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7 Pains You Should Never Ignore

2008-06-12T14:58:00.001+05:30

7 Pains You Should Never Ignore

These common aches could very well be nothing -- or something far, far worse. Plus three things you really don't have to worry about.By Allen St. John
Most of the time, it's good that the little Vince Lombardi sitting on our shoulder tells us to shut up and play through the pain, otherwise we'd never get anything done. On the other hand, there are a few instances in which we can actually talk ourselves out of existence.

That's what happened to NBC reporter David Bloom. While covering the war in Iraq from his specially outfitted armored vehicle, he began to feel pain behind his knee. He reportedly sought out medical advice by satellite phone, decided not to follow the advice -- "Go to a doctor" -- popped a few aspirin, and kept right on going. Three days later, Bloom died of a pulmonary embolism caused by deep-vein thrombosis. He was 39.

The ache that Bloom blew off is one of seven pains that no man should ever ignore. And no, this isn't negotiable.

1. Sudden Groin Pain

Not as severe as a shot to the crotch, but pretty close. Sometimes accompanied by swelling.

The condition: Odds are it's something called testicular torsion. Normally, a man's testicles are attached to his body in two ways: by the spermatic cords, which run into the abdomen, and by fleshy anchors near the scrotum. But sometimes, in a relatively common congenital defect, these anchors are missing. This allows one of the spermatic cords to get twisted, which cuts off the flow of blood to the testicle. "If you catch it in 4 to 6 hours, you can usually save the testicle," says Jon Pryor, M., a urologist with the University of Minnesota. "But after 12 to 24 hours, you'll probably lose it." Another possible cause of the pain in your pants: an infection of the epididymis, your sperm-storage facility.

The diagnostics: A physical examination, possibly followed by an ultrasound. Antibiotics can stifle an infection.

And if your testicles are doing the twist? A surgeon will straighten the cord, then construct artificial anchors with a few stitches near the scrotum.

2. Severe Back Pain

Similar to the kind of agony you'd expect if you'd just tried to clean-and-jerk an armoire. The usual remedies -- heat, rest, OTC painkillers -- offer no relief.

The condition: "If it's not related to exercise, sudden severe back pain can be the sign of an aneurysm," says Sigfried Kra, MD, an associate professor at the Yale school of medicine. Particularly troubling is the abdominal aneurysm, a dangerous weakening of the aorta just above the kidneys. But don't worry; eventually, the pain subsides -- right after your body's main artery bursts. A less threatening possibility: You have a kidney stone. More pain, but you'll only wish you were dead.

The diagnostics: A CT scan using intravenous radiopaque dye does the best job of revealing the size and shape of an aneurysm. Once its dimensions are determined, it'll be treated with blood-pressure medication or surgery to implant a synthetic graft.

3. Persistent Foot or Shin Pain

A nagging pain in the top of your foot or the front of your shin that's worse when you exercise, but present even at rest. It's impervious to ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

The condition: It's probably a stress fracture. Bones, like all the other tissues in your body, are continually regenerating themselves. "But if you're training so hard that the bone doesn't get a chance to heal itself, a stress fracture can develop," explains Andrew Feldman, MD, the team physician for the New York Rangers. Eventually, the bone can be permanently weakened.

The diagnostics: Radioactive dye reveals the fracture in the X-ray, and you'll be told to stop all running until the crack heals. Worst case, you'll be in a cast for a few weeks.

4. Sharp Pain in the Abdomen

All the metaphors apply -- knife in the gut, bullet in the belly, skewer in the stomach -- except this attack is from within.

The condition: Take your pick. Since the area between your ribs and your hips is jam-packed with organs, the pain can be a symptom of either appendicitis, pancreatitis, or an inflamed gallbladder. In all three cases, the cause is the same: Something has blocked up the organ in question, resulting in a potentially fatal infection. Exploding organs can kill a guy. See a doctor before this happens.

The diagnostics: If the pain is in your lower-right abdomen and your white-blood-cell count is up, says Dr. Kra, it's probably appendicitis (out comes the appendix). Pain in your upper abdomen with high white blood cells usually spells an inflamed gallbladder (goodbye, gallbladder). And if it hurts below your breastbone and certain enzymes in the blood are elevated, then pancreatitis is probably the culprit. (The pancreas stays, but a gallstone may be blocking things up. If so, the stone and the gallbladder may have to come out.)

5. Transient Chest Pain

Not a type of pain that strikes only homeless people, but a heavy ache that comes on suddenly and then goes away just as quickly. Otherwise, you feel fine.

The condition: It could be indigestion. Or it could be a heart attack. "Even if it's very short in duration, it can be a sign of something serious," says John Stamatos, MD, medical director of North Shore Pain Services in Long Island and author of Painbuster. Here's how serious: A blood clot may have lodged in a narrowed section of a coronary artery, completely cutting off the flow of blood to one section of your heart. How much wait-and-see time do you have? Really, none. Fifty percent of deaths from heart attacks occur within 3 to 4 hours of the first symptoms. You're literally living on borrowed time.

The diagnostics: A blood test checks for markers of damaged heart tissue. Treatment: angioplasty or bypass.

6. Leg Pain with Swelling

Specifically, one of your calves is killing you. It's swollen and tender to the touch, and may even feel warm, as if it's being slow-roasted from the inside out.

The condition: Just sit in one place for 6 or more hours straight and wait for the blood that pools in your lower legs to form a clot (a.k.a. deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT). Next thing you know, that clot will be big enough to block a vein in your calf, producing pain and swelling. Unfortunately, the first thing you'll probably want to do -- rub your leg -- is also the worst thing. "It can send a big clot running up to your lung, where it can kill you," warns Dr. Stamatos.

The diagnostics: A venogram, in which dye is injected into the vein and then X-rayed, is the definitive way to diagnose DVT. They'll try to dissolve the clot with drugs, or outfit vulnerable veins with filters to stop a clot before it stops you.

7. Painful Urination

Relieving yourself has become an exercise in expletives. Also, you could swear (and you do) that your yellow stream has a rusty tint.

The condition: Worst case? Bladder cancer, according to Joseph A. Smith, M.D., chairman of the department of urologic surgery at Vanderbilt University. The pain and the blood in your urine are symptoms of this, the fourth most common cancer in men. Smoking is the biggest risk factor. Catch the disease early, and there's a 90% chance of fixing it. Bladder infections share the same symptoms.

The diagnostics: It's a sick joke, but true nonetheless: They'll diagnose by process of elimination. Urinalysis first, to rule out bugs, followed by inserting a scope to look inside the bladder. A tumor will be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic

2008-05-26T18:28:00.003+05:30

Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic

Choosing fresh foods can help you feel better and preserve the environment

Regardless of diet, organic foods are a
smart priority. Opting for organic foods is an effectual choice for personal and
planetary health. Buying organically grown food--free of harmful chemicals,
bursting with more nutrition, taste, and sustainable sustenance--is a direct
vote for immediate health and the hopeful future of generations to come.

Article continues below...

1. Avoid Chemicals

Eating organically grown
foods is the only way to avoid the cocktail of chemical poisons present in
commercially grown food. More than 600 active chemicals are registered for
agricultural use in America, to the tune of billions of pounds annually. The
average application equates to about 16 pounds of chemical pesticides per person
every year. Many of these chemicals were approved by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) before extensive diet testing.

The National Academy of Sciences reports that 90% of the chemicals
applied to foods have not been tested for long-term health effects before being
deemed "safe." Further, the FDA tests only 1% of foods for pesticide residue.
The most dangerous and toxic pesticides require special testing methods, which
are rarely if ever employed by the FDA.

2. Benefit from More Nutrients

Organically
grown foods have more nutrients--vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and
micronutrients--than commercially grown foods because the soil is managed and
nourished with sustainable practices by responsible standards. The Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine conducted a review of 41 published
studies comparing the nutritional value of organically grown and conventionally
grown fruits, vegetables, and grains and concluded that there are
significantly more of several nutrients in organic foods crops.

Further, the study verifies that five servings of organically grown
vegetables (such as lettuce, spinach, carrots, potatoes, and
cabbage) provide an adequate allowance of vitamin C, whereas the same number of
servings of conventionally grown vegetables do not.

On average, organically grown foods provide: • 21.1% more
iron (than their conventional counterparts) • 27% more vitamin C •
29.3% more magnesium • 13.6% more phosphorus

3. Enjoy Better Taste

Try it! Organically
grown foods generally taste better because nourished, well balanced soil
produces healthy, strong plants. This is especially true with heirloom
varieties, which are cultivated for taste over appearance.

