feedback after Hypospadias surgery

Ways to Bring Down Your Blood Pressure

W

Many people can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. The only way to know if your blood pressure is too high is through regular checkups, which is why annual physicals are so important, no matter your age.High blood pressure, not heart attack or stroke, is the most common cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences and possibly death.Your blood pressure is represented by two numbers, the systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). These numbers are determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.When your heart beats, it squeezes and pushes blood through your arteries to the rest of your body. This force creates pressure on those blood vessels, which is the systolic blood pressure.

• A normal systolic pressure is below 120.
• A reading of 120-129 is elevated.
• 130-139 is stage 1 high blood pressure (also called hypertension).
• 140 or more is stage 2 hypertension.
• 180 or more could be a hypertensive crisis and you should call your doctor right away.

  

The diastolic reading, or bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. This is when the heart fills with blood and gets oxygen.

• A normal diastolic blood pressure is lower than 80, but even if your diastolic number is below 80, you can still have high blood pressure if the systolic reading is 120-129.
• 80-89 is stage 1 hypertension.
• 90 or more is stage 2 hypertension.
• 120 or more is a hypertensive crisis and you should call 911 right away.

If you can successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication and hopefully prolong your life. Here are important lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.

Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline

Weight loss is one of the best ways to control blood pressure. Losing just 10 pounds can help bring it down. But as well as shedding pounds, you also need to keep an eye on your waistline. Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure.

Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity—at least 30 minutes several days a week—can lower your blood pressure significantly. It’s important to be consistent because if you stop exercising, your blood pressure can rise again.

Limit alcohol

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

Quit smoking

Each cigarette you smoke increases your blood pressure for several minutes after you finish. The good news: quitting smoking helps your blood pressure return to normal. People who quit smoking, regardless of age, have substantial increases in life expectancy.

Reduce your stress

Chronic stress is a major contributor to high blood pressure, particularly if you react to stress by eating unhealthy food, drinking or smoking.

NATURAL TIPS FOR DRY SKIN

                                                  

For people with dry skin, sometimes just using a moisturiser isn’t enough, no matter how nourishing the ingredients are.That’s why we’ve put together some little-known tips and tricks to give you the edge against skin dryness. You will also discover some natural and organic skin care recommendations, which are trusted by thousands of people to care for their dry skin.

           

Improve your skin from within: It’s not just what you drink that helps to keep your skin hydrated. You can also supplement your diet to help maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels. Naturally occurringfoods such as oily fish, flax seeds and hemp seeds, and contain high levels of beneficial fatty acids proven to reduce inflammation in the skin and help to prevent trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping your skin hydration levels in check.

Scrubs aren’t just for oily skin: For those who believe that exfoliating is just for oily or blemish-prone skin, you may be missing a trick. While scrubs are great for unblocking pores and reducing spots, regular exfoliation is also essential for people with dry skin. Gentle exfoliation 2-3 times a week helps to speed up cell turnover, increase skin radiance and boost the absorption and effectiveness of your moisturisers, oils and serums.Natural Bamboo extract, Bentonite clay and Pineapple enzymes slough off dead, dull and dry skin cells to reveal a smooth, glowing complexion.

                                                                      

How to layer your skin care: When applied incorrectly, even the most luxurious skin care products will be partly wasted and unable to deliver their full potential. While it may sound daunting to learn the best order in which to apply your oils, serums and creams, it couldn’t be simpler.Always apply your hydrating serum or moisturiser before your facial oil. Think of facials oil as outerwear for your skin; you wouldn’t wear your raincoat under a t-shirt and it’s the same for facial oils. Organic oils work as a nourishing, protective layer in your skin care regime and should be used as the last step to seal in all the goodness and moisture from your other products. Skin care products applied over a facial oil will be partly wasted as the oil acts as a barrier.

Act fast to lock in moisture: Your skin starts to lose moisture just 30 seconds after showering, so lock in hydration by moisturising as soon as possible. Before you leave the bathroom, gently pat your face dry and then follow with a serum or moisturiser, next apply a few drops of facial oil to seal in as much hydration as possible.f you suffer with dry skin on your arms, legs or torso, the same applies for using a hydrating body lotion or nourishing body butter.

Exercise: Exercise gets your blood flowing, oxygenating, and moisturising your skin as you burn those calories. Even a simple run can work wonders for not only your dry skin, but the health of your skin in general.

