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PHTHALATES CHEMICALS FOUND IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Sunday, January 29, 2012 0 comments

Washington:Exposure to a class of chemicals known as phthalates, found in personal care products, could be triggering obesity in young children and waist circumference.


Phthalates are man-made, endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can mimic the body's natural hormones. They are commonly used in plastic flooring and wall coverings, food processing materials, medical devices, and personal-care products. 


A growing body of research suggests that phthalates, found in personal care products such as perfume, lotions, and cosmetics; varnishes and medication or nutritional supplement coatings, could play a role in rising childhood obesity rates.


This study by the Mount Sinai Medical Centre, New York, conducted the first ever study to probe the link between phthalate exposure and obesity in children.


Mount Sinai researchers measured phthalate concentrations in the urine of 387 black and Hispanic children in New York City, and recorded body measurements including BMI, a height to weight ratio, height, and waist circumference one year later. 


The urine tests revealed that greater than 97 percent of study participants had been exposed to phthalates typically found in personal care products such as perfume, lotions, and cosmetics; varnishes; and medication or nutritional supplement coatings. 


'Research has shown that exposure to these everyday chemicals may impair childhood neuro-development, but this is the first evidence demonstrating that they may contribute to childhood obesity,' said the study's lead author Susan Teitelbaum, associate professor in preventive medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. 

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EXPOSURE TO BODY CARE PRODUCTS LINKED TO CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy 1 comments

Washington:Exposure to a class of chemicals known as phthalates, found in personal care products, could be triggering obesity in young children and waist circumference.

Phthalates are man-made, endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can mimic the body's natural hormones. They are commonly used in plastic flooring and wall coverings, food processing materials, medical devices, and personal-care products. 

A growing body of research suggests that phthalates, found in personal care products such as perfume, lotions, and cosmetics; varnishes and medication or nutritional supplement coatings, could play a role in rising childhood obesity rates.

This study by the Mount Sinai Medical Centre, New York, conducted the first ever study to probe the link between phthalate exposure and obesity in children.

Mount Sinai researchers measured phthalate concentrations in the urine of 387 black and Hispanic children in New York City, and recorded body measurements including BMI, a height to weight ratio, height, and waist circumference one year later. 

The urine tests revealed that greater than 97 percent of study participants had been exposed to phthalates typically found in personal care products such as perfume, lotions, and cosmetics; varnishes; and medication or nutritional supplement coatings. 

'Research has shown that exposure to these everyday chemicals may impair childhood neuro-development, but this is the first evidence demonstrating that they may contribute to childhood obesity,' said the study's lead author Susan Teitelbaum, associate professor in preventive medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. 

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LIST OF DOS TO GET PREGNANT

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Thursday, January 26, 2012 1 comments

From what you eat to having sex daily, here's a list of do's to help you concieve 

From wives to mothers, you've heard all the old tales necessary to bring home the baby pitter-patter. Information overload often makes it difficult to sieve out unnecessary information. Here's a low-down on things you can incorporate to aid the process. 

Have sex every day 
By far the best thing to do for wannabe mums and dads. Researchers claim that having sex every day can boost not only the quality of a man's sperm but also its ability to move about. Additionally, regular sex clears sperm from the testicles, preventing the natural build-up of DNA damage as it sits in the body. 

Observe your diet 
A healthy, varied and balanced diet is especially important when you're trying for a baby to keep your body's hormone levels normal. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar as well as highly salted and overprocessed foods. Good foods to work into your diet are: one portion of full-fat dairy a day (believed to improve ovarian function) and eight glasses of water a day (for plump egg follicles and to create a strong blood supply to the womb lining). Also orange fruit and vegetables such as carrots and peaches help produce female sex hormones needed for ovulation. Men should eat between one and four portions of oily fish like salmon or mackerels a week (good for sperm development, quality and mobility) and garlic. 

