Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
FACT's ABOUT TEA--COFFEE AND COLA DRINKS.
1. Caffeine is consumed in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and small amounts in chocolate.
2. It is the most widely used pharmacologically active substance in the world.
3. Caffeine can acutely raise blood pressure by 10 mmHg in patients who are infrequently exposed.
4. There is no effect on blood pressure in habitual coffee drinkers
5. It does not increase the risk of incident hypertension.
6.There is no evidence that caffeine in doses used in routine can provoke a spontaneous arrhythmia in individuals with or without a history of cardiac arrhythmia. There is no protective effect of caffeine abstinence also. In heart patients with coronary disease, the risk may be increased in individuals who are slow metabolizers of caffeine and drink two or more cups of coffee per day.
7. Ingestion of large quantities of caffeine is associated with arrhythmic and cardiovascular events, especially in patients with underlying cardiac disease.
8. Patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmia or at increased risk for cardiovascular events should moderate their caffeine intake from all sources.
9. Consumption of caffeinated beverages is associated with some short-term benefits like increased mental alertness and improved athletic performance.
10. Consumption of caffeinated beverages is associated with short term adverse effects including headache, anxiety, tremors, and insomnia.
11. In the long term, caffeine is also associated with generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and substance abuse disorders.
12. Long term benefits of caffeinated beverages are dose-dependent. Caffeine is associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, alcoholic cirrhosis, and gout.
13. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
14. Several studies have linked coffee consumption with prevalence of various cancers.
15. The majority of studies show there may be a modest inverse relationship between coffee consumption and all-cause mortality.
16. Caffeine withdrawal is a well-documented clinical syndrome with headache being the most common symptomFriday, August 12, 2011
MONSOON CARE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE'S.
Dear All,
We all have fond memories of the rains from our growing up years - impromptu holidays from school, splashing about in muddy puddles, or maybe simply getting wet in a pouring shower. Like you, your little one will love the rains, the fresh new leaves on the trees, the smell of the damp wet ground, and perhaps a little scared of the thunder and lightening which accompany the rain many a time. But will all the joyous moments, the monsoon also brings with it humid weather, flooded roads, mosquitoes, diseases, and lots more. With a little care and forethought you can let your child enjoy this beautiful season and also keep him safe from illnesses.
• Your toddler can get pretty bored sitting at home when it's raining outside; think up some indoor games that can keep him occupied, such as hide and seek, carom, and dancing to some fun music. Puzzles and books are also a good way to keep your toddler busy. More ideas in our Let's play! Games for toddlers section.
• Invite children from your apartment block for a play date at your house so he can have some company. Help them make paper boats, put on their gum boots and raincoats and float the boats in the puddles outside your building. And after they run out of things to do at indoors, make some onion pakoras or hot chocolate milk and let them have a monsoon tea party.
The monsoon is a beautiful season; a few sensible precautions and a little extra care can make this season an extremely enjoyable time of the year for your child.
Kind Regards.
Dr Padamjeet Gulia
We all have fond memories of the rains from our growing up years - impromptu holidays from school, splashing about in muddy puddles, or maybe simply getting wet in a pouring shower. Like you, your little one will love the rains, the fresh new leaves on the trees, the smell of the damp wet ground, and perhaps a little scared of the thunder and lightening which accompany the rain many a time. But will all the joyous moments, the monsoon also brings with it humid weather, flooded roads, mosquitoes, diseases, and lots more. With a little care and forethought you can let your child enjoy this beautiful season and also keep him safe from illnesses.
Clothes
Rainy days bring with it sweat and heat that is different from the hot summer days, but are nevertheless as uncomfortable. Make sure your child is not wrapped in layers just because the weather has cooled down a bit after the rains. Avoid synthetic clothes and make him wear loose cotton clothes that will absorb the perspiration when he plays around allowing the skin to breathe easily. Keep his skin dry to avoid prickly heat. Pick up a few extra underclothes for him since clothes take a lot of time to dry in this weather; making him wear damp clothes or socks can lead to fungal infections.
Once he has begun to walk and prefers to move around on his own most of the time, get him well-fitting closed rain shoes or gum boots which will keep his feet dry. Don’t buy cheap plastic rain shoes as they can cause skin allergies. Look for shoes made of good quality vinyl or rubber with skid proof soles so that he doesn’t slip and fall. Some raincoats which are of inferior quality can also cause allergies, so choose his raincoat with care. Dry him off as soon as he comes home after getting wet in the rains, and change him into dry clothes while you wait for his hair to dry.
Once he has begun to walk and prefers to move around on his own most of the time, get him well-fitting closed rain shoes or gum boots which will keep his feet dry. Don’t buy cheap plastic rain shoes as they can cause skin allergies. Look for shoes made of good quality vinyl or rubber with skid proof soles so that he doesn’t slip and fall. Some raincoats which are of inferior quality can also cause allergies, so choose his raincoat with care. Dry him off as soon as he comes home after getting wet in the rains, and change him into dry clothes while you wait for his hair to dry.
Hygiene
The monsoon brings with it a host of diseases. Drains that have not been cleaned can overflow and cause flooding. The water which flows on the roads not only gets mixed with sewage and muck, but also contains rags, paper, vegetable and fruit waste, and even broken glass. Make sure your toddler wears covered shoes while walking outside and doesn’t stay bare-feet even in your own garden or balcony because they can be breeding grounds for infections. Slugs, leeches, earthworms, and other insects often come into the house during the monsoon, so make sure he doesn’t try to pick up or play with any of them.
