3 Things You Can Learn In Your Sleep

If someone suggested you play music or light a scented candle while you slept to better remember what you learned earlier in the day, you'd probably laugh.

But while you might not be able exchange a night of studying for playing some jazz while you snooze, there are some surprising skills you can strengthen overnight - some simply by playing a specific tune or by infusing your bedroom with a distinct smell.

Effective diet changes to reduce fats

The most powerful thing you can do to lose weight is to eat better.The principle behind losing weight through changing what you eat is still cutting calories, but this doesn't have to involve drastic portion control or a whole lot of calorie counting. The trick is to cut down on foods that have a lot of calories while giving your body little in return.

How to reduce fats?

Swap half your butter
Instead of cooking with butter, choose oils that are low in saturated fat like sunflower and olive oils, which will help keep your cholesterol levels down at healthy levels and are lower in calories, too. If you want the taste of butter, try swapping half and see if you notice the difference.

Get rid of your ‘waist fat’

Eliminate that extra padding on the sides of your waist by doing the right moves, eating well and moving around. Celebrity trainer and nutrition expert Harley Pasternak suggests how to do away with love handles. Tone up: These three moves are excellent at toning the muscles that run along the side of the waistline.

1. Side bend on back extension bench: Start on your left side leaning against the centre inside of the back extension bench with both of your feet stacked together. Place your right hand against your right temple and let your left arm hang straight down. Slowly bend your torso down to the left, then move back to the right. Turn and do the same on the other side.

Flush out fat and toxins from your body

Apple cider vinegar has an array of health benefits. If you have diabetes and want to lose weight and lower your blood sugars, apple cider vinegar can assist you with these goals. Since apples contain vitamin C, flavonoids, malic acid, fiber, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus they have a cleansing effect on the body.

Key Facts: Papaya leaves immediately boost platelet count?

People are forwarding chain mails which claim that the juice of papaya leaves can immediately boost platelet count in the body and is a miracle cure for dengue fever.

City doctors say it is a complete hoax. Dr Nupur Krishnan, a clinical nutritionist from Kemps Corner, said that people should take such claims with a pinch of salt. She says that even if papaya leaves have nutrients capable of increasing platelet count, the human body might not be capable of absorbing such nutrients.

“People often think that eating leafy vegetables such as spinach and fenugreek will increase haemoglobin levels in blood. But certain acids present in such foods prevents the body from absorbing them,’’ she said.

Doctors say that claims for such treatments are misleading. Dr Pratit Samdani, a general physician, said that since diseases like malaria and dengue are caused by a virus, the platelet count increases when the virus recedes. Papaya leaves have nothing to do with it. “Often patients suffering from malaria drink such juices or place papaya leaves on their body, but it does not have any effect. The claim is untrue and there has been no scientific evidence to prove that such a remedy is effective,’’ he said.

Similarly, a website dedicated to unveiling scams on the Internet has posted that the same claim was made before for pegaga juice in 2005. The latest email is worded exactly like the one that surfaced in 2005. “Pegaga is the Malaysian term for Centella asiatica. The botanical name of papaya is Carica papaya. They are neither the same plant nor are they related,’’ states the website.

Source-DNA

Most Effective Natural Treatment For Increasing Platelet Count
* Supplement your diet with vitamin B12 and folate, or eat foods high in these vitamins. Vitamin B12 and folate are important in the production of blood elements including platelets.

Foods such a spinach, citrus fruits, and dried beans are high in folate, while eggs, milk, cheese, liver, and mutton are high in vitamin B12.

* Drink warm-temperature water. Cold water can slow down your digestive tract, which can impact your body's way to absorb nutrients. Blood cells are made of water and protein, so if you drink more water, you will produce more blood cells.

* Obtain enough sleep and rest. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. The rest can help your body to recharge and produce more platelets.

* Ashwagandha - a plant that is used in Ayurvedic practice. It is a powerful adaptogen and this is only plant known today, which can actually increase the platelets count in the blood. I can say that this plant may increase the amount of all blood cells count.

The average lifespan of a platelet is about 10 days. Because of this, in order to keep your platelet level up, you need to partake in these natural remedies frequently.

Before you embark on any of these remedies, be sure to consult with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor you carefully because you may have other preexisting conditions that may be affected by your change in diet or overall behavior. If your condition worsens, you may need immediate medical intervention.

Prevent Athlete’s Foot and Jock Itch

These are common fungal infections. Athlete’s foot affects the skin between the toes, making it cracked, sore, and itchy with peeling areas. It may spread to the soles and toenails. Jock itch is an itchy, scaly, red rash in the groin, more common in men. Both infections thrive in warm, sweaty conditions. You can catch them from contact with an infected person or sharing items such as towels and footwear.