Check your weight 
Too much or too little body fat can make your periods irregular or stop them completely, which can make conceiving difficult. Likewise, if you carry too much weight around the stomach it can affect your hormone balance and impair fertility. But don't crash diet as this can play havoc with your hormones. Shifting even a little weight will boost your chances. 

Consider your lifestyle 
Over-the-counter medicines and antihistamines can deplete the body of vital nutrients, and being on the pill for many years can have an impact on women understanding their own natural cycle. Cut back on caffeinated drinks. It has been proved that more than one cup of coffee a day can increase the time it takes to conceive by up to 50 percent. Smoking is a big no no. If your man likes long hot baths get him to swap them for brisk showers as sperm needs cool surroundings to survive. 

Exercise helps 
A study found running for 40 minutes, three times a week to lower cortisol and reduce stress. Couples who exercise regularly not only find it easier to conceive but are also more likely to carry a healthy full-term pregnancy, experiencing fewer complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Body-clocks and fertility 
Your 20s 
In your 20s, you've about a 25 per cent chance of getting pregnant in any single ovulation cycle. Your chances of conceiving within a year of trying are about 98 per cent in your early 20s and about 84 per cent by your late 20s. Experts say the average woman's fertility peaks around 24. 

Your 30s 
There's a clear drop-off in fertility between ages 29 and 35, so if you leave it a little later to start a family, you should be prepared for it to take longer for you to conceive. Overall, in your 30s you have about a 15 percent chance of getting pregnant in an ovulation cycle and your chances of conceiving within a year of starting to try are about 75 per cent. 

Your 40s 
In your 40s you have about a five percent chance of getting pregnant in any single menstrual cycle, and your odds of getting pregnant at 41 are much better than they are at 43.
Reference: Health Article

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TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SKIN GLOW

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, January 24, 2012 2 comments


For skin that feels like rose petals, here are some quick care tips. 

- Boil cabbage in water. Strain it and use the water to wash your face to make your skin look radiant.

- Mix yoghurt with cucumber water. Apply on your face and wash it off.

- Coconut milk is excellent for skin care, especially in winter. Take half a cup of coconut milk. Use half of it to apply it over the face and body. Mix the rest with red sandalwood powder, apply the paste on the face. It can also be applied all over the body. It exfoliates your skin.

- Is your skin looking dull and lifeless? Mix coconut water and thick pineapple juice. Add multani mitti and apply it over your face and body. Do not scrub vigorously; wash it off with ice cubes or cold water.

- Here's a way to refresh tired skin: Mix one teaspoon vinegar with one teaspoon rosewater. Apply on skin and leave for 10 minutes. Wash it off with ordinary water.

- Mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon tomato juice. Leave it on the face or body for 10 minutes and wash it off with ordinary water.

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LIST OF GOOD AND BAD MOOD FOODS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, January 17, 2012 0 comments


Here are some foods that can help beat your moody blues

Every once in while there comes a day when traffic, smog and bosses get the better of you.
Don't let it bring you down. In times of gloom, good food can do wonders for your mood. Here are a few tried and tested favourites to get you all perked up and buzzing before the day is out.

Bad mood foods
When in a bad mood, unfortunately the treats we crave are rich in carbohydrates and sugar which only temporarily fix the problem. The sugar high is quickly followed by a dip, setting off serious mood swings. This pattern can become a vicious cycle: as we become more miserable and sluggish, we crave more sugar, pile on more pounds and lose any motivation to exercise, worsening our mood further.

Mood-boosting foods
Try to eat two or more of these natural happiness enhancers every day:

Sweet potatoes- They're a great alternative to standard potatoes as they are rich in folate. They help keep blood sugar steady.

Peanuts - One of the best sources of the mood-boosting mineral selenium, it wards off anxiety.

Oily fish - Fish such as sardines and mackerel are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which help the brain to interpret moods and boost concentration levels.
Eggs - They're a great source of zinc, which help you to feel more awake and energetic by regulating your metabolism and blood sugar.

Yoghurt - Rich in calcium and protein, it's also great to ease mood swings, depression and anxiety.

