Remedies for Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly infectious viral illness, most common in children, that causes an intensely itchy rash of blisters. Your child may generally feel unwell, with a headache and mild fever, just before the rash develops and for the first few days afterwards. The first symptoms appear 10-21 days after contact with the infection, and most children are completely recovered 7-10 days later.

See your doctor first
Arrange to see your doctor to confirm that your child has chickenpox.

NATURAL REMEDIES

How to get Acne free face

Many teenagers have acne, and for some it is a distressing and persistent problem. Outbreaks of pimples, blackhead, whiteheads, and cysts occur on the face and sometimes on the chest and back. The cause is a surge of hormones during puberty that stimulates the oil-producing glands in the skin, making them prone to blockage and infection. Acne tends to clear up over time, but the spots may leave scars. Attacks of acne in adult life can be triggered by factors such as stress, changes in the weather, and using certain cosmetics.

DRUG REMEDIES

Key facts about throat cancer treatment

Throat cancer is the cancer of the throat; it is a type of head and neck cancer. The throat (pharynx) is a 5-inch-long tube that runs from your nose to your neck. The throat and the voice box are the two main places throat cancer forms.

Throat Cancer, which is usually caused by excessive use of tobacco or alcohol, affects a person's vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat.Throat cancer can also affect the piece of cartilage (epiglottis) that acts as a lid for your windpipe.

Managing throat cancer

Find it, as early as possible
Confirm Diagnosis (radiology and pathology)
Surgery (cut it out)
Radiation (burn it)
Chemotherapy (selective poisoning)
Combine the above

Strategy in diagnosing throat cancer

Determine exact location of throat cancer lesion
Find out the extent of spread of throat cancer - local, regional and systemic
Confirm throat cancer with the diagnosis with histo-pathological investigation like biopsy.

Ascertain the patient's fitness to undergo treatment
Use a multi-modality approach if necessary to treat the disease, using:

1. Surgical removal of the diseased part of body
2. Loco-regional control of disease with radiation
3. Systemic control of disease with Chemotherapy

Giving Patient the best quality of life possible with rehabilitation measures
Regular monitoring for any recurrence of disease

Tests for throat cancer

Patient's general fitness
Radiological investigations for determining the extent of disease and staging
Biopsy is required for diagnosis
Performed in operation theater with patient under anesthesia
Other potentially required tests:

1. Direct laryngoscopy
2. Bronchoscopy
3. Esophagoscopy
4. Chest X-ray
5. CT or MRI
6. Liver function tests with or without US

Staging for throat cancer

Stage 1 and 2
Mild, usually curable. Radiation therapy followed by surgery if necessary

Stage 3
Chances the cancer has spread are high. Radiotherapy alongside chemotherapy. Surgery usually precedes radiotherapy, but not always.

Stage 4
Can be treated but not likely curable. Same treatment as Stage 3. mostly palliative.
Surgery and Side Effects in Throat Cancer

Throat cancer treatment: Surgery
Surgery is done on throat cancer patients to remove the malignant tumor. Depending on the throat cancer, surgery is not always used. Recently good reconstruction options are available with plastic surgery

Side effects
1. Scarring on the patient. Physically and emotionally
2. Soreness
3. Bedridden
4. Unable to perform physical activities for various lengths of time
Throat Cancer Treatment

Throat cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and side effects
- Drugs taken to kill the cancer (Via pills or injection)
- Achieves systemic control

Side effects:
Nausea and vomiting,
Loss of hair,
Decreased immunity
Various non specific complaints

Throat cancer treatment: Radiation therapy and side effects
- High energy X-Rays to kill cells (External Beam Radiation Therapy)
- Placing radioisotopes on the affected area. (as beads or thin needles)

Side effects
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Discolored skin
- Itching, nausea and vomiting
- Loss of hair
- Local skin discolorationion

Prevention of throat cancer

Avoid tobacco in all its forms
Stop all smoking (causes more cancer deaths than any other factor)
Avoid very hot or spicy food
Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation
Avoid alcohol
Get medical attention on the slightest suspicion

*Inputs: Dr Anil Heroor, Oncosurgeon, Fortis Hospital, Mulund

source: TOI

Chalmogra a valuable remedy for leprosy

Chalmogra is tall evergreen tree, with whitish wood. It has sharply toothed, smooth and shining leaves, spherical fruits about the size of an apple, with a rough thick brown rind. Within the fruit there are 10 to 20 angular seeds, embedded in a scanty white pulp. The trade name chalmogra is based on the local name of the tree.

Chalmograhas been used in the ayurvedic system of medicine for leprosy since many centuries. In ancient Buddhist literature the efficacy of raw chalmogra seeds in treating leprosy is mentioned. Record shows that oil extracted from its seeds since 1595. In the makhzanel Adwiya, one of the oldest books on Mohammedan material medica, mention is made of the use of the seeds under the name of chalmogri.

In 1868, the curative effects of chalmogra were so well known that it was made official in the Pharmacopoeia of India. It was, however, not till 1904, when Fredrick B. Power has his collaborators published in detail the chemistry of chalmogra oil, that the attention of the scientific world was drawn to this valuable drug. Experiments have proven its bacterial properties.

The seeds of chalmogra yield fatty oil. The oil contains hydocarpic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid.

Healing Power and Curative Properties
The oil from the seeds has medicinal properties. It is a tonic, useful in correcting processes of nutrition and in restoring the normal function of the system. It is also local stimulant.

Fevers
The bark of the tree contains tannins, which are beneficial in the treatment of fevers.

Leprosy
The oil extracted from the seeds is useful in leprosy. It should be applied locally to the affected parts. Recently, chalmogra has been recognized in the allopathic medicine as a valuable remedy for leprosy.

Skin Disorders
Chalmogra oil is a specific medicine for treating skin diseases. It is locally used in rheumatism and phthisis or tuberculosis. It is an effective dressing for scaly eruptions and chronic skin diseases, even those of syphilitic origin. A liniment made of equal parts of the oil and lime water is applied to scald heads, leprous ulcerations, rheumatic pains and scruff or a scaly condition on the head.

