"Rejuvenate" - Your online health and beauty magazine from Dr. Kurien's Effective Living Clinic
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that most typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:
· Joint pain
· Joint swelling
· Joints that are tender to the touch
· Red and puffy hands
· Firm bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms (rheumatoid nodules)
· Fatigue
· Morning stiffness that may last for hours
· Fever
· Weight loss
Smaller joints affected first
Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect your smaller joints first — the joints in your wrists, hands, ankles and feet. As the disease progresses, your shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, jaw and neck also can become involved. In most cases, symptoms occur symmetrically — in the same joints on both sides of your body.
Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect your smaller joints first — the joints in your wrists, hands, ankles and feet. As the disease progresses, your shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, jaw and neck also can become involved. In most cases, symptoms occur symmetrically — in the same joints on both sides of your body.
Symptoms may come and go
Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity — called flare-ups or flares — alternate with periods of relative remission, during which the swelling, pain, difficulty sleeping and weakness fade or disappear.
Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity — called flare-ups or flares — alternate with periods of relative remission, during which the swelling, pain, difficulty sleeping and weakness fade or disappear.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple joints on both sides of your body.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple joints on both sides of your body.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround your joints. The resulting inflammation thickens the synovium, which can eventually invade and destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint. The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together weaken and stretch. Gradually, the joint loses its shape and alignment.
Doctors don't know what starts this process, although a genetic component appears likely. While your genes don't actually cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make you more susceptible to environmental factors — such as infection with certain viruses and bacteria — that may trigger the disease.
Factors that may increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis include:
· Sex. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men are.
· Age. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but it most commonly begins between the ages of 40 and 60.
· Family history. If a member of your family has rheumatoid arthritis, you may have an increased risk of the disease. Doctors don't believe you can directly inherit rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, it's believed that you can inherit a predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis.
· Smoking. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Quitting can reduce your risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint damage that can be both debilitating and disfiguring. Damage to your joints may make it difficult or impossible to go about your daily activities. You may find at first that tasks take more energy to accomplish. With time you may find you are no longer able to do them at all. Newer treatments may stop joint damage or prevent it so that you can continue the activities you enjoy.
In addition to the physical exam, your doctor might order imaging and laboratory tests to help determine the cause of your signs and symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because its early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. And no one test or physical finding confirms the diagnosis.
Blood tests
People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or sed rate), which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or sed rate), which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
Healthy lifestyle cuts heart failure risk
A person's lifetime risk of developing heart failure is one in five at age 40. However, a new study has suggested that adopting a healthy lifestyle - including watching your weight, not smoking, regularly exercising and eating lots of veggies could significantly reduce the risk of developing heart failure.
It found that people who followed one healthy lifestyle behavior significantly reduced their heart failure risk, and each additional healthy behavior further decreased their risk.
Previous research has shown an association between healthy lifestyle behaviors and lower risk of heart failure in men. The new study is the first to find a similar connection in women.
Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La followed more than 18,000 men and nearly 20,000 women from Finland ranging in age from 25 to 74 years for about 14 years. During this time, 638 of the men and 445 of the women developed heart failure.
After taking into account risk factors for heart failure such as diabetes, high blood pressure and a previous heart attack, the study found men who smoked had an 86 percent greater risk for heart failure than the non-smokers. That risk jumped to 109 per cent among women.
Overweight men had a 15 per cent increased risk of heart failure, while overweight women had a 21 per cent increased chance. That added risk surged to 75 per cent for obese men and 106 per cent for obese women.
On the other hand, the risk for heart failure dropped by 21 per cent in men who exercised moderately compared to those who only got light physical activity. Among women, moderate exercise was associated with a 13 per cent decreased risk.
High levels of physical activity were associated with a 33 per cent decreased risk in men and 36 per cent in women, they noted.
Eating vegetables three to six times per week was also associated with a 26 per cent decreased risk of heart failure in men and 27 per cent in women compared to those who rarely ate vegetables.
