Many think of yogurt as just a sweet snack. But eating only two servings of the thick, creamy and rich delicacy everyday could substantially cut the risk of developing bladder cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have found that those who eat just two pots of yogurt daily could reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer by almost 40 per cent than those who take it only occasionally or not at all. However, no benefit was found from regularly eating other dairy products, the study has revealed.

And, according to the researchers, bacteria in yogurt actually helps to fight the disease. Although bladder cancer can be treated, “it can spread to other parts of the body if left undetected”.

“Cultured milk products, such as yogurt contain lactic acid bacteria which have been shown to suppress bladder cancer in rats. Our research suggests that a high intake (of yogurt in humans) may reduce the risk,” ‘The Daily Telegraph’ quoted the researchers as saying.

In fact, they came to the conclusion after looking at 80,000 patients over a period of nine years. Asked about their diet, those who went on to develop bladder cancer were less likely to have eaten yogurt regularly than those who remained cancer free, the researchers said.

However, they found a couple of yogurts a day reduced the risk of developing the disease in women by 45 per cent and in men by 36 per cent — the findings of their study have been published in the latest edition of the ‘American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’.

Sources : The Hindu

What is Heart attack?
Symptoms
First aid
Prevention

What is heart attack?

Occurs when blood supply to vital organs gets blocked

>50years / menopausal women at greater risk

Occurs with / without chest pain

Sudden arrest of breathing / heart function

May result in cardiopulmonary arrest

Clot in the arteries blocks blood supply

Occurs due to:
a. Deposits of calcium / cholesterol
b. Hereditary factors
c. Tobacco
d. Obesity
e. High blood pressure
f. Emotional stress
g. Inflammatory disease of arteries
h. Trauma / disease of heart

Symptoms

Chest pain

Shoulder/arm pain

Shortness of breath

Sweating

Heartburn

Nausea

Abdominal pain

First aid

Try to relax

Loosen tight clothes

Take medicines if any

Pain subsides within 3 min of medicine intake

If not, see a doctor.

Give artifical respiration if required

Give Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) :
a. If no pulse is detected
b. By placing palm on chest to pump

15 pumps are followed by 2 artificial respiration

Continue till ambulance / doctor arrives

Prevention

Routine health check-up

Avoid stress

Quit smoking / alcohol

Eat sensibly

Control blood pressure / diabetes

Control weight

Sources : Medindia.net

What are Gastric Problems?
Types
Causes
Gastric trouble
Symptoms
Avoid
Treatment

What are Gastric Problems?

Occurs in stomach / oesophagus

Disturbance of gastric mucosa leads to acid secretion

Acids contact stomach nerve endings

Causes pain / discomfort

Types

May be acute / chronic

Acute gastric problem reduces quickly

Chronic gastric problems lead to ulcers

Causes

Physical and mental stress can also cause ulceration.

Causes of gastric mucosa inflammation:
a. Acidic foods
b. Alcohol
c. Smoking
d. Stress
e. Drugs

Drugs which causes gastric trouble

Aspirin

Nicotine

Corticosteroids

Erythromycin

Beta- Blockers

Symptoms

Constant Pain

Indigestion

Nausea

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Diarrhea

Avoid

Hot Spicy foods

Alcohol

Smoking

Excessive eating

Large meals before bed

Fatty food

Pulse

Late nights

Treatment

Acute problems resolve spontaneously

Chronic problems should be treated

Drugs for treatment include:
a. Antacids
b. H2 antagonists
c. Proton pump inhibitors

Timely meals releives pain due to ulcers

Consult - Gastroenterologist.

Sources : Medindia.net

Chronic health condition

Insufficient insulin produced /used

Affects sugar breakdown

Introduction

Food eaten converted to glucose

Glucose produces energy

Insulin breaks down glucose

Diabetics do not sufficiently produce or use insulin

Causes blood sugar build-up in blood

Types

Type I diabetes

Mostly occurs in children/young adult

Insulin production affected

Type II diabetes

Mostly occur in adults

Body is partially/ fully insulin resistant

Blood sugar level increases

Gestational diabetes

Occurs in pregnant women

Causes problems in mother and
baby

Symptoms

Increased thirst

Excessive urination

Weight loss

Weakness

Vision changes

Dry skin / dehydration

Numbness in hands/ feet

Diagnosis

Fasting blood glucose level> 126 mg/dL

Random Blood Glucose> 200 mg/dL

Complications of diabetes

Diabetic Retinopathy (eye)

Kidney Disease

Heart Disease and Stroke

Nerve Disease

Impotence (sexual disorder)

Treatment
Type I diabetes

Daily Insulin injections

Insulin cannot be taken as a pill

Type II diabetes

Healthy diet and exercise brings down glucose level.

