Showing posts with label Health & Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health & Fitness. Show all posts

Monday, October 1, 2018

Its Only Mind - Review

Itsonlymind review

Itsonlymind is a website that deals with matters related to the complex human mind. It is aimed at unlocking the potential of mind and helping in understanding the matters of life that bother us. It serves as a platform to enable everyone to lead more fulfilling and enjoyable lives through motivational, spiritual and self-help articles.

The website is neatly divided into several sections such as blogs, activity, forums, groups, courses etc. One can easily become a member by creating an account. Personal problems can be discuses and their solutions can be sought. An interaction between the readers is welcomed through comments and forum section. The blog section has several well-written articles on topics like anger management, inner peace, calmness, ego problems, gratitude, addiction, exercises and wellness. It offers a live forum for people across the globe to deal with delicate issues and find solutions to them.
Despite being based on a heavy concept, the portal has an easy-going and youthful look.  The interface is fairly free of clutter and very appealing. The navigation is easy and quick too. The blue and green font over a white background has a calming effect on the readers something that resonates well with the underlying motive of this portal.

its only mind is a much-needed portal for today’s generation who finds itself failing to cope up with the pressures of life. 

Thursday, July 19, 2018

FITNESS TIPS TO SCORE YOUR BEST BODY

Are you happy about your body? Well, if you are like the majority of the men and women, then chances are that you’re unhappy about your own appearance. Some common reasons could be like that of being skinny, being overweight, or lacking great physique. A lot of people go for quick fix remedies like tummy tuck surgery and other cosmetic procedures to improve their looks.
1. Always go for Multiple Exercises
Many people prefer jogging or running to burn off those extra calories. A month later, they complain that the results are unsatisfactory and finally quit their weight loss routine. And they’re back on pizzas and burgers. This is the common scenario in the majority of overweight people.
Truth be told, there is no ‘one-exercise-fits-all’ solution for weight loss. You get the best results when you include multiple exercises in your sessions. In other words, running combined with a bit of weight training and ground exercises will give you 30% to 40% better results than just running.  to learn some useful ideas and suggestions on how to get the best from the right workout and diet plan.
From Conor McGregor to Ronnie Coleman, every professional practices at least 4-5 different workouts per session and that’s what gives them superior results. Beyond results, the multiple exercise sessions also help you to stay motivated and enjoy your sessions more than single workout sessions.     
2. Exercise Every Day
If someone told you that exercising every day can cause counter effect, they’re wrong. The truth is, any form of physical activity, whether it’s running, swimming and cycling or weight training, that pumps more blood to your heart is very good for your overall health and fitness. However, do not stick to extended training sessions seven days a week. Prefer 30-minute exercises seven days a week for great results.
3. Train with Weights
How many amateurs lift weights for weight loss? A very few. The reason? A lot of them believe that weight training results in muscle gain and in turn makes them look bulkier. However the truth is, training with smaller weight in more reps helps to tighten targeted muscles and improves your physical structure. It also strengthens the bones and joints and keeps you fit and healthy.
Every sexy fitness model that you see on the Internet and TV commercials train with weights – and that’s the biggest secret of their attractive body, which we all envy.
So if you were avoiding weights all these days, make sure to start working with them under the guidance of an expert!

4. Do not skip your Recovery Meal
A lot of people skip meals after a heavy workout. I know a lot of evening gym goers who take nothing more than a glass of banana juice for dinner. That’s because they fear that a good meal after an intense could load them back with extra calories. However, that’s not the way it is.    
Post workout meals only help you get the most of your workout. How? They refuel your body with proteins and vitamins that are lost during workout. This helps to repair the muscle fibers and results in better development. That’s why they are called recovery meals.
The best recovery meals include protein shakes and raw fruits and vegetables that are alkaline in nature.

  5. Stay Focused
If you are working out your abdominal muscle thinking about yesterday’s baseball match, you won’t get the right result. Focus is one of the most important aspects of muscle development. When you’re training your abdominal muscle, think about the expansion and contraction of your muscle area. This will not only help you get the best results but also avoid injuries. Focus and motivation are as important as diet and exercise.
Try keeping short-term goals (daily and weekly) to improve your focus and efficiency. Set realistic goals and stick to them at any cost. This is one of the most essential qualities for becoming a successful fitness professional.
6. Go for outdoor exercises
Outdoor exercises are mandatory for every athlete (includes amateurs and professionals). A research conducted by the scientists at National Institutes of Health revealed that exercises like running and cycling help burn more calories when performed outdoors than indoors. In the study, a group of men who did outdoor exercises burned 300 calories as opposed to people who reduced 270 calories by exercising indoors on treadmill and cycling machine.
7. Diet
Whether you’re into weight loss or professional bodybuilding, your workouts are 50% and the balance 50% is your diet. No matter where you work out (indoor, outdoor or gym), what you eat is as important as what you do with your workouts. In order to get the best out of your workouts, see to that you include lots of proteins, vitamins, and minerals and little to no fat.
Conclusion
As much as possible substitute any commercial supplement with natural food that are rich in nutrients. You can consume a lot of raw vegetables and fruits in addition to milk and nuts. This will help ensure that you stay fit and healthy for long. Cheers!     