Powder spray
Apply the powder after washing and drying your feet carefully. Spray generously, paying particular attention to areas between the toes.
Seek medical advice

Arrange to see your doctor if:
* The affected area becomes hot and red, or starts weeping.
* The infection does not clear up after you have tried self-help treatment.

What you can do yourself
Both infections are easy to treat yourself. Keep using the good hygiene practices outlined below to help prevent fungal infections recurring.

Athlete’s foot
* Treat the infection with an antifungal cream and/or powder (see DRUG REMEDIES below)
* Wash your feet twice daily, making sure you dry thoroughly between your toes afterwards. Use a separate towel just for drying your feet, and launder the towel frequently.
* Wear socks made from natural fibres and change them at least once a day. Women should avoid wearing tights and stockings, especially those that cramp the feet.
* Wear well-ventilated shoes made from natural rather than synthetic materials; open-toed sandals are particularly good.
* Wear flip-flops when walking around communal changing areas, such as at swimming baths.

DRUG REMEDIES
Antifungal drugs, such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine, are used to treat athlete’s foot and jock itch. They are available as a cream or a fine powder spray (which is usually easier to apply) and should be applied as directed. The infection should start to clear up within a week, although it may take several weeks longer to disappear completely. To help treat athlete’s foot, you can also dust inside your shoes and socks with an antifungal foot powder.

Jock itch
* Apply an antifungal treatment to the infected area.
* Wash your groin regularly, drying it thoroughly but avoiding chafing. Use a separate towel to dry this area, and launder the towel frequently.
* Don’t wear tight-fitting trousers or underwear, or underwear made from synthetic fabrics. Cotton pants or boxer shorts are best. Change them daily.

How To Prevent Rosacea?

Rosacea is a flush or rash on your chin, nose, cheeks, and forehead. You may also have small bumps and pimples on your cheeks, sore eyes and eyelids, and, more rarely, a swollen, red nose, Rosacea is triggered by factors such as emotional stress, alcohol, or hot, spicy food. Flare-ups are due to inflammation of the tiny blood vessels under the skin but why rosacea develops in the first place is unknown. The condition seems to run in families, is more common in women aged 30-55, and may be lifelong.

Seek your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you think you have rosacea.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Identifying trigger substances
This should help you to avoid particular foods and drinks, such as coffee, alcohol, and spicy food, that can cause flare-ups of rosacea.

* Keep a diary of your symptoms and what you have eaten when they occur.

* Try eliminating any suspect foods or drinks for up to 6 weeks to see if there is an improvement.

* Reintroduce foods and drinks one at a time, noting which provoke an attack and need to be avoided.

PREVENTION
Avoiding attacks If you are prone to flushes, following the advice given here may help to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

* Sunlight can cause flare-ups, so stay in the shade on hot summer days and wear a hat. When you are in the sun, use a sunscreen; a titanium dioxide sunblock is less likely to irritate your skin.

* Avoid rapid changes of temperature – for example, going straight form the cold outdoors into a hot room.

* If you tend to have flare-ups of rosacea when you are feeling under stress, try practicing deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques.

What you can do yourself
Flare-ups are usually caused by something that makes you flush or overheat. There are several things you can do to reduce the symptoms.

* Put a cold compress ( a face cloth soaked in ice-cold water) on the flushed areas to cool your skin.

* Some foods and drinks trigger attacks. Try to identify which, if any, are affecting you.

* Use mild cleansers and avoid any that contain alcohol, Don’t rub your face hard or use a face cloth.

* Bathe or shower in tepid, rather than hot, water.

* Wear cotton rather than wool and dress in layers so you can remove a layer if you begin to feel hot.

* To minimize redness, try a green-tinted foundation; choose one that is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Camouflage creams are also available but you may need specialist advice on selecting and applying them.

* Use a moisturizer to protect your skin against the drying effects of cold weather.

* If you are a man with rosacea, use an electric shaver rather than wet shave.

Nail biting: How to break the habit?

Many children and adolescents chew or bite on their fingernails, but most grow out of the habit eventually, some people, however, continue to bite their nails in adult life, and the habit can be hard to break. You may find you bite your nails inadvertently when you are bored, or as a coping mechanism during times of stress or anxiety. Apart from being socially unappealing, nail biting transfers germs between your hands and your mouth and, if you chew the skin around your nails as well, it becomes susceptible to infections. You may also be ashamed of the appearance of your nails, particularly if biting makes them rough, torn, or split.