Bathe him twice a day if possible; especially if he goes outside to play, or at least ensure he washes his hands and feet thoroughly with soap and water after he is back in the house. Wash his clothes in hot water with rinse them with water mixed with a few drops of disinfectant mixed in it. Clean his footwear, socks, umbrella, and raincoat and ensure they are dried immediately and free of all moisture, else they might become a breeding ground for germs and moulds.
Incidences of waterborne diseases increase during the monsoons. Hence, apart from other things you will need to take special care that your food is prepared hygienically. Make sure your babysitter/maid washes her hands and feet thoroughly as soon as she enters your home. If you have a cook, ensure she washes her hands before handling any food and check regularly if her nails are trimmed. Ensure that all cooked food is covered to keep away flies and other insects.
This is the time when contagious diseases are on the rise. Ensure that you and your family are not in close contact with someone who is suffering from a flu, viral infection or conjunctivitis. Children are especially vulnerable to weather changes and infections, so keep them at home for a few days if you know that their playmates are suffering from an illness. Cut their nails regularly and do not allow them to put their hands into their mouths. Make sure they wash their hands with soap before eating anything and after visiting the toilet.
Bathe him twice a day if possible; especially if he goes outside to play, or at least ensure he washes his hands and feet thoroughly with soap and water after he is back in the house. Wash his clothes in hot water with rinse them with water mixed with a few drops of disinfectant mixed in it. Clean his footwear, socks, umbrella, and raincoat and ensure they are dried immediately and free of all moisture, else they might become a breeding ground for germs and moulds.
Incidences of waterborne diseases increase during the monsoons. Hence, apart from other things you will need to take special care that your food is prepared hygienically. Make sure your babysitter/maid washes her hands and feet thoroughly as soon as she enters your home. If you have a cook, ensure she washes her hands before handling any food and check regularly if her nails are trimmed. Ensure that all cooked food is covered to keep away flies and other insects.
This is the time when contagious diseases are on the rise. Ensure that you and your family are not in close contact with someone who is suffering from a flu, viral infection or conjunctivitis. Children are especially vulnerable to weather changes and infections, so keep them at home for a few days if you know that their playmates are suffering from an illness. Cut their nails regularly and do not allow them to put their hands into their mouths. Make sure they wash their hands with soap before eating anything and after visiting the toilet.
Food and Drink
Contaminated food or water is the most common way many diseases spread in the monsoon. Make sure your toddler drinks only filtered or boiled water. Carry a bottle of water from home or rely on branded bottled water when you go out. Avoid giving him “fresh” fruit juices, drinks with ice, food and drinks from street vendors like chaat, pakodas and ice lollies (golas or chuskis). If you eat outside, choose a restaurant which is clean and hygienic and opt for dishes which are boiled and served fresh.
Use filtered water for cooking, kneading the dough and for washing vegetables, dals and meat. Clean leafy green vegetables several times over in filtered boiled water and steam them to get rid of any germs and bacteria. Soak green leafy vegetables as well as vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli in warm water containing 1 tsp of salt for about 10-15 minutes to get rid of insects. Don’t keep raw meat and fish products at room temperature for a long time, always refrigerate or freeze. Bacterial growth increases rapidly during hot and humid weather.
Frequent power cuts, a common occurrence during monsoons could spoil food in the refrigerator easily, exposing it to bacteria. As far as possible, ensure that you eat fresh food; prepare it in small quantities so that you do not need to store it in the refrigerator for very long. Food stored in the refrigerator needs to be heated thoroughly before eating. Tap water may be contaminated by overflowing ground water that gets mixed with it during the monsoons; rinse your plates and dishes with filtered water before use.
Use filtered water for cooking, kneading the dough and for washing vegetables, dals and meat. Clean leafy green vegetables several times over in filtered boiled water and steam them to get rid of any germs and bacteria. Soak green leafy vegetables as well as vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli in warm water containing 1 tsp of salt for about 10-15 minutes to get rid of insects. Don’t keep raw meat and fish products at room temperature for a long time, always refrigerate or freeze. Bacterial growth increases rapidly during hot and humid weather.
Frequent power cuts, a common occurrence during monsoons could spoil food in the refrigerator easily, exposing it to bacteria. As far as possible, ensure that you eat fresh food; prepare it in small quantities so that you do not need to store it in the refrigerator for very long. Food stored in the refrigerator needs to be heated thoroughly before eating. Tap water may be contaminated by overflowing ground water that gets mixed with it during the monsoons; rinse your plates and dishes with filtered water before use.
Keeping your home and surroundings clean
The monsoon season is marked by the outbreak of many diseases; most of which are either waterborne or are spread through mosquitoes. Your child is especially vulnerable to infections because he is still developing his immune system. One precaution to protect him would be to keep your home and surroundings clean and germ-free.
Air your home frequently and keep windows open for maximum cross ventilation. Avoid collection of stagnant water in open vessels, flower pots or coolers as these are a perfect breeding ground for mosquito larvae which cause malaria, dengue and chikungunya. Dispose garbage hygienically in garbage bags that will not open and spill out. Keep the kitchen dustbin covered at all times so that wet garbage like vegetable peels and food waste are not left exposed.
If you have indoor plants, ensure that there is no water logging and change water in the flower vases everyday. Use herbal insect repellents like citronella based oils or sprays to get rid of mosquitoes and other insects. Use mosquito nets over your child's bed or install wire meshes on the windows. Dress him up in long-sleeved shirts and trousers, especially when he goes to the park to play.
Keep your home fresh and clean and use a good disinfectant to clean the floors and bathrooms. Get pest control for your home to ward off flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, termites, and other disease carrying insects. Many choose to burn camphor or dry neem leaves which are said to purify the air. Keep a small mesh bag of cloves near your window or in your cupboard for a fresh natural scent.