Making lifestyle changes that last


You’re once again feeling motivated to eat better, exercise more, drink less caffeine or make any number of the positive lifestyle changes you've been telling yourself you want to make. You've tried before — probably declaring another attempt as a New Year’s resolution — but without feeling much success. Making a lifestyle change is challenging, especially when you want to transform many things at once. This time, think of it not as a resolution but as an evolution.
Lifestyle changes are a process that take time and require support. Once you’re ready to make a change, the difficult part is committing and following through. So do your research and make a plan that will prepare you for success. Careful planning means setting small goals and taking things one step at a time.
Here are five tips from the American Psychological Association to help you make lasting, positive lifestyle and behavior changes:
Make a plan that will stick. Your plan is a map that will guide you on this journey of change. You can even think of it as an adventure. When making your plan, be specific. Want to exercise more? Detail the time of day when you can take walks and how long you’ll walk. Write everything down, and ask yourself if you’re confident that these activities and goals are realistic for you. If not, start with smaller steps. Post your plan where you’ll most often see it as a reminder.
Start small. After you've identified realistic short-term and long-term goals, break down your goals into small, manageable steps that are specifically defined and can be measured. Is your long-term goal to lose 20 pounds within the next five months? A good weekly goal would be to lose one pound a week. If you would like to eat healthier, consider as a goal for the week replacing dessert with a healthier option, like fruit or yogurt. At the end of the week, you’ll feel successful knowing you met your goal.
Change one behavior at a time. Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time, so replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time. Many people run into problems when they try to change too much too fast. To improve your success, focus on one goal or change at a time. As new healthy behaviors become a habit, try to add another goal that works toward the overall change you’re striving for.
Involve a buddy. Whether it be a friend, co-worker or family member, someone else on your journey will keep you motivated and accountable. Perhaps it can be someone who will go to the gym with you or someone who is also trying to stop smoking. Talk about what you are doing. Consider joining a support group. Having someone with whom to share your struggles and successes makes the work easier and the mission less intimidating.
Ask for support. Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and commitment. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking help from a psychologist. Psychologists are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body, as well as the factors that promote behavior change. Asking for help doesn't mean a lifetime of therapy; even just a few sessions can help you examine and set attainable goals or address the emotional issues that may be getting in your way.
Making the changes that you want takes time and commitment, but you can do it. Just remember that no one is perfect. You will have occasional lapses. Be kind to yourself. When you eat a brownie or skip the gym, don’t give up. Minor missteps on the road to your goals are normal and okay. Resolve to recover and get back on track.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

For Children With Severe Anxiety, Drugs Plus Therapy Help Best

Anxiety medication might make therapy easier for teens who are suffering from severe symptoms.

Teens and children struggling with anxiety are often prescribed medication or therapy to treat their symptoms. For many, either drugs or therapy is enough, but some young people can't find respite from anxious thoughts. For them, a study suggests that using both treatments at once can help.

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology on Monday, analyzed data from a large clinical trial of 488 people ages 7 to 17 diagnosed with anxiety disorders. The trial compared therapy, an anti-depressant called sertraline (brand name Zoloft), the combination of both, and a placebo. Pfizer, which manufactures Zoloft, donated both the sertraline and the placebo pills to the study.

"Earlier research suggested [therapy] and medication were effective approaches with an overall similar level of efficacy," says Eli Lebowitz, a psychiatrist at Yale University and an author of the study. "But that's only true for some anxious children and not for others."

According to the study, the ones who didn't do so well on only one treatment were the ones with the most severe symptoms. Fear stops them from talking to another person or, for those with separation anxiety, drives them to avoid being alone at any cost. The thought of what their peers are saying about them or thinking about them can anchor those with a social anxiety at home when they need to be at school. To them, the sources of their anxiety are often not possibilities of what might be, but feeling certain that something bad will happen. The dread of what is coming can literally shake them and make them sweat and vomit.

It's important to address these issues early. That's because without treatment, childhood anxiety can stretch into adulthood, says Dr. Jeffrey Strawn, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center who did not work on the study. "They are at higher risk of developing depressive disorders or secondary anxiety disorders. So if I have generalized anxiety disorder, I have an increased risk of developing social anxiety or a panic disorder," he says.

For many of the study participants with extreme anxiety, the feelings could be reduced but still persisted at a debilitating level even with a specialized psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy or when on the antidepressant. "If they got both [therapy and medications], they had a good chance of getting better. If they only got one, they were no more likely to be [free of an anxiety disorder] than children who only got the placebo," says Lebowitz.

Roughly 60 percent of the participants with severe anxiety that got both treatments were free of an anxiety disorder at 12 weeks when the treatment ended. About 25 to 30 percent of the participants with severe anxiety who only got one of the options had the same outcome.

The study confirms what many clinicians have long felt is the best way to treat children with severe anxiety, says Strawn. "For the most severe cases of anxiety, most prefer the combination treatment already, I think [based on] clinical intuition. It's just that we didn't have explicit data supporting that until this study," he says.

With this new evidence, Strawn says that clinicians should consider offering an unequivocal recommendation for treatment when they see a patient with severe anxiety. "What this study tells me is that it's probably better to lay out a recommendation and why you're making this recommendation based on the evidence," he says. "I think what a lot of my colleagues do is say, 'We can try the cognitive behavior therapy or the sertraline or we can try this combination approach.' "

Researchers don't know why the combined treatments could do what only one failed, says Dr. Jerome Taylor, a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania and the lead author on the study, but they have some ideas. "Meds reduce the level of anxiety, we do know that. It's possible that helps [the patients] engage more in the therapy where they couldn't before," he says.

"[Cognitive behavior therapy] is not feel good therapy," Lebowitz adds. "We're asking you to practice the thing you fear most. That's a lot to ask of a child." At times, the anxiety is so powerful that the patient cannot participate in the therapy or even attend. Medication might make therapy easier and more productive, the researchers think, and the therapy may help the response that patients get from the medicine.

The bottom line is that severely anxious kids should get both treatments to have the best chance of getting better, but it's also not always possible, Strawn acknwledges. "The access to truly skilled therapists doing evidenced-based therapy is tremendously limited," he says. "We're talking about children and adolescents who are in school for the bulk of their day." A therapist working five days a week would only be able to see a handful of young patients each week, and there aren't very many child and adolescent therapists who are skilled at specialized therapy.

Financial cost may be prohibitive, too, as insurance panels may not always cover the therapy, Taylor says. "We do know that both would give the kid the best chance of getting better," he says. "But if you can't do both – then what are you willing to do?" If the combination isn't an option, Taylor says doing at least one can still yield positive results.

The study was primarily funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Meet the 6ft 9in Russian model with the longest legs in the world


A towering Russian model who overcame bullying to become an Olympic star has officially set a new record for having the world’s longest legs (female). 

Ekaterina Lisina, who stands at 6ft 9in, has two Guinness records to her name having also been crowned the world’s tallest model.

The 29-year-old’s left leg measures 132.8 cm (52.2 in), while her right leg is 132.2 cm (52.0 in) long.