See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor if :
* You or your child show other signs of anxiety such as hair- pulling, or difficulty sleeping

Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor if :
* The skin around the nails becomes red and weepy or bleeds
What you can do yourself
Once you or your child has decided to stop nailbiting, take these steps to help break the habit.

* Sit in front of a mirror and watch yourself biting your nails to see how unappealing it looks.

* Cut your nails short, and smooth them with a fine emery board so there are no ragged edges to chew. Put adhesive plasters around the tops of your fingers to stop yourself chewing loose bits of skin.

* Be aware of the times when you bite your nails and try to occupy your hands by fiddling with a pen, worry beads, or a piece of modeling clay.

* Chew sugar-free gum instead of your nails.

* Paint an anti-nailbiting lotion on your nails (see DRUG REMEDIES, right)

* Reward yourself when your nails begin to look better. For example, have a professional manicure.

* Try having artificial nails fitted. They last for about 2 weeks, which may be long enough for you to break your nailbiting habit.

* Don’t make your child feel guilty about nailbiting. Try to find out if anything is causing anxiety and if there is something you can do to help.

* Use a star chart with your child. Reward each nailbiting-free day with a stick-on star and buy a small gift when the chart is complete.

DRUG REMEDIES
Anti-nailbiting lotions (see p 178) have an extremely bitter taste that deters nibbling and acts as a reminder every time you start to bite. Check the instructions before using on a child, and work with your child rather than forcing him or her to try one.

Using the lotion
Paint the lotion on like a nail varnish once a day, paying particular attention to the top edge of the nails.

How to prevent mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection that was common in children before routine immunization. The incubation period is 2-3 weeks. The illness usually starts with a fever, headache, and muscle aches. These are usually followed by swelling on one or both sides of the face and neck of the parotid salivary glands, which are just in front of and below the ears. Talking, eating, and drinking may be painful. Mumps is usually mild in children, but teenagers and adults may develop potentially serious complications.

See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm mumps and check for complications.

PREVENTION
Immunization to protect against mumps is given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Make sure your child is immunized.
Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your doctor if you or your child develops:
* Pain in the abdomen or chest
* Swelling and pan in the testicles.

What you can do yourself
There is no specific treatment for mumps, but you can make yourself or your child more comfortable.

* Rest until symptoms begin to ease.

* A warm compress, such as a face flannel soaked in warm water, applied to the side of the face, can help to relieve pain in swollen glands,

* Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid acidic fruit juices because they stimulate saliva and may make the enlarged glands more painful. Use a straw if opening the mouth is painful.

* Have soups, yoghurts and other soft, bland foods that are easy to swallow.

* A painkiller will help reduce fever and relieve aches and pains (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* If mumps affects the testicles, stay in be and wear supportive clothing, such as two pairs of close-fitting underpants, until symptoms ease.

* If there are no complications, a child can usually go back to school, or an adult can return to work, 5 days after the onset of swollen glands, However, full recovery can take 1-2 weeks.

DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers will bring down a fever and relieve muscle aches and the pain of swollen glands.

* For a child, give paracetamol. This drug is available in a variety of forms, such as liquid medicine, soluble tablets, or melt-in-the-mouth tablets. Alternatively, you can give liquid ibuprofen. Your pharmacist will advise you which is most suitable for your child.

* Adults can take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

How to Prevent Shingles?

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which lies dormant n anyone who has had chickenpox. It begins with pain or tingling in an area of skin on one side of your body or face, followed by a rash of small, fluid-filled blisters. You may also have a headache and fever. The blisters scab over and heal within a few weeks, but the area may be painful for months afterwards. Shingles is more common in later life, Stress, ill health, or sunlight can trigger an attack, but you can’t catch shingles from contact with chickenpox.

See your doctor first
Arrange to see your doctor to confirm that you have shingles. See your doctor urgently if shingles has developed close to an eye.

DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers will relieve fever as well as pain. Use paracetamol, aspirin , or ibuprofen, If you need stronger pain relief, take paracetamol and codeine. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Sodium bicarbonate can also help to reduce itching. Add 4 tablespoons (about one cup) to a bath two-thirds full.

Oatmeal products are soothing for itchy, blistered skin, Either add oatmeal oil to your bath or use the lotion instead of soap.

PREVENTION
Preventing attacks If you are susceptible to shingles, try the following measures :

* If shingles tends to develop when you are under stress, try using deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques to help you relax.

* Be careful to protect your skin from strong sunlight.

What you can do yourself
Use these home treatments to make yourself feel better while you get over an attack of shingles.

* Rest as much as you can to speed your recovery.

