Cholestrol Lowering Foods

 

Apples: Apple pectin is a soluble fiber that helps draw cholesterol out of the system. The flavonoids (Quercetin) in apples act as a powerful antioxidant that seems to short-circuit the process that leads “bad” LDL cholesterol to accumulate in the bloodstream.

Beans: Beans and vegetables are an excellent source of soluble fiber and high in vegetable protein. By properly combing beans with brown rice, seeds, corn, wheat you can create a complete protein. Properly combined beans become an excellent substitute for red meat protein that is high in saturated fat.

Brown Rice: The oil in whole brown rice, not its fiber, lowers cholesterol. Brown rice can be combined with beans to form an inexpensive complete protein low in saturated fat. In addition, this whole grain also supplies good doses of heart-healthy fiber, magnesium and B vitamins.

Cinnamon: A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride, LDL, the bad cholesterol and the total cholesterol level.

Garlic: Garlic contains the chemical allicin, which has been shown to kill bacteria and fungi, and alleviate certain digestive disorders. It also lowers the blood-clotting properties of blood. But the most notable attention garlic has received over recent years is its possible usefulness in lowering cholesterol levels.

Grapes: Flavonoids in grapes protect LDL cholesterol from free radical damage and reduce platelet clumping. The LDL lowering effect of grapes comes from a compound that grapes produce normally to resist mold. The darker the grape, the better.

Oats: Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol.

Salmon: The major health components in salmon include: Omega-3 fatty-acids and protein. These components have a favorable cardiovascular effect. The American Heart Association recommends that people include at least two servings of fish/week, particularly fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies and herring), in their diets.

Soy: The top health promoting components in soybeans are isoflavones and soluble fiber. Isoflavones act like human hormone that can lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. All soy products (soybeans, soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, etc.) are complete proteins.

Walnuts: Walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol because they are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks. A cholesterol-lowering diet with a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts a day may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12%.

Important Facts behind Wearing Helmet.!!!

Helmet- A must.

 

Helmets to be Compulsory for Scooter and Motorcycle Riders and pillion passengers

Violators will be charged U/sec.177 of M.V.Act-1988 for which fine is Rs.100/- for each person. (Rider and Pillion Rider)

 

Why must I wear a helmet?

When man was created, he was quipped with a skull to protect his brain. This original protection measure "set-up" was effective in the then soft environment which was man's normal habitat'. As man evolved, he started by taming the horse, as he outgrew the speed capability of the horse, he began searching for faster modes of travel. He first developed the steam engine, followed by the internal combustion engine and then the turbine. Man, while he has succeeded in propelling himself at speeds that would have scared his ancestors, has also changed his surroundings to hard unyielding surfaces both horizontal and vertical. Unfortunately, he has not been able to transform himself to the protective needs of his new lifestyle and environment. The helmet is, therefore, necessary and just a link in the long chain of safety equipment and counter measures man has to use in his present surroundings.

Why do Governments make Helmet use compulsory ?

Have a safe journey like this!!!

The wealth of any nation is in its people. With the continuing popularity of the two wheeler amongst college going youth and executive cadre, it is necessary for the government to protect its intelligentsia and prevent "brain drain" of another sort. Helmets are made mandatory by law, since statistical studies conducted almost all over the world have proven beyond any doubt that " a helmet is the single most effective counter measure against brain injury in the life of a two wheeler user."

Additionally safety measures in every form are never implemented unless the government has enforced them.

How does a helmet work?

The brain is the most delicate organ in the human body, which is suspended within the skull in a fluid called the Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF).When the skull is hit, it accelerates and moves towards the suspended brain,until the pressures within the skull move the brain forward in the CSF. When the skull is stopped, ( as in a motorcycle accident ),the brain being suspended continues its forward motion, and depending upon the speed during impact, the forward moving brain will touch the inside of the skull and can be damaged. The brain is said, in such a case, to have suffered from linear concussion, and penetration from protruding objects and to stay fastened position in the event of an accident. Energy management, as we call it in the helmet trade, is the management of the energy that must be dissipated, so that the brain is never subjected to damage from contraction the skull. To achieve this, we construct a skull, rather a very rigid shell from fiberglass, or thermoplastic. The inside of the helmet is lined with expanded polystyrene (EPS ) of controlled density. The shape and thickness of this EPS liner as well as its density is of paramount importance. Under an accident impact condition, the shell of the helmet behaves like the skull; the EPS liner like the CSF and the skull is treated in the same way as nature intended it to treat the brain.

