Rejuvenate greets you Happy Dussehra

Dussehra in the north

In North India, mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, Dussehra is celebrated with Ramlila, that ends with burning an effigy of Ravan, the ten-headed demon. It symbolises the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Ravan kidnapped Sita, the wife of Ram, the prince of Ayodhya. Ram along with his brother Lakshman conquered Lanka (Ravan’s kingdom) with the help of Sugreeva (king of monkeys) and his army. The prince returned with his brother and wife on the auspicious day of Dussehra

Durga puja in the east
In Indian states like Orrisa, Assam and Bengal, the last four days of Navratri are celebrated as Durga puja. And on the last day, they take idols of durga for visarjan. They celebrate the victory of Maa Durga over the demon Mahisasura who captured Swarglok (heaven).  The married women then play sindoor khela, where they smear each other with sindoor or vermillion powder.

Exchanging gold in the west
In Maharashtra too, Dussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil. Other than exchanging gifts and sweets, they also exchange leaves of the Aapta tree. The leaves symbolise gold and are meant to bring prosperity. Maharashtrians also think that it is an auspicious day to start new ventures.

Vijayadashami in the south
In the south, Dussehra is more commonly known as Vijayadashami. In Tamil Nadu, bomai kolu or different dolls and statues are placed on miniature platforms/steps. On the last day, the kolu is removed. In most parts of Kerala, the last day is dedicated to Saraswati puja. It is also known as vidyarambham. Three days before Dussehra, students wrap their books in a cloth and keep it in front of Saraswati (Goddess of learning). They are unwrapped on the day of dussehra and are read in front of Saraswati’s idol.  Little children are initiated into education by making them write on rice.

How do you celebrate Dussehra? Leave us a comment and let us know.Diwali, Christmas, New Year... the festive season has only yet begun and we can already feel the excitement. The best part is it's contagious! Keep Smiling and enjoy life. .

http://www.effectivelivingclinic.com/



Parkinson's disease - A brief understanding

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. It develops gradually, often starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson's disease, the disorder also commonly causes a slowing or freezing of movement.

Friends and family may notice that your face shows little or no expression and your arms don't swing when you walk. Speech often becomes soft and mumbling. Parkinson's symptoms tend to worsen as the disease progresses.

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, many different types of medicines can treat its symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery.

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary from person to person. Early signs may be subtle and can go unnoticed. Symptoms typically begin on one side of the body and usually remain worse on that side even after symptoms begin to affect both sides. Parkinson's signs and symptoms may include:

·         Tremor. The characteristic shaking associated with Parkinson's disease often begins in a hand. A back-and-forth rubbing of your thumb and forefinger, known as pill-rolling, is common, and may occur when your hand is at rest. However, not everyone experiences tremors.

·         Slowed motion (bradykinesia). Over time, Parkinson's disease may reduce your ability to initiate voluntary movement. This may make even the simplest tasks difficult and time-consuming. When you walk, your steps may become short and shuffling. Or your feet may freeze to the floor, making it hard to take the first step.

·         Rigid muscles. Muscle stiffness can occur in any part of your body. Sometimes the stiffness can be so severe that it limits the range of your movements and causes pain. People may first notice this sign when you no longer swing your arms when you're walking.

·         Impaired posture and balance. Your posture may become stooped as a result of Parkinson's disease. Balance problems also may occur, although this is usually in the later stages of the disease.

·         Loss of automatic movements. Blinking, smiling and swinging your arms when you walk are all unconscious acts that are a normal part of being human. In Parkinson's disease, these acts tend to be diminished and even lost. Some people may develop a fixed staring expression and unblinking eyes. Others may no longer gesture or seem animated when they speak.

·         Speech changes. Many people with Parkinson's disease have problems with speech. You may speak more softly, rapidly or in a monotone, sometimes slurring or repeating words, or hesitating before speaking.

·         Dementia. In the later stages of Parkinson's disease, some people develop problems with memory and mental clarity. Alzheimer's drugs appear to alleviate some of these symptoms to a mild degree.

When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease — not only to diagnose the illness but also to rule out other causes for your symptoms.

Risk factors for Parkinson's disease include:

·         Age. Young adults rarely experience Parkinson's disease. It ordinarily begins in middle or late life, and the risk continues to increase with age.

