NOW, INVISIBLE BRACES THAT WILL LET YOU FLAUNT YOUR MILLION DOLLAR SMILE.

Thousands of people around the world are not happy with their smile. Are you one among them? Would you love to have a perfect smile? Perhaps you thought it was too late, or simply don't want to wear highly visible 'train tricks' for months. As an adult you may worry that the orthodontic treatment will impact too much on your career or your social life, and reluctantly decide to stick with crooked or misaligned teeth. The technological advancements in dentistry have come as a boon for people with the introduction of clear aligners, clear braces or lingual braces to choose from. For the ones who don't want metal braces but still want to get their smile improved, these are the best motions. With invisible braces they can continue with their life and career without anybody noticing them. If mild corrections are needed, they can be done by cosmetic dentistry.

Clear aligners (invisalign, clearpath) are at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry. Unlike the traditional braces or retainers, this is a virtually invisible method of teeth correction. Custom made see through retainers, to be changed every fortnight, are used throughout the treatment period. Compared to fixed braces treatment, the clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable, easy to maintain and are more comfortable. Lingual braces have small brackets glued to the inner surfaces of the teeth; a wire and elastics are used in the same manner as traditional orthodontics, but hidden from view. Ceramic braces are the same as metal braces, except that they have tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend with the colour of your teeth. Ceramic (transplant) wires are used to make the braces even less noticeable. 

With invisible braces age and profession is not a barrier to undergo orthodontic treatment. Most high profile celebrities, public speakers and movie stars who want to make cosmetic changes but cannot afford to wear the traditional braces in public, opt for this procedure. A smile is the best ornament you can wear and a perfect smile is now available to everyone, anytime and at any age. Take the advantage now!

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'MAGIC POWDER' FROM DRIED LEAVES.

The underutilised leaves of cauliflower, carrot, beet and turnip can be used to overcome iron deficiency, a study in the Journal of Pure and Applied Biosciences has reported. The leaves can be dried and powdered and used in chakli, namakpara, bhujia and tarts. "The method of cooking has to be proper and the leaves have to be properly dried. It has been shown that the underutilised leaves can be used innovatively to improve iron levels in the body", said Sana Fathima, a nutritionist.

Iron is supplemented in the body with iron tablets, multi-purpose vitamins and tonics but they have a side-effect like constipation. To do away with these, nutritionist are looking at options within the food family. Carrot and turnip leaves are available only in winter while cauliflower, beet and curry leaves are available throughout the year. Chakli was the most acceptable delicacy followed by bhujia and namakpara.

Nutritionist Prem Latha explained, "There is a strong need to popularise these natural resources which are rich in iron and utilise them for food purposes". These methods are presently being advocated in colleges and universities and are not generally known. The method of preparation too is a challenge for many as it requires the right mix and often it is not found to be commercially viable which makes it difficult to popularise.

A senior nutritionist said, "It is very important for the nutritionist to take these simple but easy methods to the community-level so that the people can benefit". 

Go Green: Some leaves have high iron content.

1. Beet: 83.6 mg/100 gms.
2. Turnip: 83.25 mg/100 gms.
3. Cauliflower: 71.45 mg/100 gms.
4. Carrot: 73.6 mg/ 100 gms.
5. Curry Leaves: 10 mg/ 100 gms.

Method of Preparation: Leaves of cauliflower, carrot, beet, turnip and curry leaves are kept separately in plates and dried for two days at a temperature of 22 degrees C. Dried leaves are stored separately. The leaf powder is incorporated in the dough, and standard method used to prepare chakli, namakpara, bhujia and tarts. Mix all powders to weigh 10 gms. for 100 gms. of of dough. The ratio is 1:10. There is no change in the cooking method.

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TO TEST LUNG FUNCTION, BLOW INTO ANY PHONE.

Most people in the developing world who have asthma, cystic fibrosis, or other chronic lung diseases have no way to measure how well their lungs are functioning outside of a clinic or doctor visit. But many do have access to a phone, though it may be a 10-year-old flip phone or a landline instead of the latest app-driven smartphone. With that in mind, researchers have developed SpiroCall, a health-sensing tool that can accurately measure lung function over a phone call. Testing shows that SpiroCall's results are within 6.2 percent of results from clinical spirometers used in hospitals. It meets the medical community's standards for accuracy.

"We wanted to be able to measure lung function on any type of phone you might encounter around the world - smart-phones, dumb-phones, landlines, pay phones", says Shwetak Patel, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering and Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington. "With SpiroCall, you can call a 1-800 number, blow into the phone, and use the telephone network to test your lung function".

