Beauty Routine

· Shampoo your hair at least once in a week. Those who frequently travel should increase the rate.

· Use good quality shampoo.

· Rinse well with water after shampooing.

· Do not use plastic comb. Try to use wooden wide toothed comb.

· Do not wrap your hair tightly with your towel after shampooing. Gently dry it out.

· Your hair needs trimming in every three months.

· Use sunscreen lotion/ gel. Apply it over the exposed parts at least 30 minutes before going out.

· Before going to bed in the night, clean your face with a face wash that suits your skin type. Then wash with lukewarm water.

· Use superior quality cold cream, moisturizer in the winter season.

· Consult your doctor. According to his prescription, take multivitamins, Calcium tablets regularly.

· Use homemade musk and scrub at least once in a week.

Common problems arising during pregnancy, (include) polyhydraminos, swelling and edema, urinary-tract problems (infections)

POLYHYDRAMNIOS

This is the excess of liquor amnii to cause abnormality in pregnancy or labor as detected clinically at any stage of pregnancy. Statistically, the excess means more than two liters of liquor amnii.

Incidence rate is about 05-1% according to various estimates.

Causes- the cause is still unknown. The liquor amnii is not static but is constantly changing to new production and absorption. The hydramnios possibly results from deficient absorption and/or excessive production of liquor amnii. A malformed fetus (with that of Central Nervous System) lacks behind in swallowing liquor and in antidiuretic hormone leading to excess of urination.

Clinical conditions commonly associated with polyhydramnios are-

1. Twin pregnancy especially monozygotic twins.

2. Certain fetal malformations- anencephaly(50%) cases, open spina bifida and atresia of the esophagus.

3. Diabetis mellitus. 20-30% cases develop polyhydramnios.

4. Hydrops fetalis due to Rh-isoimmunization.

5. Chorioangioma of placenta may be an associated factor.

As a rule, composition of liquor amnii in polyhydramnios does not differ from the normal cases.

Symptoms-

§ Undue enlargement of abdomen occurs with difficulty in walking.

§ Breathlessness, palpitation especially in the recumbent position and also coming on exertion.

§ Pain abdomen.

Signs-

§ Signs of pregnancy.

§ There may signs of Pre-ecclampsia. High BP, edema leg, proteinuria are commonly detected.

Investigation-

§ Ultrasonography is possibly the easiest and definitive investigation.

Treatment-

§ In early cases, expectant treatment is tried by bed rest, restriction of extra salt and drinks.

§ Amniocentesis- abdominal amniocentesis gives relief in maternal discomfort and tends to prolong pregnancy when fetal malformation is excluded in chronic or acute polyhydramnios.

SWELLING AND EDEMA

Edema is not uncommon during pregnancy because of accumulation of fluid in body tissues. Swelling of the feet, ankles and hands is most common. Face may also become puffy. The problem usually is worse at the end of the day and in warm weather. This is most common in the last three months.

It usually regresses after giving birth. If edema is so severe that it hampers mother’s daily work, restriction of fluid intake, salt restricted diet is prescribed.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary tract infection is detection of significant amount of 100,000 colonies or more per ml. of on two occasions in bladder urine of pregnant women collected by midstream voiding. This is called Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ASB).

About 25% of women with ASB complicates into Pyelonephritis.

Treatment is by third or fourth generation cephalosporin after urine culture and sensitivity.

Common problems arising during pregnancy, (include) dizzy spells and fainting, nausea and hypermesis gravidarum

During pregnancy, one can feel a spell of dizziness or sense of fainting anytime during the day.

This is mainly because of iron deficiency.

Normally during pregnancy, hemoglobin level gets down. If is not corrected by adding iron preparation, the level further falls. As hemoglobin carries much needed oxygen, and its deficiency causes lack of oxygen in the brain, the person may feel dizziness.

Treatment is adequate rest, iron preparation.

Nausea and Hyperemesis gravidarum

Nausea is common in pregnancy. Especially in first time mothers. Morning time nausea is mostly seen (Morning sickness).