Air your home frequently and keep windows open for maximum cross ventilation. Avoid collection of stagnant water in open vessels, flower pots or coolers as these are a perfect breeding ground for mosquito larvae which cause malaria, dengue and chikungunya. Dispose garbage hygienically in garbage bags that will not open and spill out. Keep the kitchen dustbin covered at all times so that wet garbage like vegetable peels and food waste are not left exposed.
If you have indoor plants, ensure that there is no water logging and change water in the flower vases everyday. Use herbal insect repellents like citronella based oils or sprays to get rid of mosquitoes and other insects. Use mosquito nets over your child's bed or install wire meshes on the windows. Dress him up in long-sleeved shirts and trousers, especially when he goes to the park to play.
Keep your home fresh and clean and use a good disinfectant to clean the floors and bathrooms. Get pest control for your home to ward off flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, termites, and other disease carrying insects. Many choose to burn camphor or dry neem leaves which are said to purify the air. Keep a small mesh bag of cloves near your window or in your cupboard for a fresh natural scent.
Pre-monsoon check
Ensure that your home is clean, germ-free and safe before the monsoons arrive. Be watchful of any seepage especially on the roof and walls and near electrical fittings, as it may cause electrocution. Carry out thorough pre-monsoon checks in your home and get an electrician to fix all faulty wiring and switches. Have your plumber fix any leaking fixtures and get your drains cleaned and de-silted well before the rains. Check and repair cracks or fissures in the house.
Child safety and other tips
• Ensure that your child is always supervised when he goes out, even to the neighbourhood park, especially while walking on roads that usually have deep potholes and many open manholes during the monsoon.• Your toddler can get pretty bored sitting at home when it's raining outside; think up some indoor games that can keep him occupied, such as hide and seek, carom, and dancing to some fun music. Puzzles and books are also a good way to keep your toddler busy. More ideas in our Let's play! Games for toddlers section.
• Invite children from your apartment block for a play date at your house so he can have some company. Help them make paper boats, put on their gum boots and raincoats and float the boats in the puddles outside your building. And after they run out of things to do at indoors, make some onion pakoras or hot chocolate milk and let them have a monsoon tea party.
The monsoon is a beautiful season; a few sensible precautions and a little extra care can make this season an extremely enjoyable time of the year for your child.
Kind Regards.
Dr Padamjeet Gulia
(Consultant Paediatrician)
http://thepaediatrician.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 16, 2011
TAKING CARE OF YOUR BABY IN SUMMER.
With summer setting in, these simple tips will help in keeping your baby cool and comfortable.
• Dress your baby in cool cottons
Ensure that your baby is dressed in cool cottons in a comfortable and easy-to-wear style. Avoid clothes made of synthetic fabrics as they retain heat and are very uncomfortable for the baby. It may even result in prickly heat and heat rashes. Choose long sleeved light weight garments to avoid the sun's direct rays on your baby's delicate skin. Use a sunscreen recommended by your doctor to prevent tanning. If you are using a sun hat for your baby, make sure it is a wide rimmed hat and fits comfortably. Hats with elastic support may constrict blood circulation and are best avoided.
• Stay indoors during the peak heat hours (10 am - 5 pm)
It is wise to stay indoors when the effect of the heat is the most. If at all you need to step out in the sun, ensure that your baby is well protected. Take your baby out for walks early in the morning or late in the evening. Remove any excess padding from the stroller or pram as they can get very hot and prevent air circulation.
• Limit diaper usage to minimum and switch to cloth nappies instead
As far as possible avoid diapers -- many babies get heat rashes on their waist as the sweat collects around the synthetic waistband of the diaper. Instead switch to cloth nappies in good absorbent cotton. The cloth nappies will not only keep your baby cool but will also prevent heat and nappy rash.
• Increase fluid intake
Increase intake of fluids in the form of lassi, milk shakes, fresh fruit juices (not the bottled variety), and coconut water (both refreshing and nutritious).
If your baby is less than six months old and if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you do not need to give extra water, even in hot weather. Studies carried out in hot climates, like India, have shown that babies allowed to breastfeed whenever they want, do not become dehydrated. Breastmilk is itself mostly water and in hot weather, babies tend to go to the breast more often, for short feeds. This way they get extra foremilk, which is thinner and more refreshing than the fat rich hind-milk. So let your baby have as many extra feeds as she wishes and she will get plenty of water. However, it may be wise to offer bottle-fed babies some boiled cooled water in hot weather.
• Do not feed ice-creams, popsicles, and fruit juices from roadside vendors.
Avoid feeding your baby outside food (especially from roadside vendors) and water. Always carry food and water for your baby with you whenever you are out with your baby. Invest in quality food grade plastic ware to store your baby's food. Taste your baby's food before you feed her to ensure that it is not spoilt. This is particularly true in the hot summer months when stored cooked food spoils very quickly.
• Do not use massage oils, petroleum jelly or other moisturisers
In the hot summer months, it is safer to avoid massage oils as they can cause prickly heat or infantile eczema if not washed off properly. However, if you would like to continue massaging the baby in summers too, you could switch to olive oil or coconut oil, traditionally referred to as cooling oils. Ensure that it is washed off completely and not left on your baby's skin. Also avoid excessive use of moisturisers and lotions on your baby.
• Avoid using talcum powder excessively to keep your baby cool
Many mothers apply loads of talcum powder on the baby just after a bath assuming that this will keep the baby cool. This is not the case as powder on wet skin can cake up and cause a lot of irritation and discomfort. Limit its use, especially in the diaper and neck region. Take care when using talc on the baby's body to make sure it is not inhaled. Use it sparingly and rub it in well.
