All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Tips to overcome hangover

Tips to overcome hangover

Generally, it takes 8 to 24 hours to come out from hangover due to heavy drinking. Hangovers are a frequent, though unpleasant, experience among people who drink to intoxication. Despite the prevalence of hangovers, however, this condition is not well understood scientifically.

Direct effects of alcohol during hangover:

  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Low blood sugar
  • Sleep and biological rhythm disturbances

Symptoms of hangover:

1. Constitutional: Fatigue, weakness, and thirst

2. Pain: Headache and muscle aches

3. Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain

4. Sleep and biological rhythms: Decreased sleep, decreased REM (rapid eye movement),and increased slow-wave sleep

5. Sensory: Vertigo and sensitivity to light and sound

6. Cognitive: Decreased attention and concentration

7. Mood: Depression, anxiety, and irritability

8. Sympathetic hyperactivity: Tremor, sweating, and increased pulse and systolic blood pressure

 Suggestions to handle hangover:

  • Drink plenty of water between cocktails. In case you did not drink water during your cocktail party, then drink plenty of water after your party and next day. Alcohol dehydrates body and drinking water helps to retain the body fluid.
  • Drink buttermilk: Drinking buttermilk helps to reduce the handover effect. Buttermilk or yogurt supplies carbohydrates that is needed for the body.
  • Head spinning, headache, vomiting and feeling weak is another symptom of hangover. Drink other fluids -coconut water, lemon juice, soup and electrolyte rich fluids to get over hang over and to get back strength.
  • Try this recipe to reduce and come out of hangover: Stir 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 teaspoons of sugar into 5 cups of water. Whisk in ½ cup orange juice or ¼ cup mashed banana. Sip the mixture slowly throughout the day, storing it in a cool place. This drink is good for next 24 hours when stored properly.
  • Eat sugar while drinking or have some orange juice between drinks. Fructose helps in alcohol metabolism and reduces hangover effect. Consumption of fruits, fruit juices, or other fructose-containing foods is reported to decrease hangover intensity. Banans and kiwi fruits are rich in potassium and helps in metabolism.
  • To avoid hangover before going to a party drink a spoonful of olive oil. Olive oil reduces hangover by sticking in stomach as fat for a longtime.
  • Eat some fatty food like pizza, chips or something that has fat content will help to absorb alcohol slow in the body.
  • Next day morning after hangover party day, do not skip breakfast. Eat cereals or bread. This will make you feel more normal in stomach. Or eat crackers or toast that supply more carbohydrates.
  • To reduce nausea and vomiting eat ginger or ginger candy after drinking.
  • Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach. Food helps to slow down the rate your body absorbs alcohol.
  • If the hangover is too much get a long nap. Body needs to heal from all the drinking stress.
  • Do not drink coffee during hangover as it may cause migraine and nausea. Caffeine content makes the hangover worsen.
  • Never sit in sauna to get over from hangover. More dehydration causes stress on blood vessels and blood flow!
  • The type of alcohol consumed also may have a significant effect on reducing hangover – understand which brand/type of alcohol is good for you and how much quantity.
  • There is myth that drinking more alcohol -“hair of the dog that bit you” – remedy – does not work on people who are experiencing a hangover and they should avoid further drinking.

Remember: In research, “moderate drinking” is defined as two drinks a day. More than five in one sitting is considered “heavy drinking.” It is better to avoid heavy drinking if your body does not feel right. You know your body and you should respect your body and the aging process it is going through. Attentiveness to the quantity and quality of alcohol consumed can have a significant effect on preventing hangover. Take a right decision to keep up good health.

References:

  1. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov
  2. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk
  3. Image credit: Photo by Yutacar on Unsplash
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 15, 2017
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Best Love And Relationship Quotes

Best Love And Relationship Quotes

We can love or develop a relationship with a person but, maintaining the relationship is an important aspect of life. Relationship is all about love, faith, honesty and truth. If we have ego and do not want to give up on issues then we will end up hurting relationships.

Nobody gets through life without losing someone we love most or someone we need, or something we thought meant to be with us.However, these losses make us stronger and eventually move us toward future opportunities. Sometimes while going through up and down in a relationship, we need some inspiring words to uplift our spirits.

Here are few best quotes about life, love and relationships as quoted by various personalities and unknown authors.

