DIABETIC WOMEN AT GREATER HEART DISEASE RISK.

Women with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have coronary heart disease compared to men, according to new American Heart Association scientific statement. "Cardiovascular disease may be more deadly for women with Type 2 diabetes than it is for men", said Judith G. Regensteiner, chair of the statement writing group and director of the Centre for Women's Health Research at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver. While scientists do not fully understand how the inherent hormonal differences between men and women affect risk, they do know that 'some risk factors for heart disease and stroke affect women differently than men and there are disparities in how these risk factors are treated'.

The statement said that the women with Type 2 diabetes have heart attacks at earlier ages than men; are more likely to die after a first heart attack than men; and are less likely to undergo procedures to open clogged arteries, such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting than men. It also points out that African-American and Hispanic women with Type 2 diabetes are disproportionately affected by coronary artery disease and stroke as compared to men with Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with the body not producing enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. While the new scientific statement clarifies some diabetes-related sex differences in heart and blood vessel disease, more research is necessary, according to the authors.

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-

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SMALL LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

When it comes to your health, no matter how careful you are, there may still be things that you may not be doing correctly. And it's these small things, say experts, that can actually make a big difference in your health.

• While brushing twice a day and using a mouthwash is a part of your regime, dentists say that flossing is equally important - and something that a large number of people seem to avoid doing. Flossing expels harmful bacteria from your mouth, which can cause plaque in the long run. And plaque can gnaw away at the bone that helps keep your teeth together, leading to decay and other dental problems. Not only this, when this bacteria enters your bloodstream, it can actually worsen the symptoms of hypertension and diabetes.
• When it comes to your diet, don't just stick to the 'three meals a day' routine. An increasing number of nutritionists reckon that having smaller meals at regular intervals during the day is far better than sticking to three large ones. Not only will this improve your metabolism but also lower the chances of binge eating - a win-win situation.
• Instead of eating your meals at the office cafeteria, spend some time each morning packing a lunch box. It doesn't matter if you eat from the 'health counter', nothing beats the hygiene and quality of a home-cooked meal. Plan your menu every Sunday so that you don't fret over what to prepare each morning. Alternatively, pack your lunch box a night prior so that all you need to do is to take it from the refrigerator and leave for work.
• Walking is something that we take for granted. And we don't realise the numerous health benefits it offers. The more you walk, the more calories you burn - that's a given. So, make it a habit to walk short distances instead of hopping into your car or a cab. Take the staircase instead of the elevator. Go for a brisk walk thrice a week at a time that suits you. You will notice the difference in your energy levels in just a few weeks. 
• Pursue a new hobby. Or take up something that you used to enjoy doing, but gave up because of lack of time. When you spend time doing things that unwind you physically, you will find that your mental outlook also improves. This is because your body is in a state of relaxation and will be able to perform your daily tasks better.
• Women, when was the last time you did some kegel exercises? Don't wait till you actually suffer from urinary incontinence to start doing these exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Make it a habit to do them at least once a day. The right way to do it would be to contract your pelvic muscles and hold them for five seconds. Repeat this action as often as you can.
• Working hard or being busy aren't bad things. But not giving yourself enough time to do things that help you unwind, is. While pursuing goals, reaching targets and meeting deadlines gives you a high, there are times when you need to slow down and simply go easy on yourself. Even if this means giving yourself 20 minutes each day to do absolutely nothing or doing something that you love, it will make a big difference in the way you face each day.
• Simple foods like nuts, fruits and leafy greens can do wonders for your health if had regularly. These contain essential nutrients that are great for the body. Make a conscious effort to curb your intake of fried and junk food. The less sugar you consume (and this includes the sugar in processed food), the more energetic and fit you will feel.
• Go for regular checkups. You don't have to wait till something goes wrong to go to the doctor. yearly checks for overall health should include dental and eye checkups. This way you know about a deficiency or malady before it gets out of hand.

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-

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BEING UNHAPPY WON'T KILL YOU FOR SURE.

