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Look after your Health. Follow all instructions of Doctors. Cooperate with Family Members. Avoid FALLs. SLOW DOWN. Keep busy. LAUGH. Detach yourself from possessions. Keep some cash handy for Emergency. SLEEP for 7-8 HRS daily. Let us remain useful to our society. Live in the PRESENT. WALK everyday. Do your own work as far as possible.

Devesh @ 9826556880
C/o. Mahaveer Medicals & Surgicals
Dev & Group
has informed us that he would be giving special discount to Senior Citizens on purchase of medicines from his above shop located on the rosd from 11No Bus Stop to Hanuman Mandir. He may also deliver at Home within Arera Colony for regular supplies.

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Ambulance would be used to attend to cancer patients at their residences. It will also be used by sick senior citizens to get treatment in Hospitals. For this they will be suitably charged to provide funds for the maintenance of the Ambulance.

The ambulance would also be used to provide health care to poor senior citizens in and around Bhopal. This would also include free medicines and doctor's examination.

 

Certain natural changes take place in the heart as a result of aging, but the prescriptions for good heart health remain the same. Eat well and exercise regularly, regardless of your age. If you're over 65 and haven't been active, see your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

Your heart may get smaller. The number of heart muscle cells decreases with age and some degenerate. As a result, your heart may become weaker and pump less blood. Your heart valves may thicken and narrow. For some people, this could decrease the forward flow of blood, causing chest pain and shortness of breath over time. Your arteries may thicken and become less pliant, leading to high blood pressure. The electrical system that causes the heart to beat may change, showing changes in an ECG (this is not usually serious in people without heart disease).

Remaining physically active is important, regardless of your age. And doing so might help fight off natural age-related changes in the cardiovascular system. A study in Circulation found that older athletes, on average in their 60s, had blood vessels that functioned as well as those of athletes in their 20s. "This study demonstrates that regular physical activity can protect aging blood vessels" . "Long-term exercise protects the inner lining of the blood vessels from age-related changes and makes them behave more like those of a young person."
In 2000, a study by the Honolulu Heart Program found that walking more than 1.5 miles a day reduced heart disease risk in older individuals. "You do not need to be an athlete to get these beneficial effects from exercise" . "Aerobic activity, five days a week, rather than intensive training, might just do the trick."

Certain natural changes take place in the heart as a result of aging, but the prescriptions for good heart health remain the same. Eat well and exercise regularly, regardless of your age. If you're over 65 and haven't been active, see your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

Natural changes as the heart ages:

Your heart may get smaller.

The number of heart muscle cells decreases with age and some degenerate. As a result, your heart may become weaker and pump less blood.

Your heart valves may thicken and narrow. For some people, this could decrease the forward flow of blood, causing chest pain and shortness of breath over time.

Your arteries may thicken and become less pliant, leading to high blood pressure. The electrical system that causes the heart to beat may change, showing changes in an ECG (this is not usually serious in people without heart disease).

Running Away from Aging

Remaining physically active is important, regardless of your age. And doing so might help fight off natural age-related changes in the cardiovascular system. A study in Circulation found that older athletes, on average in their 60s, had blood vessels that functioned as well as those of athletes in their 20s. "This study demonstrates that regular physical activity can protect aging blood vessels" . "Long-term exercise protects the inner lining of the blood vessels from age-related changes and makes them behave more like those of a young person."

In 2000, a study by the Honolulu Heart Program found that walking more than 1.5 miles a day reduced heart disease risk in older individuals. "You do not need to be an athlete to get these beneficial effects from exercise" . "Aerobic activity, five days a week, rather than intensive training, might just do the trick."

The Power of Positive Thinking

Yale researchers found that older people exposed to positive ideas about aging lowered their blood pressure under mild stress, while those exposed to negative ideas saw sharp increases in their blood pressure. In the study of people aged 62 and older, participants sat in front of computer screens while words flashed so quickly that they couldn't be recognized. Some people were shown positive words such as "wisdom" and "insightful" while others were shown negative stereotypes of aging such as "senile" and "decrepit." Afterwards, participants were given stressful math and verbal tasks and their blood pressures were measured.

Coconut Water

‘It’s a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood. It’s the fluid of life, so to speak.’

Coconut Water is More Nutritious – Less fat and NO cholesterol!

Coconut Water is More Healthy – Much lower calories

Coconut water is naturally sterile — Water permeates though the filtering husk!

Coconut water is the very stuff of Nature, biologically Pure, full of Natural Sugars, Salts, and Vitamins to ward off fatigue… and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural!’, according to Mortin Satin, Chief of the United Nation’s Food & Agriculture Organization.

