All posts by HealthyLife

HealthyLife is a part of www.WeRIndia.com, an all India – centric website (https://healthylife.werindia.com) and is solely owned and operated by WeRIndia.com. It is a Indian nutritional portal providing educational articles.This nutritional port was launched on February 5th, 2015.
6 Reasons You Should See a Neurosurgeon

6 Reasons You Should See a Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons are medical professionals who specialise in performing complex operations on the brain. Interestingly, brain surgery constitutes only a small portion of the work performed by neurosurgeons.

They are concerned with the entire nervous system, and they treat every part of the body that has been affected by nerve problems.

In this article, Dr Gurneet Shawney who is one of the best neurosurgeons in India shared his expertise on when you should consult a neurosurgeon.

Dr Gurneet Singh Sawhney is a neurosurgeon who is a member of India’s new generation of ultra-modern neurosurgeons. He is widely regarded as having exceptional expertise in the treatment of complex and critical brain and spinal cord disorders in India.

IN FAR TOO MANY CASES, SURGERY WILL BE THE LAST ALTERNATIVE

Neurosurgeons spend the majority of their time diagnosing patients’ symptoms and developing progressive, minimally invasive treatment plans for their patients.

Neurosurgeons only perform surgery when there are no other effective treatment options available. When it comes to illness, they prefer to take a conservative approach whenever it is possible.

Despite popular belief, neurosurgeons can also treat “common” diseases such as back pain, migraine headaches as well as more serious conditions such as cancer.

When any of the symptoms listed below are present, you should consult with a neurologist immediately.

  1. NUMBNESS AND DISCOMFORT

It is common for people with sensory nerve damage to experience persistent numbness, particularly in the extremities.

Sensory nerves can be found under the skin as well as in the muscles of the body. They are responsible for returning information to the brain. Numbness, burning, tingling, or pain can result if the nerves are unable to perform their functions properly.

  1. AN INABILITY TO KEEP A GRIP

It is possible for the hand to lose its ability to grasp objects as a result of pain or loss of sensation. Typically, this occurs as a result of swelling in the wrist as a result of an injury or illness.

As the wrist swells, it compresses the median nerve, resulting in pain, tingling, and/or loss of sensation. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the medical term for this condition.

Carpal tunnel syndrome emerges gradually. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after noticing even the smallest of symptoms in order to avoid further worsening of the condition.

  1. HEADACHES THAT DO NOT GO AWAY

Dr Gurneet, one of the top doctors from India notes that the time to see a neurosurgeon is when the head hurts for several hours or days at a stretch. In addition to nausea and light sensitivity, persistent headaches or migraines are frequently associated with other symptoms.

They occur when over-excited nerves incorrectly cause veins and arteries to narrow, resulting in the release of chemicals that cause discomfort.

A neurosurgeon will work with the patient to determine the source of the migraine headaches and develop a treatment plan to help manage or eliminate the headaches completely.

HEADACHES THAT DO NOT GO AWAY

 

  1. DIFFICULTY IN MOVEMENT

Inability to move smoothly, tremors, shuffling, and uncontrollable bodily movements are all symptoms of impaired movement.

There are several possible causes for these symptoms, including a malfunction of the central nervous system, a side effect of medication, or head trauma, among others.

A neurosurgeon is the most qualified professional to determine whether or not a serious underlying condition exists.

  1. SEIZURES

Seizures are typically associated with violent convulsions and loss of consciousness in most people’s minds. Frequently, they are softer and more subtle in nature. A seizure can occur even while a person is sitting perfectly still.

A person who has suddenly begun having seizures should seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

  1. ISSUES WITH DIZZINESS OR BALANCE

Being dizzy or lightheaded can happen to anyone at any time, and it’s perfectly normal. However, if this appears to be happening on a regular basis, it is not a positive sign.

In the event that you are walking around and feel dizzy on a regular basis, or even lose your balance and fall, it is likely that you need to see a neurosurgeon.

SEE THE DOCTOR SOONER RATHER THAN LATER

You should not downplay symptoms that keep coming back. Visit a neurosurgeon to find out and treat the root cause of any discomfort you may feel. The sooner you find out what is going on, the sooner you can get the care you need, says Dr Gurneet, one of the leading Doctors from India.