A paste of the seeds is a domestic remedy for wounds and certain skin diseases like eczema, ringworm and scabies. The infusion is used as a disinfectant for vaginal infection in gonorrhea and fetid discharges, especially after childbirth.

How Homeopathic System Works In Our Body

How Homeopathy medicine affects in human body

Main theory rests on symptomotolgy, desires and aversions, times of aggravation and amelioration, make-up of the patient. Case-takjngis an arduous and tedious task, and each patient case has to be individualized. It is not a system that relies on clinical tests alone, it treats a patient as a whole-and not in isolation-it means symptoms of two patients may coincide or tally but, due to their varied personalities, same medicine may not show identical effect.

That is the only reason why a homeo doctor takes much longer time to diagnose and reperlorise the case of a patient. This is not a science of mass symptoms because, for instance if two patients have backache, they cannot (generally) be prescribed the same medicine because modalities (states of aggravations/amelioration) will vary in both of them; hence the necessity to treat every patient individually. The acumen and experience of a homoeo physician lies in discerning a case, prescribing the most suitable drug in the most appropriate dosage and frequency.

Next tenet of this system pertains to treat the patient as a whole which implies that disease is simply a symptom but not a basic cause. When a person is ill, not only his body but his mind is also ailing. That is to say that mind controls all our body functions and no physical action/malady can take place without involvement, rather fiat, of the mind. You cannot segregate mind and body. Further, our sense organs are merely tools in the hands of mind. If mind is healthy, body is not likely to suffer from ravages of illnesses of various etiologies.

Homeopathy is blamed for delayed action. To a greater extent it is true. Apart from that, it is termed as a harmless and slow acting, system-which is partly true. It is a simple and accepted principle of all systems of treatment that a drug that is capable of eradicating a disorder is equally capable of creating reactions, when given in excess or in the absence of any disorder. It takes longer time to cure because it has to root out the real cause and then fortify defense machenism of human body and render the same so strong that it could wage a war against the invading forces (diseases). If your body is strong enough to withstand onslaught of infections, the impact is not going to be simply minimal.
Due to generally prevailing thinking about homoeo remedies that they are (i) harmless (ii) non-reactant (iii) safe (iv) easy to take, more and more people are getting attracted to it.

Sources of homoeo remedies can be easily divided into following categories

(i) Plant and vegetable sources.
(ii) Chemicals, Minerals and Inorganic Salts,
(iii) Animal Kingdom, and finally,
(iv) Nosodes

Peculiar and Important Characteristics of Homoeo treatment and remedies are as follows :

In acute and emergent disorders either very low potencies or mother tinctures are given to derive quicker relief.

In chronic cases, higher potencies act better and have deeper effect.

Take homoeo remedies as first thing in the morning that is on empty stomach.
The day when higher potency is taken, no other medicine should be taken.
All medicines should be fully protected from sunlight, heat, odors, camphor, scents, smoke and moisture and the vials should be tightly corked.

There is some confusion about use of higher potencies which needs to be dispelled, that is duration of each medicine, as far as repetition of dose is concerned. In most of the cases, for instance, some medicine are to be repeated once daily or on alternate days or weekly, or even once a mouth or quarterly or even annually. The higher the potency of a drug, the longer the gap between two doses. Modern practitioners use even higher potencies 2-3 times a day or after at an interval of hour or even on alternate days.

A remedy, when given to a healthy person, causes certain symptoms, but when the same-remedy is administered to an ailing man, who is having the similar symptoms, it will relieve those symptoms. This principle is known as 'Likes cure likes' which was described as 'Simillia Similibus Curenter' by Dr. Hahnemann, the founding father of this unique system.

Various patients are worse in certain weather conditions, under variable mental states, by ingestion of certain foods, while others do not react at all, or react mildly. These situations, are known as modalities or states of aggravations or ameliorations, Homoeo preparations are available in —

Powders (Trituritions)
Pillules
Globules and
Mother tinctures

The vehicle used is either sugar of milk or alcohol. Place pillules/Tablets/Powders on tongue or else (still better) dissolve in water. Mother tinctures are prepared from direct extracts of plants and herbs which should be mixed in water in drop-doses. If a patient had been taking allopathic medicines, start with a dose (30th or 200th potency) of Nux Vomica in order to offset effects of previous medication. But, in acute and serious cases, straight away start with the selected remedy.

Some homoeo medicines, if used in good time, are capable of averting/avoiding an operation. But, when operation is the only option left, there ought to be no hesitation - though, it should be performed when all other options have been exhausted. Homoeo medicines can prove ineffective or fail to show desired results when

(i) the case has not been repertories fully
(ii) when there is presence of Dyscrasias (latent blood poisoning).
(iii) the symptoms are oblique or masked.
(iv) the patient is using some other medicinesconcurrently, without sounding or telling his doctor,
(v) the selected remedy is not in conformity with the worked out symptoms.
(vi) the drug is spurious, impure, oldies or not prepared properly,
(vii) the patient flouts with impunity directions of his doctors, resorts to dietary indiscretions,
(viii) the doctor himself is not competent it take note of all the symptoms.

If some clinical tests, x-rays, cat scan, MR! test, ultrasound etc are felt to help in proper diagnosis, there ought to be no hesitation and delay in having same carried out. There is no harm in being more precise and discerning.

Purchase medicines from a reliable retailer or sales outlet where medicines of only reliable companies are stocked.

Itchy anus: causes and prevention

Anal itching is uncomfortable and may be embarrassing because you will have a strong urge to scratch. The skin around your anus may be red and sore, and may bleed and become infected if you scratch a great deal. Itching is often worse after emptying your bowels, and at night. In most cases, an itchy anus is due to irritation from toiletries, or from sweat, moisture, or traces of faeces left in contact with the skin. People who are overweight, sweat profusely, and/or wear tight-fitting underwear are more susceptible. Sometimes a particular food contributes to the problem. Piles and thread-worms are common causes of itching.

See your doctor first
* You have anal bleeding or a mucus discharge
* You have pain and/or a lump near your anus

NATURAL REMEDIES
Calendula cream is a mild, soothing cream made from extracts of the calendula (marigold) plant. Apply it once a day after washing. Discontinue if you develop a reaction to the cream.

Using calendula
Apply colendula cream sparingly and rug it in lightly.

