Merry Christmas

Effective Living Clinic and Rejuvenate greets you all Merry Christmas

http://www.effectivelivingclinic.com/

Knee pain

Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. Knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Medical conditions — including arthritis, gout and infections — also can cause knee pain.

Many types of minor knee pain respond well to self-care measures. Physical therapy and knee braces also can help relieve knee pain. In some cases, however, your knee may require surgical repair.

The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms that sometimes accompany knee pain include:

·         Swelling and stiffness

·         Redness and warmth to the touch

·         Weakness or instability

·         Popping or crunching noises

·         "Locking," or inability to fully straighten the knee

When to see a doctor
Call your doctor if you:

·         Can't bear weight on your knee

·         Have marked knee swelling

·         Are unable to fully extend or flex your knee

·         See an obvious deformity in your leg or knee

·         Have a fever, in addition to redness, pain and swelling in your knee

·         Fall because your knee "gives out"

Causes

Knee pain can be caused by injuries, mechanical problems, types of arthritis and other problems.

Injuries
A knee injury can affect any of the ligaments, tendons or fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that surround your knee joint as well as the bones, cartilage and ligaments that form the joint itself. Some of the more common knee injuries include:

·         ACL injury. An ACL injury is the tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — one of four ligaments that connect your shinbone to your thighbone. An ACL injury is particularly common in people who play basketball or go downhill skiing, because it's linked to sudden changes in direction.

·         Torn meniscus. The meniscus is formed of tough, rubbery cartilage and acts as a shock absorber between your shinbone and thighbone. It can be torn if you suddenly twist your knee while bearing weight on it.

·         Knee bursitis. Some knee injuries cause inflammation in the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion the outside of your knee joint so that tendons and ligaments glide smoothly over the joint.

·         Patellar tendinitis. Tendinitis is irritation and inflammation of one or more tendons — the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. Runners, skiers and cyclists are prone to develop inflammation in the patellar tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh to the shinbone.

Mechanical problems

·         Loose body. Sometimes injury or degeneration of bone or cartilage can cause a piece of bone or cartilage to break off and float in the joint space. This may not create any problems unless the loose body interferes with knee joint movement — the effect is something like a pencil caught in a door hinge.

·         Knee 'locking.' This can occur from a cartilage tear. When a portion of cartilage from the tear flips inside the knee joint, you may not be able to fully straighten your knee.

·         Dislocated kneecap. This occurs when the triangular bone (patella) that covers the front of your knee slips out of place, usually to the outside of your knee. You'll be able to see the dislocation, and your kneecap is likely to move excessively from side to side.

·         Hip or foot pain. If you have hip or foot pain, you may change the way you walk to spare these painful joints. But this altered gait can interfere with the alignment of your kneecap and place more stress on your knee joint. In some cases, problems in the hip or foot can refer pain to the knee.

Types of arthritis

·         Osteoarthritis. Sometimes called degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It's a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the cartilage in your knee deteriorates with use and age.

·         Rheumatoid arthritis. The most debilitating form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can affect almost any joint in your body, including your knees. Although rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, it tends to vary in severity and may even come and go.

·         Gout. This type of arthritis occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joint. While gout most commonly affects the big toe, it can also occur in the knee.

·         Pseudogout. Often mistaken for gout, pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals that develop in the joint fluid. Knees are the most common joint affected by pseudogout.

·         Septic arthritis. Sometimes your knee joint can become infected, leading to swelling, pain and redness. There's usually no trauma before the onset of pain. Septic arthritis often occurs with a fever.

Other problems

·         Iliotibial band syndrome. This occurs when the ligament that extends from the outside of your pelvic bone to the outside of your tibia (iliotibial band) becomes so tight that it rubs against the outer portion of your femur. Distance runners are especially susceptible to iliotibial band syndrome.

·         Chondromalacia patellae (patellofemoral pain syndrome). This is a general term that refers to pain arising between your patella and the underlying thighbone (femur). It's common in young adults, especially those who have a slight misalignment of the kneecap; in athletes; and in older adults, who usually develop the condition as a result of arthritis of the kneecap.

·         Osgood-Schlatter disease. This condition affects the softer area of bone near the top of the shinbone, where bone growth occurs. It's most common in boys who play games or sports that involve running or jumping. The discomfort can last a few months and may continue to recur until the child's bones stop growing.