Increase level of the hormone estrogen and hCG is the main culprit of nausea. As the duration of pregnancy increases, feeling of nausea decreases.

Hyperemesis gravidarum

This is severe bouts of vomiting in pregnancy particularly during early period causing deleterious effect on mother’s health. Weight loss, dehydration, acidosis occur from starvation.

Incidence- 1 in 1000 pregnancies.

Causes- unknown. Factors considered responsible are- 1. Nurosis, 2. Hormonal flood of hCG and estrogen during early pregnancy triggers Vomiting center in the brain.

Symptoms-

First time mothers are more affected. Excess vomiting and retching day and night. Vomitus is initially watery, then billous, coffee ground. Nothing can be taken by mouth. Loss of weight. Markedly less output of urine (Oliguria). Infrequently mental symptoms like restlessness, lack of sleep, disinterest to everything (apathy), coma, confusion with loss of memory. Eye symptoms like- double vision, dimness of vision or even blindness.

Signs-

Patient is emaciated and dehydrated (loss of weight, shrunken eyes, dry tongue, increased pulse rate.

Blood pressure falls below 100 mm of Hg (Systolic).

Temperature rises above 100·4° F (38°C).

Jaundice seldom appears. Neurological signs may appear.

Investigations-

Urinalysis- Volume small, high colored, high specific gravity. Protein, bile pigment, acetone appear in the urine.

Urine Chloride falls or absent.

Blood- Hb% hematocrit rises, Serum SGOT & SGPT rise. Urea, Creatinine rise. Fall in Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicaarbonate.

Ophthalmoscopy- Papilledema, Retinal hemorrhage are serious lesions. ECG changes occur due to Potassium deficiency.

Diagnosis- Clinical.

Management-

Prevention- to treat early stage by antiemetics to prevent severe form with morbid changes.

Curative- 1. Isolation. Mild cases improves by changes in place only. Severe case is to hospitalized.

2. Diet- if patient can be able to intake food, in milder cases plenty of carbohydrate rich diet is advised.

But in severe cases nothing per mouth is advocated. Intravenous fluids in the form of 5% dextrose and Ringers lactate is prescribed to correct dehydration.

Among other drugs are Promethazine (Phenergan), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine). Injection of Vitamin B1 is also introduced.

Be careful of Noise Pollution

Noise is defined as the wrong sound in the wrong place at the wrong time. Noise was always been with us, since the days of Adam. But it never was so loud, so intense, so varied and so intolerable as it is now. Noise in the present day has become a grave environmental hazard. Noise of high frequency is very dangerous.

The noise in excess of 85 to 90 decibels can lead to hearing impairment. Indeed, repeated exposure to a headset-recorder played at maximum volume can lead to partial or total deafness.

This unwanted sound, “noise” is an atmospheric pollution resulted from increased industrialisation and technological advances. A soft sound stimulates the brain and a harsh, loud noise damages the hearing and impairs the brain function.

The main sources of noise are industrial and non-industrial type. The former includes transportation and on road vehicular movements; while the latter include noise due to hawkers, use of loud speakers, thunder, domestic appliances and many more.

So, stay away from excess noise and lead a peaceful life.

DANGERS OF CRASH DIETING

DANGERS OF CRASH DIETING

Crash dieting has become a fashion to control obesity these days. Due to this, deprived of food means energy, the crash dieter loses concentrations the mind is focused on only to low calorie intake. In crash dieting, you lose sugar and protein and then get into hypoglycemia and protein deficiency. In the long run, starvation can actually lead to increase in the weight because of fluid retention caused by fluid deficiency. Total fat free diet is also not desirable, because the body has an instinctive reaction to protect fats, and what you lose is your muscle mass.

If for the whole life you go on putting weight, how can you expect it to shed in days? These short cut methods will cause weakness and lethargy. In addition, they may lead to hair loss, may lax tissue and the skin. The side effects of this dieting, researchers say, could damage liver and kidney as well. There is no magic wand to reduce obesity in days. It has to be worked out with controlled diet and moderate exercise. And it will take a longer time.