Engaging in all four healthy lifestyle behaviours decreased the risk for heart failure by 70 per cent in men and 81 percent in women, compared to 32 per cent in men and 47 per cent in women who engaged in only one healthy behaviour.
"Any steps you take to stay healthy can reduce your risk of heart failure," said lead author Gang Hu, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Laboratory.
The research is published in the September issue of Circulation: Heart Failure .
It found that people who followed one healthy lifestyle behavior significantly reduced their heart failure risk, and each additional healthy behavior further decreased their risk.
Previous research has shown an association between healthy lifestyle behaviors and lower risk of heart failure in men. The new study is the first to find a similar connection in women.
Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La followed more than 18,000 men and nearly 20,000 women from Finland ranging in age from 25 to 74 years for about 14 years. During this time, 638 of the men and 445 of the women developed heart failure.
After taking into account risk factors for heart failure such as diabetes, high blood pressure and a previous heart attack, the study found men who smoked had an 86 percent greater risk for heart failure than the non-smokers. That risk jumped to 109 per cent among women.
Overweight men had a 15 per cent increased risk of heart failure, while overweight women had a 21 per cent increased chance. That added risk surged to 75 per cent for obese men and 106 per cent for obese women.
On the other hand, the risk for heart failure dropped by 21 per cent in men who exercised moderately compared to those who only got light physical activity. Among women, moderate exercise was associated with a 13 per cent decreased risk.
High levels of physical activity were associated with a 33 per cent decreased risk in men and 36 per cent in women, they noted.
Eating vegetables three to six times per week was also associated with a 26 per cent decreased risk of heart failure in men and 27 per cent in women compared to those who rarely ate vegetables.
Engaging in all four healthy lifestyle behaviours decreased the risk for heart failure by 70 per cent in men and 81 percent in women, compared to 32 per cent in men and 47 per cent in women who engaged in only one healthy behaviour.
"Any steps you take to stay healthy can reduce your risk of heart failure," said lead author Gang Hu, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Laboratory.
The research is published in the September issue of Circulation: Heart Failure .
Tips to have a healthy Diwali
An average healthy adult man requires around 2,000 calories a day, while an adult woman requires 1,700 kcal. . However, during festivals, one often ends up consuming more than 1,500 extra calories every day through constant snacking in between regular meals.
Few traditional food which are consumed on diwali are very high in calories like Burfee is 250 calories a serving, 50 gms of cashew contain as much as 450 calories, traditional Diwali foods like 4 pc of matthis contain 250 calories. tikkis (350 calories for 2), jalebis and gulab jamuns (140 calories each). Most of these food contain empty calories and saturated fats . While it is traditional to exchange sweets and gifts during festivities choosing your snack is very important for health and diet.
As most of the people are becoming health conscious so healthy snacks are also finding their way on the party table as well. While all the food is not healthy but you can find something which is healthier than others. For instance, having dahi vada is better than eating tikkis as it some of the fat is absorbed while dipping them in water and it is served with yogurt rich in calcium and protein. Take care while you serve your food avoid sweet chutney or sev while serving and you will save as much as100 calories in one plate of dahi vada. A fruit chat is another choice which you will get in any chat party .
here are a few tips from experts on how to avoid these this season...
Plan your meals. When you are partying during night then eat less through the day. But don't go starve yourself. Eat a light snack like a salad, soup, lentils, milk, yoghurt before you go out. Keep a control on your portion size and choose from the food which you absolutely love as lot of variety of food is available so sticking to 2-3 dishes which are your favourite makes sense.
Choose sweets dishes like shrikhand and rice puddings like kheer and phirni. Other less fattening Diwali sweets include sandesh and pedas.
Keep drinking water as it helps to alleviate false hunger
Choose roasted or baked, grilled or barbequed snacks instead of fried ones.
At home, do not accumulate boxes of sweets or chocolates. Chances are you'll end up gorging on these. Get rid of them by gifting these to others.