Sleep Well: Lack of sleep doesn’t only make you yawn at the worst of times, but it also makes your skin more sensitive and prone to dryness. Growth hormones that reproduce skin cells and stimulate the skin are released during the latter stages of sleep, making our skin healthier while we basically do nothing.

Don’t take hot showers or baths: Hot water is not a friend to your dry skin as it breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which decreases moisture. To help dry skin, take shorter showers using warm water.

Gastritis Symptoms

Gastritis Symptoms 

How to prevent Gastritis? 

If you have digestive problems try to eat smaller meals more often and avoid food that causes problems, especially very spicy, sour and oily food. Avoid alcohol and stop smoking. It has been proved that smoking damages the stomach mucosa and increases acid secretion, which results in inflammation and can cause stomach cancer. In fact smoking is one of the most important factors in the making of stomach cancer. Avoid anti-inflammatory anti-rheumatics like Voltaren, Brufen, Ketonal. For pain, use paracetamol. It is usual to use paracetamol for fever but we forget his excellent analgesic effect without the undesirable effect on the stomach mucosa. Reduce stress in your life. If you cannot affect the environment, influence on yourself learn to control stress. And it is much easier if you eat healthy, good food, exercise regulary, have enough sleep and rest, and learn to relax.  

How to treat gastritis? 

Treatment depends on the cause of gastritis. Medications that neutralize stomach acid (antacids) or other medications that reduce stomach acid secretion will usually drive away the symptoms and improve / weaken the illness. Drugs and means that cause gastritis should not be used are alcohol, non-steroidal anti rheumatics, iron preparations, etc. Treatment of gastritis caused by H. pylori is a combination of antibiotics, blockers of acid secretion and gastric mucosa protective. Currently the most accurate is triple therapy with two antibiotics against H. pylori in combination with drugs that block the secretion of acid or with protective (azithromycin + amoxicillin + omeprazole). It relieves symptoms, kills its cause and prevents relapse. 

What are the causes of gastritis? 

Mucosa that covers the stomach protects it from acid which breaks down food. Factors that undermine homeostasis cause mucous membrane damage and inflammation which is called gastritis. Bacterial infections. People infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori may have stomach pain, usually gastritis. About half of the world's population is infected with the bacteria but not all have problems. Why some have an inflammation or ulcer, and some not - it is not clear: many other factors influence it: stress, smoking, lifestyle, food, and genetics. 


          


Tips for self-help and nutrition in gastritis 

It is recommended the regular intake of daily meals - more often but smaller portions, skip the late evening meals and avoid stomach mucous membrane irritation by strong spices, or too high and low temperatures of food and beverages, aerated drinks. It is desirable to avoid food that is known to causes reflux and are as follows: 

Tomato and tomato products 
Citrus fruit (lemon, tangerine, orange, grapefruit) and citrus juices 
Onion and garlic 
Pepper, chili pepper 
Cucumbers 
Chocolate 
Coffee, strong tea and products with caffeine 
Peppermint and products that contain it 
Fried food, food rich in oils and fats 
Spices (especially chili, pepper) 
Vinegar 


                                  


The diet should give priority to fruits (non-citrus) and vegetables, cereals and dairy products that fermented, avoiding large quantities of meat. Quit smoking, avoiding alcohol, and reduced use of anti-inflammatory drugs is necessary. It is advisable to remove the daily stress in the greater extent. 


                                         

Keep Your Lungs Happy

The 5 Best Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy 

                                           

Lungs are a critical component of the respiratory system; a group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe. The main role of the respiratory system is to move fresh air and get waste gasses out of the body. They take in oxygen when you inhale and force out carbon dioxide when you exhale, and play an integral role in maintaining the body’s overall health. Five of the best ways to ensure that your lungs are operating at their optimum level now and into the future: 

1. Avoid Smoking Smoking is by far the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for around 80 percent of lung cancers. It is an extremely aggressive form of cancer. 

2. Get Regular Exercise Regular physical activity and exercise improves quality of life, and is important for maintaining a healthy heart, for maintaining a healthy weight and for reducing the risk of diabetes. Exercise also helps to keep your lungs healthy. 

3. Be Aware of the Air Quality Around You The air that people breathe on a day to day basis has a dramatic influence on the function of their lungs. Research has shown that smog can damage the lining of the lungs and irritate and inflame pulmonary membranes. Air pollution is not just an outdoor issue however. Fireplaces, wood stoves, fumes, mould, pet dander and even particular types of air fresheners and candles can also cause problems with lung function. 