It is the disease that makes you unhappy and not the other way round, say researchers, adding that the widespread but mistaken belief that unhappiness makes you ill came from studies that had simply confused people. In a study comprising one million women, researchers found that happiness itself has no direct effect on mortality. "Illness makes you unhappy, but unhappiness itself doesn't make you ill. We found no direct effect of unhappiness or stress on mortality, even in a 10-year study of a million women", said lead author Bette Liu. Life-threatening poor health can cause unhappiness, and for this reason unhappiness is associated with increased mortality.

In addition, smokers tend to be unhappier than non-smokers. However, after taking account of previous ill health, smoking, and other lifestyle and socio-economic factors, the investigators found that unhappiness itself was no longer associated with increased mortality. As in other studies, it was associated with deprivation, smoking, lack of exercise and not living with a partner. The strongest associations, however, were that the women who were already in poor health tended to say that they were unhappy, stressed, not in control, and not relaxed. "Many still believe that stress or unhappiness can directly cause disease, but they are simply confusing 'cause and effect', added co-author Professor Richard Peto from University of Oxford.

Previous reports of reduced mortality being associated with happiness had not allowed properly for the strong effect of ill health on unhappiness and on stress. "Of course, people who are ill tend to be unhappier than those who are well, but the study shows that happiness and unhappiness do not themselves have any direct effect on death rates", he noted in a paper published in a journal.

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-

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SIGNS THAT POINT TOWARDS A HORMONAL IMBALANCE.

Everyone goes through a hormonal imbalance - women more than men - at some point in their lives. And chances are that you have often heard someone you know complain that they suffer from a hormonal imbalance. So, what exactly is it and what are the signs that you should watch out for?

What is a Hormonal Imbalance? - Whether you like it or not, hormones fluctuate. A wide number of things could cause an imbalance, hence it is first important to pinpoint what triggers off your hormones. Simply put, a hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on your body's natural functioning, causing a number of health woes. Among the most common reasons listed are a problematic menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the type of contraception you may be using, menopause, thyroid problems or even diabetes. Apart from this, certain lifestyle choices can also throw your hormones off balance. Following an inconsistent diet, leading a very sedentary lifestyle and even not sleeping enough can lead to a fluctuation in your hormones.

Common signs to watch out for:

• While feeling moody and irritable are characteristics that most women will readily identify with, if you notice (or someone points out to you) that you suffer from wild mood swings, oscillating from tremendous euphoria to crushing sadness, every other day, you could be suffering from a hormone disorder. Often diagnosed in menopausal women, you need to visit your doctor, who will conduct tests to determine the cause. Depression could be another indication of a disorder. Hence, instead of waiting for things to improve, it is advisable to seek professional help.
• Unable to sleep properly? While it is normal to have slight sleep problems now and then, if you perpetually find yourself staring at the ceiling and counting sheep for hours, you may have a problem. Experts reckon that this occurs in a lot among women just before their monthly menstrual cycle. This could be attributed to the fact that there is a steep reduction in progesterone, a hormone known to help you relax. This, in turn, makes you anxious and affects your sleep. If you notice this pattern month after month, it is best you schedule an appointment with your family doctor.
• While a large number of women heave a sigh of relief at bidding goodbye to teenage acne, a substantial number aren't so lucky. Adult acne, in several cases, can be attributed to a disturbed hormonal cycle. An odd pimple here and there is considered normal by dermatologists, who say this occurs due to variation in your hormones. However, being afflicted with heavy acne that leaves scars is a cause for concern. This is probably caused due to high levels of androgens (male hormones). When you have a high number of male hormones in your body, it causes (among other things) regular acne breakouts.
• Your sex drive doesn't always have to be at full throttle. Everyone goes through highs and lows in the bed-room, but if there is a severe loss of libido, it's time to find out any underlying causes. A number of studies have proven that hormonal imbalances can cause your sex drive to take a nosedive. This happens because your estrogen levels decrease. Your doctor will prescribe medication or an estrogen vaginal cream as treatment.
• Often, your body may be giving out signs of a hormone disorder, but you might have not noticed the symptoms. It is a good idea to give yourself a breast exam at least once a month so that any lumps or changes can be immediately studied. As you age, your breasts will get more tender, so make sure that you go for regular checkups. Another sign of a hormonal imbalance is vaginal dryness. Occurring mostly in women who are nearing menopause, this happens because of low estrogen levels, leading to dryness and, in turn, painful sex. Ask your doctor for a lubricant if the discomfort is unbearable.
• Suffering from regular migraines or headaches around your menstrual cycle could be an indication of a hormonal disorder. Keep track of when these headaches occur - it will help your doctor figure out what could be triggering them and whether it is indeed a hormonal imbalance. 
• While gaining weight gets easier with, sudden weight gain could have several underlying causes. One of the first things you need to do is to get your thyroid checked. An out-of-control thyroid often causes severe hormonal changes and weight gain is just one of the symptoms.
• Feeling constantly tired is also a sign of a hormone cycle that is not functioning properly. It could be attributed to hypothyroidism, which causes your metabolism to slow down drastically, making you feel sluggish and exhausted.

