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!

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma is when the cells in your lymphatic system become cancerous. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting off diseases which may attack your body. Initially, tumors develop from the lymphocytes in your body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common than the other type of lymphoma which is Hodgkin lymphoma. There are various types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the most common of which are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Here is everything you need to know about Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms

1. Swollen lymph nodes
A swollen lymph node in the neck, underarm and armpit which comes about without any pain is a very common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. Fever
When you have a sudden unexplained fever, it may be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

3. Night sweats
Night sweats are simply when you sweat excessively in the night.

4. Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired can be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

5. Weight loss
A sudden unexplained loss of weight is a very common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

6. Itchiness
An itchy skin is a rather serious indicator of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Causes

Just like other forms of cancer, it is not known what causes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma but there are factors which put you more at risk compared to others.

Risk factors

1. Immunosuppressive drugs
You are more likely to develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma especially after taking immunosuppressive drugs after a major organ transplant.

2. Bacteria and viruses
Certain bacterial and viral infections cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma including the HIV and Epstein-Barr virus as well as the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

3. Pesticides
Research suggests that overexposure to the pesticides which kill weeds increases your likelihood of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

4. Age
Elder people are also more likely to suffer from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment

1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy comprises of administering drugs to kill the cancerous cells, either through injection or orally which kill cancer.

2. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy deals with radiation which is directed at the parts of your body affected by cancer.

3. Medications to enhance the immune system
There are many medications which fight off cancer by boosting the immune system.

Dahi or Curd is a staple food that goes with every Indian meal. It is fermented milk through the process of pasteurization. The dahi is served in different variations like lassi, buttermilk,chaas and many more. It is also used as an ingredient in cooking delicious North Indian and South Indian delicacies. 

The Dahi offers many health benefits for the human body:
 

1. Digestive properties:
Including curd or dahi in your daily diet leads to the robust digestive system as it a Probiotic food(food that contains live bacteria). It enhances the digestive activity of the stomach, treats digestive disorders and soothes an upset stomach.
 

2. It is the perfect food for lactose intolerants:
Milk is perceived as the ideal food for growth and immunity for the human body, yet some people are born with the condition of being lactose intolerant(not able to digest milk). This condition prevents them from consuming milk or dairy products as their body is unable to handle the milk protein. So is not the case with curd as it is fermented.
 

3. Immunity booster:
Curd contains live bacteria and also produces Vitamin K, and they stimulate the growth of B and T lymphocytes which are the essential base for immunity in the human body. It also protects the stomach and intestinal tract from harmful infections and aids their effective functioning.
 

4. Beauty treatment:
Dahi has a moisturizing effect on skin, and it also heals dry skin naturally. The dahi is known for maintaining the efficiency of the gastrointestinal tract which leads to healthy skin. One can also use dahi in face packs for the cool and repairing effect it has on the skin. Combining curd with turmeric and aloe vera can help clear the skin from blemishes and other skin problems.
 

5. Reduces high blood pressure:
The curd is an excellent source of Vitamin D, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc and other micro nutrients. Curd stops the formation of cholesterol in the arterial region thereby preventing hypertension and high blood pressure in the body. It also helps in prevention of cardiac diseases.
These are some of the benefits of curd that help us to prevent many diseases in our fast-paced life. Include and consume this wholesome dahi in your daily diet and enjoy a healthy life.

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma is when the cells in your lymphatic system become cancerous. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting off diseases, which may attack your body. Initially, tumors develop from the lymphocytes in your body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common than the other type of lymphoma which is Hodgkin lymphoma. There are various types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the most common of which are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Here is everything you need to know about Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms
1. Swollen lymph nodes: A swollen lymph node in the neck, underarm and armpit which comes about without any pain is a very common symptom of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Fever: When you have a sudden unexplained fever, it may be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
3. Night sweats: Night sweats are simply when you sweat excessively in the night.
4. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired can be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
5. Weight loss: A sudden unexplained loss of weight is a very common symptom of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

6. Itchiness: An itchy skin is a rather serious indicator of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Causes
Just like other forms of cancer, it is not known what causes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but there are factors, which put you more at risk compared to others.

