GROUNDHOG DAY-FEBRUARY 2nd

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter-like weather will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.

source: http://www.wikipedia.org/

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter(LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Doctors believe that some people suffer from GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. In most cases, heartburn can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes; however, some people may require medication or surgery.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux? Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to flow back or return. Therefore. gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. The severity of GERD depends on LES dysfunction as well as the type and amount of fluid brought up from the stomach and the neutralizing effect of saliva.

What Factors Contribute to GERD? Dietary and lifestyle choices may contribute to GERD. Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, pepperming, fried or fatty foods, coffee, or alcoholic beverages, may trigger reflux and heartburn. Studies show that cigarette smoking relaxes the LES. Obesity and pregnancy can also play a role in GERD symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Heartburn? Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD and usually feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth leaving an acid or bitter taste. Heartburn pain can be mistaken for the pain associated with heart disease or a heart attack, but there are differences. Exercise may aggravate pain resulting from heart disease, and rest may relieve the pain. Heartburn pain is less likely to be associated with physical activity.

How Common Is Heartburn and GERD? More than 60 million American adults experience heartburn at least once a month, and about 25 million adults suffer daily from heartburn. Twenty-five percent of pregnant women experience daily heartburn. Recent studies show that GERD in infants and children is more common than previously recognized and may produce recurrent vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems.

What Is the Treatment for GERD? Doctors recommend lifestyle and dietary changes for most people needing treatment for GERD. Treatment aims at decreasing the amount of reflux or reducing damage to the lining of the esophagus from refluxed materials. Avoiding foods and beverages that can weaken the LES is recommended. These foods include chocolate, pepperming, fatty foods, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Foods and beverages that can irritate a damaged esohageal lining, such as citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, and pepper, should also be avoided. Along with lifestyle and diet changes, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription treatments.

Although GERD can limit daily activities and productivity, it is rarely life-threatening. With an understanding of the causes and proper treatment most people will find relief.

http://www.webmd.com/

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

To live long and happy, we need to balance and maintain our mental and emotional health. Today, men and women undergo a lot of personal and professional stress, be it the boss issues, travel issues, spouse issues etc. Due to the imbalance, they end up causing and facing disasters in their lives. Take a look to know on how to avoid and achieve the emotional balance day to day.

1. CHECK WHAT YOU ARE EATING - According to the ancient Indian theory, it is definitely not about the diet or fitness but it is the type of food that matters to keep our emotions intact. "Tamas ahaar" are a certain type of food that can vary the emotion levels of a person. Over eating of salt and sugar, onions, chillies, garlic, drumstick, non vegetarian food and fermented drinks can increase certain hormones which can make you get angry during tensing situations. This is why philosophers and scholars avoid eating these types of food.

2. ANGER MANAGEMENT - Even when you get angry, you need to know the ways to tackle it. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, usage of stress balls and drinking water can control and help you maintain mental and emotional health.

3. MAINTAIN GOOD RELATIONSHIPS - Enrolling in laughter clubs, making friends and sharing problems with close ones can make you feel light from within. Learn to forgive and forget.

4. BE OPEN TO LEARN - Sometimes learning new things will help you get over with the problems in life. Join dancing, painting or singing classes (anything of interest to you) as this helps you feel good and diverts your attention from the worries of life. Keep your brain active and be aware of all of the things that you do.

5. TAKE IT EASY - Everybody makes mistakes, so take it esy and give a fair chance to yourself and people around you. Understand that the only way to have a satisified life is by living it to the fullest.

source: http://www.greynium.com/

OBESITY CRISIS: 6 WAYS TO LOSE THE LOVE HANDLES

Obesity has become a global health crisis as people eat more, exercise less and get unhealthier. In the US alone about one-third of people are obese. That's a lot of excess fat. There are many ideas cited as to why we're getting so big: the reasons range from lack of sleep, to vitamin deficiencies and lifestyle choices, all the way to not being breastfed when we were babies. Whatever the cause, the key now is to get people moving and eating right. The question remains as to what is the most effective way. Need some ideas on how to win the battle of the bulge? Here are six effective ways to trim down:

1. EAT RED PEPPERS: This spicy addition to a meal can help rev up your metabolism: it's also a good source of vitamins A, C, B6, folate, potassium, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and fiber.