In case of an accident

a) The helmet strikes the road, curb of whatever and comes to a stop. Momentarily.( Measured in
milliseconds.)
b) The skull and brain are still in motion.
c) The EPS begins crushing progressively.
d) The skull is not permitted to stop "suddenly", by the crushing EPS.
e) The brain is also slowing progressively within the CSF and the job is done.
All of the above happens very quickly (within milliseconds) and that is how a helmet works.

What comprises a good helmet?

Good helmet have fiberglass or thermoplastic outer shells. EPS (Thermocole) is considered to be the best energy absorbing liner available and must be present in the helmet. Nylon or Terylene woven tape of tubular instruction is found to be the best for chinstraps. Steel Anchor plates are a must for securing the chinstraps to the shell. Fastening by double "D" rings; bar-n-buckle orall metal clasps are most secure. Rivets of copper or brass are best for fixing anchor plates to the shell. The helmet must fit snugly and not wobble or move, ones fastened on the head. Beadings, paints etc. are frills that are applied to promote the helmet. Look for these features in a helmet before making your choice.

Why must I wear a helmet then I do not normally exceed 55 km while riding?

At 55 kmph you are traveling at 49 feet per second i.e. the speed at which you will hit the ground if you jump out a window on the fourth floor of a building. Must I say more????

What is the lifetime of a helmet and how should a helmet be handled?

A helmet, since it is constructed from plastics, i.e. thermoplastics: ABS, Polycarbonate, Polypropelene or thermosets i.e. Fibreglass reinforced plastics, are subject to change from exposure to ultra-violet and infrared rays in sunlight. A helmet should be replaced every two or three years, However, if a helmet has been involved in an impact, it must be changed without question. DON'T TAKE CHANCES. Don't drop it; Keep it out of reach of children. Don't press the EPS liner inside, don't carry groceries in it. Clean it regularly.

Do helmets cause balding?

Not at all, this aspect of helmets was studied in the U.K. in 1981 by a leading authority on baldness and a consultant dermatologist Dr. Arthur Rook. It was found that the wearing of helmets does NOT promote balding.

 Do Helmets impair hearing?

You will be interested to learn of findings from a study conducted at the California Institute of Technology and the USDA forests service. At highway speeds (approximately 80 kmph) wind noise levels with a helmet on, can reach 100db (A) which is the permitted mechanical sound level of a motorcycle sold in the USA). In case you feel then, that riding without a helmet is better, let me hasten to inform you, which at the same speed the wind noise level without a helmet are 120 db (A). So, to come back to the original question, you can now see that what may appear to be a loss of hearing while wearing a helmet in a stationary situation is actually quite the reverse while in motion on a motorcycle. 

How should a helmet fit?

A helmet must fit snugly, rather, slightly tightly than comfortably. After fastening the chin strap, push back on the front of the helmet, if it sides back on your head, select one that grips well and does not wobble and move when worn.

Do we have a safety standard for motorcycle helmet?

Yes, we do. There is an Indian Standard Specification for motorcycle helmets, IS 4151. There are other IS standards for police, industrial and mining helmets too. These helmets are constructed very differently from motorcycle helmets and cannot be depended for protection in a motorcycle accident situation. The two energy management requirements of these two end uses are poles apart. I will explain.
a. In the case of the police, industrial or mining helmet, the helmet in expected to protect the wearer from objects coming towards him, projectiles like stones or bricks for the police, and nuts or bolts etc. in industrial usage.
b. In the cast of the motorcyclist, the helmet must protect him when he is the projectile going to hit a solid object.

Advice while buying helmet

• Check for ISI 4151. Industrial and Miners' helmets have different ISI standards that are no approved for   two wheeler use.

• Take time to check proper fitting. A tight helmet will give you a headache. A loose helmet will wobble every time your bike crosses a bump on the road. Ensure a comfortable fit.