What you can do yourself
Anal itching can usually be relieved with home treatment, which may also help prevent recurrences.

* Resist the urge to scratch. Cut your fingernails short and wear cotton gloves at night.

* Try a sedative antihistamine to reduce itching and help you sleep.

* Wash your anus morning and evening with plain water and pat the area day. Make sure the area is completely dry – using a hairdryer may be helpful.

* Applying a haemorrhoid cream after washing may soothe itching (see DRUG REMEDIES,). Alternatively, use calendula cream. Place a thin strip of cotton wool or tissue next to your anus to absorb moisture.

* Wash after each bowel movement. When this is not possible, use a moistened cloth or unscented, moist toilet tissues. Use plain toilet tissue after passing urine to
dry yourself thoroughly.

* Wear loose cotton underwear, and change it daily or more often if necessary. Avoid wearing tight-fitting trousers or tights.

* Try to identify and then cut down on food or drink that may be contributing to anal itching, such as beer, coffee, tomatoes, or spicy foods.

Seek further medical advice if:
* The itchiness does not subside after about a week of using the above measures
* You develop any new symptoms or other family members develop an itch.

DRUG REMEDIES
Antihistamines relieve itching. Taking a sedative antihistamine, available as tablets or syrup, will also help you to sleep.

Hemorrhoid preparations contain ingredients such as zinc oxide that help to soothe the area around the anus. Don’t use them for longer than 6-7 days because you may develop a reaction that causes further irritation.

Hives causes and prevention tips

Hives, or urticaria, is an intensely itchy rash of white or yellow swellings (weals) surrounded by red, inflamed skin. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction, which can be triggered by a range of factors, such as certain foods or medicines, insect bites, or stings. People with hay fever or asthma are more susceptible. Hives can also be caused by stress, or have no obvious cause.

Warning
Seek immediate medical help if you have hives and :
* You become breathless, wheezy, or hoarse
* Your lips or tongue swell and/or you have difficulty swallowing

See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm that you have hives and/or to check whether you are taking medication that could be triggering the attack.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Oatmeal products are often effective for soothing itchy skin. Add oatmeal oil to lukewarm bath water and soak for 10-2- minutes.

PREVENTION
Preventing hives if you have recurrent attacks, try these measures to prevent them.

* Keep a diary of attacks, and try to identify any foods, medicines, or other factors that may trigger them, once you find a trigger, you can try to avoid it.

* If you think stress is contributory factor, try self-help techniques.

What you can do yourself
Hives is extremely uncomfortable, but the following simple measures will help to relieve irritation and soothe the skin. Attacks are usually short-lived, but some people have persistent symptoms.

* Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* Have a cool shower to reduce the redness and “heat” of the rash. Alternatively, hold a cool compress (a clean face cloth soaked in cool water and wrung out) against the rash for a few minutes at a time. Keep reapplying for about 30 minutes.

* You can also relieve itching with calamine lotion, or with a cream or lotion containing crotamiton (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).

* Try an oatmeal bath oil to relieve itchy skin.

* Minimize irritation by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothes made of natural fibres.

DRUG REMEDIES
Antihistamines control allergic swelling and itching. You may need to try several types to find out which works best for you. The drug may need to be taken regularly for a prolonged attack of hives. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Calamine lotion is a soothing preparation with a cooling effect. Using a pad of cotton wool, dab it on to the rash 2-3 times a day.

Crotamiton preparations (see p 180) are creams or lotions that can relieve itching for 6-10 hours. Apply them 2-3 times a day, but not around the eyes or on broken skin. Don’t use them on children under 3 without consulting your doctor.

Seek further medical advice if
* Hives is not responding to treatment

Reflexology alleviate muscle tension and stress

Reflexology is a hands-on healing art based on ancient Chinese therapy. Like acupressure, it works with the body’s energy flow to promote self-healing and maintain balance. The practice involves the manipulation of certain areas of the foot (and sometimes the hands and ears) that are believed to correspond to specific parts of the body. By alleviating muscle tension and stress, reflexology can leave you feeing energized.

“The theory of reflexology is based on a kind of map of the human body”, explains Bill Flocco, one of the leading practioners of reflexology in the United States. “Imagine dividing the body into ten wide vertical strips – one for the thumb and big toe, all the way over to one for the small toe and small fingers. Then imagine a similar division into horizontal zones. The reflexologist determines where the stress in the body is and then goes to work on the corresponding zones for the hands, ears, and feet”.

For instance, the ball and pad of the foot relate to the chest, and the soft sole of the foot corresponds to the upper abdomen. When the reflexologist applies a particular kind of nurturing touch and pressure to these areas, says Flocco, “the nerve pathways go directly to the brain and then outward to a specific part of the body that corresponds to that area of the hands, feet, or ears”. The result, he explains, is cascade of chemical events that alleviate stress and pain and frequently increase energy.

“The nerves become soothed, and as nerves become soothed, muscles relax. As muscles relax, circulation improves, capillaries open up, and more blood is carried to the cells of the body”, says Flocco.

All of this is good news if you want to see your energy boosted. “More oxygen and nutrition are taken to the cells, and as the cells get more oxygen and nutrition they’re better able to produce the thousand of chemicals, including endorphins, that are carried around the body and that support the healing process”.

How it feels?
Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.

Reflexology shouldn't be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.

Some areas may be tender or sore, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.

If you're ticklish, not to worry. The reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.

Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy.

Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process.


Why do people get reflexology?

Stress and stress-related conditions
Tension headaches
Digestive disorders
Arthritis
Insomnia
Hormonal imbalances
Sports injuries
Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Digestive problems, such as constipation
Back pain

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.

Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.

Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

Cerebral Anaemia: Key Causes, Symptoms & Homeopathic Treatment

Cerebral Anaemia is means due to insufficient amount of blood circulating in the capillaries.

SYMPTOMS
Amongst the symptoms can be counted mental and physical. First of all, it is not necessary to get bogged down by academic qualifications attributed to the symptoms (also called 'legions') which, generally appear concurrently, but rarely severally. In most of the cases, symptoms are found jumbled, but can be discerned by physical and mental conditions of the patient. Undermentioned symptoms may be observed in a neurasthenic patient

* Inability to perform even normal (routine) chores which were quite easy to perform earlier.

