of viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated, their symptoms usually clear up within 2-3 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe eye-drops or oral antiallergy drugs if you have allergic conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis cornealulcer

CORNEALULCER

2007-06-01T07:40:00.002-07:00

CORNEALULCER

Erosion in the cornea, the transparent outer part of the front of the eyes, is called a corneal ulcer. These ulcers can be very painful and, if they are left untreated, may cause scarring and lead to permanently impaired vision, blindness, or even loss of the eye. People who wear contact lenses are at increased risk of corneal ulcers.

What are the Causes?

Corneal ulcers may be caused by an eye injury, an infection, or a combination of both. A relatively small injury such as a corneal abrasion (left), can develop into a corneal ulcer if the damaged area becomes infected. A more severe injury, such as that caused by a caustic chemical, can produce an ulcer in the absence of infection. However, an ulcer that becomes infected may enlarge and penetrate more deeply into the cornea. Only rarely do infections cause corneal ulcers without prior injury. The most common of these infections are herpes zoster, known as shingles, and herpes simplex infections.

What are the Symptoms?

If you have a corneal ulcer, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Intense pain in the eye.
• Redness and discharge from the eye.
• Blurry vision.
• Increased sensitivity to light.

With an untreated infected ulcer, the infection may spread and permanently damage the vision in that eye and the eye itself. Consult your doctor immediately if you develop a painful, red eye along with blurry vision.

What Might Be Done?

Your doctor may place fluorescein eye-drops in the affected eye and examine it under blue light, using a slit lamp. He or she may also take a swab to identify the cause. If the dye reveals an ulcer, you may be given antibiotic or antiviral eye-drops to treat the infection. Even severe ulcers usually clear up within 1-2 weeks of treatment, but they can leave scars of treatment, but they can leave scars that permanently affect vision.

Conjunctivitis, Cornealulcer, trachoma

TRACHOMA

2007-06-01T07:40:00.001-07:00

TRACHOMA

Trachoma is a serious, persistent eye infection that often causes permanent scarring of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. Although rare in developed countries, trachoma is one of the world's main causes of blindness. It affects about 400 million people, of whom about 6 million are blind.
Trachoma is due to the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread to the eyes by direct contact with contaminated hands or by flies. Trachoma is common in poor parts of the world, particularly in hot, dry countries that have poor sanitation and limited water supplies. Overcrowding encourages the spread of the trachoma infection.
To avoid becoming infected in a high-risk area, you should wash your hands and face regularly and avoid touching your eyes with dirty fingers.

What are the symptoms?

Initially, trachoma causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids. Later symptoms include:

• Thick discharge from the affected eye that containspus.
• Redness of the white of the eye.
• Gritty sensation in the eye.

Over time, repeated episodes of trachoma can cause scarring on the inside eyelids. The scars may pull the eyelids inward and cause the eyelashes to rub against the delicate cornea. Left untreated, the condition can lead to blindness.

What is the treatment?

In the early stages, trachoma is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. If the cornea has become scarred, sight may be restored by an operation called a corneal graft, in which a cornea from a donor is used to replace the scarred one.

Conjunctivitis, Cornealulcer, Trachoma, cataract

CATARACT

2007-06-01T07:39:00.001-07:00

CATARACT

If you have a cataract, the normally transparent lens of the eye is cloudy as a result of changes in protein fibers in the lens. The clouding affects the transmission and focusing of light entering the eye, reducing clarity of vision.

If cataracts are present from birth, total loss of vision may result. However, cataracts do not usually affect children or young adults. Most people over age 75 have some cataract formation, but visual loss is often minimal as only the outer edges of the lens are affected.

Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but generally one eye is more severely affected. A cataract in the central part of the lens or one that affects the whole lens can cause total loss of clarity and detail in vision. However, the affected eye will still be able to detect light and shade.

What are the causes?

All cataracts occur as a result of structural changes to protein fibers within the lens. These changes cause part or the entire lens

• Flashing lights in the cornea of the eye.
• Large numbers of dark spots in the field of vision.

If a large area of the retina has become detached, you may experience a cloudy ring or a black area across your field of vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should go to the emergency room of your local hospital or call your doctor immediately.

What might be done?

Retinal detachment is diagnosed by ophthalmoscopy, which is a technique used to examine the eye's internal structures. If only a small area of retina has detached, the tear may be sealed by laser treatment under local anesthesia. However, if a large area has detached, an operation under general anesthesia is necessary. If treated early, normal vision may be restored, but delayed treatment is less effective.

Conjunctivitis,Cornealulcer,Trachoma,Cataract,retinopathy

RETINOPATHY

2007-06-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

RETINOPATHY

Some long-standing diseases can damage small blood vessels throughout the body. If the blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye) are affected, the damage is known as retinopathy. Retinal damage varies according to the under lying disorder but can include leakage of blood from damaged vessels, loss of blood flow to some areas, and abnormal development of new blood vessels. Retinopathy may cause loss of vision.

One of the most common causes of retinopathy is diabetes mellitus. The condition can also occur as a result of high blood pressure, although vision is not usually affected in this case. Less frequently, retinopathy may be caused by AIDS, oxygen therapy in premature babies, or by sickle-cell anemia. Usually, only the underlying disease is treated. However, in diabetic retinopathy, laser surgery treatment of the retina itself can save vision.