4. Avoid GMO

Genetically engineered (GE)
food and genetically modified organisms (GMO) are contaminating our food supply
at an alarming rate, with repercussions beyond understanding

GMO foods do not have to be labeled in America. Because organically
grown food cannot be genetically modified in any way, choosing organic is the
only way to be sure that foods that have been genetically engineered stay out of
your diet.

5. Avoid Hormones, Antibiotics and Drugs in
Animal Products

Conventional meat and dairy are the highest risk foods for
contamination by harmful substances. More than 90% of the pesticides Americans
consume are found in the fat and tissue of meat and dairy products.

The EPA reports that a majority of pesticide intake comes from
meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products because these foods are
all high on the food chain. For instance, a large fish that eats a smaller fish
that eats even smaller fish accumulates all of the toxins of the chain,
especially in fatty tissue. Cows, chickens, and pigs are fed animal parts,
by-products, fish meal, and grains that are heavily and collectively laden with toxins and
chemicals. Lower-fat animal products are less dangerous, as toxins and chemicals
are accumulated and concentrated in fatty tissue.

Antibiotics, drugs, and growth hormones are also directly
passed into meat and dairy products. Tens of millions of pounds of antibiotics are used in animal feed every year. The union of
concerned scientists estimates that roughly 70% of antibiotics produced in the United States are fed to animals
for nontherapeutic purposes.

US farmers have been giving sex hormones and growth hormones to cattle to
artificially increase the amount of meat and milk the cattle produce without requiring extra feed. The
hormones fed to cows cannot be broken down, even at high temperatures. Therefore
they remain in complete form and pass directly into the consumer's diet when
meat is eaten.

Hormone supplementation is the biggest concern with beef, dairy products, and farmed fish. In the United States,
the jury is still out. However, Europe's scientific community agrees that there
is no acceptably safe level for daily intake of any of the hormones currently
used in the United States and has subsequently banned all growth hormones.

The major concerns for US consumers include the early onset of
puberty, growth of tumors, heightened cancer risks, and genetic problems. Growth
hormones in milk (rBGH or rBST) are genetically modified and have been
directly linked to cancer, especially in women.

Many scientists and experts warn that rampant use of antibiotics in animal feed, like penicillin and tetracycline,
will breed an epidemic that medicine has no defense against. Karim Ahmed, PhD, a
senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) states that it
"is perhaps one of the most serious public health problems the country faces.
We're talking about rendering many of the most important antibiotics ineffective."

Choosing organic animal products is unyieldingly important,
especially for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

6. Preserve Our Ecosystems Organic farming
supports eco-sustenance, or farming in harmony with nature.

Preservation of soil and crop rotation keep farmland healthy, and
chemical abstinence preserves the ecosystem. Wildlife, insects, frogs, birds,
and soil organisms are able to play their roles in the tapestry of ecology, and
we are able to play ours, without interference or compromise.

7. Reduce Pollution and Protect Water and Soil

Agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers are contaminating
our environment, poisoning our precious water supplies, and destroying the value of fertile farmland.
Certified organic standards do not permit the use of toxic chemicals in farming
and require responsible management of healthy soil and biodiversity.

According to Cornell entomologist David Pimentel, it is estimated
that only 0.1% of applied pesticides reach the target pests. The bulk of
pesticides (99.%) is left to impact the environment.

8. Preserve Agricultural Diversity

The rampant loss of species occurring today is a major environmental concern. It is
estimated that 75% of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost
in the last century.

Leaning heavily on one or two varieties of a given food is a
formula for devastation. For instance, consider that only a handful of varieties
of potatoes dominate the current marketplace, whereas thousands of
varieties were once available.

Now, dig back to recent history's potato famine in Ireland, where a
blight knocked out the whole crop, which consisted of just a few varieties, and
millions of people died of starvation. Today, most industrial farms also grow
just one crop rather than an array of crops on one piece of land. Ignorance is
bliss? Or amnesia is disastrous? Crop rotation is a simple and effective
technique used in organic agriculture to reduce the need for pesticides and
improve soil fertility.

Most conventional food is also extremely hybridized to produce
large, attractive specimens, rather than a variety of indigenous strains that
are tolerant to regional conditions such as droughts and pests. Many organic
farms grow an assorted range of food, taking natural elements and time-tested
tradition into account. Diversity is critical to survival.

9. Support Farming DirectlyBuying organic
food is an investment in a cost-effective future. Commercial and conventional
farming is heavily subsidized with tax dollars in America. A study at Cornell
University determined the cost of a head of commercial iceberg lettuce, typically purchased at 49 cents a head, to be
more than $3.00 a head when hidden costs were revealed. The study factored in
the hidden costs of federal subsidies, pesticide regulation and testing, and
hazardous waste and cleanup.

Every year, American tax dollars subsidize billions of dollars for
a farm bill that heavily favors commercial agribusiness. Peeling back another
layer of the modern farming onion reveals a price tag that cannot be accurately measured
but certainly includes other detrimental associated costs such as health
problems, environmental damage, and the loss and extinction of wildlife and
ecology.

10. Keep Our Children and Future Safe

Putting our money where our mouths are is a powerful position to take
in the $1 trillion food industry market in America. Spending dollars in the
organic sector is a direct vote for a sustainable future for the many
generations to come.

Benefits of Drinking Water Oversold?

2008-04-08T13:59:00.002+05:30

Benefits of Drinking Water Oversold?

Researchers Say Evidence Is Lacking for Benefits of
Drinking 8 Glasses of Water a Day

By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD
Medical News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

April 2, 2008 -- The health benefits of drinking water, at least for already
healthy people, may have been oversold, according to a new report. The findings
will likely disappoint water-bottle-toting Americans and relieve those who can
never seem to down those eight glasses of water a day, widely recommended for
our health.

But there is nothing magical about those eight glasses, at least when it
comes to proven health benefits, according to a new report. "There is no clear
evidence of benefit from drinking increased amounts of water," writes Stanley
Goldfarb, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, and the senior author of an editorial on the topic in the
Journal of the AmericanSociety of Nephrology.

On the other hand, he adds, "There is also no clear evidence of lack
of benefit." There's a general lack of evidence either way.

Those doctors and others who have been recommending drinking eight glasses of
water aren't basing it on anything scientific, according to Goldfarb. He
concludes that most healthy people don't have to worry about drinking eight
glasses every day.

He emphasizes he is talking about healthy people with kidneys that function
well. And he points out that people who live in hot, dry climates do need to
drink more water to avoid dehydration, as do those who engage in vigorous
exercise.

(How much water do you drink each
day? What other liquids? Talk with others on WebMD's Health Cafe message
board.)

Health Benefits of Drinking Water: Search for Evidence

Goldfarb was curious about where the longstanding recommendation about eight
daily glasses of water originated. "In my mind it wasn't that drinking this
extra water would hurt you, but that you might not have to."

So he combed through medical literature dating back to the early 1970s,
trying to find the science to back up the advice.

Turns out, there is no single study and no single outcome that led to the
recommendation becoming popular, he says. Somehow, it took on a life of its
own.

Goldfarb and his University of Pennsylvania colleague, Dan Negoianu, MD, next
examined some popular claims about the health benefits of drinking water, trying
in each case to find scientific evidence.

"We looked at the evidence of some of the so-called urban myths that have
grown up about drinking water," Goldfarb says.

Drinking lots of water is widely thought to help improve kidney function and
boost the clearance of toxins. One way it could do this, Goldfarb says, is by a
mechanism called glomerular filtration, a measure of the kidney's ability to
filter and remove waste products.

But in one study the researchers looked at, increased water intake by 12
young and healthy people actually decreased their glomerular filtration
rate. And in another study, the rate did not change over time during a
six-month period in which older men drank more water to try to improve bladder
function.

In other research, increased water intake was found to affect the clearance
of many substances by the kidneys, including sodium. But the studies don't prove
any sort of clinical benefit, Goldfarb says.

"What almost certainly happens is, any toxins the kidney is responsible for
excreting simply get diluted when the person is drinking a lot of water,"
Goldfarb says.

Claim No. 2: Drinking Water Helps Your Organs Work Better

Water is retained in various organs, so the thinking goes, and they work
better with more water in them.

But Goldfarb and Negoianu say how much water is retained varies with the
speed with which the water is taken in. If it's sipped, it's more likely to stay
in the body than when gulped.

Even so, they could find no studies documenting that increased water intake
helped the organs.

Claim No. 3: Drinking Water Reduces Food Intake and Helps You Lose
Weight

Drinking more water is widely encouraged to help weight loss, the theory
being that the more water you drink, the fuller you will feel and the less you
will eat. "The [medical] literature on this is quite conflicted," Goldfarb
says.

