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7 Pains You Should Never Ignore

2008-06-12T14:58:00.001+05:30

7 Pains You Should Never Ignore

These common aches could very well be nothing -- or something far, far worse. Plus three things you really don't have to worry about.By Allen St. John
Most of the time, it's good that the little Vince Lombardi sitting on our shoulder tells us to shut up and play through the pain, otherwise we'd never get anything done. On the other hand, there are a few instances in which we can actually talk ourselves out of existence.

That's what happened to NBC reporter David Bloom. While covering the war in Iraq from his specially outfitted armored vehicle, he began to feel pain behind his knee. He reportedly sought out medical advice by satellite phone, decided not to follow the advice -- "Go to a doctor" -- popped a few aspirin, and kept right on going. Three days later, Bloom died of a pulmonary embolism caused by deep-vein thrombosis. He was 39.

The ache that Bloom blew off is one of seven pains that no man should ever ignore. And no, this isn't negotiable.

1. Sudden Groin Pain

Not as severe as a shot to the crotch, but pretty close. Sometimes accompanied by swelling.

The condition: Odds are it's something called testicular torsion. Normally, a man's testicles are attached to his body in two ways: by the spermatic cords, which run into the abdomen, and by fleshy anchors near the scrotum. But sometimes, in a relatively common congenital defect, these anchors are missing. This allows one of the spermatic cords to get twisted, which cuts off the flow of blood to the testicle. "If you catch it in 4 to 6 hours, you can usually save the testicle," says Jon Pryor, M., a urologist with the University of Minnesota. "But after 12 to 24 hours, you'll probably lose it." Another possible cause of the pain in your pants: an infection of the epididymis, your sperm-storage facility.

The diagnostics: A physical examination, possibly followed by an ultrasound. Antibiotics can stifle an infection.

And if your testicles are doing the twist? A surgeon will straighten the cord, then construct artificial anchors with a few stitches near the scrotum.

2. Severe Back Pain

Similar to the kind of agony you'd expect if you'd just tried to clean-and-jerk an armoire. The usual remedies -- heat, rest, OTC painkillers -- offer no relief.

The condition: "If it's not related to exercise, sudden severe back pain can be the sign of an aneurysm," says Sigfried Kra, MD, an associate professor at the Yale school of medicine. Particularly troubling is the abdominal aneurysm, a dangerous weakening of the aorta just above the kidneys. But don't worry; eventually, the pain subsides -- right after your body's main artery bursts. A less threatening possibility: You have a kidney stone. More pain, but you'll only wish you were dead.

The diagnostics: A CT scan using intravenous radiopaque dye does the best job of revealing the size and shape of an aneurysm. Once its dimensions are determined, it'll be treated with blood-pressure medication or surgery to implant a synthetic graft.

3. Persistent Foot or Shin Pain

A nagging pain in the top of your foot or the front of your shin that's worse when you exercise, but present even at rest. It's impervious to ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

The condition: It's probably a stress fracture. Bones, like all the other tissues in your body, are continually regenerating themselves. "But if you're training so hard that the bone doesn't get a chance to heal itself, a stress fracture can develop," explains Andrew Feldman, MD, the team physician for the New York Rangers. Eventually, the bone can be permanently weakened.

The diagnostics: Radioactive dye reveals the fracture in the X-ray, and you'll be told to stop all running until the crack heals. Worst case, you'll be in a cast for a few weeks.

4. Sharp Pain in the Abdomen

All the metaphors apply -- knife in the gut, bullet in the belly, skewer in the stomach -- except this attack is from within.

The condition: Take your pick. Since the area between your ribs and your hips is jam-packed with organs, the pain can be a symptom of either appendicitis, pancreatitis, or an inflamed gallbladder. In all three cases, the cause is the same: Something has blocked up the organ in question, resulting in a potentially fatal infection. Exploding organs can kill a guy. See a doctor before this happens.

The diagnostics: If the pain is in your lower-right abdomen and your white-blood-cell count is up, says Dr. Kra, it's probably appendicitis (out comes the appendix). Pain in your upper abdomen with high white blood cells usually spells an inflamed gallbladder (goodbye, gallbladder). And if it hurts below your breastbone and certain enzymes in the blood are elevated, then pancreatitis is probably the culprit. (The pancreas stays, but a gallstone may be blocking things up. If so, the stone and the gallbladder may have to come out.)

5. Transient Chest Pain

Not a type of pain that strikes only homeless people, but a heavy ache that comes on suddenly and then goes away just as quickly. Otherwise, you feel fine.

The condition: It could be indigestion. Or it could be a heart attack. "Even if it's very short in duration, it can be a sign of something serious," says John Stamatos, MD, medical director of North Shore Pain Services in Long Island and author of Painbuster. Here's how serious: A blood clot may have lodged in a narrowed section of a coronary artery, completely cutting off the flow of blood to one section of your heart. How much wait-and-see time do you have? Really, none. Fifty percent of deaths from heart attacks occur within 3 to 4 hours of the first symptoms. You're literally living on borrowed time.

The diagnostics: A blood test checks for markers of damaged heart tissue. Treatment: angioplasty or bypass.

6. Leg Pain with Swelling

Specifically, one of your calves is killing you. It's swollen and tender to the touch, and may even feel warm, as if it's being slow-roasted from the inside out.

The condition: Just sit in one place for 6 or more hours straight and wait for the blood that pools in your lower legs to form a clot (a.k.a. deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT). Next thing you know, that clot will be big enough to block a vein in your calf, producing pain and swelling. Unfortunately, the first thing you'll probably want to do -- rub your leg -- is also the worst thing. "It can send a big clot running up to your lung, where it can kill you," warns Dr. Stamatos.

The diagnostics: A venogram, in which dye is injected into the vein and then X-rayed, is the definitive way to diagnose DVT. They'll try to dissolve the clot with drugs, or outfit vulnerable veins with filters to stop a clot before it stops you.

7. Painful Urination

Relieving yourself has become an exercise in expletives. Also, you could swear (and you do) that your yellow stream has a rusty tint.

The condition: Worst case? Bladder cancer, according to Joseph A. Smith, M.D., chairman of the department of urologic surgery at Vanderbilt University. The pain and the blood in your urine are symptoms of this, the fourth most common cancer in men. Smoking is the biggest risk factor. Catch the disease early, and there's a 90% chance of fixing it. Bladder infections share the same symptoms.

The diagnostics: It's a sick joke, but true nonetheless: They'll diagnose by process of elimination. Urinalysis first, to rule out bugs, followed by inserting a scope to look inside the bladder. A tumor will be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic

2008-05-26T18:28:00.003+05:30

Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic

Choosing fresh foods can help you feel better and preserve the environment

Regardless of diet, organic foods are a
smart priority. Opting for organic foods is an effectual choice for personal and
planetary health. Buying organically grown food--free of harmful chemicals,
bursting with more nutrition, taste, and sustainable sustenance--is a direct
vote for immediate health and the hopeful future of generations to come.

Article continues below...

1. Avoid Chemicals

Eating organically grown
foods is the only way to avoid the cocktail of chemical poisons present in
commercially grown food. More than 600 active chemicals are registered for
agricultural use in America, to the tune of billions of pounds annually. The
average application equates to about 16 pounds of chemical pesticides per person
every year. Many of these chemicals were approved by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) before extensive diet testing.

The National Academy of Sciences reports that 90% of the chemicals
applied to foods have not been tested for long-term health effects before being
deemed "safe." Further, the FDA tests only 1% of foods for pesticide residue.
The most dangerous and toxic pesticides require special testing methods, which
are rarely if ever employed by the FDA.

2. Benefit from More Nutrients

Organically
grown foods have more nutrients--vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and
micronutrients--than commercially grown foods because the soil is managed and
nourished with sustainable practices by responsible standards. The Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine conducted a review of 41 published
studies comparing the nutritional value of organically grown and conventionally
grown fruits, vegetables, and grains and concluded that there are
significantly more of several nutrients in organic foods crops.

Further, the study verifies that five servings of organically grown
vegetables (such as lettuce, spinach, carrots, potatoes, and
cabbage) provide an adequate allowance of vitamin C, whereas the same number of
servings of conventionally grown vegetables do not.

On average, organically grown foods provide: • 21.1% more
iron (than their conventional counterparts) • 27% more vitamin C •
29.3% more magnesium • 13.6% more phosphorus

3. Enjoy Better Taste

Try it! Organically
grown foods generally taste better because nourished, well balanced soil
produces healthy, strong plants. This is especially true with heirloom
varieties, which are cultivated for taste over appearance.

4. Avoid GMO

Genetically engineered (GE)
food and genetically modified organisms (GMO) are contaminating our food supply
at an alarming rate, with repercussions beyond understanding

GMO foods do not have to be labeled in America. Because organically
grown food cannot be genetically modified in any way, choosing organic is the
only way to be sure that foods that have been genetically engineered stay out of
your diet.

5. Avoid Hormones, Antibiotics and Drugs in
Animal Products

Conventional meat and dairy are the highest risk foods for
contamination by harmful substances. More than 90% of the pesticides Americans
consume are found in the fat and tissue of meat and dairy products.

The EPA reports that a majority of pesticide intake comes from
meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products because these foods are
all high on the food chain. For instance, a large fish that eats a smaller fish
that eats even smaller fish accumulates all of the toxins of the chain,
especially in fatty tissue. Cows, chickens, and pigs are fed animal parts,
by-products, fish meal, and grains that are heavily and collectively laden with toxins and
chemicals. Lower-fat animal products are less dangerous, as toxins and chemicals
are accumulated and concentrated in fatty tissue.

Antibiotics, drugs, and growth hormones are also directly
passed into meat and dairy products. Tens of millions of pounds of antibiotics are used in animal feed every year. The union of
concerned scientists estimates that roughly 70% of antibiotics produced in the United States are fed to animals
for nontherapeutic purposes.

US farmers have been giving sex hormones and growth hormones to cattle to
artificially increase the amount of meat and milk the cattle produce without requiring extra feed. The
hormones fed to cows cannot be broken down, even at high temperatures. Therefore
they remain in complete form and pass directly into the consumer's diet when
meat is eaten.

Hormone supplementation is the biggest concern with beef, dairy products, and farmed fish. In the United States,
the jury is still out. However, Europe's scientific community agrees that there
is no acceptably safe level for daily intake of any of the hormones currently
used in the United States and has subsequently banned all growth hormones.

The major concerns for US consumers include the early onset of
puberty, growth of tumors, heightened cancer risks, and genetic problems. Growth
hormones in milk (rBGH or rBST) are genetically modified and have been
directly linked to cancer, especially in women.

Many scientists and experts warn that rampant use of antibiotics in animal feed, like penicillin and tetracycline,
will breed an epidemic that medicine has no defense against. Karim Ahmed, PhD, a
senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) states that it
"is perhaps one of the most serious public health problems the country faces.
We're talking about rendering many of the most important antibiotics ineffective."

Choosing organic animal products is unyieldingly important,
especially for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

6. Preserve Our Ecosystems Organic farming
supports eco-sustenance, or farming in harmony with nature.

Preservation of soil and crop rotation keep farmland healthy, and
chemical abstinence preserves the ecosystem. Wildlife, insects, frogs, birds,
and soil organisms are able to play their roles in the tapestry of ecology, and
we are able to play ours, without interference or compromise.

7. Reduce Pollution and Protect Water and Soil

Agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers are contaminating
our environment, poisoning our precious water supplies, and destroying the value of fertile farmland.
Certified organic standards do not permit the use of toxic chemicals in farming
and require responsible management of healthy soil and biodiversity.

According to Cornell entomologist David Pimentel, it is estimated
that only 0.1% of applied pesticides reach the target pests. The bulk of
pesticides (99.%) is left to impact the environment.

8. Preserve Agricultural Diversity

The rampant loss of species occurring today is a major environmental concern. It is
estimated that 75% of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost
in the last century.

Leaning heavily on one or two varieties of a given food is a
formula for devastation. For instance, consider that only a handful of varieties
of potatoes dominate the current marketplace, whereas thousands of
varieties were once available.

Now, dig back to recent history's potato famine in Ireland, where a
blight knocked out the whole crop, which consisted of just a few varieties, and
millions of people died of starvation. Today, most industrial farms also grow
just one crop rather than an array of crops on one piece of land. Ignorance is
bliss? Or amnesia is disastrous? Crop rotation is a simple and effective
technique used in organic agriculture to reduce the need for pesticides and
improve soil fertility.

Most conventional food is also extremely hybridized to produce
large, attractive specimens, rather than a variety of indigenous strains that
are tolerant to regional conditions such as droughts and pests. Many organic
farms grow an assorted range of food, taking natural elements and time-tested
tradition into account. Diversity is critical to survival.

9. Support Farming DirectlyBuying organic
food is an investment in a cost-effective future. Commercial and conventional
farming is heavily subsidized with tax dollars in America. A study at Cornell
University determined the cost of a head of commercial iceberg lettuce, typically purchased at 49 cents a head, to be
more than $3.00 a head when hidden costs were revealed. The study factored in
the hidden costs of federal subsidies, pesticide regulation and testing, and
hazardous waste and cleanup.

Every year, American tax dollars subsidize billions of dollars for
a farm bill that heavily favors commercial agribusiness. Peeling back another
layer of the modern farming onion reveals a price tag that cannot be accurately measured
but certainly includes other detrimental associated costs such as health
problems, environmental damage, and the loss and extinction of wildlife and
ecology.

10. Keep Our Children and Future Safe

Putting our money where our mouths are is a powerful position to take
in the $1 trillion food industry market in America. Spending dollars in the
organic sector is a direct vote for a sustainable future for the many
generations to come.

Benefits of Drinking Water Oversold?

2008-04-08T13:59:00.002+05:30

Benefits of Drinking Water Oversold?

Researchers Say Evidence Is Lacking for Benefits of
Drinking 8 Glasses of Water a Day

By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD
Medical News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

April 2, 2008 -- The health benefits of drinking water, at least for already
healthy people, may have been oversold, according to a new report. The findings
will likely disappoint water-bottle-toting Americans and relieve those who can
never seem to down those eight glasses of water a day, widely recommended for
our health.

But there is nothing magical about those eight glasses, at least when it
comes to proven health benefits, according to a new report. "There is no clear
evidence of benefit from drinking increased amounts of water," writes Stanley
Goldfarb, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, and the senior author of an editorial on the topic in the
Journal of the AmericanSociety of Nephrology.

On the other hand, he adds, "There is also no clear evidence of lack
of benefit." There's a general lack of evidence either way.

Those doctors and others who have been recommending drinking eight glasses of
water aren't basing it on anything scientific, according to Goldfarb. He
concludes that most healthy people don't have to worry about drinking eight
glasses every day.

He emphasizes he is talking about healthy people with kidneys that function
well. And he points out that people who live in hot, dry climates do need to
drink more water to avoid dehydration, as do those who engage in vigorous
exercise.

(How much water do you drink each
day? What other liquids? Talk with others on WebMD's Health Cafe message
board.)

Health Benefits of Drinking Water: Search for Evidence

Goldfarb was curious about where the longstanding recommendation about eight
daily glasses of water originated. "In my mind it wasn't that drinking this
extra water would hurt you, but that you might not have to."

So he combed through medical literature dating back to the early 1970s,
trying to find the science to back up the advice.

Turns out, there is no single study and no single outcome that led to the
recommendation becoming popular, he says. Somehow, it took on a life of its
own.

Goldfarb and his University of Pennsylvania colleague, Dan Negoianu, MD, next
examined some popular claims about the health benefits of drinking water, trying
in each case to find scientific evidence.

"We looked at the evidence of some of the so-called urban myths that have
grown up about drinking water," Goldfarb says.

Drinking lots of water is widely thought to help improve kidney function and
boost the clearance of toxins. One way it could do this, Goldfarb says, is by a
mechanism called glomerular filtration, a measure of the kidney's ability to
filter and remove waste products.

But in one study the researchers looked at, increased water intake by 12
young and healthy people actually decreased their glomerular filtration
rate. And in another study, the rate did not change over time during a
six-month period in which older men drank more water to try to improve bladder
function.

In other research, increased water intake was found to affect the clearance
of many substances by the kidneys, including sodium. But the studies don't prove
any sort of clinical benefit, Goldfarb says.

"What almost certainly happens is, any toxins the kidney is responsible for
excreting simply get diluted when the person is drinking a lot of water,"
Goldfarb says.

Claim No. 2: Drinking Water Helps Your Organs Work Better

Water is retained in various organs, so the thinking goes, and they work
better with more water in them.

But Goldfarb and Negoianu say how much water is retained varies with the
speed with which the water is taken in. If it's sipped, it's more likely to stay
in the body than when gulped.

Even so, they could find no studies documenting that increased water intake
helped the organs.

Claim No. 3: Drinking Water Reduces Food Intake and Helps You Lose
Weight

Drinking more water is widely encouraged to help weight loss, the theory
being that the more water you drink, the fuller you will feel and the less you
will eat. "The [medical] literature on this is quite conflicted," Goldfarb
says.

"Drinking before a meal might decrease intake [according to one study], but
another study found [it did] not."

Even so, Goldfarb calls this claim one of the most promising for further
study.

Claim No. 4: Drinking Water Improves Skin Tone

"From a quantitative sense, this doesn't make sense," Goldfarb says. The
water you drink will be distributed throughout the body. "Such a tiny part of it
would end up in the skin," he says.

"It turns out one small study showed there might be an increase in blood flow
in those who drink [a lot of] water, but no one has ever looked scientifically
[to see if it improves skin tone]."

Claim No. 5: Drinking Water Wards Off Headaches

Headache sufferers often blame water deprivation. But Goldfarb could only
find one study that looked at this. The study participants who boosted their
water intake had fewer headaches than those who did not, but the results were
not statistically significant, meaning they could have been chance findings

The report provides interesting -- and sometimes surprising -- information,
says David Baron, MD, a family physician and chief of staff at Santa Monica-UCLA
Medical Center & Orthopaedic Hospital, Calif., who reviewed it for
WebMD.

The most surprising finding, he says, was the lack of a scientific link found
between drinking a lot of water in order to eat less. "I thought [the suggestion
that] filling up your stomach with water might help lose weight makes sense," he
says.

The report isn't dismissing the need to drink a healthy amount of fluids, he
says. It simply showed no scientific basis to the recommendation to drink eight
glasses of water daily.

"There is a lot of individual variation" in exactly how much water or fluid
people need," he says.

Most of us, he says, are OK "by trusting our instincts" about how much to
drink. "If you have a normal heart, normal kidneys, and normal thirst mechanism,
it's not likely you will get dehydrated if there is a sufficient supply of
fluids available," he says, and drink when thirsty.

Drinking Water: A Placebo Effect?

Might drinking a lot of water make us think we feel better, look better, and
function better? Could there be a placebo effect to those eight daily
glasses?

"I'm certain there is," Goldfarb says. "The placebo effect is very
strong."

And if you're still convinced lots of water does your body good? No problem.
"People say they feel stronger and healthier if they drink more water," he
says. "That's fine. If they enjoy that benefit, so be it. [But] those who
don't feel that way shouldn't feel obligated to drink the eight glasses."

New Strength Training Advice for Kids

2008-04-08T13:56:00.000+05:30

New Strength Training Advice for Kids

Get a Checkup First, Don't Overdo It, and Don't Start
Before Age 7, Says American Academy of Pediatrics

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Medical
News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

April 7, 2008 -- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued revised
guidelines on strength training for children and teens.

Teri McCambridge, MD, chair of the
AAP's Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness, says the revisions include more
specific recommendations about kids and teens who need further medical
evaluation prior to being cleared for strength training.

"The main groups include children with a prior history of childhood cancers,
uncontrolled hypertension
[high blood
pressure], and congenital heart defects," McCambridge tells WebMD in an
email.

The revised guidelines also include a chart describing the different
certifications for strength trainers and the requirements required to get the
certifications. "We thought this was important because many health clubs are
designing strength training programs for children and we wanted parents to be
comfortable with their credentials," says McCambridge.

Overall, "we continued to emphasize that although strength training is safe
and effective in children and preadolescents, we continue to recommend playing
sports as the best way to improve skills and have fun," says McCambridge.

Here are other highlights from the guidelines, published in April's edition
of Pediatrics:

Don't start before kids are 7-8 years old. Kids' balance and posture don't
mature until then.
Before starting strength training, kids and teens should get a medical
checkup.
Follow proper techniques, with strict supervision by a qualified instructor.
Warm up for 10-15 minutes.
Strength-train for at least 20-30 minutes, then cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Address all major muscle groups, including the core muscles
Start with light weights and focus on technique.
Use control; don't slam the weights up and down.
Many strength-training machines are designed for adults; free weights may be
a better option for kids.
Don't strength-train the same muscles every day. Two to three times per week
is enough; more sessions may lead to injury.
When the child or teen can do 8-15 repetitions easily, add weight in 10%
increments.

The AAP also recommends aerobic
exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate fluid
intake.

Consistency counts, too. It takes at least eight weeks for strength training
to start showing results, and those results are lost about six weeks after
quitting strength training, according to the AAP.

The AAP doesn't support Olympic weight lifting in
kids and teens who are still growing, though McCambridge and colleagues note
several studies showing it to be safe.

Of course, the AAP condemns using anabolic steroids and other
performance-enhancing substances.

Thwart Genital Warts

2008-04-08T13:52:00.001+05:30

Thwart Genital Warts: Don’t Sleep Around

Odds of Getting Genital Warts Increase With Number of
Sexual Partners, Study Shows

By Kelley Colihan
WebMD Medical
News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

April 3, 2008 -- Nearly 6% of sexually active people surveyed reported that
they have been diagnosed with genital warts, with 25-to-34-year-old women reporting the
greatest percentage.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey looked at 8,849 sexually
active men and women aged 18 to 59 from 1999 to 2004.

Ten percent of young women aged 25-34 reported being diagnosed with genital
warts (peak for women), compared with 6% of men aged 35-44 (peak for men).

More Sexual Partners, Higher Risk

The more sexual partners a person reported, the greater their chances of
having been diagnosed with genital warts.

Nearly 2% of people with one to two partners report having been diagnosed.
3% of people with three to five partners report having been diagnosed.
7.2% with six to 10 partners report having been diagnosed.
Nearly 11% of people with 10 or more partners report having been diagnosed.

More Diagnoses Among Whites

Whites were more likely to report having been diagnosed with genital warts
than African-Americans or Mexican-Americans:Â Â Â

Nearly 7% of whites reported having been diagnosed with genital warts
4% of African-Americans reported having been diagnosed
2 1/2% of Mexican-Americans reported having been diagnosed

Uncircumcised Fared Better

Circumcision appeared to have an effect on rates of genital warts:

4 1/2%Â of circumcised men reported having genital warts
2.4% of uncircumcised men reported having genital warts

Genital Warts: A Common STD

Genital warts, a common sexually transmitted disease in the United States,
are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Researchers say more than 90% of
genital warts are brought on by two strains of HPV, types 6 and 11.

A vaccine to prevent these two strains of HPV (and two other strains) was
approved two years ago for girls and women aged 9 to 26 years old. The CDC
recommends that 11- and 12-year-old girls receive the vaccination, which is
given in three shots.

The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women aged 13 to 26 who haven't
completed vaccination already.

HPV Vaccine Controversy

Some 20 states have drawn up bills requiring that young women get the vaccine
(which is sold by the name Gardasil). That has generated controversy, with Texas
legislators shooting down the governor's bid to require all 11- and 12-year-old
girls to have the vaccine by September 2008.

The CDC says that about half of all sexually active women and men in the U.S.
will have a genital HPV infection at some time in their lives. Most HPV
infections are cleared by the body.

The survey appears in the April issue of Sexually Transmitted
Diseases.

Psoriasis: 7 New Genetic Clues

2008-04-08T13:47:00.000+05:30

Psoriasis: 7 New Genetic Clues

Newly Discovered Genetic Variations May Make Psoriasis
More Likely, Study Shows

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Medical
News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

April 3, 2008 -- Scientists have discovered seven genetic variations linked
to psoriasis.

If confirmed in other studies,
those gene variants may make good targets for new psoriasis drugs, note the
researchers, who included Anne Bowcock, PhD, genetics professor at Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

"Common diseases like psoriasis are incredibly complex at the genetic level,"
Bowcock says in a news release. "Our research shows that small but common DNA
differences are important in the development of psoriasis. Although each
variation makes only a small contribution to the disease, patients usually have
a number of different genetic variations that increases their risk of psoriasis
and psoriatic
arthritis."

Bowcock's team compared DNA from 223 psoriasis patients (including 91 with
psoriatic arthritis) and 519 people
without psoriasis, and also from two other large groups of people with and
without psoriasis.

Through those comparisons, the researchers identified seven genetic
variations linked to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and confirmed other
variations already linked to psoriasis.

One of the newly discovered variants is in a genetic region tied to four
other autoimmune diseases: celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, Grave's disease, and
rheumatoid
arthritis.

Further studies are needed to confirm the findings, Bowcock and colleagues
note in the April 4 online edition of Public Library of Science
Genetics.

Feed Your Heart Right

2008-04-08T13:43:00.001+05:30

Feed Your Heart Right

WebMD Feature from "Shape" Magazine

By Kyle Shadix, R.D.

We’ve developed a day’s worth of delicious, easy
recipes that incorporate 15 heart-saving foods.

BREAKFAST

yogurt-orange
granola-parfait

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes

2 cups plain lowfat yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
1 cup lowfat
granola
2 oranges, peeled and divided into segments

In a small bowl, combine yogurt and honey. Put a scoop of the mixture in the
bottom of an 8- to 10-ounce parfait glass. Follow with a scoop of granola and
another scoop of yogurt mixture. Top with orange segments and a sprinkle of
granola and serve.

Nutrition score per serving (1 cup):
174 calories, 1 g fat (5% of
calories), 0 g saturated fat, 39 g carbs, 4 g protein, 2 g fiber, 117 mg
calcium, <1 mg iron, 89 mg sodium

LUNCH

flaked-salmon salad
with black beans

Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–20 minutes

12 ounces boneless salmon fillet
2 cups broccoli florets
1 15.5-ounce
can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
Salt and
pepper to taste
4 cups torn assorted salad greens (trimmed, washed, and
dried)
1 bunch fresh basil leaves
2 carrots, peeled and shaved into long
strips

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup bottled
fat-free vinaigrette
Juice of 1 large lemon, plus more to taste, if
necessary
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the salmon in a small roasting pan. Cook for 10
to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish (plan on 10 minutes per
inch), or until an instant-read thermometer registers 140°F. Remove salmon from
oven and set aside. Once salmon cools, flake into bite-size pieces with a
fork.

Meanwhile, bring a 2-quart saucepan filled with water to a boil. Add broccoli
and boil for 1 minute, or until broccoli turns bright green. Pour into a
colander and rinse under cold running water. Shake to remove as much water as
possible and place broccoli in a large bowl.

