6 Ways to look and feel younger!

Those who think that women are most petrified of gaining weight, here's some news! Her deepest fears are age related! Though ageing is inevitable, who says one cannot counter it. We help you slow the ageing process with these simple tips:

Save your skin
As you age, the first most obvious sign is the appearance of wrinkles. With age and improper beauty regime, our skin gets dry and rough which leads to wrinkles. One of the noticeable signs of ageing is the visibility of thin lines around our eyes, which are called crow's feet.

To add to the misery, there can be sun damage in the form of discolouration. So follow the 3-step beauty routine of scrubbing, toning, moisturizing and later slathering on plenty of sunscreen. And if wrinkles are bothering you a bit too much, botox isn't a bad option either. Olive oil also works wonders in banishing wrinkles.

Check your weight and exercise
To beat age related weight gain, experts say one must aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day. The form could be anything - yoga, aerobics, swimming, pilates, etc. Leena Mogre, fitness expert, says, "As you cross 30, a good mix of exercise is important. If you feel that your gut is expanding and your chest is softening, it's probably because you're not lifting weights."

The key to reaping the benefits of physical activity is sticking with it, so choose any exercise you enjoy. Do not forget facial exercises to firm your facial muscles.

Plan a plant based diet
Your diet should have a good mix of green vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. "You should try to choose foods that represent a rainbow of colours, such as spinach, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, strawberries, blueberry and grapes. Your food plate should have 75 per cent plant based food and rest should be lower fat sources of protein such as eggs, fish or meat. This diet helps you fight evils of ageing such as osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease," says dietician Aishwarya Rajan.

Stress on calcium
Getting enough calcium as well as vitamin D help prevent osteoporosis which is the leading cause of bone fractures in women. Especially if you have crossed the age of 50, a daily dose of 1200 mg of calcium is necessary. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, calcium-fortified soymilk, orange juice, and fish with edible bones (like canned salmon or sardines). You can talk to your doctor to know if you need additional supplements.

Drink in moderation
Recent reports show that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can protect against heart disease. Consuming alcoholic beverages can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications. It also may increase the risk for some cancers. If you decide to drink, limit alcoholic beverages to not more than one drink a day.

Sleep enough
Sleep is vital to the proper functioning of our body. While some of us may sleep for barely 5-6 hours at night, others maybe sound asleep for as much as 9-10 hours. But the average amount of sleep required is 7-8 hours. Instead of battling sleep in the daytime, take short power naps of 10-15 minutes as they too will make you feel rested.

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.

Diabetes Warning Signs

Because type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, it's important to be aware of any diabetes warning signs and get tested for diabetes if you have these symptoms. Treating diabetes early, when treatment is most effective, can help prevent complications.

We'll explain the various diabetes warning signs and also warning signs of specific diabetes problems. Discover why it's important to listen to your body and alert your doctor if you notice any new signs or problems.

Warning Signs of Diabetes

Sometimes type 2 diabetes can develop without any warnings signs. In fact, about a third of all people who have type 2 diabetes don't know they have it. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor about your risk for diabetes and determined if you should be tested.

Common warnings signs of diabetes include:

·         Increased thirst

·         Increased hunger (especially after eating)

·         Dry mouth

·         Frequent urination or urine infections

·         Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry)

·         Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)

·         Blurred vision

·         Headaches

·         Diabetic coma (loss of consciousness)

If you have any of the above mentioned warnings signs of diabetes, give your doctor a call and schedule a diabetes test. With the right diabetes diet, regular exercise, and medications, if needed, you can manage type 2 diabetes and live an active, productive life.

If you have symptoms of the following diabetes complications, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Each brief discussion links to more in-depth information.

Hypoglycemia and Diabetes

As you'll learn in this health topic, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when the level of sugar or glucose in the blood drops too low to fuel the body. Hypoglycemia is not a disease but a condition that results from a variety of causes.

Hypoglycemia is most commonly a complication of diabetes treatment (diabetic hypoglycemia). You can develop hypoglycemia by taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications or by delaying a meal. Hypoglycemia can also be the result of some medications, other diseases, or too much activity.

We'll explain more about some warning signs of hypoglycemia in this health topic, including nausea, a jittery or nervous feeling, a rapid heartbeat, mood changes, blurred vision, and difficulty walking. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and may be fatal.

