The next time you are exhausted, thirsty, or simply feel the urge to drench your throat, reach out for a glass of fruit juice rather than cola. Pure, unsweetened fruit juice is a good source of vitamins, minerals and a great way to replenish lost body fluids.
Fizzy drinks are bad even if they don’t contain pesticides. It’s nothing but sugar, gas and flavoured water. It’s high in calorific content and doesn’t do your body any good. Fruit juices are any day better than cola.
A glass of juice a day
Start your day by including a glass of pure fruit juice with your breakfast. You could even try a nutritious fruit smoothie. They're easy to make, full of vitamins and, because they contain real fruit, they are filling too - making them the perfect breakfast drink.
Squeezed fruit is as healthy as eating a piece of raw fruit out of your hand. A whole lot of fruit flesh gets lost when you squeeze the fruit. But your glass of orange juice contains all the fibres you need.
Fresh fruit juices detoxify your body and keep your circulatory system in order. The vitamins absorbed in the blood make skin healthy, and give you a special glow, especially oranges, carrots and beetroots that are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Juices hydrate the system and build up energy. A glass of fresh juice will keep you energetic and alert all day long. Even plain lime juice does wonders. The tangy drink purifies you inside out.
Increasing fruit intake in the diet helps maintain body weight as fruits are fat-free. You can indulge in as much as you like, not worrying about gaining weight.
The ways to consume juices are myriad. You can make a smoothie, add fruits in green salads, pasta. Try making a fruit raita with curds or even assort your ice-creams with fruit pulp. Ever tried pineapple pulp with vanilla? It tastes yummy. You can also try out mango, strawberry or peach. Run your imagination, and let your taste buds go wild. Fruit milk shakes provide calcium and make bones strong.
Why juices are better than fizzy drinks
Call them fizzy drinks, carbonated drinks, colas… all they contain is gas and lots of unwanted calories and zero nutritional value. Worse still, carbonated drinks dehydrate the system. When you pick up a fizzy drink to quench your thirst on a hot summer day, you are in fact increasing your thirst instead of slaking it.
Opt for fresh fruit juice. If you don’t have the time and energy to prepare one, there are fresh fruit juices easily available in the market. Xs, Tropicana, Real, Rasna and Jumpin, Frooti, these ready-to-drink fruit juices are made from the best tropical fruits. Available in Mango, Apple and Pineapple, Kiwi, Strawberry, Lichi, variants, these drinks are a storehouse of energy.
How we can incorporate fruit juices in our daily diet
• Start your day with a glass of juice
• Drink a glass of juice between your meals
• Try a fruit salad with food
• When you want ice cream, order one with a fruit salad
• End your day with mashed fruit pulp as dessert or simply sip a glass of lime juice
• If you don’t have the time and energy to whip up something, pick up reputed branded fruit juice from the market
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some fresh juice the next time you are out or munching something or even when you get down to read something.
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Friday, November 14, 2008
Gender Knee
Gender Knee….A special replacement for women
By Sudha Hariharan
Louise was a patient suffering from knee pain for almost 10 years. She had consulted various orthopaedic surgeons and learnt that she had osteoarthritis (pain in the knee). She tried everything from pain killers to steroids - to get relief from knee pain. She suffered little by little and stopped doing the things she enjoyed the most, because of her knee pain. The agony to stand, walk and do her daily activities Viz. running her business, cooking for the family, etc. was becoming impossible. She had to take help of her family to do any activity. Her social life was also completely compromised.
Louise also used to apply Move (pain reliever) and ice packs most of the time to get relief from pain. The pain was so excruciating that she had to take sleeping pills to fall asleep. The situation worsened day after day, so much so that she decided to opt for complete knee replacement surgery on both her knees, as advised by her orthopaedic surgeon.
Louise went to an orthopaedic surgeon in her area who was using a special knee made for women. He agreed that, not only would she benefit greatly from having both knees replaced, but also that she would be an excellent candidate for the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee, the first and only knee replacement shaped to fit women.
Louise also benefited from advancements in knee replacement that had occurred in the years since her pain began, such as less-invasive (small incision) surgery and Zimmer’s implants that were designed for high-flexion activities, including the Gender Solutions Knee.
Louise had surgery several months after her 50th birthday and although recovery from having both knees replaced at the same time was hard work, it was worth it, she said. She was relieved to be rid of the constant, gnawing knee pain and clicking in her knees. And was thrilled that she’d be able to start exercising again and focus on losing weight, not to mention cooking, gardening, shopping, decorating, spending quality time with family and friends and “living my life like a 50-year-old in a 50-year-old body.”
Her only regret?
“I wish I would have done it sooner,” said Louise. “My advice to people is ‘Don’t wait.’ Why suffer? I had 10 years of pain.”
