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Sunday, February 22, 2015

Things You Should Get Rid Of from your house

Everyone knows that it’s important to stay healthy, and part of being healthy often means buying new things – comfortable work clothes, workout equipment, healthy groceries, and so on. What many people forget is that the healthier option also means getting rid of certain things that are detrimental to your health and well being. You can start improving your health by throwing these 13 items in the trash.

1. Old plastic containers

Check all of your old plastic containers and throw away any hard, translucent plastic containers that have “PC” (Polycarbonate) printed on them, as well as containers with scratches on them. These containers may be made from Bisphenol A, which is a substance that emits toxic fumes when heated. Experts recommend using glass containers to heat up any foodstuffs.

2. Air fresheners

The chemical that causes the air freshener’s scent to last longer is called “Phthalate”. In recent years, air freshener manufacturers have been reducing their usage of this chemical, which was shown to be harmful to the development of the reproductive system in humans and other mammals. Instead, you can make your own air fresheners at home.

3. Antibacterial soap
Antibacterial soap doesn't kill more bacteria than regular soap, and a 2014 FDA report warns that it may be unsafe for use. The active chemical in the soap, called “Triclazone”, was found to change the normal hormone levels in mammals, and may facilitate the development of antibiotics resistant bacteria. Go back to using regular soap – it’s just as effective, but without the dangerous side effects.

4. “Diet” soft drinks


If you’re trying to lose weight, drinking “diet” sodas may be the worst thing for you. Nature Magazine published research findings that show that artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame and saccharin cause changes in the beneficial bacteria that lives in our guts and aid in regulating our metabolism. They also reduce our body’s ability to process glucose. These side effects play a significant factor in raising the risk of developing diabetes.

5. Old sneakers

Experts maintain that running shoes should be replaced after 300-400 miles (500-650Km). For people who run an average of 30 miles a week, that means replacing your shoes every three months. Worn shoes lose their shock absorbing qualities and can damage to your knees and spine. If you don’t regularly run, replace your shoes as soon as you notice the soles are worn out.

6. Worn out toothbrushes

If you brush your teeth twice a day as your dentist recommends, your toothbrushes wear out pretty quickly. On average, it takes two months of use to wear out a toothbrush, and experts agree that they should be replaced every three months. Worn out brushes lose their efficacy in the fight against tooth decay.

7. Clothes you don’t wear anymore

Have a look in your closet and ask yourself when the last time you wore each item was. People who lost or gained weight tend to keep their old clothes, fearing they may need them again in the future. Seeing these items can cause anxiety and even panic when preparing to go out, so getting rid of them can save you lots of heartache.

8. Old liquid makeup

Any liquid makeup (and mascara in particular) may become a habitat for bacteria. It is highly advised that you throw away any liquid makeup items after three months from the moment you opened them. By using old products, you actually apply new bacteria to your skin, which can lead to zits and infections.

9. Dirty contact-lens cases

The #1 cause of eye infections is using a dirty contact lens case. Replace the case every three months and change the solution on a daily basis. Not following these rules can lead to eye ulcers and various other infections that can damage your eyes.

10. Old sunscreen lotion

Believe it or not, even sunscreen lotion has an expiration date and ignoring it can be a mistake. The expiration date signifies the time period after which the active chemicals that prevent harmful rays from damaging your skin to become inactive. After that time, no matter how much sunscreen you apply, it won’t protect your skin. Without adequate protection, you’re left exposed to premature aging, sun damages, and skin cancer.

11. Worn out bras

When was the last time you bought a new bra? The elastic band in bras stretches with time (especially in the washing machine), making the bra less efficient at providing support. It is recommended that you replace your bra the moment it stops being supportive. Following this simple rule can reduce back pains, and help slowing down the aging process.

12. Margarine

Margarine contains Trans Fats, which raise your LDL levels. At the same time, moderate use of butter has been shown to be beneficial for your health. In 2013, the US National Health Institute found that people who eat butter generally live longer than those who eat margarine.

13. Old Plastic cutting boards
Regular use of plastic cutting boards leaves nicks and grooves in the material. These grooves in the material become a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, all of which are hard to remove. It’s recommended that you use a wooden board since they often have sap inside, which is a natural antimicrobial substance that kills bacteria in the wood.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Swine Flu(H1N1 Flu Virus)

Latest News about the spread of Swine flu in India:

The sudden surge in the number of swine flu cases across the country seems to be posing a serious challenge to health authorities. In Gujarat alone, 62 people have died since January 1, with almost 500 cases reported during this period.

