STROKE

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T.R…

A friend sent this to me and encouraged me to get the word around. I do agree that If everyone can remember something this simple, some lives could be saved / tragedies averted..
STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a party, a friend stumbled and fell down.. she assured everyone that she was fine & had only tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance). They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the party.. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead... paralyzed or in a coma.. It only takes a minute to read this...

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Remember the '3' steps, STR. Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE …!
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLESENTENCE (Coherently) (e.g. 'It is sunny out today').
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A prominent cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

PASS THIS ON TO ALL....

regards

Manikandan.R.

Natural Home Remedies and Cures for Depression

Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders

It may be manifested in varying degrees: from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection.

Depression is a very unpleasant malady and is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment.

The growing complexities of modem life and its resultant crises, as well as the mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder

Depression Symptoms

Acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest

The most striking symptoms of depression are an acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, and fatigue.

A disturbed sleep is a frequent occurrence.

Loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability

Other symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness.

Low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering

Cases of severe depression may be characterised by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.

Causes of Depression

Depression Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension can cause mental depression.

Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs

The excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body and ultimately causes depression.

Home Remedies for Depression

Depression home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers

Depression treatment using Apple

Apple is one of the most valuable remedies for mental depression.

The various chemical substances present in this fruit such as vitamin B, phosphorus, and potassium help the synthesis of glutamic acid, which controls the wear and tear of nerve cells.

The fruit should be taken with milk and honey.

This remedy will act as a very effective nerve tonic and recharge the nerves with new energy and life.

Depression treatment using Cashewnut

The cashewnut is another valuable remedy for general depression and nervous weakness.

It is rich in vitamins of the B group, especially thiamine, and is therefore useful in stimulating the appetite and the nervous system.

It is also rich in riboflavin which keeps the body active, cheerful, and energetic.

Depression treatment using Asparagus

The root of asparagus has been found beneficial in the treatment of depression.

It is highly nutritious and is used as a herbal medicine for mental disorders.

It is a good tonic for the brain and nerves.

One or two grams of the powder of the dry root of the plant can be taken once daily.

Depression treatment using Cardamom

The use of cardamom has proved valuable in depression.

Powdered seeds should be boiled in water and tea prepared in the usual way.

A very pleasing aroma is added to the tea, which can be used as a medicine in the treatment of this condition.

Depression treatment using Lemon Balm

The herb lemon balm has been used successfully in the treatment of mental depression.

It alleviates brain fatigue, lifts the heart from depression, and raises the spirits.

A cold infusion of the balm taken freely is reputed to be excellent for its calming influence on the nerves.

About thirty grams of the herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water and allowed to stand for twelve hours.

The infusion should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day.

Depression treatment using Rose

An infusion of rose petals should be prepared by mixing 15 gm of rose petals in 250 ml of boiling water.

If drunk occasionally, instead of the usual tea and coffee, it is beneficial for treating this condition.

Depression treatment using Vitamin B

Diet has a profound effect on the mental health of a person.

Even a single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people.

Nutritional therapy builds up brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect the mood and are often lacking in depressed people.

Eating foods rich in vitamin B, such as wholegrains, green vegetables, eggs, and fish helps restore vitality and cheer in an individual.

Diet for Depression

Depression : Home Remedies suggested by users

Exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, strong condiments

The diet of a person suffering from depression should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, colas, all white flour products, sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice, and strong condiments.

Take three meals a day

The diet should be restricted to three meals.

Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts or seeds.

Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, wholewheat wheat tortilla and a glass of buttermilk.

For dinner, green vegetable salad and all the available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, green gram beans, cottage cheese, or a glass of buttermilk would be ideal.

Other Depression treatments

Become more active, diverting attention into other things

A person suffering from depression can overcome it by being more active, turning away from himself, and diverting his attention towards other people and things.

The pleasure of achieving something overcomes distress or misery.

Exercise

Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression.

It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides recreation and mental relaxation.

It is nature's best tranquilliser.

Exercise also tones up the body, provides a feeling of accomplishment, and reduces the sense of helplessness.

Relaxation and Meditation

The patient must also learn the art of relaxation and meditation which will go a long way in curing depression.

He must gain control over his nervous system and channelise his mental and emotional energies into restful activities.

This can be achieved by ensuring sufficient rest and sleep under quiet conditions.

Meditation will help create a balance in the nervous system.

