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.
Good hygiene and good habits

Proven Good Old Hygiene Practices

Our personal hygiene and habits influence the health of whole community. Personal hygiene develops by practice and eventually can be adopted by family and community. Personal hygiene is a need to control contagious diseases. We teach our younger generation what we know and what we learnt. Children watch we do and learn from us. Our ancestors knew about epidemic and contagious diseases. There used to be a time, when drugs & medicines were hardly available causing deaths in family and community. Our elders might not be aware of scientific terms, but they knew what happens when we don’t practice good habits as well as good hygiene. When it comes to eating, drinking, exercise and good habits what we exhibit and practice, will carry from generation to generation. This not only protects us, it protects environment and mother nature.

We know that the food we eat, the air we breath and the water we drink – all three essentials for good health. However, if the food, water and air is clean and personal hygiene is not practiced we will end up with many conditions.

Our culture and traditions teach us from time to time why practicing certain rituals and habits are important to keep a person, family and community health intact. Our ancestors knowledge about health and disease is something that we need to revisit from time to time. This will help us to prevent epidemic and pandemic disease like COVID-19 that is threatening the entire world today.

Image credit: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

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Why to leave shoes outside the house? Read more

Leaving shoes outside

Why wash legs and hands? Read more

Washing legs and hands

Why mandatory isolation after delivery or death? Read more

Mandatory isolation after delivery or death

Reasons to shower after a hair cut & why to trim nails? Read more

Bath after hair cut & why we should trim nails

Brushing before breakfast & reasons for daily bath: Read more

Brushing and bathing why we need to

Stop unhygienic & unhealthy habits today: Read more

Stop unhygienic practice and habits today

References:

·         https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143998/

·         https://www.academia.edu/

·         https://www.thehealthy.com/

·         www.healthylife.werindia.com

·         https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 30, 2023
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Antibiotic from rotten potatoes

Scientists Discover New Antibiotic From Rotten Potatoes That Could Control Disease in Both Plant And Humans

We often look at potato as a food that carries loads of carbohydrates and any preparation from potato is considered as “junk food”.  In our cooking system we think potato is there to dishes more interesting and tastier. Do you know potato has is a valuable crop and even rotten potatoes are valuable?

In a recent press release plant scientists revealed that rotten potato is very valuable as it produces a antibiotic that could help in controlling diseases in crops and can control bugs!

Recent discovery of a new antibiotic by multinational team of researchers in Europe reported discovery of a new antifungal antibiotic namely” Solanimycin”. This compound was isolated from a pathogenic bacterium that infects potatoes. Antibiotic produced by a broad spectrum of related pathogenic bacteria.

Most of the antibiotic that we extract originate from soil microbes. Solanimycin is also produced by a range of plant pathogenic bacteria. What is interesting is, this particular antibiotic may help to treat both plant pathogenic fungi as well as human infections.

Solanimycin is a potential source of antibiotic that could be used agronomically and clinically.

As per the reports solanimycin acts against a wide range of fungi that known to infect agricultural crops. In lab, solanimycin acted against the fungus that naturally causes infections in humans, Candida albicans. Thus, the results show it is a potential source to control both plant and human infections.

This study was conducted by Rita Monson, Microbiologist at University of Cambridge in association with molecular biologist Miguel Matilla from Spanish Research center, Granada. Today, Actinobacteria phylum, a soil fungus produces most therapeutic antibiotics. Discovery of Solanimycin in rotten potatoes is worth a closer look as it could help those crops where we find growing resistance from fungi for existing treatments.

Miguel_Matilla on Twitter: We describe in @mbiojournal  the discovery of a new #antibiotic active against human and plant #pathogens. Its production is regulated by two #quorum sensing systems and enhanced under conditions that mimic the plant host. @QSPapers @BlastMeetings

The pathogen that harbors in rotten potato is Dickeya solani is the one that produces solanimycin. This bacterium was identified more than 15 years ago. After the discovery, George Salmond, Molecular Microbiologist at University of Cambridge started investigating its antibiotic property. Strains of the bacterium emerging rapidly and are widely distributed – according to Dr. Miguel Matilla. Previously another antibiotic was discovered in D. solani, called oocydin A which is highly active against many plants’ fungal pathogens. This was the hint that made researchers to find the new antibiotic. When they silenced the genes responsible for the production of oocydin A, bacterium continued to show antifungal activity, thus led to track the cluster of genes that are responsible for the proteins that make Solanimycin!  

