11 November, 2012 Clippings

What does your urine colour indicate?

Clear or light yellow
This is an ideal urine color. If you see very light yellow or clear urine, it means you are very well hydrated and the body is functioning the way it should be. This usually happens when a person drinks lots of water.

Yellow
If you see plain yellow urine, it means your body is not very well hydrated. It could be due to excessive sweating or low hydration. Hence, it indicates that you should be drinking more of liquids to avoid dehydration.

Dark yellow
Due to intake of some medications, your urine may turn dark yellow. If you notice this color, then seek medical assistance immediately, because it is a sign of medical problems like liver disorders and hepatitis.

Milky-white
This color is due to growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. It indicates urinary tract infection or presence of kidney stones.

Red or pink
Red or pink urine could be because of consumption of food made with red dye or natural red color food like beetroot and blackberries. In more serious terms, it could indicate blood getting in the urine. The reason could be problems in the urinary system, kidney stones or strenuous or aerobic exercise, which can cause the breakdown of red blood cells.

Orange
Medication used to ease urinary problem can cause the urine to turn orange. Besides, consumption of carrots or carrot juice can give a tinge of orange color to your urine.

Blue or green
A common dye found in many urinary related medicines can turn your urine blue or green. Blue or green urine can be seen because of consumption of food made with artificial coloring or if you have eaten loads of asparagus.

Under most normal circumstances a slight change in the color of your urine is nothing to worry about. If the color continues for more than 24 hours and has any other accompanying symptoms, the best bet is to be safe and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

11.11.2012

Blackberry phones could cause skin allergies

iPhones have an edge over Blackberries, when it comes to your health, according to a study.

The study being presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), tested several popular smartphones for two of the most common allergens - cobalt and nickel - and found neither metal was present in iPhones.

But one-third of all Blackberries tested contained nickel.

"Both metals can cause an allergic reaction including dry, itchy patches along the cheekbones, jawline and ears," said allergist Tania Mucci, M.D., lead study author and ACAAI member.

The less popular flip phone models also revealed levels of cobalt and nickel. Roughly 91 percent contained nickel and 52 per cent tested positive for cobalt.

These metals are commonly used in items such as jewelry, coins and even makeup. Nickel is one of the most common contact allergens, affecting 17 per cent of women and 3 percent of men.

In the wake of these finding experts recommend iPhones for those with sensitive skin.

"Patients with nickel and cobalt allergies should consider using iPhones or Droids to reduce the chance of having an allergic reaction," said allergist Luz Fonacier, M.D., study author and ACAAI fellow.

"Blackberry users with known allergies should avoid prolonged conversations, text messaging and handling their phones if they begin noticing symptoms," Fonacier added.

Symptoms of nickel and cobalt allergies can include redness, swelling, itching, eczema, blistering, skin lesions and occasional scarring.

For sufferers that are glued to their phones, ACAAI advises opting for plastic phone cases, wireless ear pieces and clear film screens to decrease allergic reactions.

Top of Form

Source: www.timesofindia.com

11.11.2012

I like to work half a day, I don’t care if it is the first 12 hours or the second 12 hours

Kammons Wilson

10 November, 2012 Clippings

Insulin level: New device optimises it automatically

A new technology promising hope to type I diabetic patients was introduced by diabetologist Dr Abhay Mutha in the city on Wednesday.

The device called the ‘MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump’ can suspend insulin delivery when the device senses that glucose levels have fallen or is below a user-selected threshold. This feature is intended to reduce the severity of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in situations where patients ignore or are unable to treat it.

Insulin pumps are pager-like devices attached to the front wall of the abdomen of a patient. The machine has a supply of insulin and patients don’t have to remember when to take doses as insulin gets injected regularly.

Dr Abhay Mutha said, “Insulin pumps are being recommended for growing number of people with type-1 and type-2 diabetes. This new device is the first big step towards ‘closing the loop’ in diabetes management. Unlike other pumps available in market, this device has a integrated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. It enables the detection of dangerously low glucose levels and can automatically suspend insulin delivery by the pump, thereby preventing severe hypoglycemia event in the patients.”