* While you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids.

* Take a painkiller to relieve pain, headache, and fever. A cold compress (a cloth soaked in ice-cold water) may help relieve pain and tingling in your skin.

* If you have blisters on your body, take lukewarm baths 2-3 times a day. Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or use an oatmeal product (see NATURAL REMEDIES) to soothe your skin. Wash any blisters on your face gently with soap and water.

* Until all the blisters have dried up, avoid contact with anyone who has not had chickenpox, because they could catch the virus from you.

Seek further medical advice

* Your blisters become pus-filled and spread

* You develop severe headaches or vomiting

* Painkillers do not control the pain, or pain persists after the blisters have cleared

What to do if your child swallow poison accidentally?

Accidental Poisoning
Toddlers and young children are very liable to swallow; poisonous substances because of their restlessness, their intense curiosity, a desire to put everything into their mouth and a strong urge to imitate adults. Parents contribute to; the danger by neglecting to provide proper storage or potentially harmful household substances, like kerosene oil or napthalene balls and medicines meant for adults.

Common Poisons In-digested
The common poisons and harmful substances which are accidentally swallowed by children include:

(i) Kerosene oil. The child generally drinks it mistaking it for water;

(ii) Weed-killer tablets and pesticides;

(iii) Corrosives like sulfuric acid used for cleaning floors;

(iv) Naphthalene balls;

(v) Sleeping pills and other medicines; and

(vi) Poisonous berries or other plants, e.g., dhatura, opium, or wild mushroom.

Corrosives like sulfuric acid and caustic soda cause a burning sensation, severe pain and blisters in the child's mouth and the food pipe immediately after being swallowed. On the other hand, a child may not have any immediate symptoms on swallowing some pills or other poisonous substances, like napthalene balls, but these can be very dangerous for him over a longer period.

What to do?
1. Try to quickly locate the suspected poisonous substance the child .has actually taken. Pick up and preserve carefully any remaining portion of the swallowed substance for identification and for informing the doctor. Get an idea of the probable amount of substance swallowed by the child.

2. It is best to take the child to the casualty department of the nearest hospital as soon as you can.

3. Do not waste much time in trying to make the child vomit. Do not give him too much salt and water to induce vomiting. Large amounts of salt can harm him.

4. NEVER try to produce vomiting in a child who has taken kerosene oil, a strong acid or alkali like sulfuric acid and caustic soda. It can cause serious damage to his lungs and the linings of his stomach and food pipe,

5. If he has a burning sensation and pain in the mouth due to the strong acid or alkali, give him sips of cold milk and water to drink. It will reduce the pain.

6. Most important, get the child to hospital quickly.

7. Don’t give ipecac syrup or try to make him/her throw up — doctors say this can do more harm to your little one. Instead, call the poison-control center at 800-222-1222 (in the United States).

Symptoms of poisoning
If your child has had a significant poisoning, any symptoms that develop will depend on a number of factors, such as which medicine or chemical is involved and how much the child has been exposed to.

Symptoms of poisoning may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Tummy pain
Fitting.

Also Read: What is Cord Blood?

How To Deal With Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear with unpleasant physical symptoms that usually occur without any outside threat being present. You may be short of breath or breathe rapidly (hyperventilate) and suffer from sweating, dizziness, nausea, numbness, chest pains, or palpitations. Attacks may be linked to anxiety, stress, depression, a phobia (such as fear of flying), or to taking stimulants or drugs, but symptoms can develop for no apparent reason. Although the attacks usually pass quickly, fear of having them can interfere with normal life.

See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor to check that your symptoms aren’t due to a more serious illness such as heart disease.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Re-breathing into a paper bag

Rapid breathing during a panic attack lowers carbon dioxide levels in your blood, making you feel dizzy and faint. Rebreathing from a paper bag, held loosely over your mouth and nose, will help to restore carbon dioxide levels. Cup your hands over your mouth and nose if you don’t have a bag.

Using a paper bag
Breathe in and out into the bag about 10 times, then breathe normally for 15 seconds. Continue until your breathing slows down.

PREVENTION
Preventing panic attacks The following lifestyle changes and techniques can help to prevent or at least minimize panic attacks.

* Practice deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises and use them whenever an attack is about to begin.

* Too much caffeine may trigger attacks, so reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks. Cut down on alcohol and smoking and don’t take recreational drugs.

* Eat regular meals to keep your sugar levels stable and prevent symptoms such as light headiness.

* Exercise regularly to boost your general well being.

What you can do yourself
Take the following steps to calm yourself quickly and help you cope with future attacks.

