3 March,2014

Do you suffer from e-mail apnea?

You must have heard of sleep apnoea, but did you know about E-mail Apnoea (EA)? The problem, say experts, affect 80% of internet users.

What is it?

Obesity expert, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala says EA is a term coined by Linda Stone, a former IT executive. "It happens when a person becomes so engrossed in his/her computer that he/she forgets to breathe. It is a variant of sleep apnoea, which is commonly seen in obese individuals. Sleep apnoea is characterised by pauses in breathing or instances of shallow or infrequent breathing during sleep. EA happens when a person writing an e-mail — or doing any task on computer, which requires concentration — either dozes off or has a momentary lapse in concentration," says Dr Amit Saraf, consultant- internal medicine.

Symptoms
Light-headedness
Palpitations
Facial flushing

Anxiety
Restlessness
Excessive sweating

Drowsiness
Irritability
Headaches
Memory lapse at times

Diagnosis
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it warrants a visit to your physician. "A polysomnography, commonly known as sleep study, will usually nail the problem. It provides a lot of information in terms of monitoring the brain waves, muscle tone, airflow in the mouth and nose, heart rate and breathing behaviour," says Dr Lakdawala.

Treatment
"EA is more common among obese individuals and the most important component of treatment includes weight loss. Monitoring breathing and using a heart-rate monitor are useful. If the apnoea episodes occur more frequently, it is advisable to visit a doctor," says Dr Lakdawala.
Adds Dr Saraf, "This condition is also seen in people who have a medical condition called Metabolic Syndrome (which includes obesity, diabetes, hypertension and raised cholesterol). Keeping these problems under control, exercising daily, drinking lots of water and increasing fruit intake are some ways to prevent or cure EA."

Source: www.timesofindia.com

03.03.2014

Benefits of hugging

Hugging therapy is said to be a powerful way of healing. 

Research shows that hugging is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress. Here are listed some of the positive effects of hugging:

1. The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication.

2. Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one's serotonin levels, elevating mood leading to happiness.

3. Hugging boosts self-esteem. Everybody wants to be loved and treated special. The associations of self-worth from our early years are still embedded in our nervous system as adults. The hugs and cuddle we received from our near and dear ones while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self love.

4. Hugging relaxes muscles. Hugs release tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain; they soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.

5. Hugs balance out the nervous system.

6. Hugs teach us how to give and receive. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive towarmth, as to giving and sharing. Hugs educate us how love flows both ways.

7. Hugs are like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath.

8. The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

03.03.2014

When you say ‘YES’ to others, make sure you are not saying ‘NO’ to yourself

Paulo Coehlo