·         Osteochondritis dissecans. Caused by reduced blood flow to the end of a bone, osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition in which a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of the bone beneath it, comes loose from the end of a bone. It occurs most often in young men, particularly after an injury to the knee.

Risk Factors

A number of factors can increase your risk of having knee problems, including:

·         Age. Certain types of knee problems are more common in young people — Osgood-Schlatter disease and patellar tendinitis, for example. Others, such as osteoarthritis, gout and pseudogout, tend to affect older adults.

·         Sex. Teenage girls are more likely than are boys to experience an ACL tear or a dislocated kneecap. Boys, on the other hand, are at greater risk of Osgood-Schlatter disease and patellar tendinitis than girls are.

·         Excess weight. Being overweight or obese increases stress on your knee joints, even during ordinary activities such as walking or going up and down stairs. It also puts you at increased risk of osteoarthritis by accelerating the breakdown of joint cartilage.

·         Mechanical problems. Certain structural abnormalities, such as having one leg shorter than the other, misaligned knees and even flat feet, can make you more prone to knee problems.

·         Lack of muscle flexibility or strength. A lack of strength and flexibility are among the leading causes of knee injuries. Tight or weak muscles offer less support for your knee because they don't absorb enough of the stress exerted on the joint.

·         Certain sports. Some sports put greater stress on your knees than do others. Alpine skiing with its sharp twists and turns and potential for falls, basketball's jumps and pivots, and the repeated pounding your knees take when you run or jog all increase your risk of knee injury.

·         Previous injury. Having a previous knee injury makes it more likely that you'll injure your knee again.

Complication

Not all knee pain is serious. But some knee injuries and medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can lead to increasing pain, joint damage and even disability if left untreated. And having a knee injury — even a minor one — makes it more likely that you'll have similar injuries in the future.

Effective Living Clinic

B-3/19, 0:1, Sector 3, Vashi

Navi Mumbai 400703

Tel: 9987223811 / 9969105310

www.effectivelivingclinic.com

Jet lag disorder

Jet lag, also called jet lag disorder, is a temporary sleep disorder that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones. Jet lag is caused by a disruption to your body's internal clock or circadian rhythms — which tell your body when it's time to be awake and when it's time to sleep. The more time zones crossed, the more likely you are to experience jet lag.

Jet lag can cause daytime fatigue, an unwell feeling, difficulty staying alert and gastrointestinal problems. Jet lag is temporary, but it can significantly degrade your vacation or business travel comfort. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent or minimize jet lag.

Symptoms of jet lag can vary. You may experience only one symptom or multiple symptoms. Jet lag symptoms may include:

·         Disturbed sleep — such as insomnia, early waking or excessive sleepiness

·         Daytime fatigue

·         Difficulty concentrating or functioning at your usual level

·         Stomach problems, constipation or diarrhea

·         A general feeling of not being well

·         Muscle soreness

·         Menstrual symptoms in women

Symptoms worse the farther you travel
Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two of travel if you've traveled across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the more time zones that you've crossed, especially if you travel in an easterly direction. It's estimated to take about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.

When to see a doctor
Jet lag is temporary. But if you are a frequent traveler and continually struggle with jet lag, you may benefit from seeing a sleep specialist.

A disruption to your circadian rhythms
Jet lag can occur anytime you cross two or more time zones. Jet lag occurs because crossing multiple time zones puts your internal clock or circadian rhythms, which regulate your sleep-wake cycle, out of sync with the time in your new locale. For instance, you lose six hours on a typical New York to Paris flight. That means that if you leave New York at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, you arrive in Paris at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday. According to your internal clock, it's 1:00 in the morning, and you're ready for bed, just as Parisians are waking up. And because it takes a few days for your body to adjust, your sleep-wake cycle, along with most other body functions, such as hunger and bowel habits, remains out of step with the rest of Paris.

The influence of sunlight
A key influence on your internal clock is sunlight. That's because the pineal gland, a part of the brain that influences circadian rhythms, responds to darkness and light. Certain cells in your retina — the tissue at the back of your eye — transmit the signal of light to an area of your hypothalamus, a part of your brain. The signal is then sent to your pineal gland. At night, the pineal gland releases the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. During the day, melatonin production is very low. So you may be able to ease your adjustment to your new time zone by exposing yourself to daylight in that new time zone.

