Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Yoga to reduce weight

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems of the modern age. It is the main cause for many serious, incurable and fatal diseases. Blood pressure, heart problem, diabetes and other dangerous diseases are caused due to obesity. Our body weight gradually increases when focus is not given during childhood. Over time, this leads to obesity. It can be cured permanently with the intake of balanced food, proper life style and regular practice of yoga asanas. This will also cure the above-mentioned diseases, as well as many others. Regular practice of yoga asanas cure all types of disease. A few asanas very useful for overcoming obesity are given below:
Dwichakrikasana

Method:

1. Lie down straight on your back with your hands beside and below the hips. Stop the breath. Raise one leg, bending it at the knee, and then rotate it like you are riding a bicycle. Repeat this for 10 to 30 times as per your capacity. Similarly, repeat the exercise with your other leg. Rotate the legs without touching the ground. Make a circular shape with the legs.

2. When tired lie down in shavasana and rest for some time and repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, again resting when tired.

3. Inhale, and then repeat the exercise by rotating both the legs simultaneously in a circular motion, as done when you ride a bicycle. After, repeat this in the opposite direction continuously like a bicycle. 5 to 10 times according to your capacity.

Benefits:

1. This is the best exercise to reduce weight. Regular practice of this asana for 5 to 10 minutes sheds out unnecessary weight, and obesity can be reduced in a very short time.

2. It gives proper shape to the stomach. It activates the intestines. It cures constipation, dysentery, acidity etc.

3. In case of backache do the exercise with single leg, it is helpful for backache as well.

Padvritasana

Method:

1. Lie down straight on your back. Raise the right leg and make a circle by rotating the leg clockwise. In this way make 5 to 20 circles without touching the leg to the ground.

2. After rotating in one direction, rotate the leg in the opposite direction (anti-clockwise). Rest in shavasana when you become tired. Alternate between legs.

3. After doing this exercise with single legs, do it with both the legs simultaneously. Rotate the legs in as big a circle as you can. Rotate the legs clockwise and then again anti-clockwise.

Benefits:

1. This asana is also for reducing extra weight.

2. It reduces the fat accumulated in the hips, thighs and waist and gives proper shape to the stomach.

Ardha Halasana



Method:

This asana is like uttanapadasana - the only difference is that in uttanapadasana the legs are raised up to 30 degrees whereas in ardha halasana the legs are raised up to 90 degrees.

1. Lie down on your back. Keep the palms of your hands towards the floor; your legs should be straight and both the feet should be together.

2. Inhale and slowly raise the legs straight up to 90 degrees and remain in this position for some time. Do not bend the knees when you raise the legs.

3. While bringing down the legs, rest the legs on the floor without jerk. Rest for a while and repeat it again at least six times.

4. Those who have backache, should raise one leg at a time.

Benefits:

1. This asana is especially useful to reduce weight.

2. It makes the intestines flexible and healthy, increases the fire of the stomach and cures constipation, gas and obesity.

3. It is also beneficial in shifting of the navel, heart disease, stomachache and respiratory problems.

4. Raising one leg at a time is especially beneficial for backache problems.


Picked up from : Yogic Remedy for Obesity

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Key facts/ FAQs about Swine Flu

What is swine influenza?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses. The influenza A virus subtype H1N1 can adapt and spread more efficiently than previously known H1N1 strains


How does Swine Flu spread?

Swine flu viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.


What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:

- Muscles ache
- Fever
- Lethargy/ extreme tiredness
- Runny/ stuffy nose
- Dry Cough
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite.
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur


Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses?

No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.


Has this strain of flu been seen before?

No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating swine flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.


Can people catch swine flu by eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ÂșC and above kills the swine flu virus.


How long is someone with swine flu considered contagious?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.


How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.


What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?

There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.


What can I do to protect myself from the swine flu?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the swine flu.

However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.


Which countries have had cases of the swine flu?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.


Useful Links:
World Health Organization: www.who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Homeland Security Department: www.dhs.gov
WHO swine flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Friday, January 02, 2009

Spring/ Summer 2009: Fashion Colors

According to Pantone’s Spring 2009 Fashion Color Report, “hopeful attitudes with lively colors, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty.” will characterize the spring 09. Spring 2009 sees designers incorporate vibrant pops into their collections, yet temper the vibrancy with deeper, translucent or neutral tones.

According to
the Pantone Color Report Spring 2009 designers this season, take a steadfast, classic, spring navy-like tone and makes it sparkle. Paired with just about any color in the report, it offers many intriguing spring combinations. Taking purple in a lighter direction, Lavender presents a softer, more summery hue, extending the mystical aspects of purple available last fall. As yellow continues to make its mark on the world of fashion, tangy Super Lemon brings a fun, optimistic outlook to the palette. Its luminosity is determined to evoke a smile and attract the roving consumer’s eyes. Taking a cue from its lemony neighbor, friendly and approachable Salmon Rose also conveys an optimistic outlook. The subtlest of oranges, Salmon Rose is flattering to most complexions and is beautiful with a summer glow. Think sensual and seductive Fuchsia Red for clothing, as well as lipstick and nail polish selections, this spring. With its blue undertones, this cool red is a real show-stopper, adding a sense of elegance to the palette. Stabilizing neutrals provide practicality in a changing economic landscape. Not your average beige, Rose Dust breaks away from the typical neutrals associated with spring by adding dimension with subtle rose undertones. And with its bluish-green undertones, cool Slate Gray is a nuanced neutral that can be paired with any of the other nine colors in the report. Three greens, each with their own distinct personality, round out the color palette for spring ‘09, perpetuating the idea of freshness and renewal. Vibrant Green, the quintessential spring hue, brings a true verdancy to the palette in a time of revitalization. Dark Citron, a citrus-inspired green, is calmer and more serious than most, offering an element of sophistication to the mix. Reflective Lucite Green, a clean, clear subtle hue, adds a slight shimmer.

Pantone, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the world-renowned authority on color.

Top 2008 colors for spring 2008 are:

Super Lemon

Fuchsia Red

Lavender

Vibrant Green

Slate Gray

Palace Blue

Lucite Green

Salmon Rose

Rose Dust

Dark Citron