Like Louise, there are several women in India suffering from severe knee pain or significant disability resulting from Arthritis or Injury, in turn compromising on their daily living. All such women can now look forward to a knee which matches their shape and size to provide a better fit.
Unhealthy Knee
Injury, arthritis, and other conditions can damage the cartilage that cushions the knee bones, allowing them to grind together, which can be quite painful.
Total knee replacement involves removing the portion of bone that is damaged and resurfacing the knee with metal and plastic implants.
Three bones make up the knee joint: the end of the thighbone (femur), the top of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The knee bones
are cushioned by cartilage. When cartilage is healthy and intact, it prevents wear and tear on the bone surfaces when you bend and extend your knee. But cartilage can become damaged over time, due to wear and tear (osteoarthritis), from injury or aging or rheumatoid arthritis. When the cartilage cushion is damaged or gone, the bones of the knee grind against each other. As a result, normal activities, from gardening to climbing
stairs, can become extremely painful.
What causes knees to hurt?
Women account for nearly two thirds of the more than half million people who undergo knee replacement in worldwide each year, and that number continues to grow. Yet, studies show that many more women would benefit from knee implants, and some women wait longer than they should.
Now, there’s no need to wait. For the first time, there is a knee implant
designed especially for women.. Replacement knees have long been available in many sizes, but size alone is not the only difference between man and woman.
Women are different, and so are their knees
Three distinct shape differences between women and men:
The angle between the hip and the knee affects how the kneecap moves over the thighbone when the knee is in motion. Women have a distinct shape, which frequently results in a different angle between the hip and the knee when compared to men. The Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee accounts for this difference, allowing for more natural movement.
The bone in the front of a woman’s knee is typically less prominent than a man’s. Traditional implants have a thickness in front that may end up feeling “bulky,” which may result in pain and a decrease in range of motion. The Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee has a thinner profile to accommodate this anatomical difference between women and men. It has a contoured shape to more closely match the narrower anatomy of a woman’s knee. This contouring provides for a more precise fit and may prevent the implant from overhanging the bone and potentially pressing on or damaging surrounding ligaments and tendons.
Facts About the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee
first and only knee replacement shaped to fit a woman’s anatomy. It is based on three distinct and scientifically documented differences between women’s and men’s knees.
It is the only anatomically designed knee implant that addresses both shape and size features of a woman’s knee, resulting in better fit, higher
flexion, and more natural movement.
Historically, all knee implants have been designed based on an average between the size of women’s and men’s knees.
It’s available globally.
It is implanted using existing, clinically successful surgical
techniques, including Zimmer’s minimally invasive approaches, which typically offer smaller scars, shorter hospitalization and quicker recovery.
safely accommodates high flexion, which is necessary
for many activities involving deep bending.
The need for Zimmer Gender SolutionsTM Knee implants is more than just marketing. Because women currently account for nearly 60% of all total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) both in India as well as worldwide, a knee implant designed specifically with their distinctive needs in mind is a logical development. Anatomically, a woman’s knee has a distinctive shape in comparison to a man’s knee in ways that impact the clinical outcome of TKAs using traditional implants
In India, recognizing that the realities related to management of arthritic pain through TKA is similar to worldwide trend, Zimmer launched the Gender SolutionsTM Knee in Apr’07. India has been the first country within Asia and within the first 5 countries in the world where Zimmer has introduced this product even as it prepares for its introduction in other countries.
By Sudha Hariharan
Louise was a patient suffering from knee pain for almost 10 years. She had consulted various orthopaedic surgeons and learnt that she had osteoarthritis (pain in the knee). She tried everything from pain killers to steroids - to get relief from knee pain. She suffered little by little and stopped doing the things she enjoyed the most, because of her knee pain. The agony to stand, walk and do her daily activities Viz. running her business, cooking for the family, etc. was becoming impossible. She had to take help of her family to do any activity. Her social life was also completely compromised.
Louise also used to apply Move (pain reliever) and ice packs most of the time to get relief from pain. The pain was so excruciating that she had to take sleeping pills to fall asleep. The situation worsened day after day, so much so that she decided to opt for complete knee replacement surgery on both her knees, as advised by her orthopaedic surgeon.
Louise went to an orthopaedic surgeon in her area who was using a special knee made for women. He agreed that, not only would she benefit greatly from having both knees replaced, but also that she would be an excellent candidate for the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee, the first and only knee replacement shaped to fit women.
Louise also benefited from advancements in knee replacement that had occurred in the years since her pain began, such as less-invasive (small incision) surgery and Zimmer’s implants that were designed for high-flexion activities, including the Gender Solutions Knee.