Make vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, fat-free vinaigrette, lemon juice,
and Dijon. Toss broccoli with the vinaigrette. Set aside. In another bowl,
combine salmon, black beans, and grape tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, if
desired.

Divide salad greens and basil on four plates. Top with broccoli and salmon
mixture, garnish with shaved carrots, and serve.

Nutrition score per serving (2 1/2 cups):
293 calories, 11 g fat
(33% of calories), 2 g saturated fat, 29 g carbs, 23 g protein, 10 g fiber, 126
mg calcium, 3 mg iron, 628 mg sodium

DINNER

pork tenderloin with
spiced cherry compote

Serves 4
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

1 16-ounce pork tenderloin
1 tablespoon chopped
fresh rosemary
Salt
and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

FOR THE COMPOTE
1 cup cold orange juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 cup
dried tart cherries, divided
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle
pork with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spritz an ovenproof skillet with cooking
spray. Over medium heat, sear the pork on all sides, about 2 minutes or until
browned. Place skillet in the oven.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse orange juice, cornstarch, half the
cherries, and cayenne pepper. Place mixture in a large heavy saucepan and add
remaining cherries. Cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens,
about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and let sauce cool in pan.

Roast pork about 10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted
into center registers 155°F. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes, then slice into
medallions. Divide among four plates. Spoon sauce over pork and serve.

barley-almond pilaf

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup pearl
barley
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bunch scallions, sliced
Salt
and pepper to taste
1/4 cup toasted almonds, crushed

Heat olive oil in a medium-size heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onion
and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add barley and stir constantly for
2 minutes. Pour chicken broth into the pan with the barley and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until barley is almost tender, about 25
minutes. Add scallions, stir, and cover the pan again. Cook 3 minutes.

Remove pilaf from heat and let stand 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with toasted almonds and serve.

garlic sautéed
swiss chard

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

3 large garlic cloves
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 large bunches Swiss
chard, well-washed, drained, and spun dry, coarse stems discarded
Salt and
pepper to taste

Slice garlic into thin strips and set aside. In a large heavy skillet, heat
olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and sauté
until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Remove garlic slices from pan and
set aside.

Add Swiss chard to garlic-infused oil and sauté for about 3 minutes. Using
tongs, flip chard and continue cooking 2 minutes, or until chard is wilted but
still bright green.

Season with salt and pepper, toss in garlic, and serve.

Nutrition score per serving (4 oz. pork, 1/4 cup compote, 3/4 cup
barley, 1 cup Swiss chard):
503 calories, 14 g fat (25% of calories), 2 g
saturated fat, 74 g carbs, 23 g protein, 12 g fiber, 102 mg calcium, 4 mg iron,
141 mg sodium

Diet and Nutrition

2008-02-02T05:54:00.000+05:30

Frequently Asked Questions
About Diet and Nutrition

How much weight do I need to lose to gain health benefits?

Answer:
Small amounts of weight loss achieved in a healthful manner is most beneficial. Losing as little as 5% of body weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, fasting blood sugar, and blood triglycerides. Being overweight increases the risk for many chronic diseases, and losing small amounts of weight can improve your health and slowly help you reach a healthier weight. We encourage you to make small changes in your eating and physical activity patterns that you can sustain over time, which will slowly help you lose weight permanently.

My doctor says I need to eat more fiber. What are some good sources?

Answer:
You are not alone; the average adult only eats 12-17 grams and should be eating 25-38 grams per day. There are two basic types of fiber - soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber, found in whole grains, bran, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, adds bulk to your diet and aids in normal elimination. Soluble fiber, found in oats, beans, peas, apples, blueberries, dates, and pears, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

To increase your intake of dietary fiber, start by reading labels and choosing foods that have a few grams of fiber per serving. Kick-start your day with a bowl of whole-grain cereal or bran cereal with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving and top it with fresh fruit. At lunch, choose whole-wheat bread and add veggies to your sandwich or select a salad and top with veggies, beans, and nuts. Enjoy whole grains at dinner along with more fruit and vegetables. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids while increasing your fiber intake to minimize any gastrointestinal discomfort.

Are over-the-counter weight loss supplements helpful in losing weight?
Answer:
Diet pills rarely lead to permanent weight loss. The best method for weight loss is the tried-and-true formula of good eating habits and plenty of exercise. Using over-the-counter weight loss drugs is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Save your money and spend it on nutritious foods. Get in touch with your hunger and appetite instead of relying on supplements that are uncontrolled by the FDA and often have no scientific proof of effectiveness. Some diet pills contain ephedra, an herbal supplement that has been linked to heart attack, stroke, and sudden death.

Experts agree, the best way to lose weight is to get regular physical activity and eat meals made up of foods that satisfy hunger and control appetite. Include a source of lean or low fat protein at all meals and snacks along with high-fiber fruit, vegetables, or whole grains for the most satiating meals.

How much water should a normal, healthy adult drink on a daily basis to avoid dehydration?
Answer:
We get water from all of the foods and beverages in our diet. Eight glasses (8 oz each), or two quarts, is a good rule of thumb; however, new recommendations suggest using thirst as the guideline for how much fluid to drink each day. Individual fluid needs vary from person to person. Pay attention to thirst as well as the color and odor of your urine. Dry mouth and concentrated (dark) urine are good indicators that you need more fluids. Dry environments, heat, and physical activity, especially during warm weather, all increase hydration needs. Both young children and older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration.Keep in mind your body constantly loses water as it evaporates from your skin. Individuals with larger body surfaces and those who perspire more will lose greater amounts of water through evaporation.

Can I eat dairy foods even if I am sensitive to milk?
Answer:
Individual tolerance to foods such as dairy can range from no problems to severe gastrointestinal upset. Some people suffer from lactose intolerance and need to strictly avoid all foods containing lactose such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Many individuals have a limited tolerance or a sensitivity to lactose and can only tolerate small amounts of dairy products. The best approach for these people is to choose cultured yogurts, aged cheeses, and lactobacillus milk. Try small amounts of dairy with other foods and gradually increase the amount of dairy as tolerated.

Is sleep important to weight loss?
Answer:
Getting a few more hours sleep each night will not automatically result in weight loss; however, if you are not getting enough sleep, it may be slowing down your weight loss journey. Recent research suggests that hunger hormones get out of sync when you are sleep deprived and a good night’s rest can get them back on track. Sleeping at least seven hours/night can get your hunger hormones functioning properly and help you feel more energetic during the day.

Is it better to get vitamins and minerals from food or from supplements?
Answer:
A pill cannot possibly be a substitute for a healthy diet. Food first is always the best approach because food not only contains vitamins and minerals but also nutrients, phytochemicals, antioxidants, calories, and fiber – all important for your body. There is a synergistic relationship between all of the food components that work in tandem to promote good health. Supplements are designed to "supplement" or provide nutritional insurance for the inevitable nutrient gaps in eating plans.

Beyond a daily multivitamin/mineral, are there any additional supplements recommended for healthy adults?
Answer:
Once daily multivitamins/minerals geared for age and sex should take into account the changing needs of adult men and women. If you cannot tolerate dairy and do not eat calcium-fortified foods, you may need additional calcium beyond a multivitamin.

During child-bearing years it is essential for women to get adequate folate and iron in your diet or through supplements. Pregnant and lactating women have increased needs that require a special supplement during these times.
Vegetarians may need to add supplements depending on the foods excluded in their diets. Smokers require an additional 40 milligrams of vitamin C that can easily be obtained from fruits or vegetables.

I want to quit smoking but am afraid of weight gain. What can I do?
Answer:
Congratulations, you are taking the first step toward improved health. Quitting smoking can result in enhanced taste, smell, appetite, and a desire to eat more often. Weight gain can occur if you substitute food for tobacco. Keep your mouth busy with sugarless gum or suck on hard candies. Stock your kitchen with nutritious snacks so you can satisfy urges with fruits, vegetables, or lean protein. Drink plenty of water and avoid empty-calorie foods that can result in weight gain.

How can I control my problem snacking?
Answer:
First, try to figure out why you snack. You may snack because you are bored, tired, or in response to an emotion, such as loneliness; or you may snack because your diet is inadequate. Eat well-balanced meals and allow for nutritious snacks that include lean protein and high fiber fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. Avoid "eating amnesia" when you snack in front of the television or directly from a bag and end up eating much more than you should. Plan your snacks in advance and take along nutritious foods and drinks so you are prepared when the snack attack occurs.

Life after Death

2008-01-30T17:36:00.000+05:30

Life after Death

By Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi

Is there any life for death; if so, what kind of life is it? This question lies far beyond the ken of our perception. We do not have the eyes with which we could see beyond the frontiers of worldly life and find out what lies on beyond it. We do not have the ears with which we could hear anything from beyond these frontiers. Nor do we have any instrument by which we could determine with certainty whether there is any life beyond death. Therefore, the question whether there is any life after death lies completely outside the province of scientific knowledge which is concerned with the classification and interpretation of sense data. Anyone who asserts in the name of science that there is no life after death, therefore, makes a very unscientific statement. Merely on the basis of scientific knowledge, we can neither affirm that there is a life after death nor deny it. Until we discover a dependable means of acquiring knowledge about this matter, the correct scientific attitude would be neither to affirm nor to deny the possibility of life after death. The question is beyond its jurisdiction.
But can we possibly maintain this attitude in life? Can we afford to adhere to this neutrality? Theoretically speaking, this may hold good, but looking to the hard realities of life which we have to face on every turn and pass, our answer would be: certainly not. If we do not have the means to know a thing directly, it is of course possible for us, from a purely rational point of view, to refrain from either affirming or denying it. But if the thing is directly concerned with our everyday life, we cannot maintain that attitude and must either affirm or deny its existence. In order to live a full life on the earth we must have a definite attitude towards such problems. These questions simply cannot be avoided. For instance, if you do not know a person with whom you do not have any dealings, you may refrain from forming an opinion about his integrity and trustworthiness; but if you have to deal with him, you must do so either on the assumption that he is an honest man or on the supposition that he is not. You may also proceed with the idea that, until his honesty is either proved or disproved in practice, you will deal with him on the assumption that his integrity is doubtful. But this manner of dealing with him would, in effect, be no different from the way you would deal with him if you were convinced of his dishonesty. Therefore, a state of doubt between affirmation and denial is possible only as an abstract idea; it cannot form the basis of practical dealings, which require a positive attitude of either affirmation or denial.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH:
A little reflection should help us to see that the question of life after death is not merely a philosophical question; it is deeply and intimately related to our everyday life. In fact our moral attitude depends entirely upon this question. If a person is of the view that the life of this world is the only life and that there is no life of any kind after that, he must develop a particular type of moral attitude. A radically different kind of attitude and approach is bound to result if he believes that this life is to be followed by another life where one will have to render account of all one’s acts in this world and, that one’s ultimate fate in the Hereafter will depend upon one’s conduct in worldly life. Let us try to understand this through a simple example. A person undertakes journey from Lahore to Karachi on the assumption that he is traveling to his final destination, where he will be beyond the reach of the police that could haul him up for an offence, and the jurisdiction of the courts of justice that could bring him to book. Another person undertakes the same journey knowing that it is only the first stage of a longer journey which will carry him, beyond Karachi, to a land overseas which is ruled by the same sovereign as that of Pakistan. He also know that the court of that sovereign has complete secret dossiers of his activities in Pakistan and that this record will be fully examined there in order to decide what position and treatment he deserves by virtue of his past performance. Now, it should be easy to realize how different the conduct of these two travelers of the same train will be. The former will prepare himself only for the journey up to Karachi, whereas the latter will keep in view also the requirements of the further stages of the long journey. The former will assume that all the gains that he can possibly make, or all the losses or harms that he might suffer, will be confined to the journey up to Karachi, and that will be the end of it. The latter, on the other hand, will know that the real gains or losses of the journey will be realized in its last stages and not in the first. The former will keep in view only those results of his actions as are likely to manifest themselves up to the time that he reaches Karachi; the latter’s visit will extend to the long term results likely to unfold themselves in the distant overseas lands where his journey will eventually take him.

Now it is obvious that this difference between the approaches and attitudes of the two travelers results directly from their view of the nature of their journey and its end. Similarly, a person’s views in regard to life after death have a decisive influence upon his moral conduct in this world. The direction of every step that he takes in his practical life will depend upon whether he treats this worldly life as the first and last stage of life, or whether he also has in view the Hereafter and consequences of his conduct in this world or the next one. He will move in one direction in the first instance, and in exactly the opposite direction in the other instance.

From this I should be clear that the question of life after death is not merely a fruitless intellectual or philosophical exercise but a question that intimately concerns and vitally affects our everyday life. There is, therefore no justification for any skepticism in this matter. Any attitude that is determined by skepticism in regard to the Hereafter could not in effect be any different from the one based on a definite rejection of the idea of a life after death. We are, therefore, obliged to make up our minds whether there is a life after death or not. If science can not help us here, we must seek the aid of rational thinking and logical reasoning.

Where Reason Leads to?
But what is the material upon which we could base this logical reasoning?

There is, first, man himself, and then the system of the Universe. We shall, therefore, try to study man against the background of the Universe and see whether all his requirements are fulfilled within this system or whether some of them remain unsatisfied and need some other kind of system for their satisfaction.
Now man has various aspects. First of all, he has a body, which is composed of various minerals, salt, gases and water. The Universe is a vast system containing, from tiny specks of dust to the large planets moving in their orbits. We find ourselves dazzled with the spectacle of a plethora of things: the earth, stones, metals, salts, gases, rivers, oceans, and an unending array of things of the kind. These things need a set of laws to govern their existence and operation, and all these laws are at work within the Universe. They provide a free opportunity for the various elements and forces of nature to play their part in the Universe; similarly the human body has a full and free opportunity to live and work under these laws. Secondly, man is a being who has grown through nourishment derive from the things around himself. Similarly, there are various kinds of trees, plants and herbs in the Universe which are governed by the laws that are essential for growing bodies.
Moreover, man is a living being who moves and acts of his own free will; he procures food for himself, protects himself and ensures the preservation of the species. Again, there are various other beings of this kind in the Universe: on land, in water and in the air, there are myriads of animals whose lives and functions are governed completely by the laws what are sufficient to cover the whole gamut of their activities.
Above all, there is the moral aspect of man’s being, which is endowed with the consciousness of good and evil, the faculty to discriminate between the two, and the power to do good as well as evil. Man’s nature demands that good deeds should have good results and evil deeds should lead to evil consequences. He can discriminate justice from tyranny, truth from falsehood, right from wrong mercy from cruelty, kindness from arrogance, generosity from meanness, trustworthiness from breach of trust and so on and so forth. These qualities are not abstract ideas but are actually experienced in human life and have a deep and far- reaching effect on human culture. Therefore, the nature with which man is endowed strongly demands that his acts should lead inexorably to their moral consequences; in the same way as they lead to their physical effects.
But let us look around and reflect a little deeply upon the system of the Universe. Can the moral consequences of human actions fully unfold themselves in the system? On the basis of the body of knowledge that we possess we can confidently assert that this is not possible, because, for all that we know, there is no other creature in the Universe which is endowed with moral consciousness. The whole system is governed by the physical laws of the Universe, and the moral laws of the human realm are not at work anywhere in their full measure. For instance, money carries both value and weight in human affairs but truth often lacks both. The mango seed always ultimately yields mangoes; the devotee of truth, on the other hand, sometimes receives bouquets but sometimes, rather often, brickbats. The material objects in the world are governed by laws which always lead to certain pre-determined results, but within the dynamics of the working of these laws the operation of the moral forces in the human world is not so manifest. The laws of nature often fail to ensure; and even where we find such consequences they occur only to the extent the law of nature permit. It is a physical world that we live in. And it often happens that the actual consequences of an act under the laws of nature are simply contrary to what the law of ethics demands. Through cultured and civilized life and political organization, man has no doubt striven to some extent to ensure that the acts of man lead to set and pre-ordained moral consequences according to a code of ethics. But these efforts have been on to a code of ethics. But these efforts have been on a very limited scale and extremely deficient. They have been vitiated, on the one hand, by the operation of natural laws, and on the other by man’s own weaknesses and shortcomings.
Let us try to understand this with the help of a few examples. If a person sets fire to the house of an enemy, the house will be gutted; this will be the natural result of the act. The moral consequence of the act should be the punishment of the criminal commensurate with the damage that he has caused to the family whose home he has burnt. But this consequence can come about only if the culprit can be traced and apprehended by the police, the charge against him is proved, the court can estimate fully the loss that his offence has caused to the affected family and its future generations, and then awards to the offender a punishment commensurate with his crime. If any of these conditions is not duly fulfilled, the moral consequence will either not manifest itself at all or will unfold itself only partially; nay, it is quite possible that the culprit may go scot-free and even remain happy and become prosperous after having ruined his enemy.
Let us take another example. We often find that a few people manage, by hook or by crook, to acquire a strong hold over a whole community, which begins to follow him. Taking advantage of this position these leaders bamboozle their people into following their jingoism and militant imperialism. They lead their people into war with their neighbours. Several countries are ruined in these wars, millions of men are killed, and many more are forced to live in misery and degradation. Their misdeeds have far-reaching effects on human history for countless generations, even many long centuries. Now is it possible for such criminal manages to be punished sufficiently for their crimes and follies in this life? Indeed, they would not be adequately punished even if they were all literally thrown to the wolves, or burnt alive, or subjected to any other torture of which man is capable. No conceivable punishment could possibly be measured against the grave harm caused by them to millions of men for countless generations. Under the natural laws that govern the system of the Universe they could not possibly be awarded punishment, commensurate with their crimes and follies. Even if a Chenghiz or a Hitler is torn to pieces, this punishment stands with no comparison to the wrongs they penetrated on humanity.
Or, on the other hand take the example of the great prophets, the sages and the pious and virtuous men who called mankind to the truth and the right path and guided them out of darkness into light, and whose ideas and teachings and practical examples have benefited millions and men for centuries. And they did all this good to mankind, bracing all the tempests of adversity that came in their way and suffering miserably at the hands of the vested interests. It is possible to reward such men adequately in this short span of life within the limits of the physical laws that govern the world?
As we have urged above, the laws that govern the present system of the Universe do not allow an opportunity for the full unfolding of the moral consequences of human actions. Secondly, the actions of men during their short span of life on earth often have reactions and effects so widespread and lasting that their full consequences must take thousands of years to unfold and manifest themselves fully; and it is obviously impossible for any person, under the present laws of nature, to attain such a long career on earth. From this it logically follows that while the present physical world and its natural laws are enough for the material and animal constituents of man, they are utterly inadequate for the moral element of his being. This component calls for another world where the law of ethics is the governing law and the laws of nature are subservient, to it; where life is unlimited; where all the moral consequences of human actions in the material world that could not manifest themselves there, should manifest themselves fully and in the proper form. It demands a world where truth and righteousness, and not gold and silver, carry weight; where fire burns only such things as deserve to be burned according to the moral law; where happiness and the lot of the virtuous and plain and misery the plight of the wicked. Both nature and reason demand such an order.
The light of the Qur’an
So far as logical reasoning is concerned, it only indicates that such a world ‘ought to be’. But as to the question whether such a world does in fact exist, neither reason nor knowledge can give us a categorical answer. And it is here that the qur’an helps us. It assures us that the world that our nature as well as our reason demand shall be a reality one day. The present system of the Universe, which was created in accordance with physical laws, will be demolished at one stroke; and it will be replaced by another world where the earth, the heavens and all other things will be essentially different from what they are here. God Almighty will then resurrect all the men who were born from the beginning of creation down to its end, and will make all of them appear before Himself at one time. The records of all the deeds of individuals, communities, and mankind at large, will be there without the slightest error or omission. Also there will be complete reports of the effects and consequences of all human actions in the material world; and all the generations of men affected by them will be present in the witness box. Every particle affected in any way by the deeds or words of men will tell its own story. And the limbs, the ears, the eyes and all other parts of the human body will stand witness how they were used or abused in life. On the basis of this unimpeachable evidence and those complete records. Allah, the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, will decided each case with perfect justice and pronounce the reward or penalty as the case may be. The reward as well as the punishment will be of a magnitude that cannot even be estimated by the limited standards of the material world. The standards of times and space, and weights and measurements, and the natural laws, will be essentially different from those prevailing in the present world. The virtues whose beneficent effect extend over several centuries in this world will be fully rewarded there, and neither death nor illness nor old age will be able to cut short the enjoyments of the reward. On the other hand, the evil deeds whose effects and consequences blight the lives of millions in this world for hundreds of years will be punished fully, and neither death nor coma will be able to relieve the pain and distress of the sufferer.
If the existing system of the Universe with its present natural laws is a possibility and a reality,why should another world with a different set of natural laws be regarded as an impossibility?

Excursions in Hyderabad

2007-12-30T15:00:00.001+05:30

Traveling with your friends or family or even alone is always fun. It will
become even more interesting and enjoyable if you go on excursions from
Hyderabad, India. The places to visit around Hyderabad are so numerous and you
will find it hard to choose from the list in case you have less time. All the
places are definitely worth a visit. So read on about Hyderabad excursions and
plan your trip.

Enjoy the art and culture of Rajasthan in your Hyderabad
visit. Yes, you read it correct! Wondering how? The Dhola-Ri-Dhani is an ethnic
Rajasthani resort where you can view all the art, heritage, culture and cuisines
of Rajasthan besides the modern amenities, which any person travelling to a new
place will crave for. You can also plan your excursion to the Mir Alam Tank, an
artificial lake, where you can enjoy boating after you enjoy the wilderness in
the adjacent Nehru Zoological Park. If you want to see magic made real, travel
to the glamorously landscaped and immaculately maintained Ramoji Film City,
which besides being a world-renowned film production center is also, a popular
magnificent tourist hangout.

Your creative soul can definitely feast
itself in the ethnic Shilparamam festival in Hyderabad. You can find art in each
and every form ranging from the most famous and popular handicrafts, to the folk
dances that are confined to a remote village. In Yadagirigutta you can view the
Lakshminarasimha shrine and also hear the astonishing legend of the formation of
the Lakshminarasimha Temple.

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

2007-12-30T14:59:00.001+05:30

The Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is an accolade to the advances made in technology and science since the dawn of human civilization. Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao inaugurated this beautiful dome shaped architectural wonder, on 8th September 1985. The B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is an absolute visit during your trip to Hyderabad. Kids are sure to enjoy this planetarium and the variety of knowledge it has to offer.

The Planetarium offers daily sky shows (in Telugu and English) reciting various aspects of the enigmatic Cosmos, the mind boggling mysteries of the Universe, the undying comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As the sky show begins, the visitors are virtually transferred into the galaxy as they watch a large canopy of dark sky, full of shining stars looking down upon them. The convincing background sound effect multiplies the feel of being in outer space, which adds to the excitement and exhilaration.

The most recent addition to the Planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses, the fossil of 160 million years old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in Adilabad district. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized tree trunks. The place always succeeds in enthralling people with its breathtaking sky shows of mysterious universe. It is the one place in the city, which should not be missed out by children. The Planetarium remains closed on the last Thursday of every month.

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

2007-12-30T14:58:00.000+05:30

The Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is an accolade to the
advances made in technology and science since the dawn of human civilization.
Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao inaugurated this beautiful dome shaped architectural
wonder, on 8th September 1985. The B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is
an absolute visit during your trip to Hyderabad. Kids are sure to enjoy this
planetarium and the variety of knowledge it has to offer.

The
Planetarium offers daily sky shows (in Telugu and English) reciting various
aspects of the enigmatic Cosmos, the mind boggling mysteries of the Universe,
the undying comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling
Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As
the sky show begins, the visitors are virtually transferred into the galaxy as
they watch a large canopy of dark sky, full of shining stars looking down upon
them. The convincing background sound effect multiplies the feel of being in
outer space, which adds to the excitement and exhilaration.

The most
recent addition to the Planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses,
the fossil of 160 million years old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in
Adilabad district. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a
collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized
tree trunks. The place always succeeds in enthralling people with its
breathtaking sky shows of mysterious universe. It is the one place in the city,
which should not be missed out by children. The Planetarium remains closed on
the last Thursday of every month.

Dhola Ri Dhani Hyderabad

2007-12-30T14:57:00.000+05:30

Dhola-Ri-Dhani, located in Hyderabad offers plays, dances, puppet shows and
other variety programmes for the whole family plus has a mini handicrafts market
worth meandering through. A tour to the famous Dhola-Ri-Dhani at Hyderabad is an
absolute must if you want to see the amalgamation of two entirely different
cultures. The imposing entrance opens the doors to the world of Ethnic
Rajasthani culture and fantasy, a culmination of the images and dreams of
tourists out there to experience the pure magic of Rajasthan in
Hyderabad!

Dhola-Ri-Dhani is a classic setting, recreated with rustic
ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village. Camel rides, puppet shows,
folk dances keep you thoroughly entertained while authentic Rajasthani cuisine
gives you the taste of the northern state of Rajasthan in every sense. Apart
from the countryside setting, a large swimming pool, a lake to go boating, an
amphitheatre for plays and other entertainment performances, give you a feel of
modern ambience. For tourists who want to stay, the place has a resort with
lodging facilities and accommodation.

Laad Bazaar Hyderabad

2007-12-30T14:56:00.000+05:30

Laad Bazaar is located in Hyderabad right next to the historic Charminar. Situated on one of the four main roads that shoot out from the Charminar, it is sited in a very old area of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

"Laad" is a term in Hindi and Urdu meaning "to love" or "to pamper" and a more fitting name would be hard to confer upon the bazaar. Another local folklore is that the market's original name was "Lord's Bazaar" and the current name is an altered form of this. There are a number of stores selling articles primarily targeted towards women on this one-kilometer long stretch. A vast and colorful collection of stores selling stuff usually intended for women like gorgeous bangles, semi-precious stones, pearls, saris and other such items are located in the Laad Bazaar.

Usually shopkeepers set exaggerated prices, but they do so in expectation of the bargaining known to take place in the bazaar. One can strike a good deal if the art and tactics of bargaining are known, as prices are rather subjective. Usually one reduces about 20-30% of the price tagged by the shopkeeper. He may seem very adamant at first, but if you persuade him a bit, you may get good stuff at decent prices. The most popular items sold over here are the colorful bangles and glistening pearls. It may seem strange at the first glance, but most shops make their customers sit on the floor, which is carpeted from wall to wall. Since the stores are cramped, they utilize every inch of space available.

The Laad Bazaar is located in a small lane that offshoots from the historic monument Charminar. Since the lane is narrow, cabs, cars and autos are not allowed inside. It is best to explore the bazaar on foot. You may also take the manually driven rickshaws available there which is a different experience in itself.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Hyderabad

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Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is situated in Vanasthalipuram, which is
around 15 kilometers from the city. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary
in Hyderabad has been named after the holy Jain saint 'Lord Mahavira'. It was
established in 1975 on this renowned saint's 2500th birth anniversary. This
sanctuary was once the exciting 'Shikargarh' or hunting ground of one of the
Nizam rulers. It has now been converted into a protected national park under the
law. The park is in full bloom during monsoons when beautiful flowers of
different colors blossom all around. This Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National
Park is home to the endangered Black Buck deer. An estimated 400 deer roam
around the National Park fearlessly.

