Absolute Lymphocyte Count Tips

All of us agree that healthy habits are absolutely necessary for a high quality of life. It is another story that whether we put them into practice or not. These healthy habits have to be cultivated since childhood for keeping vital organs like eyes in a perfect condition. One's quality of life is closely linked to how well one see and one can take steps now to take care of one's eyes and preserve vision well into old age. Keep Your Eyesight Sharp and protect your eyesight with the five tips listed below:

• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet - It has been scientifically proven that some foods can boost eye health and delay age-related eye changes. One must include eye-boosting vitamins and minerals in diet, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E; zinc and omega-3 fatty acids to keep one's eyes in best shape. Broccoli, corn, squash, peppers, spinach and kale are the best source for zeaxanthin and lutein whereas citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes and broccoli are great source of Vitamin C. Vitamin E can be found in legumes, wheat germ, nuts and seeds while one can get zinc in found in whole grains, salmon are a great source of omega-3.
• Reduce Exposure in The Sun - Sun's ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of developing cataracts, which is most common cause of age-related vision loss in adults. It is very essential to take precautions to shield one's eyes from the sun. One should wear UV protective eyewear or wide brimmed floppy hat for protection from sun.
• Quit Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for heart and lungs, it can also damage eyesight. Cigarette smokers are at greater risk of developing both macular degeneration and Glaucoma. 
• Regular Exercise - Regular exercise keeps waistline trim and eyes sharp. Latest studies have shown that those who led an active lifestyle were seventy percent less likely to develop macular degeneration. 
• Go for Annual Eye Examination - Regular examination of eyes can give a surprising number of clues about ones overall health. Ophthalmologist can detect a broad set of problems ranging from hypertension to diabetes by doing a thorough examination of ones eye.

One only have one pair of eyes, so it is absolutely necessary to take the proper steps to care for them. By nourishing one's body with the right foods, getting regular exercise and going in for regular eye exams, one can keep vision sharp at any age. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an ophthalmologist.

Cholesterol is now being touted as the new villain for anyone who is in ill health. Whether it is diabetes or heart disease, it is attributed to cholesterol. While it may be hereditary, another contributor is the changing food habits & stressful life style. With sedentary lifestyles setting in, more food is consumed than required and the excess is converted to fat and stored, which leads to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc. 

Read on to know why cholesterol is not the villain that it is being made out to be. Also, let us talk about its vital role in the human functioning. 

1. Cholesterol is fat, is not soluble in water, and so requires a vehicle for transportation. These are the lipoproteins, which are HDL and LDL depending on their density. LDL carries fresh cholesterol and HDL carries recycled cholesterol. The total amount of cholesterol in the body is the sum of these two types plus VLDL and triglycerides. Cholesterol is not measured, it is only estimated. What is measured is actually amount of these lipoproteins, not the cholesterol level per se. And to base one’s health on the levels of these is scientifically baseless. 
2. Essential Cellular Component: Cholesterol is an absolutely essential component of every cell and is found in cell membranes, hormones (such as thyroid and Vitamin D), bile acids, vitamin D, neurons, etc. Almost all body cells contain cholesterol and it is essential for various functions including digestion, sensory perception, body movement, reproduction, etc. Without cholesterol, all functions would come to a standstill. 
3. Cholesterol is made in the body: The body does not need cholesterol from external food sources for its normal function. 75% of the required cholesterol is produced by the liver to meet the above demands. 
4. Familial issues can cause some people to have abnormalities with cholesterol production. However, this is rare at about 1 in 500. In others, reducing cholesterol levels by artificial means is not desirable. 
5. Statins that are used to reduce cholesterol levels were originally used for their anti-inflammatory properties and had the desirable side effect of reducing cholesterol. This became one of their main indications, but stopping cholesterol production is stopping a very vital body function, such as the production of thyroid and vitamin D which is not desirable. 
6. Newer studies have shown that cholesterol levels in the food have no impact on the blood cholesterol levels. Animal fats like liver, meat, fish, eggs, which were believed to increase cholesterol levels were avoided, but research now says the contrary. 