Louise had surgery several months after her 50th birthday and although recovery from having both knees replaced at the same time was hard work, it was worth it, she said. She was relieved to be rid of the constant, gnawing knee pain and clicking in her knees. And was thrilled that she’d be able to start exercising again and focus on losing weight, not to mention cooking, gardening, shopping, decorating, spending quality time with family and friends and “living my life like a 50-year-old in a 50-year-old body.”
Her only regret?
“I wish I would have done it sooner,” said Louise. “My advice to people is ‘Don’t wait.’ Why suffer? I had 10 years of pain.”
Like Louise, there are several women in India suffering from severe knee pain or significant disability resulting from Arthritis or Injury, in turn compromising on their daily living. All such women can now look forward to a knee which matches their shape and size to provide a better fit.
Unhealthy Knee
Injury, arthritis, and other conditions can damage the cartilage that cushions the knee bones, allowing them to grind together, which can be quite painful.
Total knee replacement involves removing the portion of bone that is damaged and resurfacing the knee with metal and plastic implants.
Three bones make up the knee joint: the end of the thighbone (femur), the top of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The knee bones
are cushioned by cartilage. When cartilage is healthy and intact, it prevents wear and tear on the bone surfaces when you bend and extend your knee. But cartilage can become damaged over time, due to wear and tear (osteoarthritis), from injury or aging or rheumatoid arthritis. When the cartilage cushion is damaged or gone, the bones of the knee grind against each other. As a result, normal activities, from gardening to climbing
stairs, can become extremely painful.
What causes knees to hurt?
Women account for nearly two thirds of the more than half million people who undergo knee replacement in worldwide each year, and that number continues to grow. Yet, studies show that many more women would benefit from knee implants, and some women wait longer than they should.
Now, there’s no need to wait. For the first time, there is a knee implant
designed especially for women.. Replacement knees have long been available in many sizes, but size alone is not the only difference between man and woman.
Women are different, and so are their knees
Three distinct shape differences between women and men:
The angle between the hip and the knee affects how the kneecap moves over the thighbone when the knee is in motion. Women have a distinct shape, which frequently results in a different angle between the hip and the knee when compared to men. The Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee accounts for this difference, allowing for more natural movement.
The bone in the front of a woman’s knee is typically less prominent than a man’s. Traditional implants have a thickness in front that may end up feeling “bulky,” which may result in pain and a decrease in range of motion. The Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee has a thinner profile to accommodate this anatomical difference between women and men. It has a contoured shape to more closely match the narrower anatomy of a woman’s knee. This contouring provides for a more precise fit and may prevent the implant from overhanging the bone and potentially pressing on or damaging surrounding ligaments and tendons.
Facts About the Zimmer Gender Solutions Knee
first and only knee replacement shaped to fit a woman’s anatomy. It is based on three distinct and scientifically documented differences between women’s and men’s knees.
It is the only anatomically designed knee implant that addresses both shape and size features of a woman’s knee, resulting in better fit, higher
flexion, and more natural movement.
Historically, all knee implants have been designed based on an average between the size of women’s and men’s knees.
It’s available globally.
It is implanted using existing, clinically successful surgical
techniques, including Zimmer’s minimally invasive approaches, which typically offer smaller scars, shorter hospitalization and quicker recovery.
safely accommodates high flexion, which is necessary
for many activities involving deep bending.
The need for Zimmer Gender SolutionsTM Knee implants is more than just marketing. Because women currently account for nearly 60% of all total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) both in India as well as worldwide, a knee implant designed specifically with their distinctive needs in mind is a logical development. Anatomically, a woman’s knee has a distinctive shape in comparison to a man’s knee in ways that impact the clinical outcome of TKAs using traditional implants
In India, recognizing that the realities related to management of arthritic pain through TKA is similar to worldwide trend, Zimmer launched the Gender SolutionsTM Knee in Apr’07. India has been the first country within Asia and within the first 5 countries in the world where Zimmer has introduced this product even as it prepares for its introduction in other countries.
HAIR…….AND NOW !
By Sudha Hariharan
Most people become especially concerned about skin and hair problems because disorders of the dermis ( which includes both skin and hair) are extremely apparent, both to the victim and those around. Such conditions are seldom fatal or even disabling but they do produce psychological problems which may, in turn, trigger other physical illnesses such as depression, over-eating, obesity and acne.
Many people have difficulties with their hair ans scalp. Unlike the skin from which it grows,hair serves no indispensable function --- many bald people live to a healthy, old age.. However, the appearance of the hair is psychologically important----- attractive, well-groomed hair makes a person feel poise and confident.
Hair growth is affected by sex hormones and because more men than women become bald, the male hormones are probably the culprit. Hair loss cannot always be explained by hormone- hereditary patterns. While some hair loss with advancing age is natural,sudden hair loss at young age and especially among women has become more of a problem in recent times.