Risk factors
1. Immunosuppressive drugs: You are most likely to develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, especially after taking immunosuppressive drugs after a major organ transplant.
2. Bacteria and viruses: Certain bacterial and viral infections cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma including the HIV and Epstein-Barr virus as well as the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
3. Pesticides: Research suggests that overexposure to the pesticides which kill weeds increases your likelihood of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
4. Age: Elder people are also more likely to suffer from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment
1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy comprises of administering drugs to kill the cancerous cells, either through injection or orally which kill cancer.
2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy deals with radiation which is directed at the parts of your body affected by cancer.
3. Medications to enhance the immune system: There are many medications which fight off cancer by boosting the immune system. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

It is a chronic autoimmune skin disease, in which the skin cells form a mass of scales. Usually, these patches of skin, which are dry, red and itchy, occur on the skin of the back, scalp, palms, knees, elbows and around the fingernails and toenails. But some people have the patches all over the body. The patches may also crack, flake and bleed. While there is no definite cure, the symptoms can be managed and treated.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis may vary from patient to patient. However, if more than two of the following signs are seen, it is likely that psoriasis is the causative condition:

1. A sharp and localized pain in the joints accompanied by stiffness
2. Soreness in the throat
3. Tiny depressions in the nails or large brown patches under the nails
4. The diseased patches of skin can crack, peel and bleed
5. Swelling and tenderness of the limbs
6. Dental plaque
7. Muscle pain due to the swollen bands of connective tissue
8. A whitish and silvery mass of scales surrounded by red patches of stinging, itchy skin
9. The appearance of blisters or rashes on the dry scaly skin and also along the nails
10. Bumps on the folded skin like back of the knees, armpits etc.

Causes of Psoriasis

1. HIV: Human Immuno-deficiency Virus adversely affects the immune system and increases susceptibility of all kinds of infections and diseases. HIV-positive individuals have been found to have an increased risk of psoriasis than HIV-negative people.
2. Medication: Anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory and blood pressure medicines can cause psoriasis as a side effect. The disease is also an effect of withdrawal from topical steroid creams and other steroid-based medication.
3. Genetics: More than 32% of the cases of psoriasis have been linked to genes. In case of identical twins, if one twin has the disease,the other has a 70% chance of getting it too. There are several genes associated with the disease- most of these genes are related to the immune system. T cells (lymphocytes which affect cell specific immunity) can also cause psoriasis.
4. Other diseases: Diseases like strep throat, chronic infections, skin infections and stress may be responsible for the condition. Other factors like obesity, alcoholism, skin dryness and smoking can also lead to psoriasis.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

It is a chronic autoimmune skin disease, in which the skin cells form a mass of scales. Usually, these patches of skin, which are dry, red and itchy, occur on the skin of the back, scalp, palms, knees, elbows and around the fingernails and toenails. But some people have the patches all over the body. The patches may also crack, flake and bleed. While there is no definite cure, the symptoms can be managed and treated.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis may vary from patient to patient. However, if more than two of the following signs are seen, it is likely that psoriasis is the causative condition:

• A sharp and localized pain in the joints accompanied by stiffness
• Soreness in the throat
• Tiny depressions in the nails or large brown patches under the nails
• The diseased patches of skin can crack, peel and bleed
• Swelling and tenderness of the limbs
• Dental plaque
• Muscle pain due to the swollen bands of connective tissue
• A whitish and silvery mass of scales surrounded by red patches of stinging, itchy skin
• The appearance of blisters or rashes on the dry scaly skin and also along the nails
• Bumps on the folded skin like back of the knees, armpits etc.

Causes of Psoriasis

• HIV: Human Immuno-deficiency Virus adversely affects the immune system and increases susceptibility of all kinds of infections and diseases. HIV-positive individuals have been found to have an increased risk of psoriasis than HIV-negative people.
• Medication: Anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory and blood pressure medicines can cause psoriasis as a side effect. The disease is also an effect of withdrawal from topical steroid creams and other steroid-based medication.
• Genetics: More than 32% of the cases of psoriasis have been linked to genes. In case of identical twins, if one twin has the disease,the other has a 70% chance of getting it too. There are several genes associated with the disease- most of these genes are related to the immune system. T cells (lymphocytes which affect cell specific immunity) can also cause psoriasis.
• Other diseases: Diseases like strep throat, chronic infections, skin infections and stress may be responsible for the condition. Other factors like obesity, alcoholism, skin dryness and smoking can also lead to psoriasis. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma is when the cells in your lymphatic system become cancerous. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting off diseases, which may attack your body. Initially, tumors develop from the lymphocytes in your body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common than the other type of lymphoma which is Hodgkin lymphoma. There are various types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the most common of which are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Here is everything you need to know about Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Symptoms
1. Swollen lymph nodes: A swollen lymph node in the neck, underarm and armpit which comes about without any pain is a very common symptom of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Fever: When you have a sudden unexplained fever, it may be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
3. Night sweats: Night sweats are simply when you sweat excessively in the night.
4. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired can be due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
5. Weight loss: A sudden unexplained loss of weight is a very common symptom of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
6. Itchiness: An itchy skin is a rather serious indicator of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Causes
Just like other forms of cancer, it is not known what causes Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but there are factors, which put you more at risk compared to others.