·         Heredity. Having a close relative with Parkinson's increases the chances that you'll also develop the disease, although your risk is still no more than about 4 to 6 percent.

·         Sex. Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women are.

·         Exposure to toxins. Ongoing exposure to herbicides and pesticides puts you at slightly increased risk of Parkinson's

Complications

Parkinson's disease is often accompanied by these additional problems:

·         Depression. Depression is common in people with Parkinson's disease. Receiving treatment for depression can make it easier to handle the other challenges of Parkinson's disease.

·         Sleep problems. People with Parkinson's disease often have trouble falling asleep and may wake up frequently throughout the night. They may also experience sudden sleep onset, called sleep attacks, during the day.

·         Difficulty chewing and swallowing. The muscles you use to swallow may be affected in the later stages of the disease, making eating more difficult.

·         Urinary problems. Parkinson's disease may cause either urinary incontinence or urine retention. Certain medications used to treat Parkinson's also can make it difficult to urinate.

·         Constipation. Many people with Parkinson's disease develop constipation because the digestive tract works more slowly. Constipation may also be a side effect of medications used to treat the disease.

·         Sexual dysfunction. Some people with Parkinson's disease may notice a decrease in sexual desire. This may stem from a combination of psychological and physical factors, or it may be the result of physical factors alone.

Medications for Parkinson's disease also may cause a number of complications, including involuntary twitching or jerking movements of the arms or legs, hallucinations, sleepiness, and a drop in blood pressure when standing up.

Tests and diagnosis

No definitive tests exist for Parkinson's disease, so it can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. And parkinsonism — the symptoms of Parkinson's disease — can be caused by many other types of problems. For example, other neurological disorders, toxins, head trauma and even some medications — such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine) or metoclopramide (Reglan) — can cause parkinsonism.

A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is based on your medical history and a neurological examination:

·         Medical history. As part of your medical history, your doctor will want to know about any medications you take and whether you have a family history of Parkinson's.

·         Neurological exam. This examination includes an evaluation of your walking and coordination, as well as some simple hand tasks.

A diagnosis of Parkinson's is most likely if you have:

·         At least two of the three cardinal Parkinson's signs and symptoms — tremor, slowing of motion and muscle rigidity

·         Onset of symptoms on only one side of the body

·         Tremor more pronounced at rest, for example, when your hands are resting in your lap

·         Significant improvement with levodopa, a Parkinson's drug

Alternative medicine

Forms of alternative medicine that may help people with Parkinson's include:

·         Coenzyme Q10. People with Parkinson's disease tend to have low levels of coenzyme Q10, and some research has suggested it may be beneficial. However, subsequent research hasn't confirmed this benefit. You can buy coenzyme Q10 without a prescription in drugstores and natural food stores. Talk with your doctor before taking this supplement to ensure that it won't interfere with any medication you may be taking.

·         Massage. Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, which may be especially helpful to people experiencing muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease. These services, however, are rarely covered by health insurance.

·         Tai chi. An ancient form of Chinese exercise, tai chi employs slow, flowing motions that help improve flexibility and balance. Several forms of tai chi are tailored for people of any age or physical condition.

·         Yoga. Yoga is another type of exercise that increases flexibility and balance. Most poses can be modified, depending on your physical abilities.

Coping and support

Living with any chronic illness can be difficult, and it's normal to feel angry, depressed or discouraged at times. Parkinson's disease presents special problems because it can cause chemical changes in your brain that make you feel anxious or depressed. And Parkinson's disease can be profoundly frustrating, as walking, talking and even eating become more difficult and time-consuming.

Although friends and family can be your best allies, the understanding of people who know what you're going through can be especially helpful. Support groups aren't for everyone, but for many people, they can be a good resource for practical information about Parkinson's disease, as well as a place to find understanding from people that are going through the same things you are.

To learn about support groups in your community, talk to your doctor, a Parkinson's disease social worker or a local public health nurse. Or contact the National Parkinson Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

For more details contact us at drkurien@effectivelivingclinic.com

Burn fat without getting fried!

Those who have tried various methods for achieving 6-pack abs agree with one big fact - that burning fat (especially tummy fat) is quite a complicated process. There is no one surefire method to burn fat that guarantees success. According to experts, it is a combination of methods that works best, which includes sensible eating, strength training to build muscles, and interval training (high-intensity workout).