Avoid drinking more than two medium measures of alcohol or wine. Alcohol is the main source of empty calories also save yourself from empty calories from sugarby avoiding aerated sweet drinks. Choose diet sodas or fruit juice instead of these foods.
Finally, gift healthy this Diwali, Instead of traditional sweets and namkeens try gifting fruit hampers. Don’t limit yourself just to food while gifting try other gift hampers too. It helps to shift focus from just food.
Diwali is a festival to spend time with friends and family So go ahead and have a healthy and Happy Diwali this year.
Foods that makes your skin beautiful
Eating a well-balanced diet not only improves your health, but also boosts your beauty too. Your supermarket can be the source of many such food which not only benefit you if you eat them but provides you a healthy glow on your skin if you apply them as a part of your beauty routine.
Avocado
This one is real gem, rich in antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fatty acids; it keeps the skin naturally smooth by replenishing protective layer of fatty acids. This prevents the dehydration. Use it in place of normal mayonnaise, salads, smoothies or dips to enjoy the health benefits.
For a natural anti aging beauty mask mash ¼ of ripe avocado and mix it with ¼ cup of yogurt, spread with the finger and leave for 10-15 minutes rinse off with water. Lactic acid in yogurt helps in exfoliating the skin and fatty acids in avocado stimulate collagen and elastin production to keep it supple and firm.
Tea
Teas are known for their rich antioxidants, green and white tea contain a special compound known as EGCG which protects the skin from the damage which is caused due to exposure to sun and pollutants.
Other than drinking it, when applied during final rinse on hair it helps to create natural highlights and shine in hair. Prepare an infusion, let it cool and apply on your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with normal water to reveal shiny and glossy hair.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in ellagic acid and vitamin C which is essential for collagen production, higher intake of vitamin C is also associated with prevention of wrinkles and skin dryness. Ellagic acid helps in fading of dark spots and holding moisture in the skin. So enjoy few in the season and keep your skin soft and supple.
To apply them on blend few strawberries with lemon juice in a blender and mix with yogurt, apply the mixture for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
Cocoa
Many of us chocoholics are aware of rich antioxidants flavanols which provides the chocolate its rich taste and cancer fighting properties. You can apply it on your face to get an instant glow.
Mix 2 tbsp of dark unsweetened cocoa powder with 2 tbsps of non fat milk pwder and use it like a beauty mask.
Coffee
You daily pick me up cup of coffee is great to brighten up your skin too, this prevents the skin from wrinkles and sagging caused by sun damage. But larger doses can cause adverse effect by causing dehydration.
Caffeine also acts as diuretic (takes out water from cells), it helps in removing under eye puffiness and is an important ingredient in anti-cellulite creams.
Used up coffee grounds can be rubbed off on skin on the areas like thighs, upper arms or buttocks where cellulite is generally concentrated.
Eggs
Eggs contain two rich anti-oxidants lutein and zexanthin which provide protection against UV damage , Damage caused by UV rays can result in appearance of fine lines, dark spots. Eating one egg a day can significantly increases the level of these two antioxidants and thus protect from UV rays damage.
Yogurt
Apply a thin layer on your skin to remove dead skin and opening up the skin pore by action of lactic acid present in this. Mix a tbsp of honey in ½ cup of plain yogurt apply as hair mask and wash off after 30 minutes to reveal beautiful lustrous hair.
How to please your in-laws this Diwali
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! iDiva promises you a month of everything festive. From festive wardrobes to make up and decor to recipes... even festive budgeting... we bring you all that and more this season. So if you haven't started making those mouth-watering sweets or shopping for festive clothes and gifts yet, we guarantee we have what it takes to get you to catch that Festive Fever!
Lend a hand: So what if you are not as religious as your mother-in-law? You can always lend a hand when she prepares for the big puja at home. This Diwali, ask her to relax and you do the groundwork. Clean up the puja area, keep the jewellery ready for the idol and shop for fruits, sweets and other stuff that you would need for the day. Be ready to feel blessed, literally.