Risk factors
1. Immunosuppressive drugs: You are most likely to develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, especially after taking immunosuppressive drugs after a major organ transplant.
2. Bacteria and viruses: Certain bacterial and viral infections cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma including the HIV and Epstein-Barr virus as well as the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
3. Pesticides: Research suggests that overexposure to the pesticides which kill weeds increases your likelihood of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
4. Age: Elder people are also more likely to suffer from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment
1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy comprises of administering drugs to kill the cancerous cells, either through injection or orally which kill cancer.
2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy deals with radiation which is directed at the parts of your body affected by cancer.
3. Medications to enhance the immune system: There are many medications which fight off cancer by boosting the immune system. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Oncologist.

Massage therapy is not meant only for athletes and people recovering from injuries. Massage therapy is often used to ease pain and soothe knotted muscles. Getting a massage not only benefits you physically, but also eases stress and benefits your mental health. Apart from these, getting a massage also has a few long term benefits that may surprise you. Let’s have a look at three such surprise benefits of booking an appointment with the masseuse.

1. It makes your skin glow: If you’ve ever had a facial in a spa or beauty parlour, you know it would be incomplete without a massage. Getting a massage improves blood circulation. It encourages the lymphatic system to rid the skin of toxins and rejuvenates skin cells while also carrying away metabolic waste from the muscles and other internal organs. Thus good blood circulation ensures that your skin is healthy and has a fresh glow. Getting a massage can also help keep your skin looking younger and slow down the aging process. Lastly, a massage is also said to be able to reduce stretch marks and scar tissue. Using the right oil can further help make your kin glow. Some oils worth trying are almond oil, apricot oil, olive oil and lavender oil.
2. It boosts immunity: A massage can also strengthen your immune system and protect you against infections and diseases. A 45 minute massage can increase your lymphocyte count. Lymphocytes are essentially white blood cells that help the body fight infections. A massage can also reduce the number of cytokines present in the body. a lowered cytokine level reduces your risk of suffering from conditions such as asthma and cardio vascular diseases. Additionally, a massage also lowers the cortisol or stress hormone levels and vasopressin levels.
3. It improves the quality of your sleep: The quality of your sleep plays a vital role in your overall health. Getting a massage can reduce fatigue and help people of all ages get a better sleep. Studies show that massages increase the delta waves which are connected to falling into a deep sleep. This explains why many people fall asleep on the massage table itself. A massage also helps manage anxiety and calms the mind making it easier for people to fall asleep at the end of the day.

To experience all the benefits of massage therapy, make visiting the masseuse a regular affair. This is one form of pampering that is well worth the time and expense. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease where the skin cells form a mass of scales. These patches of skin are dry, red and itchy. It is an autoimmune disease which usually occurs on the skin of the back, scalp, palms, knees, elbows and around the fingernails and toenails, but some people have the diseased patches of skin all over the body. The patches may also crack, flake and bleed. The condition has no definite cure but the symptoms can be treated and managed.

Causes of Psoriasis

The following factors are proven to have contributed to cases of psoriasis:

1. Genetics
More than 32% of the cases of psoriasis have been linked to genes. In case of identical twins, if one twin has the disease, the other has a 70% chance of getting it too. There are several genes associated with the disease and most of these genes are related to the immune system. T cells (lymphocytes which affect cell specific immunity) can also cause psoriasis.

2. HIV
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus adversely affects the immune system and increases susceptibility of all kinds of infections and diseases. HIV-positive individuals have been found to have an increased risk of psoriasis than HIV-negative people.

3. Other diseases
Diseases like strep throat, chronic infections, skin infections and stress may be responsible for the condition. Other factors like obesity, alcoholism, skin dryness and smoking can also lead to psoriasis.

4. Medication
Anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory and blood pressure medicines can cause psoriasis as a side effect. The disease is also an effect of withdrawal from topical steroid creams and other steroid-based medication.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis may vary from patient to patient. However, if more than two of the following signs are seen, it is likely that psoriasis is the causative condition:

1. A whitish and silvery mass of scales surrounded by red patches of stinging, itchy skin
2. The appearance of blisters or rashes on the dry scaly skin and also along the nails
3. Bumps on the folded skin like back of the knees, armpits etc.
4. Diseased patches of skin can crack, peel and bleed
5. A sharp and localized pain in the joints accompanied by stiffness
6. Soreness in the throat
7. Tiny depressions in the nails or large brown patches under the nails
8. Swelling and tenderness of the limbs
9. Dental plaque
10. Muscle pain due to the swollen bands of connective tissue