Sensible Eating

The key suggestions of fitness experts are the following:

·         Avoid Dairy Products: Dairy products tend to build excess mucus in the body, which is bad for quick digestion and elimination of food. Try to avoid or greatly reduce dairy products, especially when you are on a fat-burning mission.

·         Include Probiotics: Probiotics are the good bacteria which are present in our gut, but get destroyed by various factors, and need to be supplemented. Probiotics lend many health benefits by itself.

·         Include Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds contain essential fatty acid, omega-3 fatty acid, in plenty. Apart from its various other health benefits, these help burn fat.

·         Increase Raw Foods: We all know that we must include plenty of raw fruits and vegetables in our diet. However, experts suggest that raw fruits and vegetables should be had alone, not with other boiled food. You can start the day with a fruit. They also suggest that you should refrain from having a mixed fruit diet, as different fruits take different lengths of time to digest.

·         Reduce Salt Intake: Excess salt hinders the mechanism of osmosis in cell walls. This results in the passage of nutrients from the blood to the cells less efficiently, and results in retention of water and wastes. Therefore, greatly reduce salt intake even when you are not on a fat-burning mission.

·         Things to Avoid: Avoid processed foods and junk foods. Junk foods have no nutritional value, just empty calories. Processed foods are processed using highly refined wheat flour, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oil and contain hidden salt, sugar, and fat, all of which are bad for you. A lot of innovation is happening in the processing world too. Nowadays, there are some processed foods that are healthy, but you should read the labels and choose wisely.

·         Others: Apart from this, sufficient water intake and adding fiber to your diet are also important. These help in detoxification and proper evacuation of waste from the body.

Strength Training to Build Muscles

Everyone knows the benefits of strength training to burn fat. For those who have just come out of some kind of hibernation, this is how strength training helps burn fat. With strength training, your lean body mass (muscle mass) increases, and lean body mass is directly proportional to basal metabolic rate. When there is a rise in the metabolic rate, the body's energy requirement rises which is fulfilled by burning fat. The body will continue to burn fat even when you are not working out during the day.

Interval Training

Health and Fitness experts say that if you want to effectively lose stomach fat, you must engage in interval training. However, they say that before embarking onto it, you must make your body fit with 30 minutes of aerobic exercises 4 to 7 days a week for at least 3 months.

The first level of interval training consists of the following steps:

1.     Warm up for 2 to 5 minutes by fast walking on the treadmill.

2.     Increase the pace and do moderate jogging for 1 minute.

3.     Sprint for 1 minute.

4.     Decrease the pace and do moderate jogging for 1 minute.

5.     Back to fast walking for 1 minute.

Repeat these steps for 20 minutes excluding the warm-up period.

According to fitness experts, interval training should be done 3 to 4 times a week, leaving gaps of 24 hours between 2 sessions. By working at high intensity, the fat burning and muscle building hormone will be released, and your metabolic rate will go up drastically. When combined with sensible eating, this will go to work for you even during the period between 2 sessions.    

When you take up any exercise regimen, one thing to remember is that everybody will not get the same kind of result because of different body types. Therefore, if your friend did get a faster result than you, don't get dejected. Consistency, regularity, and the right technique are the keywords. Sticking to your exercise regimen will surely bring the desired results.

Pros and cons of breast implant

Think twice before breast augmentation done. Tanya Datta gives you the pros and cons of the procedure

Which woman would not want fuller breasts considering the fact that they are seen as an 'asset'? And an enviable one at that. It surely ups a woman's sensuality quotient. But ask women if they are happy with 'their girls' and the answer will most likely be in the negative. So while some enhance their assets using padded bras, there are others who are daring enough to get them surgically enhanced.

This has gained popularity because of the overwhelming tendency to make women look like Barbie dolls. But while you may jump from a size B to D with a nick of the knife, here are a few things you must know:

What is a breast implant?
They are medical devices that are inserted in the breast tissue surgically to increase the size of the breasts. There are three types of implants:

1. Saline implants : They have a strong silicone elastomer shell, and are filled with a sterile saline solution at the time of surgery.
2. Silicone implants : The most common and preferred implants, they are filled with a viscous silicone gel.
3. Alternative-composition implants : They are filled with miscellaneous fillers, such as soy oil, polypropylene string, etc, but are no longer manufactured.