Hyperglycemia and Diabetes

In this health topic, we explain the dangers of hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, and diabetes. Hyperglycemia causes many of the warning signs of diabetes listed above. Hyperglycemia may be caused by skipping or forgetting your insulin or diabetes medicine, eating too many grams of carbs for the amount of insulin administered, simply eating too many grams of carbs in general, or from stress or infections.

In this health topic, we discuss hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS), an extremely serious complication that can lead to diabetic coma and even death in type 2 diabetes. This serious condition occurs when the blood sugar gets too high and the body becomes severely dehydrated. To prevent HHNS and diabetic coma in type 2 diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as recommended by your health care provider; when you are sick, check your blood sugar more frequently, drink plenty of fluids, and watch for signs of dehydration.

Other Warning Signs of Diabetes Complications

Other warning signs of type 2 diabetes' complications may include:

·         Slow-healing sores or cuts

·         Itching of the skin (usually around the vaginal or groin area)

·         Frequent yeast infections

·         Recent weight gain

·         Velvety, dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, and groin, called acanthosis nigricans

·         Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet

·         Decreased vision

·         Impotency

If you have any of these diabetes warning signs, contact your health care provider right away so you can have a diabetes test. Even people with pre-diabetes can have the increased risk from heart disease seen in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Create your home gym

While a common complaint of most people is that they don't find time to go to the gym, there is always the option of utilising a small space in your home for working out.

Get equipped
When putting your home gym space together, it's important to purchase the right equipment. If you're just starting training, it's best to keep the machines to the minimal. A good exercising mat is needed for push-ups, other stretching exercises and yoga. Buying a small treadmill or a stepper can be good to get some cardio. A fitness ball and dumbbells help as well.

Designed to fit
Adding mirrors in your gym space can help. It will not only make the space appear larger than it actually is, but also enable you to see what you're doing right or wrong. A music system can also help to keep your mood upbeat.

Be careful
Always use equipment that is tested. Ask a fitness enthusiast to help you purchase machines for your home gym. Faulty equipment can cause you injury.

 

Health benefits of drinking coconut water

The Nutritional Value of Coconut Water

Coconut water is the purest liquid second only to water itself. It is naturally low in carbs, 99% fat free and low in sugar. The sugar content in coconut water is natural and not refined or processed which can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a 100 g serving of coconut water provides 19 calories, 0.2 g of fat, 1.1 g of fiber, 0.72 g of protein and 0 mg of cholesterol.

Compared to health and sports drinks, coconut water contains less sodium and considerably more potassium. It also contains smaller amounts of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C. An ounce (around 30 ml) of coconut water contains around 61 mg of potassium, 5.45 mg of sodium and 1.3 g of sugar. Trace elements such as zinc, iodine, sulfur, manganese and selenium are also found in coconut water.

The Health Benefits of Coconut Water

1.     Keeps the Body Hydrated: One of the primary health benefits of coconut water is its ability to hydrate the body. Coconut water contains all five of the same electrolytes that the body has including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. These electrolytes, along with the natural water content of the drink, play an important role in keeping your body hydrated, especially during and after sporting events when sweating can throw off your water levels and electrolyte balance.

2.     Aids in the Weight Loss Process: coconut water is known for its low calorie content. By replacing higher calorie beverages with coconut water, you can save thousands of calories a year, which can help you during the weight loss process to a significant extent. For those who are on a low-fat diet, coconut water can easily be included into your diet plan as it is virtually fat free. This means you can enjoy coconut water before or after workouts without having to worry about the unhealthy saturated fat intake that is a concern with the consumption of milk-based beverages.

3.     Boosts the Immune System: It contains lauric acid, which is also found in mother's milk. This lauric acid is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal. Coconut water thus helps to strengthen the body's immune system against a variety of viruses and other diseases. Many people who live in the Philippines and the Caribbean have lower risks of getting affected with cold because they drink coconut water regularly.

4.     Finds Its Use in Blood Transfusion: Coconut water is almost identical to blood plasma and this makes it easy to be used for blood transfusion. In cases of emergency coconut water can be used as an intravenous hydration fluid instead of the standard IV fluid. During World War II many wounded soldiers were saved in the Pacific because of emergency transfusion using coconut water as plasma.