Amongst the several patients undergoing treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital is a 12-year-old boy. His grandmother, Alifa Begum, is worried not just about her grandson's health, but also the growing number of swine flu cases in her home district, Kutch.

In Gujarat, Kutch and Ahmedabad are the worst-affected, with almost 70 per cent of the cases reported from there.

Across the nation, the deadly H1N1 virus has claimed over 200 lives since the beginning of this year. Rajasthan is the worst-affected with 72 deaths, followed by Gujarat. 41 swine flu patients have died in Telangana.


Source:(NDTV News dt 6.2.15)

In view of the spread of the deadly disease, let us see the causes,symptoms and the treatment of Swine flu.

What is Swine Flu?

H1N1 flu is also known as swine flu. It's called swine flu because in the past, the people who caught it had direct contact with pigs. That changed several years ago, when a new virus emerged that spread among people who hadn't been near pigs.
In 2009, H1N1 was spreading fast around the world, so the World Health Organization called it a pandemic. Since then, people have continued to get sick from swine flu, but not as many.
While swine flu isn't as scary as it seemed a few years ago, it's still important to protect yourself from getting it. Like seasonal flu, it can cause more serious health problems for some people. The best protection is to get a flu vaccine, or flu shot, every year. Swine flu is one of the viruses included in the vaccine.

Causes of Swine Flu

Swine flu is contagious, and it spreads in the same way as the seasonal flu. When people who have it cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. If you come in contact with these drops or touch a surface (such as a doorknob or sink) that an infected person has recently touched, you can catch H1N1 swine flu.
Despite the name, you can't catch swine flu from eating bacon, ham, or any other pork product.

Swine Flu Symptoms

People who have swine flu can be contagious one day before they have any symptoms, and as many as 7 days after they get sick. Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days.
Most symptoms are the same as seasonal flu. They can include:
  • cough
  • fever
  • sore throat
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • body aches
  • headache
  • chills
  • fatigue
Like seasonal flu, swine flu can lead to more serious complications, including pneumonia and respiratory failure. And it can make conditions like diabetes or asthma worse. If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, severe vomitingabdominal paindizziness, or confusion, call your doctor or 911 right away.

Tests for Swine Flu

It's hard to tell whether you have swine flu or seasonal flu, because most symptoms are the same. People with swine flu may be more likely to feel nauseous and throw up than people who have seasonal flu. But a lab test is the only way to know for sure. Even a rapid flu test you can get in your doctor's office won't tell you for sure.
To test for swine flu, your doctor takes a sample from your nose or throat. You may not need to be tested. The CDC says the people who need to be tested are those in the hospital or those at high risk for getting life-threatening problems from the flu, such as:
  • Children under 5 years old
  • People 65 or older
  • Children and teens (under age 18) who are getting long-term aspirin therapy, and who might be at risk for Reye's syndrome after being infected with swine flu. Reye's syndrome is a life-threatening illness linked to aspirin use in children.
  • Pregnant women
  • Adults and children who have chronic lungheartliverblood, nervous system, neuromuscular, or metabolic problems
  • Adults and children who have suppressed immune systems (including those who take medications to suppress their immune systems or who have HIV)
  • People in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
How Is Swine Flu Treated?
Some of the same antiviral drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu also work against H1N1 swine flu. 
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir(Relenza) seem to work best, although some kinds of swine flu are resistant to Tamiflu.
These drugs can help you get over swine flu faster. They can also help keep it from being too severe. They work best when taken within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms, but they can help when taken later.
Antibiotics won't help, because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.
Over-the-counter pain remedies and cold and flu medications can help relieve aches, pains, and fever. Don't give aspirin to children under age 18 because of the risk for Reye’s syndrome. Check to make sure that over-the-counter cold medications do not have aspirin before giving them to children.

Vaccine for Swine Flu

 The same flu vaccine that protects against seasonal flu also protects against the H1N1 swine flu strain. You can get it as a shot or as a nasal spray. Either way, it "teaches" your immune system to attack the real virus.
Besides a flu shot, there are other things you can do to stay healthy:
  • Wash your hands throughout the day with soap and water. Sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice to make sure you've washed long enough. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Avoid people who are sick.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/