April 2008 - Posts

• The Ill-effects of Passive Smoking

  Passive smoke, also known as second hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke, is what is involuntarily inhaled by an individual.  Passive smoking is just as harmful as active smoking, putting you at the risk of ailments such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, bronchitis, and asthma. Anyone who is exposed to cigarette smoke owing to a partner, who smokes, is 20% to 30% more at risk of developing lung cancer. Also, passive smoking has been found to increase the *** cancer risk by 70% in younger women, primarily pre-menopausal women. It increases the risk of ear infections, premature birth in case of pregnant women, and risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other illnesses in children such as asthma, lung infections, bronchitis, allergies, and Crohn's Disease. An alarming number of 700 million children, almost half of all children worldwide, live in the home of a smoker. Cigarette smoke is an irritant to the eye, throat, and skin, resulting in eye irritation, headache, cough, sore throat, dizziness and nausea.  There is an increased risk of death, with cigarette smoke killing 53,000 nonsmokers per year, making it the 3rd leading cause of preventable death in the US, as well as, in children. People who are already at risk of a heart attack become increasingly susceptible because tobacco smoke quickly and substantially affects the blood and blood vessels. A reduced exposure to cigarette smoking also cuts down the risk of heart attacks. Passive smokers are also exposed to the same carcinogens as active smokers, such as formaldehyde, lead, arsenic, benzene, and radioactive polonium 210 and several others. Moreover environmental tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds. Sidestream smoke, which comes from the burning end of a smoldering cigarette and contributes to passive smoking, has been found to be more harmful than mainstream smoke, which is the directly inhaled smoke. It is owing to the many perils associated with cigarette smoking, that there is usually a ban on smoking in public places. However, it is the repeated exposure to second hand smoke that increases the risks of a heart attack and other ailments in a healthy non-smoker.  The only way to fully protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of second hand smoke is through 100 per cent smoke-free environments. The single best way to create a smoke free environment is to Quit Smoking. Planning, a strong will, and effective support systems help in the process. Intensive psychotherapeutic interventions, along with pharmacotherapy reduce the withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine Replacement therapy is another way to effectively manage cravings for tobacco.  There will be more coming on this topic in the near feature. Keep reading!   Posted Apr 03 2008, 09:18 AM by Shikha with no comments Filed under: cigarette smoke, Passive smoking

• The Miracle Juice of Carrots: A Health Tonic with Overall Benefits

  Carrot Juice is called the “miracle juice” or the “goldmine of nutrients” for good reason. Not to be taken literally, this means that Carrot juice has several health benefits. While it helps greatly in health improvements, it also acts as an effective protective agent, for both children and adults. In addition, it has a great flavor that makes for an appetizing beverage that tastes even better when flavored with other fruits, lemon, and more!  Carrot juice is rich in Vitamin B complex. It also contains nutrients such as calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iron. The yellow color of carrots is due to Carotene, also called pro-vitamin, a substance that is converted into Vitamin A by the body.  The vitamin A of fresh carrot juice is beneficial for the health of eyes. It also contributes to the healthy condition of the mucous membranes which line all the cavities of the body. Supply your body with enough Vitamin A through ample intake of carrot juice, because a deficiency of the same affects the bladder or kidneys, the alimentary tract, the mouth, tonsils, sinuses, the tongue, ear canal, eyes or tear ducts. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, body tissues and glandular functions. It aids in fighting against infections. It is especially necessary in expectant mothers for the development of the child, and later for nursing as well.  Carrot juice when consumed by infants along with their daily intake of milk makes for the best supply of Vitamin A. Other than Vitamin A, carrot juice is rich in minerals and valuable nutrients.  To prepare carrot juice, wash carrots and scrape but do not peel the carrots and take out the juice using a juicer. Make sure to use the good colored carrots, as the deeper the color, the more nutritious a carrot is. Carrot juice is best when consumed fresh. If that is not possible, then the juice must be directly poured into glass jars with the lid closed tightly. Keep this juice in the refrigerator to prevent loss of vitamin and mineral content through oxidation. Here is a summary of reasons why you should gulp down at least one glass of carrot juice daily: It is excellent for eyes Carrots contain Carotene, a rich source of Vitamin A. Nutrients are available in the juice in larger quantities, than in a whole carrot. This is because the nutrients tend to get trapped in the fiber, which is indigestible. Juicing carrots frees these nutrients from the fiber. Juice increases water intake. Carrot juice has anti-carcinogen properties. Thus, it helps prevent cancer. Beta Carotene in carrot juice is an anti-oxidant, preventing cell degeneration, and slowing down the ageing process. Carrot juice is good for skin It is like a health tonic that contributes to the overall improvement of health.  Include carrot juice in your everyday diet and make the most of this delicious nourishing beverage for you and your family.   Posted Apr 02 2008, 09:37 AM by Shikha with no comments