Go shopping: Diwali is a time to rejoice and revel in grand festivities. It is also the perfect excuse to shop for the family. Take your parents-in-law out to buy something fancy– pick up a rich kanjeevaram for your mom-in-law and maybe a traditional kurta for your husband’s father. Considering his family is huge and close-knit, don’t forget to buy something small for the aunts, uncles and of course, the kids.
Enter the kitchen: If you are waiting to don the chef’s hat and want to flaunt your culinary skills, then there's no better time than Diwali! So get started with some mouth-watering mithais or snacks and show your mom-in-law you can cook. If you don’t have the recipe for that scrumptious Diwali sweet your mom used to make, then hurry up and call her. Wait for the family to shower you with compliments this festive season.
Arrange a house party: With hectic schedules, it has been quite a while since your husband got an opportunity to hang out with his family. Let him know that you would like to arrange a get-together at home. Call up his close relatives and invite them on Diwali night for a home-cooked dinner. Your in-laws will surely be happy and impressed.
Take a day off: Excuse yourself at work one day before Diwali. This way you can clean and do up the house and also spend some valuable time bonding with your mother-in-law. It also shows you are serious about helping her out with the festivities. Ask her what she needs to get done and then get cracking!
Open up: Do you take a little time to open up or find it tough to strike up a conversation in the presence of your in-laws? Well, there’s always a first time. At the family get-together, look for topics that could set the ball rolling. Topics such as travel, food or even property prices can be great starters. It’s not as difficult as it seems. After all, your parents-in-law do want you to be family.
Decorate the house: It’s Diwali time and a chance to clear the junk and make the house look spic and span for the family to hang out together. Go shopping for candles, lights and lamps to decorate your home. Add your personal touch with colour and accessories and see how your in-laws feel proud of you when the guests arrive.
Plan their vacation: If you really want to impress your parents-in-law this Diwali, pack them off to an undisclosed destination for a vacation. Plan the trip in such a way that they experience a hassle-free holiday. Assure them that everything has been taken care of and they need not worry about hotel bookings and car rentals. They'll be raving about it when they are back!
Casual sex, feel good factor?
Does sex on-the-side give you the much needed kick? Let's explore...
Aanchal Mehra, a management student agrees, "It's not about being promiscuous, but having sex with a stranger can actually lift your mood. It happened with me once when I was going through a very low phase. I went to a friend's party and hooked up with this guy. We had a blast that night and the next day we parted as friends. I felt desirable and wanted once again, and frankly I felt very happy."
The trend is recent and something that picks up from the frantic pace of urban living. Often hectic schedules and lack of socialising leaves one feeling adrift and sidelined. Thus people draw support in whichever form they can or so observes, psychologist Surendra Mehta, Care clinic, "Casual sex is on the rise because of factors like loneliness, peer pressure, living away from one's home. It happens when there's no faith left in oneself. Think of someone who doesn't have a great job or a fulfilling relationship or lacks friends to bail him/her out in times of crisis. It is then that they fall on measures that they assume can lift their spirits for some time. Sex is more like an addiction just as people tend to eat a lot when depressed."
Women don't get carried away
Hollywood too swears by the benefits of casual sexual encounters. Leading actress Cameron Diaz for instance recently stated that there isn't a better way to get back in shape than hitting the sack. Studies too have revealed that women are less likely to regret an impromptu fling, if they feel gratified sexually afterwards. Most women don't equate a romp in the sack with a walk down the aisle. Surveys reveal that over 52 per cent believe their most recent casual encounter to be 'just a one-time thing'.
Says actor/anchor Pooja Bedi, "Having sex with someone you don't love doesn't necessarily mean you are committing a grave sin. The best part of today's society is that it is beginning to accept female sexuality. People have various things to lift their spirits, this is one of them, so be it, and it's human after all to crave for touch. And women, just like men want to enjoy their bodies. So there isn't anything wrong in indulging in casual sex as long as you know where to draw the line."