* If you are hyperventilating, try rebreathing into a bag.

* When you feel symptoms developing, focus steadily on something happening near to you or on what someone else is saying, rather than concentrating on your own feelings. Remind yourself that, although your symptoms are unpleasant, they cannot harm you and will pass.

* Try not to avoid situations in which you are prone to attacks. If you start to confront them, your symptoms should begin to fade and you will begin to regain your confidence.

Arrange to see your doctor if :
* The above measures do not help

* Your panic attacks are becoming more frequent and/or are interfering with your life

How to Prevent Bloating and Flatulence?

A bloated abdomen and flatulence (wind) are common complaints, cause by a build-up of excess gas in your digestive system. You may also experience sharp pains and rumbling noises in your abdomen. Most cases of bloating and flatulence are due to food, particularly foods such as beans and cabbage, which produce gas as they are digested. Eating too fast can also cause excessive wind. Certain people find that milk, food additives, or wheat flour can produce symptoms, sometimes, bloating and flatulence are due to a bowel disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome.

See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you also have other bowel symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, blood in your stools, nausea, vomiting, or continual or recurrent abdominal pains.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Herbal teas made with chamomile, peppermint, fennel, or gentian may help to calm a bloated stomach and relieve excess wind.

Soothing tea
Sip a soothing herbal tea to help relieve digestive problems.

What you can do yourself
Try these measures to prevent a build-up of wind or to teat bloating and flatulence.

* Try to identify and cut down on any foods that cause problems. The worst offenders include cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, prunes, raisins, beans, and spicy foods.

* You may develop wind or bloating if you add high- fiber foods to your diet too quickly. Reduce your intake, then increase it gradually over 2-3 weeks.

* Eat and drink slowly, and chew food thoroughly. You may find it helps to eat several small meals a day instead of one or two large ones.

* Cut down on beer and fizzy drinks; chewing gum; smoking; and the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and mannitol (found in some sugar-free sweet foods). All of these things may contribute to flatulence.

* Preparations containing dimeticone can be used to treat flatulence.

* Try using charcoal tablets or biscuits to reduce excess wind (See DRUG REMEDIES).

* Try drinking a herbal tea to relieve symptoms (See NATURAL REMEDIES).

Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor if bloating and flatulence persist after 2 weeks or new symptoms develop.

DRUG REMEDIES
Dimeticone helps to disperse excess wind. It is usually combined with an antacid as an indigestion remedy.

Charcoal tablets and biscuits help wind in the digestive system to pass easily out of the body.

How to prevent miscarriage?

Can I Loose My Pregnancy?

When a pregnant mother happens to spontaneously lose her baby during pregnancy, in lay terms it s called a miscarriage. On the other hand, when a pregnancy is terminated by medical personnel it is deemed to be an abortion. However in medical terms, when a pregnancy ends spontaneously or it is terminated by a doctor before foetus is sufficiently developed to survive if born both are termed as abortion.

Formerly, babies born 28 weeks of pregnancy were not considered viable. But with availability of higher levels of specialized cared for premature babies in USA and some other developed countries babies born there at 20 weeks of pregnancy are now considered to be viable.

An overwhelming majority of pregnancies develop normally bur occasionally things can go wrong, especially during the early weeks. The commonest cause of miscarriage during first 12 weeks is the death of grossly abnormal embryo. This is nature’s mechanism of avoiding the birth of seriously defective babies.

What Should I Do?
While there is no cause for you to worry unnecessarily you should take the following precautions:

1. If you notice even a slight spotting during our pregnancy, you should immediately take bed rest and seek advice from your doctor. In early pregnancy, bleeding may sometimes be due to a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (where the baby begins to grow in the egg tube and not in the uterus). But many women who bleed at this stage stop doing so after a while and subsequently complete their pregnancy and have a healthy baby. You should however, not take any chances, particularly, if the bleeding is accompanied by pain in the abdomen or backache.

2. You should take suitable medical treatment for any infectious illness, particularly during early pregnancy.

3. Avoid smoking and drinking because they are known to enhance the risk of miscarriage. The increase in risk is in direct proportion to the number of cigarettes smoked and the frequency and amount of alcohol consumed.

4. If you are diabetic you must keep it well under control, especially during the first month after conception.

5. The risks of miscarriages are higher in a woman who has had trouble in becoming pregnant, in pregnant woman who are over 35 years of age and in those who had two miscarriages earlier. You should be extra careful if you fall into any one of these categories. In such circumstances, it is advisable to avoid undue jerks during traveling and to limit sexual activity. Sometimes, miscarriages are caused by hormonal disturbance. Hormones and bed rest are then recommended. In few cases, a weak cervix is responsible for recurrent miscarriages at around 20 weeks and this may need some corrective surgical measures.