The researchers will present a paper on the device at the Association for Computing Machinery's CHI 2016 conference. In 2012, researchers from the UbiComp Lab introduced SpiroSmart - which lets people monitor their lung function by blowing into smartphones. The patients take a deep breath in and exhale as hard and fast as they can until they can't exhale any more. The phone's micro-phone senses sound and pressure from that exhalation and sends the data to a central server, which uses machine learning algorithms to convert the data into standard measurements of lung function.

"People have to manage chronic lung diseases for their entire lives", says lead author Mayank Goel, a computer science and engineering doctoral student. "So there's a real need to have a device that allows patients to monitor their condition at home without having to constantly visit a doctor, which in some places requires hours or days of travel".
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ELEVEN MISTAKES WE OFTEN MAKE WHILE RUNNING.

Everybody wants to get fit or lose weight but nobody wants to follow the correct routine with discipline. While most fitness freaks believe in breaking barriers on every run, the reality for most of us is far from that. For a beginner runner, it is really important to build steam and not get injured by following targets, which many experts advise. Run where you want to, how much you want to and what speed you feel like. So, here are some rookie mistakes that runners make while running, which keep them from getting fit or losing weight.

• Drinking too much of sports drinks: Sports drinks contain a high amount of sugar and having too much of those will lead to zero gains even if you run consistently. Keeping hydrated is essential but not at the cost of ruining your workout gains.
• Wearing improper shoes: Running with new shoes is not a good idea because your feet are not accustomed to your shoes. Wear them out for at least five kilometres before starting to run for the first time. Also, you will need to replace your shoes after 600 kilometres of vigorous running. Failing to do so might harm your knees in the long term. Also, keep in mind to purchase the right kind of shoes according to your feet arch type - high or low.
• Running too much without strength training: Strength training twice a week is mandatory to improve your upper body and core strength. It will help improve your body posture and breathing during long runs.
• Not hydrating properly: While running, you are bound to hit the wall and not be able to carry on despite your best efforts. This may be the result of improper hydration or improper hydration or improper eating habits before running. Keep yourself hydrated to make the best of your runs.
• Not alternating hard days with easy days: Alternating hard days with easy ones (running two minutes slower than your average run) is a trick, which will keep you motivated to run regularly. It is okay to get a little exhausted after long runs and instead of skipping the next day's run, learn to alternate it with a relatively easy day on the asphalt.
• Not controlling your upper body: The upper body is as much a part of running as the thighs and legs. Controlling the irregular hand movement along with a stable head will make your runs more efficient and satisfying.
• Starting too quick and ignoring after run cool-down routines: Starting too fast in excitement will lead to exhaustion and not learning after run routines will make your body more stiff and tense. Be patient and give yourself time to adjust and get used to the routine.
• Running too much and skipping the next day run: If you want to stay healthy and lose weight then you have to keep at it day-in and day-out. Consistency is the key here and it would be foolish if you try and compensate your runs with an extra workout. Even if you can't dedicate the same amount of time to it daily, don't miss out on running.
• Trying something new every other day: Stick to your routine and you will be just fine. Trying out differnt techniques or mixing your runs at different speeds is not a good way to build way to build steam.
• Training with someone too far ahead of your pace: Train with someone with whom you can keep pace. A training partner is essential to keep up the discipline and meet your targets but it will do more harm than good if there is a gulf of difference between you two.
• Over striding: Lunging out big strides while running is one of the major reasons for heel injuries. So, try and do the best you can without stressing too much about speed or distance. Once your body gets used to running, you will be able to cover both.

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TREAT ENDOMETRIOSIS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

Fertility is a major issue that affects parenthood and lives of married couples. Jalaja is a 29-year-old woman who walked into the clinic in November, 2013 along with her husband. The couple was suffering from primary infertility. They were married for five years and had been trying hard to conceive for half-a-decade. Before consulting the clinic, they had consulted three gynaecologists without any success. When the earlier medical records were examined, she was found to be suffering from grade IV endometriosis. She had already undergone a laparoscopic surgery in the year 2013. But the problem recurred and an endometrial cyst measuring 5 mm. that needed to be surgically removed immediately was detected. This was done through laparoscopy again. But this time, to make sure the condition doesn't recur again, a three month injection dose of GnRH was prescribed. Along with this, two schedules of IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination) treatment were also recommended. But this had to be halted due to lack of release of eggs or ovum.