• Simple home remedies for prickly heat
The hot humid weather causes prickly heat-rashes on the nape of the neck, shoulder, back, diaper area and in the skin folds. A simple remedy for prickly heat is to apply buttermilk or curd mixed with water on the prickly heat. You can also apply a paste of Fuller's Earth (multani mitti) and rose water. This has cooling and healing properties. Wash off after ten minutes. Calamine lotion is also very effective, but check with your doctor before using it on your baby. It is safer to avoid commercial prickly heat powders as they may further irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
• Let your baby cool off with some water-play
Summers are an ideal time to let your baby indulge in some water-play. You can put your baby in his bathtub or a small inflatable baby pool with a little bit of water and some bath toys. Let him splash around for some time. The baby will love splashing the water all around and on you as well. Always do this only when you are with your baby and never leave your baby unwatched even for a minute. It is safer to avoid public swimming pools as the hygiene levels may not be maintained effectively.
• Avoid taking your baby to an air conditioned room right after a bath.
It is better to avoid taking your unclothed baby to an air conditioned room right after a bath. Switch on the AC only after your baby is fully clothed and his hair dry. It is wise to dress your baby in thicker cotton clothes and inner vest if you plan to keep him in the AC all day. Babies can quickly catch a chill or cold if they are not well protected.
• Do not let the blast of cold air from the AC or cooler hit your baby directly
ACs and coolers are great for keeping the house cool, but whenever your baby is sleeping or playing, ensure that the blast of cold air is not hitting your baby directly. Also avoid taking your baby into warmer areas immediately after she has been in an air conditioned environment. Switch off the AC beforehand and let the baby adjust to the temperature change before taking her out.
• Do not use cheap fancy goggles or eye shades for your baby
A fad among several new parents is to use fancy goggles/eye shades for the baby. While opinion on infants using shades is divided, it is best to speak to your doctor. If at all you really want to buy shades for your baby, buy them from a proper branded shop. Avoid plastic shades that are sold on roadside or toy shops as they do not offer proper UV protection and can harm your baby's eyes.
• Dress your baby in cool cottons
Ensure that your baby is dressed in cool cottons in a comfortable and easy-to-wear style. Avoid clothes made of synthetic fabrics as they retain heat and are very uncomfortable for the baby. It may even result in prickly heat and heat rashes. Choose long sleeved light weight garments to avoid the sun's direct rays on your baby's delicate skin. Use a sunscreen recommended by your doctor to prevent tanning. If you are using a sun hat for your baby, make sure it is a wide rimmed hat and fits comfortably. Hats with elastic support may constrict blood circulation and are best avoided.
• Stay indoors during the peak heat hours (10 am - 5 pm)
It is wise to stay indoors when the effect of the heat is the most. If at all you need to step out in the sun, ensure that your baby is well protected. Take your baby out for walks early in the morning or late in the evening. Remove any excess padding from the stroller or pram as they can get very hot and prevent air circulation.
• Limit diaper usage to minimum and switch to cloth nappies instead
As far as possible avoid diapers -- many babies get heat rashes on their waist as the sweat collects around the synthetic waistband of the diaper. Instead switch to cloth nappies in good absorbent cotton. The cloth nappies will not only keep your baby cool but will also prevent heat and nappy rash.
• Increase fluid intake
Increase intake of fluids in the form of lassi, milk shakes, fresh fruit juices (not the bottled variety), and coconut water (both refreshing and nutritious).
If your baby is less than six months old and if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you do not need to give extra water, even in hot weather. Studies carried out in hot climates, like India, have shown that babies allowed to breastfeed whenever they want, do not become dehydrated. Breastmilk is itself mostly water and in hot weather, babies tend to go to the breast more often, for short feeds. This way they get extra foremilk, which is thinner and more refreshing than the fat rich hind-milk. So let your baby have as many extra feeds as she wishes and she will get plenty of water. However, it may be wise to offer bottle-fed babies some boiled cooled water in hot weather.
• Do not feed ice-creams, popsicles, and fruit juices from roadside vendors.
Avoid feeding your baby outside food (especially from roadside vendors) and water. Always carry food and water for your baby with you whenever you are out with your baby. Invest in quality food grade plastic ware to store your baby's food. Taste your baby's food before you feed her to ensure that it is not spoilt. This is particularly true in the hot summer months when stored cooked food spoils very quickly.
• Do not use massage oils, petroleum jelly or other moisturisers
In the hot summer months, it is safer to avoid massage oils as they can cause prickly heat or infantile eczema if not washed off properly. However, if you would like to continue massaging the baby in summers too, you could switch to olive oil or coconut oil, traditionally referred to as cooling oils. Ensure that it is washed off completely and not left on your baby's skin. Also avoid excessive use of moisturisers and lotions on your baby.
• Avoid using talcum powder excessively to keep your baby cool
Many mothers apply loads of talcum powder on the baby just after a bath assuming that this will keep the baby cool. This is not the case as powder on wet skin can cake up and cause a lot of irritation and discomfort. Limit its use, especially in the diaper and neck region. Take care when using talc on the baby's body to make sure it is not inhaled. Use it sparingly and rub it in well.