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-

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COMMANDMENTS TO LIVE BY FOR CONSISTENT WEIGHT LOSS.

Trying too hard to lose unwanted kilos and not getting the desired results? The answer is in the affirmative for most, because despite working out and following a diet, we do not end up losing as much weight as we want to. What many do not realise is that those seemingly little things that come to us as naturally as habit, might actually be the reasons we are putting on weight. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to see results in your weight-loss programme.

1. Stop reaching for food all the time: Eat mini meals every two to three hours. This keeps your metabolism up and your body does not end up storing fat. Avoid grabbing that cookie/wafer or any finger food in between meals. You can't be actually hungry in less than two hours between meals. If you do, take up any activity that can distract you, like opting for a quick walk.
2. Mindful eating is essential: When you are working and nibbling on French fries, you don't realise when an entire large pack is over. One can avoid this by being mindful of what one eats. Eat only when you are sitting down with your plate and there is no television or computer or phone to distract you. Mindfulness involves being in the moment - so think of the texture, colour and taste of the food on your plate. Chew every mouthful before you reach for the next morsel.
3. Keep away from factors that encourage negative eating patterns: If you stuff your refrigerator with food that is not healthy (but might be yummy), chances are you will end up having all of it in a moment of weakness. So do not stock anything that you know you shouldn't be eating. Also, friends who urge you to have unhealthy snacks and meals should not be encouraged - stay away from them. Opt instead for a supportive group of friends who also lead a healthy lifestyle.
4. Stop eating stuff in tins, cans and plastic bags: Gorging on over-processed food, including those that are frozen, pickled and laced with preservatives, will never allow you to lose weight. Drinking pre-packed juices and foods that claim to be healthy could lead to unwanted consumption of salt and sugar, both of which can be detrimental to your goal of weight loss. Rather, eat real food like organic fruits and vegetables that can help your body function at the optimum level. And when that happens, your body stops storing fat and you are your lean self without much struggle.
5. Eat only when hungry: Eating more than you actually need is one of the major reasons for putting on weight. Nutritionists say that when sitting down for a meal, make sure you stop eating as soon as you are around 80% full, and not till you are bursting at the seams. You should learn to recognise that you have overeaten when you don't start to feel hungry in the next two to three hours (seeming to feel hungry due to stress or just craving something is not proper hunger). If you feel full three hours after your last meal, then it means you have stuffed yourself during the previous meal. Keep that in mind when you sit to eat again and stop before you are too full.
6. Slow and steady wins the race: Practice all the above habits everyday. Do not be hard on yourself and expect overnight results. Consistently following a healthy lifestyle will always hasten your progress towards your goal of a better life. If you miss following something once in a while, it is OK - just make sure you do it diligently the next time.

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-

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FOUND: CHEMICAL IN THE BRAIN THAT SHUTS OUT BAD MEMORIES.

Scientists have identified a key chemical in the brain that allows us to suppress unpleasant memories, a finding that may pave the way for treating patients of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression or schizophrenia who experience such thoughts persistently. "Our ability to control our thoughts is fundamental to our well-being", said Michael Anderson of the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. "When this capacity breaks down, it causes some of the most debilitating symptoms of psychiatric diseases: intrusive memories, images, hallucinations, ruminations and pathological and persistent worries", said Anderson. "These are all key symptoms of mental illnesses such as PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety", he added.