She comes from a very tall family, with her brother measuring 6ft 6in, her father at 6ft 5in and her mother at 6ft 1in.

The model says it “feels amazing” to become a Guinness World Records title holder and hopes it will increase the positive attention she gets day to day.

Lisina overcame being bullied about her height as a teenager to achieve her dreams of becoming a professional model.


In 2008, she played in the Russian Olympic basketball team and won a bronze medal at the Beijing Games.

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday said: “We might have been inspired this year by fictional superheroes, but the focus for this edition is celebrating the planet's real-life superheroes, who come in all shapes and sizes.

“We believe that everyone has a superpower that’s waiting to be discovered, and our search for the latest record-breaking talent has brought us into contact with some truly superhuman characters.

“Beyond these wonder women and super men, you’ll also find an awe-inspiring roster of record-breakers, from talented pets and remarkable feats of engineering to amazing wonders from the natural world and every significant sporting achievement of the past year.”

Monday, August 21, 2017

No one believes this Italian actress is nearly 60: 'You look better than 20'

An Italian woman has wowed her Instagram followers with her age-defying looks.

Pamela Prati – an actress, television presenter, and model - is frequently mistaken for a 20-year-old when she shares photos online.

But she's not in her twenties. Or even her thirties.

In fact, Pamela turns 59 in November.

Italian media are so awestruck by her looks that they describe her as someone who has "found the elixir of eternal youth".

And her loyal online followers can't get enough of the brunette's selfies and poolside snaps.

"A 30-year-old can only dream of a class and a physical statuary like this," one fan wrote on one of her photos, while another commented, "You look better than twenty".

One person told Pamela that "time has stopped in front of your beauty".

The actress says her youthful looks' "secret is a proper nutrition and regular exercise."

Pamela has a Spanish father and Italian mother and was born in northern Sardinia, a large Italian island in the Mediterranean. She moved to Rome when she was in her late teens and began working as a model.

And Pamela isn't the only model to baffle the world with her youthful looks. Recently, a Singaporean model caused quite the stir on social media.

Chuando Tan's chiselled and youthful complexion had the world thinking he was a twenty-something, though he actually turned 50 earlier this year.

His secret?

He said his looks and ripped physique are down to frequent exercise, avoiding baths and showers too early or late at night, and finally, spicy Hainanese chicken.

Yep – he has that meal every day.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Who was Ferdinand Monoyer? Eye test inventor and ophthalmologist celebrated with Google Doodle

EYE test inventor Ferdinand Monoyer has been celebrated by Google with a winking Doodle.
The French ophthalmologist is renowned for his groundbreaking research on eye sight which led to him developing the Monoyer chart more than 100 years ago.
Eye test inventor Ferdinand Monoyer has been celebrated by Google with a winking Doodle
Eye test inventor Ferdinand Monoyer has been celebrated by Google with a winking Doodle
He also introduced a new measurement for vision called the dioptre in 1872 which measures the distance you have to be from text to read it.
The pioneering eye doctor would ask his patients to read from rows of gradually shrinking letters on his Monoyer chart until they were no longer able to distinguish the shapes.
Mr Monoyer has been honoured with a Google Doodle showing his chart on what would have been his 181st birthday.

Who was Ferdinand Monoyer?

Ferdinand Monoyer was born in Lyon, France, in 1836.
Inspired by his father, who was a French military doctor, he decided to follow in his footsteps and study medicine at the University of Strasbourg.
The French ophthalmologist is famed for developing his Monoyer chartThe French ophthalmologist is famed for developing his Monoyer chart
He worked his way up to become Associate Professor of Medical Physics before moving to become the director of the Ophthalmic Clinic at the University of Nancy.
Mr Monoyer later worked as Professor of medical physics at the University of Lyon from 1877 to 1909.
He died at the age of 76 years in 1912 and his tomb is located in the Cimetière de la Guillotière in Lyon.
In a speech he was remembered as a “scholar who knew to think and to reflect”.

Did Ferdinand Monoyer invent the eye test?

The French ophthalmologist is famed for developing his Monoyer chart which measures visual acuity, or how well the retina focuses.
He introduced the chart at around the same time that Dutch ophthalmologist Herman Snellen developed his Snellen chart in 1862.
The Snellen chart is now the most widely used, although many ophthalmologists and vision scientists now use the new and improved LogMAR chart.
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Google Doodle celebrates ophthalmologist Ferdinand Monoyer's 181st birthday


Mr Monoyer actually hid his own name in the test he used – and if you look closely at the Google Doodle you may be able to make it out.

"He developed the dioptre, the unit of measurement for vision that's still used today," said Google.
"The dioptre measures the distance you'd have to be from text to read it. Most notably, Monoyer devised an eye chart where every row represents a different dioptre, from smallest to largest."

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Everything You Want To Know About Getting A Tattoo (& We Mean Everything)

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Blame it on Instagram: Even people who don’t consider themselves as the tattooing kind start to crave a little ink after seeing post after post of dope designs. Between delicate and minimal options, watercolor tattoos, and crystal-clear, single-needle creations, there really is something for everyone. According to a 2016 Harris Poll, nearly half of Americans aged 18-35 have a tattoo — and most folks who have them, no matter what their age, don’t stop at one. So if getting inked for the very first time is likely to lead to doing it over and over again, then knowing what you’re getting into is more important than ever.

We talked with tattoo artist Georgia Grey, a resident at New York’s legendary Bang Bang tattoo shop. (You know, the New York institution that serves as the place for celebrity ink: Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn, Adele, Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez are just a few of the famous clientele who pop into the shop for tattoos.) Not only does Grey do the most enviable watercolor and origami designs, she specializes in working with first timers.

Ahead, the artist with nearly a decade of experience under her belt answers all our burning questions — and sets the record straight about some controversial practices.

First things first: Let’s talk about the pain.
Grey admits it can be painful for many — and suggests a mind over matter approach. “I always recommend [clients] focus on their breathing during a tattoo. Take your mind elsewhere, if possible. Pain is beauty and it’s only temporary, so just breathe easy and it'll be over before you know it,” she advises. And if that doesn’t work? Well, there are always topical anesthetics made especially for tattooing that can be used to take the edge off.