Cholesterol is neither good nor bad, is not an indicator of heart health, and is absolutely essential for healthy functioning. So, while we are constantly worried about reducing the cholesterol numbers, there is definitely a twist in the tale.

Experts also advice a lifestyle modification approaches before starting any cholesterol reducing medications. So before you jump into correcting your cholesterol level through drugs, correct your hormonal levels, Vit D levels and your stress levels. Consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

1. Myth - some food in the mother's diet will cause colic in the baby and should be avoided
Fact - the mother can eat any nutritious food that she is used to. It will not cause any health problems in the baby.

2. Myth - giving gripe water to the baby will help digestion
Fact - the baby's saliva and digestive juices will digest the breast milk completely. There is absolutely no need to give gripe water or any herbal products for digestion.

3. Myth - whenever a baby cries continuously it is due to hunger or abdominal pain
Fact - while crying the abdominal muscles tend to contract giving the abdomen a rigid look which has lead to this common misconception. A baby may cry due to many reasons. It may be hungeror insect bit or due to cold or hot environment or the baby might simply want to be held by the mother. If the baby can't be consoled or if it refuses to feed, a visit to the doctor is a must

4. Myth - by massaging the head and nose, facial features can be altered
Fact - facial features are geneticaly predetermined and cannot be altered by massaging. It is best to avoid such practices.

5. Myth - giving honey or sugar will boost immunity
Fact - mother's milk is the best immunity booster. Until 6 months of age exclusive breast feeding is the norm. Giving honey to children less than 1yr can cause botulism.

Dandruff also known as Seborrhea, is the white flakes that you may notice on your scalp or skin. It is generally caused due to dryness. Dandruff can only be controlled and not absolutely cured. It can give rise to other skin problems as well. The following are the ways in which your skin may be adversely affected due to dandruff:

1. Pimples may pop out: Due to dandruff pimples may pop out on your skin. If the white flakes fall on your T- zone region, the facial area which is more prone to pimple then pimples many come out in that region.
2. Problem of pigmentation: The pimples leave behind dark spots all over your skin leading to the embarrassing problem of pigmentation. Dandruff makes the condition even worse.
3. Chest rashes may appear: If your dandruff becomes uncontrollable then it keeps falling all over your body. This may lead to the break out of chest rashes.
4. Acne: Acne is another distressing problem that may be the result of dandruff. This also promotes the break out of pimples and red rashes on your skin.
5. Facial rashes: Facial rashes may also appear in many cases. Rashes can be seen near the eyebrow or forehead region. In the case of men, beard rashes are also common.
6. Itchy scalp: Dandruff gives you an itchy scalp. This further makes the condition of dandruff worse and the skin of your scalp becomes scaly resulting in further problems.
7. Eczema and psoriases are unfavourably affected: Skin problems like eczema and psoriases become far worse due to dandruff.
8. Inflammation and redness: Dandruff may cause your facial skin to suffer from the problems of inflammation and redness.

It is highly recommended for you to use natural remedies and good hair care products to control your dandruff so that your skin is not much affected. But if it is uncontrollable, visiting a dermatologist is a must.

Just because a person is not suffering from any ailment does not mean that there is no requirement of medical supervision. For example, a person’s ear, nose and throat are those passages of the body, from where maximum amount of organisms enter and exit. There is every possibility that unwanted elements or what is otherwise called a foreign body, may make its way into the system through any of these three body parts. These elements do not cause any necessary reactions in the short-term, but may have possible consequences in the long run.

Fungus is one such external element, which people are not able to see or feel the effect of. If it is allowed to accumulate over the years, it is likely that there may be some sort of hearing impairment and getting this fungus out is a difficult task for the ENT specialist.

Mucus in the nose is another element, which may tend to cause problems in the long run unless it is addressed immediately.  The mouth is, by far, the most susceptible area as far as foreign body intrusions are concerned because it is that part of the body that is used for ingestion.

An ENT specialist usually applies a number of techniques in order to remove such unwanted elements, which may have consequences;

Forceps are most commonly used in situations where the doctor can actually see what is causing the blockage. Water irrigation is one method by means of which a gush of water is used to flush out all the unwanted elements. This is used in a situation when the medical practitioner is not able to access the problem area directly.