He added that pregnant mothers having diabetes can benefit from such technology to optimise their insulin level.

He said, “If patient’s glucose levels have dropped below a defined threshold, the device alarms to alert the patient. If these alarms are ignored, the insulin pump automatically suspends insulin delivery up to two hours. This helps to protect the patient against potentially dangerous hypoglycemic,” added Mutha.

However, he accepted that the cost of the device (nearly Rs3.6lakh) is prohibitive for most patients. “Through our NGO, we give away about 7-8 insulin pumps annually, but we agree that many patients cannot afford the pumps,” he said.

Source: www.dnaindia.com

10.11.2012

‘Mindful Eating’ crucial for blood sugar in diabetics

Eating mindfully, or consuming food in response to physical cues of hunger and fullness, is equally effective as adhering to nutrition-based guidelines in reducing weight and blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests.

In a comparison study of the effectiveness of the two types of behavioral interventions, participants lost about the same amount of weight - an average of between 3 1/2 and 6 pounds - and lowered their long-term blood sugar levels significantly after three months.

One treatment group followed an established diabetes self-management education program, with a strong emphasis on nutrition information. The other group was trained in mindful meditation and a mindful approach to food selection and eating. Both interventions, involving weekly group meetings, also recommended physical activity.

"The more traditional education program includes general information about diabetes, but with more emphasis on nutrition and food choice: What are different types of carbohydrates and fats and how many am I supposed to have? What should I look for when I read a food label? What are healthy options when dining out? That was the traditional diabetes education program," said Carla Miller, associate professor of human nutrition at Ohio State University and lead author of the study.

"We compared it to an intervention where mindful meditation was applied specifically to eating and food choices. This intervention group did not receive specific nutrition goals. We said we want you to really tune into your body before you eat. Take a few minutes to assess how hungry you are and make conscious choices about how much you're eating. Stop eating when you're full.

"We studied two very different approaches, and we found they both worked. This means people with diabetes have choices when it comes to eating a healthy diet," Miller said.

Miller said that because nutrition education is particularly important to people with a new diabetes diagnosis, she sees the mindful meditation and eating option as a potential supplement to basic diabetes education that patients need.

The study has been published in the November issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

10.11.2012

We cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong

Abraham Lincoln

8 November, 2012 Clippings

Eat eggs for breakfast to fight flab

Eggs are the best way to start the day for those who want to lose weight.

A major UK review of studies into the effects of eating eggs has found that egg contains a powerful ingredient that can help to cut the amount of calories people go on to eat at lunch and dinner.

Scientists say boiled, fried, poached or scrambled, eggs keep people fuller for longer compared with other common breakfast foods.

This appears to help people who are desperately trying to resist tempting but naughty afternoon snacks such as biscuits, cake or chocolate.

The review, published in the journal Network Health Dietitian, also revealed that the specific proteins found in eggs are far superior to other types when it comes to keeping hunger at bay.

Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton examined the results of six different studies over eight years.

The studies show a consistent effect on satiety and short-term energy intake. Two studies found changes in appetite-related gut hormones, which may explain why egg-eaters feel full.

A single, longer-term study revealed that people who ate an egg breakfast rather than having cereal had a significantly greater weight loss and lost inches around the waist.

"While more research is needed, particularly on long-term weight loss, the evidence suggests a promising role for eggs in weight management," the Daily Express quoted Dr Ruxton as saying.

He also noted two additional benefits of including eggs in a weight loss diet.

The first is portion control. Dr Ruxton said that since eggs come in a fixed unit of around 78 calories per egg, this helps people to recognise how much they have consumed.

Secondly, he said, the vitamin D content of eggs may help to support general health in overweight people since vitamin D levels are known to be low in this group, leading to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. "There are few natural sources of vitamin D in the diet so eggs can play a role here too," he added.

An average egg contains a high level of protein at 6.5g, representing 13 per cent of an adult's daily requirement.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

08.11.2012

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today

Franklin Roosvelt

6 November, 2012 Clippings

Breast cancer high among women in their 30s

Breast cancer awareness has taken center stage but mothers, wives and daughters are still not comfortable talking about it.

Could this be the reason why there is an increase in the number of undetected breast cancer cases? We give you the facts and the statistics of breast cancer in India. Find out which city has the most number of cases.

Based on the 2006-2008 studies, 16 per cent of women between 30-40 suffer from breast cancer. This number has gone up - it was 7 per cent 25 years back.

If you compare breast cancer to other leading cancer like ovary, mouth, lungs, stomach breast cancer amounts to 29.3 per cent. That is a staggering percentage compared to stomach cancer that holds 2.4 per cent.

According to the stats breast cancer affects 25 per cent to 32 per cent of all female cancers patients in all major cities.

Mumbai: Approximately 4000 to 4500 women new cases of breast cancer were detected in 2005.

Mumbai: Breast cancer is no longer associated with women above the age of 60; according to the study 52 per cent of breast cancer patients are below 50 years.

Delhi: Compared to other metros, Delhi has the most number of cases accounting to 31.4 per cent.

Delhi: Breast cancer in females is the highest accounting for 31.4 per cent compared to cancer of the cervix uteri.

Bengaluru: About 54 per cent breast cancer patients are in the 25 to 50 year age group.

India and US: In 2008, 1,82,000 breast cancer cases reported in the US and in India, 1,15,000 new cases were diagnosed.

India and US: In the US, 1 in 8 women can develop breast cancer, but India is not far behind.

Globally there are 1384 (thousand) cases and 458 (thousand) deaths.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

06.11.2012

Aspirin enough to prevent blood clots

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney, found that people who have suffered blood clots in the veins of the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE) are less likely to suffer a recurrence of the serious blood clots or a heart attack when on low-dose aspirin.

"The results suggest the simple, inexpensive treatment of low-dose aspirin could prevent thousands of patients from experiencing recurrent clots each year and may make substantial healthcare savings in Australia and worldwide," said John Simes, professor at the University of Sydney, The New England Journal of Medicine reports.

Simes, also director of the National Health and Medical Research Council's Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney, said: "These results suggest that aspirin prevents about one third of recurrent blood clot events.

"For every 1,000 patients treated for one year, aspirin can be expected to prevent about 20 to 30 episodes of recurrent major thrombotic events at the cost of about three significant bleeding episodes," added Simes, according to a Sydney statement.

Operating since 2003, the study completed recruitment of 822 participants from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India and Argentina.

All the participants had previously suffered a DVT or PE that occurred for no particular reason, called 'unprovoked VTE' (venous thromboembolism).

They had completed, on average, six months of anti-coagulant treatment, generally with warfarin. They were randomly allocated to receive either low-dose enteric coated aspirin or a matching placebo.

On average, participants were followed for three years.

Tim Brighton, from Prince of Wales Hospital and principal study investigator, explained: "Aspirin reduces the risk of important blood clotting event including recurrent VTE, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

"We now have clear evidence that aspirin is of benefit for patients who are unable or do not wish to continue warfarin in the long term," added Brighton.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

06.11.2012

Everyone has a will to win but very few have the will to prepare to win

Vince Lombardi

5 November, 2012 Clippings

Keep salt intake down to 3/4 of a teaspoon per day: American Heart Association

A simple measure that could go a long way in enhancing public health — limit salt intake to less than 1,500 mg or about three-fourths of a teaspoon each day — is the subject of an advisory to Americans. The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued an advisory based on a thorough review of recent lab, animal, observational and clinical studies. This advisory is meant not only for people with medical conditions, but also for perfectly healthy people.