Fresh tattoo pics on Instagram always show shaved skin. Should this be done the night before?
When it comes to knowing what to shave, and when, in preparation for a tattoo, let the the age-old Biggie lyric be your guide: “No need to worry, my tattooist handles that.” Or as Grey says: “When it comes to shaving the skin for a tattoo, it's best to let the artist do it the day of the tattoo. You can always trim in advanced if you're on the hairier side.”
Pain is beauty and it’s only temporary, so just breathe easy and it'll be over before you know it.
Does skin need to be perfectly clear? What about zits, cuts, or scars?
Your area of placement should be one that’s free of body acne and fresh wounds, Grey says. “Scars can be worked with, depending on skin and the age of the injury,” she says.

Are there any rules surrounding self tanner or spray tans?
“Getting a self tan before a tattoo doesn't necessarily effect the tattoo, but during the tattoo process much of it will most likely be removed, so I would avoid it or do it a few days in advance — just so [the tanner is] fully settled into the skin,” she says. As for after the tattoo, you will want to wait two weeks to a month before getting spray tanned or wearing self tanner over the tattoo. This will give time for the tattoo to fully heal and nix the chance of developing an infection.

Any other tips on how to prep for your appointment?
Grey’s wisdom is choice: “Always avoid partying the night before and eat a good meal before coming in,” she says.
 




If you envision pregnancy in your future, are there places on the body that may not be the best choices to get inked?
If you plan to be pregnant some day and don’t want a tattoo design to stretch with your growing body, then Grey suggests avoiding placement on the pelvic region, abdomen, and possibly ribcage, depending on the person (and pregnancy).

Should you plastic wrap a fresh tattoo? And if so, how long should plastic wrap stay on the new design?
Grey says the great plastic wrap debate is a controversial one in the tattoo world. “Some artists recommend keeping the tattoo wrapped for multiple days, changing the wrapping every few hours, and some recommend avoiding plastic wrap all together,” she explains. Grey’s take falls somewhere in the middle. “Depending on the location of the tattoo, I often recommend wrapping the tattoo for the first few nights, making sure it's dry and clean before putting on the plastic wrap.”

Let’s talk aftermath: How long does it typically take a tattoo to heal? What’s the best way to take care of it?
Healing times and care instructions can vary, depending on the work done, but Grey shares a typical Rx ahead: Immediately after getting inked, wash your tattoo every night and apply a thin layer of ointment or lotion to the design for the duration of the healing process, which typically takes two to four weeks. Avoid tanning and swimming during this time, Grey says. You’ll know when your tattoo has healed because it will fully settle into the skin. If your tattoo hasn’t healed in four weeks, or if it starts to ooze or swell, then book an appointment with your dermatologist, stat. Finally, if touch-ups are needed, wait at least a month to get them done.

What do we need to know about sun protection or covering up after first getting tattooed?
“After getting any tattoo, avoid sun exposure for a minimum of two weeks to a month,” Grey says. And after? “ Always sunscreen your tattoos. Sunscreen will keep your skin young and fresh by preventing the pigment from spreading and aging.”

If you choose to get a tattoo in white ink, will it change color over time?
“How white-ink tattoos change color will vary,” she says. For example: The artist has seen some white-ink tattoos develop a pink hue and scar-like appearance. “For the most part, white tattoos will turn to an off-white or yellow color when your skin tans,” she says. “White ink is best for highlights in tattoos, not necessarily a tattoo all on its own.”

Watercolor tattoos are so dreamy, but I hear they fade and bleed over time. Is this true?
Yes, like all tattoos, they will fade and bleed over time, Grey says, but there are a few design elements that can be used to help them hold up. “Having some sort of dark outline or dark tone in the tattoo will hold the image when placed correctly,” she notes, with this caveat: “When getting a watercolor tattoo, you will most likely want to keep up with sunscreen and get a touch up every few years.”
Always sunscreen your tattoos. Sunscreen will keep your skin young and fresh preventing the pigment from spreading and aging.
Stick-and-poke tattoos are very popular right now — what do people need to know about them?
The artist points out that while stick-and-poke tattoos are trending, they're more of a traditional style than a trend. “Before the tattoo machine [was invented], stick-and-poke was the only method of getting a tattoo. So in reality, the world of tattooing is taking a step backwards with [this style], in a nod to a ancient art form,” she says. Grey notes that this old-school way of getting inked often results in faster healing times. What’s more, it holds ink very well — as long as the artist knows what she or he is doing. Her prime advice when it comes to stick-and-poke? Make sure to have the tattoo done by a professional in a professional setting — not in a friend's friend's kitchen at 2:00 a.m.

Single-needle tattoos are also very popular right now. Is it true that they fade faster than traditional tattoos?
Single-needle tattoos need to be UV protected with religious sunscreen wear and in many cases, maintained every few years, she says. Though Grey points out, “If it's something you want on your body forever, then the maintenance won't be too much of a bother.”

 

Say you don’t like the tattoo you get. What do we need to know about cover-up tats?

“Cover-ups take more space than the original design, are usually darker, and most artists don’t even bother with doing them — which makes getting them a pain all the way around," Grey points out. Translation: Unless you know you want the tattoo forever, don't get it. "When in doubt, do nothing,” she says about tats you may regret.

Does the the type of pigment used matter? Some shops post about organic ink and there are many brands of conventional, too. What are the differences and how do they affect someone's tattoo, if at all?
The answer is a tricky one. As Grey points out, the FDA has never approved any tattoo ink, so in reality there is nothing proving which one is better beyond artist opinion. Ultimately, the choice of ink really comes down to the artist’s personal preference. Overall, ink type isn’t something the client needs to be worried about — other than making sure it’s fresh. “If the client prefers a vegan ink then that can always be accommodated,” she says.

Is most tattoo work charged by the hour or the tat? How is cost normally calculated?
Pricing for a tattoo varies with artist and shop. The best way to figure out exact pricing is to go to the shop and have a consultation with the artist of your choice — and ask for a quote, straight up.