Airline cabin pressure and atmosphere
Some research shows that the changes in cabin pressure associated with air travel may contribute to some symptoms of jet lag, regardless of travel across time zones. A July 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that simulated air travel at cabin pressures equivalent to 7,000 to 8,000 feet of elevation produced symptoms of altitude-related malaise (a feeling of unwellness), muscular discomfort and fatigue. In addition, most airline cabins circulate very dry air, which can be dehydrating. And mild dehydration can contribute to feelings of malaise, headache, and eye and nasal discomfort.

A few basic steps may help prevent jet lag or reduce its effects:

·         Arrive early. If you have an important meeting or conference — anything that requires you to be in top form — try to arrive a few days early to give your body a chance to adjust.

·         Get plenty of rest before your trip. Starting out sleep-deprived makes jet lag worse.

·         Gradually adjust your schedule before you leave. If you're traveling east, try going to bed one hour earlier each night for a few days before your departure. Go to bed one hour later for several nights if you're flying west. If possible, eat meals closer to the time you'll be eating them at your destination.

·         Regulate bright light exposure. Because light exposure is one of the prime influences on your body's circadian rhythm, regulating light exposure may help you adjust to your new location. If you have traveled west, wear sunglasses and avoid bright light in the morning, and then allow as much sunlight as possible in the late afternoon for the first days in your new location. If you have traveled east, bright sun exposure in the morning hours will be the most beneficial to helping your body adjust to the local time.

·         Stay on your new schedule. Set your watch to the new time before you leave. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are.

·         Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Dehydration can make jet lag symptoms worse. For the same reason, avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which dehydrate you further.

·         Try to sleep on the plane if it's nighttime at your destination. Earplugs, headphones and eye masks can help block out noise and light. If it's daytime where you're going, resist the urge to sleep.

Effective Living Clinic

B-3/19, 0:1, Sector 3, Vashi

Navi Mumbai 400703

Tel: 9987223811 / 9969105310

www.effectivelivingclinic.com

 

Bored in your relationship?

The day you first met, your friends saw the sparks flying almost instantly. You, of course, were too blinded by his rugged charm to notice. Then, he asked you out. The first date was a Sunday morning trek alongside a waterfall, followed by a cosy picnic lunch (cheese, wine, baguettes and sweet nothings) and then a night of partying. You'd found your dream match. But it's been a year now, and the very man who made you blush, now makes you yawn. You're utterly bored with the relationship and just don't care. So when do you know when your relationship has lost its fizz? We show you the signs:

You don't meet half as often as you used to. He prefers to work on mysterious files that always need to be submitted 'right away'.

Even when you do meet, there's little to say. You discuss the weather and stop.

You feel you're in a long-distance relationship, even when he's sitting right across the table from you.

When you think of him, there is no warm 'n' fuzzy feeling. Instead, you fantasise about chocolate.

Yes, you do get physically intimate, but there's no more hand-holding or cute pecking on the cheeks.

At the end of a date, you hope he doesn't want to meet the next day too. You'd rather sleep or read a book.

He's meeting his ex-girlfriend (the one you used to hate with a vengeance) for dinner. You either forget that he's meeting her or even if you remember, it doesn't strike you to be the least bit jealous.

When he suggests an outing, you end up roping in all your common friends. What can the two of you possibly talk about alone anyway?

Put your best face forward!

With the wedding season just around the corner, experts tell Zeenia F Baria how you can look your best

It's that time of the year - when you're inundated with invitations for wedding functions, parties and other social engagements. And while you decide what you're going to wear, you also need to take care of your hair, skin and make-up, more so, since the weather has slowly started to change.

Skin care

According to cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai, with changes in the weather, increasing pollution and stress levels, your skin is bound to bear the brunt. "Keeping this in mind, your skin care regime should change as per climatic changes. The most common skin problems this time of the year include dry and flaky skin, cracked lips and heels. Treat your skin well by-

Pamper your skin

-Treat chapped lips with a lip balm or petroleum jelly. You could also apply ghee, which locks in moisture. Never lick your lips to wet them, this causes them to dry out even more.

-An oil massage for the body will give your entire body a glow. Use any oil of your preference - olive, coconut or baby oil.

-Mix a moisturiser with your sunscreen and apply it on your face to avoid skin getting dry and flaky.

-Anti-oxidants and Vitamin C taken on a regular basis will help you achieve healthy and glowing skin.

-Drink sufficient water and have juices of deep coloured vegetables. This helps your skin remain fresh.

-Using a sunscreen at least twice a day is a must. Apply it on your face and on all exposed areas of your body.

-Oily skin can benefit from an orange face wash, a gel containing vitamin C, bio sulphur, aloe vera, turmeric, witch hazel and AHA. For dry skin, use a gentle face wash containing vitamin C, milk, soya, sulphur, and aloe vera.

-Use a hydrating herbal mask, (to which you can add cucumber or papaya), a fruit mask, pearl, seaweed or silver mask, to give a glow to your face.

Body care

Dermatologist Dr Bindu Sthalekar says that following a simple skin regimen goes a long way in looking picture perfect. "What you put in your mouth is as important as what you put on your face. Your inner glow will add to your outer glow. Hence, pay attention to both. Drinking enough water, getting adequate sleep, identifying your skin type and using appropraite products, following a skin care routine of cleansing, moisturising, using a sunscreen and exfoliating should be a part of your beauty regimen."

Diet Limit consumption of maida, sugar, colas and oily food to a minimum. These are empty calories, which can cause acne, hormonal imbalances, increase in facial hair and hairfall.

Hands, feet and nail care Use a soapless cleanser for your hands, apply sunscreen, soak your feet in warm water, apply a moisturiser on your feet and nails at night. Avoid using too much nail polish and remover - it results in a yellowish tinge.

You could also opt for treatments in a skin clinic. These include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and hydradermabrasion, which exfoliate skin, improves tone and texture, and reduces pigmentation. Exfoliation of the back is another popular technique, as are chemical peels for dark elbows and knees, cellulite treatment, laser hair removal, etc.

Make-up

This is the time of the year when most social events take place. As a result, some amount of make-up becomes a must. It is important that you take it all off, so as not to end up with breakouts, clogged pores and whiteheads.

-Be gentle while removing make-up around the eyes.

-Take off your make-up or the day's grime with a cleansing milk, which contains milk and honey, and gently exfoliate dry skin with a natural strawberry scrub which contains tiny granules.

Hair care

With the change in weather, you need to pay extra attention to your tresses. Trichologist Dr Apoorva Shah says, "The cold air of winter is more drying and less humid and, therefore more abusive than other times of the year. Since we spend lesser time in the sun, the natural highlights nature paints into our hair become less noticeable and hair loses its healthy shimmering look."

Washing: Hair requires limited amount of washing, enough to cleanse your hair of dirt. Be extra careful so that your natural hair oils are not depleted due to excessive washing.

Moisturise: Apply jaborandi hair oil thrice a week.

Stay hydrated: Ensure a minimum intake of 10 to 12 glasses of water daily.

Conditioning: For healthy hair, a normal conditioner should suffice or for the last rinse, coconut milk can be used. Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair. Don't rinse out all your conditioner, or re-apply a very light coat after towel-drying. For oily air, apply conditioner to the ends to keep hair healthy and prevent frizziness.

Reduce static: Hair static is caused by a lack of hair moisture. Brush with natural instead of plastic bristles.

Hair do's and don'ts:

-Towel dry your hair

-Never brush it when it is wet. This is a good season to eat healthy hair foods like dates, methi, spinach, walnuts and bajra.

www.effectivelivingclinic.com

Eat these good carbs for better energy

Carbohydrates are present in practically everything we eat. There are essentially two kinds of carbs, simple and complex and when it comes to optimal weight and energy management, the simple carbohydrates aren't as beneficial as the complex carbs.

The complex carbs are 'good' for energy and weight control, because they contain longer chains of sugar molecules and take more time to digest - therefore, keeping us full for longer. Today we're telling you what these 'good' carbs are and how they can be a part of your daily diet.

What is an energy food? To perform daily activities our body needs a continuous input of energy. When you eat a carbohydrate rich food, your body converts it to glucogen. After this stage it is either used in providing a steady dose of blood sugar or stored in the muscles for later use. Simple carbs provide an instant dose of energy, by pumping up the blood sugar levels in spikes. This dissipates as quickly as it happens. Complex carbs or energy rich foods, are sources of sustained energy which lasts longer and is used by your body when needed the most.

Whole grains are good for energy! Eating whole grains instead of refined processed grains, is known to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin levels. The fiber in the grains helps prevent constipation which is a fast growing lifestyle disease. Oats, oats bran, brown rice, whole grain breads are a few examples. Pastas and macaroni made out of whole grains are suggested as well.

