So next time you have cold or cough problems, try these grandma’s remedies and kick off all the viruses in your body.  Get well soon…

Two suspected cases of swine flu were identified and referred to the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases in Bangalore on Wednesday.  Both passengers travelling from USA arrived at the Bangalore international Airport with symptoms of H1N1.  Throat swabs and nasal swabs were collected at the hospital and air lifted to the National Institute of Virology, Pune for lab confirmation of H1N1 virus.  The results of the samples are expected in two days.

He two patients have now been admitted to the isolation wards that had previously been used during the SARS outbreak. Though the patients are not very comfortable with the situation, they are detained in the hospital and are not to be discharged from the hospital till test results come from NIV, Pune.

According to the doctors, both passengers do not have respiratory infection or fever, but have irritation, sore throat and cough. A doctor at the hospital said they are following the guidelines of the WHO on admission, collection of samples and treatment.  As N1H1 virus is transmitted like seasonal flu form human to human while coughing and sneezing, doctors and paramedics are wearing personal protection mask.

So guys,  get geared up with your proctection mask to proctect yourself from swine flu.

There is a special material that covers the neuron called myelin.  The myelin in certain parts of the brain and spinal cord in patients of multiple sclerosis will be destroyed.  Hence the reason still remains a mystery.  The Myelin that covers the nerve will become inflamed and swollen and detached.  Whenever it is destroyed it leaves a scar on the axons.  The term sclerosis means scars means scars.  Since the myelin is destroyed, the communication between neurons becomes less effective.  This decrease in effectiveness is the cause of symptoms of multiple sclerosis. 

Even after destruction Myelin has the ability to repair itself.  However, he same myelin can become prone to inflammation at different times.  Sometimes the destruction can happen at different places.  This is why the disease is called multiple sclerosis. 

Types of Sclerosis:
Relapse remitting multiple sclerosis: Most patients almost 90% with the disease have this type of sclerosis.  The name Relapsing Remitting is self explanatory.  It is characterized by periods of worsening of symptoms, followed by periods of improvement. 

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis:og About 10% of patients have this type.  The disease keeps getting worse with no signs of improvement.  If left untreated, almost 50% of patients with relapse remitting sclerosis will contract progressive multiple sclerosis.

Causes:
• Some scientists believe that the cells of the immune system attack the myelin mistaking it for germs and foreign bodies.
• Certain types of viral infections are known to attack myelin cells.
• The cause is also believed to be genetic.

Symptoms:
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis depend on the area where the myelin is inflated or destroyed.  Early symptoms include:
• Numbing or tingling sensation is experienced in parts of the body, usually in the leg or arm.
• There is unexplained weakness, fatigue and dizziness.
• If the visual area is affected there is double vision, blurred vision and even blindness.

Note: Symptoms of multiple sclerosis is similar to other diseases.  Hence examination is necessary

To know about diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis, read the article on “Diagnosis and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis”

In the wake of World Health Organization’s chilling admission that the H1N1 swine flu virus can no longer be contained as it has spread far and wide Indian International airports have kicked off a massive Screening regime for all Passengers arriving from the US and UK at the Bangalore International Airport and other International Airports to check for presence of Swine Flu. 

With the Flu reaching alarming proportions in many countries, the screening was initiated on Tuesday itself in International Airports of Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi.  Airports in the North Eastern states have also been sent an advisory form the centre asking them to review their preparedness in handling the outbreak of influenza-like illnesses. 

On the other hand, Indian travelers have put off their plans of holidaying in the US and UK following concerns of swine flu could accelerate into a potential pandemic. 
 
India is however gearing itself to deal with swine flu in case of outbreak in India.  India has decided to triple its Tami flu reserves, which will cover 30 lakh people in case a pandemic. 

Though the government has taken certain precautionary measures, it is important that every individual Learns about swine flu and is prepared to combat it. Don’t miss reading Swine Flu FAQ.

• Treat yourself with chicken soup.  Chicken soup reduces the reproduction of virus causing cold. 

• Black tea prepared with black pepper powder, dry ginger powder and tulsi leaves fights virus causing cold and soothes you too.  This tea can be taken 3 to 4 times a day to get relief from runny nose, headache and sore throat. It is as good as aspirin and paracetamol tablets.

• Eat one gooseberry (amla) twice a day.  It is a rich source of vitamin C and strengthens the respiratory immunity.

• A simple yet effective home remedy for common cold is the combination of milk and turmeric.   Add some turmeric powder and sugar to milk and drink thrice a day to get relief from cold.  It lets you get sound sleep as well.

Finally, keep yourself covered with warm clothes and take plenty of rest.  Use these tips to rid yourself of cold next time it attacks you and you will surely recover from common cold sooner and in a healthier way.

Causes?
•    Given the decreasing size of the body among beauty queens and movie stars, its obvious that young girls and boys who set them as role models take measures to lose weight.  In some cases, this takes dangerous overtones and the person eventually becomes anorexic.
•    The ability to distinguish between feelings of hunger and fullness is learnt when very young.   Faulty upbringing could be a reason for anorexia, where the person doesn’t develop hunger pangs in accordance to age and bodily needs.
•    Anorexia is partly hereditary, in such cases it is easier to help the person put on weight.
•    Children with exaggerated interest in the body shape are likely to fall prey to anorexia.

Anorexia is difficult to be treated since it is not just a physical ailment, but a disease of the mind.  Just putting the patient into medication is of no use.  Any treatment with regard to anorexia would be successful only when the patient is psychologically prepared to gain weight.

