Health GlareEvery human being is the author of his own health or disease

Have you been wondering what an article on “Top 10 Health Tips” doing on a website dedicated to Beauty?

Are you one of those individuals who think “Top 10 Health Tips” and “Top 10 beauty Tips” are two separate concepts and need to be dealt individually? Have you been splurging an aweful lot of money trying to look “good” by getting Spa treatments, visiting Beauty Salons, Buying Designer Labels, Eating Health Foods, and yet every time you look into the mirror, you feel there’s something “lacking?”

If you think that way, you’re not the only one. Whereas most of us spend a whole lot of time, money and effort to make our skin, hair, face, hands and feet look beautiful, we often miss out on the critical role our health and wellness plays in making us look physically and mentally beautiful.

Follow these Top 10 Health Tips in your daily life to stay beautiful on the inside and outside:

1.Follow A Healthy, Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is the first step towards a beautiful, healthy body. Follow a healthy balanced diet that complements your lifestyle. An ideal diet should be high on fiber, low on fat, and must be supplemented with adequate amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Besides knowing what to eat, it is equally important to know the right proportions, meaning how much or how little to eat. Talk to a fitness expert and find out what’s your daily calorie intake. Make food choices that have high nutritional value but are low in calories.

2.Eat Different Types Of Foods: According to Ayurveda, the Ancient Indian science of healing, rotating your food habits not only strengthens your immune system, it can also protect you from most illnesses. Try to eat vegetables and fruits of different colors each day. Try eating a different food at least thrice a month. Begin your day with an apple a day as the apple pectin cleanses the body’s digestive system by removing toxins and therefore preventing degenerative health problems such as cancer.

3.Don’t Skip Your Breakfast: Are you surprised to see how some people manage to stay so fit, energetic and active the whole time and are able to stabilize their weight while you continue to put on weight and feel exhausted most of the time? Well, chances are, they eat a good breakfast and you don’t! According to nutritionists and health experts, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and skipping your breakfast can lead to serious health problems besides adding those extra pounds as a result of binging on unhealthy snacks later in the day. Besides re-charging your energy levels, eating regular breakfast has several long-term benefits like:

• It results in faster weight loss
• Your body get more nutrients everyday
• Breakfast rich in fiber foods and wholegrain helps keep the heart healthy especially if you suffer from metabolic disorders like fluctuating blood pressure, obesity and cholesterol. It also helps stabilize blood sugar levels
• A good breakfast early in the morning sets your mood right and enables you to handle stress better
• You stay overall healthy! So begin your day with fresh fruits, fruit juices, hard-boiled eggs, wholegrain cereals and breads and stay healthy all day!

4. Drink Lots Of Water: Drinking a minimum of 7 to 8 glasses of water everyday cleanses all the impurities and toxins from your body and helps to get healthy, flawless skin.

In addition, the fluid in your body is responsible for the functioning of your internal organs including the metabolic processes.  So if you’re dehydrated, this whole process gets affected and your body tends to slow down leaving you feeling low and lethargic.

5. Exercise Regularly: Who does not dream of getting those six-pack abs? Besides making you look sexy and popular, regular exercising is also the best natural “anti-aging” recipe because it helps you stay and feel young by raising your energy levels, stabilizing your body weight, and enhancing flexibility, which reduces the wear and tear in your body.

You don’t need to exercise for hours everyday, just take 15-20 minutes off your busy schedule everyday to sweat out that pot-belly or burn those extra-pounds that have been making it difficult for you to get into your favorite outfit! If you can’t, make one of these a part of your routine: take the stairs instead of elevators and escalators to climb; Make it a habit to walk about 15 minutes everyday. If holistic healing is your thing, enroll yourself for yoga classes. If not, go swimming, take aerobics lessons or start shaking a leg or two at the local dance academy-whatever keeps you going, juts do it! If you’re into sports, you can make it part of your fitness routine.

Remember, your external fitness is only a reflection of your inner fitness and a beautiful, healthy body reflects a fit, healthy mind.

6. Quit Smoking: Okay, so you’ve heard this countless times from your doctor, but here it comes again as one of our most important health tip-Quit Smoking! If you’re one of those people who smoke to lose or gain weight, we’d stay think again! While smoking may have been related to an increase in metabolism, it is certainly not a good enough reason to substitute it with the huge risk of dying from lung cancer!

If that doesn’t make you change your mind, this will. Recent studies have proved that smoking is also one of the leading factors that stimulate the process of aging in both men and women. So say no to cigarettes and stay young and healthy for the rest of your life!

7. Say No To Stress: We know what you’re thinking-easier said than done! Agreed, but leading a stressful life can only make matters worse. On the other hand, leading a relaxed, stress-free life will not only reduce the risks of health related disorders, it will also calm you down and let you enjoy your life better.