Manish Singh, a software professional, points out, "I think the key is that everyone wants to matter, especially to their sex partners. We have created a world in which we treat sex as a private recreational activity, with no moral or social significance. But when sex is a recreational activity, my partner becomes equivalent to a consumer good. And we all know what we do with consumer goods that cease to satisfy us beyond a point, we get rid of them. In this world of consumer sex, it is socially acceptable to find pleasure with people you don't love. But yes, no one likes to end up feeling used."
Casual sex to reduce boredom
Doctors claim that a session in bed with an unknown face can actually spice up your personal life. Although none would advise it, but the fact remains that it jolts you back out of your boredom and pushes you to being innovative. Says a doctor on condition of anonymity, "I have had patients who find no interest in having sex with their husbands/wives. In fact, they complain of being turned off by the very thought of it. However, a torrid fling outside marriage breathes new life into a sagging relationship with one's spouse. Does it really matter if you get back your stamina and feel good about yourself, even if your spouse was unaware of what went on behind his back?"
A recent study done by the University of Chicago on the sexual lives of adults reveals that housewives bored by their routine look for affairs outside their marriage. In fact, a one-night-stand often reignites the lost spark that may have gotten snuffed out due to marriage and monotony, a la Tabu who played the rebellious wife in the Mahesh Manjrekar's film Astitva.
The real picture
However not all is as hunky dory as you would like to believe. As Mehta puts it, "Sex with no strings attached is a great way to regain your confidence. However, not many people can sustain it. There comes point when you begin to see the worthlessness of the whole enterprise. Despite how much we claim to be liberated, people need a caring relationship all the time. Sex is an act that is over in minutes and cannot ever replace emotions like love and care."
Neerja Tanna (name changed), a journalist, reveals, "I completely believed in casual sex and felt good about it. But there came a point when I began to dread the act. It wasn't the act per se, but the time when it would get over. If the sex wasn't great, it was ok; but when it was exceptionally good, it was difficult to extract myself from that situation. And how do I not look forward to meeting that person again? So in a way I started feeling petrified about having sex with just about anyone."
According to psychologist Suparna Puri, women often get attached while having sex. The hormone Oxytocin or the attachment hormone makes them feel closer to their partner. So she advises, "Be clear about who you want to indulge yourself with". Puri believes it's alright to be daring and adventurous, but warns that the high doesn't last for long. Soon there is a sense of wanting to pull out and starting again.
As Tanna recalls, "I don't believe in casual sex anymore. Because I believe there is more to it than just plain fun. So today I have decided to seek pleasure and adventure in other things. And sex can wait till I get married." Well point taken.
Male power
In this entire cry about women and sex, it seems men are completely pushed away from the limelight. Could the reason be that sex gets easily associated with men and thus requires not much thought? Says Atul Suri,a consultant with an MNC, "A general conception is that men are more interested in sex. However, I think nowadays women are also free spirited while men are becoming conservative. I can indulge in sexual activities with anyone, but I don't want to. My friends of course do, but I think their outlook is changing as well. Today a guy wants to be just a one-woman-man, both physically and mentally."
Explains Puri, "For men it is no longer about sex and affairs. Men today concentrate on developing healthy relationships with the opposite sex. That could also arise from the fact that they are aware that the society is open to men having casual sex, so it isn't a big deal. However for women to do the same there is the pleasure of breaking barriers and also a sense of power. So it's more of women wanting to try out new things and explore areas so far a taboo to them."
The balance though is heavily tilted towards women. And though the freedom of body is a heady feeling, yet there are certain precautions to be kept in mind:
1. Get yourself checked for AIDS and STD frequently if you are indulging in casual sex.
2. Always, always use a condom or other precautions while having sex.
3. Having a one-night-stand is okay as long as you are consciously aware of what you are doing. You don't want to fall into the wrong hands and get beaten up.
4. Steer clear of strangers who you think come across as "weird". It is better to follow your gut than being sorry later.
5. If you are someone who gets carried away emotionally, then such affairs are definitely not for you.
6. Men take heed and check the background of the person you are going out with. You could easily be led to drugs if you don't watch out.