The other species of animals apart
from the Black Buck that are found over here are cheetahs, wild boar, monitor
lizards, mongooses, porcupines and innumerable variety of snakes. Several
species of birds like partridges, quails, peacocks, doves, pond herons, egrets,
kingfishers, cormorants are also found here in great numbers. One can also find
birds of prey like kites, vultures, eagle etc. Over 80 species of migratory
birds can be seen basking in the sun. The Short-toed Eagle, which is a rare
variety among the bird species, is also found in this area. The national park
provides a tour around the park in vans for those who are interested in seeing
the wildlife from a nearer distance. The park is open on all days (except
Monday), from 9am to 5 pm. There are observation points in the Park for people
to view animals at hotspots.

Mir Alam Tank Hyderabad

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Mir Alam Tank is a small lake that has been built right next to
the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad. Take a tour to the Mir Alam Tank to feel
the peace and tranquility of nature untouched by time. The unique feature of
this Tank is that it has 21 in-built small masonry dams, semi-circular in
shape.

The Mir Alam Tank is named after Mir Alam, the then Prime Minister
of Hyderabad and the builder of the Tank, who ruled for a period of 1804 - 1808.
The construction of this tank is really worth appreciating. It is a wonderful
paradigm of engineering, comprising of one-mile bund with 21 semi-circular
arches put up on it, thus giving the whole scene a majestic look.

Another
benefit of planning a tour to the Mir Alam Tank is that you can also visit the
Nehru Zoological Park, which is situated right next to it. You can enjoy the
flora and fauna of the Zoo along with the calm view of the Tank, thus enjoying
your trip to the fullest.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

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One of the tallest masonry dams of the World, the Nagarjunasagar Dam in
Hyderabad supplies water and irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land in Guntur,
Prakasam, Nalgonda, Khammam and Krishna districts. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is
located on the borders of Guntur and Nalgonda districts. The edifice of this dam
was completed in the year 1966. This mighty dam reaches to a staggering height
of 124 meters and is 1 kilometer long. It is built across the Krishna River and
has one of the largest networks of canal systems.

A Lake emerges from

just behind the dam, which is the third largest artificial lake. The Nagarjuna
Konda Island surfaces out of this lake. The historical remnant of a Buddhist
settlement has been refurbished and it lies on the right bank of the reservoir.
One can see pious stupas, viharas, monasteries and a sacrificial altar in the
Buddhist abbey. The Lake is situated 4 kilometers away from the dam. There is
also an idol of Lord Nagarjuna, positioned on a tower, very near to the dam. The
Dam has a beautiful landscape and looks strikingly scenic.

Besides the
lake, there are other attractions around the Dam like Ethipothala waterfalls,
and the densely forested Srisailam Wildlife Reserve. There is also an exquisite
museum, located near the dam that can be reached by boat

Ramoji Film City Hyderabad

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The Ramoji Film City is located about 35 kilometers from the Hyderabad city. A
tour to the Ramoji Film Studio will tell you why is it acknowledged by the
Guinness Book of World Records as one of the largest film studios in the world.
The studio lives upto its name of a "city" as it is spread over a vast area of
around 2500 acres. You feel as if you have entered a new city all together with
hills, gardens, lakes, and at the same time flanked with spotless modern
buildings.

The Ramoji Film City doubles both as a tourist attraction and
major film-making facility. The city looks like the product of an alliance
between the famous magician P.C. Sorkar and Vishwakarma, the God of Architecture
and Engineering. It is India's answer to the Universal Studios in Hollywood, in
every aspect. It is a place where realism obtains all the traits of enchantment
and inconceivable. Today, it is the filmmakers' first choice as it is a
single-window, press-button facility that opens up an unlimited arena of
creativity for every major and minor aspect of film production.

As some
famous directors and producers put it, "The Film City has all facilities at one
place with latest technology and advanced equipment." The studio's brochure
highlights its dictum as "Make the Magic Happen". The magic however happens
impulsively without human intrusion as though it is the key ingredient of the
entire project. Yet, everything in the studio is real, whether it is the 50
studio floors, outdoor locations, high-tech laboratories, state-of-the-art
technology and the lush green landscape and scenery.

Shilparamam in Hyderabad

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Shilparamam at Hyderabad is an arts and crafts village exhibiting various art
forms and handicrafts of diverse artists from all over the State. You can buy
absolutely traditional souvenirs for yourself and your friends when you tour
Shilparamam. Shilparamam hosts a multitude of ethnic art and crafts from all
over the country. The yearly All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in
February highlights the cultural and creative traditions from every corner of
the country and provides a unique occasion to take home a piece of Indian art.
Interested buyers can come and pick up objects of art directly from the artisans
without having to deal with the middlemen.

Exhibition of art does not
limit itself to the artifacts, but all forms of creativity. There is an open
amphitheater where both experienced and amateur rural artists, musicians and
dancers demonstrate their wide array of skills. The artists display their
talents ranging from classical music, versatility in instrumental music, folk
dances, classical dances and theatrical performances. The theatrical
performances are not only in regional languages but also international languages
including English, French, etc.

Every season at Shilparamam brings with
it the atmosphere of festivity and an occasion to celebrate. Here, Indian
festivals are celebrated in the most conventional way and these festivals bring
together talented people from all over the globe. As you go further inside, you
can enjoy boating facility in a small artificial lake. The lake offers both
peddling and rowing boats. Shilparamam is the perfect place to take a day off
from your busy city life.

Yadagirigutta Temple Nalgonda

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The place was named Yadagirigutta after a hermit called Yadavarishi who
religiously meditated to be blessed by Lord Narasimha, who is an incarnation of
Lord Vishnu. The Temple of Yadagirigutta is situated at a height of 300 feet on
a hill, in Nalogonda district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is famous and
attracts a huge number of local devotees and outsiders.

It is said that
Lord Narasimha was satisfied with the hermit's devotion and materialized in five
different forms. The five different forms are Jwala, Yogananda,
Lakshminarasimha, Gandabherunda and Ugra. As legend goes, the first form of
Narasimha was so fiery that the yogi wanted him to appear him in a peaceful
form. He then appeared in the form of Yoganarasimha, but the yogi is still not
satisfied and he wanted to see him with his counterpart i.e. Goddess Lakshmi. So
Narasimha appeared with goddess Lakshmi on his lap. It is said that these three
Narasimha forms were so fiery that the hermit could not endure it. Hence, they
are worshipped inside the cave.

These five forms of Narasimha have now
been sculpted into idols and worshipped in a place within the temple, which is
known as Panchanarasimha Kshetram. The principal shrine of Yadagirigutta temple
is the Lakshminarasimha who is believed to be the healer of incurable diseases,
witchcraft, black magic and the harmful influence of planets. Locals believe
that worshipping here for a time period of 40 days would alleviate devotees of
incurable diseases.

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

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In order to have pleasant trip, the climatic conditions of the
place to be visited should be known in advance. Hyderabad is a city that has a
moderate climate throughout the year. The best time to visit this city is after
the monsoons i.e., October to March. The summers can get really hot and one can
see temperatures soaring upto 45o Celsius. Evenings are usually pleasant thanks
to the cool sea breeze. At night, the temperature usually drops down to 25o -
30o Celsius.

The city does not experience harsh winters and it becomes
moderately cool towards the end of the year. The maximum temperature remains at
a pleasant 22^o - 25^o Celsius. The minimum can go down till
13o Celsius. The monsoons are from June to September after which the weather
becomes very pleasant and enjoyable. The average annual rainfall in Hyderabad is
around 80 - 90 centimeters. The place also witnesses cyclonic depressions every
now and then due to the low-pressure trough forming over the plateau.

How to Reach Hyderabad

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By Air
Hyderabad is connected to the rest of the world by both
national and international flights. The Hyderabad airport is divided into both
domestic and international terminals. The domestic terminal is called the N.T.
Rama Rao Domestic Terminal. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Deccan
Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and Spice Jet are the major domestic flights that
operate here. The international terminal is called the Rajiv Gandhi
International Terminal. Major international flights operating here are Lufthansa
Airlines, SilkAir Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Saudi
Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines and Qatar Airlines. The airport is located at
Begumpet.

By Rail
Secunderabad, which is the co-sister city of
Hyderabad, is the head office of Southern and Central railways. Besides the
Secunderabad railway station there are two other railway stations namely, the
Hyderabad railway station (also known as Nampally) and Kacheguda railway
station. All the trains leaving from Hyderabad and Kacheguda railway station
have a stoppage at the Secunderabad railway station.

By
Road
Hyderabad city is well connected to all the major states like
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa. The Andhra Pradesh State Road
Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has maintained a well laid out system of
roadways, which connect Hyderabad to almost every city and town. Its head office
is at Secunderabad. Some major national highways that pass through Hyderabad are
NH - 4, NH - 5, NH - 7, NH - 9, NH - 16, NH - 18, etc.

Holidays in Hyderabad

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Hyderabad has a rich amalgamation of different cultures. One can see different
cultures peacefully co-existing with each other. Thus Hyderabad is bound to
celebrate different festivals almost throughout the year. Apart from the 3 major
National Holidays of India, Hyderabad has some festivals that are unique to its
culture. These festivals and holidays are given below.

Republic Day
(26th January)
This day is regarded as a national holiday as it is
celebrated as India's Republic Day.

Independence Day (15th
August)
This day is also a national holiday as it is the day India
received its freedom from the British and got independent.

Gandhi
Jayanti (2nd October)
This day is also a national holiday as it is the
birth anniversary of the father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

Apart from
these national holidays, public holidays are observed on every festival that is
celebrated in Hyderabad. On these holidays, all business and commercial places,
monuments and tourist places are usually closed, though it is advisable you
check with the hotel staff before venturing out to travel. Given below is the
list of public holidays in Hyderabad city.

Eid ul Zuha or Adha
Republic Day
Maha Shivaratri
Holi
Good Friday
Baisakhi, Vishu/Bahag, Mesadi, Maghi
Sri Rama Navami
Milad un Nabi or Eid ul Milad (The Prophet's Birthday)
Mahavir Jayanti
Buddha Purnima
Independence Day
Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday
Dussehra
Diwali (Deepavali)
Eid ul Fitr
Guru Nanak's Birthday
Christmas Day

Health Precautions in Hyderabad

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The worst thing to happen while you are traveling is getting ill
or loosing your belongings. While traveling around the historic city of
Hyderabad, you must take care that you don't fall ill or loose your stuff. In
order to prevent such a mishap from taking place, one must follow some
precautionary measure while traveling. Read on about health and safety
precautions to be taken while traveling in Hyderabad. Hope these are helpful in
making your trip a pleasurable and a hassle-free one.

Check for hygiene and cleanliness while eating in roadside restaurants in
Hyderabad. Try to get mineral water while eating out in restaurants.
Always insist for sterilized and disposable syringes in case you are in need
of medical help.
Keep all sorts of valuables and important papers (jewelry, passports, return
tickets, etc) in your hotel's safe deposit box. Do not leave them unattended in
your room. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Substitute it with travelers'
cheques and credit cards. Keep good amounts of change though.
Do not keep your wallet/purse in your rear pocket. Keep it inside your
jacket pocket or side pocket of your trouser.
Make an itinerary of important places to visit in and around Hyderabad and
allot time for each place. Ask the hotel staff to arrange for a taxi or a
tourist bus for you to travel around. It is better to travel with other tourists
of your hotel to avoid getting lost.
Avoid wearing revealing clothes while your stay in Hyderabad. You will end
up attracting unwanted attraction and advances if you are wearing skimpy outfits
because they do not appeal to Indian sensibilities. Jeans and trousers with
normal shirts are accepted.
Avoid any public display of affection. It will be better if you do not shake
hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends his/her
hand before you do.

Tourist Guides in Hyderabad

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To truly experience the magic of Hyderabad, it is better to hire a tourist
guide. Not only will he be able to help you getting around the city with ease,
but also keep giving you information regarding the bearing of each place. These
tourist guides are easily available around the city. It is better to ask the
place where you stay to arrange a guide for you. The guides are acquainted with
many languages including English, Hindi and some regional languages. Besides
these languages, some guides can even converse in French, German, Latin etc.

Though these guides are reliable, one should implement some amount of
caution while moving around with them. Given below are some precautions to be
taken which will help you be alert and make your trip hassle-free.

Always maintain a formal distance from the guides. Do not let them dominate
you or take you for granted.
Do not disclose your personal details (like the amount of cash you are
carrying, etc.) to them.
Do not exhibit your cash and money in front of them. Just keep some money
and some loose change with yourself.
Do not hand them your credit cards, cheques and other valuables.
Do not open your luggage in front of them. Carry very minimal luggage if
necessary.
Do not tip too generously and tip only at the end of the trip if you are
satisfied.
Demand better service from them in case you are not satisfied. Remember you
are paying for their service and they are obliged to serve you in the best
possible way.

Entertainment in Hyderabad

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The city of Hyderabad wont cease to keep you entertained
throughout your trip. There are a variety of entertainment options to choose
from while touring Hyderabad. You will never be faced with the problem of how to
enjoy in Hyderabad. Read on to know more about Hyderabad
entertainment.

The city of Hyderabad has a variety of amusement parks
that live upto their names and keep you actually amused! You will be surprised
at the number of joy ride options that they have to offer. They are sure to give
you the adrenalin rush of your life. Apart from these parks, you will find a
number of pubs, discotheques, clubs, snooker joints, bowling alleys and
go-karting racetracks to keep you entertained. The entertainment options in the
city are at par with top-class world standards and are sure to be a memorable
experience on your trip to Hyderabad.

You can catch a movie at the most
the happening multiplexes around the city. Go to the first multiplex to be set
up in Hyderabad, the famous PVR, which has 5 screens screening different movies
to suit your tastes. Apart from movies, one can visit the various art galleries
in the city that offer a superior quality visual treat and an enriching
experience. Visit the various dance and music academies if you want to get a
feel of the melodious South-Indian music that is sure to be a rejuvenating
experience. You shall get details about the various parks and entertainment
zones in our related sections.

Electricity in Hyderabad

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The Electricity and Voltage in Hyderabad is 220 volts ac, 50 cycles. Electric Current in Hyderabad is erratic in some regions, so it is advised that you check beforehand if the place where you want to stay has a dependable electricity backup. It is recommended that you check the voltage before using any kind of electrical appliance such as electric shavers, electric toothbrush, hair-dryers, etc. In case the electric razor you are carrying has flat - pin plug, then it is prudent to carry a combination plug that will fit into a round - pin socket. In the Indian sub continent, plug point sockets are usually round than flat.

What to Eat in Hyderabad

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Eating out in Hyderabad is something that people look forward to. The place is
famous for its Biryani, which is delicious. You will keep asking for more once
you have it. The question of what to eat in Hyderabad is not that difficult and
needs absolutely no pondering. Almost every road in Hyderabad has one eating
joint. You can hop into any of these restaurants in Hyderabad and have a
sumptuous meal to your heart's content.

In addition to the traditional
Hyderabad food and dishes, there are many fast food joints offering fast food
and Chinese delicacies. Some of the noted fast food joints in Hyderabad are
Domino's, Pizza Hut, Pizza Corner, and McDonald's. Bedsides these food joints,
many other restaurants and hotels also provide good quality fast food to satisfy
your taste buds.

Given below is a list of various restaurants and fast
food eating joints in Hyderabad. This should come handy while you are touring
Hyderabad.

Baadshah Restaurant
R.T.C, Hyderabad
Pizza Hut
RMK Plaza, R.No. 12 Banjara Hill, Hyderabad
Odeon Restaurant & Cafe
Chikkadpally, Hyderabad
Aahar Celebrity Holiday Retreat
Survey No. 1222, Shamirpet Village
Shamirpet Mandal, Hyderabad
Epicurius Hotels and Restaurants
Punjagutta Road, Hyderabad
Hotel Ballerina
62-D, 3rd Floor, Happy Trade Center, S.D. Road, Hyderabad
Kamat Hotel
Aladdin Complex, 72, S.D. Road, Hyderabad
Laxmi Restaurant
Nampally, Hyderabad
Paradise Cafe and Stores- Annexe Persis
M.G. Road, Hyderabad
Big Bazaar
Maheshwari Palace Mall, Palace Talkies Compound, Hyderabad -
500001
California Pizzeria
Opposite Iranian Consulate, Road No 7
Banjara
Hills, Hyderabad - 500034
Pizza Corner
Opp Sultan-ul-Uloom College, Road No 3
Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500034
US Pizza
Road No 1
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500034
Domino's Pizza
Himayatnagar, Hyderabad - 500029
Domino's Pizza
Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500082
IBR Narmada`s Kitchen
3-6-422, Street No 3
Himayatnagar, Hyderabad -
500029
M Gulamali & Sons
Ranigunj, Hyderabad - 500003
Midways The Cake & Cookie Shoppe
Road No 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
- 500034
Pizza Hut
RMK Plaza, Road No 12 & 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad -
500034
Real Bakery
Tarnaka, Hyderabad - 500017
Saiprem Fast Food Center
Srinivasa Nagar East
Ameerpet, Hyderabad -
500016
Standard Cafe & General Stores
Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 500016
Zama Hot Spot
Bahadurpura, Hyderabad - 500264

Hyderabad Travel Tips

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It is always better to go through important travel tips while touring and
traveling. Hence, it would be useful to know travel tips for Hyderabad. This
should help you plan about how to travel in Hyderabad. Read further to know
about these small yet important details about traveling in Hyderabad, which sure
would be helpful during your trip.

It is always better to know about the
major public holidays of the place you are visiting, beforehand. This will help
you chalk out your travel plan in a more judicious way and you will not have the
apprehension of whether a particular place is closed or shut-down due to these
holidays. Also, retrieve information about the kind of electric supply and
electrical items that are used in these places.

The most important issue
that should be taken care of while traveling is cleanliness and hygiene. Keep
your basic medicines ready with yourself in case of an emergency. Also, make
sure you have a doctor or a hospital nearby to avoid any untoward incidents. In
order to enjoy your trip and make the most out of it, it is always better to
hire a tourist guide. You can get these guides to take you around the place and
also get to know important information about the tourist attractions. Read our
related sections in which these have been discussed in detail to help you.

Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad

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Location: Banks of the Musi River, Hyderabad.
How to reach: Easily accessible from Hyderabad with the help of local transport.
Main Attractions: Artifacts from all over the world that include a musical clock, the Veiled Rebecca, rare scriptures and manuscripts

The Salar Jung museum in Hyderabad is one of the oldest museums in the city. It is the only museum that has the largest compilation of personally collected artifacts from all around the world. This museum has the greatest collection of rare antiques and knick-knacks from all over the world. One needs to devote an entire day for touring the museum itself.

Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, commonly known as Salar Jung III, did the major collections. However it was started by his father Nawab Mir Laiq Ali Khan also known as Salar Jung II and his grand father Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan i.e. Salar Jung I. The museum boasts of a collection of 40,000 items, which have been accumulated from every possible place in the world. The former Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru declared this spectacular collection open for public display. Later a board of trustees was appointed to look after this legendary museum.

The portraits of the Salar Jung, the Nizams of the Hyderabad city can be found in the Founder's Gallery. The Indian art is exhibited in an assortment of stone sculptures, bronze images, painted textiles, wooden carvings, miniature paintings, modern art, ivory carvings, jade carvings, metal-ware, manuscripts, arms & armor etc. One can also find Middle Eastern Art in the collection of carpets, paper (manuscripts), glass, metal-ware, furniture, lacquer etc. These have been collected from Persia, Arabia, Syria, and Egypt. The Museum is also horded with porcelain, bronze, enamel, lacquerware, embroidery and paintings, which have been skillfully done in China, Japan, Tibet, Nepal and Thailand.

The European chamber of artifacts in the Salar Jung Museum comprises of oil and water paintings. These paintings originate from countries like England, France, Italy and Germany. A well-preserved library within the museum provides a rare treat to all book lovers. The main attractions of the museum are the statue of Veiled Rebecca, crafted knives of Mughal Emperor Jehangir and Queen Noor Jehan, famous European paintings like Venice, etc. A huge clock in which a tiny soldier comes out to strike the gong should not be missed and is a special attraction of the Salar Jung Museum.

Raymond Tomb Hyderabad

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Location: Saroor nagar, 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city.
How to reach: Easily reachable from Hyderabad with the help of local transport.
Main Attraction: The French Garden in vicinity.

Raymond's Tomb was built in the memory of the brave French
General Michel Joachim Marie Raymond (1755 - 1798 AD). He joined as an ordinary
soldier in the service of the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad. He rapidly worked his
way up and soon commanded the position of an army General. Not only was he
respected in the army, he was also popular among the ordinary public. He was
fondly known as Musa Ram among the Hindus and Musa Rahim among the Muslims.

Raymond's Tomb is situated in Saroornagar, which lies 10 kilometers from
Hyderabad city center towards the east. One can make use of the local transport,
which is easily available round the clock in the city of Hyderabad. The tomb is
open on all days except Friday. The timings are from 9:30 am to 4:30pm. The tomb
is a symbol of great respect and till date people from all over the city pay
respect on the death anniversary of the late army general by lighting incense
sticks near the tomb.

The Raymond's tomb is a conical structure that is
made up of black granite slabs. It is 60 meters long, 30 meters wide and 10
meters high. While touring the tomb, you can also head off to the French Garden,
which is located nearby. It is a beautifully laid out lawn with velvety green
grass and lovely flowers. You can also spot military barracks of the army that
were once bustling under the command of the valiant general Raymond.

Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad

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Location : 2 Kilometers from the Golconda Fort.
How to reach : Local transport which is easily available in Hyderabad.
Main Attractions : Numerous tombs at one place, Deccan Festival.

Qutub Shahi Tombs are located in the heart of the Hyderabad city. The Qutub
Shahi Tombs are quite close to the Golconda Fort, which is a famous landmark of
Hyderabad. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are a perfect blend of Indian and Persian
architectural forms, constructed in gray granite decorated with exquisite
ornamentation. The tombs are domed structures, which are built on an elevated
square base surrounded by pointed arches. Each tomb is quadrangular and rises to
a height of 9 - 15 meters above the terrace. The smaller tombs are single
storied while the larger ones are double storied. The domes were originally
covered with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces remain
now.

The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet
canopies on silver poles. Qurans or the holy book of the Muslims, were kept on
supports and readers recited verses from the sacred book at regular intervals.
Golden spires were fixed over the tombs of the Sultans to distinguish their
tombs from those of the other members of the noble family.

Enchanting
minarets at the corners surround the Qutub Shahi Tombs. This magnificent tomb is
one of the largest monuments in Hyderabad reaching upto a height of 42 meters
with a large dome adorning the top. The architect has prudently designed it on a
double terrace, elevating it to a height of 6 meters from the ground level of
the terrace. These mausoleums of the Golconda Sultans are truly splendid
monuments that have stood the trial of time and braved the natural elements.
During the Qutub Shahi period, these tombs were held at such high esteem that
criminals who took refuge there were pardoned and let off. But after their rule,
the tombs were uncared for. Later, Sir Salar Jung III ordered their renovation
and refurbishment in the early 19th century.

Said in simple words, these
monuments are a work of splendid beauty and artistry. The numerous tombs of the
members of the royal family, laid beautifully on the sprawling gardens are worth
the visit. Not only are they architecturally impressive, they also make a good
picnic spot. Another attraction of these tombs is that every year the State
Government authorities conduct a 'Deccan Festival', which is exclusive to the
city of Hyderabad with these tombs as the backdrop as they speak volumes about
the history of the city of Hyderabad. One can spot many renowned artists
showcasing their talents in various fields like music, dance and theater.

Paigah Tombs Hyderabad

2007-11-14T23:01:00.000+05:30

Location : Santoshnagar, 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city center.
How to reach : Local Transport within Hyderabad city.
Main Attractions : One of its kind architectural wonder, carvings of marble.

The Paigah Tombs in Hyderabad, India are the tombs of the
several generations of the Paigah nobles. The Paigah nobles were very close to
the Nizams and so they enjoyed a significant social status. They were given the
responsibility of looking after the security and defense of the state. Some of
the Paigah nobles who have been laid to rest here are Asman Jah, Viqar-ul-Umara
and Shams-ul-Umara.

Abdul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung founded the Paigah
nobility and was rendering service to the second Nizam, who ruled between 1760
and 1803. The Nizam bestowed him with the prestigious title of Shams-ul-Umra,
meaning "the Sun among the masses". Tegh Jung was buried in 1786 at the foyer of
the complex. An iron plaque at the entrance of the complex traces the Paigah
lineage and exalts the marble magnificence of the vault. The Paigahs were also
great patrons of fine arts, literature and sports and commanded the respect of
the rulers and the ordinary people alike.

The Paigah Tombs are unique
specimens of extraordinary artistry that is ardently visible in the wonderfully
inlaid mosaic work. Local people claim that the geometrical patterns and designs
of these stunning tombs are only one of its kind and exclusive and cannot be
found anywhere in the world.

Osmania University Hyderabad

2007-11-14T22:59:00.000+05:30

The last Nizam of Hyderabad, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan founded the Osmania
University. The Osmania University is the seventh oldest establishment of higher
studies in India, the third oldest in Southern India and the first one to be
set-up in the former princely State of Hyderabad. Throughout it's functioning of
almost nine decades, the Osmania University has shown noteworthy growth and
sustained an incorporated progress of all faculties. It has made commendable
contributions to the academic, social, and economic improvement of not only the
region but to the nation as a whole. Its alumni have distinguished themselves
nationally and internationally in various spheres of life and are well-known far
and wide around the world.

Osmania University has always attracted
students from not only India, but also around the world. It offers one of the
best MBA programmes and is among the toughest to get through. It is estimated
that out of 10,000 candidates, only 60 are able to make it! The university also
has attractive courses in Engineering, Arts, Science, Humanities, Information
Technology, Commerce and Business among other courses such as Oriental
Languages. The department of Geography and Geoinformatics has one of the best
faculties in India. It is equipped with the latest laboratories and technology
to keep the students updated with latest technical know-how. The Osmania
University had the was awarded the five-star status by the National
Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) of the University Grants Commission
(UGC), Government of India.

Some famous alumnus of this prestigious
institution includes former Prime Minister (late) Shri. PV Narasimha Rao, Shri.
Y. Venugopal Reddy (Governor, RBI), Barrister and Member of Parliament Asaduddin
Owaisi, among others.