* Inability to concentrate mind on one subject, not even me ones that directly affect him.

* Disinclination to perform any physical labor or mental work - a sort of disinterest and apathy to either or both.

* Frequent and sudden changes in mood which are irritable and excitable.

* Emotional, temperamental and behavioral agitation and irritability.

* Always angry, peevish or else brooding and submissive, but is generally unrelenting and quarrelsome and uncompromising and doesn't relish, entertain or
listen to even same advice, and takes everything as an amiss.

* Sleep is the main casualty - it is disturbed or lacking, unrefreshing and fatiguing. The patient remains awake during first part of night or else sleeps in that part and remains awake for rest of the period. During the daytime, he is abnormally drowsy, sloth and inactive. When he gets up, his head aches and is heavy. There may also be sour/bitter acidic eructation’s, gas, pain in. Stomach, rumblings, constipation and general lassitude and restively.

* There is pressing pain on the vertex, along with burning in the occipital & down the spine,

* Hearing disorders, like humming and buzzing ears, precipitated by different noises, roaring and distant noises. Vertigo may also surface due to hearing problems.

* Sight is also affected abnormally when there is unnatural mobility of pupils which readily react to light, but are sluggish to certain accommodative defects.

* In certain patients nausea and/or vomiting of ingest is also present which is a direct outcome of defective digestion,.

* There are pains and aches in bones and muscles, a feeling of tiredness and of not being well or normal. Numbness, along with fornication, in a single or all parts

* Feeling of a run-down condition, of being out of sorts.

* Among the vasomotor symptoms, sweating and blushing are more prominent.

* Sexual dysfunction, reclusion/withdrawal, or the desire may be fully lost or else excessive. Erections may be rare but premature ejaculation often results. Sex organs are flabby, cold and relaxed, so to say. If there is extreme sexual disturbance, it may also result in fear, suicidal tendency, and fear of all sorts. The patient feels unsecure, neglected and despised.

* There may be hot flushes or cold chills - indicating thermic disturbances.

PROGNOSIS
Pure and uncomplicated can be managed and cured without much difficulty but those having some 'habits', are not so easy to cure. Moreover, neurasthemic states cannot be easily discerned from hysteria, insanity, sexual perversions and deviations, effects of addictions and diehard and in-build habits. But, it can be easily differentiated from other diseases of Nervous system, ataxia, brain tumors, digestive disorders, liver disorders. As for cardiac disorders, the totality of symptoms doesn't afford much chance to single out the contributory cause(s). The physician can help the patient to a limited extent only, provided the patient is Honest and forthright in his disclosures. An adamant and reluctant patient is difficult to cure, due to his negative approach to almost every aspect of life. A patient, with reserved disposition, is still more a dilemma for the doctor. In all introvert cases, hypnotherapy can solve most of the complex cases, when physician has full control over the patient. But the million dollar question still remains - will the patient visit a hypnotic centre a physician, of his own or follow and submit to sincere counsel?

KALI PROS
Neurasthenia is a top ranking symptom of this drug. Symptoms include diminished sexual power, Nocturnal emissions, utter prostration after coition, entire nervous system is under agitation, stress and strain; anxiety, nervous dread, lethargy, extreme lassitude and depression, indisposition to meet people, hysteria, brain-fag, highly irritated, Loss of memory night terrors, somnabulance (sleep walk), loss of memory, even slightest labour seems a heavy task, startles easily, disunclined to talk or enter into any conversation, great despondency about work/business; shyness.

COCA (ERYTHROXYLON)
Mental depression and palpitation and anxiety of the heart, general nervous debility, sleeplessness, inclined to move about or work, Nervous weakness causes fainting spells, abdomen distended, sleeplessness, constipation, Nervous debility causes oppressed breathing, cold limbs.

CHINBVUM SULPH
Loss of vital fluids, weakness and trembling of lower limbs, extremities cold, Nervous trembling, Mental/Physical exertion adds to woes of the patient, severe and exhausting illness causes Neurasthenia.

PICRIC ACID
It is excellent restorative of worn-out and wasted nervous system, even least physical or mental exertion suffices to exhaust and cause headache to the patient, useful in brain fag of students, persons; nervosity and agitation due to sexual excesses.

STAPHYSAGRIA
Noctural emissions followed by utter prostration, loss of vital fluids, onanism, excessive sexual indulgence causes nervous exhaustion, loss of memory, backache and headache, nocturnal emissions are followed by utter prostration, inability to perform any physical/mental labour.

AVENA SATIVA
Useful to women who are worn-out, exhausted, worried due to cares and worries of household and also business/professional persons; lack of power of nerve force causes coldness of various body organs; cerebrasthenia. Other remedies recommended are : Zincum Brom, Argent Met, Ignatia, Zincum Phos, Physostigma, Nux Vomica, Arsenic, Calcarea Phos, Strychnia Phos which can be tried according to symptoms.

AUXILIARY MEASURES
- Complete mental and physical rest.
- Massage of whole body, but more so on head, neck, shoulders, hands and feet.
- Balanced and Nutritious diet, Walnut, watermelon and musk melon seeds, coconut water, milk, fruit, and vegetable juices etc.
- Change of environs-preferably shifting to some calm, serene, greenish area.
- Stroll on grass and dew drops.
- Avoid tea, coffee, cocoa, alcohol, tobacco, drugs,
- Remaining engaged in some interesting, absorbing and off-beat entertainment/activity.
- Lukewarm/water bath, at least an hour before retiring to bed and also dip feet in lukewarm water at bed time.
- Light and sustainable physical activity - like outside (out door) sports, yoga and meditation, especially shavaasana (corpose pose), deep contemplation, self-introspection.
- Not entering into useless and offending dialogues and conversation.

