Why Preventive Healthcare for India?

There is an English proverb that states “Stitch in Time Saves Nine”, which means it is better to take necessary precautions for safety, rather than being sorry. The same applies to the field of healthcare, where it is always advisable to take necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of a disease, rather than taking actions once the disease had already occurred. This is the reason why the focus of healthcare across the world is shifting from curative healthcare to preventive healthcare   In India, the growing population has been plagued with multiple lifestyle diseases. The complexity of the same is increased by the fact that these diseases are chronic in nature, which can only be controlled but can never be fully cured.

The seriousness of the matter is evident from the following statistics in India:  

1. Four people die of heart attack every minute
2. Two people die of diabetes every minute
3. One people die of cancer and stroke every minute
4. 35% of deaths due to heart attack, cancer or diabetes have occurred to the population with an age group of 35 to 60  

The onslaught of these diseases can only be curbed if they are detected early. A study indicates that 40% of the cancer cases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle of the patient and by early diagnosis of the disease. Although the Indian population has been primarily surviving on a curative healthcare so far, the following factors are pushing the same towards a preventive healthcare:

1. Increasing awareness about diseases in both rural and urban areas
2. Increase in disposable income, which allows the population to take pro-active steps in their personal healthcare
3. Increase in lifestyle diseases, which can only be curbed through preventive healthcare than curative healthcare  

But we have only walked a few steps in adopting a preventive healthcare system, as the challenges that lay in our paths are multiple with varying complexity. One of these challenges is the lack of an ecosystem that will allow the individual to make some changes in their daily lifestyle, which will allow them to adopt preventive healthcare.

Healthcare Scenario in India

• 17.3 million or 30% of total global deaths occur because of cardiovascular diseases
• In India FOUR people die of a Heart Attack every MINUTE
• FIVE out of 100 Indians carry a gene mutation that almost guarantees the development of heart disease.
• Diabetes kills TWO Indians while stroke and cancer kills ONE each every MINUTE
• In 2008, more than 35% Indians who died of a heart attack, cancer or diabetes were in their productive years (age 35-60)
• More than 61 Indians go below the poverty-line every MINUTE by spending on treatment to diseases already occurred
• For every 1000 Indians there is less than ONE hospital bed, less than ONE doctor and less than ONE nurse
• WHO indicates that at least 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes
• Interestingly, 40% of cancers are preventable if a healthy lifestyle is maintained and/or the conditions leading to the disease are DETECTED EARLY!

Health benefits of eating Tomatoes

1- Helps to keep blood vessels healthy

2- Rich in lycopene to promote prostate health
3- Full of vitamin C to keep immune system strong
4- A good source of beta-carotene for healthy vision

5- Studies have shown tomatoes help prevent breast cancer.
6- Contains compounds to help lower cholesterol

7- Rich in potassium for heart health
8- Full of vitamin E to keep skin healthy and beautiful
9- The skin is full of carotenoids tomatoes to promote wellness
10- Rich in energizing B vitamins to help you stay active

Tips for Flat Tummy

Home Remedies for ACIDITY

1-विटामिन बी और ई युक्त सब्जियों का अधिक सेवन करें।



2-व्यायाम और शारीरिक गतिविधियाँ करते रहें।


3-खाना खाने के बाद किसी भी तरह के पेय का सेवन ना करें।



4-बादाम का सेवन आपके सीने की जलन कम करने में मदद करता है।



5-खीरा, ककड़ी और तरबूज का अधिक सेवन करें।



6-पानी में नींबू मिलाकर पियें, इससे भी सीने की जलन कम होती है।



7-नियमित रूप से पुदीने के रस का सेवन करें ।



8-तुलसी के पत्ते एसिडिटी और मतली से काफी हद तक राहत दिलाते हैं।



9-नारियल पानी का सेवन अधिक करें।

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITS: Information in Indian System of Medicine

Treatment in AYURVEDA

Definition

 

Ayurvedic name: Amavata

Due to the hypo-functioning of ushma (Agni), the first dhatu viz. the rasa or chyle, is not properly formed and the anna-rasa undergoes fermentation or putrefaction (dushta) being retained in the amashaya. This state of rasa is 'Ama' where the impaired vatadi doshas being mixed up with one another lead to the ama-dosha- According to Vagbhata (A .H. Su. 13/25).

 

The disease 'amavata' is formed due to such vitiated ama-doshas. 'Madhav-nidana' explains this disease descriptively.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs.