Anemia, Bleeding, Breast problem, Constipation during Pregnancy

Anemia in pregnancy: -

World Health Organization(WHO) in 1972 decided that during pregnancy, if hemoglobin level in blood comes below 11 gm%, the case will be diagnosed as Anemia in Pregnancy.

Factors of Haemopoiesis (formation of blood) –

a) Minerals- Iron, Copper, Cobalt.

b) Vitamins- Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C

c) Protein

d) Erythropoietin- a hormone.

Causes-

A. Physiological

Disproportionate increase in plasma volume during pregnancy leads to apparent reduction of RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit level.

Lower limit of physiological anemia is RBC up to 3.2 million/ Cmm, normocytic and normochromic red cells and hemoglobin up to 10 gm%. Iron deficiency contributes to the fall in blood vessels. Therefore, there is need for prophylactic iron therapy, which can improve physiological anemia.

B. Acquired

a) Nutritional anemia

Iron deficiency anemia

Commonest cause.

Nutritional Microcytic anemia

Due deficiency in Folic Acid and/or folic acid.

Dimorphic anemia

Protein deficiency anemia

Symptoms of Nutritional anemia- commonly asymptomatic. Fatigue, asthenia, exertional dyspnea sometimes occur. In severe cases, loss of appetite, diarrhea, breathlessness, palpitation on exertion, swelling of face and feet.

Signs- pallor, slight glossitis. In severe cases- marked pallor can be seen on palpebral conjunctiva, tongue, skin. Slight edema of feet or anasarca. Marked glossitis, cardiac dilatation, hemic murmur at heart. Heart failure.

Management

Oral iron. Prophylaxis 60mg. of elemental iron a day taken with meal after first three months of pregnancy. Addition of 500μg of Folic acid a day helps in prevention of folic acid deficiency as well.

Fresh green vegetables, fruits, egg, meat, liver should be taken.

Bleeding in pregnancy: -

In early pregnancy

Spotting.

The main cause for bleeding per vagina is Threatened abortion. It is the type of abortion without passage of tissue but possibility of continuation of pregnancy.

Symptoms- amenorrhea, scanty bright red bleeding or blood stained discharge, no abdominal pain, no history of expulsion of a fleshy lump PV.

Signs- pregnancy breast sign present. Gravid uterus is palpable. Cervical os is closed. Stained discharge is present.

Diagnosis- Pelvic Ultrasound, MRI

Treatment- Complete bed rest. Sterile pad is to be used. If any lump is discharged, one should promptly report to doctor.

Other conditions of bleeding PV are abortion, ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole.

In late pregnancy

The main causes are Placenta previa, Abruptio placente,

In both the cases, position of placenta is much lower than the original site. In very low lying placenta, severe bleeding occurs.

Treatment- Complete bed rest.

Breast problem

Discharge from the nipple is a common sign and in pregnant woman is also less worrisome but it should be evaluated by a doctor. Pain on the breasts is a very common and nonspecific problem in both pregnant. During pregnancy, the breasts enlarge; they become heavier and the blood supply increases. This makes it harder to feel lumps and makes it very important that a woman have a good breast exam early in pregnancy.

Constipation

This is mainly due to the hormone progesterone, which reduces the movement of food through the digestive tract. The problem may further be increased later in pregnancy by the pressure of the growing uterus over the rectum. Iron supplements can make constipation worse.

Eat fiber rich foods such as cereals, whole-grain breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Add a couple of tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to your cereal in the morning and follow it with a glass of water.

Take plenty of water.

SEX, FERTILITY AND CONCEPTION

“Safe period” is a method of temporary contraception. It is a part of Natural Family Planning (NFP).

Safe Period is also known as “Calendar Method” first described by Ogino in the year 1930. This method is based upon the fact that ovulation usually occurs from12 to 16 days before the onset of menstruation. Ovulation means the release of an egg, which can be fertilized by a sperm, from the ovary.