HITEC City Hyderabad

2007-11-14T22:56:00.000+05:30

HITEC City stands for the Hyderabad Information
Technology Engineering Consultancy City, a technology
township in Hyderabad, India. The HITEC city in Hyderabad is a fine example of
how fast and beautifully a city can develop if nurtured in the right way. The
high potential structures coming up in Madhapur area of the 400-year-old
Hyderabad city provide a classy contrast to the grand and antique monuments and
palaces in the Qutub Shahi capital. It is a consummation of the vision of an
information technology advocate unfolding itself in a rapid speed, akin to the
architectural ambitions of Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. The hitech structures are a
two-phase acknowledgment to a technology that has concentrated the world to a
global village.

The business like atmosphere of the HITEC city is in
concurrence to its equally famous and charming neighbor Shilparamam, an arts and
crafts village, located right next to the technological nucleus. On seeing the
two co-existing harmoniously side-by-side, one is compelled to think how
beautifully have the two blended into one another giving another contradicting
and ironical aspect to Indian tradition. Both the HITEC city and Shilparamam are
a substantiation of the chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's flair in reconciling
his reverence for the old with his yearning to engrave Andhra Pradesh resolutely
on the list of performers and achievers.

The base of the HITEC city is a
creatively and yet efficiently constructed 10 - storied cylindrical building
encircled by a cluster of grand structures raised to house IT companies, both
Indian and foreign. The HITECH city has already attracted multinational software
giants like IBM, Microsoft, GE Capital, Toshiba, and Oracle and Indian companies
like Satyam Computers and Wipro. An earth station has come up in the township
which links Hyderabad to the five continents of the world. It has now been
planned to grow and develop it further and Hitec city shall go a long way in
establishing India as a software hub in the world map. It is just a matter of
time till that happens.

Golconda Fort Hyderabad

2007-11-14T22:52:00.000+05:30

Location:	11 kilometers west of Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Local transport within Hyderabad is easily available and will take you there.
Main attractions:	Touring the fort, spectacular light and sound show every evening.
Built by:	Qutb Shahi Rulers

Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a majestic monument, which lies on the western
outskirts of the city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and
is considered as a place that is worth visiting. Golconda was famous for its
diamond mines in olden days. The world-renowned 'Kohinoor' diamond is believed
to have come from here. The Golconda fort is built on a granite hill 120m high.
The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called in local language. The main
gate is called Fateh Darwaza. The hills around the fort lend a very mysterious
charm and colossal grandeur to the gigantic fort.

Qutub Shahi kings who
reigned during the 16th century built the Golconda fort. There is an interesting
story behind the Golconda Fort. The place was originally called as 'Golla Konda'
in Telegu, which is the official state language of Hyderabad city. Roughly
around 1143 in the rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram', a shepherd boy found an
idol, which was given to the then king, Kakatiya who built a mud fort. From
1507, within a span of 62 years the Qutub Shahi rulers transformed the humble
mud fort into a marvelous granite wonder. The stunning Golconda Fort lost its
entire splendor and luster as the Mughals invaded and plundered this
breathtaking wonder into a heap of ruins.

The Golconda Fort reaches to a
height of 120 meters with a boundary wall covering a range of 10 kilometers of
the outskirts of Hyderabad. The Golconda fort comprises of four small forts
within itself. Some of those are heaped with cannons, drawbridges and number of
royal living chambers & halls, temples, mosques, stables etc. You have to
enter the fort through 'Fateh Darwaza', which is also called the 'Victory gate'.
The main attractions of this entrance are the acoustic effects, which is a
remarkable feature of the Golconda Fort. It is said that such an articulate
construction was used in those ancestral days for security purposes.

The
latest feature that adds more excitement to the Golconda fort is the Light and
Sound show. The amazing light and sound impacts with the narration of the hair
raising story of the golconda Fort is sure to amuse all tourists visiting the
Hyderabad city.

Charminar in Hyderabad

2007-11-14T22:39:00.000+05:30

Location:	Heart of Hyderabad city.
How to Reach:	Hyderabad is well connected with the rest of the country by air, railways and roads. Once in Hyderabad, the local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis should get you to Charminar.
Main Attractions:	The architecture of Charminar and the Bangle Bazaar flanking the monument on either side.

The elegant structure of the Charminar in Hyderabad is a vivid example of Cazia
style of architecture comprising of granite and lime-mortar. Mohammed Quli Qutub
Shah built this Islamic architectural splendor in the year 1591. Charminar is
the most famous landmark of the city and most tours to Hyderabad include the
Charminar as an absolute essential. It is a must see if you are visiting
Hyderabad.

The wonderful monument with its four arches is so
proportionately planned that when the fort is opened one could catch a glimpse
of the bustling Hyderabad city as these Charminar arches were facing the most
active royal ancestral streets. At each corner stands a tall minaret, which
measures more than 55 meters long and also have a double balcony. The monument
has the signature style of Islamic architecture.

A mosque has been built
on the western side on the open roof of the Charminar fort. You need to climb an
array of 149 steps to reach the top of the fort. Once there, it is easy to feel
the calm of the terrace and see life bustling below. In sharp contrast to the
active and energetic life in the ground floor, the peaceful solitude in the
upper part of the fort is quite relaxing. You can enjoy the passionate beauty of
the Hyderabad city from this elevated height. You can get a bird's eye view of
the city of Hyderabad from this elevation, which is quite a spectacular sight.

Diagnosing a Cold

2007-11-11T21:22:00.000+05:30

If you have tried the over-the-counter remedies without any success, several prescription medications are available for nasal stuffiness and cough (for example, ipratropium or cromolyn nasal spray for stuffiness and drainage and benzonatate for cough).

If you have a sore throat with fever and no cold symptoms, you should be seen by your doctor. This type of sore throat is more likely to be a Strep throat or other potentially serious illness.

Finally, if you notice facial pain, tooth pain, or yellow drainage from your nose accompanied by a fever, it is possible that you have an infection of the nasal passages (sinusitis) or a dental infection that would benefit from a medical evaluation and a course of antibiotics.

When should a doctor or other health care practitioner be consulted?

If you have a sore throat with
fever and no cold symptoms, you should be seen by your doctor. This type of sore
throat is more likely to be a Strep throat or other potentially
serious illness.

Finally, if you notice facial pain, tooth pain, or yellow drainage from your
nose accompanied by a fever, it is possible that you have an infection of the
nasal passages (sinusitis) or a dental infection that
would benefit from a medical evaluation and a course of antibiotics.

Common
Cold At A Glance

Common colds are caused by viruses.
Going out into the cold weather has no effect on the spread of a cold.
Antibiotics do not help the common cold.
There are effective home remedies for the common cold

Cold - Symptoms

2007-11-11T21:14:00.000+05:30

What Are the Symptoms?

One to three days after catching a cold virus, symptoms begin suddenly. They
start with a burning feeling in the nose or throat. Next comes sneezing, a runny
nose, and the feeling of being tired and unwell.

For the first few days, your nose
teems with watery nasal secretions. Later, these become thicker and darker. Dark
mucus does not necessarily mean that you have developed a bacterial
infection.

You may get a mild cough. It won't get much worse, but it is likely to last
into the second week of your illness. If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, a
cold will make it worse. If you are coughing up dark material -- or if you are
feeling a lot of distress low down in your lungs -- you may have a bacterial
infection. These symptoms can also be caused by a cold virus other than a
rhinovirus.

Usually there is no fever -- in fact, fever and more severe symptoms may
indicate that you have the flu and not a cold.

Cold symptoms settle in between one and four days after you are infected by a
cold virus and typically last for about three days. At that point the worst is
over, but you may feel congested for a week or more. During the first three days
that you have symptoms, you are contagious. This means you can pass the cold to
others, so stay home and get some rest.

Except in newborns, colds themselves are not dangerous. They usually go away
in four to 10 days without any special medicine. Unfortunately, colds do wear
down your body's resistance, making you more susceptible to bacterial
infections.

If your cold is nasty enough, seek medical attention. Your doctor likely will
examine your throat and ears. He or she may take a throat culture by brushing
your throat with a long cotton-tipped swab. This will show whether you have a
bacterial infection, which requires treatment with antibiotics.

Call Your Doctor If:

You notice an inability to swallow.
You have a sore throat for more than two or three days, particularly if it
seems to be worsening.
You have an earache.
You have a stiff neck or sensitivity to bright lights.
Your are pregnant or nursing.
Your newborn or infant has cold symptoms.
Your throat hurts and your temperature is 101 degrees F or higher.
Your cold symptoms worsen after the third day. You may have a bacterial
infection.

21 Reasons to Quit Smoking

2007-11-08T22:58:00.000+05:30

1) If you smoke more than 25 cigarettes a day, you are 25
times more likely to die from cancer and heart disease.

2) Each cigarette takes about 11 minutes away from your life.

3) Fifty diseases are caused by smoking. Twenty of them are proven to be fatal.

4) Seven out of ten smokers express their willingness to give up.

5) Nicotine stimulates the central nervous system, and increases your blood
pressure.

6)Smoking is the number one avoidable cause of death in the
United States.

7) If you continue smoking, there is a one in two
chance you will die from it.

8)Smoking related diseases cost the United States health service over $1 billion dollars yearly.

9) If you love facial wrinkles, then by all means, continue
smoking.

10) You could have saved over $800 a month by quitting.

11) Nicotine is considered to be an insecticide used on plants to kill bugs.

12) If you continue to smoke your lungs will shrink dramatically.

13) Smoking from pipes is literally the same as smoking a cigarette.

14) Cigarettes contain tar which has been proven to form cancer.

15 As each year passes you will become more addicted and have extreme difficulty
quitting.

16) Children who are exposed to second hand smoking will likely
develop pneumonia and asthma.

17) The benefits will begin immediately when you quit.

18) Stomach ulcers are formed by smoking.

19) Even if you are 80 years old, you can still benefit just by quitting.

20) Teenage smokers develop asthma and lung cancer
faster than an adult smoker.

21) Over 80% of smokers say they would not smoke if they
started their lives over.

Natural Health Care and the Heart

2007-11-08T22:01:00.000+05:30

Nutrition is a vital part of good heart health. While much focus is placed on
dietary fats, antioxidants, vitamins and nutraceuticals can help to improve
cardiovascular health. Antioxidants are cardioprotective. Atherosclerotic
plaques are formed long before the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease is made.
Antioxidant vitamins protect against plaque formation, according to a study
published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (August, 2002). Antioxidants
can also help protect against high blood pressure.

In the American Heart Association Journal, Circulation (November, 2002), the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is discussed. Omega-3 fatty acids make the blood less likely
to form clots that cause heart attack as well as protect against irregular
heartbeats that can cause sudden cardiac death.

In the journal, Cardiovascular Reviews and Reports, (volume 4, number 8, 8/18/03 Role of
Nutriceutical Agents in Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update -- Part I), a number
of natural health strategies are discussed. Nitric oxide helps to relax and to
protect the lining of the arteries. The amino acid, arginine helps with the
production of nitric oxide. The article makes note of a few small studies that
show the benefit of L-arginine supplementation, which improves coronary blood
flow, decreases inflammatory chemicals, and improves angina symptoms. It has
even shown to be beneficial to patients suffering from congestive heart
failure.

Health Clubs And Gyms Advice

2007-11-08T21:39:00.000+05:30

How to Find the Safest and Healthiest Health Clubs & GymsWe all think
of joining a health club & gym as a choice for healthier living, right?
However, if your health club& gym is not abiding by certain practices in
safety and sanitation, you may not be getting as healthy of a workout as you
think. If the equipment is not properly maintained or the personnel are not
adequately trained, you may run the risk of injury. And if the center is not
cleaned and sanitized regularly, you may be bringing home more than a buff body
in terms of germs and other substances. This is why it is always a good idea to
thoroughly check out health clubs & gyms before joining to ensure that you
will be getting the safest workouts possible.

Look for Proper Instruction

When you begin to scrutinize health clubs & gyms for
proper instruction and training on the equipment, there are two different
criteria to look for. First, members should be well educated on the rules of the
health club & gym, and properly trained on the equipment before they are
allowed to use it. This means an introductory class for all who join the fitness
center, and should also include a medical history that you provide to personnel
before working out so that they know that you are physically able to do so.

Read
the rest of the article here.....

The Obesity Virus

2007-11-07T21:00:00.000+05:30

Scientists The University of Louisiana have found that obesity can be caused by a virus.

Even if a man is following a correct diet, many persons are missing the fact that every body is unique, and what's good for one may cause harm to another
.
Scientists made an assumption that there is a virus that can affect
human metabolism.

After some laboratory experiments it was showed that
the infection with human adenovirus-36 (AD-36) - long time known as a cause of eye and
respiratory infections in humans - causes adult stem cells obtained from fat fat
tissue to transform into fat cells. the other stem cells (not exposed to the
virus) remained unchanged.
The study also reported the identification of a
specific gene that seems to be implied in the obesity effect.

Are They
going to find a vaccine for obesity?

Drinking Green Tea Benefits

2007-11-07T20:56:00.000+05:30

I'm sure You already know that the green
tea drinking has a lot of benefits for our health: it prevents the bad
breath and the tooth decay; it helps to the health of the gum; it reduces the
UV rays damage to our skin and this makes us look young; it helps us
losing weight.

These are very
important points, as if you see a person with black teeth, wrinkles and
overweighted, I'm sure you do not admire him/her.

It was found that the
green tea has wonderful effects on our beauty.
Here is what the researches on
it found:

- Green tea contains catechins, which keep the
acids under control and prevent the reproducing of bacteria. The main reasons of
the periodontal disease - bleeding gums - are the bacteria and acids in our
mouth. Conclusion: Green tea helps our gums staying healthy and pink, keeping
our teeth in.

- The Vitamin C from
the green tea helps our gum to
cure.

- Catechins also reactivate the activity of the dying cells - this
helps to smooth out the wrinkles.

- Green
tea has anti-oxidants that diminishes the UV light harm to our skin. This
is how it helps us slowing down the process of aging - we look younger.

-
About 2/3 of "modern" people are concerned about their weight, and the green tea
with its catechins helps to decrease the body fat and to "hurry" the fat
oxidation. Researches found that the caffeine and the thiamine from the green
tea help our body to maintain from producing more body fat.

OK, don't
expect that if you all day are having Popsicles that drinking a cup of green tea
will protect you from all the cavity problems. As well as staying on meals like
donuts and pork products, and then after a cup of green tea to expect not to
become fatter.

Of course you have heard this before: take care to eat
right, exercise all time, brush and floss your teeth; but maybe you want to make
an improvement to all of these.

It is recommended to drink green tea every day - make it your relax
time, your "refreshing" time. Help yourself staying healthy and young!

10 Rules of Wt loss

2007-11-07T20:53:00.000+05:30

10 Main Rules Of Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight, or just always to stay in good shape, follow 10
simple but very important rules.

1. Make your diet multicolored.
Fruits and vegetables are an indispensable source of fiber,
vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They contain few calories, give a sense of
satiety and can be combined with any dishes.

2. Eat regularly.
When you eat regularly, your
body's metabolism is evenly, and the calories are spent throughout the day. If
the break between meals is big, the body tries to spend less energy, i.e. burns
fewer calories. The breakfast is compulsory. Eat at least three times a day,
from time to time have a bite of easy healthy food.

3. Give time to the stomach.
Since childhood,
we were forbidden to have little snacks before lunch, so as not to spoil the
appetite. In fact, these snacks can prevent overeating. Feeling satiated comes
only after 10-15 minutes, so often we eat more than it is necessary. When eating
at home, please give attention to the size of the portions. In restaurants
usually give large portions, so try to eat only a part of what is given. And, of
course, do not be afraid to have some snacks before lunch!

4. Pick fresh food.
In order for the produces
to be kept longer, they add all kinds of preserving agents. This often leads to
lower the content of useful substances and vitamins in food. Try to have fewer
semi-prepared foods and fast-foods, these are always rich in calories, fat and
salt.

5. Keep moving.
The human
body is not suited to the endless seating for the desktop. To stay healthy, you
need to move every day. The loads strengthen all muscles, including the heart,
improve sleep and mood. No matter, are you training in the sports center, or
just walk around the house, most important is that you keep moving.

6. Allow yourself to enjoy the pleasure.
Many delicious things are harmful, but without them it can
be very difficult. If you repeatedly refuse to pleasure yourself, you can falter
and eat too many taboo sweets. Enjoy sometimes by eating a little of favorite
food, but try to keep moderation. For example, you can eat a very small piece of
cake in a normal day or a normal piece in honor of the holiday.

7. Read the labels.
If you do not even know
the names of ingredients listed on the packaging of the product, it is better
not to risk it and leave the product on the shelf at the supermarket. The same
applies to products with endlessly long list of ingredients on the label. Also,
please note whether the listed on the label calorie and fat content refers to
one portion or to an entire package.

8. Eat intact cereals.
White bread and flour do
not have any value to the health, while intact cereals are rich in fiber and
useful substances. Bread and pasta from whole grains help to avoid sharply
disorders of the glucose levels in the blood, prolongs the feeling of being
satiated.

9. Choose the "right" fats.
Fats are not always harmful. The saturated fats actually leads
to extra weight and cardiovascular diseases, but unsaturated fats are useful for
the organism. For example, you can use olive oil for filling salads and cooking
meals.

10. Beware of "liquid" calories.
A conventional glass of lemonade can contain about 10 tea
spoons of sugar! The extra calories taken daily with a drink, do not give a
sense of satiety, but certainly adds unwanted fats. The advertisements so
skilfully present some drinks, we believe it is useful and not draw attention to
the extra sugar they contain..

Islamic Beliefs

2007-11-07T15:55:00.000+05:30

Islamic Belief in
God

The utterance "Allah" in Arabic means "the one who is
attributed with Godhood," which is the power to create. To create is to bring
something into existence, whether it is a physical entity, an act or an
attribute. No one and nothing has the power to create except Allah, and
everything else is His creation. He alone exists without a beginning, and
everything else is created and sustained by Him. Therefore, only He deserves to
be worshipped. He does not need anything, but everything in existence needs Him.

With this understanding, it is
perfectly acceptable to use the word "God" in English referring to Allah.
However, it is important to understand that when Muslims refer to "God" as "He,"
they do not mean that He has gender. God is not male, female or neuter, as He is
not a creature or an object. He is attributed only with complete perfection, and
is clear of created attributes, such as having children, a partner, a rival or a wife.

The attributes of the Creator do not resemble the
attributes of the created, because His attributes are without a beginning or an
end. He is not limited by time or space; He is their Creator and all that exist
in them including light, darkness, cold, heat, nature, atoms, colour, good and
evil. Our imaginations are limited, so we cannot imagine Him. That is why
Muslims say: "God is different from whatever you imagine in your mind."

When Muslims say that God is “one,” they don’t mean “one”
as in a number; they mean that he does not have a partner, equal, rival or part.
Idol worshippers believe God has a partner or a counterpart. This cannot be true
because if one wants one thing and the other something else, then the one that
did not get what he wanted cannot be God since he was defeated.

As for those who believe that God has parts, such as the
Christians who believe in the trinity, they must also be wrong, because parts
need each other to form a united whole, and whatever needs cannot be God. In
addition, one of the obvious proofs of the Creator’s existence is the existence
of this universe. Whenever we see something composed from parts, we say:
“someone has put it there.” For example, when you see a car, you know that this
car has a beginning; someone put it where it is now. If this is true for a
simple car, then what about the entire universe? If one accepts this argument,
then one must also accept that God is free of the attributes that makes one say
“someone must have put it there”, such as weight, volume, length, width, shapes,
limits, boundaries, composition, physical movement, physical distance and
physical direction. In other words, you must accept that God does not resemble
His creation. This is what Muslims mean when they say, “He has no equal,” i.e.
nothing resembles Him.

Muslims believe that God is attributed with perfect and
limitless life, sight, hearing, speech and knowing, because death, blindness,
deafness, dumbness, and ignorance are weaknesses. However, His life, sight,
hearing, speech and knowing do not resemble ours; the words are the same, but
the meanings are completely different. For example, God’s attributes have
nothing to do with instruments, such as a body, a soul, an eye, an ear, a mouth,
a language or a brain. Rather, they are perfect attributes of God that have no
beginning, no end, no sequence and do not change.

In addition to the above, it is clear that God specifies
the things that exist and their characteristics, and that He brings them into
existence. We must conclude then, that He is attributed with will and power. His
attributes of will and power do not have a beginning or an end and they do not
change, as is true for all God’s attributes. In the above, we have mentioned
some of what Muslims must know and believe in regarding the Creator. However,
God’s attributes are not limited, because God cannot be limited, bounded or
deficient in any way.

Tum Itana Jo

2007-11-03T13:12:00.000+05:30

Tum Itana Jo

Tum itana jo muskura rahe ho

Kya gam hai jis ko chupa rahe ho

Ankhon men nami hansi labon par

Kya hal hai kya dikha rahe ho

Ban jayenge zahar pite pite
Ye
ashk jo pite ja rahe ho

Jin zakhmon ko vaqt bhar chala hai
Tum kyon
unhen chede ja rahe ho

Rekhaon ka khel hai muqadar
Rekhaon se mat
kha rahe ho

Mother

2007-11-03T00:53:00.000+05:30

A woman becomes complete when she becomes a mother. Enjoying her power of creativity and grade of superiority over man, she experiences those precious feelings and senses, which nature gives only to woman. There is no doubt that as a mother, she is superior to man and is the nucleus of her family!

In universal religion Islam, mother has three times more rights over her off springs than their father because of her significant & crucial role in their birth, brought-up & home education. Therefore, it is rightly said that "Paradise is under the feet of your mother."

Wife

2007-11-03T00:45:00.000+05:30

A good wife is heaven's best gift to man, his gem of many virtues, his casket of jewels; her voice is
sweet music, her smiles his brightest day, her kiss the guardian of his innocence, her industry his surest wealth, her respect his cause of grace, her lips his faithful counselors, her bosom the soft pillow of the cares. She is the good man's paradise, and the bad's first step to heaven, a treasure which, who wants, cannot be trusted to posterity, nor pay his own debts ; she's a golden
sentence written by our Maker, which the angels may discourse of, only men know how to use, and none but devils violate. No doubt, a good wife binds earth to heaven.

In Islam, a typical family home is the earliest institution of education or school for babies and
children. And no body can approve of a school without a teacher. That's why without an essential need, she should not leave her children alone when they need her the most.

As a wife, she is a hallmark of honesty, Islamic obedience, sincerity and love. Yes, for a real
Muslim wife, her husband, children and familyare more important than her career. Being a true Muslim woman, she doesn't feelany shame or insult in doing housework or family work. And when it comes to cooking, of course she does know that her way to her husband's " heart " goes through his "stomach
".

Similarly, Islam does allow
a woman to work providing it doesn't affect her personality or her family in a
bad way. It's obligatory for her, like men, to get education, exactly on the
same levels, which are for men. Islam completely allows woman to go outside and
work in such social places as required by their services e.g. hospitals, social
institutions, schools, nursing. If she has no breadwinner or if husband is
unable to afford the expanses of the whole family, she may as well go and work
outside in a suitable place.

"Anger is a condition
in which the tongue works faster than the mind.”

There was a complete
silence in the classroom, and they could hear one another’s
breathing.

“All of us should be
very patient. Especially women should really have the wealth of patience and
tolerance. A woman who has control over her temper is very successful in all
fields of her life, especially in her married life.” She finished
writing on the board and turned to face her students.

(An excerpt from the internationally-acclaimed
"Hijaab Waali" (The veiled girl), an online English novel by Dr. Ikram
Abidi)

Daughter

2007-11-03T00:37:00.000+05:30

She is the symbol of
respect for the whole family. A precious gift of Allah to the whole household.
To a father waxing old nothing is dearer than a daughter. Sons have spirits of
higher pitch but less inclined to sweet, endearing fondness. As holy prophet
Muhammad says, "Your best children are girls, and superior woman is one whose
first child is daughter." Also, it is said that "On the Judgment day, daughters
will be the shield between their fathers and the
Hellfire"

“Daughters are not burden.”
She was saying.

”They are responsibility, a thing or
deposit committed to the trust and care of a person. You’re the most wonderful
and powerful creatures of the world. Your faith, your religion raises you high
and high. Don’t be ashamed of yourself ever.” She advised gently.

“But our parents are responsible too.
They‘re supposed to be the first institution to learn about these values and
morals.” The lady
teacher went on. “But unfortunately, most of the parents
have now become careless about their most important duty. These parents have
more time for watching movies with their children than they have for teaching
them few things about their Allah and Prophet.”

“Now, one last word before we finish
our today’s lecture.” She stopped to put a detailed look at them, from
behind to beyond, from right to left, her eyes didn’t miss a single girl sitting
there.

“Do what you feel in your
heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. Let your heart guide you. It
whispers, so listen closely.”

(An excerpt from the famous "Hijaab Waali" (The veiled girl), an online English novel by Dr. Ikram Abidi)

Sister

2007-11-03T00:32:00.000+05:30

She is a cause of affection and sacrifice. As a sister, she creates the feelings of holy,
respectful and modest emotions for family, collectively known as ' Ghairat ' in
Islam. As a sister, she maintains dignity and reputation of her family and is
very influential in upbringing of her household.

“Girls should have a great sense of responsibility for religion and their faith. No problem if they
are not expert or perfect but their ‘Niyat’, their intention should be perfect
and just.” She went on gracefully and
effectively.

“Good girls are those
who care about each and every member of their family.” She told them.

“The beauty of life
doesn’t depend on how happy you are, but on how happy others can be… because of
you.”

(An excerpt from the famous "Hijaab Waali" (The
veiled girl), an online English novel by Dr. Ikram Abidi)

I am.....

2007-11-03T00:23:00.000+05:30

I am a symbol of respect and "hidden" beauty. In me, there exists a source of physical, spiritual and
psychological pleasure for my "man". You could never see me completely as I am
in my protective covering like a precious real pearl is in its shell. I am
strong in character, courageous in acts, ambitious in nature, and hidden in
appearance. I have confidence, grace and modesty.

But hey, It was not so easy. It took me a lot to reach at this stage. Centuries back,
people used to bury me alive and then the greatest man ever came and saved me.
He made me realize my importance. For the first time, someone told me that I was
something precious and unique. No one before him ever told me that I was
superior to man as a mother. He also told me the fact that my beauty, my curves,
my voluptuousness is only for my husband & no other man has right to judge
my figure or to pass comments on my hair or shape. He changed the whole world
and with that, of course, changed my world too. Yes, you guessed it right, he
was none other than my prophet Muhammad.

Since then, my path is bright and clear. Oh and yes, I have some great torches too, to enlighten my way and to
guide me. These are the footsteps of Fatima Zehra (daughter of Prophet Muhammad)
and her daughter Zainab. Their teachings told me that I am a queen of my house,
not a "call girl" of the market. Yet, if time ever comes, I do have guts to go
out and raise my voice to defend my rights. If needed, I will not hesitate in
earning bread for my family but in proper way that will not disclose my
appearance in a bad way. I don't have any "false" ego so I never feel bad in
obeying and following my husband for good and positive things. However my Allah,
my prophet and his family is more important to me than anything else. If parents
or my husband will ever want to go against their orders, I will not obey them. I
feel " preserved" and "protected". Trust me it's so wonderful when I see men's
eyes bending automatically with respect whenever they look at me.