Pick a fruit instead of the juice! Juices miss the vital edible skin and the pulp part of the fruit, and therefore are reduced in fiber content. The sugar content in the whole fruit is lesser than the content in the juice. 120 calories of whole apples have about 24 grams of sugar, while similar calorie content of juice has about 30 grams. Juices are a good replacement for aerated drinks, but not for a whole fruit. When you have a choice, pick the whole fruit.

Beans: These are a good source of slowly digested carbs, hence a good source of energy. Kidney beans, black beans, peas, garbanzo beans, soy beans and pinto beans, can all be included in healthy and tasty meals. Rajma or red kidney beans with brown rice, instead of white, gives the traditional favorite a healthier twist.

Legumes: Legumes or pulses have always known to be a rich protein source. Legumes provide a much needed dose of complex carbs to the body giving energy that is stored in the muscles and liver for a later time. Any dal minus the oily tadka is as healthy as it can get! However, do keep in mind that legumes aren't complete proteins, and therefore cannot be your only source of protein in the day. Eat these to capitalise on their complex carb charectaristics.

Eat your greens! Green vegetables, or the greens as they are known, contain minerals, multiple vitamins, are low on fat and also have large water content. Most varieties are complex carbs but the best sources are broccoli, cauliflower, spinach all types of lettuce, celery, cucumbers, cabbage. Green veggies are a certain go with good carbs.

And don't forget the whites: Soy milk is made from soy beans and is a good complex carb source. Dairy products like low-fat yogurt and skimmed milk are also efficient energy resources. Along with this, milk is a known source of calcium content without the added fat, In addition to calcium, milk also provides other essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorus and vitamins D, A and B12.

Anti-Aging Treatment with Vinotherapy or Wine Facials

Gold facials, diamond facials, collagen treatment and the lot, are old news. In vogue today are the different concoctions of wine facials for the elite. Wine facials are the next big thing in skin care and a wonderful anti-aging therapy. Lately the whole range of wine - red, white, grape, apple and elderberry - is being used in some form of treatment or facial therapy. Red wine, which was predominantly used to raise a toast to health and wellness, is being used to revive the glow in aging skin. The merlot wine has caught the imagination of the ever-growing upper middle class as a potent therapeutic these days. Although the home-made beauty treatments of yore - the multani mitti or grandmother’s secret fruit facials - might still manage to charm one, it is the pricey wine facial which is hogging the spotlight at the moment.

The virtues of wine facial are improved blood circulation and reduced wrinkles. It is one of the best ways to revitalize skin. Although priced relatively high compared to its counterparts the vinic treatment is justified in visible results. The wine may be used in conjunction with Ayurvedic cream or regular cream depending on one’s skin type. The glow from a wine facial is incomparable and because they have a purely herbal base, they are useful in curing infections. Regular sessions over a period of a few weeks result in a clear, blemish free skin. Its antioxidant properties and grape seed polyphenols coax collagen production back in your sagging skin. The benefits of consuming wine are not hidden. Moderate wine consumption is associated with: reduced cardiovascular health risks, for example, resveratrol in grape skin is known to have cardio protective effects; chemo protective effects; decrease in the risk of lung cancer; and decrease in the risk for Alzheimer''s disease. The therapeutic effects of wine in vinic facials just add to the long list of its benefits. Wine has been a favorite drink throughout history, be it as a ceremonial drink, an ode to camaraderie, and offering to God, an accompaniment to delectable cuisine or the cup of winebibbers. Lately it is big in the beauty business as well. A plethora of wine-based facial products are being promoted these days in order for clients to regain their youthful look. Wine-based products have taken anti-aging treatment to a whole new level. Besides the traditional red wine, wines concocted locally from fruits and herbs like fennel seeds, cardamom, apples and apricots are also used as innovative and alternative wine facial treatment. But the question remains if the wine therapy is suited for all skin types. Not all treatments are suited for every skin type. But ingenuity and innovation are the key words in the business. Wine is especially good for oily and acne prone skin as it reduces chances of acne formation. The therapeutic quality of wine relaxes the skin muscles. Almond may be added to the concoction for dry skin and aloe for oily and acne prone skin. Grape wine is a preferred wine, because it is an excellent anti-oxidant. Wine therapy is also being used in spas in conjunction with ayurvedic therapies to soothe frayed nerves and relax the stressed tissues as a passive form of exercise. The procedure helps in the production of anti-bodies, soothes the nervous system, improves circulation and builds up the immune system. A gamut of vinotherapy offerings will leave you perplexed on what to choose! For example, the combination of wine facial and ayurveda indulges the body and awakens one’s mind and senses. This east-meets-west treatment is formulated with a rich blend of wine and exotic herbs that moisturize the skin and rejuvenate ones senses. This is the ultimate in vinotherapy. The seeds, skin and leaves of grape contain polyphenols and procyanidols which exert antioxidants, so here is what you can consider for yourself in the salon or spa: A wine bath for entire body and muscle relaxation. A full body exfoliant, done with crushed pips for shine. But remember, this spa treatment is for those with deep pockets or for special occasions. A wine facial done with flower essences and a mix of mud massaged with grape oil and exfoliants. In conclusion - A healthy skin program includes cleansing, toning and nourishing. The skin suffers if it is not cared for. The human skin breathes, inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. It needs to absorb sufficient vitamins, minerals and enzymes in order to facilitate breathing. Wine acts as a catalyst that promotes this breathing process. The most beautiful women throughout history have relied on jealously guarded beauty therapies. Some of the most exciting beauty formulas derive their success from wine. Wine is the most common ingredient in natural beauty recipes. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and interacts with specific natural ingredients to help cleanse and beautify the skin, hair and body. If your favorite salon has added a vinic facial to their list, you should definitely indulge in it to benefit from the secret to a youthful skin.