"Drinking before a meal might decrease intake [according to one study], but
another study found [it did] not."

Even so, Goldfarb calls this claim one of the most promising for further
study.

Claim No. 4: Drinking Water Improves Skin Tone

"From a quantitative sense, this doesn't make sense," Goldfarb says. The
water you drink will be distributed throughout the body. "Such a tiny part of it
would end up in the skin," he says.

"It turns out one small study showed there might be an increase in blood flow
in those who drink [a lot of] water, but no one has ever looked scientifically
[to see if it improves skin tone]."

Claim No. 5: Drinking Water Wards Off Headaches

Headache sufferers often blame water deprivation. But Goldfarb could only
find one study that looked at this. The study participants who boosted their
water intake had fewer headaches than those who did not, but the results were
not statistically significant, meaning they could have been chance findings

The report provides interesting -- and sometimes surprising -- information,
says David Baron, MD, a family physician and chief of staff at Santa Monica-UCLA
Medical Center & Orthopaedic Hospital, Calif., who reviewed it for
WebMD.

The most surprising finding, he says, was the lack of a scientific link found
between drinking a lot of water in order to eat less. "I thought [the suggestion
that] filling up your stomach with water might help lose weight makes sense," he
says.

The report isn't dismissing the need to drink a healthy amount of fluids, he
says. It simply showed no scientific basis to the recommendation to drink eight
glasses of water daily.

"There is a lot of individual variation" in exactly how much water or fluid
people need," he says.

Most of us, he says, are OK "by trusting our instincts" about how much to
drink. "If you have a normal heart, normal kidneys, and normal thirst mechanism,
it's not likely you will get dehydrated if there is a sufficient supply of
fluids available," he says, and drink when thirsty.

Drinking Water: A Placebo Effect?

Might drinking a lot of water make us think we feel better, look better, and
function better? Could there be a placebo effect to those eight daily
glasses?

"I'm certain there is," Goldfarb says. "The placebo effect is very
strong."

And if you're still convinced lots of water does your body good? No problem.
"People say they feel stronger and healthier if they drink more water," he
says. "That's fine. If they enjoy that benefit, so be it. [But] those who
don't feel that way shouldn't feel obligated to drink the eight glasses."

New Strength Training Advice for Kids

2008-04-08T13:56:00.000+05:30

New Strength Training Advice for Kids

Get a Checkup First, Don't Overdo It, and Don't Start
Before Age 7, Says American Academy of Pediatrics

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Medical
News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

April 7, 2008 -- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued revised
guidelines on strength training for children and teens.

Teri McCambridge, MD, chair of the
AAP's Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness, says the revisions include more
specific recommendations about kids and teens who need further medical
evaluation prior to being cleared for strength training.

"The main groups include children with a prior history of childhood cancers,
uncontrolled hypertension
[high blood
pressure], and congenital heart defects," McCambridge tells WebMD in an
email.

The revised guidelines also include a chart describing the different
certifications for strength trainers and the requirements required to get the
certifications. "We thought this was important because many health clubs are
designing strength training programs for children and we wanted parents to be
comfortable with their credentials," says McCambridge.

Overall, "we continued to emphasize that although strength training is safe
and effective in children and preadolescents, we continue to recommend playing
sports as the best way to improve skills and have fun," says McCambridge.

Here are other highlights from the guidelines, published in April's edition
of Pediatrics:

Don't start before kids are 7-8 years old. Kids' balance and posture don't
mature until then.
Before starting strength training, kids and teens should get a medical
checkup.
Follow proper techniques, with strict supervision by a qualified instructor.
Warm up for 10-15 minutes.
Strength-train for at least 20-30 minutes, then cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Address all major muscle groups, including the core muscles
Start with light weights and focus on technique.
Use control; don't slam the weights up and down.
Many strength-training machines are designed for adults; free weights may be
a better option for kids.
Don't strength-train the same muscles every day. Two to three times per week
is enough; more sessions may lead to injury.
When the child or teen can do 8-15 repetitions easily, add weight in 10%
increments.

The AAP also recommends aerobic
exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate fluid
intake.

Consistency counts, too. It takes at least eight weeks for strength training
to start showing results, and those results are lost about six weeks after
quitting strength training, according to the AAP.

The AAP doesn't support Olympic weight lifting in
kids and teens who are still growing, though McCambridge and colleagues note
several studies showing it to be safe.

Of course, the AAP condemns using anabolic steroids and other
performance-enhancing substances.

Thwart Genital Warts

2008-04-08T13:52:00.001+05:30

Thwart Genital Warts: Don’t Sleep Around

Odds of Getting Genital Warts Increase With Number of
Sexual Partners, Study Shows

By Kelley Colihan
WebMD Medical
News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

April 3, 2008 -- Nearly 6% of sexually active people surveyed reported that
they have been diagnosed with genital warts, with 25-to-34-year-old women reporting the
greatest percentage.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey looked at 8,849 sexually
active men and women aged 18 to 59 from 1999 to 2004.

Ten percent of young women aged 25-34 reported being diagnosed with genital
warts (peak for women), compared with 6% of men aged 35-44 (peak for men).

More Sexual Partners, Higher Risk

The more sexual partners a person reported, the greater their chances of
having been diagnosed with genital warts.

Nearly 2% of people with one to two partners report having been diagnosed.
3% of people with three to five partners report having been diagnosed.
7.2% with six to 10 partners report having been diagnosed.
Nearly 11% of people with 10 or more partners report having been diagnosed.

More Diagnoses Among Whites

Whites were more likely to report having been diagnosed with genital warts
than African-Americans or Mexican-Americans:Â Â Â

Nearly 7% of whites reported having been diagnosed with genital warts
4% of African-Americans reported having been diagnosed
2 1/2% of Mexican-Americans reported having been diagnosed

Uncircumcised Fared Better

Circumcision appeared to have an effect on rates of genital warts:

4 1/2%Â of circumcised men reported having genital warts
2.4% of uncircumcised men reported having genital warts

Genital Warts: A Common STD

Genital warts, a common sexually transmitted disease in the United States,
are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Researchers say more than 90% of
genital warts are brought on by two strains of HPV, types 6 and 11.

A vaccine to prevent these two strains of HPV (and two other strains) was
approved two years ago for girls and women aged 9 to 26 years old. The CDC
recommends that 11- and 12-year-old girls receive the vaccination, which is
given in three shots.

The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women aged 13 to 26 who haven't
completed vaccination already.

HPV Vaccine Controversy

Some 20 states have drawn up bills requiring that young women get the vaccine
(which is sold by the name Gardasil). That has generated controversy, with Texas
legislators shooting down the governor's bid to require all 11- and 12-year-old
girls to have the vaccine by September 2008.

The CDC says that about half of all sexually active women and men in the U.S.
will have a genital HPV infection at some time in their lives. Most HPV
infections are cleared by the body.

The survey appears in the April issue of Sexually Transmitted
Diseases.

Psoriasis: 7 New Genetic Clues

2008-04-08T13:47:00.000+05:30

Psoriasis: 7 New Genetic Clues

Newly Discovered Genetic Variations May Make Psoriasis
More Likely, Study Shows

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Medical
News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

April 3, 2008 -- Scientists have discovered seven genetic variations linked
to psoriasis.

If confirmed in other studies,
those gene variants may make good targets for new psoriasis drugs, note the
researchers, who included Anne Bowcock, PhD, genetics professor at Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

"Common diseases like psoriasis are incredibly complex at the genetic level,"
Bowcock says in a news release. "Our research shows that small but common DNA
differences are important in the development of psoriasis. Although each
variation makes only a small contribution to the disease, patients usually have
a number of different genetic variations that increases their risk of psoriasis
and psoriatic
arthritis."

Bowcock's team compared DNA from 223 psoriasis patients (including 91 with
psoriatic arthritis) and 519 people
without psoriasis, and also from two other large groups of people with and
without psoriasis.

Through those comparisons, the researchers identified seven genetic
variations linked to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and confirmed other
variations already linked to psoriasis.

One of the newly discovered variants is in a genetic region tied to four
other autoimmune diseases: celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, Grave's disease, and
rheumatoid
arthritis.

Further studies are needed to confirm the findings, Bowcock and colleagues
note in the April 4 online edition of Public Library of Science
Genetics.

Feed Your Heart Right

2008-04-08T13:43:00.001+05:30

Feed Your Heart Right

WebMD Feature from "Shape" Magazine

By Kyle Shadix, R.D.

We’ve developed a day’s worth of delicious, easy
recipes that incorporate 15 heart-saving foods.