For me, world is an important thing but is not "everything". I know what I I'm sowing here, I'll
have to cut it in Hereafter. My confidence is my power, my knowledge is my
weapon. It gives me a beautiful feeling of "surrender" and obedience to Allah
and his prophet.

Oh yes, I do enjoy my life to its fullest in my heavenly
home. Trust me, there's nothing more beautiful than having a "family dinner"
around a large table with all of your in-laws, children and my husband chatting
& laughing. When my husband returns to home, he doesn't find me more tired
than him. I am in my full beauty, make-up and glamour to greet him. And since
each and every inch of my body is just for "him", it makes him feel like I am
always fresh and new for him and he never gets bored from me. I feel the same
too, that he is just mine, only mine.

As I never wasted my time in useless activities, I always had a time to teach my children about religion
which will help them not only in this world but even in the grave and in
Hereafter. My children will not leave me alone when I will need them the most. I
don't see my sons and daughters going out with their boy or girl friends. It
makes me feel like a "ruler" and an authority of my family and home when my
children ask for my suggestions in each and every matter of their life and never
do anything against any of my right wishes.

I am content, satisfied, that I have spent the most "free" and independent life. I chose Hijaab on my own
will and kept myself away from the eyes of the bad people. I decided not to be a
career woman on my own wish and got its fruit in the form of educated, obedient,
strong-character children. Oh yes, I certainly feel free when I see that no one
ever used or misused me in any way. I was not an "item for sale" ever, and so no
one could ever get a chance to pass even a single comment on my
personality.

And right now, here, I have this 20-year-old most beautiful
and yet modest daughter of mine and I am asking for her decision, as a very good
religious family has proposed her for their well-educated and graceful son. Oh,
she's saying with modest smile" Mother, as you wish, I trust you completely and
I know you will always think good for me."

Thanks to Allah, I didn't not waste my life

Still wondering who I am?

I don't care at all if
ignorant people give me names like "fanatic", "extremist", " conservative" and "
narrow minded", as they don't live their life for me, so I don't need to live my
own personal life for them either. That's why, for me, happiness of Allah comes
before any thing else.

Well... I am a woman. A Muslim woman, a real one!

Who I am?

2007-11-03T00:14:00.000+05:30

I am a symbol of "apparent" beauty. In twists and turns of my body, exists a source of pleasure
for "men". Whether I'm in public or on TV, they lick their lips with craving
when their lusty eyes are on my breasts, thighs and buttocks like a wild, cruel
wolf inspects an innocent sheep before prey. You all often see me in Indian and
English movies in short cloths and at times, only in under garments or may be
even without any cloth at all. Now they often bring me to various talk shows,
announcing "thirteen and pregnant", "twelve and pregnant".

I now sit and try to think how and why it all happened? It seems like gradual, long, clever
conspiracy against my gender. Yes, it was all pre-planned. First those devilish
men put a feeling in me that I am being used as servant in my home and hence
should do something else too, to prove myself. Actually, it all started after
second World War, when the number of men decreased and women increased. Rich
western industrialists needed workers for their factories and prostitutes for
their animalistic lusts. Oh yes, only now I realized what it was. They first
gave me false, fake ideas like I should be a "moderate" and "liberal" lady and
should keep a balance between the world and my faith. Then they showed me the
"mirage" of "equality". Going against nature, they told me that men and women
are same, alike and equal in each and every aspect of life. They then
encouraged me to wear men's clothing like trousers, jeans and shirts. Their next
step was to tell me that I am not a "baby-making machine" and my proper
utilization is impossible unless I leave my home. They said I should go "out"
and enjoy life to its fullest. They made me feel like I have got only one
life and there will be no life after death and so I should extract all the
pleasures from this single life. They produced a feeling of love for this world
and hatred for death in me. They turned my face away from the reality. They gave
me false euphoria that "I should be a career woman" and if I spend my life at my
home, it will be a great wastage". Their last evil tactic was to tell me that I
am completely an "independent" individual and my parents and family should have
no influence on me at all, I should be "free" after 18, to do whatever I want,
and should never let my elders disturb my personal life. That's how they
destroyed the sense of "family value" in me.

Sad story, eh? Well, not finished yet.

And now, through every source of media, they are
trying to attract other people of my gender who were unaffected yet. Their new,
fresh, ripe target is my gender that lives in the east and so far I can see, my
gender is already in trap again. I often question myself that what's the proper
use of me? Am I a toy or some symbol? Or a puppet who dances on their fingers?
Or am I some slut or prostitute? Today, the meanings of prostitution have become
different. Though they still use me and my body to get money, but the method is
changed now. They use me for selling their worldly, materialistic products, to
attract people towards a two-dollar soap or shampoo or a few buck magazine. I
know they made me a fool, but the main mistake was mine. Why did I let them do
so? I feel that the only thing that could protect me from their evil desires was
"religion", my faith, but unfortunately I was too busy enjoying the attractions
of this world to get some concentration for old, conservative religion. And now,
I feel like being "used" and exhausted. I have become a sucked bone. Dogs have
sucked my marrow and have licked my flesh. I have nothing to give now. No
respect, no modesty, no grace, no family, and no future, nothing new or fresh.
Even my own children will throw me to some old nursing home when I will become
too old. I feel that I have gone so far in this dark, blind path that there's no
turning back now.

Still wondering who I am? Well... I'm a woman!

WOMAN-we show,You decide...

2007-11-02T23:54:00.000+05:30

D A R I N G T O B E...

D I F F E R E N T !

The nobility of purpose and the refinement of expression, that's what you'll find here. How a true Muslim woman of the new millennium is coping up to meet the modern demands as well as to maintain her originality, let's find out... but before you proceed farther, do remember, it could be a time for a different approach to being a woman! Yes, it's time to tell the world that you're changing your lifestyle, the way you look, your outfits, your appearance. Everybody's going to be observing more closely. Friends, relatives, fellows, colleagues. You need to do more than explain. You need to inspire.

So, do you have it in you?

shayeri 02

2007-11-02T20:51:00.000+05:30

Shayeri SMS Messages
• ArZo0 HaY TumHAin Do0R Se DekHNay KI,MAgEr PasS NaHi AaNa ChAhTa,TaMaNnA NaHi tuMHain PANAy ki,MAgeR KhoNA BhI NAHi CHAhTa...
• JIS NAZAR SE DEKHTE RAHE IS DUNIYA KO HUM, UN AANKHON MEIN HAMARI KOI PEHCHAAN BHI NAA THI
• tez hawa ka jhonka aayasaath main teri khushbu layatab meray dil main khayal aaya aaj bhi mera dost nahin nahaya
• Har baat ka jawab inkar nahin hota Har jaga rukna intazar nahin hotaYun to milti hein hazaron se nazreinHer nazar ka milna magar pyar nahin hota
• Jis din se juda vo humse hue is dil ne dharkna chor diya hai chaand ka mooh bhi utra utra taaro ne chamkna chor diya
• Yaad mein teri aankhe bharta hai koi, har saans ke saath tujhe yaad karta hai koi, maut to sachai hai aani hai, lekin teri judaai mein har roz marta hai koi....!
• a dekh kabhi un ki shaboon mein a ke.....k Kitna rote hai ye dosroon ko hansane wale
• Wo Bewafa Hain To Kya, Mat Kaho Bura Us Ko Ke Jo Huwa So Huwa Khush Rakhe Khuda Us Ko
• Hume Bhi Pyaar Karne Ka Khayal Aaya,Jub Bhi Yeh Khayal Aya Khud Ko Akeala Paya,Dhoonte Rahe Is Duniya Main Humsafar,Kisi Ko Dhke Baaz, Kisi Ko Bewafa Hi Paya
• TUM BIN JIYA JAE KAISSE ...TUM BIN RAHA JAE KAISSE...SADIYOON SE LANMBI HAIN RATAIN...SADIYOON SE LANMBE HAIN DIN ..AJAO AB LAOT KAR YEH DIL KUCH KEH RAHA HAY AJA LAOT KAR YEH DIL KUCH KEH RAHA HAY............DIL........
• na kar inkaar a zalim mere pass ane se ..khuda bhi roth jata hay kisi ka dil dukhane se
• Dil todna humari adat nahi, Dil hum kisika dukhate nahi bharosa rakhna humarae dosti pe dost bankar hum kisiko bhulaathe nahi!!Umar ki raah me insaan badal jathe hai waqt ki aandhi main tufaan badal jathe hai soctha hoon tumhe pareshan na karulekin baad mein iradha badal jatha hai!!Usko chaha bhi tho izhaar karna na aaya, Kat gayi umar saari humein pyar karna na aaya usnae manga bhi agar kuch tho jindagi mangiaur humne inkaar bhi karnae na aaya.
• Kaun marta hai kisi ke liyae hum to zinda hai sirf aap jaise dumbo ke liye!! faslae mita kar aapas mein pyar rakhnaa dosti ka yeh ristha humesha yun hi barkaraar rakhna, Bichad jaye kabhi aap se hum anakho mein humesha humara intezaar rakhna!! ek pathar kafi hai sisha thodnae ke liyeek baath kafi hai dil thodnae ke liyeaur ek dost kafi hai zindagi jee lene ke liye.
• mere zindagi kya dosra naam hoon tum, hum tere dil me rahe ge ek yaad bankar ,tere laab pe khilenge muskan ban kar ,kabhi apne se juda maat samaj na , hum tera saat chale ge asman ban kar.
• Aansoun ko bhought samjaye ke thaniya mein aye karo bhari mehfil mein hamra mazak na udhaya karoiss per aansoun tadap kar bolle bare mehfil mein tume thana paa tee islia chale ate hai.
• uski yaad mein dekho hum kya karte hainbikhri hui zindagi mein deewaronse baatein karte haindekha usse kal maine par woh ek chalava niklameri kismat dekho jo mera tha woh paraya niklakehte hai ki ishq mein toh lut jana chahiyepar jab yaar hi na mile toh kispe mita jaye
• mazloom ki anho ke nisane nahi baithe,jalim ke abhi hosh theekane nahi baithe,our jo waqat ne aise bhi maoke hame bakhshe hai,hum fir bhi buzurgo ke shirhane nahi baithe,wade kisise irade kise se,anhe kise se nigahe kisi se,ab yaar tumhra bharosa hi kya,jo adhe hamare adhe kisi ke.
• YAAD AAOONGAHAR US LAMHE ME YAAD AAOONGA JAB TUM TANHAYEE ME ROYA KAROGIJAGTE JAGTE THAK KAR SOYA KAROGIANKH KE BAND HOTE HI YAAD AAOONAGJAB KISI CHAHANE WALE KI TARAF DEKHOGI TO YAAD AAOONGAKISI MOHHABATH KARNEWALE KO DEKHOGI TO YAAD AAOONGASAANS JAB TAK CHALEGI TUMHARI TAB TAK BHIYAAD AAOONGA
• Raat ankho me dhaLi palkon par jugnu aye hum hawao ki tarah jakar use chuh aye usne chuh kar mujhe pathar se insan kiyamudhaton baad meri ankho me ansu aye
• Jaate jaate woh koi achi nishani de gai umar bhar dohra saku aise kahani de gai hum to reh gaye pyase par humari palko ko woh paani de gai
• Asman ko need aaye to kahna sulaau kahan Dharti ko maut aaye to dafnao kahan Sagar mein lehar aaye to chupao kahan Jab teri yaad aye to jau kahan!!!
• Dard kitne hai bata nahi sakti,Zakhm kitne hai dikha nahi sakti,Ankhon se samjh sako to samjh lo,Ansoon gire hai kitne gina nahi sakti..
• Aasu ko palko tak laya mat karo, Dil ki baat kisi ko bataya mat karo, Log muthi mein namak liye phirte hai, apne zakham unhe dikhaya mat karo.
• Zindagi kisi ki mohtaj nai hoti dosti sirf jazbat nai hoti , kuch to khayal aaya hoga khuda ko tumhari bhalai ka warna yu hi aapki humse mulakat nai hoti
• Mana ki aaj hamare saath koi dildaar nahi, lekin ye mat samajhna ki hamein kisi se pyar nahi, Kismat ne sab kuch diya hamein sirf diya hamara woh yaar nai
• Sham Dahli Phir Kaali Raat Aayi,.Dil Dhadka Phir Tumhari Yaad Aayi,.Aankho Me Mahsoos Kiya Us Hawa Ko,.Jo Tumhe Chukar Hamare Pass Aayi,............
• Liko Tu Kuch Aahsa liko,Kay Kalam Bee Ronah Par Majboor Ho jayahHar Lafz May Woh Dard Pidah Karo,.Woh Pyar Karnah Pay Majboor Hojayah......
• Dukh chhupay hoay hain hum donoZakham khaay hoay hain hum donoAisa lagta hay phir zamany koYaad aay hoay hain hum donoTu kabhi chandani thee dhoop that mainAb to saay hoay hain hum donoJaisay ek doosary ko paa kar bhee kuch ganwaiy hoay hain hum donoJaisay ek doosary say sharmindahSir jhukay haoy hain hum donoJaisay ek doosaray ki chahat koAb bhulay hoay hain hum donoIshq aisa kahan ka ehad(promise)FarazGhar basay hoay hain hum dono.
• Azeez Itna Hi Rakho K Ji Sanbhal Jaaye..Ab Iss Kadar Bhi Na Chaho K Dum Nikal Jaaye..
• Milen To Yun Hein Bohot..Aao Ab Milen Yun Bhi..K Rooh Garmi-e-Infaas Pighal Jaaye..
• Mohabbaton Mein Ajab Hai Dilon Ko Dharka sa..K Jaane Koon Kahan Raasta Badal Jaaye..
• Zahe Woh Dil Jo Tammana-e-Tar Mein Taza Rahe..Khusha Woh Umar Jo Khawbon Mein Hi Behel Jaaye..
• Har Ik Lehza,Yehi Aarzoo Yehi Hasrat..Jo Aag Dil Mein Hai Woh Sheir Mein Dhal Jaaye..
• Tune yeh phool jo zulfon mein sajaa rakha haiEk diya hai jo andheron mein jala rakha hai
• Jeet le jaaye koi mujh ko naseebon walaaZindagi ne mujhe daao pe laga rakha hai
• Jaane kab aaya koi dil mein jakhna wala Isiliye main ne giraban khula rakha hai
• Imtihaan aur mere zabt ka tum kya logaMain ne dharkhan ko bhi seena mein chuppa rakha hai
• Dil ta ek shola magr beet gaye, din woh katey,Ab kuredona ise, raakh mein kya rakha hai
• Kitnay aaye Kitnay Gaye Hum aas Lagaye bethay hainPalkon Pay Angarey Rokay ,Deep Jalaye Bethay hainKoi Hamari Baat Suno! Hum Subha Say aaye bethay hain
• Subha Ki befikri Day ker,Shamon Ki her Ik Sohbat deykerLoag Tou Dou Kori Bhi na Dein Per Ham nay Bari Qemat deykarDard Khareda thaa So ab Ussi Ko Dil say Lagaye Bethay hain
• Uthiye! Yuun Ghuttey Rehnay Say Sir ko Hota hai SoudaVo herjai Aapka Jab na Hua Tou Ghair ka Kya hoga Diva Ji ! Aap ye Kis ka Soug manaye Bethi Hain .
• mujh ko shikwa hai meray bhai keh tum jaate hooayle gaye sath meri umr-e ghuzishta ki kitaabis mein tau meri bohut kimati tusweerien theinis mein buchpun tha mera, aur mera aihd-e shabab
• is ke badle mujhe tum de gaye jaate jaateapnay ghum ka yeh dumakta hua khoon rung golaabkya karoon bhai, yeh aizaz mein kyoon ker pehnoonmujh se le lo meri sub chaak qamizoon ka hisaab
• aakhri baar hai, lo maan lo ik yeh bhi sawaalaaj tuk tum se mein lota nahin mayoos-e jawaabaa ke le ja'o tum apna yeh damukta hua phoolmujh ko lota do meri umr-e ghazishta ki kitaab
• Baat karni mujhe mushkil kabhi aisi toh na thiJaisi ab hai teri mehfil kabhi aisi toh na thi
• Le gaya cheen ke kaun aaj tera sabar-o-qaraarBeqaraari tujhe, ae dil, kabhi aisi toh na thi
• Un ki aankhon ne khuda jaane kiya kya jadooKe tabiyyat meri maa'il kabhi aisi toh na thi
• Chashm-e-qaatil meri dushman thi hamesha lekinJaise ab hogayi qaatil kabhi aisi toh na thi
• Kya sabab tu joh bigar tha hai Zafar se har baarKhoo teri hoor-e-shimaa'il kabhi aisi toh na thi
• mar kay bhi jo na mar sakay, jab maut kuch na kar sakay,pee kar jo zinda reh sakay, peena woh Jaam-e-zindagi.

HOMEOPATHY TIPS

2007-11-02T20:48:00.000+05:30

Ten Ways to Good
Health :

these are the
general tips for the attainment of overall good
health which we,group of friends, have been using for a while now and
having better results.

More Tea (Green or black )
More Vegetables & Salads
More Fruit & Water
More Vinegar
More Chewing
More Action at work
More Giving and sacrifice
More Sleep ,thats minimum 6-8 hrs
More Walking and jogging
More Laughter and enjoyment

Well these are just general tips we can
use , no rocket science in it as they call .You can either use them all in your
daily routine life or just any of them.

Hope helps to see your health in
desired shape.

thanks

HOMEOPATHY
TIPS

HOMEOPATHY

2007-11-02T20:38:00.000+05:30

HOMEOPATHY
TIPS FOR HOW TO KEEP HEALTHY TEETH AND GUMS

Brush. Floss.
Eat And see your dentist regularly. These are
the most fundamental steps for keeping healthy teeth and gums. so keep
reading…

Selecting a
toothbrush:

Buying a toothbrush can be
confusing. The selection of brushes ranges from the no-frills,
handle-and-bristles economy model to ones that vibrate, beep, and some that cost
more than a years’ worth of dental check-ups.

dentists will tell you that
it’s simply a matter of preference. And if it’s more fun to use a brush that
jiggles or that’s shaped like a space ship, it might just make your brush
longer. Which is good. The most important thing is to brush at least two minutes
with a soft-bristled toothbrush whose size and shape fits your hand and allows
you to reach the surfaces of every tooth. It’s that
simple.

Replace regularly. Don’t forget, though, that brushes wear out. Once the bristles become
worn or splayed, the brush can’t clean your teeth well and may even injure your
gums. So, toothbrushes need to be replaced every three or four months
.

Floss
daily. Remember that
your toothbrush can’t reach areas between the teeth. So it’s also important to
clean between the teeth daily with floss. It’s those bits and pieces of food
that get caught in between the teeth and along the gum line that lead to plaque
build-up and gum disease.

Finally have a mouthwash with good
reputation and suitable to your taste and dental hygiene.

Hopefully these
tips help you to keep your teeth "smiling"
always.

Shayari 01

2007-11-02T20:34:00.000+05:30

-T-A-N-H-A-I-I-I--

"~*~Rehtey Hain Saath Saath Main Aur Meri Tanhai~*~
~*~Kartey Hain Raaz Ki Baat Main Aur Meri Tanhai~*~

~*~Din To Guzar Hi Jata Hai Logon Ki Bheer Main~*~
~*~Kartey Hain Basar Raat Main Aur Meri Tanhai~*~

~*~Saanson Ka Kya Bharosa Kab Chor Jain Saath~*~

~*~Lakin Rahain Gay Saath, Main Aur Meri Tanhai~*~

~*~Aaye Na Tumhe Yaad Kabhi Bhul Kar Bhi "Fakhiiiii"~*~
~*~Kartey Hain Tumhe Yaad Main Aur Meri Tanhai~*~

~*~Aa K Paas Kyon Door Ho Gaye ???? Hum Se~*~

~*~Kartey Hain Teri Talash Main Aur Meri Tanhai~

**************************************************************************

mere
khilaaf hua hai to us ka dar bhi nahin...
ye jaante hain ke woh itna mutabar
bhi nahin...

tujhe bhi dekh liya shaam-e-wada aakhir...
ab aitbaar
humein tere naam per bhi nahin...

yahan to saans lena bhi muhaal lagta
hai...
hum us faseel ke qaidi hain jis mein dar bhi nahin...

buhat
shadeed hai khuwahish uraan ki lekin...
qafas naseeb parindon ke baal-o-par
bhi nahin...

muhabbaton mein wafa ki saza to milni thi...
dil-e-tabah
tere kaam mutabir bhi
nahin...

***********************************************************************************

Kii
vafaa hamse to Gair use jafaa kahte hain
Kii vafaa hamse to Gair use jafaa
kahte hain
hotii aaii hai ke achchhon ko buraa kahte hain
aaj ham apanii
pareshaanii-e-Khaatir un se
kahne jaate to hain, par dekhiye kyaa kahte
hain
agle vaqton ke hain ye log, inhen kuchh na kaho
jo may-o-naGmein ko
andoharuubaa kahte hain
[andoharuubaa=cure for pain or sorrow]
dil me.n aa
jaa_e hai, hotii hai jo fursat Gash se
aur phir kaun se naale ko rasaa kahte
hain?
[Gash=senseless/in a faint; rasaa=with a long reach]
hai
par-e-sarahad-e-idaraak se apanaa masjuud
qible ko, ahal-e-nazar,
qiblaanumaa kahte hain
[par-e-sarahad-e-idaraak=beyond the boundaries of
knowledge]
[masjuud=to whom one bows i.e.
God]

****************************************************************************

paa-e-afagaar
pe jab se tujhe raham aayaa hai
Khaar-e-raah ko tere ham mehr-e-giyaa kahte
hain
[paa-e-afagaar=wounded feet; Khaar-e-raah=thorn in the road]

[mehr-e-giyaa=(blade of) grass of kindness]
ik sharar dil me.n hai, us se
ko_ii ghabaraayegaa kyaa
aag mataluub hai hamako, jo havaa kahte
hain
dekhiye laatii hai us shoKh kii naKhvat kyaa rang
us kii har baat pe
ham naam-e-Khudaa kahte hain
[naKhvat=pride]
vahshat-o-sheftaa ab marsiyaa
kahaven shaayad
mar gayaa "Ghalib"-e-aashuftaanavaa kahte
hain
[vahashat-o-sheftaa=two poets of that time; marsiyaa=eulogy/poem of
sorrow]
[aashuftaanavaa=one who speaks nonsense]
BY:- MIRZA
GHALIB

*******************************************************************************

tere
milane ko bekal ho gaye hai.n
magar ye log paagal ho gaye hai.n
bahaare.n
leke aaye the jahaa.N tum
vo ghar sun_saan jangal ho gaye hai.n
yahaa.N
tak ba.Dh gaye aalaam-e-hastii
ki dil ke hausale shal ho gaye
hai.n
kahaa.N tak taab laaye naatavaa.N dil
ki sadame ab musal_sal ho gaye
hai.n
nigaah-e-yaas ko niind aa rahii hai
musardaa pur_ashk bojhal ho gaye
hai.n
unhe.n sadiyo.n na bhuulegaa zamaanaa
yahaa.N jo haadase kal ho gaye
hai.n
jinhe.n ham dekh kar jiite the 'Nasir'
vo log aa.Nkho.n se ojhal ho
gaye
hai.n

**********************************************************************

tuu
hai yaa teraa saayaa hai
tuu hai yaa teraa saayaa hai
bhesh judaa_ii ne
badalaa hai
dil kii havelii par muddat se

Khaamoshii kaa qufl pa.Daa
hai

chiiKh rahe hai.n Khaalii kamare
shaam se kitanii tez havaa
hai

daravaaze sar pho.D rahe hai.n
kaun is ghar ko chho.D gayaa
hai

hichakii thamatii hii nahii.n 'Nasir'
aaj kisii ne yaad kiyaa
hai

***********************************************************************

Aaj
to be-sabab udaas hai jii
aaj to be-sabab udaas hai jii
ishq hotaa
to ko_ii baat bhii thii

jalataa phirataa huu.N kyuu.N do-paharo.n
me.n

jaane kyaa chiiz kho ga_ii merii
vahii.n phirataa huu.N mai.n
bhii Khaak ba-sar

is bhare shahar me.n hai ek galii
chhupataa phirataa
hai ishq duniyaa se
phailatii jaa rahii hai rusvaa_ii

ham_nashii.n
kyaa kahuu.N ke vo kyaa hai
chho.D ye baat niind u.Dane lagii

aaj to
vo bhii kuchh Khaamosh saa thaa
mai.n ne bhii us se ko_ii baat na
kii

ek dam us ke haath chuum liye
ye mujhe baiThe baiThe kyaa
suujhii

tuu jo itanaa udaas hai 'Nasir'
tujhe kyaa ho gayaa bataa to
sahii

******************************************************************

Falak
se jo zami pe utari
Lagti ho jese ek pari
Dekh ke tumko phool bhee
muskaraye
Sun ke aahat hawa bhee ruk jaye

Chanda kee chandni
tujmai
Suraj ke lalima mukh pe
Taro se saza tera ye anchal
Madu vina se
baze teri payal

Falak se jo zami pe utari
Lagti ho jese ek
pari

Dhere se tera palke uthana
Phir sharma ke unko girana
honto se
gungunaana
Ankho se na jane kya kah jana

Har ada main ek nai kashish
hai
Choon jaye dil ko esi teri tashveer hai

Bholi bhali se surat, sundarta
kee murat
Dekh ke sadgi teri, Chanda bhee kho jaye
Itni payari lagti
ho
Kee payar ko bhee payar tum se ho jaye

Hum bhee dekhe tumko chupke
se
Kuch na kah paye aap se
Par kha ke kasam tumari
Mere dil ko achi
lagti ho subse

Falak se jo zami pe utari
Lagti ho jese ek
pari

**********************************************************************

Kuch
Log Kitne Apne Se Nazar Ate Hain

"Kuch Log Kitne Apne Se Nazar Ate Hain

Sath Rehte Howe Bhi Dori Ka Ehsass Dilate Hain
Pal Main Hazaroo Khushiya
De Jate Hain
Tu Pal Main Zindagi Ko Jina Azab Kar Jate Hain

Naam
Humhara Likhte Hain Tu Mita Dete Hain
Kabhi Bol Kar Tu Kabhi Bina Bole
Kawish Ye
Kiu Humhara Dil Bar Bar Dukha Jatey Hain
Kiu Kuch Log Zindagi
Ko Azaab Kar Jate Hain

Main Kehta Hon Kuch Wo Kehte Hain Kuch

Buss Ghune Ghar Humhain Hi Keh Jate Hain
Kuch Log Kitne Apne Se Nazar
Ate Hain
Sath Rehte Howe Bhi Dori Ka Ehsass Dilate
Hain

*****************************************************************

dard
bhari zindagi ka suraag dhondte hai
hai andhera bhut yaha eak chiraag dhondte
hai
banaye thy tamsha zindagi ko es tarh
ke un mherbaano ka elaaj
dhondhte hai
koi en andhero main meri dil ki shmma jala de
hum apni
badnasibi ka raaz dhnodhte hai
hasrat ka aayina ye pather dil se toot
gaya
sisho ke en tokdo main apna aaj dhondhte hai
maazi ke tulkh
lamho ne hame jhulas ke rakh diya
dil ko bhlane ke liye koi haseen khaab
dhondhte
hai

********************************************************************

dukh
dard ke maaron se mera zikar na kerna...
ghar jao to yaaron se mera zikar na
kerna...

woh zabt na ker payenge aankhon ke samandar...
tum raah
guzaron se mera zikar na kerna...

phoolon ke nasheman mein raha hoon mein
sada se...
dekho kabhi khaaron se mera zikar na kerna...

shayad ye
andhere hi mujhe raah dikhayein...
ab chaand sitaron se mera zikar na
kerna...

woh meri kahani ko galat rang na de dein...
afsana nigaaron
se mera zikar na kerna...

shayad woh mere haal pe besakhta rodein...

is baar baharon se mera zikar na kerna...

le jayenge gehrayi mein tum
ko bhi baha ker...
darya ke kinaron se mera zikar na kerna...

woh
shakhs mile to usey har baat batana...
tum sirf isharon se mera zikar na
kerna...