1. I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it does not matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together. -Julia Roberts

2. Truth is everybody is going to hurt you: you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for. -Bob Marley

3. If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were. -Richard Bach

4. You can never control who you fall in love with, even when you’re in the most sad, confused time of your life. You don’t fall in love with people because they’re fun. It just happens.- Kirsten Dunst

5. Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.-Washington Irving

6. When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.-– Donald Miller

7. When it comes to relationships, remaining faithful is never an option but a priority. Loyalty is everything.- Anonymous

8. “Distance means so little when someone means so much.” -Anonymous

9. Having someone wonder where you are when you don’t come home at night is a very old human need. – Margaret Mead

10. To grow in our ability to love ourselves we need to receive love as well. -John Gray

11. We rarely confide in those who are better than we are. -Albert Camus

12. Soul-mates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect but are always perfect for you. – Author Unknown

13. When you struggle with your partner, you are struggling with yourself. Every fault you see in them touches a denied weakness in yourself. -Deepak Chopra

14. Any relationship primarily built on physical attractiveness is predestined to be short lived.- Zig Ziglar

15. Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement…all success… all achievement in real life grows. -Ben Stein

16. The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships. -Anthony Robbins

17. There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a   good marriage.- Martin Luther

18. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.- Unknown

19. The most beautiful thing is to see a person you love smiling. And even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason behind it -Anonymous

20. Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option -Mark Twain

21. You want to change others so that you can be free, but it never works that way. Accept others as they are and you will be free, then you will discover love -Swami Dayananda Swaraswathi.

22. A real person is not perfect, and a perfect person is not real. -unknown

23. When someone gives you their time, they are giving you a portion of their life that they will never get back. It’s one of the most precious gifts you can receive.  Don’t waste it !- -Ritu Ghatourey quotes

Source: www.werindia.com – collections

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 13, 2017
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Baby teething

Toxic Belladonna in babies teething product

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA announced last Friday that its laboratory analysis found inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance, in certain homeopathic teething tablets, sometimes far exceeding the amount claimed on the label. The agency is warning consumers that homeopathic teething tablets containing belladonna pose an unnecessary risk to infants and children and urges consumers not to use these products.

Teething in babies can be irritable for babies and it is difficult to keep them happy. This is challenging for parents who want to alleviate their suffering.  There are many teething remedies out there to help babies deal with the pain of cutting teeth. These products can range from chew toys to homeopathic teething medications, such as teething tablets.

“The body’s response to belladonna in children under two years of age is unpredictable and puts them at unnecessary risk,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. ”We recommend that parents and caregivers not give these homeopathic teething tablets to children and seek advice from their health care professional for safe alternatives.”

The FDA originally issued a safety alert in 2010 that recommended against Hyland’s Teething Tablets based on laboratory results showing that they contained inconsistent amounts of belladonna. Since then, the agency has received more than 400 reports of adverse events linked to teething products that contain belladonna.

FDA recommends that consumers contact their health care professional if their child experiences symptoms after taking Hyland’s belladonna Teething Tablets. Symptoms include a depressed level of consciousness, seizure, difficulty or slowed breathing, lethargy, sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation.

Belladonna, which comes from the deadly nightshade plant, can be poisonous.  The FDA found that Hyland’s homeopathic teething products in some cases had belladonna levels far exceeding the amount claimed on the label and asked the Standard Homeopathic Company in Los Angeles recall their product.

Standard Homeopathic Co., the Los Angeles-based maker of Hyland’s, discontinued its product October 7 itself. “We discontinued it because we are committed to our moms and our dads who choose to trust us to put medicines in their young infants’ mouths, and we didn’t want to put them in a place between the FDA warning and us saying the product was safe and having to decide who to trust,” said Mary C. Borneman, a spokeswoman for Hyland’s.

The FDA announcement Friday confirms its original laboratory assessment of inconsistent amounts of belladonna. “They showed some limited data on samples they tested that indicated inconsistent amounts of belladonna alkaloid at the nanogram level,” Borneman said. However, the results “remained within the documented margin of safety.”

“The implication in the FDA release is that consumers who still have the product shouldn’t use it because it might be unsafe” Borneman said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends instead of using teething gels or tablets gently rubbing or massaging the child’s gums with your finger and giving the child a cool (not cold) teething ring or a clean, wet, cool washcloth to chew on.