5.     Improves Circulation: Coconut water helps to carry nutrients and oxygen to the blood cells and has been shown to raise the metabolism. It also aids in the cleaning of the digestive tract. Poor circulation is improved by drinking coconut water regularly.

6.     Reduces Vomiting Tendencies: Coconut water is great at reducing vomiting. People who have typhoid, malaria, fevers or other ailments, show vomiting tendencies. Drinking coconut water settles the stomach. As such, coconut water is also a good thing to drink during a hangover.

7.     Aids in Digestion: Coconut water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase and RNA polymerases. Altogether, these enzymes aid in digestion and metabolism. Regular consumption of coconut water assists in digestion. Slow sipping of coconut water after main meal helps in curing this digestive discomfort. The lauric acid in coconuts is also used to heal digestive tract disorders such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

8.     Acts as a Beneficial Drink for Cholera Affected Patients: Coconut water contains natural albumen, thus it is a perfect natural SOS drink for cholera affected patients.

9.     Treats Heartburn Problem: Coconut water is an efficient natural remedy for controlling the intensity of acid reflux. It is a good natural antidote for heartburn problem.

10.  Treats Urinary Infections: Coconut water helps in keeping check over urinary infections. It is very effective in treating kidney and urethral stones. Drinking coconut water regularly helps to break up kidney stones making them easier to push out. Drinking coconut water is a natural treatment of intestinal worms in infants. Coconut water consumption aids in the natural destruction of intestinal worms and it is safe for children to administer this herbal remedy on them.

11.  Acts as a Source of B Vitamins: Coconut water is a source of essential B vitamins that are needed from dietary sources for use. B vitamins provide energy to the body, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, help with muscle functions and increase the immune response.

12.  Maintains the Electrolyte Balance of the Body: Coconut water is a good source of potassium. One serving of coconut water from one coconut contains around 220 mg of potassium. This electrolyte is needed by the body every day. Potassium works with sodium and calcium to conduct electrical impulses. This electrolyte ensures proper contractions of the heart. It also supports normal digestive and muscle function.

13.  Maintains the Functioning of Certain Enzymes: Magnesium is another electrolyte found in coconut water. This mineral is essential for the proper rhythmic contraction of muscles, the transportation and production of energy, the manufacture of protein and the functioning of certain enzymes.

14.  Treats Heatstroke: Coconut water has long been used for the treatment for heatstroke and dehydration. In tropical environments, coconut water is often used to treat dehydration. Its chemical structure makes it effective in treating these symptoms.

15.  Has Anti-Cancer Properties: Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water showed significant anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.

16.  Promotes Skin Health: Coconut water acts as a light moisturizer which also decreases excessive oil on the skin. This proves to be beneficial for smoothing out combination skin as well. Add this water to a bath or mix it with liquid shower gel. It can also be added to lotion as well as hair conditioner or shampoo for oily hair. This natural water is best for acne and blackheads also. This is a natural toning and cleansing mask for oily skin.

Nothing can stand in competition with nature or its offerings. Companies may spend a million bucks for research and development to find products or solutions that will resemble nature, but ultimately they will end up incorporating natural elements only!

Teen depression: Prevention begins with parental support

Teen depression can harm your child's relationships and academics, as well as increase the risk of substance abuse. Understand what you can do to help prevent teen depression.

Teen depression is a serious health problem that can cause long-lasting physical and emotional problems. Not all teen depression can be prevented, but there's good news. By promoting your child's physical and mental health, you can help him or her handle stressful situations that might trigger teen depression.

What causes teen depression?

There's no single cause of teen depression. Genetics and environment may play a role. In addition, some teens are more prone to depression than are others — including children of depressed parents and children who have anxiety or behavior problems. Teen girls may be more vulnerable to depression than teen boys because girls are more likely to derive self-esteem from relationships. Some teens' relationships can be especially challenging due to early physical development that can make them look different and change the way peers treat them. Sometimes teen depression is triggered by a health problem, stress or the loss of an important person in the teen's life.

How does teen depression affect a teen?

Teens dealing with depression are more likely to experience teen pregnancy, abuse drugs and alcohol, and perform poorly at school and at work than are other teens. Teen depression is linked to an increased risk of suicide and suicide attempts, as well as a recurrence of depression in adulthood.