BREAKFAST

yogurt-orange
granola-parfait

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes

2 cups plain lowfat yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
1 cup lowfat
granola
2 oranges, peeled and divided into segments

In a small bowl, combine yogurt and honey. Put a scoop of the mixture in the
bottom of an 8- to 10-ounce parfait glass. Follow with a scoop of granola and
another scoop of yogurt mixture. Top with orange segments and a sprinkle of
granola and serve.

Nutrition score per serving (1 cup):
174 calories, 1 g fat (5% of
calories), 0 g saturated fat, 39 g carbs, 4 g protein, 2 g fiber, 117 mg
calcium, <1 mg iron, 89 mg sodium

LUNCH

flaked-salmon salad
with black beans

Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–20 minutes

12 ounces boneless salmon fillet
2 cups broccoli florets
1 15.5-ounce
can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
Salt and
pepper to taste
4 cups torn assorted salad greens (trimmed, washed, and
dried)
1 bunch fresh basil leaves
2 carrots, peeled and shaved into long
strips

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup bottled
fat-free vinaigrette
Juice of 1 large lemon, plus more to taste, if
necessary
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the salmon in a small roasting pan. Cook for 10
to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish (plan on 10 minutes per
inch), or until an instant-read thermometer registers 140°F. Remove salmon from
oven and set aside. Once salmon cools, flake into bite-size pieces with a
fork.

Meanwhile, bring a 2-quart saucepan filled with water to a boil. Add broccoli
and boil for 1 minute, or until broccoli turns bright green. Pour into a
colander and rinse under cold running water. Shake to remove as much water as
possible and place broccoli in a large bowl.

Make vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, fat-free vinaigrette, lemon juice,
and Dijon. Toss broccoli with the vinaigrette. Set aside. In another bowl,
combine salmon, black beans, and grape tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, if
desired.

Divide salad greens and basil on four plates. Top with broccoli and salmon
mixture, garnish with shaved carrots, and serve.

Nutrition score per serving (2 1/2 cups):
293 calories, 11 g fat
(33% of calories), 2 g saturated fat, 29 g carbs, 23 g protein, 10 g fiber, 126
mg calcium, 3 mg iron, 628 mg sodium

DINNER

pork tenderloin with
spiced cherry compote

Serves 4
Prep time: 3 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

1 16-ounce pork tenderloin
1 tablespoon chopped
fresh rosemary
Salt
and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

FOR THE COMPOTE
1 cup cold orange juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 cup
dried tart cherries, divided
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle
pork with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spritz an ovenproof skillet with cooking
spray. Over medium heat, sear the pork on all sides, about 2 minutes or until
browned. Place skillet in the oven.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse orange juice, cornstarch, half the
cherries, and cayenne pepper. Place mixture in a large heavy saucepan and add
remaining cherries. Cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens,
about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and let sauce cool in pan.

Roast pork about 10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted
into center registers 155°F. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes, then slice into
medallions. Divide among four plates. Spoon sauce over pork and serve.

barley-almond pilaf

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup pearl
barley
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bunch scallions, sliced
Salt
and pepper to taste
1/4 cup toasted almonds, crushed

Heat olive oil in a medium-size heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onion
and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add barley and stir constantly for
2 minutes. Pour chicken broth into the pan with the barley and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until barley is almost tender, about 25
minutes. Add scallions, stir, and cover the pan again. Cook 3 minutes.

Remove pilaf from heat and let stand 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with toasted almonds and serve.

garlic sautéed
swiss chard

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

3 large garlic cloves
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 large bunches Swiss
chard, well-washed, drained, and spun dry, coarse stems discarded
Salt and
pepper to taste

Slice garlic into thin strips and set aside. In a large heavy skillet, heat
olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and sauté
until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Remove garlic slices from pan and
set aside.

Add Swiss chard to garlic-infused oil and sauté for about 3 minutes. Using
tongs, flip chard and continue cooking 2 minutes, or until chard is wilted but
still bright green.

Season with salt and pepper, toss in garlic, and serve.

Nutrition score per serving (4 oz. pork, 1/4 cup compote, 3/4 cup
barley, 1 cup Swiss chard):
503 calories, 14 g fat (25% of calories), 2 g
saturated fat, 74 g carbs, 23 g protein, 12 g fiber, 102 mg calcium, 4 mg iron,
141 mg sodium

Diet and Nutrition

2008-02-02T05:54:00.000+05:30

Frequently Asked Questions
About Diet and Nutrition

How much weight do I need to lose to gain health benefits?

Answer:
Small amounts of weight loss achieved in a healthful manner is most beneficial. Losing as little as 5% of body weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, fasting blood sugar, and blood triglycerides. Being overweight increases the risk for many chronic diseases, and losing small amounts of weight can improve your health and slowly help you reach a healthier weight. We encourage you to make small changes in your eating and physical activity patterns that you can sustain over time, which will slowly help you lose weight permanently.

My doctor says I need to eat more fiber. What are some good sources?

Answer:
You are not alone; the average adult only eats 12-17 grams and should be eating 25-38 grams per day. There are two basic types of fiber - soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber, found in whole grains, bran, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, adds bulk to your diet and aids in normal elimination. Soluble fiber, found in oats, beans, peas, apples, blueberries, dates, and pears, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

To increase your intake of dietary fiber, start by reading labels and choosing foods that have a few grams of fiber per serving. Kick-start your day with a bowl of whole-grain cereal or bran cereal with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving and top it with fresh fruit. At lunch, choose whole-wheat bread and add veggies to your sandwich or select a salad and top with veggies, beans, and nuts. Enjoy whole grains at dinner along with more fruit and vegetables. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids while increasing your fiber intake to minimize any gastrointestinal discomfort.

Are over-the-counter weight loss supplements helpful in losing weight?
Answer:
Diet pills rarely lead to permanent weight loss. The best method for weight loss is the tried-and-true formula of good eating habits and plenty of exercise. Using over-the-counter weight loss drugs is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Save your money and spend it on nutritious foods. Get in touch with your hunger and appetite instead of relying on supplements that are uncontrolled by the FDA and often have no scientific proof of effectiveness. Some diet pills contain ephedra, an herbal supplement that has been linked to heart attack, stroke, and sudden death.

Experts agree, the best way to lose weight is to get regular physical activity and eat meals made up of foods that satisfy hunger and control appetite. Include a source of lean or low fat protein at all meals and snacks along with high-fiber fruit, vegetables, or whole grains for the most satiating meals.

How much water should a normal, healthy adult drink on a daily basis to avoid dehydration?
Answer:
We get water from all of the foods and beverages in our diet. Eight glasses (8 oz each), or two quarts, is a good rule of thumb; however, new recommendations suggest using thirst as the guideline for how much fluid to drink each day. Individual fluid needs vary from person to person. Pay attention to thirst as well as the color and odor of your urine. Dry mouth and concentrated (dark) urine are good indicators that you need more fluids. Dry environments, heat, and physical activity, especially during warm weather, all increase hydration needs. Both young children and older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration.Keep in mind your body constantly loses water as it evaporates from your skin. Individuals with larger body surfaces and those who perspire more will lose greater amounts of water through evaporation.

Can I eat dairy foods even if I am sensitive to milk?
Answer:
Individual tolerance to foods such as dairy can range from no problems to severe gastrointestinal upset. Some people suffer from lactose intolerance and need to strictly avoid all foods containing lactose such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Many individuals have a limited tolerance or a sensitivity to lactose and can only tolerate small amounts of dairy products. The best approach for these people is to choose cultured yogurts, aged cheeses, and lactobacillus milk. Try small amounts of dairy with other foods and gradually increase the amount of dairy as tolerated.

Is sleep important to weight loss?
Answer:
Getting a few more hours sleep each night will not automatically result in weight loss; however, if you are not getting enough sleep, it may be slowing down your weight loss journey. Recent research suggests that hunger hormones get out of sync when you are sleep deprived and a good night’s rest can get them back on track. Sleeping at least seven hours/night can get your hunger hormones functioning properly and help you feel more energetic during the day.

Is it better to get vitamins and minerals from food or from supplements?
Answer:
A pill cannot possibly be a substitute for a healthy diet. Food first is always the best approach because food not only contains vitamins and minerals but also nutrients, phytochemicals, antioxidants, calories, and fiber – all important for your body. There is a synergistic relationship between all of the food components that work in tandem to promote good health. Supplements are designed to "supplement" or provide nutritional insurance for the inevitable nutrient gaps in eating plans.

Beyond a daily multivitamin/mineral, are there any additional supplements recommended for healthy adults?
Answer:
Once daily multivitamins/minerals geared for age and sex should take into account the changing needs of adult men and women. If you cannot tolerate dairy and do not eat calcium-fortified foods, you may need additional calcium beyond a multivitamin.

