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PREVENTION INTERVENTION- HEALTH TIPS

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Prevention is better than cure

Prevention is better than cure, a famous saying that’s become quite trite and over- researched. Meet the three wise ones who tell us how to keep our bodies’ ship shape and set the records straight.

It seems impossible to take care of the ‘sugar rush’, the’ heartbreaks and of course the ‘joint accounts’. Enjoy the walk of life when you get the facts straight from the doctors in the block.

Dr. Alex Jacob fwd life

Without movement there is no life. We need our joints to be healthy so that our mobility is not hampered. One of the reasons for the lack of
mobility is Arthritis. Dr. Alex Jacob has extensively worked with the disease and talks to FWD Life about what we should know about Arthritis.

What is the cause of Arthritis?

There is a common misconception that Arthritis is associated to old age. There are various types of Arthritis, though it can be divided into two main types. Osteo-Arthritis is age based and happens due to the degeneration of our joints as life progresses. Arthritis can also occur if there is any birth defect or misalignment. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto immune disease that can affect you at any age, even when you are a child for which the cause is unknown. This means that the body starts to destroy its own cartilage and though no cure has been found for it, it can be controlled.

Arthritis can be controlled?

Arthritis can be controlled to a certain extant depending on the stage of detection. Arthritis that occurs due to bad alignment and birth defects can be corrected surgically. There are basically two types of surgeries – joint preservation and joint replacement. If Arthritis is detected earlier, the joint can be preserved. Joint replacement is for joints that have degenerated beyond repair.

What are some common misconceptions? 

People view Arthritis as something that will have you house bound. With the right kind of medication and lifestyle, you can be active. Then there are people who visit a doctor only when the pain is intense which turns out to be counterproductive. Early detection is very important. Tests and scans are prescribed  ccording to your condition. Don’t feel afraid to consult a doctor if you are having aches and pains.

Ayurveda or Allopathy?

Both offer different modalities of treatment but combat the same issues by reducing inflammation and pain. So, I believe it has to do with what you believe in and is a personal choice. You have to have faith in your treatment.

How can you prevent the onset of this disease?

The cartilage absorbs nutrition from the fluid inside the joint. When the joint moves, the fluid gets pushed into the cartilage. Otherwise your joints become stiff and painful. So, it is very important to be as active as possible. Stretch regularly and strengthen your muscles as well. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Our bone strength reaches maximum at puberty. Children must be encouraged to play outdoors and in the sun. Milk and milk products must be consumed. Obesity and an unhealthy eating habit can possibly lead to Arthritis as well. I cannot stress the importance of being active enough. Keep your joints supple and moving.

sonia fwd

Dr. Sonia Suresh is a specialist in lifestyle disorders and has penned books on geriatric medicine and diabetes. In a conversation with FWD Life, she throws light on the complications of lifestyle diseases.

Have these lifestyle diseases been prevalent even before we embarked on an unhealthy lifestyle?

Yes, there are mentions of these diseases in some ancient Indian texts. Though it is true that Indians are in some way genetically prone to diabetes, however, alarming cases like being diabetic in one’s early twenties have come up only after our lifestyle went awry.

What exactly do you think is wrong with urban lifestyle in general?

To start with, we consume too much food. Four full meals a day was fine when there was enough physical work in the daily routine. But life
today is heavily mechanized, calorie requirements and energy expenditure one down heavily which means you don’t really need so much food. Richness of the food that we consume is the next issue. Unlike three or four decades ago, feasting happens more regularly with mandatory parties and eat outs every week. The IT guys for instance, prefer a working lunch that is mostly a large burger and a soft drink.
Sticking to such a diet for a period of six months would make you diabetic. Yes, six months. That quick.

How do we address this issue?

Small shifts in your lifestyle would go a long way in staying healthy, like taking the stairs whenever possible, going for brisk walks; all of this would add up to make your lifestyle healthier.
thirty minutes of aerobic exercises like walking, running, and swimming will delay the onset of diabetes, even if you are in the high risk category.