The most dangerous situation is where neither the anorexic patient nor the family realizes that it is anorexia.  That’s the bad news.  But the good news is that anorexia can be treated and with proper care, the patient can recover from the illness well within 2 months from the beginning of the treatment.

Dandruff and Itchy scalp: If you are a dandruff person, with a itchy scalp, avoid exposure to air conditioning for a long durations.  It may simply escalate your dry scalp problem and give more dandruff flakes. 

Return to nature:  certain natural products like neem, gooseberries, papaya, eggs can used as hair packs that condition and nourish hair.

Brush it right: How u brush your hair and how often u do it impacts hair fall.  Brushing hair vigorously and when wet leads to hair falls.  It is a good practice to remove tangles from the ends of hair and then brush form root to ends.  Brushing hair too often can lead to hair fall. Sharing combs with others is not recommended.

Shampooing hair:  the number of times you shampoo your hair has no relation to the rate of hair fall.  In fact shampooing the hair regularly to keep the scalp clean promotes healthy hair.  However a mild shampoo should be used for the same.  For people with long hair shampooing hair on alternate days suits best. 

Be natural:  excessive blow drying and using chemicals on hair does deplete the quality of hair, and there is no exception to this rule.  Experimenting with your hair once in a while is fine, but when overdone,  it will surely lead to hair fall and other hair problems.

•    Brisk walk around the office campus for a couple of minutes.  You could even walk up the stairs instead of taking the life.  This increases blood circulation and promotes concentration.

•    You can take short breaks to stretch at the desk and release muscle stiffness.

•    Walk up to the window and inhale fresh air once in a while.  It will definitely pep up some freshness into you.

•    It is important that you break the computer monotony by a simple exercise.  After every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.  This helps in giving respite for your eyes as well as your body in general.

•    Be a foodie, but eat right.  Eat food that is rich in fibre.  Avoid drinking more than two cups of coffee per day.

•    Eight to 10 glasses o water per day cleanses the body, bars dehydration and takes care of the skin.

Following a disciplined lifestyle by making small changes in your work place can keep you alert throughout the day, help you perform better at office and stay calm and fresh all day long.

• Alternative Medicines: alternative treatments techniques like ayurveda, homeopathy, acupuncture etc are have outgrown their Asian roots and their familiarity is stretching far and wide across all time zones in the world.  Even when alternative medicines are not equipped to completely treat ailments, It is a familiar practice now, to combine allopathic treatments with alternative medicines for hastening recovery and achieving relaxation.
• Yoga: one of the most ancient fitness forms from India is now doing rounds in the most popular celebrity circuits.  Pop stars, the Hollywood brigade, sportsperson, politicians and artists, everyone seems to be drawn towards the miraculous results of yoga on body and mind.  With big names endorsing and swearing by Yoga, It is no wonder then that yoga is becoming a rage among one and all. 
• Green Tea: another oriental product that has become a regular topic of discussion and news on all tabloids, beauty and health magazines these days.   The antioxidant spell is binding the world, which is certainly clear with the quickly expanding green tea consumption people all around the world.  It is believed to be magic concoction to combat signs of aging and other health issues.  Green tea has become a fad and is quickly replacing other popular refreshments like coffee and iced tea.
• Medical Tourism: Certainly a welcome concept bringing relief to all the uninsured and underinsured citizens of Western countries.  Asiatic countries like India, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are being flocked by thousands of foreign patients each year to avail quality medical treatment across different medical procedures.  Medical tourism comes as a boon to all those who cannot afford medical treatment back home

• Madonna: The yoga rage can be most attributed to one of the staunch believers and practitioners of Yoga, Madonna.  Madonna began practicing Yoga after the birth of her daughter in 1996.  It did bring Madonna back to shape, but additionally it continues to give her promising health and a shapely body till date, even at the age of 50.  Madonna practices ashtanga Yoga on a daily basis and simply seems to be blown over by the benefits of Yoga, when she quotes ““Yoga is a metaphor for life. You have to take it really slowly. You can’t rush. You can’t skip to the next position. You find yourself in very humiliating situations, but you can’t judge yourself. You just have to breathe, and let go. It is a workout for your mind, your body and your soul.”  Clearly yoga has given her a much more than a slim and healthy body.
• Sting: the veteran singer is nearing count 60 and definitely doesn’t look his age,  at least not when his charismatic smile, still low on wrinkle count and his amazing energy level is called into question. Thanks to yoga, the singer has been able to stay fit and charming as ever.  Sure his wife and children must have also picked some inspiration for practicing yoga.  His wife Trudie styler and kids practice yoga too. 
• Ricky Martin:  for the pop sensation Yoga is not just a body sculpting regime.  Yoga for him, it is a means to connect the body and the mind, to help a person stay in control and treat everyone with love and respect.  To achieve this,  Ricky Martin practices a milder form of yoga called Hatha Yoga.
• Gwyneth Paltrow: Gwyneth leaves a Yoga message wherever she goes.  Clearly she has reaped the benefits of Yoga and is all set to inspire a lot more people into learning and practicing yoga.  Gwyneth has been practicing Yoga for over 20 years now and feels that it is a life changing experience. She largely owes her fit and lean physique to yoga, but Like Ricky Martin, she believes that Yoga is a way to get centered. 
The rage of Yoga is spreading like wild fire and my list would just become endless if I continued to talk about each one of them.  Nevertheless,  it is not just the fad of Yoga that has an innumerable number of people practicing it.  As anyone who practices yoga, and they would not deny that it is form of exercise and rejuvenation like no other.  Will spill out a few more names before I sign out Meg Ryan, Candice Bergen, Nick cage, Naomi Watts, Uma Thurman, Kareem Abdul, Sachin Tendulkar, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz.