Is It Safe To Be Vaccinated For Flu?

Before we deal with whether flu vaccination is necessary, let us see the basics about flu. Influenza which is popularly called flu is caused by RNA viruses that affect birds and animals. Influenza spreads around the world resulting in deaths of thousands of people every year. In some pandemic years the numbers may move up to millions. The most common symptoms of the disease includes chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pain, severe headache, coughing and fatigue. In children it may cause nausea and vomiting. Influenza is transmitted through coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces. Is it necessary to be vaccinated for influenza? It absolutely is. The vaccination is safe and protects against various flu illness. The vaccination of 2011-2012 will protect against the three influenza viruses. Princeton University based researchers have found that the vaccination could allow for effective wide scale prevention of flu by limiting the influenza virus’ ability to spread and mutate. The asthma sufferers and elderly are said to be greatly benefited by this vaccine. The other safety measures to protect against influenza includes covering your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze, washing hands thoroughly and avoiding contact with sick people. Some of the trusted home remedies are including vitamin C to boost immune system, including garlic in your diet and breathing aromatic steam with strips of fresh chopped ginger, vicks vaporub or eucalyptus oil. Nasal saline irrigation and hot chicken soup are other best and trusted home remedies

Interesting Tidbits About Broken Heart Syndrome

A person unlucky in love suffers from dejected and depressed feelings and we usually refer the term ‘broken heart’ to describe his feelings. But be known that there exists a medical condition which is known as broken heart syndrome.

This occurs during highly stressful and emotional times such as painful breakup, the death of a spouse, job loss or in cases of extreme anger. The other name for broken heart syndrome is stress cardiomyopathy.

OK, let us move on to the symptoms that we should be aware of which includes, chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat and general weakness. In case of such symptoms it is a must that you dial the emergency number.

How does this broken heart syndrome occur? In this condition a part of the heart enlarges and does not pump well and the other part of the heart functions normally and may even contract more forcefully. The good thing about this broken heart syndrome is that it is treatable and the person becomes normal within a week.

To spice up this post I am adding some interesting tidbits you would really like to know. In a recent study scientists have identified a female divorce gene. A woman possessing the gene cannot process the hormone oxytoxin properly because this hormone promotes the feeling of love and maternal affection.

Women identified with this gene cannot bond with others and may suffer a rocky marriage. Similarly in men, it depends on how the brain uses the chemical vasopressin which affects men’s ability to commit and remain faithful. In a research study it was found that happily married couples have lower blood pressure than singles with supportive social network.

Langereis or Junior- To Which New Blood Group Do You Belong?

A blood type is a classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells this definition is according to wikipedia. The general blood types all over the world is A, B, AB or O. The blood type may be Rhesus positive or negative. The International Society of Blood Transfusions has recognized 30 blood group systems. The latest news is that, researchers have found two more blood types Langereis blood type and Junior blood type and it can either be positive or negative. Believe me, the scientists have found out that more than 50,000 Japanese are considered  Junior negative. According to the study published in Nature Genetics, scientists have found new specialized transport proteins ABCB6 and ABCG2. After doing a host of cellular and genetic tests they concluded that these were the proteins responsible for Langereis and Junior blood type. When the blood groups are not compatible between the donor and the recipient it can lead to fatal consequences. This is where the new research finding comes into play. The findings will help health care professionals to screen confidently for new blood group proteins and be better prepared for blood transfusions and tissue donations. Since this post talks about blood groups, I just want to say  in case of pregnancy it would be wise to check up for Rhesus positive or negative blood type to avoid mother-fetus incompatibility.

 

Watch Out For That Salt In Your Diet!

‘Pass me that salt shaker’ is one worst form of request at least in the dictionary of health. It is good that you reduce salt in your diet in case if you are one of the persons who often ask for a salt shaker.

Salt is a mineral which is comprised of sodium chloride. The amount of our intake of salt directly affects our health and blood pressure the higher the salt intake, the higher the blood pressure. High intake of salt causes water retention in the body which leads to swelling in ankles and weight gain. It also worsens osteoporosis, asthma and kidney disease. High salt intake is closely related with stomach and mouth cancer.

Nutritionists have recommended one teaspoon or less of salt per day for adults. For kids it should be lower than one tsp. Be warned that salt comes from prepared foods like breads, crackers, canned and frozen foods, ready to eat breakfast cereals, cheese and restaurant foods.

Eating unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, wild fish, chicken, egg and milk increases your potassium content which is a good thing. It also adds vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients, fiber and healthy fats.

But for those who cannot live without crisps there is an interesting piece of information. Food scientists have found a way to reduce salt content in chips without compromising the taste. And I hope these will be available in the market very soon. 

What Does Your Sleep Patterns Warn You?

Sleep is a naturally recurring state of the body. It rejuvenates the immune, skeletal, muscular and nervous system. Lack of sleep or insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. If left untreated it increases depression, diabetes, hypertension and even death.

According to a new research middle age sleep problems could later lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from the Uppsala University Sweden have found that specific regions in the brain that contributes to a person’s appetite become more activated after loss of single night’s sleep. This means that in the long run there is a tendency for those affected with sleep problems to become overweight.