Some people need diabetic medicine or insulin

Medications lower blood glucose    level

Sulfonylurea drugs & Meglitinedes: Produces insulin in the pancreas

Biguanides: decreases glucose in liver

µ- glucosidase inhibitors: Slows the absorption of starch

Consult a diabetologist or general physician

What is Chicken Pox?
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention

What is Chicken Pox?

Common childhood disease

Infection mild in children

Serious in infants/ adults

Chances of recurrence present

World-wide incidence

Causes

Caused by virus, Varicella-Zoster

Spreads through air & contact

Contagious till blisters disappear

Symptoms

Rashes all over body

Fever

Blisters

Uncontrollable itching

Pneumonia

Brain damage in severe cases

Treatment

Take luke-warm baths

Avoid aspirin

Trim fingernails to avoid skin damage

Drink cold fluids

Acyclovir effectively treats chicken pox

Fever treated with Acetaminophen/ibuprofen

Consult a GP /child specialist if:

a. Rashes involve eyes
b. Fever is 103 °F or more
c. Infection persists

Prevention

Infected person should remain home-bound

Vaccination

First dose given between 12-18 months

Vaccination should not be given to:

a. Those allergic to gelatin,     neomycin
b. Pregnant women
c. The immuno-compromised

Sources: Medindia.net

Feeling of pain /discomfort between neck and abdomen

Chest pain raises fear of heart attack

Any tissue or organ in chest can cause pain

‘Angina’ is heart- related chest pain

Causes

Some mild, others life threatening

Problems related to the heart

Asthma

Pneumonia

Inflammation in the lung

Inflammation / strain of rib muscle

Anxiety

Indigestion / ulcers in stomach

Gall bladder stones

Shingles

Stress

Symptoms

Pain or pressure in chest area

May be accompanied by
a, Heartburn,
b, Vomiting,
c, Dizziness
d, Shortness of breath
e, Fever

Treatment

If you have asthma or angina take your regular medications

Medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help

Consult a doctor if
a, Pain /fever /cough persists
b, Radiating pain occurs
c, Angina occurs at rest
d, The cough produces yellow -green phlegm
e, Pressure / tightness occurs
f, Nausea
g, Dizziness
h, Shortness of breath
i, Sweating

Hospitalization may be essential

Tests like ECG, may have to be taken

Prevention

Maintain normal weight

Exercise regularly for 30 - 40 minutes

Check and control BP, diabetes, cholesterol

Avoid smoking

Control stress

Eat low fat balanced diet

Get health check ups done regularly

What is Back Pain?
Causes
Triggered
First aid
Treatment
Prevention

What is Back Pain?

Short-term, acute pain in the back

Indicates that body is under stress

Causes

Problems in:

Bones and ligaments of spine

Muscles and nerves of the Back

Back pain triggered by

Poor posture

Inappropriate footwear

Incorrect walking habits

Strained muscles

Prolonged sitting

Sleeping on soft mattresses

Kidney, bladder, or prostate disorders

Pregnancy

Constipation

Stress

First aid for back pain

Rest in a comfortable position.

Apply ice pack to affected area

Painkillers or relaxants may be used

Avoid strenuous exercise

Avoid pillows

Avoid sleeping on soft mattress

Treatment

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Massage with hot/ cold packs

Traction

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
(TENS)

Regular simple exercises

Consult an Orthopedician if:
a. Pain persists
b. Difficulty in passing urine
c. Numbness or pain in legs or toes

Prevention

Maintain good posture

Do not smoke

Avoid overstretching body

Reduce stress/ strain

Take breaks during work

Sit straight with lower back support

Use comfortable low-heeled shoes

Do stretching exercises

Calcium levels in the arteries of heart (coronary arteries) indicate your risk of getting heart diseases. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score helps to predict one’s risk for heart attack irrespective of age, race and bad habits. Calcium score indicates the level of calcium on the walls of the coronary arteries. This research study was done by University of California scientists and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. They did the research study on 6,700 persons from all major ethnic groups. Calcium levels in the coronary arteries can be detected by CT scan and calciums core acts as marker for coronary artery diseases. Prognosis worsens as calcium levels rise in the arteries.

People who snore have higher chances of getting heart attack than those who do not snore. According to a study by Hungarian researchers, heavy snorers have 67% increase in risk of getting strokes and 34% increase in risk of getting heart attacks than non-snorers. Scientists conducted research on 12,000 patients to find the relation between snoring and heart diseases. These research findings were published in the journal “Sleep“. Heavy snoring acts as a trigger for rise in blood pressure which can cause heart diseases. Quiet snoring is not associated with any heart disease risk in men but in women it causes hypertension.

Heart is an amazing and most hard working organ in your body which continues to pump out blood as long as you live. Heart, as a symbol of love gets an eternal place in our life. Livescience.com listed 10 amazing facts about your heart.

Courtesy: Livescience.