**************************************************************************

Kya
pyar mein aisa hota hai

Kay jise dil chahay uss pe mar janay ko dil
chahta hai
Kay uss kay ansoo pi janay ko dil chahta hai

Kay uss kay
har gham ko mitta dane ko dil chahta hai
Kay ussko har paal muskurata hua
dekhnay ko dil chahta
hai
Kay uss par zindagani lutta dane ko dil chahta
hai
Kay uss ka hath pakar kar urha le janay ko dil chahta hai

Kay
usski ankhon mein kho janay ko dil chahta hai
Kay usski pyari pyari baton ko
har pal sunne ko dil chahta hai

Kay ussko har khushi dane ko dil chahta
hai
Kay ussko har chot se mehfooz rakhne ko dil chahta hai

Kay usskay
rastay mein giray howe har kante ko utha dane ko dil chahta hai
Kay ussko dil
mein chupa lane ko dil chahta hai

Kay usko har paal sapnon mein rakhnay
ko dil chahta hai
Kya pyar mein aissa hota hai
Kay usski parchayee ko hee
dekh kar dil khush hojata hai

Kay usski ek nazar se hee dil ko sukoon
ajata hai
Kay usska chehra charon tarf cha jata hai

Kay usski baat
baat par pyar ajata hai
Kay usskee bahon mein sojane ko dil chahta
hai

Kay usski hathon ki lakeron ko dil badal de naa chahta hai
Kay
usskay naseeb mein likhi howa har gham dil apne naam karna dane chahta
hai

Kay usski har khuwahish ko dil pura kar dena chahta hai
Kay saray
jahan ki khushian dil usske kadmon mein bicha dena chahta hai....

Kya
pyar mein aissa hota hai
Kay usske sath jina to kya
Usske sath mar janay
ko dil chahta hai..........

Kya pyar mein aissa hota
hai.....

********************************************************************

KISI
ROZ

dard kyaa hota hai bataayenge kaisi roz
kamal ki Ghazal
tumko sunaayenge kisi roz

thi unki yeh zidd ke main jaaun unko
manaane
mujhko yeh veham tha voh bulaayenge kisi roz

Allah
qasam maine to socha bhi nahiin tha
voh "itnaa" mere dil ko
dukhaayenge kisi roz

har roz aayi'ne se yahi puuchta huun main

kya rukh pe tabbassum bhi sajaayenge kisi roz..?

udne do in pariindon ko
aazaad fazaa mein
tumhaare honge agar lauT hi aayenge kisi
roz

apne sitam ka dekh lena khud hi asar tum
zakhm-e-jigar tam'aam
dikhaayenge kisi roz

jo peete rahe yuun hi dosto
hum keh rahe
hain jaan ganwaayenge kisi
roz

****************************************************************

dard
bhari zindagi ka suraag dhondte hai
hai andhera bhut yaha eak chiraag dhondte
hai .....

banaye thy tamsha zindagi ko es tarh
ke un mherbaano ka
elaaj dhondhte hai .....

koi en andhero main meri dil ki shmma jala
de
hum apni badnasibi ka raaz dhnodhte hai ....

hasrat ka aayina ye
pather dil se toot gaya
sisho ke en tokdo main apna aaj dhondhte hai
.....

maazi ke tulkh lamho ne hame jhulas ke rakh diya
dil ko bhlane
ke liye koi haseen khaab dhondhte
hai......

************************************************************************

naam
le le ker na mera shehar ki nazron mein aa...
mujh se milna hai to mere dil
ke sehraon mein aa...

us safar mein dekh ghul jaata hai mitti ka badan...

mujh se milne ki na khuwahish ker na barsaton mein aa...

log tujh ko
gungunyein meri khuwahish ki tarah...
ik achhote shehar ki soorat meri gazal
mein aa...

be hunar logon ne phir maanga mere fan ka saboot...
aa
meri sachayi ki khushbu mere lafzon mein aa...

ghar ke darwaze pe aakar
kion qadam rakhne lage...
aa meri tanhayi, meri muntazir banhon mein
aa...

*************************************************************************

Wo
Dil Torr Gaya

woh Dil hi mera torr gaya
ek choti si baat pe rooth
gaya
mujhe chor gaya bhari duniya main
mere Dil ko kaise torr
gaya
maine sapne dekhe
sab us ke
woh sapne kaise torr gaya
main jo us ki thi woh mera tha
woh
kaise yeh sab bhool gaya
mere Dil ki baat hi na jaan saka
woh bewafa kya
karta wafa
woh meri wafa ko bhool gaya
woh Dil hi mera torr
gaya

**********************************************************************]

Bholi
Si Surat
Bholi si surat,aankhon mein masti
Aye hai,are bholi si
surat
Aankhon mein masti,door khadi sharnaaye,aye hai
Ek jhalak dikhiaye
kabhi,kabhi aanchal mein chupjaye
Aye hai,meri nazar se tum dekho to yaar
nazar woh aaye bholi si surat
Aankhon mein masti,door khadi sharnaaye,aye hai
aye hai
Ek jhalak dikhlaye kabhi,kabhi aanchal mein chupjaye
Aye hai, meri
nazar se tume dekho to yaar nazar woh aaye bholi si surat
Aankhon mein
masti,door khadi sharnaaye,aye hai aye hai
Ladki nahin hai,woh jaadu hai, aur
kaha kya jaye
Raat ko mere khawab mein aayee,woh zulfe bikhrayee
Aankh
khuli to dil chaha phir neend mujhe aajaye
Bin dekhe yeh haal hua,dekhu to
kya ho jaaye
bholi si surat
Aankhon mein masti,door khadi sharnaaye, aye
hai
Ek jhalak dikhlaye kabhi,kabhi aanchal mein chupjaye
Aye hai
Meri
nazar se tum dekho to yaar nazar woh aaye
Bholi si surat
Aankhon mein
masti
Aye hai
Saawan ka pehla baadal,uska kaajal banjaaye
Mauj uthe
saagar mein jaise aise kadam uthaye
Rab ne jaane kis mitti se uske ang
banaye
Chum se kaash kahiin se mere saamne woh aajaaye
Bholi si
surat
Aankhon mein masti,door khadi sharnaaye,aye hai
Ek jhalak dikhlaye
kabhi kabhi aanchal mein chupjaye
Aye hai
Meri nazar se tume dekho to yaar
nazar woh aaye
Bholi si surat
Aankhon mein masti,door bhadi
sharnaye
Aye hai
Aye
hai

*********************************************************************

Irshaad
hai......
Qudrat ka khel hai shayad, meri qismat ka hai
Jo bhi hai meray
saath hi kyoun hota hai
Karkay iqrar din guzray bhi nahi kay saal beet
gaye
Raastay par saath chodh gaye, aisa kyoun hota hai
Humnay aisa kiya
vaada kay hum todh na sakay
Tum itni aasani say todh gaye, aisa kyoun hota
hai
Apni taraf say wafoun ka diya humnay har ek imtihan
Tum har ek imtihan
chodh gaye, aisa kyoun hota hai
Yeh tho hona hi tha ek din jo hum pehchaan na
sakay
Woh aisa bewafa nikla na soncha par aisa kyoun hota hai.
Bas ab
karli koshish har baar zaab nay
Ab na agay pachtaounga kay
aisa kyoun hota
hai, aisa kyoun hota
hai.....

*****************************************************************

Toot
jaata hoon jab yaad karta hoon
bikhar jaata hoon jab bhi sochta
hoon

zarra zarra mera jal ke shola ho jaata hai
rom rom mein tees si
utthne lagti hai
dil bechaara chup chaap dekhta rehta hai
aur aankhein
baadal ban jaati hain

mehsoos karta hoon kuchh armaanon ki
zindaa
laashon ko jalaa dena
suntaa hoon unki cheekhon ko kaan bandd
karke
bedard se dard ki bedard hasi

mazzakk udaane lagti
hai
utthhaati hai ungali meri laachaari ki taraf
aur dhoondh kar sabse
zakhmi ragg
use dabaa dabaa kar poochhti hai

yaheen hai na dard...???
aur ye lab bhi bewafaa
apni tabassum ke aagosh mein khoye rehte hain
sard
hawaa chheel kar badan ki jeeld ko
jaane kya talaash karti hai

khurach
khurach kar ek ek tamanna ko
uski har parat ko teh nikaal kar
usmein
chhupe dard ko kheench kar masalti hai
teri yaad jab bhi aati
hai

bebass sa mehsoos kartaa hoon
bebass sa mehsoos karta hoon
teri
yaad jab bhi aati
hai...

******************************************************************

Hum
ne pyar main paya to kya paya
Kabhi khood ro diye kabhi tum ko
rulaya
Halat-e-ghum main beh gaya jo aansoon
Who zindagi main phir kabhi
na behnay paya
Saza mujhay mili or jaza unhain
Aisa bhi kya insaf ne hai
sir jhukaya
Himat naheen thi us main saath dene ki
Ab tak na janey who
kaisay chal paya

Tukray apnay wajood ke rooz jorta hoon main
Usnay
meray dil ko aisa bikhraya
Zulm per zulm kertay rahay who or
"faisal"
Khamoosh hi raha, kabhi uff ker na paya
!!!

***********************************************************************

Badi
nazuk hai ye manzil,muhabbat ka safar hai

Zara aaram se ai dil,muhabbat
ka safar hai

Kahi jaan na le koi bada dar lagta hai
Magar dar se bhi
kya hasil,muhabbat ka safar hai

Bataya bhi nahi jata chupana bhi kathin
hai
Khudara kaisi ye mushqil, muhabbat ka safar
hai

*********************************************************************

Iss
kadar pyar ka izahaar nahi hota,
jo do kadam saath chale wo yaar nahi hota,

pyar karne wale to kaanton per chalte hain,
jo aajaye sholey to sholon
pe chalte
hain, kyon tujhe mere pyar per nahi aitabaar hota,
agar dilon me
sacha pyar nahi ho to ye
duniya nahi hoti yeh sansaar nahi
hota

**********************************************************************

Ager
hosake to jake koe hal us se keh de
mere kat rahe hen kese mehr-o- sal us se
keh de

main azal se janti hon k tu kuj ada naheen he
tere sath koe
chal gaya he chaal us se keh de

tera naam hi to tha kal mere zakham-e-jan
ka baes
tera naam hi to ab he meri dhaal us se keh de

koe sal ho k pal
ho koe shair ho ghazal ho
tere naam hochuka he mera mal us se keh
de

wo jo bakht men likha tha mere dard mil gaya he
na gila karongi koe
koe na malal us se keh de

wo jo rah main shajar tha wo buhat badl gaya
he
na wo aashiyan kaheen he na wo daal us se keh
de

******************************************************************

mehtaab
rutein aayein to kiya kiya nahin kertein...
is umar mein to larkiyan soya
nahin kertein...

kuchh larkiyan anjaam nazar aate hoe bhi...
jab ghar
se nikalti hain to socha nahin kertein...

yaan pyaas ka izhaar malamat
hai gunah hai...
phoolon se kabhi titliyan poochha nahin
kertein...

aangan mein ghane pair ke neeche teri yaadein...
mela sa
lagadeti hai achha nahin kertein...

qismat jinhein kerde shab-e-zulmat ke
hawale...
aanchal woh kisi naam ka orha nahin kertein...

jo larkiyan
taareek muqaddar hon kabhi bhi...
raaton ko diye ghar jalaya nahin
kertein..

.***************************************************************************

Kyaa
kahuun tum se main ke kyaa hai ishq

Kyaa kahuun tum se main ke kyaa hai
ishq
jaan kaa rog hai, balaa hai ishq

ishq hii ishq hai jahaan dekho

saare aalam mein bhar rahaa hai ishq

ishq maashuuq ishq aashiq hai

yaani apanaa hii mubtalaa hai ishq

ishq hai tarz-o-taur ishq ke
taaiin
kahiin ba.ndaa kahiin Khudaa hai ishq

kaun maqsad ko ishq bin
pahunchaa
aarazuu ishq vaa muddaa hai ishq

koyii Khvaahan nahiin
mohabbat kaa
tuu kahe jins-e-naarawaa hai ishq

Meerji zard hote jaate
hain
kyaa kahiin tum ne bhii kiyaa hai
ishq?

***************************************************************************

Ab
kis sey kahein ...

Ab kis sey kahein aur kon suney jo haal tumharey baad
huva
is dil ki jheel si aankhon main ik khab bohat barbad huva

ye
hijr hawa bhi dushman hey us naam key sarey rangon ki
wo naam jo mairay
honton par khushbu ki tarhan abaad huva

us shehar men kitney chehrey
they kuch yaad nahi sab bhool gaye
ik shaks kitabon jaissa tha wo shaks
zubani yaad
huva

***********************************************************************

Muhabbat
kum nahi ho gi

meri ankhain salamat hain
mera dil meray seenay main
dharakta hai
muje mehsoos hota hai
Muhabbat kum nahi ho gi
muhabbat
aik wadah hai
jo sacha'ai ki undaikhi
kisi saa'at main hota hai
kisi
raahat main hota hai
ye wadah sha'airi bun kar
meray jazbon main dhalta
hai
muje mehsoos hota hai
Muhabbat kum nahi ho gi
muhaabat aik
mausam hai
k jis main gulab khiltay hain
to khwabon ki hari shakhain

gulabon ko bulati hain
inhain khushbu banati hain
ye khushbu jab
hamari khirkion par
dastakain day kar guzarti hai
mujhe mehsoos hota hai

Muhabbat kum nahi ho gi
Muhabbat kum nahi ho
gi

************************************************************************

Muhabbat
Nahin Mili ...

Aisa nahin keh hum ko muhabbat nahin mili
Haan jaisi
chahatey they wo qurb nahin mili

Milnay ko zindagi mein kaye Humsafar
milay
Laikin Tabeeyatoon sai tabeeyat nahin mili

Chahroon keh hur
hajoom mein hum dhondtey rahey
Soorat nahin mili kahin seerat nahin mili

Wo yuk baik mila tou boohat deir tuk humein
Alfaaz dhoondney ki bhi
muhlat nahin mili

Us ko gila raha keh tawajjo na di usay
Laikin
humaein khud apni rafaqat nahin mili

hur shakh zindagi mein boohat deir
sai mila
Koi bhi cheez husb-e-zaroorat nahin mili

12 Tips to Prevent

2007-11-02T19:17:00.000+05:30

12 Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu the "Natural" Way

There are no known cures for colds and flu, so cold and flu prevention should
be your goal. A proactive approach to warding off colds and flu is apt to make
your whole life healthier. The most effective way for preventing the flu is to
get the flu shot. It may not be natural, but it works better than anything else.
But there are other strategies you can employ as well. WebMD went to Charles B.
Inlander, president of The People's Medical Society, for suggestions you may
want to try:

#1 Wash Your Hands

Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct
contact. Someone who has the flu sneezes onto their hand, and then touches the
telephone, the keyboard, a kitchen glass. The germs can live for hours -- in
some cases weeks -- only to be picked up by the next person who touches the same
object. So wash your hands often. If no sink is available, rub your hands
together very hard for a minute or so. That also helps break up most of the cold
germs. Or rub an alcohol-based hand sanitizer onto your hands.

#2 Don't Cover Your Sneezes and Coughs With
Your Hands

Because germs and viruses cling to your bare hands,
muffling coughs and sneezes with your hands results in passing along your germs
to others. When you feel a sneeze or cough coming, use a tissue, then throw it
away immediately. If you don't have a tissue, turn your head away from people
near you and cough into the air.

#3 Don't Touch Your Face

Cold and flu viruses enter your body through the
eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching their faces is the major way children catch
colds, and a key way they pass colds on to their parents.

#4 Drink Plenty of Fluids

Water flushes your system, washing out the poisons as
it rehydrates you. A typical, healthy adult needs eight 8-ounce glasses of
fluids each day. How can you tell if you're getting enough liquid? If the color
of your urine runs close to clear, you're getting enough. If it's deep yellow,
you need more fluids.

#5 Take a Sauna

Researchers aren't clear about the exact role saunas
play in prevention, but one 1989 German study found that people who steamed
twice a week got half as many colds as those who didn't. One theory: When you
take a sauna you inhale air hotter than 80 degrees, a temperature too hot for
cold and flu viruses to survive.

#6 Get Fresh Air

A regular dose of fresh air is important, especially
in cold weather when central heating dries you out and makes your body more
vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. Also, during cold weather more people stay
indoors, which means more germs are circulating in crowded, dry rooms.

#7 Do Aerobic Exercise Regularly

Aerobic exercise speeds up the heart to pump larger
quantities of blood; makes you breathe faster to help transfer oxygen from your
lungs to your blood; and makes you sweat once your body heats up. These
exercises help increase the body's natural virus-killing cells.

#8 Eat Foods Containing Phytochemicals

"Phyto" means plants, and the natural chemicals in
plants give the vitamins in food a supercharged boost. So put away the vitamin
pill, and eat dark green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits.

#9 Eat Yogurt

Some studies have shown that eating a daily cup of
low-fat yogurt can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25 percent.
Researchers think the beneficial bacteria in yogurt may stimulate production of
immune system substances that fight disease.

#10 Don't Smoke

Statistics show that heavy smokers get more severe
colds and more frequent ones.

Even being around smoke profoundly zaps the immune
system. Smoke dries out your nasal passages and paralyzes cilia. These are the
delicate hairs that line the mucous membranes in your nose and lungs, and with
their wavy movements, sweep cold and flu viruses out of the nasal passages.
Experts contend that one cigarette can paralyze cilia for as long as 30
to 40 minutes.

#11 Cut Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol use suppresses the immune system in a
variety of ways. Heavier drinkers are more prone to initial infections as well
as secondary complications. Alcohol also dehydrates the body -- it actually
takes more fluids from your system than it puts in.

#12 Relax

If you can teach yourself to relax, you can activate
your immune system on demand. There's evidence that when you put your relaxation
skills into action, your interleukins -- leaders in the immune system response
against cold and flu viruses -- increase in the bloodstream. Train yourself to
picture an image you find pleasant or calming. Do this 30 minutes a day for
several months. Keep in mind, relaxation is a learnable skill, but it is
not doing nothing. People who try to relax, but are in fact bored, show
no changes in blood chemicals.

Cold--Causes

2007-11-02T19:14:00.000+05:30

Common Cold--Causes

The viruses

More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common
cold. Some, such as the rhinoviruses, seldom produce serious illnesses. Others,
such as parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus, produce mild infections
in adults but can precipitate severe lower respiratory infections in young
children.

Rhinoviruses (from the Greek rhin,
meaning “nose”) cause an estimated 30 to 35 percent of all adult colds, and are
most active in early fall, spring, and summer. More than 110 distinct rhinovirus
types have been identified. These agents grow best at temperatures of about 91
degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside the human nose.

Scientists think coronaviruses cause a large percentage of all adult colds.
They bring on colds primarily in the winter and early spring. Of the more than
30 kinds, three or four infect humans. The importance of coronaviruses as a
cause of colds is hard to assess because, unlike rhinoviruses, they are
difficult to grow in the laboratory.

Approximately 10 to 15 percent of adult colds are caused by viruses also
responsible for other, more severe illnesses: adenoviruses, coxsackieviruses,
echoviruses, orthomyxoviruses (including influenza A and B viruses, which cause
flu), paramyxoviruses (including several parainfluenza viruses), respiratory
syncytial virus, and enteroviruses.

The causes of 30 to 50 percent of adult colds, presumed to be viral, remain
unidentified. The same viruses that produce colds in adults appear to cause
colds in children. The relative importance of various viruses in pediatric
colds, however, is unclear because it’s difficult to isolate the precise cause
of symptoms in studies of children with colds.

The weather

There is no evidence that you can get a cold from exposure to cold weather or
from getting chilled or overheated.

Other factors

There is also no evidence that your chances of getting a cold are related to
factors such as exercise, diet, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. On the other
hand, research suggests that psychological stress and allergic diseases
affecting your nose or throat may have an impact on your chances of getting
infected by cold viruses.

Cold Facts

2007-11-02T19:13:00.001+05:30

Common Cold

Overview

Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose—everyone knows the first signs of a
cold, probably the most common illness known. Although the common cold is
usually mild, with symptoms lasting 1 to 2 weeks, it is a leading cause of
doctor visits and missed days from school and work. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 22 million school days are lost annually in the
United States due to the common cold.

In the course of a year, people in the United States suffer 1 billion colds,
according to some estimates.

Children have about 6 to 10 colds a year. One important reason why colds are
so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other
in daycare centers and schools. In families with children in school, the number
of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year. Adults average about 2 to 4
colds a year, although the range varies widely. Women, especially those aged 20
to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact
with children. On average, people older than 60 have fewer than one cold a
year.

In the United States, most colds occur during the fall and winter. Beginning
in late August or early September, the rate of colds increases slowly for a few
weeks and remains high until March or April, when it declines. The seasonal
variation may relate to the opening of schools and to cold weather, which prompt
people to spend more time indoors and increase the chances that viruses will
spread to you from someone else.

Seasonal changes in relative humidity also may affect the prevalence of
colds. The most common cold-causing viruses survive better when humidity is
low—the colder months of the year. Cold weather also may make the inside lining
of your nose drier and more vulnerable to viral infection.

Questions 10 About Cold

2007-11-02T19:09:00.000+05:30

Frequently Asked Questions About the Common Cold

The common cold is easily spread through the cold virus. Read answers to
common questions about the common cold.

1. What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

Although the flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, they are
caused by different viruses. Because they have similar symptoms, it can be
difficult to tell them apart. But generally cold symptoms are much milder than
flu.

Common cold symptoms include:

Sore throat
Stuffy nose
Runny nose
Cough
Mild fever

The flu, on the other hand, often causes higher fever, chills, body ache, and
fatigue.

2. Why isn't there a cold vaccine?

The common cold can be caused by nearly 250 different viruses. It's just too
difficult for scientists to prepare a vaccine that protects against all of the
cold viruses. Also, there's less need for a cold vaccine. Colds are minor
infections of the throat, nose, and sinuses. Colds generally come and go with no
serious complications. You're miserable for a few days, then it's over.

3. Could my cold symptoms actually be allergies?

If you are sniffling, but not achy or feverish at all, you may very well have
allergies. Also, if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, and you also have
red, itchy eyes, the evidence points to allergies. However, it's often hard to
tell because people with allergies and asthma are more likely to get colds. They
may already have inflamed and irritated lungs - so they are less able to fight
off a cold virus.

4. What's the best treatment for a cold?

There is no cure for the common cold. The most important thing you can do is
drink a lot of fluids to keep your body hydrated. This will help prevent another
infection from setting in. Avoid drinks like coffee, tea, and colas with
caffeine. They rob your system of fluids. As for eating, follow your appetite.
If you're not really hungry, try eating simple foods like white rice or
broth.

Chicken soup is comforting, plus the steam helps break up nasal congestion.
Ginger seems to settle an upset stomach. A hot toddy may help you sleep, but
beware of mixing alcohol with other cold remedies.

Over-the-counter cold medicines can offer relief from aches and fever.
However, doctors no longer believe in suppressing low-grade fever - except in
very young and very old people, or people with certain medical conditions such
as heart or lung disease. Low-grade fever helps the body fight off infection by
suppressing the growth of viruses or bacteria and by activating the immune
system.

Aspirin. Young people and children should not take aspirin because of
the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Decongestants can help make breathing easier by shrinking swollen
mucous membranes in the nose.
Saline nasal sprays can also open breathing passages.
Cough preparations are not hugely effective. For minor coughs, water
and fruit juices probably help the most.
Gargling with salt water can help relieve a sore throat.

5. How effective are natural remedies like zinc, echinacea, and vitamin
C?

Some studies show that zinc nasal sprays help cut a cold's severity and
duration. The theory? Zinc sprays may coat the cold virus and prevent it from
attaching to nasal cells where they enter the body. But other studies show that
zinc is no more effective than placebo. Recent, well-done studies on echinacea
show that it is not effective in preventing colds. However, in one study, 120
people with cold-like symptoms took 20 drops of echinacea every two hours for 10
days and had briefer colds than others.

5. How effective are natural remedies like zinc, echinacea, and vitamin C?
continued...

As for vitamin C's effects, a recent survey of 65 years' worth of studies
found limited benefit. The researchers found no evidence that vitamin C prevents
colds. However, they did find evidence that vitamin C may shorten how long you
suffer from a cold. One large study found that people who took a vitamin C
megadose -- 8 grams on the first day of a cold -- shortened the duration of
their colds.

To prevent colds the natural way,
it's best to make sure you've got a well-nourished immune system. Dark greens
foods like spinach are loaded with vitamins A and C. Salmon is a great source of
omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. Low-fat yogurt may help stimulate
the immune system.

Regular exercise - aerobics and walking - also boosts the immune system.
People who exercise may still catch a virus, but they have less severe symptoms.
They may recover more quickly compared with less-healthy people.

6. Should I go to the doctor or get an antibiotic?

You usually don't need a doctor or an antibiotic when you have a cold. Colds
are caused by viruses. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.

But a cold can turn into a sinus infection. If your sinuses become blocked
and cannot drain properly, you can develop inflammation and a bacterial
infection. An ear infection may also result from a bout with a cold. Although
sinus and ear infections can improve on their own, sometimes you need
antibiotics to clear the bacterial infections from your body.

Symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, fever, and/or a feeling of
fullness in the ears.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain,
and pressure, and headache.

7. Should I stay at home if I have a cold?

You're contagious for the first few days of your cold, so it's best to stay
home then. You need to be careful about coughing and sneezing around other
people. Also, you will recover quicker if you get some rest.

8. How can I prevent a cold?

Handwashing! Both flu and cold viruses are transmitted the same way --
through microscopic droplets from an infected person's respiratory system.
Someone sneezes or coughs, and droplets are sprayed onto any nearby surface --
including you! If people cough or sneeze into their hands (without a tissue),
they can contaminate every surface they touch. If you touch that same surface,
you pick up the virus. If you rub your eyes or nose, you've just infected
yourself.

To protect yourself and prevent
spread of cold and flu viruses:

Wash your hands frequently. Use an alcohol-based gel if you don't have
access to water.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your hands. Wash your hands
afterward.
No tissue? When you cough, turn your head away from others.
If you have a sudden sneeze, bend your arm and sneeze into it.
Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Wash any shared surfaces (like phones and keyboards) frequently. Viruses can
live on surfaces for several hours.
Stay away from crowds during cold and flu season.

9. Can you catch a cold from getting chilled?

This is one of the most persistent myths about colds. The only way to catch a
cold is by being exposed to a cold virus. Cold air may irritate an existing
condition, such as asthma, which would weaken your immunity. This could make
your body more receptive to a cold virus, but only if you come in contact with
it. If you've caught a cold after getting chilled, it's only coincidence.

10. Why does my child always seem to have a cold?

School children are incredibly good at passing a virus along. Children
naturally exhale more highly concentrated virus droplets than adults do. They
also exhale them for longer periods of time. Plus, children are very active,
always in each other's faces. And there is a general lack of hygiene - children
don't their wash hands. They don't cover noses or mouths when they sneeze or
cough. Even more importantly, they don't get very sick - which means they
continue to spread the virus while they are very contagious.

Cold: The Basics

2007-11-02T19:06:00.000+05:30

Common Cold: The Basics

Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose -- everyone knows the first miserable
signs of a common cold. But what is a common cold really? What causes you
to catch colds frequently while your best friend stays well? And -- more
importantly -- how can you prevent getting a common cold this season? Here are
some common cold basics to help you protect yourself and your family from
getting sick.

What Is a Common Cold?

The common cold is a group of symptoms in the upper respiratory tract caused
by a large number of different viruses. Although more than 200 viruses can cause
the common cold, the perpetrator is usually the rhinovirus, which is to blame
for causing 10% to 40% of colds. Also, the coronaviruses cause about 20% of
colds and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes 10% of colds.

The rhinovirus (or other cold virus) enters your body through your nose or
mouth and is easily spread when you touch someone or touch common objects (the
computer keyboard or mouse, the telephone receiver, a doorknob, or eating
utensils). If you aren’t cautious about hand washing, you can
spread the common cold to family, friends, coworkers, and people you’ve never
met at a restaurant or the supermarket.

What Causes a Common Cold?

While getting chilled or wet is not a common cold cause,
there are factors that make you more susceptible to catching a cold virus. For
example, you are more likely to catch a common cold if you are excessively
fatigued, have emotional distress, or have allergies with nose and
throat symptoms.

For more detail, see WebMD’s Common Cold Causes.

How a Common Cold Starts

With a common cold, you catch the virus from another person who is infected
with the virus. This usually happens by touching surface contaminated with cold
germs, and then touching your nose or mouth. You can also catch a cold by
encountering secretions someone has sneezed into the air.

A cold begins when a cold virus attaches to the lining of your nose or
throat. Your immune system sends white blood cells out to attack this germ.
Unless you've encountered that exact strain of the virus before, the initial
attack fails and your body sends in reinforcements. Your nose and throat get
inflamed and produce a lot of mucus. With so much of your body’s energy
directed at fighting the cold virus, you’re left feeling tired and
miserable.

Although the common cold is usually mild, it is a leading cause of doctor
visits and missed days from school and work. According to the CDC, 22 million
school days are lost annually in the U.S. because of the common cold. Some
estimates state that Americans suffer 1 billion colds annually.

Common Cold Symptoms

With the common cold, you may have cold symptoms such as
an itching or sore throat with sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and
mucus drainage. More severe symptoms, such as high fever or muscle aches, may
indicate you may have the flu and not a cold.

For more detail, see WebMD’s Common Cold Symptoms: What
You Might Feel

Kids and Common Colds

Children have about 5 to 7 colds per year. A key reason why colds are so
common in children is because kids spend time at school or in daycare centers
where they are in close contact with other kids most of the day. Another reason
is kids have not developed as strong an immune system against colds. In families
with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12
annually. Adults average about 2 or 3 colds a year, although the range varies
widely. Women, especially those aged 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men,
possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, people older
than 60 have less than one cold a year.

For more detail, see WebMD’s Kids and Colds: Germs in
the School Room.

Preparing for Cold Season

When to Call the Doctor

Remember, common colds are viral—not bacterial. Yet many people
still ask their doctors for antibiotics when they experience common cold misery.
Antibiotics kill
bacteria -- not viruses. Antibiotics cannot help a viral infection
like a cold.

While most colds last around 7 to 10 days, if your symptoms continue, you may
need to call the doctor.
Sometimes common colds can lead to bacterial infections in your lungs, sinuses,
or ears that require medical treatment such as antibiotics.

Back Pain - the Basics

2007-11-01T10:12:00.000+05:30

Understanding Back Pain - the Basics

What Is Back Pain?

We've all experienced back problems from time to time -- a pain in the lower
back or strain of the neck. In fact, problems from back pain are the most common
physical complaints among American adults and are a leading cause of lost job
time -- to say nothing of the time and money spent in search of relief. Back
pain includes sore muscles and tendons, herniated discs, fractures, and other
problems. Most often, the causes of back pain have developed over a long period
of time.

The spinal column is an extraordinary mechanism. It keeps us stable enough to
stand upright but flexible enough for movement. The backbone, or spine, is
actually a stack of 24 individual bones called vertebrae.

A healthy spine is S-shaped when viewed from the side. It curves back at the
shoulders and inward at the neck and small of the back. It's the body's main
structural support. It also houses and protects the spinal cord, the intricate
network of nerves that runs through the vertebrae to transmit feeling and
control movement throughout the entire body.

What Causes It?

Back pain ranks high on the list of self-inflicted ailments. Most of our back
troubles happen because of bad habits, generally developed over a long period of
time. These include:

Poor posture
Overexertion in work and play
Sitting incorrectly at the desk or at the steering wheel
Pushing, pulling, and lifting things carelessly

Sometimes, the effects are immediate, but in many cases back problems develop
over time. One of the more common types of back pain comes from straining the
bands of muscles surrounding the spine. Although such strains can occur anywhere
along the spine, they happen most often in the curve of the lower back. The next
most common place is at the base of the neck.

Sometimes backache occurs for no apparent reason. This is called nonspecific
backache. It may develop from weakened muscles that cannot handle everyday
walking, bending, and stretching. In other cases, the discomfort seems to come
from general tension, lack of proper sleep, and/or stress.

A condition called fibrositis causes chronic backache from localized muscle
tension. Sometimes this original muscle tension comes from stress or other
emotional problems.
Whether the muscle strain is from lifting heavy objects
or from something as innocuous as a sneeze makes little difference -- the pain
can be agonizing.

Pregnancy commonly brings on back pain. Hormonal changes and weight gain put
new kinds of stresses on a pregnant woman's spine and legs.

Injuries from contact sports, accidents, and falls can cause problems ranging
from minor muscle strains to severe damage to the spinal column or the spinal
cord itself.

Back Pain - Symptoms

2007-11-01T10:11:00.000+05:30

Understanding Back Pain - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms?

Most people have experienced back pain sometime in their life. The causes of
back pain are numerous; some are self-inflicted due to a lifetime of bad habits.
Other back pain causes include accidents, muscle strains, and sports injuries.
Although the causes may be different, most often they share the same
symptoms.

The symptoms for back pain are:

Persistent aching or stiffness anywhere along your spine, from the base of
the neck to the hips.
Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back -- especially
after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity.
Chronic ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or
standing for extended periods.

Call Your Doctor If:

You feel numbness, tingling, or loss of control in your arms or legs. This
may signal damage to the spinal cord.
The pain in your back extends downward along the back of the leg. You may be
suffering from sciatica.
The pain increases when you cough or bend forward at the waist. This can be
the sign of a herniated disc.
The pain is accompanied by fever. You may have a bacterial infection.
You have dull pain in one area of your spine when lying in or getting out of
bed. If you are over 50 you may be suffering from osteoarthritis.

Back Pain - Treatment

2007-11-01T10:07:00.000+05:30

Understanding Back Pain - Treatment

How Do I Know What Kind of Back Problem I Have?

Before a doctor can begin treating back pain, he or she may do tests to
determine what is causing the patient's back pain. Unless you are totally
immobilized from a back injury, your doctor probably will test your range of
motion and nerve function and touch your body to locate the area of
discomfort.

Blood and urine tests will make
sure the pain is not due to an infection or other systemic problem.
X-rays
are useful in pinpointing broken bones or other skeletal defects. They can
sometimes help locate problems in connective tissue. To analyze soft-tissue
damage, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may
be needed. X-rays and imaging studies are generally used only for checking out
direct trauma to the back, back pain with fever, or nerve problems such as
extremity weakness or numbness. To determine possible nerve or muscle damage, an
electromyogram (EMG) can be useful.

What Are the Treatments?

Because back pain stems from a variety of causes, treatment goals are pain
relief and restored movement. The basic treatment for relieving back pain from
strain or minor injury is rest. An ice pack can be helpful, as can aspirin or
another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce pain and
inflammation. After the inflammation subsides, applying heat can soothe muscles
and connective tissue.

Long-term bed rest is not only no longer considered necessary for most cases
of back pain, it is actually potentially harmful, making recovery slower and
potentially causing new problems. In most cases, you will be expected to start
normal, nonstrenuous activity (such as walking) within 24 to 72 hours. After
that you should begin controlled exercise or physical therapy. Physical therapy
treatments may employ massage, ultrasound, whirlpool baths, controlled
application of heat, and individually tailored exercise programs to help you
regain full use of the back. Strengthening both the abdominal and back muscles
helps stabilize the spine. You can prevent further back injury by learning --
and doing -- gentle stretching exercises and proper lifting techniques, and
maintaining good posture.

If back pain keeps you from normal daily activities, your doctor can help by
recommending or prescribing pain medications. Over-the-counter painkillers such
as Tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen can be helpful. Your doctor may prescribe
prescription strength anti-inflammatories/pain medicines or may prefer to
prescribe combination opioid/acetaminophen medications such as Vicodin or
Percocet. Some doctors also prescribe muscle relaxants. But beware, these
medications have their main effect on the brain, not the muscles, and often
cause drowsiness.

If your primary doctor isn't able to help you control the pain, he/she may
refer you to a back specialist or a pain specialist. Sometimes these doctors
will use injections of steroids or anesthetics to help control the pain. Some
newer treatments have been developed recently to help with the treatment of
pain. One of these is radiofrequency ablation, a process of delivering
electrical stimulation to specific nerves to make them less sensitive to pain,
or by delivering enough electricity to actually destroy the nerve to prevent
further pain. A similar type of procedure that delivers heat to a herniated disc
can shrink the disc so that it no longer bulging onto the nerve root causing
pain. Other medicines such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants are sometimes
prescribed to help with pain related to irritated nerves.

What Are the Treatments? continued...

Knowing the cause of the pain and fixing the problem if possible should be
primary in the course of your treatment, however.

Some physicians advocate using a
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS), although whether TENS is
clearly helpful for back pain has not been resolved. Electrodes taped to the
body carry a mild electric current that helps relieve pain. After appropriate
training, patients can use TENS on their own to help reduce pain while they
recover from strained or moderately injured backs.

Surgery for nonspecific back pain is a last resort. In cases of persistent
pain from extreme nerve damage, rhizotomy -- surgically severing a nerve -- may
be necessary to stop transmission of pain to the brain. Rhizotomy can correct
the symptoms caused by friction between the surfaces in a spinal joint, but it
doesn't address other problems, such as herniated discs.

Chiropractors have a role in the treatment of back pain. The U.S. Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality recognizes spinal manipulation by chiropractors
and osteopaths as effective for acute low-back pain. Its effectiveness for
treating chronic back pain is less well established. Some researchers suggest
that early chiropractic adjustments for acute back pain may prevent chronic
problems from developing. Other doctors warn against some chiropractic
manipulations, particularly those that involve rapid twisting of the
neck.
Osteopathic treatment is likely to combine drug therapy with spinal
manipulation or traction, followed by physical therapy and exercise.

Acupuncture may bring moderate to complete pain relief for many sufferers. It
can be used alone or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes
medications and other bodywork. Clinical achievements, along with positive
research results, prompted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to declare
acupuncture a reasonable treatment option for those suffering low back pain.

If you consult a psychotherapist for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), your
treatment may include stress management, behavioral adaptation, education, and
relaxation techniques. CBT can lessen the intensity of back pain, change
perceptions about levels of pain and disability, and even lift depression. The
NIH considers CBT useful for relieving low back pain, citing studies that show
CBT to be superior to routine care and placebo.
Other comprehensive
behavioral programs have shown similar success, with participants able to lessen
the amount of medication they needed while improving their outlook and
pain-related behavior.

If lower back pain is related to muscle tension or spasm, biofeedback can be
effective for lessening pain intensity, decreasing drug use, and improving
quality of life. Biofeedback may help you train your muscles to respond better
to stress or movement.

The Alexander Technique, Pilates, and the Feldendkrais Method are all
specialized forms of body work that help you learn to move in a more
coordinated, flexible, and graceful manner. They may help reduce pain and can
relieve stress. Some of the postures of yoga may help diminish low back pain,
improve flexibility, strength, and sense of balance. Yoga is good for stress
reduction and can help with the psychological aspects of pain.
Aquatic
therapy and exercise can also improve flexibility and decrease pain for those
with chronic low back problems. The unique properties of water make it an
especially safe environment for exercising a sore back; it provides gentle
resistance, comfort, and relaxation.

Back Pain - Prevention

2007-11-01T10:05:00.000+05:30

Understanding Back Pain - Prevention

How Can I Prevent Back Pain?

In learning how to prevent back pain, keep your posture in mind. The most
important preventive measure for lower back pain is practicing good posture when
standing and sitting.

First, analyze your posture by
standing with your heels against a wall. Your calves, buttocks, shoulders, and
the back of your head should touch the wall. You should be able to slip your
hand behind the small of your back. Now step forward and stand normally. If your
posture changes, correct it right away. If you stand for long periods at work,
wear flat shoes with good arch support and get a box or step about six inches
high to rest one foot on from time to time.

Your sitting posture may be even more important. A good chair bottom supports
your hips comfortably but doesn't touch the backs of your knees. Your chair back
should be set at an angle of about 10 degrees and should cradle the small of
your back comfortably. If necessary, use a wedge-shaped cushion or lumbar pad.
Your feet should rest flat on the floor. Your forearms should rest on your desk
or work surface with your elbows almost at a right angle.

When you have to lift heavy objects, don't bend at the waist. Squat with your
legs and keep your back upright as you grasp the object and stand upright again.
Let your legs do the lifting, not your back. Back braces don't actually help
protect your back other than reminding you to not bend with your back. Finally,
ask your doctor or health club trainer about back-strengthening exercises. You
might also check with your local YMCA or hospital for back-strengthening
classes. These stretching and strengthening exercises can help chronic back pain
and prevent future episodes. Also, some forms of yoga and tai chi can help you
learn proper posture, improve strength, balance, and flexibility.

Steroid Shots for Back Pain Don't Work

2007-11-01T10:03:00.000+05:30

Steroid Shots for Back Pain Don't Work

Professional Group Advises Against Epidural Steroid Shots
for Chronic Back Pain

By Miranda Hitti
Medical News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

March 5, 2007 -- When it comes to treating chronic back pain with sciatica,
epidural steroid injections may only bring small, short-term relief, according
to a group of neurology professionals.

Sciatica is pain running down the
back of the leg, where the sciatic nerve is located. It often accompanies back
pain.

In reaching its conclusion, the American Academy of Neurology's Therapeutics
and Technology Assessment Subcommittee reviewed four studies on epidural steroid
injections for back pain with sciatica.

Based on the findings, epidural steroid shots are not recommended for
long-term back pain relief, improving back function, or preventing back surgery,
write neurology professor and subcommittee member Carmel Armon, MD, MHS, and
colleagues.

Armon works at Tufts University's medical school and Baystate Medical Center
in Springfield, Mass.

Taken together, the four studies show that patients who got epidural steroid
shots had a slight drop in pain two to six weeks after the injection, compared
with patients who got epidural shots containing no medicine (placebo
injections).

However, the epidural steroids didn't relieve back pain more than the placebo
at 24 hours, three months, or six months after administration, the review
shows.

The epidural steroid shots also didn't appear to improve the patients'
average back function or help patients avoid back surgery.

"While some pain relief is a positive result in and of itself, the extent of
leg and back pain relief from epidural steroid injections, on the average, fell
short of the values typically viewed as clinically meaningful," Armon says in an
American Academy of Neurology news release.

Armon's team didn't have enough data to evaluate the use of epidural steroid
shots for neck pain.

With few high-quality studies to review, the researchers call for further
studies on epidural steroid injections for neck and back pain.

Low Back Pain

2007-11-01T09:56:00.000+05:30

Low Back Pain: Many Options for Relief

Expert Panel Says a Variety of Treatments Can Ease Pain
Without Surgery

By Daniel J. DeNoon
Medical News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Oct. 1, 2007 -- People who suffer low back pain have high odds of finding
relief without surgery, an expert panel says.

The panel, made up of experts from
the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians, has released
guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain.

The guidelines cover what doctors call "nonspecific low back pain" -- that is, back pain not due to a specific
condition such as cancer, a slipped disk, a compressed nerve, or a
fracture.

If you have this kind of bad pain, there's good news, says panelist Roger
Chou, MD, associate professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science
University in Portland. Chou is director of the clinical guidelines development
program of the American Pain Society.

"There are lots of options out there that have pretty good evidence they
work," Chou tells WebMD. "There is no one perfect treatment for everybody. If
you are interested in spinal manipulation and acupuncture, the evidence is just
as good as for medications."

Once upon a time, doctors told people with low back pain to stay in bed for
three days -- perhaps with a board under their mattress. That very bad advice
actually made back pain worse, Chou says.

"We don't want people lying in bed," he says. "Get out. Try a normal range of
activities, but back off if your back hurts. But you won't hurt your back by
doing regular stuff, and it may actually keep your back conditioned and
strong."

Doctors also used to give routine X-rays to patients complaining of low back
pain. That, according to the expert panel, also is wrong. X-rays are
indicated only when a doctor has reason to suspect an underlying condition that
could be confirmed by imaging studies.

Back Pain Relief Menu

Most people with low back pain have an acute pain episode. But up to a third
of patients report persistent pain of at least moderate intensity -- chronic low
back pain.

The panel found evidence that different patients can get relief from a wide
variety of treatments. These treatments include:

Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy
Exercise therapy
Spinal manipulation from a chiropractor, osteopath, or physical therapist
Intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation (physical, vocational, and
behavioral therapies provided by multiple providers with different clinical
backgrounds)
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Yoga
Progressive relaxation

"Patients and doctors need to talk," Chou says. "Don't use stuff not backed
up by evidence. Don't fall for stuff just because it's touted on the Internet or
whatever."

Scott D. Boden, MD, professor of orthopaedic surgery and director of the
Emory University orthopaedics and spine center, says the panel's advice confirms
what back specialists have been saying for years.

"These programs have been around for 15 to 20 years," Boden tells WebMD.
"Some studies show they have a benefit, some not. A lot of this has to do with
the psychological makeup of patients."

Boden adds one more possible cure to Chou's list: time.

"Fortunately for most patients, it is just a short period of time where back
pain is absolutely debilitating," he says. "For some, the most important thing
is just the education that they are not falling apart, so they can to stop
searching for the cure and go on and live their lives."

Back Pain Relief Menu continued...

Both Boden and Chou stress that surgery is not the answer for most patients.
In fact, Consumer Reports this month listed back surgery as the No. 1
most overused medical treatment.

"Since surgery doesn't offer a
large advantage in most patients, the message is that most people will be able
to get better without surgery," Chou says. "If you can avoid it, you are going
to be better off."

Boden suggests that patients settle on a treatment that helps and warns that
some patients may never be totally cured of back pain.

"Unfortunately, while looking for a cure patients can run into surgery that
would be moderately risky with a small chance of success," Boden says. "Or they
could end up with something that is not necessarily dangerous, but equally
ineffective. There are a lot of new things that sound good, but the real back
pain options really haven't changed that much in decades."

Chou and colleagues report the panel findings in the Oct. 2 issue of the
Annals of Internal Medicine.

The 10 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating...cotd...

2007-10-31T14:13:00.000+05:30

The 10 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

(continued)

4. Swiss chard

Hidden in the leafy-greens cooler of your market, you'll find this slightly
bitter, salty vegetable, which is actually native to the Mediterranean.

Why it's healthy: A half cup
of cooked Swiss chard provides a huge amount of both lutein and zeaxanthin,
supplying 10 mg each. These plant chemicals, known as carotenoids, protect your
retinas from the damage of aging, according to Harvard researchers. That's
because both nutrients, which are actually pigments, appear to accumulate in
your retinas, where they absorb the type of shortwave light rays that can damage
your eyes. So the more lutein and zeaxanthin you eat, the better your internal
eye protection will be.

How to eat it: Chard goes great with grilled steaks and chicken, and
it also works well as a bed for pan-seared fish. Wash and dry a bunch of Swiss
chard, and then chop the leaves and stems into 1-inch pieces. Heat a tablespoon
of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok, and add two garlic cloves that you've
peeled and lightly crushed. When the oil smokes lightly, add the chard. Sauté
for 5 to 7 minutes, until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender. Remove the
garlic cloves and season the chard with salt and pepper.

5. Cinnamon

This old-world spice usually reaches most men's stomachs only when it's mixed
with sugar and stuck to a roll.

Why it's healthy: Cinnamon helps control your blood sugar, which
influences your risk of heart disease. In fact, USDA researchers found that
people with type-2 diabetes who consumed 1 g of cinnamon a day for 6 weeks
(about 1/4 teaspoon each day) significantly reduced not only their blood sugar
but also their triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Credit the spice's
active ingredients, methylhydroxychalcone polymers, which increase your cells'
ability to metabolize sugar by up to 20 times.

How to eat it: You don't need the fancy oils and extracts sold at
vitamin stores; just sprinkle the stuff that's in your spice rack (or in the
shaker at Starbucks) into your coffee or on your oatmeal.

6. Purslane

Although the FDA classifies purslane as a broad-leaved weed, it's a popular
vegetable and herb in many other countries, including China, Mexico, and
Greece.

Why it's healthy: Purslane
has the highest amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fats of any edible plant,
according to researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The
scientists also report that this herb has 10 to 20 times more melatonin -- an
antioxidant that may inhibit cancer growth -- than any other fruit or vegetable
tested.

How to eat it: In a salad. Think of purslane as a great alternative or
addition to lettuce: The leaves and stems are crisp, chewy, and succulent, and
they have a mild lemony taste. Look for it at your local farmer's market, or
Chinese or Mexican market. It's also available at some Whole Foods stores, as an
individual leafy green or in premade salad mixes.

7. Pomegranate juice

A popular drink for decades in the Middle East, pomegranate juice has become
widely available only recently in the United States.

Why it's healthy: Israeli scientists discovered that men who downed
just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for a year decreased their systolic
(top number) blood pressure by 21 percent and significantly improved bloodflow
to their hearts. What's more, 4 ounces provides 50 percent of your daily vitamin
C needs.

How to drink it: Try 100 percent pomegranate juice from Pom Wonderful.
It contains no added sugars, and because it's so powerful, a small glassful is
all you need. (For a list of retailers, go to www.pomwonderful.com.)

8. Goji berries

These raisin-size fruits are chewy and taste like a cross between a cranberry
and a cherry. More important, these potent berries have been used as a medicinal
food in Tibet for over 1,700 years.

Why they're healthy: Goji berries have one of the highest ORAC ratings
-- a method of gauging antioxidant power -- of any fruit, according to Tufts
University researchers. And although modern scientists began to study this
ancient berry only recently, they've found that the sugars that make goji
berries sweet reduce insulin resistance -- a risk factor of diabetes -- in
rats.

How to eat them: Mix dried or fresh goji berries with a cup of plain
yogurt, sprinkle them on your oatmeal or cold cereal, or enjoy a handful by
themselves. You can find them at specialty supermarkets or at
gojiberries.us.

9. Dried plums

You may know these better by the moniker "prunes," which are indelibly linked
with nursing homes and bathroom habits. And that explains why, in an effort to
revive this delicious fruit's image, producers now market them under another
name.

Why they're healthy: Prunes
contain high amounts of neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, antioxidants that
are particularly effective at combating the "superoxide anion radical." This
nasty free radical causes structural damage to your cells, and such damage is
thought to be one of the primary causes of cancer.

How to eat them: As an appetizer. Wrap a paper-thin slice of
prosciutto around each dried plum and secure with a toothpick. Bake in a 400°F
oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the plums are soft and the prosciutto is
crispy. Most of the fat will cook off, and you'll be left with a
decadent-tasting treat that's sweet, savory, and healthy.

10. Pumpkin seeds

These jack-o'-lantern waste products are the most nutritious part of the
pumpkin.

Why they're healthy: Downing pumpkin seeds is the easiest way to
consume more magnesium. That's important because French researchers recently
determined that men with the highest levels of magnesium in their blood have a
40 percent lower risk of early death than those with the lowest levels. And on
average, men consume 353 mg of the mineral daily, well under the 420 mg minimum
recommended by the USDA.

How to eat them: Whole, shells and all. (The shells provide extra
fiber.) Roasted pumpkin seeds contain 150 mg of magnesium per ounce; add them to
your regular diet and you'll easily hit your daily target of 420 mg. Look for
them in the snack or health-food section of your grocery store, next to the
peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

Antioxidants, Explained

The science is clear: Plant foods are good for you. And the credit often goes
to chemicals they produce called antioxidants. Just as the name suggests,
antioxidants help protect your cells against oxidation. Think of oxidation as
rust. This rust is caused by free radicals, which are unstable oxygen atoms that
attack your cells, inducing DNA damage that leads to cancer. Thankfully,
antioxidants help stabilize free radicals, which keeps the rogue atoms from
harming your cells.

So by eating more antioxidant-rich foods, you'll boost the amount of the
disease-fighting chemicals floating in your bloodstream. The result: Every bite
fortifies your body with all-natural preventive medicine.