Is it customary to compensate an artist for the time spent doing a design pre-ink? What if you decide to back out of the actual appointment?
If a tattoo artist draws an original design during a consultation, Grey suggests tipping the artist for the work if you’re not sure whether you want to book the appointment. Generally, a 20% tip on the cost of the tattoo appointment will do the job.

Is there any other tattoo-getting etiquette that people should know their first time in?
Research your artist, be sure of your decision, and the design you came in to talk about, and let the artist know it's your first time, Grey says. It will go a long way toward finalizing the best design, ensuring you get the style you want, getting the best bedside manner from your artist, and receiving the proper aftercare advice. One more thing? Tipping at the end is always appreciated.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

BLOWN UP BY AN E-CIG Vaper shares shocking pictures after suffering second-degree burns and losing seven teeth when e-cigarette exploded

Andrew Hall rushed into intensive care with gruesome injuries after his e-cigarette blew up in his face

An EXPLODING e-cigarette has left a vaper with horrifying burns to his face and knocked out seven of his teeth.

Andrew Hall, from Pocatello, Idaho, was getting ready for work and enjoying a vape when suddenly his device blew up in his face leaving him with hideous injuries.


Andrew Hall has been left in utter agony after the vape explosion tore into his face


As well as losing teeth and having his face burned, there is internal damage to his mouth so he struggles to eat


Andrew suffering in a dental chair as a dental surgeon sees what can be done for him

The explosion was so powerful that he lost seven of his teeth and was left with agonising 2nd degree burns to his face.

Doctors in intensive care had to remove chunks of plastic, teeth and foreign objects from mouth, throat and lips.

Scorch marks were left on the wall and the ceiling and the sink broke.

Posting on Facebook from his hospital bed, Andrew said: “I was getting ready for work when I had something happen to me that I didn’t expect possible.

“I did not do anything I wasn’t supposed to (battery was in right, always had the shop put it together when I first bought it and add things and maintenance it the right way while taking their advice) but it exploded in my face.”


The vape machine is torn to shreds by the sheer force of the explosion

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Include airline passengers' weight in baggage allowances, poll says


Nearly 40% of British travellers believe airlines should take a passengers' weight into consideration when setting luggage allowances, a survey suggests.

According to the poll, 18% of adults feel "angry" that heavier people are entitled to the same baggage limit.

Many of those questioned said making sure that their suitcase did not exceed an airline's weight restrictions was the most stressful element of plane travel.

But women appeared to be more concerned about following the rules than men.

Kasia Jankowska, from the online travel company eDreams, said: "It is clear that many travellers find packing to meet a specific weight restriction a huge amount of stress, which has in turn caused a substantial amount of resentment between passengers.

"No matter whether you take a regimented approach weeks before departure or throw your clothes in a suitcase minutes before you leave - packing for a trip is a big deal."

On some airlines, exceeding a baggage allowance can lead to eye-watering charges.

Figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show 62% of adults in England are currently obese or overweight.

9 celebrities who's living with incurable diseases

We all love to have perfect bodies, a great immune system, good health and most of all live till we're 200. Unfortunately there are many things in this world that has no explainations or cures to certain diseases which shockingly influence our bodies enough. Fortunately, being in the XXI century we've antibodies that exist, aside from that many developed nations have an average health system; on account of that, natives who are not well can go to a specialist. Obviously, celebrities are not an exception from these illnesses, fame does not make them resistant to it. Here we've a list of those who has something inside them that keeps them from living a normal life.

 
Angelina Jolie

Right now the American actress is not having the best of time, because of recent separation from her husband, Brad Pitt. Angelina has been for a considerable length of time one the most desired woman, not only in Hollywood but around the world has well. Her beauty has captivated all viewers in movies like "Tomb Raider"and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". What only few people know is that, Jolie has a genetic variation in her BRCA1 gene, which makes her prone and very sensitive to breat cancer disease. What a pity!


Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez is a famous actress and singer. Since appearing in the Disney series "Wizards of Waverly Place", Selena Gomez's path in the realm of acting has been obviously been an upward climb. Her sweet voice and snappy tunes have made her one of the world's most popular vocalists. Selena sadly can not appreciate both worlds enough, since Lupus has attacked her body. This autoimmune disease causes the immune system of the body to attack other healthy organs and tissues.


Charlie Sheen

This man has made us smile more than just once. His role in the popular TV show "Two and a Half Men" won him many awards. He played a character with a similar name, as a man with wealth, and an unfathomably childish desire for alcohol and women. But it didn't really cost him much to adjust to his role, as he has almost the same habits in real life. One of his several rendez-vous with his lady friends caused him to contract HIV. What has he gained? Nothing, except that now he has all the time in the world to ponder on his thoughts. Since he's clearly not going to get any action in his life anymore.


Pink

In the late 90s and mid 2000s there was an artist with the pinkest hair that mesmerized every one of us. Who are we talking about? Pink of course! Her powerful voice is a perfect complement to her songs that are loaded with energy, this has allowed all her concerts a complete "sold out". A couple of years ago, Pink told the world that she has had asthma since she was little. But that did not stop her from performing before a huge number of people over and over again.
 
Tom Hanks

If we talk about renowned actors, who truly have an impeccable talent for acting, it is unavoidable to include Tom Hanks. His acting in the famous film "Forrest Gump" is only proof that he has an enormous talent. Unfortunately, Hanks has an illness that is quite common across the planet today, i.e. diabetes. Those affected by this problem have a high level of sugar in their blood, because their pancreas does not work very well.


Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian is a definite standout amongst the most important celebrities of today's generation. She developed an illness when she was just a child. When we first look at her striking body and flawless face, one will not think that anything can happen to the American reality TV show star. Sadly she has a disease called psoriasis. What are the symptoms? It affects the skin, which tends to be red, inflammed and has silvery coloured scaling, which is not stylish while going to the beach, for instance. There many types of treatment that allows the disease to be controlled or in some cases cured.