It was found out that grade IV endometriosis and no egg release were the reasons behind the patient's infertility. The fertility experts suggested IVF and ICSI, and 6 eggs were extracted from the process. Out of these, four eggs were fertilised. In February, 2015, 3 embryos were transferred and patient successfully conceived in the first cycle. 

What exactly is Endometriosis? It is a severe condition that affects fertility in women and is mostly observed in around ten percent of women across the world. It severely impacts the normal functioning of tubes, thereby affecting the release of eggs or ovum. For those suffering from endometriosis, treatment is very important. IVF has a success rate of 30-40 percent and administering GnRH injections before the process starts, is considered beneficial. And if one does not want the condition to deteriorate, he or she must follow the recommended doses without fail.

[Based on an article written by Dr. Sujata Ilinani, Medical director, Surya Fertility Center, www.suryafertilitycentre.in; suryafertilitycentre@gmail.com. For details contact 040-23608734/8885013100/01/02].  

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EAT FIBRE FOR BETTER HEALTH.

Everyone talks about and knows the importance of protein, carbohydrates and fats. However, one of the most important nutrients is still forgotten and that is fibre. As a matter of fact, fibre is also a type of carbohydrate but the interesting part is that it does not spike your blood glucose. So, why is fibre so important for us, how much do we need and what are the different types?

Fibre benefits: 

1. Fibre supports easier and effortless bowel movement.
2. It regulates your blood glucose level. 
3. Enhance insulin sensitivity.
4. Indirectly supports fat loss, by making you feel fuller.
5. Allows that gut to absorb more nutrients from food.
6. Helps in cotrolling diabetes, Blood Pressure and Obesity.

It is broadly vategorised under two categories - soluble fibres and insoluble fibres.

Soluble fibres: As the name suggests, this type of fibre is soluble in water. It helps in binding food in order to optimally absorb the nutrients. Oats, brown rice, barley, legumes, quinoa, ragi, etc. are the dietary sources of soluble fibre.

Insoluble fibres:Insoluble fibre does not get digested in the gut. The basic function of insoluble fibre is to improve and facilitate bowel movement. It acts like a detoxifier and helps remove toxins and waste from the body. Fruits and vegetables (with peel) are the primary sources of insoluble fibre.

Don't overdo it either: Excessive consumption of fibre can also lead to some health complications. Gastric issues, lowering the HDL aka good cholesterol, unintended weight loss and impaired nutrient absorption are all problems associated with consuming too much fibre.

How much fibre should you consume? As per the general recommednation concerned, women should consume 25 gms of fibre in a day, where as for men, 35 gms of fibre per day should do the trick. But it also depends on the total amount of food you are consuming in a day. The more the food you consume, the more the fibre you will need.

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OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK MAY ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE, SAYS STUDY.

Having an optimistic outlook on life - a general expectation that good things will happen - may help people live longer, according to a new Harvard study. The study found that women who were optimistic had a significantly reduced risk of dying from several major causes of death, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and infection - over an eight-year period, compared with women who were less optimistic. Higher optimism directly impacts our biological systems, researchers said.

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NOW, POLLUTION LINKED TO DIABETES TOO.

Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes - especially for people with impaired glucose metabolism, a new study has warned. Air pollution exposure at the place of residence increases the risk of developing insulin resistance as a pre-diabetic state of Type 2 diabetes, researchers said. "Whether the disease becomes manifest and when this occurs is not only due to lifestyle or genetic factors, but also due to traffic-related air pollution", said Professor Annette Peters, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology II at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen in Germany. For the current study, Peters and her colleagues from the German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD) analysed the data of nearly 3,000 participants of the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsberg (KORA) study who live in the city of Augsburg and two adjacent rural countries. 

All individuals were interviewed and physically examined. The researchers took fasting blood samples, in which they determined various markets for insulin resistance and inflammation. In addition, leptin was examined as adipokine which has been suggested to be associated with insulin resistance. Non-diabetic individuals underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to detect whether their glucose metabolism was impaired. The researchers compared these data with the concentrations of air pollution at the place of residence of the participants, which they estimated using predictive models based on repeated measurements at 20 sites (for particle measurements) and at 40 sites (for nitrogen dioxide measurements) in the city and in the rural countries. 

"The results revealed that people who already have an impaired glucose metabolism, so-called pre-diabetic individuals, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution", said Dr. Kathrin Wolf, lead author of the study.

"In these individuals, the association between increases in their blood marker levels and increases in air pollutant concentrations is particularly significant. Thus, over the long term - especially for people with impaired glucose metabolism - air pollution is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes", said Wolf. The research was published in the journal Diabetes.

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