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| HEALTH & FITNESS |
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How not to damage eyes in winter
Oral health
Want a flat tummy? Don’t rely on low-fat foods!
Health Notes
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How not to damage eyes in winter
The sun’s influence does not diminish during winter, so the eyes need to be protected during winter too. Exposure to UV rays during winter can harm the eyes as much as it can increase the risk of developing sunlight-related eye disorders, including cataracts. The sun is not the only eye hazard in winter. The cool winds and drier air can irritate the eyes while one is outdoors. UV radiation and glare when skiing can cause snow blindness (photokeratitis). The condition results from sunburn to the cornea. Most people will feel their eyes dry and astringent in winter. Especially, heating the air with room-heaters/blowers contributes to dry eyes. On the other hand, as it is cold outdoors, many people reduce outdoor activities. They spend a long time indoors watching TV, playing computer games or reading books. This means excessive use of eyes, which can lead to dry eyes. Eyes should blink 20 to 25 times per minute. But if you focus on one thing, it will reduce to 5 to 10 minutes. This affects the moisture secretion and distribution on the eye surface. It makes the eye dry by accelerated tear evaporation. Besides, several consecutive hours of using eyes will consume light-sensitive pigment within eye organization. This will significantly affect the visual function. Indoor heat used during the winter months tends to rid the air of moisture which can dry out and irritate eyes. Use a humidifier in the bedroom during winter with low humidity. This helps moisten dry eyes, especially when exposed to forced air heating. Eye care tips l
Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 per cent of UV light, especially when the ground is covered with snow. People forget that the sun is just as bright when reflected by the snow as it is when glinting off the ocean and beach, leading to sunburned eyes. Overexposure to the winter sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays without proper eye protection can harm the eyes. Although photokeratitis may heal with time, the best way to preserve your vision is to avoid excess UV ray exposure. l
Contact lens-wearers should limit their outdoor exposure and use artificial tears frequently. Soft contact lenses, in particular, are like little sponges. They need lots of moisture. If they start to dry out, they can change shape and stick to the eye, becoming painful and cloudy. Drinking alcohol can also enhance this problem. l
A pair of ski goggles with polycarbonate lenses, properly fitted, can block out harmful UV light. The goggles will also protect the eyes from hazards such as tree branches and flying ski pole tips. l
Bundle up by wearing a brimmed hat, wrap around sunglasses and a hooded jacket or coat. This will help block the swirling cold wind from entering your eyes and prevent the tear film covering the eyes from evaporating. l
Use good eye lubricant drops to protect the delicate eye area, especially during the winter months. l
Aim car vents at feet, not eyes. l
Turn down the heat at home which dries out the eyes. Use a humidifier. l
Eat plenty of fish and foods with Vitamins A, C, E and Omega-3 fatty acids. l
Drinks lots of water and get plenty of rest. l
Green tea and chrysanthemum tea are beneficial for eyes. They can prevent eyes fatigue. The writer, a Chandigarh-based senior eye specialist, has authored many well-received medical books. Email drrkumar16@gmail.com
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Oral health
We have noticed that awareness among people regarding their oral care is on the rise. Yet nowadays every third person complains of having bad breath.How it occurs: In the majority of the cases it originates from poor oral hygiene (especially from gums and tongue). When the debris (food particles) are retained in the mouth, bacteria start acting on those debris leading to a decay of the food particles. The decay and debris produce a sulphur compound that causes the unpleasant odour called halitosis (bad breath). The causes There are a number of factors which contribute to bad breath. The major cause is poor oral hygiene, which mainly originates from gums and the tongue. Bad breath is also a sign of gum disease. Patients with red, swollen gums which bleed after or during brushing have halitosis. The tongue, if it is not cleaned properly, also causes bad breath. Dry mouth is the second important cause as saliva helps in washing away food particles and bacteria from the mouth and hence helps in keeping bad odour under control. For example, cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy may experience dry mouth and so they fall an easy prey to bad breath. Your nose is a major source of halitosis, mainly in the cases of sinus infections. Bad breath can also occur in patients having systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, liver malfunctioning or lower respiratory tract infections like lung or bronchial infections. One can have bad breath on eating certain foods such as onions and garlic. Dieting, hormonal changes, smoking and alcohol consumption also lead to this problem. Bad breath is usually worse upon awakening in the morning as salivary glands slow down the production of saliva during sleeping, ultimately allowing bacteria to grow in the mouth. If the cause for halitosis is some systemic infection, then consulting a physician or specialist is mandatory. The writer is a Dental Consultant, Fortis City
Centre, Chandigarh.
Useful tips
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once in a day. Flossing removes debris stuck in-between your teeth. Clean the back of your tongue either with a toothbrush or a tongue cleaner/tongue scraper. If you are wearing any artificial removable appliance such as orthodontic retainers or dentures, then proper cleaning of the appliance before placing it in the mouth is necessary as it is a major source of bacteria and food particles. Drink as much water as you can to keep your mouth moist. Chewing sugar-free gums may lead to increased saliva production which may help control odour. Avoid eating such food items in raw form as may lead to bad breath like onions and garlic. If mouth-washes are to be used then swish it around for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out. Last but not least, regular dental check-ups to get rid of accumulating plaque and bacteria around our teeth are essential. |
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Want a flat tummy? Don’t rely on low-fat foods!