“Safe period” can be used both to achieve and to avoid or postpone pregnancy.

The days on which pregnancy (conception) may occur is calculated are-

One should know her shortest and longest days of menstrual cycle. The shortest cycle minus 18 days denotes the first day of fertile period. The longest cycle minus 10 days denotes the last day of the fertile period.

Say for an example, a woman’s cycle varies from 25 to 32 days. The fertile period during when she may get pregnant if intercourse is done without obtaining other contraceptive methods is 7th day to 22nd days of her regular menstrual cycle.

However, the cases where such type of calculation is not possible, the couple are advised to avoid intercourse from 8th to 22nd day of the menstrual cycle, counting from the first day of the menstrual period.

To avoid Pregnancy (DRAWBACKS)

“Safe Period” is not entirely safe. The drawbacks of “Safe Period” are-

· A woman’s menstrual cycles are not always regular. When the cycles are irregular, it is extremely difficult to predict the safe period.

· This method is acceptable and applicable only to the educated, responsible and dedicated couple. A high degree of motivation and cooperation is needed.

· Compulsory abstinence of sexual intercourse for nearly one half of every month-may be called “programmed sex”.

· “Safe sex” method is not applicable during the post-natal period when there is no menstruation.

· There is a high failure rate- about 9 per 100 woman-years.

The failures are due to wrong calculation, inability to calculate on her own, irregular use, lack of motivation and “taking chances”.

Tow medical complications are reported to result from the use of safe period; Ectopic pregnancies and embryonic abnormalities. Ectopic pregnancies may lead to conception late in the menstrual cycle and displacement of the ovum; embryonic abnormalities may result from conception involving either an over aged sperm or over aged ovum.

If this is correct, the safe period may not be an absolutely safe period.

To achieve pregnancy

· Abstain from sex on Day 1 of the cycle until you have the more-fertile mucus.

· Have sexual intercourse every other day up through Peak Day plus 2.

· Keep taking your morning temperature. A recording of increase of temperature of 21 days provides you with a 99% probability that you are pregnant.

· To estimate you due date, determine the first day of sustained thermal shift, subtract seven days, and add nine months.

PREGNANCY WORKOUT

Would be mother must keep herself healthy and fit during pregnancy. The exercises mentioned below will make them fit both physically and mentally.

Value of exercises during Pregnancy

· Exercise reduces the tiredness you feel during pregnancy.

· Exercise strengthens muscles of the back, which are important to support the increased body weight.

· It reduces extra fat accumulation as mothers used to do less work during this time.

· Keeps posture in perfect position.

· Workout helps to reduce pregnancy induced stress and insomnia.

· Regularizes body to sustain during delivery period.

Primary Rules

· Take plenty of water during and after completion of exercise.

· Do not fold your legs completely during exercise.

· Avoid those exercises that give you jerks.

· Wear loose fitting garments during exercise.

· Put on comfortable snickers or walking shoes that gives your feet complete support.

· Do not overburden with exercise. If you don’t feel like someday, just skip it.

Workout Plan

· Ideal exercise during pregnancy is regular walking. It should be for 20-30 minutes, preferably in the morning. But if you do not have time in the morning, you can do it any preferable time.

· Pelvic floor exercise is very good during pregnancy. It helps the mother for normal delivery.

· You may consult your doctor or yoga teacher for demonstration of the exercises. Or you may consult websites.

· Whatever yoga you do, please do not forget to do freehand exercise.

Pregnancy Planning

PREGNANCY PLANNING

This time I am sharing my views regarding Pregnancy Planning. This article is written keeping in mind the “would be parents”. This will include, when you suspect that you are pregnant, how to take care of the 9 months of pregnancy, about diet, whether intercourse is safe in pregnancy period.

HOW WILL YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT

§ You will miss your monthly period. However, stoppage of period is not the definite cause of pregnancy. There are hundred other causes.

