Month: July 2014

Boy with rare heart disease gets new life

Boy with rare heart disease gets new life

Fourteen-month-old Zubair, who had a rare heart disease since he was in the womb, received the perfect gift on Eid as doctors at a city hospital operated successfully on him.

Zubair’s father, Mohammad Rushid, who lives in a mosque in Saharanpur on a daily rent of Rs 100, came here a month ago for the boy’s treatment.

After knocking on several doors, the family got succour at BLK Super Speciality Hospital. “Zubair had a condition called patent ductus arteriosus, which every one has in the womb. It’s a bypass for lungs, which are not functional in the utero. The track is supposed to close days after birth. In Zubair’s case, it had not closed, allowing oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the pulmonary artery,” said Dr Vikas Kohli, director and HOD,B LK Children’s Heart Institute.

“We conducted a procedure similar to angioplasty, where a wire was passed into the heart from the groin area and the PDA was crossed. Over this, a catheter (a plastic tube like the ball pen refill but much longer) was passed over the wire to close the opening,” the doctor said.

He added that the procedure was carried out with general anesthesia so that the patient can get up immediately after the procedure and take a feed early after the procedure.

PDA, doctors say, occurs in about 8 out of every 1,000 premature babies, compared with 2 out of every 1,000 full-term babies.

Source: The Times of India

A blood test for suicide?

Alterations to a single gene could predict risk of suicide attempt

Johns Hopkins researchers say they have discovered a chemical alteration in a single human gene linked to stress reactions that, if confirmed in larger studies, could give doctors a simple blood test to reliably predict a person’s risk of attempting suicide.

The discovery, described online in The American Journal of Psychiatry, suggests that changes in a gene involved in the function of the brain’s response to stress hormones plays a significant role in turning what might otherwise be an unremarkable reaction to the strain of everyday life into suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

A blood test for suicide

“Suicide is a major preventable public health problem, but we have been stymied in our prevention efforts because we have no consistent way to predict those who are at increased risk of killing themselves,” says study leader Zachary Kaminsky, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “With a test like ours, we may be able to stem suicide rates by identifying those people and intervening early enough to head off a catastrophe.”

For his series of experiments, Kaminsky and his colleagues focused on a genetic mutation in a gene known as SKA2. By looking at brain samples from mentally ill and healthy people, the researchers found that in samples from people who had died by suicide, levels of SKA2 were significantly reduced.
Within this common mutation, they then found in some subjects an epigenetic modification that altered the way the SKA2 gene functioned without changing the gene’s underlying DNA sequence. The modification added chemicals called methyl groups to the gene. Higher levels of methylation were then found in the same study subjects who had killed themselves. The higher levels of methylation among suicide decedents were then replicated in two independent brain cohorts.

In another part of the study, the researchers tested three different sets of blood samples, the largest one involving 325 participants in the Johns Hopkins Center for Prevention Research Study found similar methylation increases at SKA2 in individuals with suicidal thoughts or attempts. They then designed a model analysis that predicted which of the participants were experiencing suicidal thoughts or had attempted suicide with 80 percent certainty. Those with more severe risk of suicide were predicted with 90 percent accuracy. In the youngest data set, they were able to identify with 96 percent accuracy whether or not a participant had attempted suicide, based on blood test results.

The SKA2 gene is expressed in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is involved in inhibiting negative thoughts and controlling impulsive behavior. SKA2 is specifically responsible for chaperoning stress hormone receptors into cells’ nuclei so they can do their job. If there isn’t enough SKA2, or it is altered in some way, the stress hormone receptor is unable to suppress the release of cortisol throughout the brain. Previous research has shown that such cortisol release is abnormal in people who attempt or die by suicide.
Kaminsky says a test based on these findings might best be used to predict future suicide attempts in those who are ill, to restrict lethal means or methods among those a risk, or to make decisions regarding the intensity of intervention approaches.

He says that it might make sense for use in the military to test whether members have the gene mutation that makes them more vulnerable. Those at risk could be more closely monitored when they returned home after deployment. A test could also be useful in a psychiatric emergency room, he says, as part of a suicide risk assessment when doctors try to assess level of suicide risk.
The test could be used in all sorts of safety assessment decisions like the need for hospitalization and closeness of monitoring. Kaminsky says another possible use that needs more study could be to inform treatment decisions, such as whether or not to give certain medications that have been linked with suicidal thoughts.

“We have found a gene that we think could be really important for consistently identifying a range of behaviors from suicidal thoughts to attempts to completions,” Kaminsky says. “We need to study this in a larger sample but we believe that we might be able to monitor the blood to identify those at risk of suicide.”