Spinach - Rich in iron, it's a great energy-booster and wards off fatigue and aids concentration. It is also a good source of vitamin B6 and folate, which are essential supports for the brain's ability to produce mood-boosting neurotransmitters.

Food rules
With a slight modification to your diet you can find a permanent cure to your mood swings.
Cut out sugary foods - Avoid biscuits, cakes, chocolate and fizzy drinks and be careful not to overdo fruit juices which are packed with concentrated sugar and can cause rapid glycaemic rises.

Ditch the white carbs - By swapping to wholegrain carbs such as whole wheat breads, whole meal pasta and brown rice you'll keep energy levels steady.

Eat more lean protein - Nuts, chicken and fish all provide long-lasting energy to overcome that sluggishness. They also help suppress food cravings.

Stick to a glass of wine - Other than being calorie-packed, booze is a well known depressant.

Factor in feel good fitness - Research shows that exercising for just 45 minutes, three to four times per week, releases moodboosting endorphins, perfect for treating mild to moderate depression. Cycling, swimming or even a brisk walk, all work well.

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EAT FROM RED PLATE TO LOSE WEIGHT :STUDY

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, January 16, 2012 0 comments

London: People who eat from a red plate or drink from red cups cut their food intake by 40 percent, says a new study.

The study carried out by German and Swiss researchers said the colour red may encourage diners to avoid snacking because it is commonly associated with the idea of 'danger, prohibition and stop', the Daily Mail reported.

The researchers suggested the governments and food industry could use red packaging on unhealthy foods as a deterrent, and could even use red colour in pubs to prevent people from drinking too much.

In the study, 41 male students were asked to drink tea from cups marked with red or blue labels. They drank 44 percent less from cups with red labels.

Another 109 people were given 10 pretzels each on either a red, blue or white plate. Those with a red plate ate fewer pretzels.

The results were published in the journal Appetite.

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HOW TO HAVE A PEARLY WHITE TEETH

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Thursday, January 12, 2012 2 comments


Perfect pearly white teeth are anybody's dream. They brighten up even the most ordinary face.
Most of us are in awe of all the celebrities who have spotless teeth. But, as we all know, that comes with a price. These tips will help you sport a smile like a celebrity without causing a dent in your pocket.
1. Wine, tobacco, tea and coffee can stain you teeth. If you can't avoid them consume them in moderation. And brush your teeth, if possible, after every meal. This is the best way to prevent plaque and other tooth decay.
2. Gargle, gargle, gargle: What you first need is a good mouthwash for your dental hygiene. But don't overuse mouthwash, warn dentists. What they suggest is to use mouthwash not more than two times a month. And the reason? The mouthwash kills some good bacteria in your mouth, too. So always use it in moderation.
3. What matters is the kind of toothpaste you use. Get toothpaste with whitening agents to remove all the stains that you accumulate on a daily basis owing to an overdose of caffeine.
4. Flossing is something you should be doing. But only if there is too many gaps between your tooth and food particles often get trapped in them resulting in bad breath.
5. Always visit a dentist every six months for cleaning and check-up.
6. A balanced diet is the best way to prevent gum decay and tooth diseases. Include a lot of raw vegetables, yoghurt and fruits like apples in your diet.
7. Salt is a natural teeth whitener. You can add a pinch of salt with your toothpaste every time you brush.

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ADD A GLOW TO YOUR SKIN LETS CHECK UP WHAT BEAUTY EXPERT SHAHNAZ HUSAIN HAS TO SAY

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Wednesday, January 11, 2012 0 comments

Shahnaz Husain, tells you how to get a glowing complexion 

Right there, on your kitchen shelf, are many ingredients that can easily be used to add radiance to your skin. 