What is interesting is, the bacterium uses this compound sparingly. Means, it produces it in response to cell density and in acidic pH environment. “It’s an antifungal that we believe that will work by killing fungal competitors, and the bacteria benefit so much from this,” said Monson. “But you don’t turn it on unless you’re in a potato.”

What is next for Solanimycin?

Researchers already begun collaborating work with chemists to understand more about solanimycin’s chemical structure and how exactly it works. They will continue testing it on plant and animal pathogens. Immediately, their focus is on trying to use this antibiotic, antifungal for plant protection. They are hoping to coax D. solani to make more compounds that could be used for both plant and human diseases.

 References:

https://asm.org/

https://interestingengineering.com/

https://journals.asm.org/

Image credit: Imagen de Steve Theaker en Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 29, 2023
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Hearing and ear health

Protect Your Hearing & Ear Health

At one stage of our lives we might experience hearing loss or hard of hearing the sounds around us. Some hearing loss can be improved according to experts.

The three kind of hearing loss are:

Conductive hearing loss – This can be improved sometimes. It is caused by allergies, ear infections, otosclerosis of bones in inner ear or cholesteatoma, the cyst formation in inner ear. These medical issues can be fixed with medical help and hearing can be stored.

Sensorineural hearing loss – cannot be reversed. This hearing loss is due to the external factors including the age. Medications, diseases and overall health, noise level are few reasons for this. These factors can damage tiny sensory hairs in the cochlea of the ear. These structure cannot be repaired or fixed.

Mixed hearing loss – a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Degree of hearing loss:

  • Mild type: In Mild type hearing loss one may hear some speech sounds, but will have difficulty with soft sounds.
  • Moderate type: In moderate loss, one will struggle to hear or understand speech when someone is talking at a normal level.
  • Severe type: One will hear little-to-no speech when spoken at normal levels, and hear only some loud sounds.
  • Profound type: Ione will hear only hear very loud sounds in profound degree hearing loss

How to keep hearing health in good condition?

Keeping ears in healthy condition will have good impact on our listening and sound quality. To maintain good hearing capacity, irrespective of age following tips will help.

  1. Be mentally active: Do you know? Brain plays an important role in processing information that we receive in our ear? Anxiety, depression, stress has negative impact on hearing. Brain needs good workout. Brain exercises such as sudoku, word escapes, crossword puzzles, solving math problems, bingo, pokers – are great ideas to work your brain.
  2. Turn down the volume: The habit of listening to loud music, beats of the music, increased TV volume or video games has hugs impact on hearing. Keep noise down as much as possible. Doctors suggest that 85 decibels or louder sound an harm ear. If you cannot control the volume, move away from the sound or wear hearing protection such as ear bud or cover with ear covers.
  3. Ear wax: Sometimes ear wax could cause hearing issue and interfere in receptive to sounds. Talk to doctor and check for build up wax in ears. Your doctor will suggest whether wax should be removed if it is causing an issue on hearing.
  4. Stop smoking: Studies show that smoking and hearing loss are correlated. It is important to maintain healthy blood flow to inner ear cells. Prolonged exposer to carbon monoxide and nicotine can harm oxygen supply to ear cells. To improve hearing quality quit smoking today!
  5. Daily exercise: Exercise in any form improves blood circulation. It can be aerobic exercise, walk or work in gardening. Instead of sitting idle and watching TV, start moving to improve ear health.
  6. Practice yoga: Yoga has positive impact on hearing. Yoga helps to focus and several poses of yoga improves oxygen supply to head and ear. For example shirsasana (head stand), downward dog pose, leg up the wall, shoulder stands are some of the poses will assist better hearing by improving nerve functions and also by removing toxins.
  7. Meditation: Focusing on breathing while meditating will help blood circulation. Focus on sounds will help to concentrate on deciphering sounds in noisy settings. Thus meditation improves quality of hearing.
  8. Nutritious food: It is important to focus on diet too. Potassium is an important mineral that needs for good hearing. It plays a major role in inner ear function and in converting sounds to signals for brain to interpret further. Consume banana, potato, bean, and foods that are rich in potassium. Another mineral that is present in almond, cashews and other nuts is zinc. Zinc is effective in treating tinnitus, ringing, or buzzing sound. Folic acid is slows down the onset of hearing loss with age. Folate is important to maintain regular blood flow to ear. Consume leafy vegetables such as spinach, amaranthus, palak, broccoli to get more folic acid. Magnesium is important to fight free radicals and acts as a barrier to protect sensory hair or cochlea. Include Vitamin B in your diet to help nerve health.
  9. Diabetes control: Elevated blood sugar levels increases risk of hearing loss. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. It is important to control blood sugar by controlling diet and taking proper nutritious food.
  10. Regular ear check up: Talk to your doctor about hearing test and for a ear checkup.  Your physician may refer you to a hearing professional, who can help determine the type, cause and degree of your hearing loss and will be able to help you to maintain good hearing.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Car cleaning tips