Coconut water contains more potassium (at about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks..

Coconut water has less sodium (25mg) where sports drinks have around 41mg and energy drinks have about 200mg!

Coconut water has 5mg of Natural Sugars where sports and energy drinks range from 10-25mg of Altered Sugars.

Coconut water is very high in Chloride at 118mg; compared to sports drinks at about 39mg.

Data is based on a 100ml drink

Frequently Asked Questions on Medical Policies

What medical situations does a Mediclaim policy cover?
Answer: Mediclaim policies settle hospital bills that incur as a result of ailments or accidental injuries suffered by the policy owners during the policy period.

What is the age limit for people who wish to take out a medical policy?
Answer: As per policy rules, the age limit for children is 3 months to 5 years if either of their parents is covered simultaneously. For others it is between 5 to 80 years.

What is the amount of tax benefit?
Answer: Policy premiums up till Rs.10,000/- are exempted from tax under Section 80 D of the Income Tax Act as on March 31, 2007.

What health policies are available for people from low-income groups?
Answer: People from low-income groups can avail the benefits of the Jan Arogya Bima Policy.

What policy is available for cancer patients?
Answer: Members of the Indian Cancer Society may use the Cancer Medical Expense Policy while members of the Cancer Patients Aid Association are eligible for the Cancer Insurance policy.

What systems of medicine are covered under Mediclaim policies?

Answer: Presently, only the Allopath, Ayurvedic and Unanipathy systems of medicine are covered by Mediclaim policies.

Does a Mediclaim policy covers illnesses, diseases or accidents that occur in other states of India or abroad?
Answer: A Mediclaim Policy is valid for health problems that happen anywhere in the world provided that treatment is received in India.

What happens if I have to undergo a treatment like dialysis and I am discharged on the same day?
Answer: When treatments such as Dialysis, Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy are received in a hospital and the insured patient is discharged on the same day, the treatment is grouped under the Hospitalization Benefit Scheme.

What about an eye operation through Laser Capulsotomy?
Answer: An operation of the eye done by Laser Capulsotomy comes under the Hospitalization Benefit Scheme of a Mediclaim Policy.

Can my dependants avail benefits under my Mediclaim policy if another policy currently covers them?
Answer: No coverage is allowed if your spouse or other dependants are covered under other Mediclaim Policies.

How do you define continuous treatment?
Answer: Continuous treatment is the treatment given to a patient for a particular ailment at a stretch. It includes all relapses within 45 days from the date of last consultation with the doctor or hospital. Any occurrence after 45 days will be considered a new ailment.

How are payments of claims made?
Answer: All medical treatment for which Mediclaim protection is desired should be received in India only. Payment of all claims will be made in Indian currency.

( Also see below a report on ARTHRITIS: CAUSES, TREATMENTS & PREVENTION )

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Forum now provides free consultations to ALL Senior Citizens as per the following programme.

1. Dr S S Yasikar (Diabetese specialist) Third Sunday 11AM to 12.30 AM
2. Dr H H Trivedi (Physician and Cardiologist) Third Sunday 11 AM to 1200hrs
3. Dr Gurdeep Singh (Eye Specialist) Second Sunday 1200 hrs to 1PM
4. Dr S L Patidar (Orthopaedic Specialist) Everyday 1600hrs to 1700hrs

(Except Sunday)


5. Dr Subhash Sharma (Old age problems) Every Saturday 1700 to 1800 hrs
6. Dr Nidhi Patel (Gynocologist) Every Mondat 1700 to 1800 hrs
7. Dr R K Trivedi (Ayurvedacharya) Sunday, Tuesday and Friday 1200 to 1300hrs

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What are the seven secrets of success? I found the answer in my room!
Fan said: BE COOL,
Roof said: AIM HIGH,
Window said: SEE THE WORLD,
Clock said: EVERY MINUTE IS PRECIOUS,
Mirror said: REFLECT BEFORE YOU ACT,
Calender said: BE UP TO DATE,
Door said:PUSH HARD FOR YOUR GOALS!...... ........ Good day