7. If you feel any kind of discomfort physically after an intercourse, see a doctor immediately.
8. Visit a psychiatrist if you think you are going through an emotional vacuum and need help.
9. Speak to friends, family and close ones if you think your loneliness is the reason for you to hunt partners.
10. Believe in love and care because nothing works better than these.
Aanchal Mehra, a management student agrees, "It's not about being promiscuous, but having sex with a stranger can actually lift your mood. It happened with me once when I was going through a very low phase. I went to a friend's party and hooked up with this guy. We had a blast that night and the next day we parted as friends. I felt desirable and wanted once again, and frankly I felt very happy."
The trend is recent and something that picks up from the frantic pace of urban living. Often hectic schedules and lack of socialising leaves one feeling adrift and sidelined. Thus people draw support in whichever form they can or so observes, psychologist Surendra Mehta, Care clinic, "Casual sex is on the rise because of factors like loneliness, peer pressure, living away from one's home. It happens when there's no faith left in oneself. Think of someone who doesn't have a great job or a fulfilling relationship or lacks friends to bail him/her out in times of crisis. It is then that they fall on measures that they assume can lift their spirits for some time. Sex is more like an addiction just as people tend to eat a lot when depressed."
Women don't get carried away
Hollywood too swears by the benefits of casual sexual encounters. Leading actress Cameron Diaz for instance recently stated that there isn't a better way to get back in shape than hitting the sack. Studies too have revealed that women are less likely to regret an impromptu fling, if they feel gratified sexually afterwards. Most women don't equate a romp in the sack with a walk down the aisle. Surveys reveal that over 52 per cent believe their most recent casual encounter to be 'just a one-time thing'.
Says actor/anchor Pooja Bedi, "Having sex with someone you don't love doesn't necessarily mean you are committing a grave sin. The best part of today's society is that it is beginning to accept female sexuality. People have various things to lift their spirits, this is one of them, so be it, and it's human after all to crave for touch. And women, just like men want to enjoy their bodies. So there isn't anything wrong in indulging in casual sex as long as you know where to draw the line."
Manish Singh, a software professional, points out, "I think the key is that everyone wants to matter, especially to their sex partners. We have created a world in which we treat sex as a private recreational activity, with no moral or social significance. But when sex is a recreational activity, my partner becomes equivalent to a consumer good. And we all know what we do with consumer goods that cease to satisfy us beyond a point, we get rid of them. In this world of consumer sex, it is socially acceptable to find pleasure with people you don't love. But yes, no one likes to end up feeling used."
Casual sex to reduce boredom
Doctors claim that a session in bed with an unknown face can actually spice up your personal life. Although none would advise it, but the fact remains that it jolts you back out of your boredom and pushes you to being innovative. Says a doctor on condition of anonymity, "I have had patients who find no interest in having sex with their husbands/wives. In fact, they complain of being turned off by the very thought of it. However, a torrid fling outside marriage breathes new life into a sagging relationship with one's spouse. Does it really matter if you get back your stamina and feel good about yourself, even if your spouse was unaware of what went on behind his back?"
A recent study done by the University of Chicago on the sexual lives of adults reveals that housewives bored by their routine look for affairs outside their marriage. In fact, a one-night-stand often reignites the lost spark that may have gotten snuffed out due to marriage and monotony, a la Tabu who played the rebellious wife in the Mahesh Manjrekar's film Astitva.
The real picture
However not all is as hunky dory as you would like to believe. As Mehta puts it, "Sex with no strings attached is a great way to regain your confidence. However, not many people can sustain it. There comes point when you begin to see the worthlessness of the whole enterprise. Despite how much we claim to be liberated, people need a caring relationship all the time. Sex is an act that is over in minutes and cannot ever replace emotions like love and care."
Neerja Tanna (name changed), a journalist, reveals, "I completely believed in casual sex and felt good about it. But there came a point when I began to dread the act. It wasn't the act per se, but the time when it would get over. If the sex wasn't great, it was ok; but when it was exceptionally good, it was difficult to extract myself from that situation. And how do I not look forward to meeting that person again? So in a way I started feeling petrified about having sex with just about anyone."