Risk involved/associated with breast implant
A study by the FDA states that half the women who use silicon implants might experience a breakdown of the implant. Similarly, there are equally high chances of it getting migrated to another part of the body. Other problems include ruptures, leaks and medical complications like fibromyalgia or a thyroid problem.

Saline implants have their own share of problems like bacterial infection, hematoma (bleeding), temporary loss of sensitivity of a part of the breast.

The study also throws light on how these implants make it difficult to detect cancer in the beginning stages.

Complications
Implants luckily do not interfere with breast feeding though may influence the mamograms. In 2004, a number of reports came out stating that these implants have a shelf life and therefore definitely cause complications in the long run.

Another dangerous complication that can take place is the 'capsular contracture', which is the body develops a painful fibrous shell around the implant, since it is a foreign material.

Women and ADHD

Men and young boys are more aware of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are known to have researched it more than women. The early signs of ADHD can manifest themselves as impulsive, irrational or irate behavior over trivial matters in women. When a woman complains of psychological problems, it is by default diagnosed as depression or anxiety and the chance of ADHD being the case is rarely reported. When treatment for ADHD is not prescribed, the patient gains only a partial benefit from the medication advised for depression and anxiety.

Ari Tuckman, a clinical psychologist from Pennsylvania suggests that this sort of a diagnosis is due to a general misconception. He says that ADHD affects both men and women, apart from children, but many think that it is the male population who is prone to it and not the females. When a woman exhibits symptoms of ADHD, it is misconstrued as anxiety and depression.

Identifying ADHD in Girls and Women

The signs of ADHD commonly observed in girls include:

·         Daydreaming

·         Lack of attention

·         Talkative nature

Patricia Quinn, Director of the National Center for Gender Issues and ADHD, says that girls diagnosed with ADHD tend to turn into social butterflies. For instance, volunteering as a monitor, assisting the teacher in her tasks, etc. The signs of ADHD are usually overshadowed by their high grades at school.

Lack of care to diagnose this disorder in adolescence leads to it being carried into adulthood. When these women start taking up responsibilities of work and home, an imbalance of the two spheres leads to anxiety and depression. Other symptoms seen are:

·         Lack of focus at work

·         Inability to match schedules

·         Lack of sleep

·         Overspending

·         Inability to finish work at home

When these symptoms start upsetting them, they may turn to:

·         Overeating

·         Abusing drugs

·         Drinking

Although women experience the same symptoms as men, the strain is more intense for a woman.

Women with ADHD tend to attribute their success to external factors. They are emotionally oriented rather than being focused on tasks to resolve their problems. When her child is diagnosed with ADHD, the mother tends to be more stressed than the father since women consider themselves more responsible for whatever happens at home. In addition to this, a study claims that men are less tolerant with their wives who have ADHD than women whose husbands have ADHD.

Stress takes a toll on ADHD-affected women, disturbing them both physically and psychologically. Women who suffer from such chronic stress are at a greater risk of diseases such as fibromyalgia. In this way, improper diagnosis and wrong treatment of ADHD leads to women suffering silently. Some women hide their disorder from others and withdraw into a shell, cutting their social interactions to the bare minimum. Few end up having low self-esteem and get frustrated in their attempt to be at par with women who don't have ADHD.

Treatment Options for ADHD in Women

ADHD involves multiple aspects like mood, behavior, and cognitive ability. An efficient treatment method would involve getting psychiatric help, stress management tactics, meditation, and a life coach to handle ADHD.

Owing to a lower number of experts who are proficient in managing ADHD, women continue to suffer. Clinicians provide an emotional resolution and work out the interpersonal issues for women with ADHD. A treatment plan which relieves them from this lifelong condition is required.

Some adult ADHD treatment plans include:

·         Behavioral Therapy: This helps women in managing time, maintaining their neatness; provides clarity of thought, better organization; and promotes understanding about their professional and social strengths.

·         Medications: Doctors may prescribe medicines such as Strattera or any other non-stimulants. Antidepressants prescribed by doctors may also help in resolving their ADHD problems.

·         A Life Coach: Some women could seek counsel from a life coach who can help resolve their issues with effective advice, emotional support, and encouragement.

Timely diagnosis and a good treatment will help ADHD-affected women gain happiness and success  in both their personal and professional lives, letting them mingle freely with others without any issues.

 

What is the sugar busters diet?