Simple car cleaning hacks

I many countries cars are like second home for their owners. They spend lot of time driving either to work or business trip or by traveling.

Car maintenance is important to keep cars running for many years. Keeping car clean inside is essential as we tend to spend more time inside the car.

Often the AC vents, heating unit gets dusty and we cannot afford to breath dusty air. If we have pets, then pets hair also get stuck to seats and on sides.

Instead of taking car to car cleaner every time, try cleaning car interior at home by these simple tips.

  1. Use vacuum and brush duster to clean all knobs – volume, temperature, AC knobs, break – brush of dust using duster
  2. Replace air filter: To get rid of bad and stinky odor, replace air filter once a while
  3. Trash removal: Keep a carry bag inside car always. Don’t throw trash in back seat or in car trunk or on road side. Instead, collect in carry bag and segregate trash for proper disposal at home.
  4. Magic eraser: Using magic eraser to remove any stains or sticky items off of leather or vinyl or fabric material of seat or interior
  5. Use old toothbrush: If things are sticky and stuck between fabric and vinyl texture, use an old toothbrush and scrub it off.
  6. Clean seams: Use a fine bristled brush or tooth brush to remove dirt and other particles from the seams.
  7. Kids car seat: Use lint roller, toothbrush, steam cleaner to clean kids car seat as it might contain things that can infect and irritate kids skin. Food particles, ice cream, milk, cereal, fruit pieces – many such things probably stuck to kids seat should be removed and seat should be kept clean to avoid any sickness.
  8. Mats: Floor mats might contain small stones, mud and spilled drinks. Take out mats and vacuum the surface. If it is machine washable throw them in washing machine for a good wash. Or use stain remover and wash mats outside using brush and soap.
  9. Pet hair: Remove animal hair by dampened gloves by running the hand over the surface. Use rubber glove to attract hair. You can also spray water and fabric softener mix on surface and run glove over it.  Buy a pet hammocks and drape it on seat where your pet sits.
  10. Dusting: Use a can of compressed air to dust in air vents and fans. Use a clay bar to remove stubborn materials from car surface.
  11. Shampoo seats: Using diluted all purpose cleaner and sponge shampoo the seats and inner surfaces.
  12. Headlights: Try removing cloudiness from headlight using good toothpaste. Apply non gel toothpaste on headlight and wipe using clean sponge/micro fiber cloth.
  13. Windshield cleaner: Use a proper steel wool and glass cleaner and treat windshield with recommended windshield coat to remove any streaks that can block and blur your view while driving. Clean windshield wipers using alcohol and soft cloth.
  14. Remove marks, birds excreta, tree sap using rubbing alcohol. Soak cotton swab in alcohol and rub it against the unwanted, dirty spot. Allow it to loosen and use a soft cloth to remove it. Wash surface using soap and water.
  15. Car windows: Use old newspaper to clean car windows. Spray window cleaner and ball the newspaper up and down to wipe the liquid.
  16. Keep all things that you carry in your car in proper place. Your sun glasses should be kept in its pocket, all coins that you collect -place in a cup or small box.
  17. Dashboard: After dusting, use little olive oil to wipe the whole dashboard surface to get fresh look
  18. Remove smell: Using baking soda – sprinkle baking soda on surfaces. Leave it for few minutes and vacuum it. Hand good, mild air freshener inside car.
  19. Keep all small tools that are necessary for car cleaning – ice scrapers, scrubbers, newspaper, washer fluid, brush etc in a small box in car trunk along with small car vacuum cleaner.
  20. Keep a food tray with compartments: When you need to have food or grab a bite, place it in food tray that comes with shallow compartments. This way, food won’t spill and won’t be messiness.