According to psychologist Suparna Puri, women often get attached while having sex. The hormone Oxytocin or the attachment hormone makes them feel closer to their partner. So she advises, "Be clear about who you want to indulge yourself with". Puri believes it's alright to be daring and adventurous, but warns that the high doesn't last for long. Soon there is a sense of wanting to pull out and starting again.
As Tanna recalls, "I don't believe in casual sex anymore. Because I believe there is more to it than just plain fun. So today I have decided to seek pleasure and adventure in other things. And sex can wait till I get married." Well point taken.
Male power
In this entire cry about women and sex, it seems men are completely pushed away from the limelight. Could the reason be that sex gets easily associated with men and thus requires not much thought? Says Atul Suri,a consultant with an MNC, "A general conception is that men are more interested in sex. However, I think nowadays women are also free spirited while men are becoming conservative. I can indulge in sexual activities with anyone, but I don't want to. My friends of course do, but I think their outlook is changing as well. Today a guy wants to be just a one-woman-man, both physically and mentally."
Explains Puri, "For men it is no longer about sex and affairs. Men today concentrate on developing healthy relationships with the opposite sex. That could also arise from the fact that they are aware that the society is open to men having casual sex, so it isn't a big deal. However for women to do the same there is the pleasure of breaking barriers and also a sense of power. So it's more of women wanting to try out new things and explore areas so far a taboo to them."
The balance though is heavily tilted towards women. And though the freedom of body is a heady feeling, yet there are certain precautions to be kept in mind:
1. Get yourself checked for AIDS and STD frequently if you are indulging in casual sex.
2. Always, always use a condom or other precautions while having sex.
3. Having a one-night-stand is okay as long as you are consciously aware of what you are doing. You don't want to fall into the wrong hands and get beaten up.
4. Steer clear of strangers who you think come across as "weird". It is better to follow your gut than being sorry later.
5. If you are someone who gets carried away emotionally, then such affairs are definitely not for you.
6. Men take heed and check the background of the person you are going out with. You could easily be led to drugs if you don't watch out.
7. If you feel any kind of discomfort physically after an intercourse, see a doctor immediately.
8. Visit a psychiatrist if you think you are going through an emotional vacuum and need help.
9. Speak to friends, family and close ones if you think your loneliness is the reason for you to hunt partners.
10. Believe in love and care because nothing works better than these.
5 Ways to make your runs exciting
A lot of people adopt running so that they could meet their weight loss and fitness goals. They start with a bang and run with a vigor and enthusiasm. But slowly and steadily, the novelty wears out and then comes a point when even a thought of waking up early in the morning and putting on those jogging shoes can seem like a daunting task.
Runners who lose weight or maintain their weight make sure they run regularly or at least 3 or 4 times a week. But running is a repetitive activity which for too many people will seem like a very mundane and boring way to exercise. Well, help is at hand. Here are a few ways by which you can make your running exciting everyday.
1. New route every time: One of the basic reasons why running is boring is because people take the same route day in and day out. As a result your mind forms a basic map of the route and then it does not need to focus on the route anymore. Now it can focus on irrelevant things like how bored you are or how tired you are. All these factors go against your running performance and will hamper your weight loss plans. The best way to avoid it is to take a new route every single time you head for a run. Avoid running in boring, mind numbing areas. Make sure you get a fantastic view when you are running. These could be at the beach, by a river or even in the forest.
2. Run on Sand: Running on the beach is an extremely invigorating experience. But at the same time, it is also a very challenging experience because the surface is soft and the body requires more energy with every running step. Not only does it help strengthen your lower leg muscles (ankles, arches and calves), but it's also easier on the joints and burn more calories than running on hard surface. However, running on sand also makes you more prone to certain injuries. You can easily strain your Achilles tendons and calves if you are not careful. Before you start running on sand, make sure you have good running shoes, and keep to the wet, compact sand near the shoreline.