Suction catheters are used when the unwanted elements cannot be seen properly and the only way of getting them out is to force them out. Since the exact problem area cannot be seen or identified, using techniques which may be intrusive and harmful can have detrimental outcomes. That is why using a suction to push it all out is the most effective because there is absolutely no harm that can come from air being pushed down.

However, the important thing to keep in mind is that long-term complications can be avoided by periodic trips to the ENT specialist. It’s not necessary that you should have some discomfort or problem in order to pay a visit to the doctor.

Incorrect posture or a sedentary lifestyle will often land you in pain in your lower back region. To control this pain, here are a few exercises which you might try out for a healthier back:

1. Bottom to heels stretch: This helps to stretch and mobilize the spine. Keep your knees and hands in line with your hips and shoulders. Do not over arch your back as that will just bring you a negative impact. Move your bottom backwards. Hold the stretch while you breathe in and out once. Repeat this exercise 8 to 10 times.

2. Knee rolls: For this exercise, you have to lie down on your back. Support your head with a cushion or a book. Bend your knees and keep them together. Relax your upper body. Then roll your knees, followed by your pelvis, from one side to another. Hold your stretch while you inhale and exhale once.

3. Back extensions: For this exercise, you need to lie on your stomach. You will have to prop yourself on your elbows. Arch your back while you put your hands on the ground and hold it for 5 to 10 seconds.

4. Deep abdominal strengthening: You have to lie on your back. Support your head with a cushion or a book. Keep your knees bent and your feet straight, relax your upper body and breathe in and out while stretching your stomach muscles. Hold it for 5 to 10 breaths.

5. Decompression breathing: Stand with your heels slight apart from each other. Reach out overhead, lift your ribcage away from your hips while inhaling, and tighten your core while exhaling.

For a healthy and strong lower back you may require some other exercises, but to control the pain in your lower back you should absolutely make a point to try these out.

Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients which play an absolutely pivotal role in protecting your body from a number of diseases and disorders, such as flu and colds. Additionally, it helps in boosting the body's calcium synthesis abilities in rebuilding of damaged blood vessels and bones. It is an essential part of the diet and should not be overlooked in any case.
 
Some of the major food items, which are a rich source of Vitamin C are as follows:

• Kiwis: Research has found that levels of vitamin C found in kiwis are substantially higher than that in oranges. It makes this New Zealand native one of the most lucrative vitamin C options on the planet. Additionally, kiwis have also been found to improve the functioning of the respiratory tract in children as well as adults and are also rich in flavonoids and minerals like potassium.
• Guavas: One guava contains over 250mg of vitamin C, which is approximately twice the amount of what your body requires daily. Apart from being a storehouse of vitamin C, it is also rich in folic acid, dietary fiber and minerals like manganese and potassium.
• Melons: Melons such as cantaloupe not only supply a high quantity of vitamin C but are also rich in potassium and vitamin A. Other melons like watermelons also provide you with almost 112% of your regular Vitamin C requirements.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes, irrespective of whether they are bright red or sun dried, provide almost 170% of your daily Vitamin C requirements in only one serving.

As the outside temperature soars, the cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke rise. After exposure to high temperature/ sun, watch out for the following symptoms-

• Heavy sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Cool moist skin
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps

A combination of these symptoms indicates heat exhaustion. If left unattended, it may lead to heat stroke wherein the body temperature rises. Above 104° and various complications develop.

Who are at risk?

• Elderly.
• Children sp school children or those engaged in sports.
• Indulging in outdoor physical activity.
• People unaccustomed to high temperatures.

First aid

• Bring the patient in a cool dark place with a fan overhead or ac or air-cooled room.
• Give cold sponging.
• Give cold water, ors, fresh lime water, energy drink, or fruit juice, etc
• Homeopathic first aid medicine for the condition is glonoine in high potency.

Tips to save yourself from heat exhaustion

• Venture out only if absolutely necessary. Preferably avoid going out between 12-4pm
• When going out, wear light, loose clothing and cover the head.
• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water. Ensure that you take enough water, salt and sugar.