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Author: Rick Kulkarni, MD, Medical Director, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Section of Emergency Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Updated: Apr 28, 2009
Swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses.
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been reported worldwide. In 2009, cases of influenzalike illness were first reported in Mexico on March 18; the outbreak was subsequently confirmed as swine influenza A.1 Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of swine influenza in Mexico. Suspected clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states. Although only 18 of the Mexican cases have been laboratory-confirmed as Swine Influenza A/H1N1 (12 of them genetically identical to Swine Influenza A/H1N1 viruses from California),1 approximately 1,600 cases and 103 deaths have been attributed to swine influenza in Mexico.2 Cases of swine influenza were subsequently confirmed in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom (Scotland), with suspected cases in France, Israel, and Brazil.
On April 26, 2009, the US Department of Health and Human Services declared a national public health emergency involving swine influenza A, citing its significant potential to affect national security.3 In the United States, 64 confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported as of April 28, 2009, in California (10 cases), Kansas (2 cases), New York (45 cases), Ohio (1 case), and Texas (6 cases).4 All affected patients have had mild influenzalike illness, with only two requiring brief hospitalization. No deaths have been reported in the United States.
Unlike typical influenza, most cases of swine influenza have occurred in previously healthy young adults.1
Government and public health officials are monitoring this situation worldwide to assess the threat from swine influenza and to provide guidance to health care professionals and the public. Because the situation is changing rapidly, it is important to check regularly for changes in recommendations as new information becomes available. Online resources for daily guidance include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Morbidity and Mortality
Swine influenza tends to cause high morbidity but low mortality rates (1%-4%). At the time of this writing during the 2009 outbreak (April 28, 2009), 149 deaths in Mexico have been attributed to swine influenza, with 22 of those deaths confirmed as resulting from the infection. In the United States, all cases of swine influenza in humans have been mild, with only two patients requiring brief hospitalization, and no deaths have been reported.
Symptoms
Manifestations of swine influenza are similar to those of seasonal influenza. Patients present with symptoms of acute respiratory illness, including at least 2 of the following:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches
Headache
Chills and fatigue
Diarrhea and vomiting (possible)
Persons with these symptoms should call their health care provider promptly. If an antiviral agent is warranted, it should ideally be initiated with 48 hours from the onset of symptoms (see Medications). The duration of illness is typically 4-6 days.
Viral Strain and Testing
Outbreaks of swine influenza are common in pigs year-round. Historically, when humans have become infected, it is a result of close contact with infected pigs. However, the current virus is a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus not previously identified in humans, and it appears to be spread by human-to-human transmission. The WHO has raised its pandemic alert level for swine influenza to phase 4, which signifies sustained community-wide outbreaks of human-to-human transmission.
In the current 2009 outbreak in the United States, preliminary testing has shown that, in all cass, the viruses have the same genetic pattern. The virus is being described as a new subtype of influenza A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans.
Clinicians should consider the possibility of swine influenza virus infections in patients who present with febrile respiratory illness. The CDC criteria for suspected swine influenza are as follows:5
Acute febrile respiratory illness in a person who resides in a community with onset (1) within 7 days of close contact with a person who has a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection or (2) within 7 days of travel to community (within the United States or internationally) where one or more swine influenza A (H1N1) cases have been confirmed.
Acute febrile respiratory illness in a person who resides in a community where at least one swine influenza case has been confirmed.
If swine flu is suspected, the clinician should obtain a respiratory swab for swine influenza testing and place it in a refrigerator (not a freezer). Once collected, the clinician should contact his or her state or local health department to facilitate transport and timely diagnosis at a state public health laboratory.
Laboratories should send all influenza A specimens that they are unable to subtype to the Viral Surveillance and Diagnostic Branch of the CDC's Influenza Division as soon as possible for further diagnostic testing.6
Treatment Recommendations
Treatment is largely supportive and consists of bedrest, increased fluid consumption, cough suppressants, and antipyretics and analgesics (eg, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for fever and myalgias. Severe cases may require intravenous hydration and other supportive measures. Antiviral agents may also be considered for treatment or prophylaxis (see Medications).
Patients should be encouraged to stay home if they become ill, to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to wash their hands often, and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. The CDC recommend the following actions when human infection with swine flu is confirmed in a community:6
Home isolation
Patients who develop flulike illness (ie, fever with either cough or sore throat) should be strongly encouraged to self-isolate in their home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
To seek medical care, patient should contact their health care providers to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital.
Patients who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or who are believed to be severely ill should seek immediate medical attention.
If the patient must go into the community (eg, to seek medical care), he or she should wear a face mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community when coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing. If a face mask is unavailable, ill persons who need to go into the community should use tissues to cover their mouth and nose while coughing.
While in home isolation, patients and other household members should be given infection control instructions, including frequent hand washing with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. Patients with swine influenza should wear a face mask when within 6 feet of others at home.
Household contacts who are not ill
Remain home at the earliest sign of illness.
Minimize contact in the community to the extent possible.
Designate a single household family member as caregiver for the patient to minimize interactions with asymptomatic persons.
School dismissal and childcare facility closure
Strong consideration should be given to close schools upon a confirmed case of swine flu or a suspected case epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case.
Decisions regarding broader school dismissal within these communities should be left to local authorities, taking into account the extent of influenzalike illness within the community.
Cancelation of all school or childcare related gatherings should also be announced.
Encourage parents and students to avoid congregating outside of the school if school is canceled.