We all love to add sweetness into our lives. When we feel happy, we want to treat and greet ourselves with sweets. When we feel sad, sweets act to boost our moods. When we show our thankfulness, we prefer to treat others with sweets. Whenever guests visit us, we won't leave them before they do the traditional "Moo-Mitha". When we pass, we take sweets, when we fail; others bring sweets for us to cheer us up. So, will there be anything to worry about with all these sweetness "surrounding" us? Yes, too much of sweetness may bring bitterness in our lives in the form of diabetes. This explains why we see the emergence of various concepts which claim to battle your sugar cravings. And this explains why we get to come across popular concepts like the Sugar Buster Diet, designed by Samuel S. Andrews, M.D (endocrinologist), Morrison C. Bethea, M.D (cardiac surgeon), Luis A. Balart, M.D.(gastroenterologist),H. Leighton Steward (a corporate CEO).

The Salient Features of the Sugar Buster Diet

·         It is about how, what and when to eat and exercise.

·         It encourages you to avoid refined sugar and processed grain products.

·         It encourages you to make a commitment in choosing the right carbohydrates - the low insulin-producing carbohydrates. Insulin causes you to convert and store excess sugar as fat and to also store the excess fat as fat.

·         It involves eating high fiber vegetables, fruits and whole grains. The fiber in both of these food products has a beneficial effect on your digestive process and overall health. Meats are an important source of protein but should be lean and trimmed.

·         It encourages the intake of low-fat products while choosing milk and cheese while strongly advocating careful attention to saturated fats. Too much saturated fat and trans fats and those oils used in fast foods, are very harmful not only to your waistline but also to your heart and blood vessels.

·         Hydration is important and everyone is encouraged to drink six to eight glasses of water daily.

·         It is important to eat three regular meals daily and appropriate snacks are allowed. But moderation in portion size is most important. If you are not careful enough, then you may end up eating too much of healthy foods as well.

·         Late night snacking is not allowed. Eating at night before going to bed only raises your insulin level and encourages cholesterol production since most of the cholesterol is manufactured while you are sleeping.

·         Exercise is an important part of any successful nutritional lifestyle. You should strive to exercise at least twenty minutes daily for four days a week so as to raise your resting heart rate.

·         It encourages the voice of moderation.

·         If you choose alcohol, you should drink red wine.

·         And fruit is preferred over fruit juice and best eaten a half hour before the meal.

What Should You Avoid?

·         All refined sugar products and sugar itself

·         Potatoes

·         Corn

·         White rice

·         Bread from refined flour

·         Beets

·         Carrots

·         Refined sugar

·         Corn syrup

·         Molasses

·         Honey

·         Sugared colas

·         Beer

·         Baked beans

·         Ripe bananas

·         Raisins

·         Bacon

·         Fried chicken

What Should You Include?

·         Lean meats , fish , poultry, dairy products, whole grains and cereals.

·         Vegetables like beans, lentils, peas, spinach, lettuce squash, zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, artichokes, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggplant and onions.

·         Fruits like apples, lemons and limes, pears, cherries, raspberries, kiwis, grapefruits, apricots, melons other than watermelon, tomatoes, tangerines and oranges.

The Pros and Cons

·         In the short term, the Sugar Busters plan is likely to result in weight loss because it eliminates many foods including baked goods and other sweets. And your food choices will be better, such as substituting whole grains for white bread, for instance.

·         You may become irritable and tired due to restriction of carbs. You may also feel low in energy. This may not be the case with everyone, but it may trigger lethargy.

·         Sugar Busters stresses eating healthy foods, such as whole grains, legumes and beans and lean meats. And cutting out refined sugars in processed foods is a plus point.

·         Counting calories or measuring food is not a part of the Sugar Buster Diet, but it may become confusing for a layman without any portion size mentioned.

·         The authors themselves caution that the diet is not for exercise fanatics.

·         High protein diets increase calcium excretion and possible side effects include kidney and liver damage, fatigue, weakness and irritability.

It's good to stay "sweet" while imparting this "sweetness" to other people's lives, but it's not sweeter to go overboard with it. In fact, we don't know what brings "sweetness' in each individual's life. What may work fine for one, may not go well with others. Sugar Busters diet may truly restrict unnecessary or extra fat, sugar or refined carb intake in some, while many others may just fail and surrender to the "calls" of their taste buds.