Featured image:- https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/human-nervous-system_4239572.htm#page=1&query=SEIZURES&position=10&from_view=search

Featured Image Credit:- Background vector created by rawpixel.com – www.freepik.com

Content Image Refrence:- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/overworked-cuacasian-male-feels-terrible-headache-after-sleepless-night-keeps-hand-forehead-shut-eyes-dressed-casual-red-t-shirt-stands-against-white-wall-people-tiredness_10421345.htm

Credit:- Hand photo created by wayhomestudio – www.freepik.com

 


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: December 3, 2021
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Foxtail Millet Idli

Delicious foxtail millet idli

Foxtail millet also known as Italian millet, German millet, Siberian millet, foxtail bristle grass is gluten free grain. Kagni, navane, thinai, korra, thina are Indian names for the this millet.

It is world’s one of the oldest grain, known for its health benefits in various ways. It is diabetic friendly as it releases glucose in a very controlled manner.

In addition, it contains dietary fibers iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium  and copper.

It is low in fat content and hence good for weight loss!

Try this healthy, delicious foxtail millet idli recipe with sambar and chutney at home.

Ingredients:

  1. Urad dal (split blackgram) – ½ cup
  2. Foxtail millet (navane) – 1 Cup
  3. Fenugreek (methi) seeds – 1/4
  4. Beaten rice (poha) – 2 to 3 Tbs
  5. Salt – ½ tsp.
  6. Water – 3 cups

Method:

  1. Wash and soak urad dal in water for 6 hours.
  2. In a separate container wash and soak millet and fenugreek seeds in a cup of water for 3 to 4 hours.
  3. Grind soaked urad dal to a paste.
  4. Drain water from soaked millet and fenugreek, grind well along with beaten rice. This grinded mix will be slightly coarse.
  5. Mix Urad dal paste and grinded millet well. Add little water to get Idli consistency. Prepare a batter by adding required amount of salt.
  6. Keep the batter for fermentation overnight.
  7. Remove fermented batter next day and mix again. Apply little oil or ghee on idli cups/plates and pour idli batter.
  8. Steam cook idli for 10-15 mins.
  9. Remove idlis and serve hot with your choice of chutney or sambar or both!

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Reference: Healthylife.werindia.com


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: November 25, 2021
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Silver dragees sprinkles are unsafe to eat - FDA

Silver dragees sprinkles are unsafe to eat – FDA

You must be familiar with cakes and cookies that are decorated with silver sparkles. Cookies look attractive and crunchy to eat. Silver beads gives a great look to cake. Because it is with a food item, without thinking much we crunch on them and eat those silver beads.

Do you know that these widely used silver sprinkles are not safe to eat? According to FDA it is unsafe to eat those silver sparkles.

Silver sparkles are officially known as “silver dragees”. Silver was banned from food items in the year 1906. These mineral substances were considered as unsafe and also silver was banned from confectionary use. FDA guidelines say that the silver dragees can be bused for decoration but they are considered unsafe for human consumption.

These dragees have a sugar center which gives sweet taste. But the metal coating that is outside that makes dragees inedible. Before consumption beads should be removed.

In the late 1970’s this material gained popularity and led FDA to declare that the silver dragees should be used only for decoration and not to be served as a food item due to its metal coating! Still bakers, amateur and professional alike use these sprinkles especially during holiday seasons.  Currently in 49 states in US, silver dragees are sold and in California it cannot be purchased due to a 2003 lawsuit which declared ingestion of silver dragees is harmful. In many countries silver beads are still consumed.

When small silver balls known as “silver dragees” are sold exclusively for decorating cakes and are used under conditions which preclude their consumption as confectionery, they are not considered to be in the category of a food or confectionery – FDA guidelines states.

While mentioning about silver colored almonds, further FDA policy says “ Silver colored almonds have been offered for cake decoration. In this regard, the *Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition* has stated: “Although, the articles (silver colored almonds) may be intended for cake decoration, we do not agree that they are dragees; further, we see no compelling information that the articles are to be used for decorative purposes only and thus would not be eaten. There is no authority under the color additive regulations which permits silver to be used as a color. Neither is there a food additive regulation (or exemption) authorizing silver as a food coating.

Silver dragees are very popular during holiday seasons and are included in graduation party, birthday party cakes and decorations. Instead of using silver dragees, go for known icing or drops that are safe to consume. If you come across silver coating and dragees, remove them from decoration before consuming the actual food.