Anderson likens our ability to intervene and stop ourselves from retrieving certain memories and thoughts to stopping a physical action. A region at the front of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex is known to play a key role in controlling our actions and has more recently been shown to play a similarly important role in stopping our thoughts. The prefrontal cortex acts as a master regulator, controlling other brain regions - the motor cortex for actions and the hippocampus for memories. In the study, published in the journal 'Nature Communications', scientists used a task known as the 'Think/No-Think' procedure to identify a significant new brain process that enables the prefrontal cortex to successfully inhibit our thoughts.
In the task, participants learn to associate a series of words with a paired, but otherwise unconnected, word, for example ordeal/roach and moss/north. In the next stage, they were asked to recall the associated word if the cue is green or to suppress it if the cue is red; in other words, when shown 'ordeal' in red, they were asked to stare at the word but to stop themselves thinking about the associated thought 'roach'. Using a combination of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, the researchers were able to observe what was happening within key regions of the brain as the participants tried to inhibit their thoughts.
The ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts relies on a neurotransmitter known as GABA. It is the main 'Inhibitory' neurotransmitter in the brain, and its release by one nerve cell can suppress activity in other cells to which it is connected.
-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-
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C-SECTION BIRTHS ALTERING COURSE OF EVOLUTION.

Regular use of caesarean sections to deliver babies is affecting the human evolution, according to a new study. An increasing number of mothers now need surgery to deliver a baby due to their narrow pelvis size, researchers said. Researchers estimate cases where the baby cannot fit down the birth canal have increased from 30 in 1,000 in the 1960s to 36 in 1,000 births today. Historically, these genes would not have been passed from mother to child as both would have died in labour. According to Dr. Philipp Mitteroecker from the University of Vienna, there is a long standing question in the understanding of human evolution. "Why is the rate of birth problems, in particular what we call fetopelvic disproportion - basically that the baby does not fit through the maternal birth canal - why is this rate so high?" he said. 

"Without modern medical intervention such problems often were lethal and this is, from an evolutionary perspective, selection. Women with a narrow pelvis would not have survived birth 100 years ago. They do now and pass on their genes encoding for a narrow pelvis to their daughters", said Mitteroecker. It has been a long standing evolutionary question why the human pelvis has not grown wider over the years. The head of a human baby is large compared with other primates, meaning animals such as chimps can give birth relatively easily, 'BBC News' reported.

Researchers devised a mathematical model using data from the WHO and other large birth studies. They found opposing evolutionary forces. One is a trend towards larger new-borns, which are more healthy. However, if they grow too large, they get stuck during labour, which would have proved disastrous for mother and baby, and their genes would not be passed on. "One side of this selective force - namely the trend towards smaller babies - has vanished due to caesarean sections", said Mitteroecker.

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-

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THE FASTER YOU EAT, THE MORE KILOS YOU GAIN?

Are you wondering why your waistline is expanding? Don't watch what you eat; watch how you eat. Accordingly to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2017, people who eat slowly are less likely to become obese or develop metabolic syndrome, a cluster of heart disease, diabetes and stroke risk factors. Metabolic syndrome occurs when someone has any of the risk factors that include abdominal obesity, high fasting blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and/or low HDL cholesterol, said Japanese researchers.

The researchers evaluated 642 men and 441 women, average age 51.2 years, who did not have metabolic syndrome in 2008. They divided the participants into three groups depending on how they described their usual eating speed: slow, normal or fast. After five years, the researchers found that fast eaters were more likely (11.6 percent) to develop metabolic syndrome than normal eaters (6.5 percent) or slow eaters (2.3 percent). Fast eating is associated with weight gain, higher blood glucose and larger waistline. Author Takayuki Yamaji from Hiroshima University said, "When people eat fast they tend not to feel full and are more likely to overeat. Eating fast causes bigger glucose fluctuation, which can lead to insulin resistance. We also believe our research would apply to a United States population".

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-

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NEW THERAPY FOR LEUKAEMIA IDENTIFIED.

Stanford scientists have identified a molecule that can be targeted to cure leukaemia - the most common form of cancer in childhood. The therapy is similar to but distinct from CD-19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, in which a patient's T-cells are genetically modified to target a molecule called Cd-19 on the surface of the cancer cells. This therapy was recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of some types of blood cancers, according to study published in the journal Nature Medicine.