 

Causes

 

• Foods/habits incompatible with your constitution

• Poor digestion
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Consuming too much fat

Preventive Measures

Don’ts (Apathyas)

• Avoid Curd, fish, jaggery, milk, flour of mash (black gram)

• Avoid dushit jala (contaminated water)
• Avoid viruddha bhojan (incompatible food), asatmya food, visham bhojan
• Avoid control of natural urges (vegavrodh), ,
• Avoid heavy, slimy foods (pischhil).

Health Promoting Tips

Do’s (Pathyas)

• Food like Yava (barley), Kulattha (horse gram), Raktashali (rice), Vastuk

• Fresh vegetable like shigru (drum sticks), punarnava, karvellak (bitter gourd),
parawar, ardrak (ginger)• Usage of hot water, rasona or ginger (shodhit with takra), Jangal mansa (meat).

Curative Herbs 

• Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)

• Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)
• Eranda (Ricinus communis)
• Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)
• Shunthi (Zingiber Officinalis)
• Guduchi (Tinospora corifolia Willd.)
• Shigru (Moringa oleifera)
• Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)
• Rasona (Allium sativum)
• Prasarini (Paedaria foetida)

 

Treatment in UNANI

Definition

Wajaul Mafasil (Rheumatoid arthritis) is an inflammation of one or more joints associated with pain. It may be Balghami (phlegmatic) or Damavi (sanguine) and Murakkab (compound) acoording to predominance of Akhlat (humours).

 

Causes

 • Predominance of Haar (hot) and Ratab (moist) Akhlat (humours) - Dam (blood),
Balgham (phelgm).• Soo-e-Mizaj Azwi (Imbalance of temperament of organ).
• Martoob Aab-o-Hawa (Humid climate).
• Accumulation of Fasid Akhlaat (morbid humours) in blood due to Soo-e-Hazm
(indigestion).

• Infiaalat-e-Nafsania (Psychic influences).

• Excessive intake of hot and moist food such as meat and dairy products.
• Samn-e-Mufrat (Obesity).
• Naqs-e- Taghzia (Deficient nutrition).
• Kasrat-e-Sharab Noshi (Excessive consumption of alcohol).
• Zarba-wa-Saqta (Injury).
• Mauroosi (Hereditary).
• Certain diseases affecting body immunity e.g. Aatshak (syphilis), Suzaak
(gonorrhoea), etc.

Preventive Measures

 

• Maintain body weight.

• Avoid oily/fatty diets.
• Maintain normal Ihtibas-o-Istifragh (retention and evacuation) through intake of
high fiber diet to regulate daily bowel movement.

Health Promoting Tips

 • Do Riyazat (exercise) regularly as per instructions.
• Adequate Naum (sleep).
• Hijamah (cupping) is very beneficial. It decreases the inflammation of joints.

Curative Herbs 

• Izkhar Lemon grass (Andropogon schaenar linn)

• Arand root Castor (Ricinus communis Linn.)
• Ajwain khurasani Henbane (Hyoscyamus alba Linn.)
• Madar flower Madder (Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) Ait. f.)
• Zanjabeel Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
• Suranjan talkh Colchicum (Colchicum luteum Bak.)
• Joz masil Datura (Datura stramonium Linn.)
• Asgand Withania (Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dun.)
• Ispand Wild Rue (Peganum harmala Linn.)
• Khulanjan Galangal (Alpinia galangal (Linn.)Willd.)
• Biskhapra Hogweeds (Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.)
 

बच्चों को योग सिखाने के लाभ

- इससे बच्चें शांत होते है.
- आज के दौर में बच्चें भी बहुत तनाव में होते है. योग से उनका तनाव दूर होता है.
- योग बच्चों की एकाग्रता और संतुलन को बढाता है.
- योग करने से बच्चें सक्रीय और बेहतर जीवन शैली की ओर कदम बढाते है.
- योग करने से बच्चों की नींद और अच्छी होती है. 
- योग करने से बच्चों की कार्य प्रवीणता यानी मोटर स्किल में वृद्धि होती है. वे बारीक से बारीक और भारी से भारी काम ज़्यादा अच्छे से करते है.