While planning your day, strike a balance between home and work. If you have trouble remembering things-make a list of all the “things-to-do” before going to bed each night or simply set a “reminder” in your cell phone so you don’t have to run around at the last minute. Staying positive and thinking happy thoughts is one of the most effective stress buster technique you can easily follow in your daily life.

Spend atleast 15 minutes doing something you love and enjoy each day. It could be a simple activity, like cuddling up in bed by yourself and watching a funny movie, enjoying a glass of your favorite wine, socializing with friends, reading, sweating it out at the gym, pampering yourself with a stress-releasing body massage, soaking in a hot tub, taking a stroll on the beach, playing with your dog, listening to your favorite music or simply lazing around and doing nothing!

8. Take Care Of Your Teeth: Remember the phrase “million dollar smile?” Well, your teeth have a lot to do with your smile and they can make or break your looks depending on how much or how little you’ve cared for them over the years! Dental health is an important aspect of your overall heath. One of the best ways to have healthy teeth, prevent gum-related infections and protect your heart is by flossing your teeth every day. Few of us know that gum infections if left untreated can cause inflammatory reactions in the body, which can lead to stroke and heart ailments.

9. Sleep Well: A good 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is a must for our body to reboot itself and feel energetic next day. Lack of sleep affects our hormone levels and slows down metabolism often resulting in weight gain. Studies have shown that deep, uninterrupted sleep helps cell growth and cell repair, which can increase the metabolism and help in burning calories. If you suffer from sleeplessness, try some of these simple remedies:

• Avoid alcohol before going to bed
• Stay away from stimulants like coffee, tea and chocolates before going to sleep
• Regularize your sleeping habit
• Keep your bedroom clean and uncluttered; Use decors and furnishing with peaceful and soothing colors
• Avoid taking longer daytime naps
• Follow relaxation techniques (for ex-meditation) to reduce stress

Keep Your Brain Active: Keeping your mind in “good shape” is just as vital as taking care of your physical health, so be sure to indulge your brain on a daily basis. An idle mind is not only the devil’s workshop, often the feeling of “aimlessness” or “nothingness” can cause boredom and can lead to depression and anxiety-related disorders.

One way to keep your brain engaged and busy is to constantly challenge yourself with new ideas and by learning new skills. Studies have shown than an active brain makes new connections between nerve cells that help cells communicate with one another. This allows our brain to store and access information easily, regardless of our age. Try some of these activities to keep your mind active and free from boredom:

• Learn to play a new musical instrument
• Learn a new language
• Indulge in crossword puzzles
• Play scrabble with a friend
• Participate in discussions and forums
• Maintain a blog and update it daily
• Switch careers or make a new beginning
• Read books on unfamiliar topics
• Pursue a new hobby
• Stay aware about what’s going on in the world

Follow these “Top 10 Health Tips” to stay physically and mentally beautiful for the rest of your life. Remember-”Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!”

Premature ejaculation is the common sexual problem which affects nearly all men at some stage in their life. The main cause can be psychological- anxiety about the possibility of ejaculation before, during or straight after penetration. Premature ejaculation often occurs during the first experiences with sex but majority gradually learn to control their orgasm.

Increasing the number of ejaculation with the help and understanding of the partner or by masturbation can be of  benefit to achieve control gradually. This is brought about by using the squeeze method in which the partner gently but firmly compresses the end of the penis to halt impending ejaculation. when both partners feel ready, ejaculation can then be allowed to proceed.

Impotence is the inability to have sexual intercourse due to failure in achieving or maintaining erection. Impotence is common and most men have it once in a while or for short periods of time. It can occur at any age, but is most common in men above 65.

Impotence is treatable at any age. There are now successful treatments for this disorder which ensures that most men with the problem return to normal sexual activity.

Possible causes of Impotence

• Diseases such as diabetes mellitus, an endocrine gland disorder, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis etc.

• Problems with the structure of the penis or its surrounding tissues may prevent an erection.

• Damage to arteries, smooth muscles and fibrous tissues, often as a result of disease, surgery or injury that interfere with nerve impulses or blood flow to the penis.

• Psychological or emotional factors like stress, anxiety, grief or problems with relationships.

• *Excess consumption of alcohol or drug abuse.

• Obesity and smoking which affects blood flow and arteries.

• As a side effect of some prescription drugs like high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, cimetidine, an ulcer drug etc.

• In older men over 65 years, impotence can be caused by low levels of testosterone, a condition which can be corrected by Hormone replacement therapy.