Sex during Pregnancy
You should not harbor any undue fears that sexual intercourse in pregnancy may harm your baby. It is safe and normal to continue to have sex during this period. However, towards the end of pregnancy when the abdomen is large, the common on top position may be rather inconvenient and some different mutually convenient positions may be adopted.

But if you have has a previous miscarriage, you should avoid intercourse in the early months. If nay bleeding is seen at any stage, you should abstain and seek medical advice. Similarly, in a case where the process of delivery starts in a mother prematurely and it is successfully controlled by the doctor couples should avoid having sex.

How to prevent corns and calluses?

Prolonged pressure or friction on the feet or hands can cause patches of hard skin – corns or calluses – to form. Corns tend to develop over the toe joints or between toes, often as a result of badly fitting shoes. Calluses may occur on the soles of your feet, usually due to uneven pressure when walking, or on your feet, usually due to uneven pressure when walking, or on your hands if you do heavy manual work or play a musical instrument. Corns and calluses protect the soft skin beneath, so you may not need to remove them unless they are painful.

See your doctor or chiropodist first
Make an appointment to see your doctor or a chiropodist if you have corns and calluses and you also have diabetes or suffer from poor circulation.

PREVENTION
Preventing corns and calluses
The following measures will help to protect your hands and feet from friction and pressure.

* Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly. Avoid high heels and pointed shoes. Make sure worn-down soles and heels are repaired promptly.

* If your soles are prone to calluses, cushion them with hydrocolloid plasters or padding inside your shoe.

* Use a moisturizer regularly to keep your skin soft (see DRUG REMEDIES, above).

* Wear padded gloves when using tools or machinery.

* If you play a stringed instrumehnt, it may help to put plasters on your fingertips for protection.

What you can do yourself
First find out what has caused the corn or callus, because it will be easier to treat once the source of friction has been removed. Take the following steps to relieve the problem.

* Use a foam wedge to relieve pressure on corns between the toes, and corn pads (small rings of sponge) to protect corns in other areas. Hydrocolloid corn plasters will help to cushion and soften the skin (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).

* Soak the corn or callus in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes each day, then use a pumice stone to gently rub away the hard skin.

* Never cut or shave corns yourself. Instead, you can apply salicylic acid to soften the thickened skin gradually (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).

Seek further medical advice if:
* Your corn or callus does not disappear with self-help measures

* The skin is becoming painful, red, swollen, or weepy, or an ulcer develops

DRUG REMEDIES
Hydrocolloid plasters (see p 183) for corns and calluses contain a substance that absorbs moisture released by the skin. This forms a gel that cushions the area and also softens the skin so that the corn or callus can be removed easily.

Salicylic acid gels, lotions, or ointments can be used to soften calluses and corns, making them easier to remove. Products containing salicylic acid may burn surrounding skin, so apply them with care and follow the instructions carefully. Alternatively, use corn pads or plasters, which apply salicylic acid directly to the corn.

Moisturizers soften the skin, so calluses are less likely to develop. Apply aqueous cream or emulsifying ointment to the hands and feet after washing and during the day.

How to Prevent Hip Pain?

The most common cause of pain and stiffness in the hip is wear and tear due to arthritis. This condition usually affects older people; if you have it, you may feel pain in your thigh, buttock, or groin as well as in your hip. Another cause is bursitis, in which the fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip joint becomes inflamed because of overuse or injury. Bursitis causes pain on the outside of the thigh, close to the hip, that gets worse when you climb stairs or lie on the affected side.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have hip pain to establish the cause.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in joint cartilage. Taking a supplement of either, or both combined, may reduce pain and stiffness and slow the progress of arthritis.

PREVENTION
Avoiding hip pain Once the pain has subsided, take these steps to help prevent recurrences.

* Lose any excess weight, as it puts extra pressure on your hip.

* Cycle or swim regularly to build up the muscles that support your hip joint.

Safe swimming
Avoid breaststroke as it can put strain on your hip.

What you can do yourself
If you have an episode of hip pain, try the following measures to help relieve the discomfort.

* Take a painkiller or apply an ibuprofen preparation. Massaging the hip with a counter-irritant can also be soothing (See DRUG REMEDIES).

* Try to keep moving gently, resting your hip and leg whenever you can. Avoid activity that brings on pain or makes it worse.

* If you have bursitis, try applying an ice pack (such as a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice wrapped in a wet towel.) Hold in place for about 10 minutes. Reapply 2-3 times a day for the first 48 hours.