Duration of schools and childcare facilities closings should be evaluated on an ongoing basis depending on epidemiological findings.
Consultation with local or state health departments is essential for guidance concerning when to reopen schools. If no additional confirmed or suspected cases are identified among students (or school-based personnel) for a period of 7 days, schools may consider reopening.
Schools and childcare facilities in unaffected areas should begin preparation for possible school closure.
Social distancing
Large gatherings linked to settings or institutions with laboratory-confirmed cases should be canceled (eg, sporting events or concerts linked to a school with cases); other large gatherings in the community may not need to be canceled at this time.
Additional social distancing measures are currently not recommended.
Persons with underlying medical conditions who are at high risk for complications of influenza should consider avoiding large gatherings.
Patient education
Patients should be referred to the eMedicine Health article Swine Flu.
Medications
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir, and the CDC has issued interim guidance for the use of these drugs to treat and prevent infection with swine influenza viruses.7 As part of its preparation for the emergency, the US Department of Homeland Security is releasing 25% of stockpiled antiviral agents (ie, oseltamivir [Tamiflu], zanamivir [Relenza]).
The usual vaccine for influenza administered at the beginning of the flu season is not effective for this viral strain. Also, other antiviral agents (eg, amantadine, rimantadine) are not recommended because of recent resistance to other influenza strains documented over the past several years.
Basic supportive care (ie, hydration, analgesics, cough suppressants) should be prescribed. Empiric antiviral treatment should be considered for confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of swine influenza. Treatment of hospitalized patients and patients at higher risk for influenza complications should be prioritized.
Initiation of antiviral agents within 48 hours of symptom onset is imperative for providing treatment efficacy against influenza virus. In studies of seasonal influenza, evidence for benefits of treatment is strongest when treatment is started within 48 hours of illness onset. However, some studies of treatment of seasonal influenza have indicated benefit, including reductions in mortality or duration of hospitalization, even in patients in whom treatment was started more than 48 hours after illness onset. The recommended duration of treatment is 5 days.7
Prophylaxis with antiviral agents should also be considered in the following individuals (pre-exposure or postexposure):
Close household contacts of a confirmed or suspected case who are at high risk for complications (eg, chronic medical conditions, persons 65 y or 5 y, pregnant women)
School children at high risk for complications who have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case
Travelers to Mexico who are at high risk for complications (eg, chronic medical conditions, persons 65 y or 5 y, pregnant women)
Health care providers or public health workers who were not using appropriate personal protective equipment during close contact with a confirmed or suspected case
Pre-exposure prophylaxis can be considered in the following persons:
Any health care provider who is at high risk for complications (eg, chronic medical conditions, adults >65 y, pregnant women)
Individuals not considered to be at high risk but who are nonetheless traveling to Mexico, first responders, or border workers who are working in areas with confirmed cases
Antiviral Agents
Drugs indicated for treatment of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus include neuraminidase inhibitors (ie, oseltamivir and zanamivir).
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Oseltamivir inhibits neuraminidase, which is a glycoprotein on the surface of influenza virus that destroys an infected cell's receptor for viral hemagglutinin. By inhibiting viral neuraminidase, this agent decreases the release of viruses from infected cells and, thus, viral spread. Oseltamivir is effective in the treatment of influenza A or B and must be administered within 48 hours of symptom onset. The sooner the drug is administered after symptom onset, the better the likelihood of a good outcome. Oseltamivir reduces the length of illness by an average of 1.5 days. (In a subgroup of high-risk patients, illness was reduced by 2.5 d.) In addition, the severity of symptoms is also reduced.
Oseltamivir is available as 30-mg, 45-mg, and 75-mg oral capsules and as a powder for suspension that contains 12 mg/mL after reconstitution.
Adult dose
Treatment for acute illness: 75 mg PO bid for 5 d
Prophylaxis: 75 mg PO qd
Pediatric dose
Treatment for acute illness and age 1 year
3 months: 12 mg PO bid
3-5 months: 20 mg PO bid
6-11 months: 25 mg PO bid
Treatment for acute illness and age >1 year
15 kg: 30 mg PO bid
15-23 kg: 45 mg PO bid
23-40 kg: 60 mg PO bid
40 kg: Administer as in adults
Prophylaxis and age 1 year
3 months: Data limited; not recommended unless situation judged critical
3-5 months: 20 mg PO qd
6-11 months: 25 mg PO qd
Prophylaxis and age >1 year
15 kg: 30 mg PO qd
15-23 kg: 45 mg PO qd
23-40 kg: 60 mg PO qd
40 kg: Administer as in adults
Zanamivir (Relenza)
Zanamivir inhibits neuraminidase, which is a glycoprotein on the surface of the influenza virus that destroys the infected cell's receptor for viral hemagglutinin. By inhibiting viral neuraminidase, release of viruses from infected cells and viral spread are decreased. Zanamivir is effective against both influenza A and B. The preparation of zanamivir is in powder form for inhalation via the Diskhaler oral inhalation device. Circular foil discs that contain 5-mg blisters of drug are inserted into the supplied inhalation device. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions that may decrease ability to inhale drug should be given oseltamivir.
Adult dose
Treatment for acute illness: 10 mg inhaled orally bid for 5 d
Prophylaxis of household contact: 10 mg inhaled orally qd for 10 d (initiate within 36 h)
Prophylaxis for community outbreak: 10 mg inhaled orally qd for 28 d (initiate within 5 d of outbreak)
Pediatric dose
Treatment for acute illness
7 years: Not established
7 years: Administer as in adults
Prophylaxis in household contact
5 years: Not established
5 years: Administer as in adults
Prophylaxis in community outbreak
Adolescents 12-16 years: Administer as in adults
Additional pediatric considerations
Aspirin or aspirin-containing products (eg, bismuth subsalicylate [Pepto Bismol]) should not be included in the treatment of confirmed or suspected viral infection in persons aged 18 years or younger because of the risk of Reye syndrome. For relief of fever, other antipyretic medications (eg, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are recommended.
Pregnant women
Oseltamivir and zanamivir are "Pregnancy Category C" medications, indicating that no clinical studies have been conducted to assess the safety of these medications in pregnant women. Because of the unknown effects of influenza antiviral drugs on pregnant women and their fetuses, oseltamivir or zanamivir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the embryo or fetus; the manufacturers' package inserts should be consulted. However, no adverse effects have been reported among women who received oseltamivir or zanamivir during pregnancy or among infants born to women who have received oseltamivir or zanamivir. Pregnancy should not be considered a contraindication to oseltamivir or zanamivir use. Because zanamivir is an inhaled medication and has less systemic absorption, some experts prefer zanamivir over oseltamivir for use in pregnant women, when feasible.7