During child-bearing years it is essential for women to get adequate folate and iron in your diet or through supplements. Pregnant and lactating women have increased needs that require a special supplement during these times.
Vegetarians may need to add supplements depending on the foods excluded in their diets. Smokers require an additional 40 milligrams of vitamin C that can easily be obtained from fruits or vegetables.

I want to quit smoking but am afraid of weight gain. What can I do?
Answer:
Congratulations, you are taking the first step toward improved health. Quitting smoking can result in enhanced taste, smell, appetite, and a desire to eat more often. Weight gain can occur if you substitute food for tobacco. Keep your mouth busy with sugarless gum or suck on hard candies. Stock your kitchen with nutritious snacks so you can satisfy urges with fruits, vegetables, or lean protein. Drink plenty of water and avoid empty-calorie foods that can result in weight gain.

How can I control my problem snacking?
Answer:
First, try to figure out why you snack. You may snack because you are bored, tired, or in response to an emotion, such as loneliness; or you may snack because your diet is inadequate. Eat well-balanced meals and allow for nutritious snacks that include lean protein and high fiber fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. Avoid "eating amnesia" when you snack in front of the television or directly from a bag and end up eating much more than you should. Plan your snacks in advance and take along nutritious foods and drinks so you are prepared when the snack attack occurs.

Life after Death

2008-01-30T17:36:00.000+05:30

Life after Death

By Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi

Is there any life for death; if so, what kind of life is it? This question lies far beyond the ken of our perception. We do not have the eyes with which we could see beyond the frontiers of worldly life and find out what lies on beyond it. We do not have the ears with which we could hear anything from beyond these frontiers. Nor do we have any instrument by which we could determine with certainty whether there is any life beyond death. Therefore, the question whether there is any life after death lies completely outside the province of scientific knowledge which is concerned with the classification and interpretation of sense data. Anyone who asserts in the name of science that there is no life after death, therefore, makes a very unscientific statement. Merely on the basis of scientific knowledge, we can neither affirm that there is a life after death nor deny it. Until we discover a dependable means of acquiring knowledge about this matter, the correct scientific attitude would be neither to affirm nor to deny the possibility of life after death. The question is beyond its jurisdiction.
But can we possibly maintain this attitude in life? Can we afford to adhere to this neutrality? Theoretically speaking, this may hold good, but looking to the hard realities of life which we have to face on every turn and pass, our answer would be: certainly not. If we do not have the means to know a thing directly, it is of course possible for us, from a purely rational point of view, to refrain from either affirming or denying it. But if the thing is directly concerned with our everyday life, we cannot maintain that attitude and must either affirm or deny its existence. In order to live a full life on the earth we must have a definite attitude towards such problems. These questions simply cannot be avoided. For instance, if you do not know a person with whom you do not have any dealings, you may refrain from forming an opinion about his integrity and trustworthiness; but if you have to deal with him, you must do so either on the assumption that he is an honest man or on the supposition that he is not. You may also proceed with the idea that, until his honesty is either proved or disproved in practice, you will deal with him on the assumption that his integrity is doubtful. But this manner of dealing with him would, in effect, be no different from the way you would deal with him if you were convinced of his dishonesty. Therefore, a state of doubt between affirmation and denial is possible only as an abstract idea; it cannot form the basis of practical dealings, which require a positive attitude of either affirmation or denial.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH:
A little reflection should help us to see that the question of life after death is not merely a philosophical question; it is deeply and intimately related to our everyday life. In fact our moral attitude depends entirely upon this question. If a person is of the view that the life of this world is the only life and that there is no life of any kind after that, he must develop a particular type of moral attitude. A radically different kind of attitude and approach is bound to result if he believes that this life is to be followed by another life where one will have to render account of all one’s acts in this world and, that one’s ultimate fate in the Hereafter will depend upon one’s conduct in worldly life. Let us try to understand this through a simple example. A person undertakes journey from Lahore to Karachi on the assumption that he is traveling to his final destination, where he will be beyond the reach of the police that could haul him up for an offence, and the jurisdiction of the courts of justice that could bring him to book. Another person undertakes the same journey knowing that it is only the first stage of a longer journey which will carry him, beyond Karachi, to a land overseas which is ruled by the same sovereign as that of Pakistan. He also know that the court of that sovereign has complete secret dossiers of his activities in Pakistan and that this record will be fully examined there in order to decide what position and treatment he deserves by virtue of his past performance. Now, it should be easy to realize how different the conduct of these two travelers of the same train will be. The former will prepare himself only for the journey up to Karachi, whereas the latter will keep in view also the requirements of the further stages of the long journey. The former will assume that all the gains that he can possibly make, or all the losses or harms that he might suffer, will be confined to the journey up to Karachi, and that will be the end of it. The latter, on the other hand, will know that the real gains or losses of the journey will be realized in its last stages and not in the first. The former will keep in view only those results of his actions as are likely to manifest themselves up to the time that he reaches Karachi; the latter’s visit will extend to the long term results likely to unfold themselves in the distant overseas lands where his journey will eventually take him.

Now it is obvious that this difference between the approaches and attitudes of the two travelers results directly from their view of the nature of their journey and its end. Similarly, a person’s views in regard to life after death have a decisive influence upon his moral conduct in this world. The direction of every step that he takes in his practical life will depend upon whether he treats this worldly life as the first and last stage of life, or whether he also has in view the Hereafter and consequences of his conduct in this world or the next one. He will move in one direction in the first instance, and in exactly the opposite direction in the other instance.

From this I should be clear that the question of life after death is not merely a fruitless intellectual or philosophical exercise but a question that intimately concerns and vitally affects our everyday life. There is, therefore no justification for any skepticism in this matter. Any attitude that is determined by skepticism in regard to the Hereafter could not in effect be any different from the one based on a definite rejection of the idea of a life after death. We are, therefore, obliged to make up our minds whether there is a life after death or not. If science can not help us here, we must seek the aid of rational thinking and logical reasoning.

Where Reason Leads to?
But what is the material upon which we could base this logical reasoning?

