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Benefits of Walking

May 29, 2008

If you’ve taken up walking to improve yourself physically, let us tell you that there’s another side to this activity – and it’s one that supports your emotional and spiritual being, making you a more happy and relaxed individual.

These days, when the world seems to be spinning out of control, walking can restore your sense of inner peace. It gives you a chance to slow down, to relax and to appreciate yourself and your life in general. It helps you slow down enough to breathe deeply, to still your thoughts, to observe the natural world with a sense of wonder. And yes, to love yourself more.

Plan a ‘working day out’

Try to set aside one day for a 3 to 8-hour exploration on foot — far from the demands of work, home, and family. First, choose a date on your calendar and mark it as your ‘retreat day’. Next, identify a place that you want to explore on foot. If you enjoy being out in nature, head to a wide open place. Try to choose a location that’s no more than 15 minutes from your home. You want to spend your time walking, not driving.

Tailor the length of your route to your personal limits. You’re walking at a leisurely pace, so you can go longer and farther. If you normally walk 2 miles a day, go for 4 to 6 miles. Wear comfortable clothes. If it’s warm, wear a hat or visor. And don’t forget your sunglasses — not only to shade your eyes but also to give you a sense of privacy while you walk.

Explore the world and your soul

On the day, get up early, so you can spend a few minutes relaxing and stretching. Stretching is something few people make time for, but it yields great rewards as it leaves you feeling much lighter, more flexible, and less achy. Read something relaxing before you leave home, it’ll put you in a different frame of mind. And, of course, eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water. Then pick up your backpack and head out. And enjoy yourself.

Written by James · Filed Under Exercise 

How to avoid getting Nightmares

May 29, 2008

  • Relax before bedtime.
  • Meditate, take a bath, drink herbal tea or do mild stretching exercises.
  • Clear your mind of any worries you might have.
  • Make a list of your problems and their possible solutions.
  • Avoid watching horror movies or movies with graphic violence right before bedtime.
  • Eat a light snack such as milk or yogurt. Both contain calcium and tryptophan, which can have a relaxing effect on you.
  • Avoid fatty and spicy foods, which could cause gas and, in turn, nightmares.
  • Give up smoking. Nicotine has been linked to certain sleep disorders.
  • Stop using any drugs that are not essential to your health and well-being. Stop using any drugs that are not essential to your health and well-being.
  • In case you have a nightmare, write it down when you wake up. Try to figure how it relates to your life at present, to prevent it from recurring.

Written by James · Filed Under Health 

Know Why Losing Weight is difficult

May 28, 2008

To many, losing weight brings up feelings of deprivation — all those yummy cakes and chocolates suddenly become taboo. Often the way out is to postpone the decision to take action. Maybe you need a fresh perspective of losing weight work for you.

Why is losing weight so hard to do?
Losing weight is often hard because of unrealistic targets we impose on ourselves. It takes us years to put on 5-10 kg or more and yet we push the body to lose it all in a month or so. Unrealistic targets set you up for difficult diets and exercise routines without letting your mind the time to absorb these changes. So while your body gives in your mind does not and this conflict brings pain, hardship, loss, deprivation. A bigger problem that follows is we feel obliged to relieve the pain and tend to relax, and weight gain begins to creep in once more.

What is the right way to lose weight?
Weight gain is a consequence of certain habits we pick up at different phases in life. It is a lifestyle issue not a ‘weight issue’. Solve the ‘faults’ in lifestyle behaviours and the weight will go away. The reverse is not true. Understanding behaviours, emotions, cultural patterns, family obligations and all those little things we do in life that contribute to weight gain is critical. Unless you examine these and make those decisions you will always find losing weight painful.

How much weight should I lose in a month?
There are two considerations you should keep in mind when choosing your monthly target for — one is scientific and the other emotional. Reducing about 500-1000 calories per day from meal plans and exercise is a good start. There are many other factors such as your basal metabolic rate (BMR), age, physical, medical and metabolic issues that need to be considered. The second consideration is your lifestyle behaviours which is very critical to your programme. Many programmes ignore this factor. Quite contrary it has everything to do. A good rate to look for is approximately 2-4 kg.

If all programmes are alike – then where is the choice?
Yes many programmes on the market are alike as they provide you with diet advice and exercise routines. Most of these programmes are typical ‘kilo based programmes’. What they do not provide you is an insight into your lifestyle. So look for a programme that deals in lifestyle programming – they always lead to sustainable . New behaviours lead to new relationships – so why miss out on these.

How is Kaya life different?
Kaya life is the first lifestyle programme in India. It’s the only programme where you get an insight into your lifestyle behaviour that characterises your eating habits, physical activity, weight relation, anxieties, fears and other associations. You truly begin to understand why weight has become a part of your life. You learn to recognise these and then resolve them. What’s more you get a dedicated team to work with you – life coach, dietician, fitness trainer, and body therapist. You are never alone in your journey. They share your issues and successes. Learn to enjoy your .

Written by James · Filed Under Fats 

How to avoid Allergies at Workplace

May 28, 2008

Sharon has watery, itchy eyes and she coughs incessantly as though she were breathless. She suspected something serious until the time when her doctor told her she had “occupational asthma”, related to her workplace. Now if you have an allergy to prawns, you stop eating them. You are allergic to pollen, you stop going near flowers. But what if you are allergic to your work like Sharon? What options do you have? You cannot just stop going to work, can you? Read on to know the potential work allergies and what precautions you can take to avoid them.

