Archive for April, 2016

Tips to stay on a Healthy Eating plan while on Vacation

Thursday, April 28th, 2016

Exams are finally done with and as parents, this is the perfect time to plan a summer vacation but wait…. Aren’t you forgetting something …?

While travelling it is very important to ensure that you & your family take all necessary health precautions in order to avoid any unpleasant incidents that may arise during the trip.

Although, packing your favorite outfit and useful travel accessories, could be on the top of your to-do list but make sure you don’t overlook the importance of healthy eating habits which is equally important to ensure a happy journey.

Here are 6 ways to stay on a healthy eating plan while on vacation

  • Always stay hydrated while travelling. Make sure you keep a bottle of water handy. Drink boiled water or opt for packaged mineral water that is purchased from an authentic store. Some packaged water could also be tampered therefore take necessary precautions to avoid unwanted health issues.
  • Do not skip breakfast. When you get up in the morning the blood sugar levels in your body are at its lowest because of 6 to 8 hours of fasting (while sleeping) all night. While vacationing, it is very important to have a wholesome breakfast in order to give your body a much need kick and energy to go through the entire day of fun & frolic
  • No matter which part of the world you travel to, harmful bacteria causing food borne illnesses is everywhere. By making smart food choices, you can keep such illnesses at bay. Roadside vendors and Restaurant food could be prepared in unhygienic conditions, paving way for germs to enter your body. Be very selective while ordering food from various eatery hang outs. Non-vegetarian food should be consumed in moderation as they tend to rot easily due to poor storage facility at certain restaurants. Some kinds of sea foods are also known to spread hepatitis and other food-borne diseases
  • Resist the urge to overeat, especially when you have untimely hunger pangs. If compelled to eat at odd hours, make sure you pick out a healthy food item for consumption as compared to loads of tempting but highly unhealthy munchies that are easily accessible at most hotels and lodges
  • When ordering at restaurants, ask for three times the normal serving of veggies that accompanies your entrée. By adding an extra serving of fresh vegetables to your plate, you are not only improving the nutritional value of your meal but also fueling your body with plenty of nutrients to fight various illnesses
  • While vacationing, try to avoid prescription drugs as much as possible. Some medicines that intend to treat your illness could in fact end up contributing to the toxins in your body. This is because several prescription medicines and antibiotics possess harmful substances that can accumulate in the digestive system and intestines over a period of time. Although some medicines may be absolutely essential for your health & wellness, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to turn to a few natural herbs for treating minor illnesses once in a while.

As you chill out & relax at a fun trip, these important tips will ensure the safety of your loved ones and certainly give you peace of mind

Have a Happy Journey!

Tips to prevent a Heat Stroke

Wednesday, April 20th, 2016

Summer is accompanied by a plethora of health problems because it makes the human body susceptible to infections, viruses and bacteria within the environment.

In the past few weeks, Mumbai along with several metropolitan cities has seen a tremendous rise in temperature. This unbearable weather condition has not only drained us out completely but also debilitated our immune system.

One of the most frequently reported health issues in recent times, Heat stroke or Heat stress is a serious kind of hyperthermia that is triggered when the human body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. When a person’s core body temperature rises above 40.5C, the body’s vital organs are affected radically thereby resulting in complete shutdown of his/her internal systems.

Read the signs that your body may be giving you and take notice of any visible changes in the way your body functions.

  • Muscle cramps can be a primary symptom of heat-related illness which can further develop into heat exhaustion or heat stroke
  • High body temperature (above 103°F)
  • Rapid pulse
  • Red & dry skin
  • Possible blackout

If prolonged, Heat stoke can trigger dangerous, even deadly, health consequences. Take these steps to prevent a heat stroke during hot weather

  • When the heat index is high, make sure that your body is hydrated. During summer, we tend to sweat more as compared to any other season; consequently the body tends to lose vital minerals through sweat. These minerals have to be replaced; otherwise the body may experience heat exhaustion and cramps. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Keep sipping water between regular intervals in order to avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol. Extremely chilled drinks can cause stomach cramps, therefore keep away from the same. Avoid taking certain medications which can have a subsequent impact on the body’s ability to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid direct exposure to the sun. If you have no other choice but to visit places with extremely high temperatures, wear sunglasses, hat and sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. Use an umbrella to protect yourself from hot winds and take frequent breaks in the shade
  • While travelling outdoors, wear a light shaded, loose-fitting outfit that allows your body to breathe. Putting on clothes that don’t fit you will not allow your body to cool down in hot weather conditions.
  • Even a few hours of cooling can prove to be highly beneficial for your body especially on days when the outdoor temperature is on its peak. If your home is not air-conditioned, take a stroll to the nearest mall or watch a movie. You can also keep your body cool by taking quick showers 2 to 3 times a day
  • Try to schedule strenuous activities/physical workout during the cooler parts of the day like early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks and use this time to replenish your body by drinking lots of fluids. Do not exercise for longer duration of time unless your body is accustomed to high temperature. Limit your workout time and don’t overstress your body.

Summer Special: Natural Coolants for the Body

Wednesday, April 13th, 2016

Sweltering heat in our environment has already started to take its toll on stray animals; it’s only a matter of time before it affects the human health. With rising mercury levels and weather conditions turning hot & sultry, it’s time to take necessary steps to keep your body cool.