 
Shakira
The Colombian singer is one of the many who's on top of the popularity pyramid. And there are no songs of hers that is not a success in clubs or parties around the world. Her collaborations with singers like Pitbull, Carlos Vives and Maluma and have done shown the world of her immense talent in music. Not everything is perfect for Shakira, as she has an illness for years now called toxoplasmosis. It's said that it's an infection caused by a parasite which can be contacted through cats or uncooked meat. What are the symptoms? It starts with a flu and then gets serious like swollen lymoh nodes. We hope it does not get to serious, we need more of her music!


Hugh Jackman

The actor character who playes the role of Wolverine in movies of Marvel, is considered by numerous magazines as the sexiest man on the planet. That ripped body and his beard are the main things that make us girls swoon! All producers are battling each other for Jackman to star in their movies, because in every movie he acts, it has been an absolute success. Unfortunately, he has the incurable disease of skin cancer . We hope that you care, because most of the time it's deadly.
 
Pamela Anderson

Amid the 80s and 90s there was a woman who became the fantasy of numerous men around the globe, we're obviously talking about Pamela Anderson. The star of the famous TV series "Baywatch" had a stricking body and a face that made everybody fall at her feet. We recently discovered that this performing artist has Hepatitis C, which causes high fever, tiredness and intense stomach torment.
We send our good wishes for a fast recovery to all these popular people. Health is first!
If you like this article, please share it with your family and friends!

Monday, December 5, 2016

Jayalalithaa suffers cardiac arrest, back in ICU

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa was shifted back to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai after she suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening. She is on extracorporeal membrane heart assist device and is being treated by a team of expert doctors and critical care specialists, said Apollo Hospitals in a tweet late on Sunday night. The hospital also said that Dr. Richard Beale, was consulted again and he concurred with the line of treatment. 

Initial reports suggested that the Chief Minister was put on life support system though hospital sources maintained that her condition was “stable”. A late evening press released issued by Apollo Hospitals COO Subbiah Viswanathan said, the Chief Minister “suffered a cardiac arrest this evening. She is being treated and monitored by a team of experts including cardiologists, pulmonologist and the critical care specialists.” 

Maharashtra Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, who is holding additional charge of Tamil Nadu, arrived at the hospital. 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao on Sunday evening and enquired about health of Ms. Jayalalithaa. As of 11 pm, no request by Tamil Nadu to send Central forces, said a senior MHA official to The Hindu. Director General of CRPF K.Durga Prasad said that he has not received any instructions yet from the Home Ministry to rush to Chennai. 

Following news of the Chief Minister's ill health, violence broke out at the hospital entrance on Sunday night. Housing Minister Udumalai Radhakrishnan, PWD Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Electricity Minister P. Thangamani, Transport Minister M.R. Vijaya Baskar were among those present at the hospital. 
Ms Jayalalithaa, who was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals on the night of September 22, with “low grade fever and dehydration”, was subsequently under intensive treatment from specialists and moved to a private ward only on November 19. 

Several State Ministers, the Chief Secretary and top bureaucrats rushed to the hospital while Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police T.K. Rajendran who was in Madurai for a review meeting air-dashed to Chennai, advancing his scheduled trip. An emergency meeting was called at the police headquarters late on Sunday. 

Police officers mobilised
The entire police strength, including companies of the Armed Reserve and Tamil Nadu Special Police, was being mobilised as a precautionary measure. 

The Director General of Police has ordered the mobilisation of all officers in the rank of Superintendent of Police as well as police personnel of other ranks (Enforcement, CB CID, Economic Offences Wing, Crime Wing). They have been asked to report to their respective District SPs/ Commissioner of Police at 7 am on Monday. They have been ordered to report in full uniform with their vehicles for law and order bandobast duty until further orders. 

Though no formal request was made yet, companies of the Central Reserve Police Force in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States were put on alert, the sources said. 

London doctor consulted
Earlier following her hospitalisation, besides doctors at the Apollo Hospital, Dr Richard John Beale, expert in lung injuries and intensive care management, United Kingdom and specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, were part of the treatment protocol. 

Earlier this evening an AIIMS expert team had confirmed that the Chief Minister had recovered after over two months of hospitalisation, AIADMK said. 

What is ECMO?
● ECMO stands for Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation
● ECMO is used as a life support system in some patients who suffer a cardiac arrest — it is used as a rescue therapy when the patient is found to be unresponsive to conventional CPR measures
● An ECMO machine works by draining the blood from a vein, adding oxygen and removing the carbon dioxide. It also warms the blood and then returns it to the artery and in some cases pumps the blood through the body. This allows the blood to bypass the heart and lungs.
● Specifically, ECMO is resorted to in situations where it can be rapidly implemented and where the attending medical personnel believe that the suspected cause of the cardiac arrest is potentially reversible

Monday, December 14, 2015

BKS Iyengar: Four facts you need to know about the yoga guru behind today's Google Doodle

Google has chosen to honour the Indian guru BKS Iyengar - who is credited with bringing yoga to the West - to mark what would have been his 97th birthday. 

BKS Iyengar - whose birth name was Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar - died last year after an eight-decade career popularising his version of “Iyengar yoga” in India and across the world. 

But here are some of the things you may not know about the great yogi: 

1.His brother-in-law was known as the “father of modern yoga”

In 1934, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya first invited his young, sickly brother-in-law to train with him in what was then the kingdom of Mysore (now Karnataka state) in southern India to improve his health.

Krishnamacharya was one of the key figures behind the revival of “hatha yoga” - from which Iyengar yoga developed - in the early 20th century which focused on the correct alignment of the body. 
2. He owed his international success to an American violinist

In 1952, Yehudi Menuhin befriended BKS Iyengar. Menuhin believed doing yoga improved his playing and invited him to Switzerland with him in 1954. 

After that visit, Iyengar travelled frequently to the west to demonstrate his special technique and hundreds of Iyengar yoga centres sprang up around the world. 

3. He taught the 85-year-old Queen Elisabeth of Belgium how to do a headstand

Iyengar was first introduced to the dowager Queen in 1958 and she told him she wanted to learn how to do his signature sirasana headstand. 

She gave him a bust of his head which she had sculpted herself. In 1965, he visited her again to help her regain some control of her movements after she suffered a stroke at 92. 