3. Run backwards: This does sound like a bit ridiculous thing to do but running backwards actually works for your stabilizer muscles and calves. Also known as retro running, backward running is a less natural motion, but can be accomplished with some speed with practice. It is better to start out with backward walking (also called retropedaling) which is relatively easy, and speeding up gradually. Like normal running, running up and down hills backwards adds an additional degree of difficulty. Running backwards offers an incredible workout, improves your balance and coordination, and burns more calories than normal running. It also places less stress on the knees. Just make sure you are doing it in a controlled environment and look around to make sure you are not running into things.
4. Stair sprint: You don't have to run on flat even surfaces. You can even add a challenge to your workout routine by sprinting up your building's stairs. Stair running is a great, high-intensity workout that helps build speed, power and cardiovascular fitness. Not only will it burn more calories (as it is an against-the-gravity activity), but it will also strengthen the muscles around the knees, and build stamina and overall lower body strength. So every now and then, skip the elevator and sprint up the stairs.
5. Interval sprints: Sprinting or Short bouts of very intense running helps the body to utilize the oxygen effectively and to build up your stamina. When on the treadmill or on the street, do not run at a constant pace because your body eventually gets used to the activity and doesn't benefit much. Several published studies have suggested that sprint interval training burns body fat and builds endurance faster than slower paced endurance exercises. A sprint workout is also great for days when you don't have too much time to run but want to fit in a short effective workout.
If you can find ways to make running a positive and exciting experience, you' will not only be able to have fun while doing it, but you'll get in shape much quicker as well. So incorporate these new ways of running and see the difference today!
Yoga for kids: A good idea?
Yoga for kids can be fun and relaxing. Understand what a typical yoga class for kids entails and how to pick the right class for your child.
Is your child about to start practicing yoga at school? Does he or she seem interested in taking a yoga class? If so, you may have questions about the possible benefits of yoga for kids and what a typical program entails. Before your child does his or her first pose, get the facts on yoga for kids.
How can yoga benefit children?
Research on the benefits of yoga for kids is limited. Anecdotal reports suggest that yoga can calm children, reduce obesity, enhance concentration and help children manage certain health conditions, such as headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. Studies suggest that yoga may also benefit children who have various mental and physical disabilities. Yoga may even help children who have eating disorders lessen their preoccupation with food. More studies, however, are needed to confirm the positive health effects of yoga for kids.
At the least, yoga can be a gentle method for your child to get more physical activity and enhance his or her well-being.
What happens during a typical yoga class for kids?
Yoga classes for children rarely focus on the importance of perfecting poses. Instead, they often emphasize yoga basics, such as the cultivation of compassion — rather than competition — and the connection between breathing and different poses. A typical yoga class for kids may involve:
· Warm-up. Your child will remove his or her shoes and may lie down or sit cross-legged on the floor or on a chair. A special object — such as a yoga mat or pillow, clothing, or stuffed animal used only for yoga — may be used to signal that this is a time for relaxation. The instructor may encourage your child to quiet his or her mind, perhaps by closing his or her eyes and imagining a problem disappearing.
· Breathing. Your child will be encouraged to focus on breathing in and out slowly and deeply through the nose. In one technique, your child might imagine filling up his or her stomach with air like a balloon and then slowly releasing the air.
· Postures. Gentle movements, including stretching, will help your child prepare to do postures that involve standing, sitting, twisting, balancing and bending. Some instructors provide pictures of plants, animals or objects to imitate. During each pose, your child may be reminded to breathe through his or her nose, to avoid forcing a position, and to stop if he or she experiences pain.
· Relaxation. After completing a series of poses, your child may lie down on the floor on his or her back and close his or her eyes. The instructor may repeat a sound or phrase to encourage your child to concentrate on his or her breathing. Your child may also be encouraged to visualize experiences, such as lying on a cloud or floating through the sky.
· Reawakening. As the class ends, your child will begin stretching or wiggling his or her body and slowly rise from the floor.
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