There is, first, man himself, and then the system of the Universe. We shall, therefore, try to study man against the background of the Universe and see whether all his requirements are fulfilled within this system or whether some of them remain unsatisfied and need some other kind of system for their satisfaction.
Now man has various aspects. First of all, he has a body, which is composed of various minerals, salt, gases and water. The Universe is a vast system containing, from tiny specks of dust to the large planets moving in their orbits. We find ourselves dazzled with the spectacle of a plethora of things: the earth, stones, metals, salts, gases, rivers, oceans, and an unending array of things of the kind. These things need a set of laws to govern their existence and operation, and all these laws are at work within the Universe. They provide a free opportunity for the various elements and forces of nature to play their part in the Universe; similarly the human body has a full and free opportunity to live and work under these laws. Secondly, man is a being who has grown through nourishment derive from the things around himself. Similarly, there are various kinds of trees, plants and herbs in the Universe which are governed by the laws that are essential for growing bodies.
Moreover, man is a living being who moves and acts of his own free will; he procures food for himself, protects himself and ensures the preservation of the species. Again, there are various other beings of this kind in the Universe: on land, in water and in the air, there are myriads of animals whose lives and functions are governed completely by the laws what are sufficient to cover the whole gamut of their activities.
Above all, there is the moral aspect of man’s being, which is endowed with the consciousness of good and evil, the faculty to discriminate between the two, and the power to do good as well as evil. Man’s nature demands that good deeds should have good results and evil deeds should lead to evil consequences. He can discriminate justice from tyranny, truth from falsehood, right from wrong mercy from cruelty, kindness from arrogance, generosity from meanness, trustworthiness from breach of trust and so on and so forth. These qualities are not abstract ideas but are actually experienced in human life and have a deep and far- reaching effect on human culture. Therefore, the nature with which man is endowed strongly demands that his acts should lead inexorably to their moral consequences; in the same way as they lead to their physical effects.
But let us look around and reflect a little deeply upon the system of the Universe. Can the moral consequences of human actions fully unfold themselves in the system? On the basis of the body of knowledge that we possess we can confidently assert that this is not possible, because, for all that we know, there is no other creature in the Universe which is endowed with moral consciousness. The whole system is governed by the physical laws of the Universe, and the moral laws of the human realm are not at work anywhere in their full measure. For instance, money carries both value and weight in human affairs but truth often lacks both. The mango seed always ultimately yields mangoes; the devotee of truth, on the other hand, sometimes receives bouquets but sometimes, rather often, brickbats. The material objects in the world are governed by laws which always lead to certain pre-determined results, but within the dynamics of the working of these laws the operation of the moral forces in the human world is not so manifest. The laws of nature often fail to ensure; and even where we find such consequences they occur only to the extent the law of nature permit. It is a physical world that we live in. And it often happens that the actual consequences of an act under the laws of nature are simply contrary to what the law of ethics demands. Through cultured and civilized life and political organization, man has no doubt striven to some extent to ensure that the acts of man lead to set and pre-ordained moral consequences according to a code of ethics. But these efforts have been on to a code of ethics. But these efforts have been on a very limited scale and extremely deficient. They have been vitiated, on the one hand, by the operation of natural laws, and on the other by man’s own weaknesses and shortcomings.
Let us try to understand this with the help of a few examples. If a person sets fire to the house of an enemy, the house will be gutted; this will be the natural result of the act. The moral consequence of the act should be the punishment of the criminal commensurate with the damage that he has caused to the family whose home he has burnt. But this consequence can come about only if the culprit can be traced and apprehended by the police, the charge against him is proved, the court can estimate fully the loss that his offence has caused to the affected family and its future generations, and then awards to the offender a punishment commensurate with his crime. If any of these conditions is not duly fulfilled, the moral consequence will either not manifest itself at all or will unfold itself only partially; nay, it is quite possible that the culprit may go scot-free and even remain happy and become prosperous after having ruined his enemy.
Let us take another example. We often find that a few people manage, by hook or by crook, to acquire a strong hold over a whole community, which begins to follow him. Taking advantage of this position these leaders bamboozle their people into following their jingoism and militant imperialism. They lead their people into war with their neighbours. Several countries are ruined in these wars, millions of men are killed, and many more are forced to live in misery and degradation. Their misdeeds have far-reaching effects on human history for countless generations, even many long centuries. Now is it possible for such criminal manages to be punished sufficiently for their crimes and follies in this life? Indeed, they would not be adequately punished even if they were all literally thrown to the wolves, or burnt alive, or subjected to any other torture of which man is capable. No conceivable punishment could possibly be measured against the grave harm caused by them to millions of men for countless generations. Under the natural laws that govern the system of the Universe they could not possibly be awarded punishment, commensurate with their crimes and follies. Even if a Chenghiz or a Hitler is torn to pieces, this punishment stands with no comparison to the wrongs they penetrated on humanity.
Or, on the other hand take the example of the great prophets, the sages and the pious and virtuous men who called mankind to the truth and the right path and guided them out of darkness into light, and whose ideas and teachings and practical examples have benefited millions and men for centuries. And they did all this good to mankind, bracing all the tempests of adversity that came in their way and suffering miserably at the hands of the vested interests. It is possible to reward such men adequately in this short span of life within the limits of the physical laws that govern the world?
As we have urged above, the laws that govern the present system of the Universe do not allow an opportunity for the full unfolding of the moral consequences of human actions. Secondly, the actions of men during their short span of life on earth often have reactions and effects so widespread and lasting that their full consequences must take thousands of years to unfold and manifest themselves fully; and it is obviously impossible for any person, under the present laws of nature, to attain such a long career on earth. From this it logically follows that while the present physical world and its natural laws are enough for the material and animal constituents of man, they are utterly inadequate for the moral element of his being. This component calls for another world where the law of ethics is the governing law and the laws of nature are subservient, to it; where life is unlimited; where all the moral consequences of human actions in the material world that could not manifest themselves there, should manifest themselves fully and in the proper form. It demands a world where truth and righteousness, and not gold and silver, carry weight; where fire burns only such things as deserve to be burned according to the moral law; where happiness and the lot of the virtuous and plain and misery the plight of the wicked. Both nature and reason demand such an order.
The light of the Qur’an
So far as logical reasoning is concerned, it only indicates that such a world ‘ought to be’. But as to the question whether such a world does in fact exist, neither reason nor knowledge can give us a categorical answer. And it is here that the qur’an helps us. It assures us that the world that our nature as well as our reason demand shall be a reality one day. The present system of the Universe, which was created in accordance with physical laws, will be demolished at one stroke; and it will be replaced by another world where the earth, the heavens and all other things will be essentially different from what they are here. God Almighty will then resurrect all the men who were born from the beginning of creation down to its end, and will make all of them appear before Himself at one time. The records of all the deeds of individuals, communities, and mankind at large, will be there without the slightest error or omission. Also there will be complete reports of the effects and consequences of all human actions in the material world; and all the generations of men affected by them will be present in the witness box. Every particle affected in any way by the deeds or words of men will tell its own story. And the limbs, the ears, the eyes and all other parts of the human body will stand witness how they were used or abused in life. On the basis of this unimpeachable evidence and those complete records. Allah, the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, will decided each case with perfect justice and pronounce the reward or penalty as the case may be. The reward as well as the punishment will be of a magnitude that cannot even be estimated by the limited standards of the material world. The standards of times and space, and weights and measurements, and the natural laws, will be essentially different from those prevailing in the present world. The virtues whose beneficent effect extend over several centuries in this world will be fully rewarded there, and neither death nor illness nor old age will be able to cut short the enjoyments of the reward. On the other hand, the evil deeds whose effects and consequences blight the lives of millions in this world for hundreds of years will be punished fully, and neither death nor coma will be able to relieve the pain and distress of the sufferer.
If the existing system of the Universe with its present natural laws is a possibility and a reality,why should another world with a different set of natural laws be regarded as an impossibility?

Excursions in Hyderabad

2007-12-30T15:00:00.001+05:30

Traveling with your friends or family or even alone is always fun. It will
become even more interesting and enjoyable if you go on excursions from
Hyderabad, India. The places to visit around Hyderabad are so numerous and you
will find it hard to choose from the list in case you have less time. All the
places are definitely worth a visit. So read on about Hyderabad excursions and
plan your trip.

Enjoy the art and culture of Rajasthan in your Hyderabad
visit. Yes, you read it correct! Wondering how? The Dhola-Ri-Dhani is an ethnic
Rajasthani resort where you can view all the art, heritage, culture and cuisines
of Rajasthan besides the modern amenities, which any person travelling to a new
place will crave for. You can also plan your excursion to the Mir Alam Tank, an
artificial lake, where you can enjoy boating after you enjoy the wilderness in
the adjacent Nehru Zoological Park. If you want to see magic made real, travel
to the glamorously landscaped and immaculately maintained Ramoji Film City,
which besides being a world-renowned film production center is also, a popular
magnificent tourist hangout.

Your creative soul can definitely feast
itself in the ethnic Shilparamam festival in Hyderabad. You can find art in each
and every form ranging from the most famous and popular handicrafts, to the folk
dances that are confined to a remote village. In Yadagirigutta you can view the
Lakshminarasimha shrine and also hear the astonishing legend of the formation of
the Lakshminarasimha Temple.

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

2007-12-30T14:59:00.001+05:30

The Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is an accolade to the advances made in technology and science since the dawn of human civilization. Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao inaugurated this beautiful dome shaped architectural wonder, on 8th September 1985. The B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is an absolute visit during your trip to Hyderabad. Kids are sure to enjoy this planetarium and the variety of knowledge it has to offer.

The Planetarium offers daily sky shows (in Telugu and English) reciting various aspects of the enigmatic Cosmos, the mind boggling mysteries of the Universe, the undying comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As the sky show begins, the visitors are virtually transferred into the galaxy as they watch a large canopy of dark sky, full of shining stars looking down upon them. The convincing background sound effect multiplies the feel of being in outer space, which adds to the excitement and exhilaration.

The most recent addition to the Planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses, the fossil of 160 million years old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in Adilabad district. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized tree trunks. The place always succeeds in enthralling people with its breathtaking sky shows of mysterious universe. It is the one place in the city, which should not be missed out by children. The Planetarium remains closed on the last Thursday of every month.

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

2007-12-30T14:58:00.000+05:30

The Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is an accolade to the
advances made in technology and science since the dawn of human civilization.
Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao inaugurated this beautiful dome shaped architectural
wonder, on 8th September 1985. The B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is
an absolute visit during your trip to Hyderabad. Kids are sure to enjoy this
planetarium and the variety of knowledge it has to offer.

The
Planetarium offers daily sky shows (in Telugu and English) reciting various
aspects of the enigmatic Cosmos, the mind boggling mysteries of the Universe,
the undying comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling
Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As
the sky show begins, the visitors are virtually transferred into the galaxy as
they watch a large canopy of dark sky, full of shining stars looking down upon
them. The convincing background sound effect multiplies the feel of being in
outer space, which adds to the excitement and exhilaration.