2. REPLACE YOUR SNACKS WITH SOUP: Swapping out two typical daily snacks for two servings of soup may result in up to a 50 percent greater weight loss among overweight dieters - even if the soup and the snacks have the same exact number of calories. Your best bet is to go with soups rich in vegetables and low in sodium.

3. DRINK LOTS OF WATER: Drop more pounds faster by drinking two cups of water before each meal. You've probably heard that drinking water before you eat can help you lose weight, the theory behind this recommendation is that the water helps fill you up so that you end up eating less at mealtime, which leads to fewer calories consumed in the day.

4. DRINK GREEN TEA: Chemicals in green tea, along with caffeine, are thought to burn fat and reduce weight. They also improve body measurement parameters like body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. Try replacing your morning cup of coffee with green tea and have another cup later in the day for an afternoon pick-me-up.

5. MAKE SURE YOU DRINK YOUR MILK: People trying to lose weight might have greater success if they have higher intakes of calcium from dairy products(milk, cheese, yogurt) and higher levels of Vitamin D in their blood. Make sure you're drinking low-fat or skim milk and try Greek yogurt since it has more protein than regular. Also, avoid flavored yogurts since they are just loaded with sugar.

6. WHEN YOU GET THE WEIGHT OFF, KEEP IT OFF: Exercise is your best bet to make sure that the pounds you shed stay off. Set a limit for yourself. If you find yourself gaining more than 5 lbs., it is time to get back on track. If you don't like scales, simply use your clothes. If they are feeling tight, it's time to get moving.

source: http://www.fyiliving.com/

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2012 - YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Chinese New Year is the first day of the Chinese calendar. Celebrated by Chinese people around the world, it is a major holiday where friends and family gather for a reunion dinner and celebration. Red clothing is worn to ward away evil spirits and bad fortune, and new clothing symbolizes starting the year anew.

RETHINK YOUR DRINK

Did you know? The average American drinks 50 gallons of soda and other sweetened beverages each year. There are almost 17 teaspoons of sugar in a regular 20-ounce cola;sweetened beverages are the largest source of added sugar in the American diet.

American teens drink almost twice as much soda and sweetened beverages as milk. A child's risk for obesity increases an average of 60 percent with every additional daily serving of soda(a serving is 12 ounces).

Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages causes weight gain, which can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The average soda sold in the United States has more than doubled in size since the 1950s, from 6.5 ounces to 16.2 ounces.

Marketers spend close to $500 million each year to target children and adolescents with messages about sugar-sweetened drinks, more than they spend on any other category.

What can you do? Make smart drink choices. Try the following tips:

1. When thirsty, drink water first.

2. When eating out, order water instead of high-calorie drinks.

3. Drink more low-fat or fat-free milk.

4. Drink 100 percent juice in limited amounts or mix juice with seltzer water.

5. Drink fewer sugar-sweetened drinks.

6. Make flavor-infused water by adding lemons, limes, berries, cucumbers, mint leaves or other natural flavors for a refreshing treat.

7. Choose unsweetened coffee or tea and lightly flavor it yourself.

8. Cut portion sizes of sugar-sweetened drinks by choosing a "small" instead of a "large."

source: http://www.redding.com/

FOUR TIPS TO PREVENT FALLS IN THE HOME

One out of three adults, age 65 and older, fall each year, but fewer than half of them talk to their healthcare providers about it. It's a largely preventable health problem. Here's how to reduce the risk:


1. Exercise regularly - to strengthen legs and improve balance; try Tai Chi


2. Get an eye checkup - at least once a year and get glasses updated as needed. Consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for activities such as walking outside.


3. Safety proof the home - reduce tripping hazards, such as loose rugs; add grab bars in shower/bath/next to toilet; ensure stair railings are in place; and improve lighting throughout home.


4. Review medications - have a doctor or pharmacist review medications/prescriptions for side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness.


When seniors fall, they usually develop a fear of falling, even if they are not injured. That fear can easily turn into a senior choosing to limit their physical activity, which in turn increases their risk of falling again.





source: www.dailypress.com/health