The therapy genetically modifies a patient's T-cells to target a different molecule called CD-22, scientists at the Stanford University in the United States said. The approach is helpful because the cancer cells of some patients who undergo CD-19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy stop expressing the CD-19 molecule on their cell surfaces. CAR T-cell therapy relies on a patient's own T cells - a type of immune cell that can be a powerful killing machine.

-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-

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NATURAL WAYS TO HAVE A HEALTHIER DAY.

The first thing that you drink in the morning can have a day-long impact on your body, say experts. Try out these natural drinks to keep you healthy and refreshed.

Lemon Tea: Squeeze half a lemon in a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning to remain fresh and alert through the day. Lemon water helps keep the body hydrated, aids metabolism, cleanses the liver and provides relief from sore throat as well. This water also flushes toxins out of the body and helps you maintain glowing skin. Remember, do not add sugar.

Ginger Tea: A cup of ginger tea instead of coffee or regular tea is a great way to kick-start the day. Boil a cup of water along with a piece of ginger for a few minutes. Then add a tea bag. Pour it into a cup after a few minutes, squeeze in a few drops of lemon and add a dash of honey. This concoction is a natural stimulant, and is a great way to start the day on a detox note.

Mint: Mint is natural stimulant, which freshens your breath and increases alertness. Try to include a few mint leaves in your morning diet by preparing a mint drink. Crush a few mint leaves along with lemon juice. Add water and the drink is ready. One can even try a green smoothie with mint, yogurt and honey. It is a great stimulant.

Fenugreek Water: Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, remove the seeds and have the water on an empty stomach. This helps keep high cholesterol levels in check. This water also helps diabetics control their sugar level to a great extent. This can be had in addition to the medicines that they take.

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BEAUTY TRICKS THAT CAN BE PULLED OFF WITH COCONUT OIL.

Coconut oil has been a part of everyone's household for decades now. And there are multiple ways in which the oil can be used.

1. It is a very effective way to remove even the most resistant waterproof makeup. Just apply some of it to your face and remove it with a cotton pad.
2. It is used as a breath freshener too. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of coconut oil clear up the germs in your mouth. Gargle with a spoonful of it for a few minutes.
3. It helps ward off stretch marks. It can also be used as a preventive measure to keep blisters and dark spots from forming.
4. Coconut oil can also be used as a whitening toothpaste. Just add some baking soda to the oil and rub the mixture on your teeth.
5. It can also be used as a body scrub. Just add some salt to it and apply it for a naturally soft and supple skin.
6. It also helps with premature greying of hair. Take some curry leaves, grind them and add some water to make a paste. Add the paste to two cups of coconut oil and heat the mixture till the moisture evaporates and let it cool down. Store the mixture in a bottle and apply it two-three times on alternate days.  

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NIGHT SHIFTS AT WORK LINKED WITH BREAST CANCER RISK: STUDY.

Women who work in night shifts may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, as artificial light blocks a hormone that plays a key role in suppressing growth of tumours, claims a study. The study showed that women who were pre-menopausal and were current or past smokers, and who live in areas with high levels of outdoor light at night, were at risk of developing breast cancer. "In our modern industrialised society, artificial lighting is nearly ubiquitous. Our results suggest that this widespread exposure to outdoor lights during night time hours could represent a novel risk factor for breast cancer", said lead author Peter James, Assistant Professor at Harvard University.

Melatonin, a hormone produced in the human brain, appears to suppress the growth of breast cancer tumours, but exposure to light may decrease its levels, leading to increased breast cancer risk, Peter said, citing previous studies.

For the new study, the team looked at data from nearly 1,10,000 women and linked data from satellite images of Earth taken at night to residential addresses for each study participant, as well as considering the influence of night shift work. The results showed that women exposed to the highest levels of outdoor light at night - those in the top fifth - had an estimated 14 percent increased risk of breast cancer, as compared with women in the bottom fifth of exposure.

As levels of outdoor light at night increased, so did breast cancer rates, the researchers said, but acknowledged that further work is required to confirm the study findings and clarify potential mechanisms.

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