The most
recent addition to the Planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses,
the fossil of 160 million years old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in
Adilabad district. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a
collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized
tree trunks. The place always succeeds in enthralling people with its
breathtaking sky shows of mysterious universe. It is the one place in the city,
which should not be missed out by children. The Planetarium remains closed on
the last Thursday of every month.

Dhola Ri Dhani Hyderabad

2007-12-30T14:57:00.000+05:30

Dhola-Ri-Dhani, located in Hyderabad offers plays, dances, puppet shows and
other variety programmes for the whole family plus has a mini handicrafts market
worth meandering through. A tour to the famous Dhola-Ri-Dhani at Hyderabad is an
absolute must if you want to see the amalgamation of two entirely different
cultures. The imposing entrance opens the doors to the world of Ethnic
Rajasthani culture and fantasy, a culmination of the images and dreams of
tourists out there to experience the pure magic of Rajasthan in
Hyderabad!

Dhola-Ri-Dhani is a classic setting, recreated with rustic
ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village. Camel rides, puppet shows,
folk dances keep you thoroughly entertained while authentic Rajasthani cuisine
gives you the taste of the northern state of Rajasthan in every sense. Apart
from the countryside setting, a large swimming pool, a lake to go boating, an
amphitheatre for plays and other entertainment performances, give you a feel of
modern ambience. For tourists who want to stay, the place has a resort with
lodging facilities and accommodation.

Laad Bazaar Hyderabad

2007-12-30T14:56:00.000+05:30

Laad Bazaar is located in Hyderabad right next to the historic Charminar. Situated on one of the four main roads that shoot out from the Charminar, it is sited in a very old area of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

"Laad" is a term in Hindi and Urdu meaning "to love" or "to pamper" and a more fitting name would be hard to confer upon the bazaar. Another local folklore is that the market's original name was "Lord's Bazaar" and the current name is an altered form of this. There are a number of stores selling articles primarily targeted towards women on this one-kilometer long stretch. A vast and colorful collection of stores selling stuff usually intended for women like gorgeous bangles, semi-precious stones, pearls, saris and other such items are located in the Laad Bazaar.

Usually shopkeepers set exaggerated prices, but they do so in expectation of the bargaining known to take place in the bazaar. One can strike a good deal if the art and tactics of bargaining are known, as prices are rather subjective. Usually one reduces about 20-30% of the price tagged by the shopkeeper. He may seem very adamant at first, but if you persuade him a bit, you may get good stuff at decent prices. The most popular items sold over here are the colorful bangles and glistening pearls. It may seem strange at the first glance, but most shops make their customers sit on the floor, which is carpeted from wall to wall. Since the stores are cramped, they utilize every inch of space available.

The Laad Bazaar is located in a small lane that offshoots from the historic monument Charminar. Since the lane is narrow, cabs, cars and autos are not allowed inside. It is best to explore the bazaar on foot. You may also take the manually driven rickshaws available there which is a different experience in itself.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Hyderabad

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Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is situated in Vanasthalipuram, which is
around 15 kilometers from the city. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary
in Hyderabad has been named after the holy Jain saint 'Lord Mahavira'. It was
established in 1975 on this renowned saint's 2500th birth anniversary. This
sanctuary was once the exciting 'Shikargarh' or hunting ground of one of the
Nizam rulers. It has now been converted into a protected national park under the
law. The park is in full bloom during monsoons when beautiful flowers of
different colors blossom all around. This Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National
Park is home to the endangered Black Buck deer. An estimated 400 deer roam
around the National Park fearlessly.

The other species of animals apart
from the Black Buck that are found over here are cheetahs, wild boar, monitor
lizards, mongooses, porcupines and innumerable variety of snakes. Several
species of birds like partridges, quails, peacocks, doves, pond herons, egrets,
kingfishers, cormorants are also found here in great numbers. One can also find
birds of prey like kites, vultures, eagle etc. Over 80 species of migratory
birds can be seen basking in the sun. The Short-toed Eagle, which is a rare
variety among the bird species, is also found in this area. The national park
provides a tour around the park in vans for those who are interested in seeing
the wildlife from a nearer distance. The park is open on all days (except
Monday), from 9am to 5 pm. There are observation points in the Park for people
to view animals at hotspots.

Mir Alam Tank Hyderabad

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Mir Alam Tank is a small lake that has been built right next to
the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad. Take a tour to the Mir Alam Tank to feel
the peace and tranquility of nature untouched by time. The unique feature of
this Tank is that it has 21 in-built small masonry dams, semi-circular in
shape.

The Mir Alam Tank is named after Mir Alam, the then Prime Minister
of Hyderabad and the builder of the Tank, who ruled for a period of 1804 - 1808.
The construction of this tank is really worth appreciating. It is a wonderful
paradigm of engineering, comprising of one-mile bund with 21 semi-circular
arches put up on it, thus giving the whole scene a majestic look.

Another
benefit of planning a tour to the Mir Alam Tank is that you can also visit the
Nehru Zoological Park, which is situated right next to it. You can enjoy the
flora and fauna of the Zoo along with the calm view of the Tank, thus enjoying
your trip to the fullest.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

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One of the tallest masonry dams of the World, the Nagarjunasagar Dam in
Hyderabad supplies water and irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land in Guntur,
Prakasam, Nalgonda, Khammam and Krishna districts. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is
located on the borders of Guntur and Nalgonda districts. The edifice of this dam
was completed in the year 1966. This mighty dam reaches to a staggering height
of 124 meters and is 1 kilometer long. It is built across the Krishna River and
has one of the largest networks of canal systems.

A Lake emerges from

just behind the dam, which is the third largest artificial lake. The Nagarjuna
Konda Island surfaces out of this lake. The historical remnant of a Buddhist
settlement has been refurbished and it lies on the right bank of the reservoir.
One can see pious stupas, viharas, monasteries and a sacrificial altar in the
Buddhist abbey. The Lake is situated 4 kilometers away from the dam. There is
also an idol of Lord Nagarjuna, positioned on a tower, very near to the dam. The
Dam has a beautiful landscape and looks strikingly scenic.

Besides the
lake, there are other attractions around the Dam like Ethipothala waterfalls,
and the densely forested Srisailam Wildlife Reserve. There is also an exquisite
museum, located near the dam that can be reached by boat

Ramoji Film City Hyderabad

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The Ramoji Film City is located about 35 kilometers from the Hyderabad city. A
tour to the Ramoji Film Studio will tell you why is it acknowledged by the
Guinness Book of World Records as one of the largest film studios in the world.
The studio lives upto its name of a "city" as it is spread over a vast area of
around 2500 acres. You feel as if you have entered a new city all together with
hills, gardens, lakes, and at the same time flanked with spotless modern
buildings.

The Ramoji Film City doubles both as a tourist attraction and
major film-making facility. The city looks like the product of an alliance
between the famous magician P.C. Sorkar and Vishwakarma, the God of Architecture
and Engineering. It is India's answer to the Universal Studios in Hollywood, in
every aspect. It is a place where realism obtains all the traits of enchantment
and inconceivable. Today, it is the filmmakers' first choice as it is a
single-window, press-button facility that opens up an unlimited arena of
creativity for every major and minor aspect of film production.

As some
famous directors and producers put it, "The Film City has all facilities at one
place with latest technology and advanced equipment." The studio's brochure
highlights its dictum as "Make the Magic Happen". The magic however happens
impulsively without human intrusion as though it is the key ingredient of the
entire project. Yet, everything in the studio is real, whether it is the 50
studio floors, outdoor locations, high-tech laboratories, state-of-the-art
technology and the lush green landscape and scenery.

Shilparamam in Hyderabad

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Shilparamam at Hyderabad is an arts and crafts village exhibiting various art
forms and handicrafts of diverse artists from all over the State. You can buy
absolutely traditional souvenirs for yourself and your friends when you tour
Shilparamam. Shilparamam hosts a multitude of ethnic art and crafts from all
over the country. The yearly All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in
February highlights the cultural and creative traditions from every corner of
the country and provides a unique occasion to take home a piece of Indian art.
Interested buyers can come and pick up objects of art directly from the artisans
without having to deal with the middlemen.

Exhibition of art does not
limit itself to the artifacts, but all forms of creativity. There is an open
amphitheater where both experienced and amateur rural artists, musicians and
dancers demonstrate their wide array of skills. The artists display their
talents ranging from classical music, versatility in instrumental music, folk
dances, classical dances and theatrical performances. The theatrical
performances are not only in regional languages but also international languages
including English, French, etc.