• Simple home remedies for prickly heat
The hot humid weather causes prickly heat-rashes on the nape of the neck, shoulder, back, diaper area and in the skin folds. A simple remedy for prickly heat is to apply buttermilk or curd mixed with water on the prickly heat. You can also apply a paste of Fuller's Earth (multani mitti) and rose water. This has cooling and healing properties. Wash off after ten minutes. Calamine lotion is also very effective, but check with your doctor before using it on your baby. It is safer to avoid commercial prickly heat powders as they may further irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
• Let your baby cool off with some water-play
Summers are an ideal time to let your baby indulge in some water-play. You can put your baby in his bathtub or a small inflatable baby pool with a little bit of water and some bath toys. Let him splash around for some time. The baby will love splashing the water all around and on you as well. Always do this only when you are with your baby and never leave your baby unwatched even for a minute. It is safer to avoid public swimming pools as the hygiene levels may not be maintained effectively.
• Avoid taking your baby to an air conditioned room right after a bath.
It is better to avoid taking your unclothed baby to an air conditioned room right after a bath. Switch on the AC only after your baby is fully clothed and his hair dry. It is wise to dress your baby in thicker cotton clothes and inner vest if you plan to keep him in the AC all day. Babies can quickly catch a chill or cold if they are not well protected.
• Do not let the blast of cold air from the AC or cooler hit your baby directly
ACs and coolers are great for keeping the house cool, but whenever your baby is sleeping or playing, ensure that the blast of cold air is not hitting your baby directly. Also avoid taking your baby into warmer areas immediately after she has been in an air conditioned environment. Switch off the AC beforehand and let the baby adjust to the temperature change before taking her out.
• Do not use cheap fancy goggles or eye shades for your baby
A fad among several new parents is to use fancy goggles/eye shades for the baby. While opinion on infants using shades is divided, it is best to speak to your doctor. If at all you really want to buy shades for your baby, buy them from a proper branded shop. Avoid plastic shades that are sold on roadside or toy shops as they do not offer proper UV protection and can harm your baby's eyes.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Bio-Energy is the source of our health and Vitality;A point of view.
| Our bio-energy is the source of our health and vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine health is defined as a harmonic flow of ‘Chi’ or ‘Qi’ dynamically regulating all biological functions. From the Chinese perspective not only the human organism but the whole world and the entire cosmos are interwoven with the subtle vibrations of this life force. This energy flows within, without and through us governing our organs and tissues and connecting us with our environment (natural and man-made), mother earth as well as the universe. Everything in the universe, organic and inorganic, is composed of this ‘Chi’ or ‘Qi’. As biological energy it is driving, nourishing and regulating all living matter. Based on their different origins, the Chinese tradition basically knows two types of energy – inherited and acquired Qi. · • The inherited Qi, also called ‘Prenatal Qi’ or ‘Original Qi’, is received from the parents at conception. It is stored in the kidneys and partly responsible for an individual’s constitution. • The acquired Qi – ‘Breath Qi’ and ‘Nutrition Qi’ – is extracted in the lungs from the air we breathe and created in stomach and spleen from the food we eat. Original Qi, Breath Qi and Nutrition Qi together form the True Qi – the equivalent of what in modern terms is called bio-energy. In our organism, this ‘True Qi’ is in constant motion, ascending and descending throughout the complex network of meridians, entering and leaving through its windows or acupuncture points – and – as long as all these activities are in accordance with the natural biorhythms within and without, then our bodies are flushed with soundness and wellness. An abundance of ‘True Qi’ or life force is thus the sine qua non for good health and vitality. Therefore in the world’s oldest medical manual, the 2.500 years old Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine or “Huang Di Nei Jing” it is said: “A person with strong ‘Qi’, will not be brought down by illness.” In its nature, ‘True Qi’ is like water – soft yet strong, circulating freely and balanced through a complex network of rivers, streams and brooks interlacing the organism. True Qi is vitalizing our bodies similar to water irrigating the fields and fertilizing the soil. It is the source of human health and vitality, the source of movement and transformation, protecting and warming our bodies, governing the function of our organs and maintaining the physical integrity, metabolic function and supply systems of our organism. In a healthy person with abundance of this vibrant bio-energy available and living in harmony with her- or himself, others and the environment, it circulates freely. A disturbance of this cyclical flow of energy results in disharmony leading to sickness and disease. Each disturbance expresses itself in various forms of illness. Any part or organ in our body with deficient energy supply cannot function properly. Also as people get older, all functions of the organism, including the metabolism, slow down. Less energy is produced and available to protect the body against disease and repair damage and injury. If ‘Qi’ is missing or its flow blocked, humans become increasingly prone to illness. It is thus extraordinarily important that sufficient Qi is present in the body, and that its flow is unhindered. Then humans are healthy. Health is soundness and wellness, is equivalent to free vibration and free flow of energy – Panta rhei – everything flows. PANTA RHEI – ENERGY FOR TRUE PREVENTION From its earliest beginnings Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognized, that every organism is a continuously self-regulating and self-optimizing “functional system” which responds to a multitude of external and internal influences. As said, the organism requires large amount of free flowing energy to do so – and only an energy rich organism is capable to defend itself against such influences, repair and correct any damage and rebalance energy & function. Pathological developments can take place at any time and at any place within such complex systems as the human organism. Only in case of disease do humans usually become aware of the energy required for recuperation. Since ancient times, Traditional Chinese Medicine always put the emphasis on prevention of illness and maintenance of health rather than treatment of disease. In the world’s oldest medical manual, the 2.500 years old Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine or “Huang Di Nei Jing” it states: “If one takes medicine only after one has fallen ill, if one endeavors to restore order after unrest has broken out, that is, as if one would wait with digging a well until one is weakened from thirst.” Based