Great remedies for swollen ankles

You may develop swollen ankles after a period of inactivity, such as a long car journey or flight, or if you have to spend long periods of time standing up, especially in a hot environment. The swelling is usually caused by a build-up of fluid, as a result of sluggish blood circulation. Your ankles are unlikely to be painful, but you may have an uncomfortable, tight feeling in the skin. The problem can occur with varicose veins, and some women are prone to swollen ankles during pregnancy. Some drugs can contribute to swelling of the ankles, and the problem is sometimes an indication of a heart, kidney, or liver condition.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if :
* You have pain or tenderness in your calf

* One leg is swollen, with no obvious cause

* You are taking a prescribed medicine that may be causing the problem

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
In-flight exercises During a long flight, do these exercises every 30 minutes to boost blood flow. They will also help prevent the serious disorder deep vein thrombosis ( “economy class syndrome”), in which a blood clot develops in the leg.
* Starting with your feet flat, keep your heels on the floor and lift your toes as high as you can.

* Now lift you heels high, pressing the balls of your feet into the floor. Do these foot pumps for 30 seconds.

* Stretch one leg out in front of you and circle your foot 8 times in each direction. Change legs and circle the other foot.

What you can do yourself
Try the following measures to reduce swollen ankles or prevent a build-up of fluid.

* To relieve swollen ankles, lie down and prop your legs up 15-30 cm (6-12) in) above the level of your heart. Don’t place anything under your knees.

* If you have to stand for long periods, flex your calves every few minutes and wiggle your toes.

* If you are prone to swollen ankles, wear support stockings or tights. Put them on first thing in the morning, before your legs start to swell.

* During long car journeys, stop frequently so that you can stretch your legs.

* On a long flight, exercise your legs (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right). Try wearing flight socks that use light compression to aid blood flow in the legs.

* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration. You body will excrete any excess.

* Wear low-heeled or flat shoes; they make the calf muscles work harder than high heels, which improves circulation in the legs.

* Don’t wear girdles or control-top underwear or tights. Avoid socks or hold-ups with tight elastic.

Glandular fever affects teenagers and young adults

Glandular fever, also known as infectious monouncleosis, is a viral illness that most commonly affects teenagers and young adults. Mainly spread by kissing, sneezing, coughing, and by sharing cups and glasses, it takes 4-8 weeks to incubate. The symptoms are a sore throat, fever, and loss of appetite and energy that persist for more than a week or two. You may also have swollen glands in your neck and sometimes in your groin and under your arms, and a headache. Glandular fever is not usually serious, and there is no specific medical treatment for it. Recovery can take 4-6 weeks, but you may feel tired for several months.

Arrange to see your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and check for complications.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Healthy diet Eaten as part of a balanced diet, certain nutrients are believed to help support the immune system. Boost your diet with lean meat; Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and pilchards; fresh fruit; leafy and dark green vegetables; wheatgerm; walnuts; sunflower seeds; and linseed.

Benefits of fruit
Fresh fruit is a good source of many of the vitamins that are needed to fight infection.

Arrange to see your doctor urgently if you begin to develop :
* Difficulty breathing or swallowing

* Severe headache and a stiff neck

* Chest or abdominal pain

What you can do yourself
Take plenty of rest while your immune system is fighting the virus, and use these simple measures to make yourself more comfortable.


* If you are feeling tired, rest. You may need to stay in bed for the first few days of the illness.

* Take a painkiller (see DRUG REMEDIES) to reduce fever and discomfort. If you have a high temperature, wear lightweight clothes and put a fan in your room.

* Drink plenty of water and fruit juices to avoid becoming dehydrated. Warm drinks will help to soothe a painful throat.

* Try gargling with warm salt water or use an analgesic gargle or spray (see DRUG REMEDIES, right) to provide temporary relief.

* Eating healthy foods may help to support your immune system (see NATURAL REMEDIES).

* Take steps to reduce stress while you are ill and during your recovery.

* Glandular fever can affect your liver, so don’t drink alcohol until you have fully recovered.

* Don’t take part in contact sports or other strenuous activities while you are ill and for at least 6-8 weeks after recovery.

* Stay away from school or work until your fever has gone and your strength and appetite are back to normal.

DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers relieve fever and pain. Take paracetamol (see p 187) or ibuprofen.

Gargles and throat sprays relieve a sore throat temporarily. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water to make a soothing gargle. Painkilling gargles and sprays reduce pain and inflammation; some numb the throat, These may not be suitable for children under 12 years.

Food Poisoning: Key Tips & Remedy

Most attacks of food poisoning are due to poor hygiene, cooking, or food storage, which allows bacteria or viruses in contaminated food to multiply. The most commonly affected foods are seafood, dairy products, and undercooked eggs and poultry. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps in the abdomen, and, sometimes, fever, headache, and dizziness.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
* You have severe abdominal pain or vomiting
* There is blood or mucus in your stools

PREVENTION
Food hygiene Follow these steps to prevent germs from multiplying and avoid food poisoning.

* Before preparing food, wash your hands with warm water and soap, and dry them on a clean hand towel.

* Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate. Store raw meat in the bottom of the fridge so it can’t drip down.

* Use different chopping boards and work surfaces for raw meat, cooked meat, and vegetables. Clean boards and surfaces thoroughly after use.

* Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, fish, or eggs.

* When reheating food, ensure that it is very hot all the way through. Don’t reheat it more than once.

What you can do yourself
You can treat a mild case of food poisoning at home using the following measures.

You should feel better within a day or two.

* Get plenty of rest and make yourself as comfortable as possible.

* Drink at least 8 glasses of clear fluids a day. Take small sips so that you don’t vomit. If necessary, take an oral rehydration preparation (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* As soon as you can eat, have bland foods such as boiled rice, pasta, and mashed potatoes. Start with small amounts, returning to your normal diet once you can eat these foods without problems. You should avoid tea, coffee, dairy products, alcohol and fatty or spicy foods until a few days after the diarrhea has stopped.

* Be careful about hygiene to avoid passing on the infection to other people. Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, and have your own towel. Don’t make food for others, or share cutlery, cups, or plates. Keep away from those who are vulnerable to infections, such as young children, elderly people, and pregnant women.

* Take an antidiarrhoeal medicine if you need to stop diarrhea quickly (see see DRUG REMEDIES).

DRUG REMEDIES
Oral rehydration preparations are designed to replace lost water, sugars, and salts. Make up a sachet with the recommended amount of water and drink the solution instead of or in addition to regular drinks.