How to cope with PCOS

Women around the world have to take up multiple roles, which means they not only have to juggle home and work, but also come out with flying colours! The working woman thus ends up stressed, oblivious to the fact that it can have adverse effects on her health.
Stress nowadays can lead to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS, which arises due to hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body. The same can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, loss of hair on the head, chronic acne apart from other issues. But it is surely not the end of the world. PCOS can be cured if treated and a healthy lifestyle can play a big role in getting rid of it. Here's how to deal with PCOS.

Don’t hit the panic button yet: Stress can often lead to outbursts which just worsen the situation. Chronic stress is also responsible for depression which leads to excessive eating resulting in fast weight gain. Try staying calm or join a yoga class to relax your mind.

Consult a doctor: Once diagnosed, the first thing that comes to a woman’s mind is whether she can become pregnant or not. Visiting a gynaecologist is the best thing to do here; also a dermatologist who can help you deal with hair loss, acne et al. Speak to your gynaecologist and start monitoring your ovulation cycle.

Communicate with your partner: Pregnancy and child birth are sensitive issues in a relationship. Therefore speak to your partner at the earliest. Before he bombards you with questions, educate yourself about the condition. Be honest about health complications, but  assure him that with medication, pregnancy is very much possible.

Start exercising: One of the major symptoms of PCOS is excessive weight gain in a very short span of time. Set goals for yourself and start hitting the gym regularly. Losing that flab can be a strenuous and long-term activity, but eating right and staying committed to a definite weight loss programme can work wonders for you.

Kick the butt: If you are a smoker, your monthly cycle could be affected by the birth control pills your doctor might prescribe during treatment. PCOS can also lead to heart disease in future which gets aggravated by smoking. Kick the butt today!  

Join some activity: Hair loss and chronic acne can sometimes pull you down and lead to depression. Low self-esteem and lack of confidence are common problems faced by women suffering from PCOS. Do something exciting or join a hobby class to distract yourself. Try to find happiness by doing what you love the most.

Find support in friends: Reports suggest that a large number of women have been diagnosed with PCOS in the last couple of years. High chances it may mean that your friend is suffering from the same. Confide in her instead of bearing all the stress yourself.

Take rest: You are the boss at work and also at home; so what? You do deserve to take it easy and put your feet up at times. Plan a holiday and switch off your cell phone during the trip. Try and get yourself at least seven hours of sleep daily.

Some fruit drinks have no fruit in them

Fruit drinks marketed with tall claims of providing hydration to children contain as little as 5 per cent fruit, while some others have none at all, health experts have claimed.

And to make matters worse, many are loaded with added sugar.

The experts found Ribena squash promotes its vitamin C content without making clear that 90 per cent of the vitamin content is artificially added to the drink because it contains such a small amount of fruit juice.

Fruit Shoot Hydro doesn't contain any fruit at all, while Still Vimto and Ribena have only 5 per cent fruit and contain more added sugar than fruit.

A Vimto marketing campaign emphasises the drink's raspberry content, says the report, despite the fact that raspberry juice makes up just 0.1 per cent of its ingredients, equivalent to about ten drops in a 500ml bottle.