A limited salt intake would significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure (BP), heart disease and stroke. ”Our recommendation is simple in the sense that it applies to the entire US population, not just at-risk groups,” said Nancy Brown, AHA’s chief executive officer, the AHA journal Circulation reports. BP affects more than 76 million adults in the US alone and one billion people worldwide, besides being a major cause of cardiovascular disease, globally, according to a Tulane University statement.

“People should not be swayed by calls for a change in sodium (salt) intake recommendations based on findings from recent studies,” says Paul K. Whelton, professor of global public health at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, who led the study. ”Our detailed review of these studies identified serious methodological weaknesses, which limit the value of these reports in setting or revising sodium intake policy,” adds Whelton.

“Our focus should be on finding effective ways to implement, not change, the existing American Heart Association policy on sodium intake,” adds Whelton. Yet, most US adults and children consume sodium far in excess of their physiological needs and guideline recommendations — with an average daily intake more than 3,400 mg per day.

Most of the sodium consumed is hidden in processed and prepared foods. AHA advocates improved nutritional labelling of sodium content and stringent limits on sodium in all foods — fresh, processed and prepared.

Source: http://health.india.com

05.11.2012

‘Thin placenta at birth doubles risk of heart failure’

Children with a thin placenta at birth have double the chances of dying from a sudden heart failure, warns a leading British physician. A thin placenta can hit the quality of a baby’s foetal development by reducing the flow of nutrients between mother and child, and this can affect the way the heart develops. David Barker, physician and professor of clinical epidemiologist at the University of Southampton, said it was crucial the characteristics of the placenta were recorded.

“We should routinely note the measurements after birth. We know the thicker the placenta the better, and that a thin placenta is associated with sudden death,” adds Barker, the Daily Mail reports. At a meeting in the Parliament coming Tuesday, experts will discuss whether to introduce a national screening programme to identify young people at risk of cardiac arrest.

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: “It feels as if more youngsters than ever are being affected.”

Source: http://health.india.com

05.11.2012

Winners don’t do different things. They do things differently

Shiv Khera

3 November, 2012 Clippings

Alzheimer’s takes more rapid toll on women than men

A study has found that women suffering from Alzheimer’s deteriorate faster than men – even when both are apparently at the same stage of the disease.

Women sufferers were found to show greater loss of their mental faculties than men, which suggests that men’s brains are better at coping with the ravages of the disease.

Men with Alzheimer’s consistently outperformed women sufferers in detailed tests of memory and even verbal ability – in which, among healthy people, women normally have the advantage – the Daily Mail reported.

A review of data from 15 studies by researchers from the University of Hertfordshire, published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, discovered that men with Alzheimer’s consistently and significantly outperformed women with the disease across five cognitive areas examined in detailed tests.

These included tests of episodic memory, where people recall events from the past, and semantic memory involving factual information.

But a ‘striking’ finding was the verbal skills of women with Alzheimer’s are worse compared with men who appear to be at the same disease stage.

“Unlike mental decline associated with normal aging, something about Alzheimer’s specifically disadvantages women,” said Keith Laws, a professor of psychology who led the analysis.

There could be a hormonal explanation, he said, because women lose oestrogen supplies after the menopause, which play a key role in the brain.

“Men’s cognitive reserve appears to compensate for the disease process. Other research using scans shows men can have brains that are badly damaged yet their skills are not as impaired as they should be.

“For whatever reason, and it’s not about greater intellect, men are better able to stave off the effects for longer,” he added.

Source: www.dnaindia.com

03.11.2012

Bangalore sitting on a ticking diabetes bomb

As many as 88% of Bangaloreans do not consider going for screening for diabetes, despite having at least one of their family members already diagnosed with diabetes, a recent survey has revealed.

People are reluctant to act on preventive measures despite the fact that diabetes has assumed epidemic proportions in India today. According to the survey conducted as part of the Sanofi Diabetes Blue Fortnight 2012- Sweetened by Nirlife NutraSweet by HEAL Foundation, there is a huge need to convert awareness into action, especially among those with a family history of diabetes.