Antidiarrhoeal drugs should be used only as a last resort because diarrhea is the body’s way of getting rid of infection. You can take loperamide for quick relief if diarrhea is likely to cause embarrassment, for example, at work.

Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse or have not cleared up within 28-48 hours.

Diarrhoea attack: How to control?

During an attack of diarrhoea, you pass loose or watery faeces frequently. You may also lose appetite and have vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, and a headache. If the problem continues, you can become dehydrated due to the loss of large amounts of fluids and salts from your body. Diarrhoea is normally caused by bacteria or viruses found in infected food or transmitted from one person to another. In addition, some drugs, such as antibiotics, can cause short-term diarrhoea. An episode of diarrhoea normally clears up within a few days, but ongoing or recurrent diarrhoea can indicate an underlying bowel condition.

See your doctor if:
* You have severe pain in your abdomen and/or you are vomiting

* You notice blood or mucus in your faeces

Oral re-hydration
Oral rehydration preparations
Replace water, sugars, and salts lost from the body during an attack of diarrhoea. They are available as sachets of powder, to be made up with a recommended amount of drinking water. Drink the mixture instead of, or in addition to, regular drinks.

Stir the powder into the correct measure of water.

What you can do yourself
A mild episode of diarrhoea will clear up on its own in a few days. The following steps will ease symptoms and help prevent dehydration.

* Drink at least 8 glasses a day of clear liquids such as water and thin soups. If you are vomiting, have a drink beside you all the time and take frequent small sips. Passing small volumes of dark urine indicates that you are becoming dehydrated and need to drink more.

* Try taking an oral rehydration preparation (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* Gradually start eating again as soon as you feel able. Start with bland foods such as boiled rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, and dry toast. Avoid tea, coffee, and cola, dairy products, alcohol, and fatty and spicy foods while you have diarrhoea and for a few days after it has cleared up.

* It is best to let diarrhoea run its course because it is the body’s way of eliminating infection. You can, however, use antidiarrhoeal drugs as a short-term solution when you are out, at work, or going on a long journey (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* Take a painkiller if you have fever or headaches with the diarrhoea (see DRUG REMEDIES).

Arrange to see your doctor if:
* The diarrhoea gets worse

* There is no improvement in 24-48 hours

DRUG REMEDIES

Antidiarrhoeal drugs such as loperamide work by slowing down bowel activity. Usually, 2 capsules are taken immediately, followed by 1 capsule after each loose stool. Don’t take more than 8 capsules in 24 hours.

Painkillers Paracetamol will help reduce fever and discomfort and is less likely to irritate your bowels than other painkillers.

Where To Go For Swine Flu Treatment in Mumbai

The Union Government has identified the Kasturba Hospita,as the facility at Mumbai, for testing and isolation of suspected swine flu patients. The government has set up a screening facility at the Chatrapati Shivaji International airport for all the inbound passengers to prevent the spread of H1N1. Doctors from the Hospital are round the clock screening the passengers at the Airport.

Kasturba Hospital
Arthur Road, Sane Guruji Marg,
Mumbai 400011
Ph: 022- 23083901 / 23092458 / 23000889,

The Government has also identified the following hospitals as the facilities for Swine Flu testing

Sir JJ Hospital
J J Marg, Byculla,
Mumbai – 08
Ph- 91-22- 23735555, 23739031, 23760943,23768400
/ 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366

Haffkine Institute
Acharya Donde Marg,
Parel, Mumbai – 12
Ph- 91-22- 24160947, 24160961, 24160962

Following are the screening centres in Mumbai:

1. Kasturba Hospital
Arthur Road, Sane Guruji Marg, Mahalaxmi
Jacob Circle, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra 400011, India
022-23083901, 23083902, 23083903, 23083904

2. Cooper Hospital
Vile Parle West, West
Mumbai, Maharastra 400056, India
022 26207254‎ / 022-22605892 / 022-22605897

3. VN Desai Municipal Hospital
11th, Golibar Road
Opposite Santa Cruz Gymkhana, Santacruz East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400055, India
+91 22 26182081

4. SK Patil Hospital
Daftarri Road, Malad (E), Mumbai, Mumbai
022 28894381

5. Kurla Bhabha Hospital
Near Kurla Rlwy Station
Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070, India
+91 22 26500241

6. Shatabdi Hospital
Dock Labour Board Colony, Govandi, Mumbai
022 25564070 / 25563289

7. Mahatma Phule Hospital
Kannamvar Nagar 2, Vikhroli (east), Opposite Samaj Kalyan, Mumbai – 400083
022 25782253 / 25782283

8. Bhabha Hospital
K B Bhaba Hospital Building, Bandra (West), Mumbai - +91 22 26422775

9. Rajawadi Hospital
Ghatkopar (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077, India
022 25094149

10. Bhagwati Hospital
Ground Floor, Bhagwati Hospital, Mandapeshwar Road, Mandapeshwar, Borivali (west), Mumbai
022 28932461

11. M T Agarwal Hospital
Dr. R P Road, Mulund West, Mumbai
022 25640767

12. Siddharth Hospital
Opposite Motilalnagar Post Office
Motilal Nagar, Goregaon, Mumbai
022 28766886

Homeopathic Remedies to Prevent Breast Pain?

MASTODYNIA (Pain in Breasts)
It is a state of Hyperesthesia and Neuralgia of the mammary glands, and is rightly called Mastalgia or Neuralgia of mammae. In some cases pain is due to enlargement of nerve- fibers, perhaps due to sensitivity of the glands to even slightest pressure, while in others deeper structures are involved. Other factors that contribute to pain in breasts are hysteria, green sickness (chlorosis), anemia, some boil/pimple.

In some cases pains in the mammae are caused during menstrual period also. Lactation abnormalities, either deficient or excessive milk in the breast, may also precipitate pains, though disturbance of the sexual organism cannot be overlooked.

Try following remedies according to symptoms.

Aconite : Anxiety and fear of impending death are the mental symptoms, suits also young girls who have entered the stage of puberty. Great restlessness and sensitivity.

Ciiamomilla : There is hot perspiration under the breasts; breasts are painful when touched and are quite hard also.