This will enable the hormonal glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance and thereby overcome the feeling of depression.

Five Cups of Green Tea..

Five Cups and More of Green Tea Billed as Best Defense from Cancer, Says Japanese Research :-

(NaturalNews) Moderation in all things may typically be the best route to all-around health, but when it comes to green tea consumption, moderation does not equal disease prevention. In fact, as many as five cups of green tea or more - clearly not a moderate amount - is believed to be the best defense from cancer.

If you`re looking to cut back on your five cups of coffee a day but are at a loss for what to replace your coffee-fill with, green tea is the perfect substitution solution.

The latest study to tout the benefits of green tea hails from the Tohoku School of Medicine based in Japan, a country whose population is awash in green tea consumption (the most commonly consumed beverage in a country of 127 million).

Charting how green tea affected cancer diagnoses of the nearly 42,000 men and women involved required a food frequency questionnaire, which was administered to the participants at the start of the nine-year study. The study`s researchers followed up with the participants throughout, charting both their health and their diets to see if what, if anything, changed.

In that nine-year period, things did change for about 320 of the participants. One hundred and ninety three of the men and women involved were stricken with blood cancer, and another 119 were stricken with a cancer of the lymph nodes.

When researchers looked at what the participants ate and drank over the near decade-long study, they found some commonalities in the drinking decisions of cancer-stricken participants and those unaffected.

Not so much what they drank, though, but rather how much.

Virtually all of the participants drank at least one cup of green tea per day, but the people who drank five cups or more were 40 percent less likely to be diagnosed with blood cancer and about 50 percent less likely to be diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes.

The Japanese study - published in the American Journal of Epidemiology - does not go so far as to say there`s a causal relationship between green tea consumption and cancer diagnosis (i.e. that drinking more directly impacts the risk of being diagnosed with cancer), but it might as well have, for this study is the latest one to be added to the scores of studies that link cancer prevention with green tea consumption. Past studies have linked green tea consumption to ovarian cancer prevention, prostate cancer prevention, bladder cancer prevention, breast cancer prevention, even lung cancer prevention (the deadliest form of cancer).

The study did not make any conclusions as to what component of green tea has anti-cancer properties, but past studies indicate its likely green tea`s high polyphenol content. Besides green tea leaves, polyphenols are found in the skins of various fruits and vegetables and are extolled for their disease-fighting prowess, Alzheimer`s and heart disease among them.

There are many green teas from which to choose, some every bit as good as others. Always opt for organically brewed tea, paying special attention to its "Sell By" date. For the sake of taste - not to mention nutrition - you don`t want anything that`s been sitting on the shelf unopened for more than six months. The further the "Sell By" date is from the date in which you`re purchasing, the better. Once opened, the shelf-life reduces even further

5 Ways to Keep Your Brain In Shape

Exercise Exercise seems to support brain health the same way it supports heart health: by improving blood flow throughout the body, lowering blood pressure and controlling weight. Increased blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients flooding brain cells to support optimal function. Try: Aerobic activities like running, walking or cycling, strength training, ballroom dancing, yoga or tai chi. Eat for Your Heart… And Your Mind A heart-healthy diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fats and whole grains also supports improved cognition. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals, which support healthy brain chemistry. Phytochemicals give produce its variety of color, and their antioxidant activity also supports a healthy brain, although the mechanism is not well understood. Omega-3 fats also support brain cell structure and function. Caffeine is a positive stimulant for mental focus, when used sparingly (no more than 300 mg per day). And stay hydrated—still or sparkling water is your best choice. Try: Deep colored fruits and vegetables (fresh or frozen), walnuts, flax New Activity The key word is "new." Learn a new language, take a class or pick up a new instrument. When it comes to brain fitness, it's really a "use it or lose it" approach. Activities that make you think help support new brain cell growth. Whether you’re at home with a DVD or in a classroom setting, novel challenges to your brain help keep you sharp. Try: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, language DVDs, brain fitness DVDs and classes, shopping without a list. Take a Break De-stressing yourself can boost brain fitness in several ways. Stress hormones are released in response to mental or biological stress, which can have a negative impact on brain functions, like memory. Sleep deprivation also can affect brain fitness, so get at least 6 to 7 hours nightly. Give your brain a daily rest for 30 to 60 minutes from all the multitasking. Put away the phone, PDA, computer and TV remote and enjoy a little "alone" time. Exercise is also a great stress reliever. In fact, think of "alone� time and exercise time as double-duty brain boosters. Ask for help or simplify your life when multitasking takes a toll. Try: A daily 30-minute walk without cell phone or PDA; 7 to 8 hours of nightly sleep; counting to 10 and breathing deeply before responding to any stressful situation. Be Social Join a group with an activity you enjoy, whether you’re meeting up with a book club, cooking or walking together. Social interaction, online or in person, has been shown to boost brain fitness. And have fun while you’re at it! Playing games like Scrabble or bridge also boosts interactive skills and stimulates your brain. Try: Board games, chess, join a sports team, go dancing.