* If you have arthritis, hold a covered hot-water bottle or a heated fleece pad on your hip.

* Sleep on a firm mattress. Try not to lie on the hip.

* For arthritis, try a supplement of glucosamine and/or chondroitin (See NATURAL REMEDIES).

Seek further medical advice if:
* Your hip is not improving after a week, or is getting worse
* You develop pain in other joints

DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers include paracetamol (see p 187) and ibuprofen, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Ibuprofen gel, cream, or spray can be applied to the affected area.

Counter-irritants are creams and gels that produce a tingling sensation, which soothes pain temporarily.

Heart Massage to Activate Stopped Heart Beat

When a person is unconscious and not breathing and continues to look pale or blue-faced in spite of your mouth-to-mouth breathing, it means that his heart may also have stopped beating. If so, you must start massage along with mouth-to-mouth breathing.

1. Lay down the person on the back on the floor or a hard surface.

2. Kneel beside him facing his chest.

3. Place the heel of one hand over the lower half of his breast bone. The breast bone lies in the mid-line on the front of his chest. It extends from mid-point between the two collar bones at the base of the neck to the pit of the stomach.

4. Move yourself forwards over the his body so that your shoulders are directly over his breast bone.

5. Keeping your arm straight and without sending at the elbow, press down on the breast bone.

6. Repeat the chest compression at a rate of about 80-100 per minute.

7. After every five chest compressions, stop and give him one mouth-to-mouth breathing.



8. Continue the cycle of these two combined procedures, i.e., five chest compressions followed by one mouth-to-mouth breathing.

9. If another pair of hands is available, do the heart massage and he can do mouth-to-mouth breathing in the above manner. You should temporarily stop doing chest compression when your help does the mouth-to-mouth breathing.

10. Once the heart has started beating, keep on the mouth-to-mouth breathing till the child himself starts breathing.

11. Place the child in 'recovery' position and watch him carefully.

Heart Massage for the Babies less than Two Years Old
The basic procedure for doing heart massage is the same as for older children but with the following differences:

1. The pressure to the baby's chest is applied with two fingers (middle and index) and not with the heel of the hand.

2. Less force is used to avoid injury to lungs and ribs. The chest is compressed by about to 1 inch only.

3. The fingers used for compression are placed over the middle portion of the breast bone and not at its lower part. You can use an imaginary line joining the two nipples on the child's breast as a guide.

4. Chest compressions are done at a faster rate of 100 times per minute. Mouth-to-mouth breathing is done once after every five chest compressions as usual.

How to Prevent Ear Ache

Pain in one or both ears and temporary hearing loss are often caused by a middle-ear infection, in which case you may also have a fever and feel generally unwell. Sometimes, the eardrum bursts as a result of increased pressure and there is a discharge form the ear. Earache can also be caused by infection in the outer ear (swimmer’s ear) or be associated with a throat or sinus infection or a tooth problem. You may also get a mild earache because of a build-up of mucus in your ear after a cold; during an attack of hay fever; or from pressure changes in the ear if you travel by plane or got diving.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
* You have severe earache, develop a fever, or have a discharge from your ear

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Using compresses You can make a warm compress by soaking a face cloth in warm water and squeezing it out. Hold the compress over the affected ear until the cloth cools down; then rewarm it. Alternatively, rest your ear on a heated pad or a covered hot-water bottle.

Applying warmth
Hold a warm, soft object (such as a warm compress) against your ear for about 20 minutes.

What you can do yourself
While following your doctor’s advice, there are several measures you can take to relieve earache or to treat a mild earache yourself.

* Take painkillers to reduce the discomfort (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* Sleep with your head raised on several pillows to reduce in the middle ear.

* If your earache is due to a cold, try using decongestant nasal sprays or drops to help clear your nasal passages (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* Apply warmth to your ear to help relieve your earache (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE).

* Steam inhalation (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE) can help relieve congestion in
the ear, nose, and sinuses. Putting a humidifier in the room may help.

* If your eardrum bursts, there may be a discharge. Keep your ear dry and arrange to see your doctor.

Seek further medical advice if:
* Your symptoms become more severe or do not subside within 24 hours of treatment

DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers Paracetamol (See p 187) and ibuprofen will reduce discomfort, and will also reduce fever if you have an ear infection.
Decongestants in the form of nasal sprays or drops can help to clear congestion in the nose, sinus

es, and middle ear when you have a cold or allergy.

Don’t use a decongestant for more than 7 days continuously. If you use one for longer you may have a “rebound effect” with symptoms returning when you stop taking the drug.