on this philosophy, physicians in ancient Just as the Nobel Price Laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi (1960) said: “In every culture and in every medical tradition before ours, healing was accomplished by moving energy.” In Primary Prevention lies the greatest potential of Energy Medicine – preventing ‘many patients’ from traveling the long path of trial and tribulation into degenerative disease, guiding them back to radiant health and vitality instead. Consequently the essence of primary prevention consists of timely intervention when disorders border between health and disease. At this stage of un-wellness, the possibilities of prevention and total recuperation of the individual are very high. This is the aim of meridian diagnostic and therapeutic concepts in Energy Medicine. As the majority of patients fall into this category, which our present health care delivery system cannot address, the implementation of a prevention-orientated Energy Medicine offers a huge potential to dramatically improve public health. Energy Medicine already enables us to diagnose and analyze disruptions in the energy status and flow and understand some of their underlying biophysical dynamics. Further research will heighten our awareness and deepen our comprehension how bio-energy can actually transform matter and create an entirely new body structure. From here the true therapeutic potential of Energy Medicine will unfold, allowing to: · • Dissolve energy stagnations & open energy blockages • Activate the body’s own vibrational capacity • Harmonize the energy flow • Recharge the body’s energy reserves. With Energy Medicine there is a revolution taking form, redefining how the future Modern Scientific Medicine is going to view health and disease. Energy Medicine marks the beginning of an exciting era opening our hearts and minds to a new paradigm where mysterious ancient healing traditions meld with vanguard medical research and health science to – as the Nobel Prize Winner Albert Szent-Györgyi (1960) said – once more ‘accomplish healing by moving energy’. Healing Balances Energy: We all have storage centers in our bodies that store Energy and energetic patterns. They are called Chakras. We can have energetic Patterns stored from events that happened yesterday as well as from many years back in the past. Some of these patterns will be happy memories and some of them will be unpleasant and painful memories of something that happened to us. Sometimes we stash them away deep into some recess in our Chakras and in our Emotional body (the energy field around us, our second energy body), and try to forget about them, but they don’t really go away. Dis-ease is a manifestation of unbalanced and stagnant energetic blockages. Healing, then is a way of balancing and increasing the Energy flow and open (delete) energetic blockages. This can happen completely naturally as soon we stimulate the meridian system to it’s normal way. Almost all chronic or therapy resistant diseases have blocked or disturbed meridian energy flow. It leads to permanent energy leakage in the corresponding organs and consequently to malfunction. “When a bug is in the software the hardware doesn’t work proper but its not death. Is the bug fixed (overwritten), the hardware is functioning normal again.“ Same in our body and the meridian system. Is the energy flow re-established the organ is functioning proper. Even long term diseases can go back to normal when the energy is increased over a certain period of time. The Maintenance of the Meridian System is one of the most important tasks to keep health / vitality and avoid disease. |
Monday, January 24, 2011
SNORING..ALMOST AN EPIDEMIC.
Facts about snoring
- Habitual snoring is seen in 44% of males and 28% of females between 30–60 years of age in the general population. Occasional snoring is almost universal.
- Snoring means there is high resistance in the upper air way canal. It can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper airway canal resistance is severe and the patient gets episodes of low breathing or absent breathing during sleep.
- Snoring may be present with or without sleep disruption.
- Sleep apnea is a disease and indicates interrupted sleep.
- Uncontrolled snoring may lead to high blood pressure and can lead to heart diseases and paralysis.
- Snoring is associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis.
- Snoring can be a cause of sleeplessness.
- Snoring can lead to marital dissatisfaction.
- Snoring is more common in people who have truncal obesity with a BMI>30.
- Snoring is common in people with large neck circumference.
- Fifty percent of patients of sleep apnea have high blood pressure which is often most elevated in the morning.
- Snoring is common in man with collar size > 43.18 cms (17") and in women with collar size > 40.64 cms (16").
- Low thyroid state can precipitate OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) in the persons of snoring
- Snoring is associated with increased traffic accidents.
- Snoring is associated with sudden death.
- Sleep studies are needed to evaluate snoring and sleep apnea.
- Look for snoring and sleep apnea in patients who awaken with a chocking, gasping, smothering; who have restless sleep; have episodes of cessation of breathing; morning headache, reduced libido and impotence, pass urine in the morning more than 4 times, have history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, renal diseases, type 2 diabetes.
Monday, January 17, 2011
CHILD PSYCOLOGY AND PARENTING.
Behavioral Problems of Children
I. Prevention of behavioral problems .
Family Physicians should anticipate and intervene in behavioral problems.
Factors that predispose children to behavioral problems include mismatch between parental and child temperaments (e.g., quiet, low-activity child with high-energy parent), parental mental health problems (including post-partum depression), poor parental self-esteem, attachment difficulties between parent and child, inconsistency of parental response to the child, unrealistic parental expectations regarding the child's behavior, and developmental delay, especially speech–language delay, which contributes to frustration for both parent and child.
Also, due to the conflict between the parents, the absence of a parent, and parental abuse of drugs or alcohol are risk factors for behavioral problems.
II. Stages of behavioral assessment and intervention.
Clarify parental concerns.
Assess parental knowledge regarding normal developmental stages. Many parental concerns about behavior stem from unrealistic expectations regarding their child's behavior relative to his or her developmental stage.
Assess for family stresses that may affect the child's behavior. Many behavioral problems stem from or are exacerbated by external stressors.
Prenatal alcohol and drug use, early childhood illnesses, and developmental delay can all lead to behavioral problems.
Counsel parents about possible interventions for behavioral problems.
III. Principles of behavioral intervention.
Children deserve and respond to respect from caregivers. Behavioral interventions will not be successful if parents treat the child disrespectfully.
Consistency of response is critical. Behavioral change only occurs in the context of consistent and predictable responses.