Tone your skin daily with rose water. It is helpful for all skin types. Toning stimulates blood circulation to the skin surface and adds a glow. For a skin toner, take rose water and mix it with witch hazel. For dry skin, mix 3 parts of rose water with one part of witch hazel. For oily and combination skin, mix rose water and witch hazel in equal quantities. Witch hazel will be available at your local pharmacy. If you cannot get witch hazel, use plain rose water, or buy a rose-based skin tonic. Keep the toner in a bowl in the fridge and soak cotton wool pads in it. First use them to wipe the skin. Then, stroke the skin with them. On the cheeks, use outward and upward movements, ending each stroke at the temples and applying gentle pressure. On the forehead, start from the centre and go outwards on each side, again ending at the temples. For the chin, use circular movements. Then, pat the skin briskly with the rosewater-soaked cotton wool pads. 

Use a facial scrub twice a week. It can work wonders on the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and making the skin brighter. It also improves skin texture and produces an even colour tone. It is a powerful cleansing procedure too, leaving the skin renewed, refreshed and glowing. For a scrub, mix ground almonds (badaam) with yogurt. Dried and powdered lemon and orange peels can also be added. Dry and powdered mint (pudina) leaves also help to add a glow. Apply the mixture on the face and leave on for a few minutes. Then, rub gently, with small circular movements, washing off with water. A facial scrub can also be made with walnut powder. Add honey and lemon juice. 

Mix honey and lemon juice in equal quantities and apply daily on the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. It leaves the skin very soft and glowing. Egg white can also be added to this mixture. 

Fruit packs are great for adding radiance to the skin. They can also be applied daily. Mix grated apples with ripe papaya pulp and mashed banana. Yogurt or lemon juice can be added to the mixture. Apply it on the face and leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with plain water. It not only adds a glow, but also removes tan and makes the skin soft. 

Dried and powdered curry leaves (kari patta) can also be added to face packs, as it is said to add a glow to the skin. It can be mixed with Fullers Earth (multani mitti) and rose water into a paste. Apply on the face and wash it off when it is dry. Multani mitti also clarifies the skin and is particularly useful for oily skin. 

The skin is called the mirror of the body and rightly so. No other organ reflects the state of internal health as faithfully as the skin. An unhealthy lifestyle, lack of sleep and exercise, stress, nutritional deficiencies all reflect on the skin, in terms of dull lifeless skin. Include a variety of natural foods, like fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, yogurt, fresh fruit juices, leafy green vegetables, "dalia", oats, green tea, in your diet. Fresh fruit juices should be diluted with water. Drink plenty of water. Foods like these remove toxins and cleanse the system, adding a glow to the skin. Indeed, internal health and external beauty are two sides of the same coin. 

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CANCER CAUSING CHEMICAL FOUND IN PEANUTS AND COOKING OIL

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Saturday, January 7, 2012 0 comments

Beijing: Food safety regulators in a Chinese province have detected carcinogenic substance Aflatoxin in peanuts and cooking oil.

The chemical was found in the food items in Shenzhen city of Guangdong province, the Shanghai Daily reported.

The cancer-causing substance triggered a health scare earlier this week after being found in milk products.

Aflatoxin occurs naturally in the environment and is produced by certain types of fungi. It can cause severe liver damage, including cancer.

The Shenzhen market supervision bureau said it found up to four times the permitted level of aflatoxin in peanuts sold in three places, and similar levels in cooking oil in four restaurants.

Food safety officials have recalled cooking oil produced by three companies in Guangdong over fears they may contain excessive levels of aflatoxin.

The companies' storage facilities were shut down and licenses revoked. Their factories were ordered to suspend operations.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Warm welcome to my health blog! This was introduced with an objective to educate and spread awareness among people, encouraging them to live healthier lives with longevity. Let me emphasize that our contemporary situation in individual’s life are so fast moving that we tend to neglect and spare some moments for our own health. My inspiration has turned into passion in a health care that turned into a blog. The ample of support and response was tremendously changed into positive results. I dedicated this blog for all those people who are very conscious for their health and life style. Hope so, I can bring differences for healthy living the fore my viewer comments are always valuable and your continued patronage is important for me. Wish you a happy and healthy life ahead!

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