§ Your nipple will be swollen, a bit softer and there may be a little bit of pain.

§ Tiredness, feeling sleepy.

§ Nausea- a sense of vomiting. It can occur in any time of the day. But more pronounced in the morning hours.

§ Distaste to specific food items, even its smell.

§ Craving for some other.

§ Fullness of lower abdomen and uneasiness.

§ Repeated sense of urination.

These symptoms are seen in most of the women. But it may vary from person to person.

CARE DURING FIRST TRIMESTER

The first three months is called “First Trimester”. Several changes occur to the mother during this period. This is the high time to change the life style of would be parents.

§ Quit smoking if anyone one you two are having this habit.

§ Consult your gynecologist within first nine weeks.

§ Try taking herbal tea instead of coffee. Avoid alcohol.

§ Do not take any medicine other than prescribed by medical personnel. Some medicines deleteriously affect the growth of fetus.

§ Can do some light exercise after consulting the doctor.

§ Go through the books & websites relating to pregnancy. You can start budgeting for the newcomer.

CARE DURING SECOND TRIMESTER

Second three months. The uneasiness of the first trimester gets reduced gradually. You will feel a lot better. In the last part of second semester, contour of your lower ab is increased. So that outsider can identify you as pregnant. Don’t worry, you’ll be assisted by most of them when you go for shopping or outside.

§ Would be mother gains weight. So you must be very careful to walk, sit, sleep.

§ Regular walking is a must.

§ Take plenty of water.

§ There is a tendency to swollen your legs. So you must keep adequate rest to your legs. Place a stool in front of you when you are sitting to keep your feet up.

§ Make advance booking to the hospital. You can consult your health insurance agent about how much will be covered by your insurance.

CARE DURING THIRD TRIMESTER

Final stage is third trimester. Fetus becomes 49 cms to 55 cms inside uterus.

§ Would be mothers feel more warmth because of the fetus. Don’t panic.

§ You may feel tired most of the day. So take ample rest. Lie down on your one of the comfortable sides. You may put some additional pillow in between your legs and back to give support.

§ Colostrums may dribble from the nipple. Again, don’t panic.

§ Pack your bag for hospital, so that you don’t have to rush in case of an emergency.

§ Just give up the thought about the sex of the children. Pray only for a healthy baby.

§ Have some mental preparation.

You should take adequate balanced diet after consulting your gynecologist all throughout the pregnancy period.

Take two doses of Tetanus Toxoid as per WHO guidelines.

INTERCOURSE DURING PREGNANCY PERIOD

Many couples are concerned abut what or not to have sex during pregnancy period. Just remember if otherwise okay, sex during pregnancy period is safe. Just remember the following lines: -

§ If you had a miscarriage earlier, consult you doctor regarding sex.

§ Posture should be of female partner’s choice.

§ Avoid oral sex.

§ If there is discharge from vagina, consult your doctor before having sex.

§ Female libido becomes lowered during pregnancy due to hormonal effect. She should not be pressurized for sex.

§ If female partner feels any kind of pain after sex or there is bleeding from vagina, you must consult your doctor immediately.

Rani Mukherjee getting married?

According to a website and some news channels, Bollywood queen RANI MUKHERJEE is getting married to her beau ADITYA CHOPRA on 10th. February, 2008.
Marriage ceremony will take place at Umed Bhawan, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Though RANI is still denying the news, saying that it's a rumor.
But this time her voice is not so strong as we saw in the aftermath of shooting of "LAAGA CHUNRI ME DAAG" at BANARAS.
It is also heard that PRITI ZINTA, who is a good friend friend of RANI, has seen the Umed Bhawan on behalf of RANI. And she okayed it.
Let's see, how and when RANI accepts this news.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

STRESS MANAGEMENT

What is Stress?

Stress is the outcome of Mental, Physical or Emotional strain or tension. Tension can be due to many reasons- meeting deadlines whether in office or home, other social responsibilities, physical illness etc. etc. All in all life is getting very difficult day by day. Still you can’t escape. You have to meet all these demands-with a beautiful smile. And why not? Life is full of ups and downs. All you need is adequate planning, time management and proper lifestyle.