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by Natalie Katsman

Arthritis affects about 40% of Americans and about 50% of people worldwide. This ailment is more common than cancer and heart problems and dates back thousands years. It is believed that the famous Roman baths were created not only for hygiene purposes, but to help ancient people ease the aches and pains in the joints. What is happening and why?

There are two most common forms of arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. RA is an autoimmune disorder when the body attacks its own cells, which often results in joint destruction. OA is wear and tear arthritis that comes with age or because of improper diet or lifestyle.

Cartilage, the joint lining, that acts as a shock absorber consists of water and though protein fibers, collagen. Collagen matrix, that gives cartilage its strength and shape, is insulated by a net of proteglucans. They are filled with water to protect and nourish the cartilage. Proteglucans are long molecular chains that include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – two important building blocks.

Glucosamine is essential to production of water-binding proteins in cartilage, and chondroitin sulfates draw fluids that provide the ease of movement and attract nutrients for cartilage repair. Injury, wear, corrosive enzymes can damage this protection, and cartilage loses the ability to repair itself. It gradually deteriorates and forms clefs and crevices that impede movement and cause pain.

Traditional approach to treating joint pain is well known: the pain is suppressed with NASDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.). Calming the symptoms, these drugs simply mask the problem, while the joints keep deteriorating. Luckily, there are other ways to deal with arthritis. Research shows that supplementing your body with the two important cartilage building elements – Glucosamine and Chondroitin – can aid in joint restoration.

Another useful nutrient is MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) - a form of sulfur found in many common foods: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and eggs. MSM helps to relieve pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. In addition, it boosts blood supply, lessens muscle spasms and softens scar tissue.

Capsium - cayenne pepper extract (Yes! That hot spice!) has been found to be helpful in arthritis pain relief.

Emu Oil - due to its small molecular weight, Emu Oil easily penetrates skin membrane and delivers its soothing relief to sore joints. Its anti-inflammatory properties make preparations with Emu Oil more and more popular among health professionals and sportsmen.

Last but not least, your lifestyle and habits can help you avoid the discomfort. Folks who maintain their body in shape and enjoy an active lifestyle have much smaller risk to develop osteoarthritis. OA hits weight-bearing joints first. If joints have to manage extra weight, the cartilage is worn out faster than it can repair itself. Despite the belief that osteoarthritis sufferers should not exercise, research proves the opposite.