Sources:

  • http://www.cnn.com/
  • http://www.williamskherkher.com/
  • http://www.parenting.com/
  • http://www.forbes.com/

Image credit; https://www.needpix.com/photo/1036224/belladonna-atropa-belladonna-toxic-nachtschattengewaechs-black-berry-free-pictures-free-photos-free-images-royalty-free (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 30, 2017
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5 Keys To Healthy Diet

What Do You Know About 5 Keys To A Healthy Diet?

As per WHO (World Health Organization) a healthy diet helps protect against malnutrition in all its forms, as well as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.  An unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are leading global risks to health.

Healthy dietary practices start early in life – breastfeeding fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development, and may have longer-term health benefits, like reducing the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life.

The exact make-up of a diversified, balanced and healthy diet will vary depending on individual needs (e.g. age, gender, lifestyle, degree of physical activity), cultural context, locally available foods and dietary customs. But basic principles of what constitute a healthy diet remain the same.

Say Not To Processed Foods

Say No To Processed Foods

Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases and conditions. But the increased production of processed food, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a shift in dietary patterns. People are now consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars or salt/sodium, and many do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and dietary fiber such as whole grains.

Next 5 slides explains what are the 5 keys to a Healthy diet (as explained by WHO).

#1 Breastfeed Babies and Young Children: Click to read more 

Healthy Diet For Babies: Breastfeeding

#2 Eat A Variety of Foods: Click to read more

Eat Variety of Foods

#3 Eat Plenty of Vegetables and Fruits: Click to read more

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

#4 Eat Moderate Amounts of Fats and Oils: Click to read more

Consume Moderate Amount of Fats & Oils

#5 Eat Less Salt and Sugars: Click to read more

Eat Less Sugar & Salt

Source: http://www.who.int

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 27, 2017
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Backpacks

Backpack and back pain in kids

Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable the child feels to carry the backpack? Is your child complains about back pain?  With all those text and notes books, homework, lunch box, water bottle the backpack of young kids becomes full and hefty. They need a proper backpack for their school. Parents must use their skills and common sense to make it easy for the child. If not, the carrying backpack can result in back pain in young children.  The back will compensate for any load applied to it for an extended period of time.

A heavy weight carried in backpacks can:

  1. Distort the natural curves in the middle and lower backs, causing muscle strain and irritation to the spine joints and the rib cage
  2. Lead to rounding of the shoulders
  3. Cause a person to lean forward, reducing balance and making it easier to fall
  4. Habitually carrying backpacks over one shoulder will make muscles strain to compensate for the uneven weight. The spine leans to the opposite side, stressing the middle back, ribs, and lower back more on one side than the other does.

Research studies on backpack and back pain:

  • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California-San Diego, conducted a study on children back pain and results suggest that the high pressures exerted by a heavy backpack is the reason for the shoulder and back pain.
  • In this same study, the researchers found that the usual backpack load carried by children exerts pressures that are more than acceptable levels. This condition is enough to block blood circulation.
  • The researchers of Orthopaedic Department at the General Hospital of Agios Andreas Patras in Greece, in their studies found backpack carrying can result to two adverse effects: a shift in the upper trunk and shoulder, and an increase in back pain and they attributed this to Asymmetric backpack carrying.

Here are some tips for backpack selection and packing.

Backpack selection: Look for these features that help reduce the chance of back pain:

  1. Lightweight material (canvas as opposed to leather)
  2. Two padded, wide (2-inches), adjustable shoulder straps on the backpack
  3. Padded back
  4. Individualized compartments
  5. Hip strap, waist belt, or frame to redistribute the weight of the backpack from the shoulders and back to the pelvis
  6. Wheels so that the backpack can be pulled rather than carried
  7. Consider using a separate bag for the child’s laptop or other heavier electronic items

Teach your child how to properly load and wear the backpack to avoid back pain:

  • Always use both shoulder straps and wear the backpack on the back rather than over one shoulder
  • Pack heaviest objects into the backpack first so they are carried lower and closest to the body
  • Fill compartments so that the load is evenly distributed throughout the backpack and items do not shift during movement
  • Pack sharp or bulky objects in the backpack so they do not contact the back
  • Adjust the straps to fit the backpack snugly to the child’s body, holding the bottom of the backpack 2 inches above the waist and keeping the top just below the base of the skull; do not carry the backpack low near the buttocks
  • Lift the backpack by using the leg muscles and keeping it close to the body, not by bending over with arms extended
  • Do not lean forward when walking; if this is necessary, there is too much weight in the backpack