To ensure a good night’s sleep try following these steps. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before going to bed. Establish a pre-sleep routine, develop a consistent sleep schedule, exercise and never watch the clock while you are trying to sleep. If nothing of the above said works then read this post and automatically you will fall asleep.

This is the latest update about sleep, it was found in a study that taking sleeping pills results in premature death. Even a low amount of 18 pills per year increase the chances of premature death.

For more interesting information on sleep please follow this link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sleep

How To Have A Healthy Heart?

In the modern day world heart problems have become increasingly common. The main factors for heart disease includes high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and overweight, physical inactivity and gender. The contributing factors include stress, sex hormones, birth control pills and alcohol. Having seen the causes let’s see the ways to have a healthy heart. It will be good if you exercise at least 30 minutes for about five days in a week. You should eat a heart healthy diet by including whole grains, low fat dairy, fish, vegetables and fruits. Avoid foods such as red meat, deep fried foods, bakery products, packaged snack foods, margarines and crackers. At all costs avoid foods that contain saturated fats and Trans fats. Your heart will jump for joy if you stop smoking or using tobacco. Get screened regularly for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. For your general wellbeing reduce salt intake in your diet. For those of you who are praying for a miracle there is hope. Scientists at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute have zeroed in on a process, whereby the damaged heart muscle can be re-grown with the help of the patient’s own heart cells. In this process patient’s own heart tissue is used to grow specialized heart stem cells. They are then injected back into the patient’s heart to help repair and re-grow the heart muscle which has been damaged by heart attack.

Why Should You Eat Fish?

Do you eat fish? If not then you better start to include it in your diet. Fish has a host of health benefits. It is rich in proteins, low in fats and also contains omega 3 fatty acids. Fish are excellent sources of vitamin B and D.

 The omega 3 fatty acids present in fish helps in proper functioning of the immune system. The DHA present in omega 3 fatty acids increase good cholesterol and prevents heart attacks. The DHA is essential for the brain development of the fetus and increases cognitive development of kids.

Fish reduces PMS, memory loss, colon cancer and stroke. It helps to reduce wrinkles and protects the skin from the damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Fish is good for people suffering from psoriasis. It reduces the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease.

Folks, there are more advantages of eating fish. It is good for the eyes the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish protects retinal cells against various degenerative diseases. Some fish may contain mercury contamination it will be wise if you know which fish to eat. Please click on the following link to find more about it. http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/oehas/fish/fishchart.htm

How About Black Chocolate For This Valentine's Day?

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and people all over the planet is busy making preparations for the great day. Chocolates and Valentine’s Day always go hand in hand. Chocolates have become a part and parcel of Valentine’s Day. Being a health blogger I find it my topmost duty to advise the world what is good for its health.  If you are planning something special for your sweetheart let your first choice be dark chocolate. It contains calcium, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium and copper. Dark chocolate also contains vitamins A, B1, C, D and E. Copper is essential for iron absorption and critical for heart health. The magnesium present in dark chocolate reduces type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Dark chocolate can be said as the powerhouse of antioxidants.  Black chocolate also known as dark chocolate reduces blood clots and guards the DNA from damage that leads to cancer because of the flavonoids present in it. Black chocolate contains oleic butter which increases good cholesterol levels in the blood. Black chocolate reduces stress and boosts the happiness hormone in our brain. It reduces artery hardening in smokers and is good for stroke victims and cirrhotic patients. It increases cognitive skills. Black chocolate helps to control immune system. Do you know why chocolate is so important on Valentine’s Day? It releases phenyl ethyl amine a feel good chemical called endorphins in brain. It is usually released in the brain when people fall in love. To celebrate a healthy Valentine’s Day buy a box of black chocolate and enjoy it with your loved ones.

Why Is Water So Precious?

Water covers a vast part of the earth’s surface and it is essential for all known forms of life. There are many health benefits of drinking water. The amount of water required by a person may vary depending on the level of activity, temperature, humidity and other factors. Water makes up to 60% of the body’s weight. It flushes toxins out of the vital organs and carries nutrients to the cells. Men roughly need about 13 glasses of water every day and women nine glasses of water every day. Water helps to moisturize your skin keeping it young and healthy. It aids in digestion, prevents dehydration and maintains the Ph balance of the body. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the kidney and heart in good condition. Along with a high fiber diet water prevents constipation. But drinking clear unpolluted water is a distant dream for many people in the developing countries. Water is a nature’s gift to humanity it is sad people around the world does not have access to clean drinking water. Do your part to save water on this precious planet.

What Does Your Facebook Updates Say About You?

Your facebook updates can sum up how you value yourself. In a recent study which is yet to be published in Psychological Science, researchers found people with low self esteem updated negative tidbits about their life and this made them less likable among their peers. People with high self esteem were more positive and were liked mostly by all. In a direct conversation you get the instant feed back of the listener when you talk negatively. But in a social platform such as facebook everyone tends to keep their feelings about the negative updates to themselves, the study found. So what is self esteem? A person’s overall estimation of his or her own self worth and so how would you raise your self worth? Take proper care of yourself, identify the triggers to low self esteem and curb them down, think positive about yourself, be assertive and cultivate hobbies. You should sleep properly, exercise, eat good diet, practice meditation, stop comparing yourself with others, accept compliments and surround yourself with positive people.