Iyengar was a favourite of main celebrities such as writer Aldous Huxley and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. 

4. His children became celebrated yoga teachers as well 

His eldest daughter Geeta and his son Prashant have become internationally renowned yoga practitioners and now run the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute - which BKS Iyengar founded in 1975 in honour of his late wife. 

He also trained his granddaughter, Abhijata Sridhar Iyengar as a yoga teacher for many years and she now teaches at the institute and abroad.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Unfriend your partner on Facebook if you want to stay together, therapist says

Unfriend your partner on Facebook 'if you want to stay together', therapist says
Some 1.4 billion are on Facebook as people around the world become more and more used to living their lives online.

A therapist has come up with some unexpected advice for couples looking to strengthen their relationship - unfriend each other on Facebook. 

New York-based couples counsellor Ian Kerner told PRI about how he created a Facebook account for a short period and found it negatively impacted on his marriage.

"I realised for a little while with my own wife that I didn't really want her to be my friend on Facebook. I didn't want all of that extra information. If anything, I wanted less information - I wanted more mystery and more unpredictability," he said. 

"I didn't want to know that she was posting about being tired or having her third coffee for the day. So I specifically unfriended her during my brief tenure on Facebook. It's something that I do recommend to couples." 

Some 1.4 billion are on Facebook as people around the world become more and more used to living their lives online. 

However, Kerner said that whilst it can make you feel closer to your partner to be able to get constant updates on their lives, it's important to leave a little mystery. 

"There's something about being in a relationship where you want some unknowningness and some unpredictability," he added.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

New HIV vaccine candidate ‘primes’ immune system

Scientists have designed a new experimental HIV vaccine candidate that may stimulate the immune system to block infection from the deadly virus.
New research led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and The Rockefeller University shows in mice that the vaccine candidate can stimulate the immune system activity necessary to stop HIV infection.
The findings could provide key information for the development of an effective AIDS vaccine, researchers said.
The research, published in concurrent studies in the journals Cell and Science, represents a leap forward in the effort to develop a vaccine against HIV, which has so far struggled to elicit antibodies (immune system molecules) that can effectively fight off different strains of the virus.
“The results are pretty spectacular,” said Dennis Burton, chair of the TSRI Department of Immunology and Microbial Science.
While many vaccines for other diseases use a dead or inactive version of the disease-causing microbe itself to trigger antibody production, immunisations with “native” HIV proteins are ineffective in triggering an effective immune response, due to HIV’s ability to evade detection from the immune system and mutate rapidly into new strains.
This challenge has led many researchers to believe that a successful AIDS vaccine will need to consist of a series of related, but slightly different proteins (immunogens) to train the body to produce broadly neutralising antibodies against HIV — a twist on the traditional “booster” shot, where a person is exposed to the same immunogen multiple times.
The scientists tested one of these potential proteins, an immunogen called eOD-GT8 60mer, a protein nanoparticle designed to bind and activate B cells needed to fight HIV.
The eOD-GT8 60mer was tested in mouse models to produce antibodies that resemble human antibodies.
Using a technique called B cell sorting, the researchers showed that immunisation with eOD-GT8 60mer produced antibody “precursors” — with some of the traits necessary to recognise and block HIV infection.
This suggested that eOD-GT8 60mer could be a good candidate to serve as the first in a series of immunisations against HIV, researchers said.
“The vaccine appears to work well in our mouse model to ’prime’ the antibody response,” added TSRI Professor David Nemazee.
In the Cell paper, researchers used the same eOD-GT8 60mer immunogen but used a slightly different mouse model.
“The immunogen again launched the immune system in the right direction,” said TSRI Professor William Schief.

My fight against the dreadful disease - CANCER - Mrs. V.C.Vaidehi



Like most Chennai girls, I too had my entry into a Software Company right after my graduation. When I reached 23, I met my better half and tied the wedlock soon.

We had a cute little girl child the very next year. I changed my job and joined back after 7 months of maternity. Life was cool and fine with small hurdles that could be crossed with patience.

We are a vegetarian family and we have the habit of including fruits in our diet every week. I live with my in laws and having an active lifestyle with busy household chores, office and some workout routines. I eat all vegetables including plantain stem and bitter guard. I find so many adults pushing veggies aside on their plate.

It was around 4.5 years post marriage - during August 2014, I noticed a small lump on the right side of my neck. It was of the size of half of a marble. I couldnt figure out why it appeared all of a sudden. I youtubed and googled smile emoticon
 and finally found that its called 'Lymph node Enlargement' and I was clear that it wasnt Thyroid. It was hardly a week after the swelling when I got severe fever which ran upto 102 in the evening and fatigue. I'm generally very active in the evening when I prepare the vegetables for the next day and spend time with the kid - but I was falling on the bed as soon as I returned. I had a sore throat as well. I decided to check it with an ENT specialist who in turn gave me medicines saying that 'Lymph node' coud enlarge if we get infections. He's right actually and so I took the medicines for 3 days when nothing subsided. I went to my gynaecologist who has known my health condition thru out my pregnancy. As soon as I blurted out the word, 'Lymph node enlargement' - she immediately asked me to take it serious and perform a series of tests.

Note1: Your general physician would be able to guide you best since he/she knows your health condition better than anyone else

Note2: Please identify any small changes in your body and if its a non -painful lump anywhere, please show it to your doc immediately. It might also be non-harmful but ensure you get it clarified.

Note3: Never hesitate to take tests like blood test/scans. I'm aware that it requires a lot of money out of our hands. But in this world with adulterated food everywhere, the number of diseases are huge and most diseases do not show up with just physical examination.

It was a neck scan which showed multiple nodules inside apart from the one I could visibly see. My doc suggested FNAC which requires taking a sample using a needle from the nodule. The scan specialist was apprehensive and suggested a chest scan as well after discussing with us. He wanted that to confirm on something. We were not clear on what his suspicion was about. But still, we conceded since our doctor was informed well in hand before performing the scan. We were finally informed that I was suffering from Hodgkin's Lymphoma/Lymph node cancer. Tears rolled down my husband's eyes as he read the report online. My mother, in laws including my sister in law - were in tears. I could sense the tension but I suggested to discuss everything with doctor first. My doctor had got the news well ahead and she suggested a full biopsy to make a double confirmation. The histopathology report takes 3 days to come which confirms the stage of cancer and the type of cells which are active. This would help in identifying the treament mode as well. I was at Stage 2, Hodgkin's Lymphoma. My doc was cool in guiding us to an Oncologist at Apollo, Teynampet.