Whooping cough: key prevention and remedies

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a severe bacterial infection that was common in children before immunization. Your child may be feverish and have cold symptoms 7-10 days after contact. Then spasms of coughing develop with a typical high-pitched “whoop” as the child breathes in. Coughing is usually worse at night and may trigger vomiting. The illness can be serious in small babies.

Arrange to see your doctor immediately if you suspect your child has whooping cough.
Seek immediate medical help if:

* Your child becomes drowsy, has seizures, or is choking

* Your child has breathing problems, or his or her lips or tongue turn blue during a coughing spasm

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Humidifying air in a room will soothe your child’s air passages and help to loosen mucus. Use one of the following methods.

* Place a humidifier by the child’s bed, or hang a wet towel close to a radiator.

* Sit with your child in the bathroom and run hot water in the bath or shower to create steam.

PREVENTION
An effective vaccine that protects against whooping cough is included in the childhood immunization programme. Make sure your child is immunized according to the recommended schedule.

What you can do yourself
Whooping cough can be distressing, so follow these steps to make your child more comfortable.

* Be calm and reassuring. If your child is having trouble sleeping, try to share the care at night.

* Offer plenty of clear fluids. Try honey and lemon, but don’t give honey to babies under 1 year.

* Give your child a painkiller (see DRUG REMEDIES) to reduce fever and discomfort. Don’t use cough medicines – they will not help.

* Humidifying the room (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE) may help to ease the cough.

* Offering your child soft, easy-to-swallow food in small portions will help to prevent vomiting.

* Keep your home free of irritants such as tobacco smoke and aerosol sprays.

Arrange to see your doctor if:
* If your child’s condition deteriorates

* To check that your child is fit to return to school; he or she may have coughing fits for several months after the illness.

DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers will help to reduce discomfort and bring down a fever. Give paracetamol or ibuprofen , which are available in various forms. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you about which type is most suitable for your child.

Liquid paracetamol
You can give medicines containing liquid paracetamol to a child over 3 months old.

How to Forbid Motion Sickness

If you suffer from motion sickness or travel sickness, you will have feelings of nausea an dizziness, and possibly also a headache, whenever you travel by car, ship, train, or plane. If the motion continues, you begin to feel worse and may break out in a sweat, breathe rapidly and shallowly, turn pale, and vomit.

Motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting messages from the balance organs inside the ears and from the eyes. Some people are more susceptible to motion sickness then others, and anxiety can contribute to the problem. Children are generally more prone to the condition than adults.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Ginger has been shown to reduce symptoms of travel sickness. Take ginger root capsules an hour or two before you start a journey. Alternatively, try nibbling a small slice of fresh ginger or crystallized ginger, or taking ½ -1 teaspoon of powdered ginger in fruit juice. A child may prefer a ginger biscuit.

Ginger root and powder
Eat fresh ginger or stir powdered ginger into fruit juice.

What you can do yourself
There are several measures that help to prevent or minimize motion sickness. Plan how to put them into effect before you start your journey.

* Before you travel, eat a little bland food. Avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks before and during travel.

* Try taking travel sickness pills before travelling (See DRUG REMEDIES).

* On board a vehicle, try to choose a position with the least motion. IN a plane, sit halfway down, by a window overlooking the wings. IN a ship, sit in the middle, or stay on deck if you can. If you are below deck or in an enclose cabin, try to sleep as much as you can. In a train, sit by a window, facing the direction of travel. In a car, sit in a front seat.

* Make sure that you have access to fresh air. Avoid strong odours and cigarette smoke

* In a car or train, focus on the horizon or something in the distance in the direction of travel. Avoid reading, writing, or looking down.

* Eating some ginger may help to relieve nausea (see NATURAL REMEDEIS).

* You may find that travelling at night reduces sickness, particularly if you manage to sleep.

* If anxiety plays a part, try exercises to control your breathing (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE).

* Try acupressure bands. They are thought to relieve nausea by stimulating a point on the wrist.

* if your child has motion sickness, use a booster seat so that he or she can look out of the window. Distract your child with music, a story tape or CD, or games that involve looking for things ahead.

Seek medical advice if:
* You still have motion sickness symptoms a day or two after travel

* You have symptoms such as nausea and dizziness when you are not traveling

DRUG REMEDIES
Travel sickness pills contain anti-nausea drugs such as hyoscine, or antihistamines, such as meclozine or promethazine, which help to control symptoms. Take them before you start a journey. They may make you drowsy, so don’t drive. They may also increase the effects of alcohol, so avoid alcoholic drinks once you have taken them.

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