Management of Stress

· Set alarm in the morning. Walk for a while in the terrace of rooftop. Free air & sunlight in the morning increases the mood stabilizing hormone – Serotonin.

· Have your breakfast taking time even if you are in a hurry. It helps to keep the metabolism process in good shape. Your concentration and energy level will be high.

· Work pressure increases as the day goes on. Remember, you have only 24 hours in a day to complete your all works. Nevertheless, do not compromise your own needs.

· Do not work in your office continuously. Whenever you feel like a break, just hang around for a few minutes. This increases the secretion of “Feel-good” hormone- Endorphin.

· Learn to say “NO”.

· Generally your energy and concentration level remain high in the pre-lunch session. So while on work, after having lunch, do some breathing exercise. Inhale deeply. Hold it for three seconds. Then exhale slowly. Repeat it for five times.

· After returning home, take a warm shower. Take cup of tea or coffee as per your choice. May be a little walking will refresh your mind.

· Do not spoil your sleep dream thinking of tomorrow’s work. To get rid of stress, watch a comedy film or serial in the television. You can listen to music of your choice. But it should not be noisy. Have a chat with your entire family member.

· Have your dinner early. Then pay some time to enlist the job priority of tomorrow’s work. Then just forget about it. Give at lest one hour to unwind yourself.

ARE YOU STRESSED OUT?

· Do you take all the responsibilities of everybody inside home or away?

· Do you get angry easily?

· Have lost your sense of humor?

· Having a long list of “jobs to be done”?

· Making a big issue of nothing?

· Recently experienced some really bad events?

· Complaining about every time?

· Having the mentality of-“Only I am right”?

· Cannot cope up with the day-to-day activities?

If your answer is “yes” of at least five of the above, you are suffering from stress. You have to find a way out.

Smart Bomb

“Smart bomb” is a “Dumb Bomb” with a BRAIN.

Therefore, first we need to get an idea about what is a “dumb bomb”!

Dumb bomb is a conventional bomb that comprises of any kind of explosive materials packed in a proper case with a fuse. When fuse goes off, it creates a chain reaction within the explosives resulting in explosion. The fuse is thus a triggering device-a timer. It can be of two types- an impact sensor or a target proximity sensor.

A dumb bomb- when dropped from an airplane goes down due to gravitational force. It has no steering capacity. The pilot has to be very precise reading the target and delivering the bomb in exact time. Otherwise, he may use dozens or hundreds of bombs to accomplish his mission (Cluster bombing). This of course may damage civilian personnel or even their fellow fighter (friendly fire).

A smart bomb is practically a “Dumb bomb” with some attachments to steer itself to the target. Therefore, it is having the following attachments: -

1) A system of sensors

2) An on board computer control system.

3) A set of adjustable flight fins with a power source.

When a plane releases a smart bomb, with its forward & downward velocity the on board mechanism steers it to the target. When the bomb is “in flight”, its sensor system and control system constantly monitors the target which was being fed to its “memory” before being released and guides itself. That is why, a smart bomb is also called “Guided bomb”. Unlike missiles, a “smart bomb” does not have any propulsion system.

The maneuvering ability works just like as airplane.

Smart bomb usually has a target proximity sensor. Just before thudding into the target, the fuse goes off and the explosive ignites.

Depending upon the “seeing capability” a smart bomb can be of different types.

1) Radio controlled;

2) Laser guided;

3) Radar or Infrared imaging technique;

4) Satellite guided;

5) Fusion technology.

pictures: -

TOP-1) this is a latest smart bomb using combined GPS/ IR and LASER guided technology (fusion technology)

(pic courtsey-wikipedia)

BOTTOM LEFT - 2) this bomb has optical sensor system.

BOTTOM RIGHT - 3) LASER guided smart bombs are being dropped from F15 fighter.

(pic courtsey- howstaffworks)