Removing unwanted things, dust and keeping windows, wind shield clean helps for a good drive.

Your journey and driving will be more joyful when you have a clean car!

Image credit: Photo by Clément M. on Unsplash

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 28, 2023
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Remedies for shingles

Remedies for Post herpetic neuralgia PHN Pain after shingles

Shingles caused by herpes virus is a painful experience to go through. It causes blisters on skin surface, burning sensation, unbearable pain on skin and sensory nerves. In many cases motor nerves can be affected like in face, causing drooping on one side and can affect the eye. Anyone who suffered from chickenpox at young age can get shingles at some point in their life stage.

Reasons for shingles appearance: The smallpox virus lies dormant in nerve root. Immune system keeps the virus in check. If the immune system is down and weak virus becomes active and causes herpes. Other reasons prior physical trauma to the affected area. Mental stress along with already weakened immune system can result in shingles attack.  

Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN):

About 30 per cent of patients who suffer from shingles find themselves left with degree of nerve pain, itching and burning sensation after the rash disappears and skin shows normalcy. These symptoms are known as post herpetic neuralgia or PHN. Slight touch of even soft cloth in affected area or air can be intolerable for the person.  It will take few weeks to several months to recover from the pain. To reduce neuropathic pain doctors can prescribe painkillers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Some anesthetic drugs help to release the pain.

Some of the remedies one can try at home for PHN (Post herpetic neuralgia) symptoms are:

  1. Capsaicin ointment that distracts the nervous system
  2. Essential oils: Application of anti-inflammatory essential oils such as chamomile oil, Eucalyptus oil, Tea tree oil promotes healing process.
  3. Cold compresses: Holding cold wet cloth, compresses against the affected area reduces itchiness and inflammation. Keeping cold cloth or exposing body to cool air reduces the burning sensation.
  4. Avoid hot water bath or ice water usage. Hot water increases blood flow and slows down the healing process. Ice water increases skin sensitivity and increases itching. Cool bath reduces sore and itchiness.
  5. Witch hazel cream or witch hazel water: Both are effective and help to reduce inflammation.
  6. Oatmeal bath: Flavonoids and saponins present in oatmeal reduces pain and itchiness. Use oatmeal in cool bath to reduce inflammation.
  7. Boroline: Boroline is an antiseptic Ayurvedic cream. It contains boric powder and essential oils along with some zinc oxide. Applying boroline helps to reduce itchiness, numbness and pain.
  8. Baking soda or corn starch : Applying baking soda or corn starch paste prepared in water (2:1)  using a cotton ball or Q-tip relieves the itching.
  9. Get plenty of rest and practice meditation. Being mindfulness helps to recover faster than you think.
  10. Wear loose clothes to provide aeration for affected part.
  11. Diet: Watch your diet – Less salt or no salt, no oily food is helpful for faster recovery. Include right foods to boost immune system. Eat antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables. Consume Vitamin C rich fruits. Avoid added sugar and fast foods. Avoid alcohol.
  12. Vitamin B12 is highly recommended for people who have weaker immune system and it helps the nerves to heal.