• Try on the helmet before a mirror. You will see how the helmet suits your personality.

• Buy from a reputed dealer displaying "Authorized Dealer" Certificate. Also select a dealer who offers you an opportunity to choose between several brands of helmets.

• Never buy a helmet from a roadside hawker. It would most likely be a squrious product with a false ISI marking.

• Insist on a proper printed Bill of sale showing the correct brand and model. Never buy a helmet without a Bill. Do not accept a "Quotation" in place of a Bill. Preserve the Bill.

• Ask for the instruction card provided with each helmet by the manufacturer. Follow the instructions on the card for proper use and maintenance of the helmet.

• Buy a Helmet Lock. You will not have to carry about your helmet when not in use.

• Compulsion or not, always use a helmet when using a scooter or a motorcycle, either as a rider or as a pillion passenger. Remember that the life of the pillion passenger is as precious as that of the rider. Buy more than on helmet if necessary. 

In-case of Accidents

• Halt your vehicle 
• Remove the injured to the nearest private / Govt. Hospital 
• At the Government Hospital, give your name, address and relevant information of the accident to the duty constable stationed at the casualty department. 
• Wait in the hospital for arrival of the duty officer from the Police Station. 
• If you cannot give first aid or medical treatment to the injured at the place of the accident because you are surrounded by a mob, then you must report this incident immediately to nearest Police Station.

As per the provisions of sections 134(a), (b) r/w 187 M. V. Act Driver failing to do so is liable for three months imprisonment or five hundred rupees fine or both.

Call 100, 22625020, 24937755, 22621855 

or to give vehicle details.

Facts about Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol...

Many people enjoy a drink without any problems. But binge drinking or drinking heavily over longer periods of time can have very serious consequences. Alcohol misuse not only harms the individual but is damaging to relationships and society in general in terms of violence and crime, accidents and drink driving.

In Northern Ireland, the number of alcohol-related deaths has more than doubled since 1994. The most recent figures show:

• there were 283 deaths recorded as alcohol-related;
• there were over 8,000 alcohol-related admissions to hospitals in Northern Ireland.

Long-term effects

As well as the recognised immediate effects of drinking too much, like nausea/vomitting, binge drinking and prolonged heavy drinking over longer periods of time can affect you in many different ways.

Brain damage

Binge drinking can cause blackouts, memory loss and anxiety. Long-term drinking can result in permanent brain damage, serious mental health problems and alcohol dependence or alcoholism. For more information on the effects of alcohol on mental health click here. Young people's brains are particularly vulnerable because the brain is still developing during their teenage years. Alcohol can damage parts of the brain, affecting behaviour and the ability to learn and remember.

Cancers

Drinking alcohol is the second biggest risk factor for cancers of the mouth and throat (smoking being the first). People who develop cirrhosis of the liver (often caused by too much alcohol) can develop liver cancer. For more information on the effects of alcohol on women’s risk of breast cancer click here.

Heart and circulation

Alcohol can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) increasing the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It also weakens heart muscles, which can affect lungs, liver, brain and other body systems and can cause heart failure. Binge drinking and drinking heavily over longer periods can cause the heart to beat irregularly (arrhythmia) and has been linked to cases of sudden death.

Lungs

People who drink a lot of alcohol have more lung infections and can be more likely to get pneumonia and for their lungs to collapse. When a person vomits as a result of drinking alcohol they may choke if vomit gets sucked into their lungs.

Liver

Drinking too much alcohol initially causes fat deposits to develop in the liver. With continued excessive drinking the liver may become inflamed resulting in alcoholic hepatitis which can result in liver failure and death. Excessive alcohol can permanently scar and damage the liver resulting in liver cirrhosis and an increased risk of liver cancer. Women are particularly susceptible to the effects of alcohol on the liver, for more information click here.

Stomach

Drinking above recommended limits can lead to stomach ulcers, internal bleeding and cancer. Alcohol can cause the stomach to become inflamed (gastritis), which can prevent food from being absorbed and increase the risk of cancer.