- योग करने से बच्चों का पाचन अच्छा होता है . इससे उनके मुंह का स्वाद और भूख खुलने से वे सब कुछ खाना पसंद करते है. वे जंक फ़ूड से दूर रह पाते है.
- योग से बच्चों में लचीलापन और शक्ति बढती है.
- योग से बच्चें बेहतर तरीके से अपने विचार लिख-बोल पाते है. उनका आत्मविश्वास बढ़ता है.
- योग से बच्चें अपने शरीर , मन , विचार और बुद्धि के प्रति जागरूक होते है.
- योग करने से बच्चों का शारीरिक और मानसिक विकास होता है.
- इससे बच्चों में रोग प्रतिकारक शक्ति का विकास होता है. बार बार सर्दी खांसी , अस्थमा और पेट की गड़बड़ी नहीं होती. 
- बच्चों में किसी प्रकार की एलर्जी नहीं होती. 
- बचपन में शरीर हल्का और लचीला होता है. कई आसन बचपन से ही करना चाहिए जैसे शिर्षासन. इससे बड़े हो कर भी वे अच्छे से सभी आसन कर पाते है. 
- योग भारत का गौरव है इसे हर भारतीय को करते आना चाहिए. इससे देश के प्रति अभिमान में वृद्धि होती है. 
- योग सीख लेने पर एक शैली में बच्चा निपुण हो जाता है. यह उसे अपने आगे के जीवन में बहुत काम आयेगा.
- योग से प्राप्त लचीलापन , शारीरिक और मानसिक क्षमता अन्य खेल और कला सीखने में काम आएँगी. 

Immune System: Tips for Improvement

Immune health is the backbone of every human system. It is dependent on many factors namely the genetic background one is born with, age, medical history and chemicals the human body is exposed to. We humans have such hectic lifestyles that stress is part and parcel of our daily lives. All these factors affect your stamina.

The human body is prone and susceptible to damage if proper steps are not taken in that direction. Regular exercise regime, proper diet, right nutrition and small lifestyle changes will make a lot of difference. We all have to take a closer look into enhancing our immunity towards diseases and learn about the top five tips that will help boost immunity from within.

 The immune system is a network of cells and body tissues that work in collaboration to protect human body from infections or viruses. White blood cells are good cells that protect the body and help fight diseases to maintain good health.

1. Include Protein in your Diet
Protein as we all know is a great building block for a healthy body and mind. It also helps to keep the immune system healthy. A protein rich diet is advised by nutritionists worldwide for a leaner and healthier shape. Low protein food has low fibre content and this stresses the immune system as it consists of carbohydrates. Hence, your first step should be to add protein to your everyday diet.

2. Limit or Minimize Sugar Intake
If you want to stay healthy and boost your immunity system then sugar in any form is a strict no-no. When people give into sugar craving or urge to binge in chocolates, then they are most likely to experience a sudden drop in energy levels. Dieticians suggest to avoid any form of carbonated drinks and starchy sugary stuff for a healthier life.

3. Early to Bed and Early to Rise
Adequate amount of sleep is quintessential when it comes to a better lifestyle. Your body gets tired after a hard day’s work, so it is important that you get eight to ten hours of sound sleep in a day.

4. Eat Right Foods and Supplements
Read the nutritional content value on the labels of all the food you intake. Vegetables and fruits consumed in their natural and raw form have high fibre content. The enzymes help you and protect good cells in the body. Those following a hectic schedule often opt for supplements to keep their body healthy. These supplements are readily available and easily found in all health stores.

5. Follow Yoga or Exercise
Listen to your body’s needs, do whatever suits you and your lifestyle. Doing breathing exercises like Pranayama and Yoga will improve your body’s metabolism. These are also good for the digestive system, which in turn improves your immunity. Deep and slow breathing do wonders to one’s body and you will surely notice the change in your thinking and body mechanism if you do it regularly.

These lifestyle changes that you will follow will have you on the right track for a better tomorrow.
 

HYPERTENSION: Information in Indian System of Medicine

 

                                                          AYURVEDA
DefinitionAyurvedic Name: Vyanabala Vaishamya

A systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mm of Hg and /or a diastolic pressure (phase V) equal to or greater than 90 mm of Hg

Causes

• Family history

• Faulty dietary habits (fatty diet)
• Stress, anxiety, tension
• Obesity

Preventive Measures
Don’ts (Apathya)

• Don’t suppress the natural urges to pass urine, flatus stools

• Avoid stress

Dietary
• Junk food, salty snacks
• Canned vegetables
• Excessive condiments, fried food etc.

Lifestyle
• Stress
• Addiction of Alcohol, Tobacco, Tea, Coffee
• Night awakening
• Day sleeping

Health Promoting Tips
Do’s (Pathya)
Dietary changes
• Low salty diet
• Low fatty diet
• Fruits & vegetables
• Coconut
• Butter milk

Lifestyle changes
• Meditation, Pranayama
• Moderate exercise
• Positive attitude
• If obese-weight reduction

 

Curative Herbs• Shankhapushi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamamasi)
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentine)


                                                    HOMOEOPATHY

Definition

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic cardiac medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. Blood pressure is a measurement of force against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. Condition is characterized by systemic arterial pressure consistently above 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic.