Moderate exercise helps to keep joints healthy. Even if they are already affected by arthritis, making them work stimulates the restoration process. Here is a small exercise you can do to keep your knee joints in shape: bend your knees as if you were going to do at sit-up. Keeping your knees close together, move them in circular motions clockwise and then in reverse direction.

You might not feel like moving when your arthritis reminds of itself with burning pain, but a combination of diet, moderate exercise, supplements and topical preparations can prevent it and allow you to enjoy your favorite activities.

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Morning Tea 1 cup
Breakfast : 200gm Milk or 1 Egg, 'missi roti' or 'poha' or 'daliya' 60 gms, one fruit 150 gms
Lunch : 80 gms 'chapati' or rice, 25 gms 'dal', curd 150 gm, vegetables 1 cup, salad and soup. Cooking oil to be restricted to two small spoons.
Evening tea, snacks to be non-fried 1bout 60 gms.
Dinner as in Lunch
(Taken from X-Man journal. Additional information available with Smt Amita Singh, Cottage No. 4, Ahmedabad Palace Rd, Kohefiza, Bhopal. (TEL 9827255476) )

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The geriatric population in many parts of the India is underserved by dentistry. Socioeconomic problems, difficult access to dental facilities, and confusion about the need for dental care often prevent the elderly from seeking dental service. Because dental diseases are not life threatening or outwardly disabling, administrators of institutions for the elderly and legislators place a low priority on dental care for the elderly. These factors working in concert with the insidious, progressive, and cumulative nature of denture diseases contribute to the poor dental health experienced by some segments of the geriatric population.

Dentistry has the manpower and the technology to improve the oral health of the elderly, but society must be made aware of the importance of dental health in the total health of elderly persons in order that dentistry be given a chance to achieve that goal.

Older people and people with chronic illness tend to have the following major problems in maintaining mouth hygiene:

Lack of dexterity and skill to co-ordinate hand movements to brush effectively;

A moderate to severe drying of the mouth due to reduced salivary flow and or long-term medication.

The mouth is a repository for millions of bacteria, as is well known. When the saliva flow is reduced, food particles tend to stick on or between tooth surfaces. Stagnation occurs due to lack of proper flushing out of food remnants.

Add to that the difficulty in gargling and you have a scene where gum disease and dental decay take over.

Gum disease is a source of septic focus of infection and can have far reaching effects on the body like fatigue, debility, uncontrolled diabetic levels, plantar pain, knee and joint pain.

Dental caries attacks usually occur at the neck of the teeth and cause them to break off. Brittle fracture of the teeth is very common.

As people age, over a period of years many teeth would probably have been lost. Missing teeth also makes for poor chewing abilities leading to poor digestion and subsequent gastric problems like constipation.

Since fibrous food is difficult to eat due to lack of teeth there is a tendency by the aged to opt for softer, non-fibrous food.

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The care of aged dentition involves assessing needs and improving the quality of life. If it is possible to wheel him in to a dental office, an assessment will bring to light the difficulties faced. A general cleaning procedure, a check for dental decay and basic fillings can be done. Fluoride treatment can help to control decay and hypersensitivity. Dentures, which are basic but comfortable, can be fabricated in order to improve chewing and digestion. A quarterly recall would be very useful.

Home dental care: Brush with a standard brush or an automatic brush, if hand movements are restricted.

Gargling frequently after eating or drinking anything. If this is not possible, at least small sips of water to remove food particles are a must.

Mouth wash containing fluoride or anti-plaque mouthwashes at least after major meals are recommended if the patient is able to spit normally.

Well fitting dentures to be worn only during the day, need to be carefully cleaned with suitable cleansers after every meal and kept aside, soaked in antiseptic-laced water overnight.

Drinking water and eating fibrous food is planned by serving balanced meals.

In the elderly and the debilitated it is seen that there is often a dulling of the senses and a general lack of personal interest. It is for the family who care about their well being to help.

Good dental care, along with large doses of love and encouragement, can provide total care for someone you love totally!

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Cataract or 'Motiabind' is the common cause for visual impairment. It can be either due to birth defects (Congenial cataract) or due to some disease (Complicated cataract) or more commonly due to old age (Senile Cataract)

The development of Senile cataract is due to the normal aging process and usually becomes notriceable after the age of 60 years. Exposure to dust and sun are the main causes of its development.Earlier the deposits on the lens were required to be broken up and removed. This was usually done only after a certain stage of opaqueness (maturing or 'ripening'). Now one can easily replace the lens by an artificial lens. This is possible at any stage when the patient feels handicapped due to loss or clarity of vision.