Positive reinforcement for desired behavior generally works better than negative reinforcement for undesirable behavior. Positive reinforcement includes active education of the child about expected behavior and its beneficial consequences rather than simply stating what the child should not do. When negative reinforcement is necessary, it should be age and behavior appropriate.
Reassure parents that children need and want parents to exert consistent, reasonable controls on their behavior. Children are frightened when boundaries of acceptable behavior are not well defined and will often accelerate the problem behavior in order to elicit a parental control response.
IV. Specific techniques for intervention.
Many parents lack specific knowledge about acceptable, effective interventions to promote behavioral change. Too often, parents resort to punishments far more severe than the behavior warrants.
Time out . Separate the child from desirable activities for a brief period (1–2 minutes for preschoolers, up to 15 minutes in school-aged children). “Grounding” adolescents for a day or two may help.
Extinction. Ignore the undesirable behavior, especially if it has previously elicited attention.
Rewards/positive reinforcement . Offer small rewards like inexpensive toys, increased time with one or both parents, increased privileges for positive behavioral change. For example, if the problem behavior relates to bedtime, reward the child for conflict-free completion of the bedtime routine.
Discussion of consequences of and alternatives to the behavior. Respect for children includes teaching them the consequences of and alternatives to unacceptable behaviors. As children get older, reasoning plays an increasing role in behavior modification.
V. Major mental health concerns .
Behavioral problems in children can generally be divided into three categories:
- (a) problems that are normal for the child's developmental stage and will resolve spontaneously as the child matures;
- (b) problems that began as a normal developmental phase, but have been exacerbated by external stresses and will require some level of intervention to resolve;
- (c) problems that indicate a more serious underlying mental health problem.
Depression in children is generally underdiagnosed.Criteria for depression in children are virtually identical to those in adults, with minor modifications relevant to usual daily activities. Five or more of the following criteria must be present for at least 2 weeks in order to diagnose depression: depressed mood, anhedonia, sleep disturbance (hypersomnolence or disruption of normal sleep pattern), change in weight or appetite (>5% change in body weight over 1 month and/or failure to make expected weight gains), psychomotor retardation or agitation, low energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, decreased concentration and increased indecisiveness, or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Children with depression may require medication, and this should generally be done in conjunction with a child mental health professional.
Anxiety disorder.
Virtually every child experiences some level of anxiety at various stages of life. Up to 50% of children may experience anxiety to the extent of true anxiety disorder that adversely affects their daily lives.
Anxiety disorders may present as multiple somatic complaints, a marked increase in nervous habits (e.g., nail biting or thumb sucking), or stereotyped behaviors (e.g., head banging or other repetitive behaviors).
Conduct disorder represents the extreme end of the spectrum of oppositional behavior.
It is defined as a persistent pattern of behavior (more than –6 months) that violates the basic rights of others, including acts of aggression against people or animals, property destruction, theft, repetitive lying or other deceptions, and serious violations of rules in multiple environments (e.g., home and school).
Children and adolescents with conduct disorder require prompt identification, aggressive intervention, and substantial support to their families.
VI. Common behavioral concerns seen in family practice.
Feeding problems
Feeding problems are among the most common concerns. Parents worry about adequate weight gain and spitting up (reflux) in infants, nutrition, food avoidance, and mealtime behaviors in preschoolers, and obesity in school-aged children.
It is important to remind parents that when food becomes a control issue between parent and child, this confrontation can lead to long-term unhealthy eating habits.
Parents should offer a diverse range of nutritious foods, supplement with a multivitamin if necessary, demonstrate healthy eating habits, and avoid using food as a reward for other behaviors.
Oral habits
Oral habits such as nail biting, digit sucking, and pacifier use, are common in preschool-aged children. Some authors hypothesize that these and other stereotyped behaviors are actually serving an important function in the child's development by serving as early coping mechanisms or self-calming techniques during stressful times or negative mood states. Increases in these behaviors often reflect new external stresses in a child's life.
Identifying and addressing stresses, combined with positive reinforcement of behavioral change and work with the child to develop alternate coping skills, is generally the most successful intervention for these behaviors.
Sleep disorders
This include trained night-waking, bedtime struggles, nightmares and night terrors, and sleepwalking .
Trained night-waking (i.e., the child awakens at a consistent time during the night) and bedtime struggles are best addressed by a consistent approach to bedtime that does not involve the parent staying with the child until the child falls asleep, and extinction (i.e., delayed response or no response at all to the child when he or she awakens during the night or protests at bedtime).
Nightmares occur in virtually all children and are generally indicative of developmental issues and fears.
Sleepwalking occurs in approximately 15% of children. It too has its onset in early childhood and generally resolves spontaneously in adolescence. Parents should provide a safe environment so that the child does not sustain injury during sleepwalking episodes.
Both night terrors and sleepwalking have strong familial histories, with 80%–95% of children with these disorders having a positive family history.
Stereotyped behaviors
Stereotyped behaviors such as tics, head banging, body rocking, or other repetitive movements, can be disconcerting to parents.
Many toddlers and preschoolers display these behaviors, and stress, negative mood, and fatigue generally exacerbate them. These behaviors usually resolve spontaneously and rarely cause injury to the child.
Treatment involves reassurance of the parent, teaching other coping mechanisms to the child, and patience.
Masturbation
This begins as early as 12 months in many children and is completely normal.
Parents should use the behavior as an opportunity to begin discussion with the child about private behaviors and sexuality.
Separation anxiety
Anxiety including school phobia, occurs in many children at various stages of life.
Prevention includes giving the child accurate, age-appropriate information about expected separations and consistency in daily patterns of separation.