Pancreas

Heavy or prolonged use of alcohol can cause inflammation of the pancreas, which can be very painful, causing vomiting, fever and weight loss, and can be fatal.

Intestine

Heavy drinking may result in ulcers and cancer of the colon. It also affects your body's ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins.

Kidneys

Heavy drinking can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure – a leading cause of chronic kidney disease.

Fertility

In men: impotence (lowered libido/sex drive) and infertility.

In women: infertility. Drinking alcohol when pregnant can seriously damage the development of the unborn baby. For more information on the effects of alcohol on fertility and pregnancy click here.

Bones

Alcohol interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium. As a result, your bones become weak and thin (osteoporosis).

Weight gain

Alcohol is high in calories. Weight for weight, the alcohol in a drink contains almost as many calories as fat. The average bottle of wine contains 600 calories while four pints of average strength lager contains 640.

Skin

Alcohol dehydrates your body and your skin; it also widens blood vessels causing your skin to look red or blotchy.

Sexual health

Binge drinking makes you lose your inhibitions and affects your judgement. This might make you less likely to use a condom, increasing your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, HIV or hepatitis or result in an unplanned pregnancy.

Mental health

People may think alcohol helps them to cope with difficult situations and emotions, to reduce stress or relieve anxiety, but alcohol is in fact associated with a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, risk-taking behaviour, personality disorders and schizophrenia.

Alcohol has also been linked to suicide. The Mental Health Foundation reports that:

• 65% of suicides have been linked to excessive drinking;
• 70% of men who kill themselves have drunk alcohol before doing so;
• almost one third of suicides among young people take place while the person is intoxicated.

Excessive drinking can disrupt normal sleeping patterns resulting in insomnia and a lack of restful sleep which can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Other effects

Alcohol affects the parts of your brain that control judgment, concentration, coordination, behaviour and emotions. If you are binge drinking, you may be at greater risk of:

• becoming a victim of crime, eg rape, domestic violence, mugging or assault;
• being involved in antisocial or criminal behaviour, eg fights, domestic violence, vandalism or theft;
• having an accident, eg a road accident, fall, accident at work or accidental fire;
• losing your job, eg repeated absence or poor performance. Think about the financial consequences;
• damaging relationships with family or friends.

If you want to enjoy a drink try and stay within recommended limits.

Tips for managing your drinking

• Eat before or while drinking, and avoid salty snacks, which make you thirsty.
• Be assertive – don’t be pressured into drinking more than you want or intend to.
• Know your limits and stick to them.
• Stay busy – don't just sit and drink. Dance or have a game of pool if you're at a pub.
• Try not to confuse large measures of alcohol with standard measures, eg a glass of wine served at a party or at home may be much larger than the standard 125ml.
• Keep track of your drinks and don't let people top up your drink until it's finished.
• Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic drinks. Add plenty of mixer to your drinks to make them last longer.
• Avoid rounds, ‘shouts’ and kitties – drink to your own pace, not someone else's.
• Drink slowly – take sips not gulps.

Drinking myths

Don't just swallow everything you hear about alcohol. Here's some help with those frequently aired myths.

Alcohol is good for the heart

Research shows that moderate drinking (1 to 2 units of alcohol a day) may reduce the risk of developing heart disease only for men over 40 or women who've been through menopause. There is NO evidence that non-drinkers should start drinking alcohol.

Alcohol cheers me up

Drinking too much tends to make you focus on your problems rather than forget them. Alcohol is a depressant and in the long run could make it more difficult for you to cope with any problems you already have. Drinking too much could also lead to new ones, such as illness, an accident or financial difficulties.

Beer will make me less drunk than spirits

One unit of beer or spirits contains the same amount of alcohol (but the effects of different types of drinks may affect people's moods differently).

Drinking coffee will sober me up

Drinking coffee will make you a ‘wide awake’ drunk. Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, so you might feel more alert, but it does not make you sober.

I'll be fine in the morning

It takes approximately one hour for your liver to process (metabolise) one unit of alcohol. Sleep will not affect this and you will not necessarily be sober in the morning. This depends on the number of units you have drunk the night before. You can still be over the legal drink-driving limit the next morning.