Causes

 

Primary (essential) hypertension

• Idiopathic.

• Predisposing causes

- Family history of high blood pressure

- Life style (Smoking, extra salt intake, lack of exercise and high calorie diet)
- Mental stress.
- Type A personality ( ambitious, impatient, competitive, time-conscious etc.)
- Hyperlipidaemia.
- Obesity.

Secondary hypertension

• Renal diseases – Acute and chronic, Polycystic, Hydronephrosis Renal artery
stenosis
• Endocrine
- Thyrotoxicosis.
- Acromegaly.
- Cushing’s syndrome.
- Hyperaldosteronism.
- Phaeochromocytoma.
• Neurological
- Brain tumour.
- Psychogenic.
• Disease of blood vessels like athersclerosis
• Polycythaemia.
• Iatrogenic.
• Pregnancy induced.

Preventive Measures

- Avoid excess alcohol, smoking, high calorie diet, extra salt and oily fried food.

- Adopt relaxation techniques to avoid too much mental or physical stress.
- Diet including fruits, fibers and containing more vitamins and minerals.
- Reduce chances of ebing Obese by regular exercise.

Health Promoting Tips

• Lose weight. Reduction of weight also modifies other cardio-vascular risk factors like diabetes and dyslipidemia.

• Restrict intake of salt, fried food and other foods rich in saturated fats (like ghee, butter, cream, coconut oil).
• Avoid stressful situations as far as possible.
• Take plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Abstain from tobacco & alcoholic beverages.
• Take regular morning walk or adopt a particular exercise regimen.
• Practice yogic exercises, pranayam, meditation, etc.

 

                                           UNANI

Definition

Zaqtuddam Qawi (Hypertension) is a condition in which the veins of body become hard due to the pressure and amplitude of the blood flows in it. It is also called as Salabat-e-Urooq (hard pulse disease).

Causes

• Mauroosi (hereditary) factors.

• Obesity (Siman-e-Mufrit)
• Alcoholism (Kasrat-e-Sharab)
• Smoking (Kasrat-e-Tambakunoshi)
• Certain diseases (Khilti Amraz) e.g. diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease.

Preventive Measures

• Follow guidelines of Asbab-e-Sittta Zarooriya (six essential prerequisites).

• Avoid tobacco in any form.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Avoid oily, fatty and salt rich diets.
• Avoid stress.
• Maintain body weight.

Health Promoting Tips

• Do Riyazat-e-Motadil (moderate exercise) as per instructions.

• Stop oily, fatty and salt rich diets
• Adopt healthy lifestyles.

Curative Herbs

• Khaskhas Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum Linn.)

• Tukhme kahoo Lettuce (Lactuca sativa Linn.)
• Kishneez Coriander (Coriandrum sativum Linn.)
• Asrol Serpentine wood (Rauvolfia serpentina Benth.)
• Seer Garlic (Allium sativum Linn.)
• Sankaholi Morning-glory (Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.)

Regimens

• Fasad (Venesection)

• Irsaal-e-Alaq (Leeching)
• Idrar-e-Arq (Diaphoresis)

                                       SIDDHA

Definition

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the wall of the main

arteries. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is the blood pressure, which is above the normal level, consistently for more than six months. According to Siddha philosophy the vitiation of Azhal humour is the main cause for Athi Rattha Azhutham. Hypertension is one of the major causes of death and disabilities worldwide and hence it is rightly called as ‘Silent Killer’.

Causes

• Hereditary

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Obesity
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hectic and stressful life
• Mental agony
• Insufficient sleep and rest
• High salt intake

Preventive Measures

• Avoid excess intake of Salt

• Reduce the intake of Oil, Meat and Egg
• Avoid Smoking & Alcohol

Health Promoting Tips

• Take plenty of water & fruit Juice

• Drink decoction of cumin and coriander seeds
• Walking
• Breathing exercise
• Meditation
• Yoga

Curative Herbs

• Cirakam - Cuminum cyminum

• Maruthampattai - Terminalia arjuna
• Musumusukkai - Mukia maderaspatana
• Ven Thamarai - Nelumbo nucifera
• Sarpagandha - Rauwolfia serpentina
• Vellai pundu - Allium sativum
• Elam - Elettaria cardamomum
• Kothumalli - Coriandrum sativum
• Sataamaangil - Nardostachys grandiflora
• Elumicam Pazham - Citrus aurantifolia
• Venkayam - Allium cepa
• Seenthil - Tinospora cordifolia