ECCE or Extracapasular Cataract Extraction and PHACOEMULSIFICATION are the two techniques for the cataract surgery.

(Continued)

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Young, healthy adults age 20 or older should have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. You may need yours checked more often if any of these is true:

• You are a man who is age 45 or older.
• You are a woman who is age 55 or older or who has gone through menopause.
• You have heart disease.
• You have high cholesterol, risk factors for high cholesterol, or risk factors for heart disease.

When it comes to heart disease, each of these cholesterol levels matters.

• Total blood cholesterol level. This is a measurement of all the cholesterol in your blood, which includes both LDL - known as the bad cholesterol - and HDL - known as the good cholesterol. The higher your total blood cholesterol, the greater your risk for heart disease. In general, a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is considered desirable. Depending on your health, you may need to aim for a level lower than this.
• LDL cholesterol level. LDL is short for low-density lipoprotein. LDL cholesterol is known as the bad, or least desirable, cholesterol because this is the type that may build up inside your arteries. The higher your LDL level, the greater your risk for heart disease. If you have CHD, an LDL of less than 100 mg/dL is generally considered desirable.
• HDL cholesterol level. HDL is short for high-density lipoprotein. HDL cholesterol is known as the good, or highly desirable, cholesterol because this type helps remove excess cholesterol from your blood. A low level of HDL is a major risk factor for heart disease. A high level of HDL lowers your risk. A level of 40 mg/dL or more is considered desirable. A level of 60 mg/dL or more is considered a "negative risk factor" - that is, it helps to offset other risk factors for CHD.

The levels that are desirable for you depend on whether you have other risk factors for heart disease or already have heart disease. Your doctor can tell you what levels you should be aiming for.
The only way to know whether you are reducing your risk for heart disease or controlling your heart disease is to visit your doctor on a regular basis. You need regular physical exams as well as tests. These allow your doctor to monitor your cholesterol levels, your blood pressure, and possibly the condition of your heart. If you need to lose weight, your doctor will want to check how well you are doing that, too. Your doctor will tell you how often to come back for visits and any tests. This will depend on your health and your risk factors. For instance, if you are between the ages of 40 and 50 and you have high blood pressure or you have high cholesterol, your doctor may want to see you every 6 months to check that your levels are being managed successfully. However, if you have recently had a heart attack or heart surgery, you may need to see your doctor every couple of months for the next year. Follow your doctor's advice about scheduling exams.

By checking your condition, your doctor can tell:

• whether you need to make further changes to your diet or exercise
• whether you need to start taking medicine or whether your current medicine is working.

Here's what you can expect your doctor to review with you during your visit:


• any adjustments that you've made or problems you've had with your treatment plan
• any blood tests needed to check your cholesterol levels
• any blood tests you may need to monitor changes in your body caused by the medicines you take
• your blood pressure

any symptoms that suggest complications from your condition or your medicines


• other medical problems
• all the medicines you're taking
• any changes in your lifestyle that might affect your treatment plan

Your checkups are also a good time for you to ask any questions you have about your treatment.

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Life after 60 should not be looked as an end of a lifetime's work. It should be seen as the beginning of a new chapter. It should be viewed as another climb in the lfe's ladder, gentler this time with more time for living, loving and caring. You are a treasure house of experience. You can impart that experience to the youngsters around you. View your life with an up-beat positive attitude.
There is nothing wrong in sitting back but it should be done so in satisfaction and comfort. You can now look at your children and appreciate the efforts they make to stand on their own.

What should the main priorities in my life be?

The main priorities should be health, physical activity and relaxation, family, friends and financial comfort.
Do not crib or find fault. Do not let frustrations or your limitations get the better of you. Try to adjust with family and society. Think of what you can do rather than what you cannot. With this positive attitude, your time will be well-spent and your life will be fuller and richer.
We have millions of elders who sadly are still forced to work to earn and fend for themselves. We should collectively help these people lead a life of comfort with not only the basic essentials of food, clothing, healthcare and shelter but also compassion and care. (From seniorindian.com)

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Gracefully accept that life is a hard nut to crack
So long we are in this body, pain is bound to come. Accept it and live on.
The life is a never ending game of learning, that includes failures.
None else but we only are responsible for our plight
Nothing is permanent than change. Bad and good times come and go.
Unfair treatment of the life is sometimes against you and sometimes in favour of you.