References:


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Mayurasana - Peacock pose

Mayurasana – Peacock Pose

The colorful feathers of peacock show us how divine and beautiful is the nature.  Peacock’s look itself brings joy and harmony to our mind. Peacock symbolizes the love and immortality. Mayura is  sanskrit name for peacock. The majestic pose of peacock is incorporated in yoga. This pose brings strength for forearms and wrists, reduces belly fat, strengthens abdominal organs, improves metabolism. It helps in focusing and balancing of mind and body -Healthylife

 Level: Advanced, Intermediate, Pose Type: Arm Balance

Sanskrit: Mayurasana (my-yur-AHS-anna), mayura = peacock

BENEFITS

  • Strengthens the forearms, wrists, and elbows
  • Massages the abdominal organs
  • Improves digestion
  • Stimulates the elimination of toxins
  • Develops mental and physical balance
  • Brings the three Ayurvedic doshas into harmony

 CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Wrist or elbow injuries
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems
  • Hernia
  • Peptic or duodenal ulcer
  • Pregnancy

HOW TO

1. Kneel on the floor with your knees wide, and sit back on your heels. Place your palms on the floor, fingers pointing toward your feet.

2. Bend your elbows slightly and press your pinky fingers and forearms together. Lean forward and rest your torso on your upper arms. Your elbows should press into your belly at or below your navel.

3. Rest your forehead on the ground. Stretch your legs behind you, keeping your feet together.

4. Activate your legs and buttocks. Shift your weight slightly more forward and, with an exhale, lift your feet from the floor. Bring your legs and torso parallel to the ground.

5. Lift your head from the floor and gaze forward.

6. Stay in Peacock pose for several breaths. To release, inhale and lower your feet and knees to the floor.

MODIFY OR REPLACE

Alternatives:

  • Ardha Matsyandrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes)
  • Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff pose)

Modifications:

  • Place a cushion under the head to eliminate the fear of falling too far forward.
  • Rest the head on the ground and lift the legs only—until you feel ready to lift both.
  • Use a strap to bind the elbows together.

SEQUENCING TIPS

Before:

  • All yoga poses, including inversions; Mayurasana should be performed at the end of an asana practice

After:

  • Savasana (Corpse pose)

TEACHING CUES

  1. Bring the torso and legs parallel to the floor.
  2. Keep the elbows together.
  3. Lengthen from the crown of your head to the heels of your feet.

VARIATIONS

  • Padma Mayurasana (Lotus Peacock pose)
  • Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock pose)

WATCH OUT FOR

  • Body weight supported on the chest rather than the abdomen
  • Elbows sliding apart

Source: This article and image is republished with permission from https://beyogi.com/  For more yoga poses https://beyogi.com/


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: November 24, 2021
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What Can I Do To Lower My Risk Of Heart Disease?

What Can I Do To Lower My Risk Of Heart Disease?

Apart from following Healthy lifestyle, once a year get one of the tests that are described in the slides. Talk to your doctor about the tests. It helps to prevent and take action to keep your heart healthy.

Control blood pressure: Lifestyle changes, exercise and diet are helping to control high blood pressure

Drink water: Keep your body hydrated. Dehydration thickens blood and causes hypertension. Overtime it could cause plaque in arteries.   If you are an athlete, hydrate 2-3 hours before your activity, drink water during activity, eat well, consume fresh and nutritious food.

Cholesterol and triglyceride level control: To avoid having clogged arteries and heart attack, reduce fat intake, consume fats that are heart friendly. Healthy eating habits and exercises help to reduce high level cholesterol.

Regular exercise: Heart friendly yoga, Pilates, and other form exercises improve blood circulation to heart and other body parts. Reduce weight and keep healthy weight that is appropriate for your age group. Controlling weight gain helps heart. 

Do not smoke: Smoking is injurious to health, don’t smoke. If you are not smoking, keep your lifestyle that way. Smoking increases blood pressure and is one of the leading causes of stroke and heart attack.

Alcohol consumption: Let your alcohol consumption be moderate. Too much alcohol increases blood pressure, adds extra calories and one can gain weight. What is moderate alcohol consumption? Learn here.

Healthy diet: Reduce sodium, sugar, and fats. Add vegetables, fruits, cereals, and whole grain in your food. Reduce fat and stick to DASH diet that helps to keep blood pressure low.