There are various treatment for impotence depending upon the underlying cause. These may include measures to combat stress, counseling and sexual therapy to help resolve relationship problems, changes in life style, weight control, alternation in prescribed medication which causes impotence, pelvic floor exercises, use of an oral medication, a vacuum device or injection or insertion of medicine into the penis. For those men whose impotence has resulted from injury to nerves and blood vessels supplying the penis, two forms of penile implant can be inserted by means of surgical operation.

Prevention

• Keep your blood sugar in a safe range if you have diabetes.

• Quit smoking.

• Exercise regularly.

• Avoid excess alcohol intake and use of drugs.

• Keep your cholesterol level low to reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

• Lower stress in your life.

Priapism is a condition in which a male develops a permanent erection. If your erection lasts for an unusual period of time and is unrelated to sexual contact, consult a physician immediately as  timely can prevent permanent damage

Possible causes of Priapism are :

*Penile injection therapy for impotence
*Physical trauma to the penis or surrounding region
*Diseases which thicken the blood like leukemia or sickle-cell anemia
*Cancerous growth around the penis preventing outflow of blood

Medication, or minor surgery to remove the old blood from the penis are the most common treatment options.

A reduced interest in the desire for sex is experienced by most people at some age.  It becomes a problem for a man when he can not longer satisfy the sexual needs of his partner. There are very many factors, both physical and emotional which can cause a lowering in libido. Physical causes include diseases and drugs. Emotional factors can be stress, worry, grief, anxiety about satisfying their partner, fear of the consequences of sexual activities like STDs, conflicts between partners, boredom in long term relationships etc. It is important for couples in long- term relationship to work actively at their sex life. Low sexual desire in older men can be caused by a low level of the hormone androgen. Hormonal deficiency can sometimes be treated with hormone injections. Discussing problems and being prepared to enjoy intimacy on all  levels can help but couple may need professional counseling if there is a danger of a break down in their relationship.

Premature ejaculation is the common sexual problem which affects nearly all men at some stage in their life. The main cause can be psychological- anxiety about the possibility of ejaculation before, during or straight after penetration. Premature ejaculation often occurs during the first experiences with sex but majority gradually learn to control their orgasm.

Increasing the number of ejaculation with the help and understanding of the partner or by masturbation can be of  benefit to achieve control gradually. This is brought about by using the squeeze method in which the partner gently but firmly compresses the end of the penis to halt impending ejaculation. when both partners feel ready, ejaculation can then be allowed to proceed.

When Semen analysis has not found the cause for infertility, Sperm Penetration Assay may be done to determine whether a man’s sperm can penetrate an egg. Sperm are mixed with hamster eggs that have had the outer membranes removed. The number of sperm penetrations per egg (sperm capacitation index) is measured. Good SPA results combined with a favorable semen analysis indicate that the sperm is of good quality for in vitro fertilization.

This test is also done to evaluate how the sperm function when semen analysis has shown mild to moderate abnormalities; to confirm abnormal results from the postcoital test and to test sperm before doing in vitro fertilization.

Semen analysis is one of the first tests done to determine the cause of infertility in a man. It is also done to determine whether a vasectomy has been successful. This test measures the amount of semen and determines the number and quality of sperm.

The tests done on a sample of semen, checks the volume, liquefaction time and pH value of the semen; count, morphology and motility of the sperm; white blood cell count and sugar level of the semen.

Consumption and abuse of alcohol has been a major public health problem from time immemorial. Alchohol (Ethyl alcohol or ethanol) made out of Fermented grain, fruit juice and honey is a depressant, and if taken in small amounts relaxes the mind and reduce anxieties.

Alcohol is a very small molecule and is soluble in ‘lipid’ and water solutions. So when people drink, alcohol is absorbed into their bloodstream very easily. It slows the function of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), which controls virtually all body functions. It blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters your perceptions, your emotions, and even your movements, vision, and hearing. But moderate consumption  dilates blood vessels and reduces the risk of clot formation.

Adverse effects of Alcohol
Chronic drinking can lead to dependence and addiction to alcohol and to additional neurological problems. More alcohol causes greater changes in the brain, resulting in intoxication. People who have overused alcohol may stagger, lose their coordination, and slur their speech. They will probably be confused and disoriented. Intoxication can make people very friendly and talkative or very aggressive and angry. When large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period of time, alcohol poisoning can result. Alcohol poisoning is very dangerous. Violent vomiting is usually the first symptom, as the body tries to rid itself of the alcohol. Extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, and even death may result.

Chronic alcohol use can cause a vitamin deficiency, damage to the frontal lobes of the brain, an overall reduction in brain size and increase in the size of the ventricles. The digestive system of alcoholics is unable to absorb vitamin B1 (thiamine) and  deficiency of thiamine can cause various problems effecting the brain.