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Solitude, Buchholz says, is the need to retreat psychologically-and sometimes physically-to modify stimulation and to "reconstitute how one functions by one's self." In other words, space to breathe. But people have preconceived notions about solitude, that somehow it's a negative thing. Because even the dictionary definition of solitude includes terms like "isolation" and "lonely," Buchholz prefers to use the term "alonetime" instead of solitude. Alonetime helps you learn who you are. To function at your peak, you need to know yourself, and alonetime provides time for self-examination. The degree of solitude we each require is partly inborn and partly learned. People who are more introverted will feel a greater need for solitude than those who are extroverted. But from a very early age, we all need at least some alonetime; Buchholz notes that the need for alonetime is probably present from birth. "We would not survive very well if we didn't have some self-regulatory and alone skills to help us achieve a balance between stimulation and lack of stimulation," she says. "Nature provides time alone in sleep, but our society is so geared toward attachment and engagement and 'busyness,' that alonetime has been lost."

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(Taken from an article by Carla Johnson, Associated Press)
Antioxidant vitamins taken by tens of millions of people around the world won't lead to a longer life, according to an analysis of dozens of studies that adds to evidence questioning the value of the popular supplements.

The large review of separate studies on thousands of people found no long-life benefit from vitamins A, E and C and beta carotene and selenium.

However, some experts said it's too early to toss out all vitamin pills — or the possibility that they may have some health benefits. Others said the study supports the theory that antioxidants work best when they are consumed in food rather than pills.

An estimated 80 million to 160 million people take antioxidants in North America and Europe, about 10 to 20 percent of adults, the study's authors said. And last year, Americans spent $2.3 billion on nutritional supplements and vitamins at grocery stores, drug stores and retail outlets, excluding Wal-Mart, according to Information Resources Inc., which tracks sales.

The new study, appearing in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association, was led by the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group at Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark. The Cochrane organization is a respected international network of experts that does systematic reviews of scientific evidence on health interventions.

For the new report on antioxidants, the researchers first analyzed 68 studies involving 232,606 people and found no significant effect on mortality — neither good nor bad — linked to taking antioxidants.

When they eliminated the lower-quality studies and looked only at the most trustworthy ones, they actually found a higher risk of death for people taking vitamins: 4 percent for those taking vitamin E, 7 percent for beta carotene and 16 percent for vitamin A. The actual cause of death in most studies was unknown, however.

Those findings are based on an analysis of 47 studies involving 180,938 people who were randomly assigned to get real vitamins or dummy pills. Some involved superdoses far exceeding the recommended daily amount of the compounds; others involved normal doses.

Some experts who reviewed the research were dismissive of the increased death risk and the analysis overall, saying it pooled studies that were too diverse.

However, the study's senior author, Dr. Christian Gluud of Copenhagen University Hospital, said, "The main message is that prevention by beta carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E cannot be recommended. These three antioxidant supplements may increase mortality."

Gluud said most of the studies didn't reveal why those taking supplements died, but "in all likelihood, what they died from is what people normally die from, maybe accelerated artherosclerosis, maybe cancer."

Antioxidant supplements have been tested repeatedly by many clinical trials with no consistent clear evidence for their health effects, Gluud said.

"We have had this huge industry really wanting to demonstrate an intervention effect that has gone to lengths to do so," Gluud said. "Sadly enough for the industry, and for us as consumers, it has failed to do so."

Preliminary studies suggested antioxidants might block the heart-damaging effects of oxygen on arteries and the cell damage that might encourage some kinds of cancer.

But some researchers now believe antioxidants work only when they are in food, or that people who eat vitamin-rich food are healthier simply because they take better care of themselves. And beta carotene supplements have been found to increase lung cancer risk in smokers.

Meir Stampfer, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, said the new analysis hasn't discouraged him from taking his vitamins.

Stampfer said the studies were too diverse to pool together because they looked at various combinations and doses of antioxidants tested in different groups of people. The trials ranged from a three-month study of 109 elderly nursing home residents to a 12-year study of 22,071 male doctors.

"This study does not advance our understanding, and could easily lead to misinterpretation of the data," said Stampfer, who was not connected to the new report.

The complaints were echoed by Andrew Shao, a scientist at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement trade association.

"Only when they included and excluded certain trials were they able to find this alleged increase in mortality, which they themselves can't explain," Shao said. "There is plenty of data out there that show regular use of antioxidant supplements help to maintain health."

Donald Berry, chairman of the department of biostatistics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, said the analysis persuades him antioxidants have no measurable health benefits, but he disagrees with the researchers' finding of an increase risk of dying.

"There are so many choices you can make when you're doing these analyses," he said.

Alice Lichtenstein, a professor of nutrition science and policy at Tufts University who was not involved with the research, said the study's main message is: "Rely on food to get your nutrients."

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