You may be able to help prevent teen depression by promoting your child's physical and mental health. Research has shown the following steps can make a difference, including:

·         Praising your child's skills. A 2008 study showed that children who struggled academically in core subjects in first grade were more likely to display negative self-perceptions and symptoms of depression in sixth grade. Meet with teachers to find out how your child is doing in school. If your child is having trouble in school, be sure to praise his or her other strengths — whether in music, athletics, relationships or other areas.

·         Promoting participation in organized activities. Research shows that playing team sports or taking part in other organized activities can help prevent teen depression by boosting a child's self-esteem and increasing his or her social support network. Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities.

·         Encouraging physical activity. A small number of studies show that physical activity — regardless of the level of intensity — may slightly reduce teen depression and anxiety. While further studies are needed, there's no doubt that physical activity can improve your child's overall health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adolescents get one hour or more of physical activity a day.

·         Providing parental support. In a 2008 study, researchers suggested that the link between low family income and childhood depression might be explained by exposure to stressful events such as divorce or separation or low levels of parental support. Higher levels of parental support seemed to offer protection from depressive symptoms. Remind your child that you care by listening, showing interest in his or her problems, and respecting his or her feelings.

·         Talking to your child. One of the early warning signs of teen depression is a sense of isolation. Set aside time each day to talk to your child. This step can be crucial in preventing further isolation, withdrawal and progressive depression.

What if my child is at risk of teen depression?

If you're concerned that your child will develop teen depression, consider taking extra preventive steps. Recent research has shown some protective benefits for children of depressed parents who participated in depression prevention programs involving cognitive behavioral therapy — a type of psychotherapy — or efforts aimed at enhancing their resiliency. Further study of depression prevention programs is needed, however. Consult a mental health professional about the options and what might work best for your child.

Corp to keep a tab on food stalls at Onam fairs

Onam fairs as well as the food stalls, set up at various places in the city to boost the festive mood, will come under the scanner of the Kochi corporation as the officials have decided to start conducting surprise checks from Friday.
Food inspectors and health inspectors will check the food items like 'payasam', chips and other eatables offered at these fairs, said standing committee chairman, Health Committee, T K Ashraf. Four vehicles would be allotted to officials for the purpose.
"It has been brought to our attention that sub-standard food is being sold at road-side eateries and stalls set up for the festival season. There would be regular inspection till September 7," he told ToI. Raids will be conducted at all zones. It is also decided to grade hotels and eateries in the city. "Grading will be based on quality of food and cleanliness practised in hotels and restaurants," he added.

Top 25 reasons to get running

Source: Yahoo - Rejuvenate

 

 

 Running is one of the best forms of exercise, not only for getting fit but for weight control too. A 30-minute run, three to four times a week, trims your waistline, strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves muscle tone and definition and helps foster a positive mental attitude. Running can also be a great social activity. Here are the top 25 tips on why you should start running today.

1. Running is the quickest way to cardiovascular fitness. You get fitter faster by running regularly.

2. Running is one of the cheapest forms of exercising. You only need a pair of running shoes and shorts and T-shirt to get started.

3. Running is easy to learn. Most people have run at some point in their life, either competitively or at school/college, so there is no steep learning curve involved.

4. Running makes you feel good, not only physically, but mentally as well.

5. Running is excellent for reducing stress levels. There is nothing better than a run to clear your head and concentrate the mind. Many great ideas have been formulated on training runs.

6. Running is one of the most flexible methods of training around. Wherever you are in the world, it is nearly always possible to get out for a run. You can jog, steady run or sprint depending on how you feel that particular day.

7. Running is good for your heart. It not only strengthens the heart but also reduces the actual resting heart rate.

8. Running is accessible to all. As long as you are physically able, you can go for a run virtually anytime and anywhere. There are no race barriers to running.

9. Running helps you to lose weight and tone muscles. The more your train and run, the more weight you will lose. Also by toning up, you are getting rid of the excess fat and converting it to muscle.

10. Running is for people of all ages. Old or young, everyone can benefit from running.

11. It is good for your sex life! By being more physically active you increase your sex drive.

12. When run training, you can get away with eating chocolate and legitimately say it is part of your training program.

13. Running is a great way to recover from a hangover. A run will help clear your head faster than sitting around feeling terrible.

14. Running is a great safety aid. Being able to run away from people puts you in a much better position if you are chased.

15. You can use running to change other people's lives. Run for a charity and raise money to help the needy or less able.