4. Watch What You Eat Nutrition is an important component in overall health, but there is a significant body of evidence to suggest that particular foods are better than others for developing strong, robust lung function. Antioxidant-rich foods including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choi and kale have been shown to be good for lungs as they absorb or attach to free radicals, preventing them from attacking normal, healthy tissue. 

5. Maintain your Overall Health Whilst influenza is not the devastating illness that it once was, it can still cause significant health problems, especially for lung function. Cold, dry air can stress the airways, so staying illness-free is an important step in maintaining overall lung health. Immunization is a good way to help ward off the virus that causes the flu, preventing potential problems before they affect the lungs. 


                            

Loving Your Liver

Loving Your Liver 

Loving your liver is pretty easy when you know how. Here are our top 12 tips you can follow every day for good liver health. 

1.  Maintain a healthy weight:  Measure your middle and keep it at a healthy circumference. Men should maintain a waist of less than 102 cm and women, less than 88 cm. Exercising and eating a diet that’s low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals will help you maintain a healthy weight and liver.

2. Avoid fad diets: Avoid any products that promise large amounts of weight loss in an unrealistically short period of time. These diets are usually lacking in essential nutrients and are not beneficial. Aim to lose weight at a healthy rate of ½ -1 kg per week. Liver cleansing and detox diets should also be avoided.

3. Drink alcohol in moderation Sensible consumption of alcohol is critical to your health. While alcoholism is more common among men, women are more susceptible to the adverse effects of alcohol on the liver. In fact, it takes as little as 20 grams of alcohol daily (only two standard drinks) for women to develop liver problems.

4. Quit smoking It’s been proven that smoking cigarettes is linked to the development of liver cancer. Smoking can also enhance the toxic effects that some medications (such as Paracetamol) have on the liver.

5. Take care with tattoos and piercings If you’re keen to get a tattoo or a piercing, take extra care to find an establishment that is clean and adheres to meticulous sterilization practices. Understand what makes your liver so important, try our liver-loving recipes, read more diet tips and make sure you get plenty of exercise.

                       

Diet which keeps your Liver healthy 

1. Almonds Almonds are the nuts. Jam-packed with fiber, riboflavin, magnesium and iron, they also have more calcium than any other nut.

2.  Oats Oats have a high soluble fiber content, a low glycaemic index and they are a whole grain, which means they contain many essential vitamins and minerals. So, a regular dose of oats in your diet may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce heart disease risk and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

3.  Soybeans Soy is a top quality protein that has no cholesterol or animal fat. It’s low in saturated fat, high in fibre and is known to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, may help prevent osteoporosis, alleviate those hot flushes during menopause and may even help protect against breast, prostate and bowel cancer.

4. Tea Put the kettle on and make yourself a nice cup of green or black tea. Brimming with antioxidants, a cuppa can help protect your body’s cells against damage and mutation. Green tea also packs ECGC – a powerful antioxidant that may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, while black tea can boost the immune system, lower the risk of stroke and may help prevent osteoporosis.

Prevent The Uric Acid To En gulp Your Maturity

These foods will help you keep uric acid at normal levels 

                                       


High levels of uric acid in the bloodstream, also known as hyperglycemia, can come about as a result of either an increase in the production of uric acid in the body or a decreased excretion of it through the kidneys.  Factors that can help contribute to high uric acid levels include a diet high in purines, excess alcohol consumption, obesity, renal insufficiency, genetics, under active thyroid, and diabetes. There are some tips and natural remedies that will help reduce and control your uric acid levels, and 8 of these can be found below.


                                                      

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

As a natural cleanser and detoxifier, apple cider vinegar can help remove uric acid from the body. Furthermore, it helps to restore the alkaline acid balance in the body and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

2. Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a glass of warm water, and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. Continue to do this for a few weeks. Its vitamin C content helps to decrease uric acid levels. You can also take vitamin C supplements, but consult your doctor first so that they can give you the proper dosage.

3. Cherries

Cherries and other dark berries contain chemicals that help to reduce uric acid levels. Furthermore, purple and blue-colored berries contain flavonoids that help lower uric acid and reduce inflammation and stiffness. Eat half a cup of cherries each day for a few weeks.  Add blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, and other vitamin C and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is very efficient at lowering uric acid levels and reducing gout pain. It helps to maintain the natural alkaline balance in the body, and makes uric acid more soluble and easier to flush out of the kidneys. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Drink up to four glasses of this a day for two weeks. You can drink it every 2-4 hours.