WELLINGTON: Trying to lose weight by adopting a low-fat diet? Well, you may be committing the biggest mistake of your “weight loss regime,” says an Oz fitness expert. Celebrity trainer James Duigan, whose clients include model Elle Macpherson, said, “I see so many people trying their best and it’s just not working because they don’t understand that it’s not fat that makes you fat. It’s sugar and it’s carbohydrates.”
“You need a healthy balanced diet with fish and chicken and meat and vegetables and berries and nuts and things like that. (Low-fat diets) just don’t work — it’s not sustainable. You need to look at how you can keep yourself happy and healthy throughout your life,” Stuff.co.nz quoted him as saying. Duigan, whose second book, “Clean & Lean: Flat Tummy Fast!”, is out, has suggested some small steps one can follow for a flattened stomach: l
Don’t overcook your food as you’ll kill off or reduce the nutrient content. Try to make sure around 50 per cent of the food on your plate is raw. If you can stomach it, eat all your vegetables raw. l
Don’t eat foods that weaken your abdominal wall, as this will make it slack and lead to a protruding stomach. Foods that can weaken your abdominal wall often contain gluten. l
Avoid sugar, in all its forms, as it fattens your mid-section. l
Make sure that you eat enough fibre. A lack of fibre will lead to inflammation in the bowel. Eat plenty of vegetables (ideally raw) and drink at least two litres of still, room temperature water every day. l
Duigan has suggested having the occasional “cheat” meal; so you can eat a piece of cake or a brownie and actually help your weight loss. l
“Feed your soul because you can’t live your whole life in denial. And it helps the fat-burning process, it can boost your metabolism and get you leaner the next day. The key is to keep it to one meal,” he said. l
Another factor for a healthy lifestyle is reducing stress, he added. — ANI
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Health Notes
WASHINGTON: A new study has revealed that shoulder motion after rotator cuff surgery remains significantly different when compared to the patient’s opposite shoulder. In the Henry Ford Hospital study that updated prior findings, researchers used X-rays providing a 3D view of motion of the arm bone in relation to the shoulder blade to compare motion in the shoulders of 22 patients who had arthroscopic surgical repair of tendon tears and no symptoms in their other shoulders. Researchers analysed the motion of both shoulders at three, 12 and 24 months after surgery, looking at changes in shoulder motion and shoulder strength. “Although patient satisfaction is generally very high after surgical repair of a torn rotator cuff, the data suggest that long-term shoulder function — in particular, shoulder strength and dynamic joint stability — may not be fully restored in every patient,” said Michael Bey of Henry Ford Hospital. — ANI Soon, a pill that would help women fight ‘monthly blues’ LONDON: Dreadful mood swings and late-night cravings for chocolate in women with pre-menstrual tension may soon become a thing of the past as scientists come a step closer to making a pill that would reduce the symptoms of PMT (pre-menstrual syndrome). The research found that the capsule, which contains fatty acids, reduced the emotional and physical symptoms in millions of British women, reports The Daily Express. Women who took the supplement over six months reported ‘far milder’ symptoms. Common symptoms of PMT include irritability, mood swings, depression and angry outbursts as well as abdominal cramps, bloating and headaches. Scientists at Brazil’s Federal University of Pernambuco said in some cases the symptoms are so severe that it can lead to women suffering serious mental problems and even attempting to take their lives. — ANI Western diet linked to increased risk of breast cancer WASHINGTON: Scientists have discovered that elevated fat and cholesterol levels found in a typical American-style diet play an important role in the growth and spread of breast cancer. Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center, Jefferson, examined the role of fat and cholesterol in breast cancer development using a mouse model. The results showed that the mice fed a Western diet and predisposed to develop mammary tumors can develop larger tumours that are faster growing and metastasise more easily, compared to animals eating a control diet. The incidence rate of this cancer is five times higher in Western countries than in other developed countries. Moreover, studies have shown an increase in breast cancer incidence in immigrant populations that relocate from a region with low incidence. “These facts suggest strong environmental influence on breast cancer development,” said Philippe G. Frank, Assistant Professor in the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. — ANI LONDON: Scientists at Imperial College, London, have discovered a protein that triggers rheumatoid arthritis. They have found a protein called IRF5 that acts as a switch, telling immune system cells, called macrophages, to promote or stop inflammation, reports The Daily Express. Rheumatoid arthritis is an incurable immune system disease where joints are swollen by inflammation. The body uses inflammation as a defence against infection and tissue damage, but too much is harmful. Blocking the production of IRF5 could help in a range of diseases, including RA, lupus and even MS. “This is really exciting,” said senior researcher Irina Udalova.
— ANI
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Reena went to Narkanda along with her friend in the recent winter vacations to enjoy the beauty of snow — photographing, skiing, playing snowball, making snowman, etc. She came back with the complaints of pain, watering, blurred vision and inability in opening her eyes. She now had snow blindness. While administering treatment, her eye doctor advised her to be more careful about the eyes during winter than even in summer.