Every season at Shilparamam brings with
it the atmosphere of festivity and an occasion to celebrate. Here, Indian
festivals are celebrated in the most conventional way and these festivals bring
together talented people from all over the globe. As you go further inside, you
can enjoy boating facility in a small artificial lake. The lake offers both
peddling and rowing boats. Shilparamam is the perfect place to take a day off
from your busy city life.

Yadagirigutta Temple Nalgonda

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The place was named Yadagirigutta after a hermit called Yadavarishi who
religiously meditated to be blessed by Lord Narasimha, who is an incarnation of
Lord Vishnu. The Temple of Yadagirigutta is situated at a height of 300 feet on
a hill, in Nalogonda district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is famous and
attracts a huge number of local devotees and outsiders.

It is said that
Lord Narasimha was satisfied with the hermit's devotion and materialized in five
different forms. The five different forms are Jwala, Yogananda,
Lakshminarasimha, Gandabherunda and Ugra. As legend goes, the first form of
Narasimha was so fiery that the yogi wanted him to appear him in a peaceful
form. He then appeared in the form of Yoganarasimha, but the yogi is still not
satisfied and he wanted to see him with his counterpart i.e. Goddess Lakshmi. So
Narasimha appeared with goddess Lakshmi on his lap. It is said that these three
Narasimha forms were so fiery that the hermit could not endure it. Hence, they
are worshipped inside the cave.

These five forms of Narasimha have now
been sculpted into idols and worshipped in a place within the temple, which is
known as Panchanarasimha Kshetram. The principal shrine of Yadagirigutta temple
is the Lakshminarasimha who is believed to be the healer of incurable diseases,
witchcraft, black magic and the harmful influence of planets. Locals believe
that worshipping here for a time period of 40 days would alleviate devotees of
incurable diseases.

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

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In order to have pleasant trip, the climatic conditions of the
place to be visited should be known in advance. Hyderabad is a city that has a
moderate climate throughout the year. The best time to visit this city is after
the monsoons i.e., October to March. The summers can get really hot and one can
see temperatures soaring upto 45o Celsius. Evenings are usually pleasant thanks
to the cool sea breeze. At night, the temperature usually drops down to 25o -
30o Celsius.

The city does not experience harsh winters and it becomes
moderately cool towards the end of the year. The maximum temperature remains at
a pleasant 22^o - 25^o Celsius. The minimum can go down till
13o Celsius. The monsoons are from June to September after which the weather
becomes very pleasant and enjoyable. The average annual rainfall in Hyderabad is
around 80 - 90 centimeters. The place also witnesses cyclonic depressions every
now and then due to the low-pressure trough forming over the plateau.

How to Reach Hyderabad

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By Air
Hyderabad is connected to the rest of the world by both
national and international flights. The Hyderabad airport is divided into both
domestic and international terminals. The domestic terminal is called the N.T.
Rama Rao Domestic Terminal. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Deccan
Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and Spice Jet are the major domestic flights that
operate here. The international terminal is called the Rajiv Gandhi
International Terminal. Major international flights operating here are Lufthansa
Airlines, SilkAir Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Saudi
Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines and Qatar Airlines. The airport is located at
Begumpet.

By Rail
Secunderabad, which is the co-sister city of
Hyderabad, is the head office of Southern and Central railways. Besides the
Secunderabad railway station there are two other railway stations namely, the
Hyderabad railway station (also known as Nampally) and Kacheguda railway
station. All the trains leaving from Hyderabad and Kacheguda railway station
have a stoppage at the Secunderabad railway station.

By
Road
Hyderabad city is well connected to all the major states like
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa. The Andhra Pradesh State Road
Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has maintained a well laid out system of
roadways, which connect Hyderabad to almost every city and town. Its head office
is at Secunderabad. Some major national highways that pass through Hyderabad are
NH - 4, NH - 5, NH - 7, NH - 9, NH - 16, NH - 18, etc.

Holidays in Hyderabad

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Hyderabad has a rich amalgamation of different cultures. One can see different
cultures peacefully co-existing with each other. Thus Hyderabad is bound to
celebrate different festivals almost throughout the year. Apart from the 3 major
National Holidays of India, Hyderabad has some festivals that are unique to its
culture. These festivals and holidays are given below.

Republic Day
(26th January)
This day is regarded as a national holiday as it is
celebrated as India's Republic Day.

Independence Day (15th
August)
This day is also a national holiday as it is the day India
received its freedom from the British and got independent.

Gandhi
Jayanti (2nd October)
This day is also a national holiday as it is the
birth anniversary of the father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

Apart from
these national holidays, public holidays are observed on every festival that is
celebrated in Hyderabad. On these holidays, all business and commercial places,
monuments and tourist places are usually closed, though it is advisable you
check with the hotel staff before venturing out to travel. Given below is the
list of public holidays in Hyderabad city.

Eid ul Zuha or Adha
Republic Day
Maha Shivaratri
Holi
Good Friday
Baisakhi, Vishu/Bahag, Mesadi, Maghi
Sri Rama Navami
Milad un Nabi or Eid ul Milad (The Prophet's Birthday)
Mahavir Jayanti
Buddha Purnima
Independence Day
Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday
Dussehra
Diwali (Deepavali)
Eid ul Fitr
Guru Nanak's Birthday
Christmas Day

Health Precautions in Hyderabad

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The worst thing to happen while you are traveling is getting ill
or loosing your belongings. While traveling around the historic city of
Hyderabad, you must take care that you don't fall ill or loose your stuff. In
order to prevent such a mishap from taking place, one must follow some
precautionary measure while traveling. Read on about health and safety
precautions to be taken while traveling in Hyderabad. Hope these are helpful in
making your trip a pleasurable and a hassle-free one.

Check for hygiene and cleanliness while eating in roadside restaurants in
Hyderabad. Try to get mineral water while eating out in restaurants.
Always insist for sterilized and disposable syringes in case you are in need
of medical help.
Keep all sorts of valuables and important papers (jewelry, passports, return
tickets, etc) in your hotel's safe deposit box. Do not leave them unattended in
your room. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Substitute it with travelers'
cheques and credit cards. Keep good amounts of change though.
Do not keep your wallet/purse in your rear pocket. Keep it inside your
jacket pocket or side pocket of your trouser.
Make an itinerary of important places to visit in and around Hyderabad and
allot time for each place. Ask the hotel staff to arrange for a taxi or a
tourist bus for you to travel around. It is better to travel with other tourists
of your hotel to avoid getting lost.
Avoid wearing revealing clothes while your stay in Hyderabad. You will end
up attracting unwanted attraction and advances if you are wearing skimpy outfits
because they do not appeal to Indian sensibilities. Jeans and trousers with
normal shirts are accepted.
Avoid any public display of affection. It will be better if you do not shake
hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends his/her
hand before you do.

Tourist Guides in Hyderabad

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To truly experience the magic of Hyderabad, it is better to hire a tourist
guide. Not only will he be able to help you getting around the city with ease,
but also keep giving you information regarding the bearing of each place. These
tourist guides are easily available around the city. It is better to ask the
place where you stay to arrange a guide for you. The guides are acquainted with
many languages including English, Hindi and some regional languages. Besides
these languages, some guides can even converse in French, German, Latin etc.

Though these guides are reliable, one should implement some amount of
caution while moving around with them. Given below are some precautions to be
taken which will help you be alert and make your trip hassle-free.

Always maintain a formal distance from the guides. Do not let them dominate
you or take you for granted.
Do not disclose your personal details (like the amount of cash you are
carrying, etc.) to them.
Do not exhibit your cash and money in front of them. Just keep some money
and some loose change with yourself.
Do not hand them your credit cards, cheques and other valuables.
Do not open your luggage in front of them. Carry very minimal luggage if
necessary.
Do not tip too generously and tip only at the end of the trip if you are
satisfied.
Demand better service from them in case you are not satisfied. Remember you
are paying for their service and they are obliged to serve you in the best
possible way.

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Excursions in Hyderabad

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

Dhola Ri Dhani Hyderabad

Laad Bazaar Hyderabad

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Hyderabad

Mir Alam Tank Hyderabad

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Ramoji Film City Hyderabad

Shilparamam in Hyderabad

Yadagirigutta Temple Nalgonda

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

How to Reach Hyderabad

Holidays in Hyderabad

Health Precautions in Hyderabad

Tourist Guides in Hyderabad

Goldfarb was curious about where the longstanding recommendation about eight
daily glasses of water originated. "In my mind it wasn't that drinking this
extra water would hurt you, but that you might not have to."

Claim No. 3: Drinking Water Reduces Food Intake and Helps You Lose
Weight

Drinking more water is widely encouraged to help weight loss, the theory
being that the more water you drink, the fuller you will feel and the less you
will eat. "The [medical] literature on this is quite conflicted," Goldfarb
says.