Treatment involves diminishing stress and establishing firm guidelines about appropriate reasons for missing school.
Disruptive behavior
This occurs over a spectrum of behaviors, including various manifestations of limit testing, temper tantrums, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. Early identification of and intervention for these problems is critical for prevention of long-term mental health problems .
Limit testing occurs at every stage of childhood and adolescence. Physicians should remind parents of the need to set and maintain firm, age-appropriate boundaries on behavior.
Temper tantrums are common (75%) in children aged 3–5, and their incidence tails off to 4% in children aged 9–12.
Children with this disorder frequently lose their tempers, argue with adults, defy rules, blame others for problems, and have poor social relationships due to anger, resentment, and spitefulness.
Treatment of ODD rests in the domain of behavior modification and often requires family and individual psychotherapy to assist with resolution.
Drug Use
Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use should be screened for routinely during most visits with children over the age of 8 years.
Prevention is essential, and involves open discussion with parents and children about risk factors, including genetic predisposition (family history of drug misuse), peer pressure, low self-esteem, and poor resiliency to external change and stress.
Prevention also includes educating children in age-appropriate ways about the adverse effect of using tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
Anxiety disorder.
Virtually every child experiences some level of anxiety at various stages of life. Up to 50% of children may experience anxiety to the extent of true anxiety disorder that adversely affects their daily lives.
Anxiety disorders may present as multiple somatic complaints, a marked increase in nervous habits (e.g., nail biting or thumb sucking), or stereotyped behaviors (e.g., head banging or other repetitive behaviors).
Conduct disorder represents the extreme end of the spectrum of oppositional behavior.
It is defined as a persistent pattern of behavior (more than –6 months) that violates the basic rights of others, including acts of aggression against people or animals, property destruction, theft, repetitive lying or other deceptions, and serious violations of rules in multiple environments (e.g., home and school).
Children and adolescents with conduct disorder require prompt identification, aggressive intervention, and substantial support to their families.
VI. Common behavioral concerns seen in family practice.
Feeding problems
Feeding problems are among the most common concerns. Parents worry about adequate weight gain and spitting up (reflux) in infants, nutrition, food avoidance, and mealtime behaviors in preschoolers, and obesity in school-aged children.
It is important to remind parents that when food becomes a control issue between parent and child, this confrontation can lead to long-term unhealthy eating habits.
Parents should offer a diverse range of nutritious foods, supplement with a multivitamin if necessary, demonstrate healthy eating habits, and avoid using food as a reward for other behaviors.
Oral habits
Oral habits such as nail biting, digit sucking, and pacifier use, are common in preschool-aged children. Some authors hypothesize that these and other stereotyped behaviors are actually serving an important function in the child's development by serving as early coping mechanisms or self-calming techniques during stressful times or negative mood states. Increases in these behaviors often reflect new external stresses in a child's life.
Identifying and addressing stresses, combined with positive reinforcement of behavioral change and work with the child to develop alternate coping skills, is generally the most successful intervention for these behaviors.
Sleep disorders
This include trained night-waking, bedtime struggles, nightmares and night terrors, and sleepwalking .
Trained night-waking (i.e., the child awakens at a consistent time during the night) and bedtime struggles are best addressed by a consistent approach to bedtime that does not involve the parent staying with the child until the child falls asleep, and extinction (i.e., delayed response or no response at all to the child when he or she awakens during the night or protests at bedtime).
Nightmares occur in virtually all children and are generally indicative of developmental issues and fears.
Sleepwalking occurs in approximately 15% of children. It too has its onset in early childhood and generally resolves spontaneously in adolescence. Parents should provide a safe environment so that the child does not sustain injury during sleepwalking episodes.
Both night terrors and sleepwalking have strong familial histories, with 80%–95% of children with these disorders having a positive family history.
Stereotyped behaviors
Stereotyped behaviors such as tics, head banging, body rocking, or other repetitive movements, can be disconcerting to parents.
Many toddlers and preschoolers display these behaviors, and stress, negative mood, and fatigue generally exacerbate them. These behaviors usually resolve spontaneously and rarely cause injury to the child.
Treatment involves reassurance of the parent, teaching other coping mechanisms to the child, and patience.
Masturbation
This begins as early as 12 months in many children and is completely normal.
Parents should use the behavior as an opportunity to begin discussion with the child about private behaviors and sexuality.
Separation anxiety
Anxiety including school phobia, occurs in many children at various stages of life.
Prevention includes giving the child accurate, age-appropriate information about expected separations and consistency in daily patterns of separation.
Treatment involves diminishing stress and establishing firm guidelines about appropriate reasons for missing school.
Disruptive behavior
This occurs over a spectrum of behaviors, including various manifestations of limit testing, temper tantrums, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. Early identification of and intervention for these problems is critical for prevention of long-term mental health problems .
Limit testing occurs at every stage of childhood and adolescence. Physicians should remind parents of the need to set and maintain firm, age-appropriate boundaries on behavior.
Temper tantrums are common (75%) in children aged 3–5, and their incidence tails off to 4% in children aged 9–12.
Children with this disorder frequently lose their tempers, argue with adults, defy rules, blame others for problems, and have poor social relationships due to anger, resentment, and spitefulness.
Treatment of ODD rests in the domain of behavior modification and often requires family and individual psychotherapy to assist with resolution.
Drug Use
Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use should be screened for routinely during most visits with children over the age of 8 years.
Prevention is essential, and involves open discussion with parents and children about risk factors, including genetic predisposition (family history of drug misuse), peer pressure, low self-esteem, and poor resiliency to external change and stress.
Prevention also includes educating children in age-appropriate ways about the adverse effect of using tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
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