Maintain a mindset to watch the weight carried in the backpack to reduce back pain:

  1. If the child complains of discomfort, reduce the weight in the backpack immediately and ask the child how she/he feels.
  2. Consider applying a guideline backpack weight limit as a percent of the child’s body weight. The American Physical Therapy Association suggests 15-20%; the American Chiropractic Association advises 5-10%.
  3. Coach your child to carry only those books needed in the backpack, leaving unnecessary items at home and making frequent trips to his/her locker during the day.
  4. Train your child to clean out the backpack at least once a week

Become a Proactive Parent on the Issue of Backpacks and Back Pain

  • Ask your child if they feel any back aches or pain
  • Help your child choose the smallest backpack that will meet his/her needs
  • Talk to teachers about how to minimize the need for children to transport heavy books back and forth daily in their backpacks; keep one set of books in the classroom for daily work while leaving heavy books at home; make photocopies of homework chapters and assignments that are easily carried
  • Attend PTA meetings and discuss any proposal by school administrators to remove lockers or to reduce time between classes making it difficult to store unneeded books and materials
  • Buy ergonomic backpacks that help children to sustain asymmetric backpack weights.

Note: If the back pain does not go away and your child feels tired and fatigue then, talk to your pediatrician and understand is there any other reason for the back pain.

Read more here:

  • http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/tips-prevent-back-pain-kids-backpacks
  • Image credit: American chiropractic association https://www.acatoday.org/
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 24, 2017
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Next Super Foods that we can count on

The next super foods that we can count on

Nature has given us many healthy options and we need to make use of them in a proper manner. We have a choice to eat healthy or unhealthy food. Researchers and food manufacturers are trying to find out healthy and super foods that can satisfy our needs in various ways.

For example, coconut water and other plant waters are taking aisle in food markets replacing energy and soft drinks.

A simple algae is replacing artificial colors in our foods. There is a gigantic fruit in a tree, that can feed several hungry stomach at a time.

Traditional teas are finding place as better probiotics. A tree that has tremendous health benefits is gaining importance due to its health benefits. And, mushrooms are helping in reducing sugar level in foods!

Read more to understand what these super foods can do.

Spirulina as Coloring Agent: Click here to know more

Spirulina As Coloring Agent

Indian Jackfruit To Replace Meat: Click here to know more

Indian Jackfruit

.

Coconut Water and Plant Waters: Click here to know more

Coconut And Plant Waters

Moringa Oleifera – A Magical Tree: Click here to know more

Magical Tree

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Mushroom To Take Away Bitterness: Click here to know more

Mushroom To Take Away Bitterness

.

Kombucha Miracle Tea: Click here to know more

Kombucha Tea

.

References:

  • Wall street journal, October 2016
  • http://elitedaily.com/
  • https://authoritynutrition.com
  • healthylife.werindia.com
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 18, 2017
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Natural Ways To Fight Fatigue

Natural Ways To Fight Fatigue

Our habits, routines and lifestyle can cause fatigue and tiredness. Sometimes temporarily, one can feel fatigue. If so, there are few natural ways to overcome temporary sluggishness and tiredness in day-to-day life.

1. Expose yourself to Sun: Sun rays boosts energy in the body in the form of serotonin which is a natural happy hormone. Sunlight tells brain and body when to get active. For some people the winter months can be the hardest time to fight fatigue due to short days and lack of sunshine. During winter if Sun comes out, sit on a chair near window and let sun rays fall on you.

2. Drink potato water!: You need one unpeeled potato and 8 ounces of water for this remedy. Slice up the and add to a glass of water. Allow it to steep overnight in the fridge, and drink first thing in the morning.

3. Try ginseng, honey and lemon water: To 1 cup water add a Tbs of ginseng root and bring it to boil. Add honey and lemon drops for taste and drink in the morning.

4. Lemon juice with saffron: Squeeze 1/2 lemon juice and add it to 2 cups of water. Add little cardamom powder and few saffron. Add sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix well and drink

5. Eat yogurt: Eat a cup of yogurt in the afternoon.

6. Pineapple and honey: Dip pineapple pieces in honey and have once a day.

7. Licorice root: To one tsp of dried licorice root add few drops of honey and mix in a cup of water and drink.

8. Magnesium: Always keep magnesium rich food in the kitchen. High magnesium foods like nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit, dark chocolate are helpful when you feel fatigue due to hunger.