At Mumbai’s Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital, a computerized hair analyzer is used to determine the cause of hairfall and pinpoint the deficiencies. A US FDA- approved latest hair growth laser that delivers energy to the hair roots and improves hair growth is also used to treat the problem.In addition to a team of surgeons, patients are also counseled by members of the International Hair Restoration Society.
Dr. Rajesh Rajput, Plastic Surgeon with the L.H. Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai, who has been conducting hair transplants for over a decade now, spills the beans on keeping baldness at bay.
There are other causes of hair loss such as stress, dandruff, fungal or bacterial infection, liver or thyroid disease, crash dieting, iron, calcium and vitamin deficiencies, systemic illness or side effects of prolonged medication like painkillers, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, gout drugs, anti-cancer drugs, chronic constipation, lack of sleep, neglecting the cleaning and maintenance of the hair. These causes can be investigated and treated with suitable medicines.
Advances in scientific research, and medicines like Minoxidil and Finasteride have given relief to patients with early or mild hair loss. Severe degrees of baldness can now be corrected by the latest technique of Follicular hair micro -grafting.
Baldness is a progressive disorder, becoming increasingly apparent in younger age groups. Hair on the front and top of the head is lost because it has receptors that are sensitive to hormones (male pattern baldness) and many other changes in the body. Fortunately, hair on the sides and lower back of the head is not sensitive to any of the causes and is naturally long- lasting. As much as a person goes bald, even at the age of seventy, he will always maintain a band of hair on the sides and back of the head.
“Plastic surgeons use the person’s own hair roots, removed from the long lasting areas and transfer it onto the bald areas. Such a transfer was earlier done with punches, outdated for the past 25 years, due to the clumpy unacceptable look”, says Dr Rajput
“ Next came the single follicle technique, which gave very poor density and a thinned out appearance. This too is outdated over past eight years. Now, it is realized that natural hair grows in units of 1, 2 or 3 hairs.” In the latest Follicular Micro Grafting Technique, the natural units are maintained to give good density with natural looks. All these roots grow new hair that can be cut, styled and combed as you want. If you shave this hair, it will all grow back and will continue to grow, practically for the rest of your life without any further treatments or visits to the doctor”. he adds.
Dr. Rajput, who has been conducting these procedures for over a decade says, “Good Follicular micro grafting is team work…because trained and skillful surgeons are required to handle and transplant the hair roots. “
Elaborating on the technique, he says it is important to match the angle and the direction of growth of hair in the patient The implantation is done under local anaesthesia. Once the scalp skin is numb, the hair roots are implanted, using an injection needle prick. This ensures minimum injury to the scalp so that there are no scars and the grafts heal quickly.
Dr. Rajput is assisted by Dr. Sandip Sattur alongwith five trained nurses as graft- cutters . So far this team has achieved 95-98% success rate in all the cases for the last 3 years..
The hospital is equipped with a dedicated Hair Transplant Theater( on par with global stabndards) made as per International standards. It has cold lights which do not harm the grafts, special cushioned adjustable patient support ensures the patient a comfortable lie down for 4 – 6 hours. Controlled humidity, natural lighting and temperature control are also present. Leveled platform and back rests for increasing efficiency of the graft- cutters, besides the adjustable position, enable the surgeons to implant simultaneously in combined areas. The procedure, lasting 6 hours can be offered to a patient of any age group and the patient can be discharged on the same day.
Prepping for the procedure:
On the day of the surgery, the patient is asked to come with an antiseptic body bath. A small strip of hair 1.2cm x 10cm is trimmed; local anesthesia given and this strip of skin is removed, while the patient is lying with his face down..Surgeons prepare small microscopic grafts from the harvested strip of skin. One hour later, local anesthesia is administered in the bald area and the grafts are placed in naturally occurring units with simple, painless, injection needle pricks. Placing of 2000 micro grafts is completed in 6 hours. There is no bandage on the head. A temporary dressing is applied on the backside for two days and the patient is sent home the same day. Antibiotics and painkillers are advised for 5 days. Patient is asked to avoid a head bath for 3 days and take rest at home to protect the grafts from dust, pollution, sunlight for 3 days. Small 2mm scabs at the graft site fall off at 8–10 days. Stitches from the donor area on the backside are removed after 10 days. The grafts start growing after their natural cycle of 3 – 4 months.
With such a state-of-the-art set up, the team performs 2000 – 3000 micro grafts in one sitting, while many centers in the world do only 400 – 600 grafts per session. So, a patient requiring 3 – 4 sittings is planned and transplanted in one sitting, saving repeated visits, time and money. In fact the procedure is so cost-effective that patients from all over the world have successfully availed of this surgery.
Dr. Rajesh Rajput, is also a .Member International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons,
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