I'll be okay if I drink plenty of water before I go to bed

This may reduce the symptoms of a hangover by preventing dehydration, but won't make you any less drunk or protect you from the damaging effects of alcohol.

Alcohol-related problems are mostly caused by ‘alcoholics’

Immediate problems like motor accidents, violent assaults and accidental injury are mostly caused by moderate drinkers who occasionally overdo it.

For more information:

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence ? Information on alcoholism and traditional treatment methods

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Information on alcoholism and traditional treatment methods

Stop smoking.!!!

Smoking and facts Behind it..!!!

Smoker generally have tendency to denial to smoking effects and harm to human body. Initially, it was considered to be cool and widely people started enjoying it. Also the media and Films played a major role in spreading smoking habit to young people. It was promoted by sportsmen, film star and advertised all over television. Usually you would definitely see a cigarette lit in movies. Today, smoking is considered to be a disgusting and dangerous addictive habit that can kill you and those around you. Usually, Smokers believes that, They will quit before they get any health hazard. People know its injurious to health but don’t know, what exactly the effects will be on the body. 

 

WhyQuit Smoking?

Most people know that smoking can cause lung cancer, but it can also cause many other cancers and illnesses.If you're thinking that it's time to quit smoking, or have just quit and need some motivation to keep going, then check below some awesome smoking facts which will sure make you to quit smoking today itself.Quitting Smoking Shows you the difference right from the first day, you may notice in better respiration, Good health, Taste of food and water gets better, your breath smells better , etc..

 20 Cigarettes Smoking Facts

1. According to British Researchers, Every cigarette you smoke shortens your lifespan by about 11 minutes.
   
2. According to Research, A single cigarette can reduce the blood supply to your skin for over an hour.
   
3. Smoking also affects your looks: smokers have paler skin and more wrinkles. This is because smoking reduces the blood supply to the skin and lowers levels of vitamin A.
   
4. Over 80 cancer giving ingredients are present in a single Cigarette.
   
5. Smoking raises blood pressure, one of the major causes for heart attacks and stroke
   
6. Smoking can causes impotence and risk of Erectile Dysfunction. Studies have found that cigarette smoking significantly increases your risk for erectile dysfunction by 40-50%.
   
7. Couples who smoke are more likely to have fertility problems than couples who are non-smokers.
   
8. Smoking during pregnancy can result baby to die before birth. Also increases the risk of miscarriage and fetal growth retardation. It also causes about 5-6% of prenatal deaths, 17-26% of low-birth-weight births, and 7-10% of pre-term deliveries.
   
9. A typical manufactured cigarette contains approximately 8 or 9 milligrams of nicotine, while the nicotine content of a cigar is 100 to 200 milligrams, with some as high as 400 milligrams.
   
10. Every eight seconds, a human life is lost to tobacco use somewhere in the world. That translates to approximately 5 million deaths annually.
    
11. Heavy smokers are twice as likely to get macular degeneration, resulting in the gradual loss of eyesight.
    
12. Smokers run an increased risk of cataracts.
    
13. Smoking stains your teeth and gums. It may effect people who smoke a lot will certainly lose their teeth. Moreover, smoking initiates gums diseases.
    
14. Smoking causes an acid taste in the mouth and contributes to the development of ulcers.
    
15. Radioactive lead and polonium are both present in low levels in cigarette smoke.
    
16. It is estimated that more than half of long-term smokers will die a tobacco related death
    
17. Benzene is a known cause of acute myeloid leukemia, and cigarette smoke is a major source of benzene exposure.
    
18. There are over 4000 chemical compounds in secondhand smoke; 200 of which are known to be poisonous, and upwards of 60 have been identified as carcinogens.
    
19. Hydrogen cyanide, one of the toxic byproducts present in cigarette smoke, was used as a genocidal chemical agent during World War II.
    
20. 90 % of lung cancer cases in the world are due to smoking.
    

By reading above Smoking facts, Smoker now surely give second thought  to quit smoking, its only possible if you make it determination and only if you care and love someone. People who are non smoker will be glad that they are not a smoker. Stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health and for other peoples.

Spare time to read this valuable article.!!!

Download this Pdf  > A guide to Quite Smoking