EYE INJURIES

The eyelid-closing reflex and the bony socket around the eye help protect the eye from injury. However, eye injuries are still common, and in some cases blindness may result if the injuries are not treated promptly.

The most common injury to the eye is a scratch on the transparent cornea caused by a foreign body in the eye. Minor injuries of this type rarely damage vision permanently unless they develop an infection that remains untreated. However, penetrating injuries in which the eye is pierced by a tiny, fast-moving object, such as a metal chip from machinery, can lead to total loss of sight. Blunt injuries, such as those due to a blow from a fist or ball, may also endanger vision. Injuries can also occur by using caustic chemicals or by looking directly at the sun.

Most eye injuries can be prevented by the use of protective eyewear when working with dangerous machines or chemicals or when participating in athletic activities. Never look directly at the sun, even while wearing sunglasses.

What are the symptoms

what are the symptoms?

2007-06-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

what are the symptoms?

The symptoms of eye injuries differ according to the type and severity of damage, but symptoms may include:

• Pain and watering of the eye.
• Inability to open the eye.
• Bleeding under the front surface of the eye.
• Bruising and swelling of the skin around the eye.
• Reduced vision in the affected eye.
•
In the majority of minor eye injuries, first aid will often be helpful, but you should always seek medical attention for any eye injuries. If the injury was caused by a blow to the eye, involves a penetrating foreign body, or results in reduced vision, hold a clean, dry cloth over the injured eye and go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

What might be done?

Your doctor will probably assess the eye by ophthalmoscopy Potosi’s in adults can occur as a part of the aging process, or it may be a symptom of myasthenia gravis, which causes progressive muscle weakness. If ptosis starts suddenly, it may be due to a brain tumor or a defective blood vessel in the brain. If you develop ptosis, see your doctor to rule out a serious underlying disorder.

What is the Treatment?

Ptosis in babies can be corrected by surgically tightening the eyelid muscle. If the treatment is carried out early, the child's vision should develop normally.
In adults, surgery for ptosis should be carried out only after any possible significant underlying disorders have been ruled out. Surgery is very effective for ptosis caused by the aging process.

WATERY EYE

Watery eye usually results from irritation of the eye by a foreign body such as a particle of dirt. Older people often have watery eye as a result of entropion, in which the eyelashes rub against the eye, or ectropion, in which tears do not drain away normally. The watering usually stops when the irritant is removed or the underlying condition is corrected. Watery eye may also occur as a result of a blocked nasolacrimal system (which drains tears), possibly caused by an infection of the eye or sinus infection.

Babies may have watery eyes because the nasolacrimal system is underdeveloped. Gently massaging between the corner of the eyelid and the nose may help. The condition usually corrects itself by age 6 months. Persistent blockage, at any age, must be treated by a doctor, who may clear the blockage by inserting a fine probe into the tear duct.

xerophthalmia/Caries and Gingivitis

Xerophthalmia

2007-06-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Xerophthalmia

Xerophthalmia, which occurs mainly in developing countries, means dryness of the eye. The condition is caused by a dietary deficiency of vitamin A.

Left untreated, xerophthalmia leads to chronic infection and the cornea (the transparent part of the front of the eye) may soften and perforate. Infection may then spread inside the eye and blindness may result. Artificial tears may relieve dryness, but the main treatment is large doses of vitamin A.

Caries

Medical term for tooth decay .Dental caries begin when bacteria in plaque eat away at the outer layer (enamel or cementum) of a tooth. Normally, these layers are strong enough to withstand invasion, but when the residue of built up food (plaque) remains on the teeth, it gives the bacteria a chance to work more steadily.

Tooth decay may start as a small spot on a tooth. Left untreated, it can destroy teeth, gums and even the bone around the teeth. The bacteria work their way into the tooth and into the pulp. The further the bacteria go, the more damage is done.

Early stage caries often go unnoticed. As the tooth deteriorates. it becomes increasingly sensitive to sweet, hot, or cold food. Removing the decayed area and filing the cavity is the usual form of treatment. For severe cases, removal of the tooth pulp (root canal treatment) or the tooth itself (dental extraction) is necessary.

People can prevent caries by reducing the amount of sugar and other refined carbohydrates in their diet. The next step is proper oral hygiene. The fluoride in toothpaste and fluoridated water strengthens enamel.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums. Like the teeth, the gums (gingiva) are affected by plaque build up. Failure to brush and floss properly can result in an infection with bacteria that destroy the gums and the bones and teeth around them.

Most people pay insufficient attention to their gums and may be unaware of any trouble in this area until symptoms occur. In the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), the gums bleed easily during tooth brushing. There may be pain and tenderness, the gums may be swollen, and there may be a discharge of pus, especially as the disease progresses.

Gingivitis can often be reversed simply through proper dental hygiene, including brushing regularly and flossing carefully. The use of either dental floss or interdentally stimulators is essential in keeping the gums healthy and strong. Failure to take care of the teeth and gums can result in a worsening of the inflammation, to the point that the damage is no longer reversible and more extreme measures must be taken.. The gums can recede to the point that even healthy teeth can loosen and fall out.

toothache-and-erosion-toothache