Along with Kaminsky, other Johns Hopkins researchers involved in the study include Jerry Guintivano; Tori Brown; Alison Newcomer, M.Sc.; Marcus Jones; Olivia Cox; Brion Maher, Ph.D.; William Eaton, Ph.D.; Jennifer Payne, M.D.; and Holly Wilcox, Ph.D.

The research was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Mental Health (1R21MH094771-01), the Center for Mental Health Initiatives, The James Wah Award for Mood Disorders, and The Solomon R. and Rebecca D. Baker Foundation.

Source: science daily

 

Homemade cream that make wonders – get rid of wrinkles in 7 days

Make Natural Wrinkle Cream which will revive your face.
The recipe is simple and miraculous.

Ingredients:

  • – 1 egg yoke,
  • – 2 tablespoons of almond or olive oil,
  • – ½ tablespoon honey,
  • – 2 teaspoons of Vaseline (medical).

Homemade cream that make wonders

Preparation:
Melt the vaseline on steam. When vaseline when fully melted, remove it from the heat and add remaining ingredients. Mix it until you get a smooth mixture. Place the cream in a suitable container and store in refrigerator.

You can use this cream as a daily moisturizer, but is recommended to use it before bed time.
This home cream is an ideal for skin care: moisturizes your skin, evens the complexion, reduces wrinkles and aging.

Natural Wrinkle Cream

  • Suitable for all skin types.
  • Visible results are noticeable after only 7 days of regular use.

Source: secretly healthy

63% of Americans Actively Avoid Soda

The soda craze is going flat–at least, according to a new Gallup poll, which found that almost two-thirds of Americans actively avoid soda in their diet.

avoid soda drinking

While 41% percent of those polled in 2002 said that they try to steer clear of soda, that number has now jumped to 63%. Gallup’s poll shows that generally Americans are making more effort to have healthier diets. More than nine out of ten Americans try to include fruits and vegetables in their diets, and 52% said that they are trying to avoid sugars.

Don’t start pouring one out for the dying soda business just yet, though. A 2012 Gallup poll also found that 48% of Americans drink at least one glass of soda a day

Source: TIME

3 Reasons Not to Sleep With Your Phone in the Bed

Ever fall asleep while Insta-scrolling on your smartphone—or purposely leave it on your bed while you snooze? You’re not alone: 44% of cell phone owners have snoozed with their phone next to their bed to make sure they didn’t miss any crucial calls or texts, according to the Pew Internet Project. But while you may have good intentions, snuggling up to your phone could be hazardous to your health. Here’s why:

You could set your pillow on fire
A Texas teen recently woke up to a burning smell. The cause? Her Samsung Galaxy S4, which was under her pillow, had partially melted and it scorched her sheets and mattress, too. More specifically, it seems like a non-Samsung replacement phone battery was to blame: the phone’s instruction manual warns against using incompatible cell phone batteries and chargers. The manual also notes that there’s a risk of a fire if the gadget is covered by bedding or other thick material. Bottom line: Stick to phone accessories from the original manufacturer, and don’t leave your cell on your bed.

3 Reasons Not to Sleep With Your Phone in the Bed

You could keep yourself awake
Cell phones (and tablets, TVs, and other gadgets with LED screens) give off what’s known as blue light—a type that studies suggest can inhibit the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin and disrupt our circadian rhythms. This may be because blue light emits wavelengths similar to daylight, which can make our bodies think it’s daytime, at any time. To fall asleep when you want (and need) to, power down all electronics two hours before bedtime. Better yet, keep your phone and laptop in another room while you slumber.

The health risks of cell phones are murky
There’s been no research that proves cell phone use causes cancer; in fact, the links to any kind of health risk aren’t yet clear. In general, cell phones are said to give off such small doses of electromagnetic radiation—which is also emitted from X-rays and microwaves and can lead to tumor growth in high amounts—that they’re perfectly safe to handle. Still, the World Health Organization warned in 2011 that usage may be possibly carcinogenic to humans, especially in children, whose scalps and skulls are thinner than adults’, and more vulnerable to radiation. So if you’re at all worried about the possible cancer risk, try to text instead of call, hold the phone away from your ear, or use an earpiece or the speakerphone setting as much as possible—and definitely don’t sleep with the phone next to your head.

Source: health

Chilled Avocado Soup

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Nutritional Information

  • Calories per serving: 194
  • Fat per serving: 16g
  • Saturated fat per serving: 3g
  • Monounsaturated fat per serving: 10g
  • Polyunsaturated fat per serving: 2g
  • Protein per serving: 3g
  • Carbohydrates per serving: 14g
  • Fiber per serving: 7g
  • Cholesterol per serving: 3mg
  • Iron per serving: 1mg
  • Sodium per serving: 396mg
  • Calcium per serving:58mg

img_14241

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe peeled avocados
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (4-ounce) can or jar chopped green chiles
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro and/or crushed tortilla chips for garnish

Preparation

1. Cut the avocados in half, and remove the pits.
2. Spoon avocado into a blender, add the remaining ingredients (except garnish), and puree until creamy. Chill the soup for up to 2 hours before serving, or serve immediately. Cover leftovers with plastic wrap, refrigerate, and use within 2 days.