You can improve your life and health by cutting down on alcohol.

Some steps to reduce drinking

Identify the scale of drinking-Record honestly the amount of alcohol that you consume in a normal week.

If you are mainly drinking when out with friends, ideally make an excuse and stay in for one or two evenings and have two-no alcohol days each week. Fill the time with other activity which you enjoy. Plan a trip to the movies, the mall, a concert, or a sports event – anything that gets you out of the house and keeps you active and entertained. You might also organize your friends into a volleyball, bowling, or softball team – any activity that gets you moving.

Stick to the limits….save your life……

A safe limit of alcohol consumption is 14 units per week. i.e. a unit is a single pub measure of a hard drink. But don’t finish off your weekly allowance in one sitting..

Set a safe limit on the amount of alcohol you drink when out with friends  and do not be deterred from keeping to it. Choose an occasional soft drink or low-alcohol or alcoholic alternative.

If drinking mainly at home, learn to practice self-control. Limit yourself  to one or two  evening drinks with your meal interspersed with non-alcoholic alternatives. Avoid keeping alcohol in the house.

Drinkers addicted to alcohol may need professional help to stop drinking. Typical symptoms of with-holding alcohol from someone who is addicted to it are: shaking (tremors), sleep problem, nausea, etc. More severe ‘ withdrawal symptoms’ include hallucinations and even seizures. Treatment for an alcoholic needs admitting to a special clinic and involves detoxification and a programme of controlled withdrawal of alcohol using drugs. In some cases counseling and psychotherapy is needed to deal with the causes behind drinking and to avoid recurrence of the problem. There are also certain voluntary groups like Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon (for families), Alateen (for teenagers) who provide support, help and encouragement for alcoholics.

Cigarette contains chemical such as tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine. The prime ingredients, tar and carbon monoxide are instigators of cardiovascular diseases and lung ailments. The cigarette’s third main component, nicotine, affects the heart, lungs and stomach.  There is definite evidence that this chemical effects the brain adversely in various ways.

Effects of Smoking

Smoking and tobacco-related health complications are the single largest cause of preventable, premature death.  Estimates are clearing that cigarettes are responsible for over 400,000 deaths each year. Smoking causes a significant increase in the risk for cancer (lung, larynx, esophagus), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema as well as diseases of the heart and coronary arteries. In addition, smoking  is a major contributory factor in the development of many other cancers.

“Beware….

A smoke can cost the life of a loved one.

Prolonged ‘Passive Smoking’ is known to cause lung cancer in a ‘non-smoker’.

Stop Smoking, don’t delay it…“

Chewing tobacco and using snuff also dramatically increase your risk for cancers of the mouth and throat. A smokers baby is more likely to be a victim of cot death and, in childhood, suffers more respiratory infections, glue ear and asthma.

Smokers can successfully quit if they understand how to deal with their nicotine addiction, learn a relaxation technique to cope with their stress, get support from health professionals, family and friends and are able to change the behaviour and habits that are associated with smoking. Most long-term smokers are addicted to nicotine and will experience a craving to smoke and withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop smoking.  Such individuals find it very difficult to give up their smoking habit. They, with the help of health professionals can make use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to quit smoking. But the majority of smokers can give up without any help from health professionals or drug therapy

Prepare mentally before you stop smoking and understand what to expect.

Make a resolution to give up smoking.

Think about why you want to quit and the benefits of quitting.

Set a definite time to quit.Let it be today not the next day!

Think ahead, how you are going to cope with craving or withdrawal symptoms you may experience.

Visualise a change in your usual routine to avoid temptation and high-risk situations.

Get all the support you can, from your loved ones.

Understand that breaking habits take time and need regular practice.

Be aware that there will be a constant temptation to go back and chances of a relapse. Think about the effort that has already been put in and don’t look back.

When you feel a craving to smoke…

Call or e-mail a friend

Go for a brisk walk

Take a hot bath or shower

Chew on something or eat a healthy snack

Drink a glass of water or milk

Go to the gym or the pool.

Avoid such situations and certain people, who give you a temptation to smoke

Go for a play or sporting event

Buy a bouquet of flowers and really enjoy their fragrance

Throw out all the reminders of cigarettes, especially lighters and ashtrays.

The good news is that once you quit, your body begins healing itself almost immediately. This includes a reduction in your risk for cancer, heart attack, and stroke. If you also begin exercising and eating better, the improvements will be even more dramatic. There are many benefits of quitting smoke like more stamina for work and play, Whiter teeth and fresher breath, Decreasing risk of serious illnesses and saving your money.

The longer you don’t use tobacco, the more your confidence will grow and the less likely you are to slip back to your old habits…