Even if one goes back to the traditional diet, isn’t our diet a little too starch rich to actually help?

Yes, the traditional Indian diet is rich in starch, which is why limiting the quantity of intake is key. You could try cutting down on starch, adding more protein and fibre.Using rice with
bran would also be a good idea. Again there is a tendency to go for oats, as it has been marketed as something of a perfect diet. Though it is true that Oats has a low glycemic value, there
are other traditional alternatives like Aval and Ragi which has the similar emic value.

How hard is the life of a diabetic?

I would not want to pessimistic in saying that it is really hard to cope with diabetes. I know diabetics who have lived with it for 30-40 years. What is necessary is that once you are
diagnosed with it, you go for a drastic change in approach.

What are your views on the type of remedies for diabetes?

What has to be generally understood is there are no miracle cures or quick fixes for diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. In Kerala, we see a lot of so called alternative edical practitioners brewing up concoctions claiming to cure diabetes. There’s massive research happening to reach a breakthrough, like say the stimulation of beta cells that could help in curing diabetes. There is no miracle drug to cure the disease overnight. Ayurveda and Naturopathy are definitely a positive, but a holistic treatment has not been developed yet.

Dr. George fwd The heart of life is good when you take care. Dr. George Thayil believes that preventive medicine is the key to living life. He tells us when our heart takes a beating.

Heart diseases are so commonly associated with cholesterol, what are other intertwined factors?

Cholesterol is among the ten risk factors that cause heart diseases. It has an interesting philosophy but there are other factors according to Framingham study. In that, it mentioned smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, stress that cause 80% of heart attacks. If anyone gets a heart attack under the age of 55, then it’s prone to be genetic.

From your approach, you believe in prevention. So what’s the other setbacks apart from eating and lifestyle patterns that contribute to heart diseases?

Lack of awareness, most of my patients only understand their situation they land in the ICU and many at times, they are not instructed during the primary prevention stage (when an individual is checked intensively through checkups and instructions are given). Also, I believe many doctors do not take an effort to instruct, they are more interested in intervention rather than prevention. Doctors must look into counselling and teaching their patients, so the patients understand the gravity of the situation.

Isn’t it an irony, that even with awareness, taking care of health is still something taken for granted?

That’s true, secondary prevention the precautions you take after your first heart attack- is not looked after. Many people think when they get their angioplasties, their issue has been
rectified and the chapter has been closed. One doesn’t understand that you consume your medicines till death and you have to change your lifestyle as soon as possible. You have to
increase your budget for expenses too. When you don’t take care of yourself there’s a 40% chance for the attack to occur again. People are stressed these days too, they give priority to work rather than health.

There’s a thought that runs among the youth, eat to live when you’re young and when you grow older then control, just another misleading belief?

Guidelines by the American Pediatric Association say you can give any amount of food to a child until they are two years old. According to the Cleveland Clinic, USA. There were
two eight year old children who died in a car accident. When they did an autopsy and observed the cross section of coronary arteries, arteries ere lined with cholestrol which could have triggered a heart disease in their early twenties. These days, children in America are having cholesterol pills at the age of eight. Prevention should start from your childhood. Even pregnant woman should take a precaution in having a healthy diet, they should never starve themselves. How you eat also matters determining your child’s genetic coding – the stage that determines genetic dieseases.

In your years of practice you witness the world becoming unhealthier, what would you like to do?

Take an initiation to make people more aware and incorporate the thought in your mind it’s possible to avoid heart issues, once you are in it, you can’t get out of it.

Text: Maria John, Varun Kannan, Atheena Wilson

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Health

Nourish Your Skin with Every Bite

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Attaining healthy, radiant skin is not merely a matter of slathering on the latest creams and serums—true beauty starts from within. The secret to a glowing complexion lies not only in your skincare routine but in the very foods you choose to fuel your body. If you’re truly committed to achieving luminous skin that dazzles with every glance, it’s time to revolutionize your diet. Here’s your essential guide to the foods that will transform your skin from the inside out. 