9. Say no to fatty food: Your fatigue may be due to fatty food intake. For 4 to 5 days avoid fatty food and see how you feel.

10. Say no to alcohol: Alcohol affects central nervous system and causes lathery and fatigue. Avoid alcohol or reduce its consumption.

11. Good sleep: Aim for restful sleep. Get good sleep. Sleeping very late and getting up too early or disturbance in sleep can be reason for fatigue. If so, change your habit.

12. Dieting: If you are into weight loss and diet is not going well, then it can be a reason for your fatigue. Eat well three times a day and cut down on snacks. Include more fruits, vegetables and fresh fruit juice to bring back your energy.

13. Healthy snack: Combine complex carbohydrates and protein and eat a healthy snack like apple-peanut butter or cracker with cheese. Body will digest this type of snack slowly and blood sugar level will be normal.

14. Breakfast: Never skip your breakfast. Breakfast is what keeps you energetic during the day.

15. Drinking water: Drink water and hydrate. Dehydration is another reason for fatigue.

16. Music: Have your play list ready and listen to your favorite songs. Certain music can also boost your focus during everyday tasks.

17. Yoga and meditation: Get onto yoga mat and do your favorite pose. Try to challenge yourself a bit and focus. Meditation with breathing helps to bring back energy.

18. Feel good about yourself: Do not get frustrated. Certain condition that you might have may be the reason for fatigue. Find out what makes your mind and body both energetic. This way you will start feeling good about what you know about yourself and what makes you energetic.

19. Walk and exercise: A simple walk for few minutes will also helps you to come out from fatigue. Group exercise motivates you to get into mood and energizes definitely. Engage in daily low-level exercise, such as gentle stretching and walking – this relieves any stress and body pain associated with fatigue.

If the fatigue is due to some hidden condition and is not going away then it is better to consult your doctor.

Reference: www.werindia.com

Image credit: Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 12, 2017
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kids Flu tips

Tips for parents to fight flu

The flu, also called influenza, is a viral respiratory illness. It is contagious and generally children who attend school will get flu from peers.  And, people who go to work or in public contact will also get flu from various sources and will transfer to family members.

For parents – how to take care of kids at home?

1. Make sure your child gets this season’s flu vaccine: As per CDC even though the vaccine cannot completely prevent children from getting the flu (it’s about 62% effective ) it can shorten the illness and makes it milder flu season.

2. Social Distancing: Do you know that flu germs can spread up to 6 feet through sneeze and cough. Tell your child to cover mouth and nose. Use tissue to clean running nose. Make sure to collect and throw the tissues. Wash your hands afterwards.

3. Discourage your children visiting their friends, schools and neighbors when they have flu.

4. Quarantine children without symptoms to keep away from the flu virus by not allowing them to go near his/her sick siblings.

5. Hygiene: Make hygiene a priority. Keep rooms clean, shared objects clean, surfaces clean. If Sun is out open window and door at least few minutes to get fresh air from outside. To clean hands place hand sanitizer bottles in each room.

6. Hand washing: Tell your kids to wash hands thoroughly. Let them follow hand-washing instructions. Stay healthy.

7. Food: Ask and help kids to follow good nutrition, moderate exercise and adequate rest to boost their immune system. Offer them well balanced diet including hot soup, cooked vegetables, warm milk, water and plenty of rest – recommended :at least 10 hours of sleep for school going children and 12 hours for toddler. Include plenty of fluids in their diet.

8. If you are looking for home remedies make sure it suits your child. Give them plenty of warm fluid. You can use medicated chest rubs for cough and congestion, a humidifier and vaporizer for easy breathing, and saline nose drops to get rid of congestion.

What your kids should know? Tell your children to:

  1. Wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, being with ill people and especially before you eat
  2. Avoid sharing objects
  3. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes
  4. Get enough sleep and avoid getting “run down”
  5. Reduce stress – things can wait.
  6. Use tissues for coughs and sneezes and dispose of them immediately and appropriately
  7. Eat right and get regular exercise
  8. Avoid crowds and keep your distance from people whom you know are ill
  9. If you are sick, avoid contact with the frail, very young and elderly
  10.  If you are sick, stay home from work or school

Be in a watch for worsening fever or cough, as this may be a sign of a complication such as pneumonia. Talk to your pediatrician and family doctor before giving any medicines to child.

Reference:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 11, 2017
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