Learning the basics:

Basically there is confusion between allergic reactions and allergic sensitivity.
An allergic reaction is an over-reaction of the immune system that causes anything from rash and itching to a life-threatening condition —anaphylactic shock, which develops after repeated exposure. An allergy can kill. Allergic sensitivity on the other hand is when you are allergic to a specific allergen for instance pollen, dust, perfume or any non-specific irritant, which can make you feel miserable. Both these terms are, however used interchangeably.

The ‘sick building syndrome’:

Modern office buildings today are all tall with several cubicles and cabins, which may be filled with allergens and irritants. Chemical residues from carpet cleaning chemicals lurk around; mold
spores may be circulating in the continually running moist air conditioners. These allergens can surely trouble your sensitive noses. The photocopy machines and papers too may emit allergic substances.

Experts call this as the “Sick building syndrome” that causes environmental allergies in closed spaces. According to researchers at Public Health department of University College London and Singapore, however, sick building syndrome may be a related disorder, rather than a fault of the building or workplace.

Here’s a list of workplace allergies that you may face:

The chemical formaldehyde is present in rugs, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, draperies, paint, cigarette smoke. It can cause cough, cold, sneezing, wheezing, sore nasal passage, flu-like symptoms, asthma, irritated throat or watery eyes. Poor air quality due to poor ventilation. Toxic gases including formaldehyde lurk around your computers and desks causing respiratory illnesses. Health care workers at the hospitals so also cafeteria workers are at a risk of allergies from powdered latex gloves. The powder is the culprit, which has several allergens or allergy triggers. People working at food processing factories are at a risk of several potential allergens. One of them is peanut products, which can be allergic to some. Dust mites and other small insects are allergen carriers. Places where pesticides are not used, this can be a cause for allergy Pets and laboratory animals can give rise to allergies.

Veterinarians dealing with pets are prone to allergies arising from the fine hair covering the animals, urine and faeces Pungent room freshener or a specific perfume are common irritants that give headache and cause sneezing Bakery workers working with flour and grains can develop allergies because of the husk and the dusty granules of flour.

parlour workers are at a risk of allergies from the constant use of hair dyes, chemicals for hair perms or nail polish removers. Act now. Discover and identify the source of allergy Wash your hands before or after doing something or going somewhere Wear a protective mask if there is a need Use a damp cloth to remove dust from your desk Keep your desk clean and uncluttered. Keep the piles of paper, books, files properly Wipe clean your computer, keyboard, mouse etc. Keep them dust-free Improved air-quality and air circulation can help reduce symptoms Work in a smoke-free environment If you cannot escape the exposure to workplace allergens, consider changing your job. This could be the ultimate option.

Written by James · Filed Under Health 

Eye care for Computer users

May 26, 2008

Your eyes are the windows to your soul. They are the most delicate part of your face and they need all your care and attention. Computer-users who spend sometimes more than 18 hours in a day on their PCs or laptops need to take a break every now and then so that the eyes do not feel much strain. Some steps definitely need to be taken to protect your eyes so that they last you for a lifetime. A change in your lifestyle, your behaviour patterns and diet can help you in achieving that end.

Dr George Cooper, a specialist vitreo-retina surgeon, says, “When working for long hours at a computer or laptop, the reduced blinking rate can cause dryness. Hence frequent breaks (every 45 min to 1 hour) with forced blinking is essential. Also one should work in a well-lit environment. Try to minimise light reflections or glares if possible. Also place the visual display terminal of your PC at or slightly below eye level,” he advises.

 Nowadays you don’t see kids enjoying outdoor games like hide and seek, gilli danda, etc. Rather, you’ll find them hooked to their computer sets playing computer games or video games. Says Dr Chhugani, “Parents should encourage children to do more physical activities rather than playing just computer or other video games. It does spoil their eyes so they need to be careful.”

 Diet too plays an important role in maintaining your eyesight. “A vegetarian diet should include a fair amount of fruits and vegetables like spinach, coloured bell peppers, carrots, papayas and drumsticks. If you are a non-vegetarian your diet should include fish, broccoli and dark green leafy veggies, as all these contain essential nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins which maintain the health of various structures of eye,” informs Dr Chhugani.

And with the Summer still on in full swing “use of protective sunglasses labelled with 90-100 per cent UVA-B blocking properties” is helpful. Here’s a word of caution for swimmers and those involved in all types of other sports. “Use goggles while swimming. Also use protective eye wear for activities like snow skiing, water and racquet sports,” advises Dr Chhugani.

Here are a few more provided by Doctors which can help you take good care of your beautiful eyes:

Individuals suffering from diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and those who have a family history of glaucoma must visit their eye care professional on a regular basis as if neglected they can lead to permanent blindness.

Preferably read in good light with focus of the light falling from up or behind. Although dim light does not harm your eye it can cause strain, fatigue, occasional headaches and tiredness in the long run.

If you have prescription glasses make sure you use them as recommended by your eye doctor.

Wash your eyes regularly with cool water and drink lots of water.

Discard/change your eye liner and other make-up near or around the eye after 5-6 months as this may increase chances of irritation and infection in the eye.

Individuals wearing contact lenses must replace them on a regular basis as recommended by the eye doctor. One must preferably purchase them from an eye doctor or a trained optometrist so that they work well on your eyes. Also maintain them with utmost hygiene as any traces of dust on the lens can cause irritation and infection in your eyes.

Do not ignore any eye related symptoms, do not self medicate and get regular eye check-ups done with an eye doctor.

Written by James · Filed Under Eye Care 

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