Getting good sleep: Risk of having high blood pressure, diabetes is high if you don’t get enough sleep and rest. People who do not get enough rest and sleep after heavy exercise or hard work are more often tend to get heart attack. If you have any sleep related problems including sleep apnea, insomnia, snoring – talk to your doctor for solution.

Stress management: Stress can only cause harm to your body. Stress can trigger heart attack. People who cannot manage stress properly often end up consuming more calories by overeating, drinking, and smoking. Learn to manage stress by meditating, by adopting to activities that brings peace to your mind.

Blood sugar: High blood sugar or diabetes can damage blood vessels and body nerves that control heart and blood vessels. Learn to manage diabetes with foods and lifestyle.   

Image credit: https://www.maxpixel.net/Emotion-Despair-Pleasure-Pain-Mourning-Man-2734073 (cc by 0)


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: November 2, 2021
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What are the tests that help us to determine our heart health?

What are the tests that help us to determine our heart health?

Echocardiogram And Transesophageal Echocardiography For Heart

1. Echocardiogram: ECHO -Uses sound waves to produce images of your heart. This common test allows your physician to see how your heart is beating and how blood is moving through your heart. Images from an echocardiogram are used to identify various abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves. This test can be done while you’re at rest or with exercise to elevate your heart rate.

Reasons for the test:

  • Determine the cause of a heart murmur
  • Check the function of heart valves
  • Assess the overall function of the heart

2. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE): Uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make detailed pictures of your heart and the arteries that lead to and from it. The echo transducer that produces the sound waves for TEE is attached to a thin tube that passes through  mouth, down throat and into your esophagus, which is very close to the upper chambers of the heart.

Reasons for the test:

  • Assess the function of heart valves
  • Follow heart valve disease
  • Look for blood clots inside the heart

Reference: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/

Image credit:

  • https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heart_lpla_echocardiography_diagram.jpg :Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator, CC BY 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons
  • • https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heart_tee_four_chamber_view.jpg: Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator, CC BY 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Electrocardiogram And Magnetic Resonance Imaging For Heart

Electrocardiogram And Magnetic Resonance Imaging For Heart

3. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat to provide two kinds of information. First, by measuring time intervals on the ECG, a doctor can determine how long the electrical wave takes to pass through your heart. Finding out how long a wave takes to travel from one part of the heart to the next shows if the electrical activity is normal, slow, fast or irregular.

Second, by measuring the amount of electrical activity passing through heart muscle, a cardiologist may be able to find out if parts of the heart are too large or overworked.

Reasons for the test:

  • Monitor changes in heart rhythm
  • Determine whether a heart attack has occurred
  • Help predict if a heart attack is developing

4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body. It can be used to examine your heart and blood vessels and to identify areas of the brain affected by stroke.

Reasons for the test:

  • Assess heart structure
  • Look for scar tissue within the heart muscle
  • Assess the function of heart valves

Reference: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/

Image credit:

  • https://www.maxpixel.net/Electrocardiogram-Ecg-Heartbeat-Pulse-Heart-1892826
  • https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:190603_Functional_magnetic_resonance_imaging_at_the_Imperial_Centre_for_Psychedelic_Research.jpg : Thomas Angus, Imperial College London, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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CT Scan And Exercise Cardiac Stress Test For Heart

CT Scan And Exercise Cardiac Stress Test For Heart

5. CT scan: An X-ray imaging technique that uses a computer to produce cross-sectional images of your heart. Also referred to as cardiac computed tomography, computerized axial tomography, or CAT scan, it can be used to examine heart and blood vessels for problems. It’s also used to identify whether blood vessels in the brain have been affected by stroke.

Reasons for the test:

Asess the structure of the heart

  • Determine if blockages are present in the coronary arteries

6. Exercise cardiac stress test: Also called an exercise tolerance test (ETT), this test shows whether your heart’s blood supply is sufficient and if your heart rhythm is normal during exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. The test monitors your level of tiredness, heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and heart activity while exercising. This test may be done in combination with nuclear imaging or echocardiography.

Reasons for the test:

  • Determine the cause of chest pain, shortness of breath and weakness
  • Assess the health of the heart
  • Assess safety of exercise
  • Identify heart rhythm changes with activity
  • Find evidence of inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle during exercise

Reference: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/

Image credit:

  • https://medlineplus.gov/
  • https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ergospirometry_laboratory.jpg : Cosmed, CC BY-SA3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 

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