16. Running with friends gives you time to catch up on gossip and get fit at the same time.

17. Running is a time-efficient way to get fit and lose weight so you have more free time after exercising to enjoy yourself.

18. Running is a challenge that can be motivational and bring great personal satisfaction.

19. Running is a great way to see a new place if you have limited time available for sightseeing. Just think how much more of a place you can see when running around it compared to walking.

20. Running improves your concentration as you are forced to concentrate more when running. This in turn improves your concentration when you have to focus in other areas of life.

21. You nearly always work better after a run because you are still on a runner's high and feel ready for anything.

22. Running is a great way to meet people, especially if you join a club or enter a race.

23. There are no monthly subscriptions with running. You just put your running shoes on and go.

24. Endurance built-up through running can be transferred to other sports.

25. If you drink alcohol you can just run a little bit further the next day to work off the extra calories.

Avoid premature aging

Source: Times of India

Let's face it. We're all going to age at some point or another. However, the lifestyle that most of us lead cause people to age prematurely. We tell you how to avoid that ...

With a wide range of anti-aging products coming out now, it makes you wonder if they really work wonders as they claim to. The best way then is to prevent premature aging by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here's what you can do to avoid premature aging:

Snooze
Yes. You may have heard innumerable benefits of sleeping, and here's one more. Sleeping for seven to eight hours is essential. It has been proven that a good night's sleep can reduce the rate of aging by repairing cell damage. But sleeping for long hours is not the only thing you can do in bed. You might have noticed that you sleep in the same position every night - the position your body feels most comfortable in. However, this greatly increases your chances of getting face wrinkles. The part of your face, which is resting against the pillow will be likely to form wrinkles over time. Try sleeping on your back - even if its uncomfortable in the beginning, you'll get used to it.

Drink up
We mean water. Drink plenty of water to adequately hydrate your body. Stick to water and avoid juices, coffee, tea, cocktails or other beverages. Water alone is the best and most vital beverage you need. It will also help to remove toxic substances from your body, which otherwise target the skin cells. Dehydration can lead to premature wrinkles and dull looking skin.

Take care of your skin
Protect your skin when you're out in the sun. Wear a cap and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes and slather on that sunscreen. Over exposure to the sun leads to formation of wrinkles. Use good moisturiser on your skin. Thick creams are best for the night while lotions work well during the day. Apply almond oils because it helps the skin keep its elasticity and also promotes cell renewal.

Eat right
Make sure to include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Stop making excuses that you don't like their taste - there are plenty of delicious ways to make even the most mundane veggies taste yum. Learn the recipes! Fruits and vegetables have a natural water content that helps in preventing dehydration besides being high on several vitamins and antioxidants that play a key role in neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that attack the body's cells, causing skin damage. Eating six to eight servings of fruits or vegetables will help you maintain your youthful glow.

Quit smoking
No one likes to stand or sit next to a person who reeks of cigarette smoke. Along with the other ill-effects of smoking like cancer, smoking is also bad for your skin. It restricts blood flow to the skin making your complexion dull, and causes wrinkles and fine lines. Kick the habit!

15 mins exercise extends life by 3 years

Source: Times of India

 

 

As  less as 15 minutes of exercise everyday can extend your life by as much as three years, a new research has found. Taiwanese researchers examined more than 400,000 study participants in a 12-year period, where patients self-reported their weekly exercise regimen and were then placed in one of five groups: inactive, low, medium, high or very high exercise activity.

The study found that people in the low-exercise group, who spent 15 minutes on fitness per day, reduced their risk of dying from cancer by 10 per cent and had a three-year longer life expectancy than the inactive group.

"The 30-minute a day for five or more days a week has been the golden rule for the last 15 years, but now we found even half that amount could be very beneficial," ABC News quoted Dr Chi-Pang Wen, lead author of the study, as saying.

With every additional 15 minutes of exercise per day, participants reduced their risk of dying from cancer by another 1 per cent, the research found.

Researchers found the benefits went on growing for up to 100 minutes of exercise a day.

Men and women of all ages shared the benefits, including those at risk of heart disease.

The research report said: "If inactive individuals engage in low-volume daily exercise, one in six all-cause deaths could be postponed."

 

K Yoga Therapy for healthy and younger looking skin

Dr. Kurien S. Thomas

We often complain about our skin. We are worried when we see wrinkles on our face and loosening of our skin at different parts of our body. We easily put the blame on our age. This is most easiest way to react to our problems on skin.