Beat the heat and keep summer ailments at bay with these Natural Coolants

Cucumber – 96% of this veggie is water which makes it the perfect summer food to prevent dehydration. The good news here is that you can incorporate cucumbers in your diet regime in multiple ways. Tuck it in your sandwich, add it to your salad plate or simply have it plain with a dash of salt & pepper. Cucumber juice and soups are healthy too

Melons belong to the same family as cucumbers and squash. Owing to its high electrolyte content, this delicious fruit is known to keep the body temperature cool and sufficiently hydrated at all times.

Kokum – Rich in anti-oxidants, Kokum has a cooling effect on the body and is also beneficial for the Liver. What’s more…it protects the body from dehydration & sunstroke and is also a remedy for diarrhea and many allergic reactions.

Cardamom – One of the most popular Indian spices, Cardamom has excellent detoxifying properties that are known to keep the body cool from within even during the hottest weather conditions

Watermelon – This delicious, juicy fruit has 95% water content. A bowl full of watermelon cubes works like a charm on hot sunny days but avoid having these at the roadside vendors.

Barley water – Loaded with vitamin C, iron, calcium, phosphorous, manganese and copper, Barley water not only strengthens the immune system but also promotes bone health and helps in the formation of hemoglobin–which is needed to produce red blood cells. What’s more…it also brings down the heat content in the body

Curd – A powerhouse of protein, Curd can be used for preparing several summer drinks like buttermilk, lassi, chaas, flavored yoghurt etc. It gives your stomach, a cooling sensation and equips the body with essential Probiotics, vitamins and minerals that are often lost due to excessive perspiration

Radish – This nutritious vegetable is loaded with potassium, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, folic acid, magnesium, calcium and copper. Radish also contains antioxidants that tones down the body heat and prevents heat stress.

Coconut water – Natural electrolytes in Coconut water benefits the body by replacing the fluid loss and what’s more… it is fat-free and has a refreshing taste which makes it the perfect beverage for summer season.

Sweet toddy (Neera) – Packed with essential vitamins, amino acids and minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron, Neera, also known as sweet toddy or palm nectar is a natural detox drink with a refreshing taste. 100 ml of Neera provides 75 calories of energy and 250 mg of proteins. What’s more… it keeps the body cool from within and aids digestion

Tadgolas – Also known as Ice apples, Tadgolas act as natural coolants for the body. Having them regularly during summer is a tasty way to battle heat exhaustion & fatigue. Apart from treating various stomach ailments and digestive problems, Ice apples also help in stabilizing the glucose levels and maintaining a healthy body weight.

World Health Day Special – Lesser known facts about Diabetes

Wednesday, April 6th, 2016

Today, Diabetes takes more lives than AIDS and breast cancer combined. With alarmingly high percentage of diabetic patients reported each year, India is on its way to becoming the diabetes capital of the world.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that triggers high blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. Although diabetic patients can lead a normal life, uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious long-term complications. The saddest fact about this medical condition is that it cannot be cured, it can only be managed to make you feel better.

This year’s theme for World Health Day calls for a renewed focus on Diabetes, its prevention, control & treatment

With regards to the same, let’s unveil a few lesser known facts about Diabetes

  • It is reported that, in approximately 50% of cases Diabetes doesn’t show obvious symptoms in patients, which is why it is termed as a silent-killer.
  • Diabetes can have one or multiple causes. Genetic makeup, family history, ethnicity, health and environmental factors play an important role in the detection of this disease
  • Research indicates that in approximately 90% of cases, unhealthy eating habits are the possible triggers for Diabetes. Eating a wholesome breakfast reduces the chances of Type 2 diabetes. Try to avoid sweetened beverages, fried and prepackaged food items.
  • Experts also believe that people with a sedentary lifestyle double their risk of diabetes and several cardio vascular illnesses owing to raised sugar/cholesterol levels and insulin readings. 2minute walk around the office every half an hour can actually help you keep diabetes at bay. These brief walkabouts at your work place can save you from the misery of diabetes in the long run.
  • Sometimes this medical condition causes a significant amount of damage to the capillaries and blood vessels of the eyes, resulting in blurred vision and even or complete blindness in extreme cases. Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma can be aggravated by diabetes, but the most common issue is diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease)
  • Those diagnosed with severe Diabetes should frequently check their blood sugar levels. If a patient’s blood sugar level shoots up significantly (hyperglycemia) or falls too low (hypoglycemia), he/she could fall into a diabetic coma.
  • Diabetes can also cause complications during pregnancy.
  • Diabetic patients to stay away from Alcohol. While moderate amounts of alcohol can shoot-up the blood sugar levels, excess alcohol can actually decrease them – sometimes causing it to drop to dangerous levels.
  • Diabetes can sometimes develop during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy causes the blood sugar levels to increase which triggers gestational diabetes in some women. In most cases, after giving birth, the pregnancy hormones and the blood sugar levels subside, alleviating diabetes in the process.
  • Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure in the world.

In the absence of timely detection and treatment, diabetes can virtually damage all organs of the body. Featuring a wide range of relevant medical tests, The Basic Diabetes Package at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is designed to diagnose & treat such complications at the right time.