                                         

5. Water

Drinking a lot of water helps to optimize uric acid filtering. It helps to dilute the uric acid and stimulates the kidneys to eliminate excess amounts through urine. Furthermore, drinking enough water can reduce the risk of recurrent gout attacks.  Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day. Include more water-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet. 

6. High-fiber Foods and Starchy Carbohydrates

Foods that are high in dietary fiber help lower uric acid levels by absorbing it, and then eliminating it from the body. Starchy carbohydrates are also safe to eat as they contain only small amounts of purine.  Whole grains, pears, apples, oranges, and strawberries are some good examples of high-fiber foods that you should incorporate into your diet.  Starchy carbohydrates are foods such as rice, whole grain pasta, potato, bananas, oats, and quinoa. 

7. Dairy Products 

Low-fat milk and other dairy products have been associated with lower plasma urate concentrations and a reduced risk of gout. Skimmed milk, for example, contains orotic acid that decreases the re-absorption of uric acid, and promotes its removal from the body through the kidneys.  Drink 1-5 cups of skimmed milk a day.  Include low-fat yogurt and other dairy products in your diet. 

8. Wheat grass Juice

Wheat grass helps to restore alkalinity in the blood. Furthermore, it’s rich in vitamin C, chlorophyll, and phytochemicals that help to promote detoxification. It’s also a very good source of protein and amino acids as alternative to eating animal protein. Each day, mix two tablespoons of wheat grass juice with a squeeze of lemon juice until your uric acid levels come down.

                                    

Eat Green For Better Colors

Health Benefits of Fruit and Vegetables 

•  Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet, and variety is as important as quantity. 

•  No single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients you need to be healthy. Eat plenty every day. 

                                                   

A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check. Eating non-starchy vegetables and fruits like apples, pears, and green leafy vegetables may even promote weight loss. Their low glycemic loads prevent blood sugar spikes that can increase hunger.

At least nine different families of fruits and vegetables exist, each with potentially hundreds of different plant compounds that are beneficial to health. Eat a variety of types and colors of produce in order to give your body the mix of nutrients it needs. This not only ensures a greater diversity of beneficial plant chemicals but also creates eye-appealing meals.


                                            

Tips to eat more vegetables and fruits each day 


1. Keep fruit where you can see it. Place several ready-to-eat washed whole fruits in a bowl or store chopped colorful fruits in a glass bowl in the refrigerator to tempt a sweet tooth.

2. Explore the produce aisle and choose something new. Variety and color are key to a healthy diet. On most days, try to get at least one serving from each of the following categories: dark green leafy vegetables; yellow or orange fruits and vegetables; red fruits and vegetables; legumes (beans) an and citrus fruits.

3. Skip the potatoes. Choose other vegetables that are packed with different nutrients and more slowly digested carbohydrates.

4. Make it a meal. Try cooking new recipes that include more vegetables. Salads, soups, and stir-fries are just a few ideas for increasing the number of tasty vegetables in your meals.

                                        


Different Ways of Consuming Vegetables 

Salads are a fresh and healthy way to enjoy your greens, but be mindful about the amount of dressing you use, and aim for the non-fat or low-fat variety. It is interesting, however, to note that oil-soluble vitamins such as carotenoids and Vitamin K are best absorbed with some dietary fat. A few drops of olive oil or canola oil in your salad will therefore aid in your body’s absorption of these nutrients, as well as make it taste better.

Besides eating vegetables raw, cooking your veggies can also bring on added benefits. Studies have shown that the process of cooking helps to break down tough outer layers and the cellular structure of many vegetables, making it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients.

As a rule of thumb, the lesser the exposure to high heat and water, the better for veggies to retain their nutrients. Microwaving, steaming and sautéing are generally safe bets for cooking your vegetables. Blanching (placing your vegetables into boiling water briefly) is another good option. Remember not to boil your vegetables for too long as water soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C, B1 and folate can leach into the water. The exception to this rule is carrots, which display increased levels of beta carotene after boiling.