The 10 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

2007-10-31T14:11:00.000+05:30

The 10 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

(continued).....

2. Cabbage

Absent from most American kitchens, this cruciferous vegetable is a major
player in European and Asian diets.

Why it's healthy: One cup of
chopped cabbage has just 22 calories, and it's loaded with valuable nutrients.
At the top of the list is sulforaphane, a chemical that increases your body's
production of enzymes that disarm cell-damaging free radicals and reduce your
risk of cancer. In fact, Stanford University scientists determined that
sulforaphane boosts your levels of these cancer-fighting enzymes higher than any
other plant chemical.

How to eat it: Put cabbage on your burgers to add a satisfying crunch.
Or, for an even better sandwich topping or side salad, try an Asian-style slaw.
Here's what you'll need.

4 Tbsp peanut or canola oil
Juice of two limes
1 Tbsp sriracha, an
Asian chili sauce you can find in the international section of your grocery
store
1 head napa cabbage, finely chopped or shredded
1/4 cup toasted
peanuts
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Whisk together the oil, lime juice, and sriracha. Combine the remaining
ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss with the dressing to coat.
Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving. The slaw will keep in your fridge for
2 days.

3. Guava

Guava is an obscure tropical fruit that's subtly acidic, with sweetness that
intensifies as you eat your way to the center.

Why it's healthy: Guava has a higher concentration of lycopene -- an
antioxidant that fights prostate cancer -- than any other plant food, including
tomatoes and watermelon. In addition, 1 cup of the stuff provides 688 milligrams
(mg) of potassium, which is 63 percent more than you'll find in a medium banana.
And guava may be the ultimate high-fiber food: There's almost 9 grams (g) of
fiber in every cup.

How to eat it: Down the entire fruit, from the rind to the seeds. It's
all edible -- and nutritious. The rind alone has more vitamin C than you'd find
in the flesh of an orange. You can score guava in the produce section of
higher-end supermarkets or in Latin grocery stores.

The 10 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

2007-10-31T13:57:00.000+05:30

The 10 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

Want to do your body a world of
good? It's as easy as expanding your grocery list

Although some guys aren't opposed to smoking some weed, most wouldn't think
of eating one. It's a shame, really, since a succulent weed named purslane is
not only delicious but also among the world's healthiest foods.

Of course, there are many superfoods that never see the inside of a shopping
cart. Some you've never heard of, and others you've simply forgotten about.
That's why we've rounded up the best of the bunch. Make a place for them on your
table and you'll instantly upgrade your health -- without a prescription.

1. Beets

These grungy-looking roots are naturally sweeter than any other vegetable,
which means they pack tons of flavor underneath their rugged exterior.

Why they're healthy: Think of beets as red spinach. Just like Popeye's
powerfood, this crimson vegetable is one of the best sources of both folate and
betaine. These two nutrients work together to lower your blood levels of
homocysteine, an inflammatory compound that can damage your arteries and
increase your risk of heart disease. Plus, the natural pigments -- called
betacyanins -- that give beets their color have been proved to be potent cancer
fighters in laboratory mice.

How to eat them: Fresh and raw, not from a jar. Heating beets actually
decreases their antioxidant power. For a simple single-serving salad, wash and
peel one beet, and then grate it on the widest blade of a box grater. Toss with
1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon.

You can eat the leaves and stems, which are also packed with vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants. Simply cut off the stems just below the point where
the leaves start, and wash thoroughly. They're now ready to be used in a salad.
Or, for a side dish, sauté the leaves, along with a minced clove of garlic and a
tablespoon of olive oil, in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook until the
leaves are wilted and the stems are tender. Season with salt and pepper and a
squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese.

Bottom Line Health

2007-10-29T17:13:00.001+05:30

Bottom Line Health

Written by Ronald J. Berding

Choosing a health plan is not as
easy as it used to be. The distinctions among health plans have begun to blur as
health benefits companies compete for your business. Although there is no "best"
health benefits plan, there are carriers that are a better fit than others for
your business and your employees'
health
care needs.

As CEO of VISTA, a health benefits company, I am not immune
to the skyrocketing cost of health care. As an employer, I face the same
challenge you do of keeping health care costs affordable for VISTA's
1,000 Florida employees. My responsibility also extends to more than 10,000
South Florida employer groups and 330,000 VISTA members.

While many
CEOs, presidents and CFOs complain about the cost of providing health benefits
for their employees, they are rarely engaged in the process of selecting a
health benefits company.

Fortunately, South Florida employers enjoy a
highly competitive marketplace when it comes to purchasing health benefits.
While there are many carriers to choose from, the differences among each are
few. The network
of providers, plan designs and services are all very similar. So all things
being equal, why pay more? How do you know which health benefits company is the
right fit for your business? Ask yourself these questions.

As an
employer, how much can I afford to contribute to the premium?

What
benefits will serve the majority of my employees?

Will offering
employees more choices save or cost me money?

Does the plan have an
adequate number of providers?

Evaluating cost
Business owners are searching for
ways to reduce their health care expenses. Look for a carrier that administers
your
health
benefits plan efficiently.

Administrative charges are a carrier's
overhead costs. They are included in your premium and can vary significantly.
These charges include processing and paying claims, answering customer calls,
marketing and advertising costs, and broker commission payments. Carriers with
lower administrative costs usually are much more affordable than those with high
administrative costs.

When reviewing proposals from health benefits
companies, ask what they will charge you for administrative expenses.

Offering employees a
choice
Giving employees the freedom to choose their health
plan will help educate them about the valuable benefit you offer, satisfy their
need for health benefits and keep your premium contributions within your budget.
Plan choices may vary by co-payment, network access and employee contribution.
It will be the employee, not the employer, who is responsible for evaluating and
choosing his or her health benefits plan.

Employees will have to
determine how often they use health care
services,
what they estimate those costs to be and how they want to access and pay for
those services.

An
adequate provider network
No health benefits plan covers
every health expense an employee may have or includes every physician. You are
purchasing group coverage. As a business owner, you must evaluate whether the
health benefits plan you are considering offers an affordable level of benefits
and a network that provides adequate accessibility for your employees.

Your bottom
line
In South Florida, there can be as much as a 15 percent
difference in cost among the health benefits companies you have to choose from.
The health plan you select should be cost-competitive and offer a choice of
health plans and an extensive provider network to meet the needs of your group.

Whether your company has 20 employees or 1,000, your level of engagement
in the decision-making process is vital in determining how health care costs
will impact your company's bottom line. Standing on the sidelines could be a
price you cannot afford to pay.

Neck Exercises

2007-10-25T14:54:00.000+05:30

Neck Exercises, More For Building A Stronger Neck

I feature neck exercises here not because your neck (or my neck
for that matter) needs to be toned to good beautiful shape but because you
invariably involve your neck when you do various toning
exercises .

So, there's a need to keep your neck strong by exercising your
neck muscles.

You've read or heard instructions like these:

"Tuck your chin into your chest" - this involves your neck.

"Keep your neck in straight neutral position" - this too involves
your neck.

"Hang down your neck comfortably" - this again involves your
neck.....

One way or another, in doing exercises, you'll be using your neck
to support, cushion or balance your head and upper body.

Hence, exerciseing your neck is a good way to strengthen your neck
so that it can provide strong support or cushion for your head and upper body.

Other important reasons why you should do neck exercises:

Stress and fatigue can show up early in your neck muscles and cause pain
Poor posture and poor body mechanics can lead to many neck problems

Regular exercise for the neck can increase the strength and
flexibility of your neck, and help you to avoid these painful "necky issues".

Then, there's another reason - this time for beauty sake.

I'll show you the type of neck
exercises to do to take away a crepey looking neck with folds of tired
looking, loose skin hanging around it.

In place, you'll have youthful-looking, no-lined appearance skin
around your neck.

Before you do exercise for the neck, it's important you take
note of a couple of things concerning your neck:

Before you begin, always warm up first
Your neck is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of your body,
and one of the most common spots for physical pain
So, when you do the exercises, it's very important that you follow
good, correct form.
Carelessness can bring more harm than with other exercises. So, be extra
careful when you do the exercises
When doing exercise for the neck, you're to use smooth controlled motion at
all times. Don't jerk or bounce at all
If you've persistent and severe neck pain, please consult a doctor before
doing any of the neck exercises featured here
And if you experience any pain while you exercise the neck, you
should stop immediately and consult your doctor.

The Warm Up Exercise

Exercise 1

Move your neck forward and backward, side to side, and turn your
head from left to right.

Do 20-30 times of each movement to warm up.

Exercise 2

Tilt your head towards one shoulder, drop your chin down your
chest half circling your head to the other side while keeping shoulders down.

Do this in as full a range of motion as you can without causing
pain.

Don't do full neck circles because you could cause compression of
your cervical spine.

Routine of Neck Exercises

Neck Exercise 1

Tuck chin to your chest.

Bend your head backward to the sky.

Relax. Repeat.

Neck Exercise 2

Bend head to the right towards your shoulder.

Then bend head to the left towards your shoulder.

Relax.

Repeat.

Neck Exercise 3

Keep shoulders straight.

Turn your head to the right as far as you can.

Then turn head to the left as far as you can.

Repeat.

Neck Exercise 4

Note: When doing this exercise, don't bend your waist or
hips

Stand with feet hip-width apart, put hands behind your head.

Bend your upper back to the right. Hold it for 3 to 5 seconds.

Then bend your upper back to the left. Again hold it for 3 to 5
seconds.

Repeat.

Neck Exercise 5

Stand with feet hip-width apart, clasp hands behind your back.

Pull downward towards the floor.

Then inhale deeply.

Stand on your toes and look up to the sky.

Exhale and return to the starting position.

Repeat.

Neck Exercise 6

Push hand against your forehead.

Then push your head against hands, resisting the motion.

Hold for 3 to 5 seconds.

Relax.

Repeat.

Neck Exercise 7

Push your right hand against the side of your head. Then push head
against your hand, towards your shoulder, resisting the motion.

Hold for 3 to 5 seconds.

Relax.

Repeat with your left hand.

Right, you're done with the neck exercises. Just commit to do
the exercises consistently, 3 times a week for a session of about 20 minutes.

You'll have strong neck to support your head and upper body - a
very good PLUS point when your neck is engaged to help you do all other muscle
toning exercises!

OK, how about doing a good stretch for
your neck to round up the exercise routine for your neck?

How Walking for Exercise Helps you Lose Weight

2007-10-25T14:51:00.000+05:30

How Walking for Exercise Helps you Lose Weight

Walking for exercise is a
purposeful, brisk walk specifically designed for the purpose of improving
health. It is one of the best and cheapest forms of exercise. If you want to
improve your general health and keep fit, or if you want to reduce your weight,
walking is a good place to start.

Walking keeps you fit and helps you take off extra weight
and keep it off. It's cheap, it's simple and almost anybody can do it. Walking
has a multitude of health benefits for everyone. Walking helps reduce the risk
of coronary heart disease and stroke, lowers high blood pressure, helps reduce
weight and body fat, helps reduce risk of some cancers, gives you more energy,
helps you sleep better, helps you look better and helps those people who are
recovering from a period of ill-health.

Walking for exercise does not need to be strenuous to
produce results. Even walking for 30 minutes a day has been reported to produce
measurable benefits, even among those who are least active.

If you want to feel great, have more energy and improve
your overall health, take a walk. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise
and you can do it almost anywhere, anytime, and for free. Do at least 30 minutes
of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week. The idea is to use up
more calories than you eat. You need to use up the day's calories and some of
the calories stored in your body fat.

Along with its benefits to the heart, walking improves
circulation, helps breathing, combats depression, bolsters the immune system,
helps prevent osteoporosis, helps control weight and helps prevent and control
diabetes. It's a gentle exercise and its suitable if you are recovering from
heart trouble, a stroke or other illness. It helps the total circulation of
blood throughout the body, and thus has a direct effect on your overall feeling
of health.

Remember, if you have a medical condition, are
overweight, over 40 years of age or haven't exercised regularly for a long time,
check with your doctor before you start any type of exercise program. Your
doctor or other health worker can help you set sensible goals based on a proper
weight for your height, build and age.

Source: theirarticles.com

Incorporating Physical Activity into Your Daily Routine

2007-10-25T14:47:00.000+05:30

Written by Matt Ream

You already know that getting at
least 30 minutes of exercise each and every day is good for you, but putting
that assertion into actual practice is an entirely different matter, right?
Contrary to what you might think, making physical activity an everyday habit
isn't rocket science. There's no secret code for success waiting to be cracked.
In fact, it's something that can be worked into your usual routine with minimal,
sometimes no, interruption or adjustment.

The U.S. Surgeon General, the American Heart Association
and many other reputable health organizations all agree that 30 minutes of
moderate-intensity workout is optimal on most, if not all, days of the week. The
good news is that they also all concur that this recommended prescription
doesn't have to be taken all in one large dose. While the American College of
Sports Medicine (ACSM) once called for continuous exercise of 20 minutes'
duration or longer, new guidelines allow for bouts of physical activity (as few
as 10 minutes at a time) intermittently spread throughout the day.

When viewed in this manner, 10 minutes of exercise three
times a day becomes a much more manageable goal than 30 uninterrupted minutes.
Even the busiest executive and the most stressed-out mom can carve out 360
seconds for the sake of improving his or her physical, mental and emotional
well-being. In fact, regular physical activity can even be considered a
lifesaving practice. That's because it's been proven to extend life by warding
off many chronic and deadly conditions like heart attacks, diabetes and
strokes.

Now that the logistics are out of the way, the question
becomes: What constitutes 'moderate-intensity' activity? In concrete terms, the
30-minute recommendation breaks down to two to three miles of walking a day at a
rate of 3-4 miles per hour, or to burning 200 calories per day. This aim
coincides with the popular 10,000 Steps program, which can easily be reached
with the assistance of a RYP Sports pedometer. Simple things like parking your
car farther away from your office or taking the stairs instead of the elevator
can quickly add up to that target number.

For those who don't enjoy walking or running, there are
many other activities that constitute moderate-intensity exertion, many of which
are necessary and/or fun tasks that fit right in with your normal routine.
Gardening, raking leaves, mowing the lawn, mall strolling and dancing all fill
the bill. In fact, 30 minutes spent playing tag with your kids in the yard burns
the equivalent amount of calories as yoga, horseback riding and walking at a
pace of four miles per hour on a level surface.

So, before you use the excuse that you're too busy to
schedule exercise into your daily grind, reconsider. Play Frisbee with the kids,
take the dog for a jog around the block, even get some much-needed cleaning done
around the house. In no time flat you'll have reached your intended exercise
goal, often without even realizing it!

About the author: RYP Sports makes it easy for you to
incorporate daily activity into your current lifestyle by offering the best in
health and fitness products at the best prices. Visit http://www.rypsports.com to get our FREE pedometer
e-book.

Who's Older, You Or Your Body?

2007-10-25T14:34:00.000+05:30

Who's Older, You Or Your Body?

Written by Cecelia Yap

Could your body's age be older than
your chronological age?

Chronologically you're 45, but your body in terms of age,
could be 53......

Ah....Your body's already on the verge of "retirement"
but you're only 45......

Can you do something about your "aging" body?

Or you're 33, your body's age could be 25......

Whoa! You're already 33 but alas! You've a physical body
of a 25-year-old!

Ain't that great? You'd feel estatic and on top of the
world knowing that you're the same "body age" as a 25-year-old!

And how do you achieve this "envious" state of things?

Well, for both cases, you undergo the so-called "body
age" test which assesses amongst a litany of things, your body fat, strength,
cardiovascular condition, flexibility, cholesterol, blood pressure and ...... to
determine your "body age".

Many gyms now offer the "body age" test to their members.

Let's say the body age
test
shows that your "body age" is 53, older than your chronological age of 45.....

You can now do something about your "body age", to
whittle down the years so your body could be years younger than your
chronological age.......

What's that something you can do?

Exercise, of course!

If the body age test shows that you're high in body fat,
weak in cardiovascular system or low in strength, you tackle these weaknesses
through eating a healthy
diet
to trim your body fat, doing effective cardio exercises to build up your
cardiovascular fitness and launching into strength training to increase your
strength and muscle
mass.

A couple of months of consistently following the exercise
and eating regime, you'll be able to whittle your "body age" down to the number
you want......

The next thing you want to know - how can exercise strip
away the years?

OK. Let's take your cardiovascular system to illustrate
the point.

If you're sedentary and you don't exercise, you'll lose
about 5% of the elasticity of your heart every decade but studies have shown
that exercise can lessen the negative effects.

Granted your muscle isn't going to be as good as that of
a 20-year-old, but you can still have a healthy functioning heart, even at age
70 or 80, if you regularly exercise, cardio exercise, that is.

The way I look at it - this "body age" test is a kind of
motivational tool as it lets you know how "old" your body is and how fast your
body is aging and that perhaps by knowing the "age" of your body, you'd do that
"something" - exercise, to arrest the downhill disintegration.

You know, a kind of alert system to let you know it's
time to exercise, a tried-and-true method of arresting or delaying some aspects
of your aging.

And when it's put in "age" term, it can motivate you to
exercise.

Still, I think the most rewarding thing you get from this
"body age" test is the health
status
of your body - you'll know whether you're healthy in terms of cardio-respiratory
fitness, body
fat
composition,
flexibility, muscle strength, cholesterol levels, blood pressure.......

However, exercise experts caution that there's only so
much exercise can do to slow down aging and "body age" test should be taken with
a grain of salt.

I agree.

Because some gyms claim that with enough exercise, you
can attain the body of a teenager. That's a bit over-stretched the fact since
exercise can only slow down your aging but it can't reverse
aging.

Face the fact- you'll be aging but it's much slower if
you exercise. If you're 60, you might be more like a 50- or 45-year-old but
you're not going to be like a 20-year-old!

But have you thought of how wonderful it would be if,
when you're 60, your body is fit like a 50- or 45-year-old?

You won't be afraid of being old or bed-ridden with
sickness and not able to do the things you enjoy. You'll be able to brag about
taking the stairs with ease, run with heart-pumping efficiency of a 45-year-old
and sprint like a cat......

Life is beautiful!

I don't know about you, but I think it's the greatest
motivation for me to exercise!

Exercise not only slows down your aging process, it's
also a great mental tool that sharpens your mind and brain, helping you stay
mentally healthy and agile, warding off age-related mental diseases such as Alzheimer's
disease
and dementia.

And exercise is also the better way to tackle health
issues such as high blood pressure, fibromylgia, diabetes,
osteoporosis, lower back pain and stress.

So, you reckon, who's older, you or your body?

Regularly exercise to achieve good health and to maintain
it; at the same time to slow down your aging.

Your body will be years younger than your chronological
age!

You'll be much more healthier and look much younger than
your peers!

About the author Cecelia Yap is a seasoned exerciser who
walks the talk concerning exercise.

Her passion is exercise, fitness and eating
right.

She shows you what works and what doesn't at her website:
http://www.perfect-body-toning.com

You want to slow down your aging? Here's the insightful
information on how exercise helps to slow down aging
.

Did you know that excess Salt is Harmful?

2007-10-25T14:21:00.000+05:30

Did you know that excess Salt is Harmful?

Salt (sodium) plays an important role in the regulation of muscle contraction, fluid balance and nerve impulses in the human body and it is essential for overall good health. All our body fluids including blood, sweat, tears, etc contain sodium. It is essential to maintain proper balance of sodium in these fluids. Sodium in the body is mainly found in fluids that surround the body’s cells, such as blood and lymph fluid. When sodium intake exceeds the amount the body can handle it builds up in the interstitial areas and the kidneys have to work extra hard to excrete it.

A build up may cause the body to hold extra fluids in the blood and around the cells, which contributes to increased blood pressure and also excess weight gain from water. The reason why water retention can be so hard to diagnose is that almost all the body’s tissues have plenty of capacity to hold a little extra fluid without looking abnormal. This extra fluid is what makes one look fat.Generally, we should only eat between 1,000 and 3,000 mg of sodium a day, so it’s easy to go overboard. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for sodium is about 2,300 mg - slightly more than one teaspoon. While sodium occurs naturally in many foods and is used in food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), salt itself still accounts for more than 90 per cent of the sodium in our diets.In fact, three-quarters of the salt in our diets comes from processed foods, with just 10 per cent coming from the salt we add during cooking or at the table, and the remaining 15 per cent that occurs naturally in food. This means they key to keeping salt intake down is to eat fewer processed, salty foods such as sauces, pickles, crisps, canned meats, sausages, ham, and canned soups. The good news is many of these foods are also high in calories and fat making them poor choices if you’re trying to lose weight. The more highly processed a food is, the more likely it is to have high sodium content. That’s why, when it comes to eating, it’s wise to stick mainly to the basics. Fruits, vegetables, lean meant, beans and whole grains all have little sodium.Tips to Reduce Sodium in Your DietEat canned soups or broths sparingly. These can be very high in sodium. Use fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat, rather than canned or processed types. Switch to low-sodium margarine, or low-salt butter. Avoid salted nuts, chips, pickles and other snack foods. Avoid using table salt. Do not add extra salt at the table. Reduce sodium when shopping. Read the food labels carefully to find out more about what is in the foods you eat. This will help you choose the right foods. This will help you limit the amount of sodium you eat everyday. Rinse salt from canned foods.

Dental Health: Bad Breath

2007-10-21T21:31:00.000+05:30

Dental Health: Bad Breath

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor oral hygiene
habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made
worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

How Does What You Eat Affect Breath?

Basically, all the food you eat begins to be broken down in your mouth. As
foods are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, they are eventually
carried to your lungs and given off in your breath. If you eat foods with strong
odors (such as, garlic or onions), brushing and flossing - even mouthwash -
merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely
until the foods have passed through your body.

Why Do Poor Habits Cause Bad Breath?

If you don't brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in
your mouth, which promotes bacteria growth between teeth, around the gums, and
on the tongue. This causes bad breath. In addition, odor-causing bacteria and
food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned.

Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can also cause bad breath, stain
teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate gum tissues.

What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may be warning signs of
gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque
on teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritate the
gums. If periodontal disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and
jawbone.

Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances,
yeast infections of the mouth and dental caries.

The medical condition dry
mouth (also called xerostomia) can also cause bad breath. Saliva is
necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by
plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and
cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry
mouth may be caused by the side effects of various medications, salivary gland
problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be
aware of: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis,
chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, liver
or kidney problems.

What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to
remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush
at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush your tongue, too.
Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Use floss or an interdental cleaner
to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day. Dentures
should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your
mouth the next morning.
See your dentist regularly – at least twice a year. He or she will conduct
an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and will be able detect and
treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of
bad mouth odor.
Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on
kicking the habit.
Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum
(preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also
stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and
bacteria.
Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think the foods that you eat may be
causing your bad breath, record what you eat so that you can determine which
foods may be contributing to the problem. Bring the log to your dentist to
review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some medications may
play a role in creating mouth odors.

Who Treats Bad Breath?

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If your
dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not of oral
origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to
determine the odor source and treatment plan. If the odor is due to gum disease,
for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a
periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.

What Products Can I Use to Eliminate Bad Breath?

You can buy a number of mouthwashes over-the-counter that claim to eliminate
bad breath. However, keep in mind that many of these mouthwashes generally
provide only a temporary way to mask unpleasant mouth odor. There are, however,
several antiseptic mouth-rinse products available that instead of simply masking
breath odor kill the germs that cause bad breath. Ask your dentist about which
product is best for you.

Hyderabad

7 Pains You Should Never Ignore

Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic

Benefits of Drinking Water Oversold?

Benefits of Drinking Water Oversold?

Health Benefits of Drinking Water: Search for Evidence

Goldfarb was curious about where the longstanding recommendation about eightdaily glasses of water originated. "In my mind it wasn't that drinking thisextra water would hurt you, but that you might not have to."

Claim No. 2: Drinking Water Helps Your Organs Work Better

Claim No. 3: Drinking Water Reduces Food Intake and Helps You LoseWeight

Drinking more water is widely encouraged to help weight loss, the theorybeing that the more water you drink, the fuller you will feel and the less youwill eat. "The [medical] literature on this is quite conflicted," Goldfarbsays.

Claim No. 4: Drinking Water Improves Skin Tone

Claim No. 5: Drinking Water Wards Off Headaches

Drinking Water: A Placebo Effect?

New Strength Training Advice for Kids

New Strength Training Advice for Kids

Thwart Genital Warts

Thwart Genital Warts: Don’t Sleep Around

More Sexual Partners, Higher Risk

More Diagnoses Among Whites

Uncircumcised Fared Better

Genital Warts: A Common STD

HPV Vaccine Controversy

Psoriasis: 7 New Genetic Clues

Psoriasis: 7 New Genetic Clues

Feed Your Heart Right

Feed Your Heart Right

LUNCH

DINNER

Diet and Nutrition

Life after Death

Excursions in Hyderabad

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

Dhola Ri Dhani Hyderabad

Laad Bazaar Hyderabad

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Hyderabad

Mir Alam Tank Hyderabad

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Ramoji Film City Hyderabad

Shilparamam in Hyderabad

Yadagirigutta Temple Nalgonda

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

How to Reach Hyderabad

Holidays in Hyderabad

Health Precautions in Hyderabad

Tourist Guides in Hyderabad

Entertainment in Hyderabad

Electricity in Hyderabad

What to Eat in Hyderabad

Hyderabad Travel Tips

Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad

Raymond Tomb Hyderabad

Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad

Paigah Tombs Hyderabad

Osmania University Hyderabad

HITEC City Hyderabad

Golconda Fort Hyderabad

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Diagnosing a Cold

When should a doctor or other health care practitioner be consulted?

CommonCold At A Glance

Cold - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms?

Call Your Doctor If:

21 Reasons to Quit Smoking

Natural Health Care and the Heart

Health Clubs And Gyms Advice

The Obesity Virus

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Drinking Green Tea Benefits

10 Rules of Wt loss

10 Main Rules Of Weight Loss

Islamic Beliefs

Tum Itana Jo

Tum Itana Jo

Mother

Wife

Daughter

Sister

I am.....

Goldfarb was curious about where the longstanding recommendation about eight
daily glasses of water originated. "In my mind it wasn't that drinking this
extra water would hurt you, but that you might not have to."

Claim No. 3: Drinking Water Reduces Food Intake and Helps You Lose
Weight

Drinking more water is widely encouraged to help weight loss, the theory
being that the more water you drink, the fuller you will feel and the less you
will eat. "The [medical] literature on this is quite conflicted," Goldfarb
says.

Common
Cold At A Glance

HOMEOPATHY
TIPS FOR HOW TO KEEP HEALTHY TEETH AND GUMS

5. How effective are natural remedies like zinc, echinacea, and vitamin
C?

5. How effective are natural remedies like zinc, echinacea, and vitamin C?
continued...