Kidney Detoxification

Kidney Detoxification

Kidney detoxification is a long process. Juice fasting and a diet high in raw food can greatly benefit the kidneys.

Our liver and kidneys enlarge due to the added workload of protein metabolism. If you are an individual with kidney problems, diabetes, hypoglycemia or hepatitis, a high protein diet worsens the condition. A damaged liver or kidney does not do well when overloaded with protein digestion. When the filtering organs are overburdened, the blood becomes more toxic and tends to aggravate other conditions.

DNA and RNA contain purines that are the primary building blocks of our genetic code. Meat eating causes large quantities of purines to break down and form uric acid. Uric acid causes gout and kidney stones. The good news is that both these ailments are cured with a low-protein diet.

Fruit and vegetable juices assist in kidney detoxification.

Fruit and vegetable juices are the cleansers, energizers, builders, and regenerators of the human system. A combination of either fresh, raw fruit or vegetable juices will supply all the enzymes, vitamins, minerals, protein and fats critical to increased vitality! By adding live juices to one's diet as a daily routine, many have experienced a rejuvenating effect and healing of various illnesses such as cancer, leukemia, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, skin infections, liver disorders, alcoholism and smoking. Supplying the body with easily-absorbed nutrients, while the body is cleansing itself in the fasting state, avoids the dangers of total abstinence associated with water fasting. Be confident that this method is both safe and beneficial.

Grapes: There are between 40 and 50 different varieties of grapes that come in a rainbow of greens, whites, reds and purples. Grapes fill the mouth with an explosion of delicious flavors. Grapes are an excellent source of potassium, which encourage an alkaline blood balance and also stimulate the kidneys and regulate heartbeat. The restorative power of grapes is phenomenal, cleansing the liver and removing the uric acid from the body. In France, many people go on a grape fast during harvest time. Studies have shown a lower incidence of cancer in the areas of France where this grape fast is practiced yearly.

Asparagus: Available in early spring. It can be expensive due to the difficulty in cultivating. Its claim to fame is the amino acid aspargagine that is destroyed by cooking. Aspargagine is a strong diuretic, stimulating the kidneys. Asparagus is a great blood cleanser and excellent for healthy bowel maintenance.

Parsley: Ancient civilizations have used parsley in medications and in poultices on wounds, boils, cysts and to draw the pus out of an infected cut. Parsley is one of the highest sources of life-giving chlorophyll, which acts like iron to oxidize the blood. Chlorophyll will help neutralize the strong odor of garlic, and is used in chewing gum to sweeten breath. It is a cleanser of the kidneys, liver, and urinary tract. Parsley is effective for upset stomachs by stimulating digestive enzymes. Excellent for the colon by encouraging the peristaltic wave in the intestines.

Spinach: Never cook spinach. Oxalic acid is destroyed when heat transforms it into oxalic acid crystals that are harmful to the kidneys. It also binds to iron, making it unabsorbable.

Cranberry Juice

A powerful healing tonic filled with quinine, which changes to hippuric acid in the liver. Hippuric acid is able to assist in the removal of purines, uric acid, urea and toxic build-up in the prostate gland, testicles, kidneys and bladder.

Kidney detoxification Problems:

Fasting can irritate damaged kidneys due to the amount of toxins they filter. Try short juice fasts of 3-to-5 days before progressing to longer fasts. To maintain the healing, you will need to permanently remove high-protein meals, refined flours, commercial oils and fats from your diet.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

The service is provided as general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Manikandan

Regular Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

Crossing our legs

Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don"t want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

Not changing our toothbrush

How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we"d be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don"t massage your gums well.. If you find brushing your teetha pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you"re damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.

Eating out often

There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favourite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light and healthy food.

Skipping breakfast

Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it"s been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.


High heels

High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back.. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.


Sleeping on a soft bed

You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.

Pillows

No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support


Not exercising

So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out.. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.