The Fortnight is an initiative of the ministry of health & family welfare, International Diabetes Federation, Archaeological Survey of India and HEAL Foundation, a not-for-profit health awareness and advocacy group.

The survey, titled ‘INDIA POLD’ (Perceptions in families Of people Living with Diabetes), was conducted across three cities - Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi - and involved 900 individuals from families with at least one member diagnosed with diabetes. There were 300 respondents from Bangalore. The survey’s findings show that the whopping majority constituting 88% of the city’s residents do not go for blood sugar level screenings even though they have a family history of diabetes, and one or more of the family members has already been diagnosed with the disease.

The survey revealed that only 50% of the people, who had at least one family member suffering from diabetes, are aware of correct causative mechanism of the disease; yet they do not get themselves screened for diabetes at regular intervals despite being at high risk.

At least 49% of Bangaloreans are unaware of how diabetes behaves in the long run and 19% believe that it can be cured by treatment. A staggering 70% of the people in Bangalore do not know anything about the complications of the disease. Most importantly, 57% of the people are not physically active at all and 90% have never seen a nutritionist for planning meals for them or their family members despite being at a high risk.

“Over the past few years, the prevalence of diabetes in the country has really assumed epidemic proportions and is now a very large public health problem, growing astronomically year after year. The problem is set to increase manifold if awareness among the masses does not translate into action,” said Dr Mala Dharmalingam, head of department, endocrinology, MS Ramaiah Medical College.

Dr Pawan Gupta, advisor, HEAL Foundation, said “The survey will be a great help while aligning future strategies around diabetes awareness and education.”

Source: www.dnaindia.com

03.11.2012

Character never builds itself by destroying others

2 November, 2012 Clippings

85% people never get their blood sugar levels checked: Survey

Some commentators believe that India has more diabetics than China and a recent survey backs up that fact. Conducted by the HEAL foundation across 900 households (Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore), the survey found some starkling facts.

• Nearly 85% people never got their blood sugar levels checked.
• 48% people didn’t know what diabetes was or how it was caused.
• Only 28% knew that diabetes can be controlled with medication

According to Dr Manoj Chadha, an endocrinologist at PD Hinduja, most Indians have a notion that they’re experts in nutrition and medication. ‘The survey found 90% do not consult a dietician despite having a diabetic family history. A person whose one parent is diabetic has 60% chances of getting the disease; if one parent suffers from diabetes along with the other parent coming from a diabetic family, the chances are 60% and if both parents suffer from diabetes, the chances are as high as 90%.’ he said.

The survey also found that 55% people didn’t take part in any physical activity whatsoever. ‘When one has a history of diabetes in the family, it becomes doubly important to take care of one’s health. Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can always be prevented by keeping cholesterol at bay,’ said Dr Preetaish Kaul, principal consultant, HEAL Foundation.

Source: http://health.india.com

02.11.2012

Alzheimer's wonder pill to be available soon

A pill said to halt the devastating onset of Alzheimer's disease could be on the market within four years, the Daily Mail reported.

Believed to be more than twice as good as anything already available, it could greatly slow or even halt the progression of the illness.

Given early enough, it could stop Alzheimer's from ever developing, an international dementia conference was told Tuesday.

A version of the twice-a-day pill - developed by British scientists - has already been tested on patients, with "unprecedented" results, the Mail said.

Its inventor, professor Claude Wischik, of Aberdeen University, said: "It flatlines the disease. If you get in early, you can pull people back from the brink."

Existing drugs delay the progress of Alzheimer's, but their failure to tackle the underlying cause in the brain means that the effect quickly wears off and the disease soon takes its devastating course.

The new drug, known only as LMTX, works in a different way to current treatments.

LMTX dissolves the "tangles" of protein that are a hallmark of the disease and spread through the brain like an infection, stopping them working from within, the Mail added.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

02.11.2012

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you will be doomed if you don’t try

Beverley sills