Source: health

Interesting Combination for Fruit Salad

Sometimes we think that some combinations of ingredients are inappropriate and the result will be plate with no taste. But you will know for sure only if you try! Never troy away an idea before you makes and tastes the recipe. Here is one fruit salad as a combination of cherries with tropical fruits.

DSCN4129

Ingredients: (quantities as you wish)

  • cherries (without seeds)
  • bananas
  • kiwis
  • coconut flour
  • lemon juice

Preparation:

  • In one bowl put the wash and cut in half cherries
  • Add peeled and cut in pieces bananas
  • Add peeled and cut in pieces kiwis
  • Drizzle with lemon juice (if you consume the salad immediately, you do not need to use lemon juice- it is app to your choice)
  • Mix it all well and drizzle with coconut flour.

Source: healthoffered

Here’s Why Cinnamon Is Necessary For Every Woman

A study conducted at Columbia University in New York, came to a conclusion that women with polycystic ovaries, which consumed the spice every day, rebalanced their menstrual cycle within six months than those who took placebo. Some of them also became pregnant during this period. – See more at:

“Scientists have long been trying to find a natural or homeopathic medicine for polycystic ovarian syndrome”, said the author of the research Dr. Daniel Kort, and added: “With this research we found that a seemingly simple spice can be a solution for women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome.”

cinnamon

It is estimated that 5-10% of women worldwide suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome. In America that number is estimated at 5 million. The symptoms of this syndrome are irregular periods, infertility, as well as acne and hair growth on the face.

Scientists believe that cinnamon, except for polycystic ovaries, can affect the body so as to improve the body’s ability to process glucose and insulin.

In China, Japan and Far East countries, women who are unable to stay pregnant consume cinnamon powder with half a teaspoon of honey and add it to chewing gum so that they can consume a little bit of it all day. If you don’t prefer this way, simply rub this mixture over your gums several times a day.
Source: for healthy lifestyle

3 Warning Signs That Your Body is Dehydrated

You do not need to be an expert to recognize the signs of dehydration, but is sometimes so difficult to understand the reason of the current malaise and bad condition.

Dehydration is a shock to your body and can lead to many complications. It often happens that some people think that they are not dehydrated because they don’t have the feeling of thirst, but there are signs that we will introduce to you right now.

natural-headache-relief

Dehydration is one of the most common obstacles to the exercises, but also when you’re not compensate fluid that you have lose through sweating and urination. This is the reason why doctors always advise to drink plenty of water.

Here are most common signs that your body is dehydrated:

Headache

The body loses fluid constantly and with it essential salts that are responsible for the blood count. The more fluid you lose; lower blood pressure falls and causes less oxygen to the brain. Hence the occurrence of headaches and the intensity varies depending on how much water you lose.

Yellow urine

You cannot miss to notice when your urine is very yellow, and it is a sure sign that the salt concentration is higher than normal. This yellow color is a sign for a large concentration of harmful substances and that you should increase the intake of water, but be careful, experts say that also urine shouldn’t be transparent.

Constipation

Water helps to expel harmful substances through the colon. When there is no water as should be, it is logical to have constipation. Food is a long time retained in the intestines, and therefore can’t be excluded and bloating.

Source: for health benefits

The Cure For Cancer Found 65 Years Ago, While Pharmacists Keep Quiet

For the first time, vitamin B17 began being promoted as medicine against cancer in early the 1950’s by Dr. Ernst Krebs. The theory about the treatment of cancer with the help of vitamin B17 is based on the fact that according to Krebs, cancer is a disease that is caused by inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals that are needed in the body.

The fact is that today the modern man is exposed far more to this disease as opposed to primitive cultures in the past. Dr. Krebs as a possible explanation says that old tribes had very different habits related to nutrition. For example, representative of the tribe Hunza, have an intake of 250 to 3000 milligrams of vitamin B17, as opposed to the average American or European, who through industrial processed food eats intakes barely 2 milligrams of the vitamin daily.

seetha

The Hunza tribe is an old tribe based in Northern Pakistan. Members of the tribe live over 100 years and the disease cancer is completely unknown to them. The reason for this is the fact that this tribe feeds on apricot seeds daily, it is their most abundant fruit and is part of their daily diet.

Up until his death in 1996, Dr. Krebs argued that by increasing the daily dose of vitamin B17, the risk of getting sick from cancer would be reduced significantly by 100%.

Now you know the secret, so eat apricot seeds because they contain the highest concentration of vitamin B17.

Source: for healthy life style