How does skin age? Have we ever thought of it? What is skin made up of?

The real reason is that we never tried to know our skin better. Visiting a beauty clinic is not the solution for enhancing beauty and treating your skin. It is much deeper than you ever thought about.

The skin consists of three main layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

The skin is the largest organ in the body, comprising about 15% of the body weight. The total skin surface of an adult ranges from 12 to 20 square feet. In terms of chemical composition, the skin is about 70% water, 25% protein and 2% lipids. The remainder includes trace minerals, nucleic acids, glycosoaminoglycans, proteoglycans and various other chemicals.

The epidermis is the topmost layer of the skin. It is the first contact between you and the outside world. The epidermis consists of three types of cells keratinocytes, melanocytes and Langerhans cells. The total thickness of the epidermis is usually about 0.5 - 1 mm. At the lowermost portion of the epidermis are immature, rapidly dividing keratinocytes. As they mature, keratinocytes lose water, flatten out and move upward. Eventually, at the end of their life cylce, they reach the uppermost layer of the epidermis called stratum corneum. Stratum corneum consists mainly of dead keratinocytes, hardened proteins (keratin) and lipids, forming a protective crust. Dead cells from stratum corneum continuously slough off and are replaced by new ones coming from below. The skin completely renews itself every 3 - 5 weeks. Most mild peels work by partly removing the stratum corneum and thus speeding up skin renewal.

The dermis is the middle layer of the skin located between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. It is the thickest of the skin layers and comprises a tight, sturdy mesh of collagen and elastin fibers. Both collagen and elastin are critically important skin proteins: collagen is responsible for the structural support and elastin for the resilience of the skin. The key type of cells in the dermis is fibroblasts, which synthesize collagen, elastin and other structural molecules. The proper function of fibroblasts is highly important for overall skin health.

The dermis also contains capillaries (tiny blood vessels) and lymph nodes (depots of immune cells). The former are important for oxygenating and nourishing the skin, and the latter -- for protecting it from invading microorganisms.

The dermis contains sebacious glands, sweat glands, hair follicles as well as a relatively small number of nerve and muscle sells. Sebacious glands, located around hair follicles, are of particular importance for skin health as they produce sebum, an oily protective substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. When sebacious gland produce too little sebum, as is common in older people, the skin becomes excessively dry and more prone to wrinkling. Conversely, overproduction or improper composition of sebum, as is common in adolescents, often leads to acne.

Subcutaneoustissue is the innermost layer of the skin located under the dermis and consisting mainly of fat. The predominant type of cells in the subcutaneous tissue is adipocytes or fat cells. Subcutaneous fat acts as a shock absorber and heat insulator, protecting underlying tissues from cold and mechanical trauma. Interestingly, most mammals lack subcutaneous tissue because their fur serves as a shock absorber and heat insulator. Sweat glands and minute muscles attached to hair follicles originate in subcutaneous tissue.

The loss of subcutaneous tissue, often occurring with age, leads to facial sag and accentuates wrinkles. A common procedure performed by dermatologists to counteract this process is to inject fat (collected elsewhere in the body) under the wrinkles on the face.

Understanding these facts we need to understand our skin better to reduce it from falling a prey to pre-mature aging, sagging, loosing its luster and above smart appearance that skin provides.

K Yoga Therapy is the right solution to hit this issue in minute details. K Yoga Therapy not only helps your body to rectify the current skin issues it also tunes it to give birth the new skin that is rich in texture, colour and quality thereby making your skin look young, fresh, appear smart  and also remain healthy to protect against microorganisms.

K Yoga Therapy  has the potential to reduce facial wrinkles and produce a natural 'face-lift'. K Yoga Therapy will bring much needed nutrients and oxygen to rejuvenate and remove toxin causing matter. Mentally you will become calmer and your body will not experience stress like effects that will cause you to frown and spoil up your facial appearanes. Also you will sleep a lot better and this always help in a fresh ready to go look.

The result is firmer facial muscles, which cause a reduction in wrinkles, and a natural face-lift.

K Yoga Therapy  will take years from your face and add years to your life. As you get older, you will take on an ageless appearance. No one will have any idea how old you are, not that it matters.

For more information visit: http://www.effectivelivingclinic.com/