Phytolocca : Cannot bear to have the breasts touched, as they are highly painful and sensitive to pressure. Useful when the case is rendered complicated by hyperemia of the breasts. Symptoms worse during lactation and menstruation. There is neuralgic pain in the left ovary also.

Bryonia : Every movement of the arm causes pain in the same side breast or when the case is complicated with ovaritis.

Try also Pulsatilla, Arsenic, Cimicifuga, Calcarea Carb, Murex, Caladium, Conium etc. Fomentation should be applied to the affected breast with the medication of the indicated remedy. When neuralgia of mamm alternates with neuralgia of other parts, then oil and quinine application or injunction will prove beneficial or the breast is sprayed with cold .water, But, in any case, do not massage with hard pressure.

Fabulous health benefits of Vasaka

Vasaka, is also called Malabar nut tree, is well known through out India. It is tall with several branches, dense and an evergreen shrub. Leaves are large and lance shaped. It has capsular four seeded fruits. The flowers are either white or purple in color. Its trade name vasaka is based on Sanskrit name.

Vasaka is indigenous to India. It grows all over the plains of India and in the lower Himalayan ranges.

The leaves contain an alkaloid vasicine besides an essential oil.

Healing Power and Curative Properties
The leaves, roots and the flowers are extensively used in indigenous medicine as a remedy for cold, cough, bronchitis and asthma.

Bronchitis and Asthma
In acute stage of bronchitis it gives unfailing relief especially where the sputum is thick and sticky. It liquefies the sputum so that it brought up more easily. For relief asthma, the dried leaves should be smoked.

Tuberculosis
In ayurveda a preparation made from vasaka flowers, known as gulkand is used to treat tuberculosis. A few fresh petals of vasaka flowers should be bruised and put in a pot of china clay. Some sugar crystals are added and the jar kept in sun. It should be stirred every morning and evening. The preserve is ready for use in about a month.

Even the juice from its leaves is useful in treating tuberculosis. About 30 ml of the juice is taken thrice a day with honey. It relieves the irritable cough by its soothing action on the nerve and by liquoring the sputum which makes expectoration easier. U.C Dutt says, “the medicine considered so serviceable in phthisis (severe tuberculosis for the lungs) that it was said, no man suffering from this disease need despair as long as the vasaka plant exist.

Coughs
For cough, 7 leaves of plant are boiled in water, strained and mixed with 24 grams of honey. This decoction provides relief. Similarly a confection of vaska flowers eaten in doses of 12 grams twice daily relieves cough. About 60 grams of flowers and 180 grams of jaggery should be mixed for preparing this confection.

Intestinal Worms
its leaves, bark the root bark the fruit and flowers are useful in the removal of intestinal parasites. The decoction of its root and bark in doses of 30 grams twice or thrice a day for 3 days can be given for this purpose. The juice of its fresh leaves can also be used in doses of a teaspoon thrice a day for 3 days.

Diarrhea and Dysentery
The juice from its leaves should be given in doses of 2 to 4 grams in treating diarrhea and dysentery.

Skin Diseases
A poultice of its leaves can be applied with beneficial results over fresh wounds, rheumatic joints and inflammatory swellings. A warm decoction of its leaves is useful in treating scabies and other skin diseases.

Methods for Uses and Doses
The drug vasaka is often taken in the form of juice extracted from its leaves, mixed with ginger or honey, in doses of 15 to 30. the leaves can be made into a decoction or the dried leaves can be given in powder form in doses of 2 grams, both the decoction and powder are constituents and ,any preparations used in the ayurvedic medicines for various affections of the respiratory treat. The root and the bark have the same medicinal used at the leaves. A decoction of the bark is given I in 30 to 60 ml doses and the powdered root bark in 0.75 to 2grams doses.

How To Cure Itchy Eyes Quickly

Itchy eyes often look red, and there may also be irritation and a burning feeling. You may want to rub them continually. Anything that irritates the eyes, such as smoky atmospheres, dust, or infection, can produce itching, as can allergies such as hay fever or reactions to chlorinated swimming pools, cosmetics, or eye drops.

Sometimes, the edges of the eyelids can become infected. This condition, called blepharitis, results in sore, dry eyes with crusts on the eyelashes. Blepharitis is more common in people who have skin conditions such as dandruff. You may also develop itchy eyes occasionally if you wear contact lenses.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Cleaning your eyelids Unless your doctor advises otherwise, try the following steps to help control blepharitis.

* Soak a clean face cloth in warm water, wring it out, then gently press it on your closed eyelid for about 5 minutes. This will soften and loosen any crusts.

* Mix a little water with an equal amount of baby shampoo. Dip a cotton-wool bud in the mixture, squeeze it out, and roll it along the edge of each eyelid to clean off debris and crusts. Rinse the eyelids with water, and dab them dry with a clean towel.

* Repeat, using a clean cloth, for the other eye.

* Clean your eyelids each morning and bedtime until they improve, then once daily to prevent a recurrence.

Arrange to see your doctor again if :
* Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours

What you can do yourself
The following steps can help relieve the problem or be used with any treatment from your doctor.

* Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can aggravate itching and can spread an infection.

* To help soothe allergic itching and irritation, use a cold compress. Soak a clean cloth (or cotton-wool pads) in cold water, wring it out, and lay it gently on your eyes for a few minutes. Repeat as needed, using a clean cloth or pads each time.

* Use artificial tears to help soothe itching due to allergies or to irritants such as dust and smoke (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* To find out if itching is caused by sensitivity to cosmetics, soap, or face or hair products, stop using them, then reintroduce items one by one to see if the problem returns. Throw away old eye make-up; don’t keep mascara for more than 6 months.

* If you have inflamed eyelids and crusty lashes, treat them with an eyelid-cleaning regime (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE).

DRUG REMEDIES
Artificial tears are available as drops containing hypromellose or gels containing carbomers. Don’t wear contact lenses while you are using these products.

New magnetic therapy to treat depression

London: Scientists have found a new magnetic therapy for depression which they claim could soon spell the end for brain-altering, anti-depressant drugs.

The NeuroStar TMS Therapy developed by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles works by beaming magnetic pulses through the skull that trigger small electrical charges that spark brain cells to fire.