Disclaimer: Above mentioned remedies are only for PHN symptoms and will help one to feel better and to get good sleep. These remedies do not remove viruses. If you feel uneasy while using any of the remedies immediately stop using it and contact your doctor.

Herpes image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shingles_rash,_thigh._Caused_by_the_herpes_zoster_virus.jpg, Attribute: Rosser1954 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Other images: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/herbal-oils (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 27, 2023
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Chickpea Usali For Navratri

Chickpea Usali (Sundal)

Chickpea usali is a very tasty dish from South India. It is considered as auspicious for festivals and for fasting. Add this to your Navaratri food list.  Chickpea is a legume and is a good replacement for meat as it contains good amount of protein and have long been valued for their fiber content. Chickpeas are still included in the diets of some of the healthiest populations living around the world today, including those eating traditional cuisines.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup dried white chickpeas
  2. 1 tsp black mustard seeds
  3. 1 tsp urad dal/spilt skinned black gram
  4. a pinch of asafoetida/hing
  5. 2 dry red chilies
  6. 10-12 curry leaves/kadi patta
  7. 2 to 3 tbsp fresh grated coconut
  8. salt as required

Preparation:

  • Rinse and soak the chickpeas overnight in enough water.
  • Next day pressure cook the soaked chickpeas with 1 tsp salt and 3 to 4 cups water till they are cooked till soft. Drain and keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard and urad daal. The mustard seeds will crackle and the urad dal will turn slightly brown giving good aroma.
  • Add the curry leaves, red chilies and asafoetida, fry for few seconds.
  • Add cooked chickpeas and salt. Stir and sauté for 4-5 minutes on a low to medium flame.
  • Remove chickpea from the stove and garnish with grated coconut.
  • Offer it to Goddess and serve as Prasad.
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 24, 2023
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Mango Almond Smoothie For Navratri

Mango Almond Smoothie

Here is a dish – mango and almond smoothie, that contains combination of two nutrient foods -almond and mango. Almonds rich in protein, improves hemoglobin and promote blood circulation. They also reduce cholesterol and help in prevention of lung and breast cancer. Mango has several rich nutrients including antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6 etc. It is rich in fiber and is a immune booster.

Ingredients:

  1. 3 ripe alphonso mangoes
  2. 15-18 almonds/badam
  3. 2-3 cardamom or ¼ tsp cardamom powder
  4. sugar as required
  5. some ice cubes
  6. a few mint leaves for garnishing – optional

Preparation:

  • Peel and chop the mangoes.
  • Crush the cardamom.
  • Add the chopped mangoes, almonds, crushed cardamom, sugar and ice cubes in a blender.
  • Blend till smooth.
  • Pour the smoothie glasses or mugs.
  • Top with some chopped mangoes and fresh mint leaves.
  • Serve mango almond smoothie.
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Papaya Halwa For Navratri

Papaya Halwa

Papaya is a very healthy fruit. These fruits are good for diabetic condition.  Papaya contains high amounts of Vitamin C Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Papayas are a good source of fiber and folic acid. Papaya halwa is another delicious and healthy dessert one can try for navratri.

Ingredients

  1. 1 medium semi ripe papaya or 3.5 to 4 cups of grated papaya
  2. 2 to 3 tbsp oil or ghee
  3. 4-5 tbsp sugar
  4. ½ tsp cardamom powder
  5. 2 tbsp almond powder or milk powder or coconut powder or evaporated milk
  6. 12-15 halved cashews or as required

Preparation:

  • Rinse the papaya and cut and remove the seeds. Remove the skin and chop pulp into small pieces.
  • Heat oil or ghee in a pan and add the papaya pieces. Stir and cook on a low flame for about 14-15 minutes. While cooling the fruit will release it juice, change color and loose its opacity.
  • Add sugar and stir and, continue to cook for further 18-20 minutes on a low flame.
  • Add ground almonds and stir. Cook for 5-6 minutes more till the whole halwa has gotten together and become one whole.
  • Add cashews and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Serve papaya halwa hot or warm.
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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