Healthy Heart For Healthy People

5 Things to Do Daily to Keep Your Heart Healthy 

1. Eat healthy fats, NOT trans fats:

We need fats in our diet, including saturated and polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats. One fat we don’t need is trans fat, which is known to increase your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke over a lifetime. This is because trans fat clogs your arteries by raising your bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lowering your good cholesterol levels (HDL). By cutting them from your diet, you improve the blood flow throughout your body. So, what are trans fats? They are industry-produced fats often used in packaged baked goods, snack foods, margarines and fried fast foods to add flavor and texture.

2.  Practice good dental hygiene, especially flossing your teeth daily:

Dental health is a good indication of overall health, including your heart, because those who have periodontal (gum) disease often have the same risk factors for heart disease. Studies continue on this issue, but many have shown that bacteria in the mouth involved in the development of gum disease can move into the bloodstream and cause an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation in the blood vessels. These changes may in turn, increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

                                    

3.  Get enough sleep:

Sleep is an essential part of keeping your heart healthy. If you don’t sleep enough, you may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease no matter your age or other health habits. One study looking at 3,000 adults over the age of 45 found that those who slept fewer than six hours per night were about twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack as people who slept six to eight hours per night. Researchers believe sleeping too little causes disruptions in underlying health conditions and biological processes, including blood pressure and inflammation.

4.  Don’t sit for too long at one time:

In recent years, research has suggested that staying seated for long periods of time is bad for your health no matter how much exercise you do. This is bad news for the many people who sit at sedentary jobs all day. When looking at the combined results of several observational studies that included nearly 800,000 people, researchers found that in those who sat the most, there was an associated 147 percent increase in cardiovascular events and a 90 percent increase in death caused by these events. In addition, sitting for long periods of time (especially when traveling) increases your risk of deep vein throm (a blood clot).


                                                   
5.   Avoid secondhand smoke like the plague: 

Studies show that the risk of developing heart disease is about 25 to 30 percent higher for people who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work. According to the American Heart Association, exposure to tobacco smoke contributes to about 34,000 premature heart disease deaths and 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year. And nonsmokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol have an even greater risk of developing heart disease when they’re exposed to secondhand smoke. This is because the chemicals emitted from cigarette smoke promote the development of plaque buildup in the arteries.

Sleep More To Stay Well

How Does Lack Of Sleep Affect Your Body 

                                               

If sleeping less than 6 hours a day is a common feature in your life, then you must complete reading this article right now. Lack of sleep can affect your body in more ways than you can imagine. Work. Online life. Family and friends. Our life gets too entangled in these elements that we forget to give our body ample rest in the form of adequate sleep. Here is how lack of sleep harms your body very silently: 

     1. The Weight Gain Pain
 

When you are sleep deprived, you invite obesity. It’s said that when your body receives less sleep, you tend to feel hungrier and hence eat more. This happens because of hormonal imbalance. The hormone that stimulates our hunger (ghrelin) increases while the chemical that helps in keeping our appetite in check (leptin) lowers. 

     2. The Diabetes Risk 

Keeping an eye on your diet and exercise are crucial for preventing diabetes. But little did you know that when you sleep less, your body’s ability to process the glucose in your bloodstream gets hampered. Thus, making you more susceptible to type 2 diabetes. 

      3. Skip Sleep Skip A Beat 

In the long run, sleeping less than 6 hours a day can increase your chances of getting a heart disease by 2 times. This happens because lack of sleep alters your heart rate and increases your blood pressure since your body is not relaxed.As high BP or hypertension is the number one reason for heart issues, not sleeping well is something you should refrain from. 

      4. Less Immunity, More Infections 

“Your immune system produces proteins called cytokines while you are asleep. These cytokines are required to produce antibodies that help prevent infections like common cold, etc.”, informs Dr. A. K. Singh, Uppal, Hyderabad. These elements also help in speeding your recovery from illnesses. But if you are sleep deprived, it means reduced levels of cytokines and hence you increase your risk of getting sick. 

       5. Less Sleep Less Sperms 

Sleep deprivation reduces your libido but as per studies, it can also lead to infertility. This is more common among men. The chances of a low sperm count are more likely if you don’t get a good night’s sleep for at least 6 hours. So it’s not only the quantity of sleep that matters but also the quality. Nothing is more important than your health. No work or party is worth your good night’s sleep. So choose to snooze beyond forty winks before your health sinks. If you have any problems in getting a sound sleep you might need medical help. Happy Sleeping!