Hydration is Key

Water is the foundation of healthy skin. Staying hydrated helps maintain your skin’s elasticity, keeping it plump and resilient. But hydration doesn’t only come from what you drink—certain foods can help too.

Top Hydrating Foods:

  • Cucumbers and Tomatoes: High in water content, these vegetables help to keep your skin hydrated from within. Add them to your salads for a refreshing boost.
  • Watermelon and Melon: Rich in water and vitamins, these fruits are great for keeping your skin hydrated and glowing, especially in the summer.
  • Leafy Greens: Vegetables like spinach and kale not only hydrate but are also packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for skin health.

Boost Your Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is a powerhouse when it comes to skin health. It’s crucial for the production of collagen, the protein that helps maintain your skin’s firmness and elasticity. Additionally, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Top Vitamin C Foods:

  • Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are classic sources of vitamin C. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning can set you on the right path.
  • Red Bell Peppers: Surprisingly, red bell peppers contain even more vitamin C than citrus fruits. Add them raw to your salads or smoothies to get the full benefits.
  • Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are not only delicious but also packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants that protect your skin.

Don’t Forget Your Antioxidants

Antioxidants are your skin’s best friend when it comes to fighting off the damaging effects of the environment, including UV rays and pollution. They help neutralize free radicals that can cause premature aging, inflammation, and skin damage.

Top Antioxidant Foods:

  • Blueberries: These tiny berries are loaded with antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids, which help to combat skin aging.
  • Broccoli: A rich source of lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C, broccoli is a skin superfood. Steaming it lightly preserves its nutrients, ensuring you get the maximum benefit.
  • Green Tea: High in catechins, green tea helps reduce inflammation and protects your skin from sun damage. Enjoy a cup daily for a calming and skin-friendly ritual.

Healthy Fats for Healthy Skin

Your skin needs healthy fats to stay supple and hydrated. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, play a vital role in maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier, which protects against moisture loss and keeps the skin soft and smooth.

Top Healthy Fat Foods:

  • Avocados: Packed with healthy fats, avocados are a great addition to your diet if you want to keep your skin moisturized and glowing.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are rich in omega-3s and vitamin E, both of which are essential for skin health.
  • Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3s, which help to reduce inflammation and keep your skin healthy from the inside out.

Load Up on Zinc and Selenium

Zinc and selenium are two minerals that are often overlooked but are essential for skin health. Zinc helps to control oil production and reduce inflammation, while selenium protects the skin from oxidative damage.

Top Zinc and Selenium Foods:

  • Pumpkin Seeds: A great snack option, pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which helps to maintain your skin’s integrity and health.
  • Brazil Nuts: Just one or two Brazil nuts a day can provide you with your daily requirement of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin.
  • Oysters: Rich in zinc, oysters are an excellent choice for supporting skin health, especially if you struggle with acne or other skin issues.

Collagen-Boosting Foods

Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its structure and elasticity. As we age, our body’s collagen production decreases, so it’s important to consume foods that support collagen synthesis.

Top Collagen-Boosting Foods:

  • Bone Broth: Rich in collagen, bone broth is a fantastic way to support your skin’s structural integrity.
  • Eggs: High in protein and amino acids, eggs help support collagen production in the skin.
  • Citrus Fruits: As mentioned earlier, vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, so include plenty of citrus fruits in your diet.

Healthy skin truly starts from within. By incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you’ll be giving your skin the best possible support to stay hydrated, firm, and glowing. Remember, what you eat is just as important as your skincare routine, so make sure your diet is as skin-friendly as your favorite moisturizer!

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Cover Story

Incorporating Vitamin E into Your Diet: Delicious Fruit Options

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Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy cells, boosting immunity, and protecting against oxidative stress. While it’s commonly found in nuts, seeds, and oils, did you know that several delicious fruits are also excellent sources of this essential nutrient? Let’s explore some mouthwatering fruit options that can help you meet your daily vitamin E needs while tantalizing your taste buds.