Results from trials on more than 300 patients with severe depression showed that 58 per cent of them achieved a positive response while over a third (37 per cent) went into remission.

The study findings, presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, could be a potent new treatment, the researchers said.

"The improvements we observed show that non-drug therapy with NeuroStar TMS not only reduces the symptomatic suffering of patients, but lessens the disability of depression with important implications for these individuals` ability to return to functioning effectively at home, in the workplace, and in the community," study leader Dr Ian Cook was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

In the study, the participating patients filled in a health questionnaire before and after the treatment.

During each half-hour session the patient was placed under a treatment coil which is the size of a cupped hand. It sent a pulsed magnetic field an inch under the scalp to the prefrontal cortex, the ante cingulate cortex and the limbic system, which are the three areas of the brain thought to regulate mood.

The magnetic field is similar in strength to that created by an MRI machine and sparks off very small electrical currents within the brain. This stimulates neuron activity thought to provide relief from depression.

Anti-depressants are released into the blood, which can cause widespread physical side-effects such as hot flushes and nausea. However, supporters of Neurostar said because it`s a targeted therapy it only causes mild scalp pain.
After five weeks of NeuroStar treatment, the percentage of patients reporting extreme problems with anxiety and depression decreased by 42.2 per cent.

A previous study had found that the therapy was twice as effective as a placebo in reducing depressive symptoms.

Dr H Brent Sovason from Stanford University, said: "These data reinforce the clinical efficacy of TMS Therapy as a viable option for patients living with major depression who have not achieved or maintained symptom improvement with oral antidepressants.

"The most meaningful takeaway for patients is that TMS Therapy has the potential to make them feel better, in addition to potentially allowing them to experience a level of physical and social functionality they haven`t had with their depression."

Depression affects one in four people at some point of their lives. Treatments for this condition involve either medication or talking treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, or usually a combination of the two.

source: zeenews

Natural remedies for runny nose

How to treat blocked or runny nose naturally

If you have a runny or blocked nose, you feel stuffed up, may lose your sense of taste and smell, and may only be able to breathe through your mouth. You may cough at night because of mucus dripping down the back of your throat. If your “bungee up” nose is due to a cold or sinus infection, you may also have a thick yellowish-green discharge from your nose. A blocked or runny nose can also be caused by allergies to substances such as pollen, house dust mites, pet dander (flakes of skin), and mould. Symptoms can occur at any time or be seasonal, as with hay fever.

NATURAL REMEDIES
Aromatic oils such as menthol, eucalyptus, or camphor, are traditional treatments for a blocked nose. Try sucking lozenges containing menthe, or putting a few drops of an aromatic oil on a tissue and inhaling it. Use a menthol chest rub at night if you are having difficulty sleeping.

What you can do yourself
Try the following home treatments to help relieve your blocked or runny nose.

* Drink at least 8 glasses a day of clear fluids such as water, fruit juice, herbal teas, and clear soups. Hot drinks will help to loosen mucus if your nose is blocked. Using saline nose drops has a similar effect .

* Try a steam inhalation, or run hot water into the bath or shower and inhale the steam

* Remedies containing aromatic oils may help to relieve a stuffy nose

* If you have a blocked nose due to a cold, try a decongestant nasal spray

* If your nose is sore from blowing it, apply some petroleum jelly around your nostrils to protect them.

* To treat a blocked or runny nose caused by an allergy, use a steroid nasal spray and/or an oral antihistamine

* Avoid smoke and dust; they can irritate the lining of your nose and worsen symptoms.

DRUG REMEDIES
Saline nose drops (see p 188) can be bought from your pharmacist, or you can make your own by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in 250 ml (half a pint) of lukewarm water. Apply them using a dropper, 2-4 times a day.

Decongestants. Available as nasal sprays or drops, quickly relieve a blocked nose by reducing swelling and congestion in the tissues lining the nose. They also lessen mucus production. They should not, however, be used for more than 7 days, otherwise they may make you feel more blocked up when you stop using them.

Steroid nasal sprays containing a corticosteroid drug are particularly effective for nasal symptoms such as a blocked nose. They can take several days to reach their full effect, so, if possible, start using them at least 2-3 days before exposure to allergic triggers.

Antihistamines, in the form of tablets or liquids, usually work within 1 hour. You can use them to relieve a runny nose due to allergy, but they are not so effective for a blocked nose. They can be taken regularly or only as needed – for example, if you are visiting a house with pets.

Arrange to see your doctor if:

* Symptoms have not begun to clear up using the measures described here

* You develop new symptoms

* You are using medications continually to relieve your blocked or runny nose.

Soon: An eye test to detect heart disease early!

London: British scientists are devising a new eye test which they say could help in the early detection of deadly heart disease.

The test takes high-definition digital images of retinas of patients to check for telltale signs of heart disease such as changes to blood vessel width or unusually branched blood vessels.

The 30-second cheap and easy-to-use scan could spare heart patients the ordeal of lengthy and invasive procedures, says a team at the University of Edinburgh.

Imaging expert Dr Tom MacGillivray, who is leading the research team developing the idea, said: "The eyes provide a unique window into the patient`s blood supply and the effect it has on the human system.

"By examining blood vessels closely we are aiming to detect abnormalities, spot signs of heart disease and then act accordingly. It`s about prevention rather than cure but could potentially affect millions."

In their research, the scientists are currently testing 1,000 patients with suspected heart disease as part of the three-year research, the first of its kind in the world, in collaboration with experts from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, the University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital.

They are particularly interested in subtle changes to blood vessels which are not obvious to a human visually inspecting an image.

Once a picture has been taken, experts can use complex computer image processing to identify the blood vessels and spot subtle changes. A specialist would then make a diagnosis and an individual would be given a programme to help them reach better health before any heart problems develop.

Dr MacGillivray said: "It is hoped this procedure will catch people early on and act as an opportunity for them to change their lifestyle before it`s too late.

"We are really excited by this project. We know that problems in the eye are linked to conditions such as diabetes and that abnormalities in the eyes` blood vessels can also indicate vascular problems in the brain.

"If we can identify early problems in the blood vessels we might potentially pinpoint signs of heart disease. This could help identify people who would benefit from preventative therapies."

SOURCE: PTI