Less than one-eighth of Capri-Sun drink is fruit, and it has significant added sugar, says the report.

The report, called Soft Drinks, Hard Sell, comes after the soft drinks industry reported its highest growth rate in seven years in 2010, with UK consumption reaching 14.6billion litres annually.

"Our survey found some truly misleading marketing blatantly used to drive sales and increase children's soft drinks consumption, which contributes to tooth decay and the UK's record rates of childhood obesity," the Daily Mail quoted The Children's Food Campaign's Clare Panjwani, who wrote the report, as saying.

"We need better regulation to protect children from marketing for soft drinks and other junk food, and better food labelling so that parents and children can tell more easily what's in the products they are buying," Clare added.

The report calls for a ban on junk food and drink advertising on TV before the 9pm watershed, as well as traffic light labelling on packaging that would display 'red' for added sugars.

Top 5 nutrients for your child

You may be having a tough exercise day running after your kids while asking them to eat what you want them to eat. And they will take the maximum advantage of your helplessness. They will laugh; they will hide at the remotest corners and will even shout and cry out loud. Guardians, neighbors and well-wishers will give you various opinions on the ways to control your child on food issues, but they will be mentioning about some common nutrients like calcium, fiber, potassium, vitamin D and vitamin E. These are the top 5 nutrients which a child will need during his growth phase:

1. Calcium

Calcium helps in the growth process. It makes bones strong. It also helps with heart rhythm, blood clotting and muscle function. When the kid consumes less calcium, the body draws calcium from the bones in order to fulfill its other functions in the body. A person, especially in the pre-teen years, is a lot less likely to develop problems like osteoporosis. You need to keep a tight eye on the caffeine intake of your kid since too much caffeine leads to calcium resorption from the bones. Some caffeine containing beverages are tea, coffee, cola and aerated drinks.

Sources: Milk and milk products like cheese, paneer (cottage cheese), green leafy vegetables, small fishes that can be eaten with bones, ragi and sesame.

2. Fiber

High-fiber foods are packed with vitamins and minerals to fuel growth and development. They also contain beneficial plant compounds called phytonutrients that boost a child's immunity. When part of a balanced diet, fiber helps head off type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol in adults and may work for kids too. Diets rich in fiber-filled foods may cut the risk of heart disease later in life. Fiber helps curb constipation by adding bulk to bowel movements stimulating the gut to pass waste with greater ease. Fiber also helps kids feel fuller. The market is now full of processed and fattening "convenient" foods. Chips and fries happen to be an all time favorite for all kids. Their attractions towards these foods take them away from the fiber -fruits and vegetables.

Sources: Fruits, vegetables, sprouts, whole grains and cereals and green leafy vegetables. Opt for whole wheat breads, noodles and pasta. This will ensure your child takes fiber in his favorite form.

3. Potassium

Potassium insures normal heart and muscle function, maintains fluid balance, participates in energy production and promotes strong bones. A potassium-rich diet helps head off high blood pressure in adults. Getting children in the habit of eating high-potassium foods may help them keep blood pressure in check as they age too.

Sources: Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy foods, meats and seafood. In general, the more processed the food, the less potassium it provides and the more sodium in a food, the lower will be the potassium content.

4. Vitamin D

A shortfall of vitamin D has been linked to adult conditions including osteoporosis, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, and depression. The role of Vitamin D in these conditions is still under research. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and maximize bone growth and strength. Kids who get too little vitamin D can develop soft bones, a condition called rickets, early in life, and osteoporosis, which typically shows up later in life.

Sources: The body makes vitamin D when exposed to strong sunlight, storing extra for future use. Common foods rich in vitamin D include most milk and other fortified foods such as some brands of breakfast cereals, orange juice and yogurt. Other foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon and light tuna.

5. Vitamin E

It is important for strong immune system. It's a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it fights harmful by-products of everything from air pollution and cigarette smoke to ultraviolet rays and even your own natural metabolism. That makes it vital for building and maintaining a strong immune system.

Sources: Sunflower and safflower oils (especially in light salad dressings). Sunflower seeds are great snacks. Give your kids cereals fortified with Vitamin E. Wheat germ, nuts and nut butters are good, but peanut butter is not a good option since peanuts aren't true nuts at all.

You may get a bit pissed off in your attempt to convince your kids to eat healthy. Set examples. Take healthy foods in front of them and your kids will start following you. And remember, patience is the other name for parenthood and it really pays.