Avocado:

Often hailed as a superfood, avocados are not only creamy and delicious but also packed with nutrients, including vitamin E. Adding slices of ripe avocado to salads, sandwiches, or simply enjoying it on its own can provide a significant portion of your daily vitamin E intake.

Kiwi:

Bursting with flavor and vibrant green hues, kiwis are not only rich in vitamin C but also contain a good amount of vitamin E. Enjoy them sliced over yogurt, blended into smoothies, or incorporated into fruit salads for a refreshing and nutritious treat.

Mango:

Sweet, juicy, and tropical, mangoes are a delightful source of vitamin E. Whether enjoyed fresh, diced into salsas, or blended into creamy mango smoothies, these golden fruits offer a delicious way to boost your antioxidant intake.

Papaya: With its luscious orange flesh and sweet flavor, papaya is another fruit that’s brimming with vitamin E. Indulge in slices of fresh papaya as a standalone snack, blend it into tropical fruit juices, or add it to fruit platters for a dose of sunshine in every bite.

Blackberries: These small but mighty berries are not only bursting with flavor but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin E. Incorporate blackberries into your breakfast oatmeal, sprinkle them over yogurt, or enjoy them by the handful for a tasty and nutritious snack.

Apricots: Whether fresh or dried, apricots are a fantastic source of vitamin E. Snack on dried apricots for a convenient and portable boost of nutrients, or enjoy fresh apricot slices as a refreshing addition to salads and desserts.

Kiwano (Horned Melon):This exotic fruit may look unusual with its spiky orange exterior, but its vibrant green flesh is not only visually striking but also rich in vitamin E. Kiwano can be enjoyed on its own or added to fruit salads for a unique and flavorful twist.

Incorporating vitamin E-rich fruits into your diet is not only delicious but also beneficial for your overall health and well-being. Whether you prefer the creamy texture of avocados, the tropical sweetness of mangoes, or the tangy bite of kiwis, there are plenty of delightful options to choose from. So why not add a splash of color and flavor to your meals and snacks with these nutrient-packed fruits?

Remember to enjoy a varied and balanced diet to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health. With these tasty fruit options, boosting your vitamin E intake has never been more enjoyable!

 

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Beauty

Rihanna’s Jaw-Dropping Maternity Shoot: Unveiling Goddess-Like Beauty and Baby Bump Glamour!

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Rihanna, the iconic pop star, recently celebrated the beauty of her pregnant form by sharing a throwback maternity shoot on social media. Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with mental, physical, emotional, and hormonal changes, and Rihanna wanted to showcase the goddess-like essence that comes with it. The captivating photo series, titled “Rub on ya titties,” features Rihanna in beach waves, adorned with body chains, and with her unborn child, affectionately referred to as Baby RZA, in her womb.

In a heartfelt caption accompanying the photos, Rihanna reflected on her first experience with pregnancy and impending motherhood as she prepares to welcome her second child with A$AP Rocky. She honored the magic of her body and the journey of embracing motherhood like a true warrior. She humorously acknowledged that Baby RZA has no idea about the vibrant personality of his mama or how deeply he would captivate her.

Beyond the sentimental message, Rihanna’s maternity shoot offered inspiration for achieving vacation-ready beauty. The photos showcased dewy, sun-kissed skin, accentuated by golden accessories. Long, boldly colored nails added instant glamour, even without a full ensemble. The effortlessly tousled texture, reminiscent of just-emerged-from-water locks, served as the go-to style for achieving a mermaid-inspired look. And to add a touch of Rihanna’s signature bad gal vibe, a swipe of peach lip gloss provided a warm, luxurious, and seemingly effortless finish—a perfect reflection of Rihanna’s approach to parenthood and life as a whole.

Rihanna’s throwback maternity shoot not only celebrated her own journey but also emphasized the beauty and power that pregnancy brings. It served as a reminder that embracing the changes and nurturing the divine creation within is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

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