Dr. MA Raja is the oncologist I met at Apollo. He gave us a counselling session of an hour or so before talking about the treatment. We had a hundred questions to ask of course. smile emoticon

Is it completely curable? How long would the treatment go? Will I lose my hair completely? What are the side effects? and many more... He was patient enough to answer every question that we had. The treatment for CANCER can be by the following methods: 

1: Chemotherapy 
2: Radiation 
3: Surgery + chemo 
4: Chemo + radiation 
5: worst case - it could be Stem cell transplant.

The PET scan (injecting radioactive element into your body to identify the areas where the CANCER cells have spread) - suggested that I had it in my neck and CHEST and hence Stage 2.

Since I was in stage 2 and young, my treatment included Chemotherapy alone.

Radiation, though has lesser side effects (you wont lose hair frown emoticon
 importantly) - is suggested for patients who are about 35-40 years since it might cause some other cancer in the future.

This is my first day of Chemotherapy - which included a 5 hour session of injecting drugs into my veins. ABVD were the medicines offered to me. 

I told myself that the road ahead is going to be too rough. I took an LOP from work after 2 rounds of chemotherapy since I was too tired to work 

I can quote some side effects of chemotherapy for you to know.

1: Mouth ulcers which make you lose your taste buds - you cannot eat what you like even if you are double hungry due to steroids

2: Severe Pain in the veins - if the medicine is viscous (one of my medicines was too thick) 

3: Water retention in the whole body which made my face rounded smile emoticon
 I started looking like a chipmunk smile emoticon
 
4: Hairfall- I started losing my hair after 2 rounds of chemo - and I had to do a short haircut to prevent hair knots. Then I started becoming bald when I decided to go for a full tonsure. 

5: Buffalo hump - your neck becomes layered due to steroids - which make fat getting deposited in chest, back of neck

6: Weight gain - due to steroids

7: Nausea - which might in turn cause weight loss for some.

8: Nails and fingers getting discoloured - due to depletion of cells

9: Stomach burning - since the chemotherapy destoys all the cells in the lining of stomach

10: RBCs, WBCs go out of range and hence you are prone to a hell lot of infections. The injection 'NEOPOGEN (Cost: 12K) is given after chemo to trigger the bone marrow to produce more WBC - which inturn causes severe joint pain - I felt like I lost my hip and couldnt sit at times. 

11: Mood swings - widely due to treatment and also due to depression. 

The trauma of losing hair is just inexplicable. especially for girls, where hair literally means IDENTITY. Its a total change over of how you look.. I had to search for scarves - India doesnt have many varieties. Far east countries have a hell lot of varieties.

I started ignoring the mirror and cried sometimes to step out of the house. But still I had to engage myself into something. I started quilling, I learnt car driving and got my licence; I joined Aerobics. I spent more time with the kid though I couldnt help much since I would roll out in pain at times when my hubby and kid would console me to sleep.

My in laws and mom took good care of me but I started feeling too dependent on them. My dear hubby also did a tonsure to make me feel equal to him! There are guys who abandon their spouses as soon as they get to know that she is suffering from a dreadful disease. God, I cant ask for more!!

Note: You tend to realize the importance of your kith and kin only when you get a disease/ when you are unable to stay independent. You also tend to realize/find who your real friends are!!!

My scans after 6 rounds of ABVD(chemo) were normal and they told me that no more cancer cells were active. My doc suggested for 2 more rounds to wash out traces. Finally on December 6th 2014 - I took my last chemotherapy. I made quilling earrings and a 'Thank You' card to the 8 nurses who served me during my treatment.

I've been on remission since then. Its been 2 months now since my last treatment. My latest pic post treatment - lost some of the effects of steroids and my hair has started growing 
smile emoticon


My daily routine is: 1: I go for a morning walk for 40 min at 6 KMph.

2: I come home and prepare tiffin for the morning

3: Pack lunch for me and hubby and have breakfast

4: Washing machine

5: Give food for in laws and make kid ready

6: Clear and clean the kitchen - with utensils kept in place

7: Feed food for kid and start to office

8: I go to work in a train and a share auto - this ensures I get more exercise.

9: Reach home, have dinner and cut veggies for the next day lunch 

10: Clear the clothes and spend time with kid

11: Read a book and sleep.

Though I still have pains at times, I feel I can come back to my own self soon. It would take around 2 years may be for my hair to grow back as before. My steriods are slowly leaving me but its too slow and my patience levels are constantly tested. I can bear the look of strangers who give a weird look at me - but I'm hurt by the way some ppl who know me best, treat me post this. Guys, there's a lot of difference between patronizing and showing real concern . I've already lost hope in myself. If you still try to press me down, I'm ready to take it.. Keep it coming!! I'll come out with flying colours soon..

I met many ppl who shared their experiences about their kith and kin who had got this disease – I realized, life is not easy for anyone. Every person has a suffering that he/she has crossed or working upon. Name, fame, money – everything has lesser importance, the only thing which matters is the love you show on every person and the love you get from the ppl around you.

Never lose confidence in life. Even the deadliest disease has a cure if you have the confidence to face it!! 

Never waste your tears for petty things for it has the least value. The ppl who love you most will never ever leave you in whatever situation you are:) never lose those kind of people!!!

My latest gyan was that: Stress is an important factor for Cancer. So just dont get stressed if something is gonna hurt your heart, just come out of the place.. you have better things to do and better people who care!!

Keep moving on!! Life is too short to get stressed and get cancer

Guys - any inputs regarding CANCER and its treatment, its side effects, scarves, motivation etc I'm ready to discuss. Get in touch if you need. 

Thanks & Regards On behalf of Mrs.V.C.Vaidehi,

Dr. Hema Karthik

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